Sevenoaks business news
Sevenoaks business news, newest first: openings and closures, town centre changes, jobs and company filings across the district, from public records.
Top story
Sevenoaks unemployment claims hit 1,665, a 2022 high
July's count reached 1,665, the highest since January 2022. Claims from 18 to 24 year olds are up by a third in a year, while the 25 to 49 group has fallen.
More stories
Westerham
Biggin Hill aircraft firm JetMS heads into liquidation
JETMS Completions and Waypoint Aerotec, both at Biggin Hill, called creditors' meetings for 5 August. Accounts show 49 staff and £2.4m of net liabilities.
Swanley
Ming Foods Swanley placed in administration on 24 June
Ming Foods, the Chinese pastry maker at Upper Hockenden Farm, went into administration on 24 June, one of seven local firms in July's insolvency notices.
Food
Sevenoaks food hygiene: all 25 July inspections scored 5
Every food hygiene inspection published for the Sevenoaks district in July scored 5, the top rating. Across the register, 673 of 852 premises hold a 5.
Data
Out-of-work benefit claims in Sevenoaks district hit their highest level since January 2022
1,655 people in the Sevenoaks district were claiming unemployment-related benefits in June, 145 more than a year earlier. The district's rate of 2.3 per cent is still well below Kent and Great Britain.
Council
Councillors approve the £40m Land East loan after a bid for more oversight is defeated
Sevenoaks councillors have signed off a loan facility of up to £40m with Wates for the Land East of the High Street scheme. An amendment to bring the final agreement back to Council was voted down.
Council
Councillors decide tonight on the £40m loan for the Land East regeneration
Sevenoaks Full Council meets on 14 July to sign off a loan of up to £40m for the Land East of the High Street scheme, a new leisure centre, homes and public realm to be built with Wates. Here is exactly what councillors are being asked to approve.
Council
Cabinet appoints Wates to deliver new Sevenoaks leisure centre and town-centre scheme
Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet has appointed Wates as preferred contractor for the £138m Land East of the High Street regeneration, with a new leisure centre, homes and a market hall. Full Council votes on the funding on 14 July.
Council
Land East Sevenoaks: Wates picked, £40m loan on table
Officers asked Cabinet to appoint Wates for the land east of Sevenoaks High Street and back a £40m loan for a new leisure centre, homes and public realm.
News
Sevenoaks Business News: Bligh's Meadow Sold in Town Centre Deal
The latest Sevenoaks business news: Bligh's Meadow Shopping Centre has changed hands in a town centre deal, with new owners and a new manager promising to reposition the High Street scheme. What the sale means for shoppers and traders.
Parking
Parking in Sevenoaks: from £1.10 an hour, £5.30 all day
Every council car park and on-street bay priced: £1.10 an hour at Morewood Close, £5.30 all day on Plymouth Drive, and free on bank holidays.
Christmas
Christmas Markets near Sevenoaks 2026: Fairs and Dates
Christmas markets and fairs near Sevenoaks in 2026: the Bligh's Walk market, Hever's Christmas Fair on 6 November, Chiddingstone Castle and Tonbridge.
Breakfast
Brunch in Sevenoaks: Who Opens Earliest, and What It Costs
A full breakfast for £12.50, coffee from 6am, and one much-recommended favourite now in liquidation. Verified Sevenoaks brunch times, prices and booking rules.
Parking
Free Parking in Sevenoaks: Gordon Road, Sundays, Evenings
No Sevenoaks car park is free all week, but free parking exists: Gordon Road at weekends, the station streets on Sundays, and every bank holiday.
Days Out
Garden centres near Sevenoaks: hours, cafes, dogs compared
Five garden centres within 15 minutes of Sevenoaks compared: Sunday hours, earliest cafe, which one keeps dogs out (Polhill) and who grows its own plants.