Insightful, topical and expert advice on how to survive and thrive in the current tougher economic climate was the theme of the latest Business Forum event, which took place at the Brands Hatch Thistle Hotel.

The Business Forum once again brought together some of Kent’s leading business advisers, who gave their take on the bigger picture and how to cope with the slowing down of the economy.

A broad spectrum of issues from legal disputes, mergers and acquisitions through to sourcing finance, commercial property and insurance were covered while Michael Fallon MP also delivered a Westminster perspective.

The half-day conference featured a series of top-level presentations. Geert Struyven, Corporate Finance Partner at leading national accountancy firm Horwath Clark Whitehill, considered the market for mergers and acquisitions and told the audience that expansion opportunities were there to be taken.

Paul Saunders, Managing Partner of Clydesdale Bank’s Maidstone and Thames Gateway teams, focused on the issue of being prepared for a long-term economic downturn and the need for businesses to review their professional and financial service providers to see if they were getting the best advice.

James Pilcher, from Caxtons, one of the largest independent firms of chartered surveyors in the South East, spoke about the current property market and warned landlords they would need to adopt a more flexible approach for the future.

Howard Pearson, from Giles Insurance Brokers Ltd, one of the UK’s largest independent insurance brokers, examined how astute insurance planning can give lots of companies a commercial edge.

Wendy Trehy, a partner at leading South East law firm Vizards Wyeth, delivered the employment law perspective and said firms needed to look after their best staff.

Event organiser Ron Roser said: “This was another great gathering of business leaders and thinkers who were able to share their experience of the current tougher climate and offer some tips on how to get ahead. We were also very fortunate to have a fascinating insight from Michael Fallon MP.

“The main message that was very clear from the event was that things are going to get harder but there is good news as well and companies have opportunities to continue to be successful if they have the right advice and support.”