Networking With a Difference

Last week we had the pleasure of being hosted by our partners Balfour W**ery for our latest What's On In Kent event. We enjoyed some delicious charcuterie and a selection of Balfour's award-winning w**es. Balfour also kindly laid on transport for our guests from nearby Marden station and returned them back again after the event, so attendees could enjoy the experience fully without the worry of driving. While some of our guests were experiencing a masterclass of w**e tasting, other guests enjoyed a stroll through the vineyards with some relaxed networking. A big thank you goes to Lauren, Steph, Matt and the rest of the Balfour team who helped arrange the event. The team can also help organise your Christmas party and other events at their amazing venue.
It was lovely to see our existing partners and also welcome some new and returning businesses

Our next Networking With a Difference event will be at another fantastic W**ery, this time at the Award-winning Chapel Down Group on Thursday 15th October from 10.30am. To find out further details about this special event and to book your place, click on the link below.
https://www.networkingwithadifference.com/upcoming-events/chapel-down-w**ery-thursday-15th-october/

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We had a fantastic time at our last Networking With A Difference event at Hempstead House Hotel and Spa. It was great to see so many Kent businesses come together, make new connections and enjoy an afternoon that proved networking doesn’t have to feel formal or forced.

📸 We’ve shared some of our favourite photos from the evening below — and you can read the full write-up below 👇
https://www.networkingwithadifference.com/past-events/baking-up-new-business-connections-at-hempstead-house-hotel-july-2026/

So, where are we going next?

🌿🍷 Balfour W**ery, Staplehurst 🍷🌿

Our next Networking With A Difference event takes place on Thursday 10 September, from 6.00pm–8.30pm, and we’d love you to join us.

Set amongst the beautiful surroundings of Balfour W**ery, the evening will combine relaxed business networking with a few things you probably won’t find at your average networking event…

🥂 Tea, coffee or a glass of fizz on arrival
🧀 Charcuterie & flatbreads
🤝 Plenty of relaxed networking
🌳 A Woodland & Orchard Walk with a Balfour W**e Ambassador
🍷 The opportunity to enjoy a guided w**e tasting
🚌 Shuttle available from Marden Station*

If you joined us at Hempstead House, we’d love to welcome you back. And if you missed it, Balfour is the perfect opportunity to experience Networking With A Difference for yourself.

🎟️ Places are limited — book your place for Balfour W**ery here 👇
https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/init/GDMFJDL

Who will we be seeing at Balfour? 👋

*Shuttle from Marden Station must be requested when booking with at least 72 hours’ notice.

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🍷 Networking With A Difference is coming to Balfour W**ery!

Join us on Thursday 10 September from 6pm for an evening of great conversations, new connections and a fantastic experience in the beautiful surroundings of Balfour W**ery in Staplehurst.

Forget formal networking and awkward introductions. This is networking the way we think it should be — relaxed, welcoming and genuinely enjoyable.

🥂 Tea, coffee or a glass of fizz on arrival
🧀 Charcuterie & flatbreads
🤝 Relaxed networking with fellow Kent businesses
🌳 Woodland & Orchard Walk with a Balfour W**e Ambassador
🍷 Opportunity to enjoy a guided w**e tasting
🚌 Shuttle available from Marden Station

📍 Balfour W**ery, Staplehurst
📅 Thursday 10 September
⏰ 6.00pm – 8.30pm

Places are limited, so book your place today and come along for an evening where making new connections feels completely natural.

Book now - https://www.ticketsource.com/booking/init/GDMFJDL

To view our upcoming events visit - https://www.networkingwithadifference.com/upcoming-events/

Our 2027 event calendar is coming soon! Be among the first to discover what we have planned by following us for all the latest announcements and updates.

**ery **ery

🎥 Take a look at our latest Networking With A Difference event at Hempstead House Hotel and Spa!

From a lively scone-making competition with the talented chefs at Hempstead House, to a fascinating plant identification session with Claire Bates of Tilia Yoga, plus plenty of networking over Balfour W**ery w**es, it was an afternoon full of great conversations, laughter and new connections.

A huge thank you to Hempstead House Hotel for their wonderful hospitality, Balfour W**ery for sponsoring the event, Claire Bates for sharing her expertise, and everyone who came along to make the afternoon so enjoyable.

Watch the highlights below and see what Networking With A Difference is all about! 👇

https://youtu.be/wLOa-ZoCqfA?si=qzbFurHs7QqjLJzr

**ery

Networking With a Difference @ Hempstead House Hotel - 21st July 2026 Networking With A Difference returned in July with a fantastic afte...

💙 Our Charity of the Year, Hypo Hounds, has had an incredible June! 🐾

Some of our favourite highlights include:

Congratulations to Team Chip and Team Aurora, who both became fully accredited assistance dogs, with Aurora making history as Hypo Hounds' very first Medical Therapy Assistance Dog.

During Diabetes Week, Hypo Hounds shared powerful stories from families whose lives have been transformed by their incredible dogs. Whether providing life-saving blood sugar alerts or emotional support, every story showed the life-changing impact these amazing partnerships have.

Happy 2nd Birthday to the lovable Chip and Dale, who celebrated their special day in style!

A huge milestone was also reached with Leia, Hypo Hounds' very first Companion Dog, already bringing comfort, confidence and happiness to her young partner.

One story that amazed us was Nemo, who detected his young partner's blood sugar drop while she was miles away at nursery. A remarkable reminder of just how extraordinary these dogs really are.
The charity has also been looking for advanced puppy parents, searching for a forever home for Bolt, filming new training resources for families, and continuing to recruit volunteers to help support their growing work.

Their fantastic community fundraising continued too, with a successful talk at Hawkhurst WI helping to raise valuable funds, while preparations are now well underway for the Kent County Show 3rd–5th July, where they'll be spreading awareness and raising much-needed support.

Excitingly, applications for Hypo Hounds' 2027 Assistance Dog Programme will open in July, giving more families living with Type 1 Diabetes the opportunity to benefit from these incredible dogs.

Every achievement is only possible thanks to the dedication of the Hypo Hounds team, volunteers, foster families, supporters and fundraisers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

We're incredibly proud to have Hypo Hounds as What's On In Kent's Charity of the Year, and we can't wait to see what they achieve next. Together, we can help change even more young lives.

Networking with a Difference Event - 21st July 2026

Join us this summer for a relaxed and enjoyable business networking at the elegant Hempstead House Hotel & Spa, a charming 4-star country house hotel and spa set in four acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in the Kent countryside.

Whether you’re looking to expand your professional circle, meet like-minded local business owners, or simply enjoy meaningful conversations in a welcoming environment, this event offers the perfect backdrop for great connections and new opportunities.

Following the popularity of last year's event, we will be holding another scone-making competition lead by Hempstead House's chef, as well as a foraging taster hosted by Claire of Tilia Yoga & Nature.

https://www.networkingwithadifference.com/upcoming-events/hempstead-house-hotel-tuesday-21st-july/

🌿 **Discover What's On at Frasers of Egerton!** 🌿

Looking for unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Kent countryside? Frasers of Egerton has an incredible calendar of events, workshops and foodie experiences to enjoy throughout the coming months!

✨ Highlights include:
🍕 Pizza & Pints on the Terrace
🌿 Forage & Dine experiences
🎶 Tapas & Tunes and Paella & Performance evenings
🍷 Long Table Dining and seasonal tasting events
👩‍🍳 Hands-on cookery courses including Taste of Kent, Cooking Over Fire, Sourdough Masterclasses and more
💐 Creative workshops including flower crowns, floral masterclasses, fused glass and silk painting
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Retreats
🎄 Festive favourites including wreath making and Christmas candle workshops

Whether you're planning a relaxing day out, learning a new skill or treating someone special, there's something for everyone at Frasers.

📅 Browse the full events calendar and book your place today: https://www.frasersegerton.co.uk/courses-and-events/

📍 Frasers of Egerton, Kent



The current events include experiences such as Pizza & Pints on the Terrace, Forage & Dine, Tapas & Tunes, Long Table Dining, wellness retreats, creative workshops, seasonal cookery classes, and festive workshops throughout the year.

**Salute to the Forces 2026 is coming to Betteshanger Park!**

Get ready for an action-packed weekend on **25th & 26th July** at **Betteshanger Park, Deal**, celebrating our Armed Forces with fun for the whole family!

✨ Military displays & living history re-enactments
✈️ Static Spitfire & Hurricane aircraft
🚗 Classic car exhibitions
🚁 Military vehicles & equipment
🎶 Live music & entertainment
🎪 Family activities
🍔 Food, drinks & trade stalls
🦸 Comic Con zone with cosplay, props & themed exhibitors

The event also proudly supports the **Danny Gulivan Trust** and **UK Homes for Heroes**, helping to raise awareness and funds for two fantastic charities.

📅 **Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th July 2026**
📍 **Betteshanger Park, Deal, Kent**

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a military buff, a comic fan, or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, this is one event you won't want to miss!

👉 Tag your friends, share this post, and start planning your visit today!

🏁 Best of luck to our three home-grown Formula 1 stars as they take on the iconic Silverstone circuit this weekend at the British Grand Prix! 🇬🇧

Wishing **Lewis Hamilton**, **Lando Norris**, and **George Russell** an incredible race in front of their home crowd. Here's to thrilling battles, unforgettable moments, and hopefully seeing the Union Jack flying high on the podium! 🏆

Who will you be cheering for this weekend? 👇