Hatch, The Happy Place for Business Networking in Kent
Hatch is The PA Portal’s and Eggu’s exciting new business community in Kent — but it’s not your average networking group.
It’s a networking happy place designed to boost your headspace. A go-to for connection, clarity, and community as we navigate the rollercoaster of running or supporting businesses.
Where It All Began
Hatch was born from a shared vision between me, Ann Read and Kat Rose Baldwin, MD of Eggu. We were both inspired by a powerful message about community at the Digital Women Conference in Birmingham early in 2025.
That spark led to action. Together, we saw the opportunity to create something different for the Kent business scene: a space for professionals to connect, share, and grow – both personally and professionally.
Why Hatch Is My Happy Place
For the last eight years, my world has revolved around my home office in Maidstone, Kent. I’ve been a sole trader Virtual Assistant, building a career on flexibility, efficiency, and a relentless focus on client work. My days are packed, which is wonderful for business, but it’s meant that one thing has consistently taken a back seat: networking.
Honestly, the very word “networking” used to conjure up a certain image: a drab conference room, a 7:30 am start, and a greasy bacon sandwich. I am not a morning person, and the thought of driving somewhere before the sun is truly up just to exchange business cards over lukewarm coffee has never appealed.
I knew there could be a better way to network, and there is!
The Power of Netwalking
That’s why I loved the now disbanded Fit for Business networking group. Founded by Danielle Earley and Liz Goodfellow-Williams, it was a revelation. Their philosophy was simple: be fit for business through netwalking, fitness workshops, and genuine personal and business development.
The best part? I could bring Roscoe, my fluffy mud-loving Labradoodle! Being out walking most days anyway, this was multitasking at its finest, getting fresh air, exercising Roscoe, and making meaningful business connections all at once.
That group was built on shared ethics: a commitment to wellbeing, a healthy outlook, and an understanding of what success really looks like beyond just the bottom line. I made fantastic, long-term connections there. When the group sadly disbanded, it left a void and I knew that I needed to find another space for connection! I couldn’t find it, so I co-founded my own group, aka Hatch, inspired by Fit for Business.
So, What’s Next for Hatch?
We’re only just getting started. Our goal is to grow Hatch into a community that reflects the needs of local business owners and professionals alike. Expect new formats, inspiring speakers, and plenty of fresh ideas to keep things evolving.
And here’s where you come in —
If you’d like to get involved in hosting a Hatch event, whether you have a fantastic venue, a wellbeing activity, or a skill to share, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a chance to showcase your business while contributing to a community built on support and collaboration.
Join Our Community
Hatch isn’t just about networking — it’s about belonging.
We’d love for you to be part of it.
To stay in the loop about upcoming events: