MEMBERSNEWS
BitesizeNews A first rate result for Cripps Wide-ranging legal expertise has seen Cripps receive regional and national recognition in an annual guide to UK law firms and lawyers. In the 2015 edition of Chambers UK awards, Cripps top rankings in 14 different practice areas, highlighting the firm’s reputation in private client, real estate and corporate work as well as being recognised nationally for specialist areas such as healthcare and property disputes. Recognition is also given to 29 Cripps lawyers, who are named as leading individuals with expertise in specialisms as diverse as litigation, private client, real estate, information technology, agriculture In the 2015 edition of Chambers UK awards, Cripps top rankings in 14 different practice areas, highlighting theand corporate. Compiled by impartial and independent researchers, Chambers UK merges feedback from clients with input from other law firms as well as legal commentators. “I am delighted by the rankings we have received,” said Gavin Tyler, Cripps’ managing partner. “They confirm our position as a leading regional law firm able to offer expert advice across the board to both commercial and private clients. “To have 29 of our lawyers recognised by Chambers and to be ranked so highly in so many practice areas is a fantastic result, and one of which we are very proud.” Cripps has offices in Tunbridge Wells, London, Kings Hill, and Discovery Park.
Stream Walk Community Garden - a hidden Whitstable gem Stream Walk Community Garden takes its name from the footpath that has been built over the Gorrel Stream. Owned by Canterbury City Council and managed in partnership by Kent Enterprise Trust, Transition Town Whitstable and East Kent Voluntary Action Support, the garden is a half-acre triangular oasis on a previously neglected piece of land that has been transformed by volunteers into a garden for all to share. The garden is designed along Permaculture principles including consultation with the community and users. Principles used include maximum use of space, multifunctional features e.g. the outdoor roof shelter also collects water for irrigation, the pond breeds frogs to eat slugs and helps drainage in winter, green manure feeds soil and bees for pollination, edible hedge provides fruit and nuts as well as a screen for neighbours. It has disabled access paths. There is a pond, compost toilet, sheltered area, tea hut and a bore-hole with a water pump to keep everything growing. They are fundraising for tools and materials to build raised beds for disabled gardening. Donations can be made to ‘Kent Enterprise Trust’ www.kententerprisetrust.org
8
ThinkingBUSINESS February - March 2015
2015 set to be a landmark year for Airport After celebrating its 60th anniversary in summer 2014, London Ashford Airport, at Lydd is preparing for another momentous year ahead when construction work on the airport’s long-awaited runway extension will begin. Chief Executive Officer Charles Buchanan said: “We are in the final stages of preparing the project that will see the runway extended and ultimately a new terminal built. This will give a major boost to our ambitions, increasing the airport’s operational capabilities and attracting more aviation-related businesses.” Capita, part of the design team for London's £14.8bn Crossrail transport scheme, is managing and designing the 294m runway extension, plus a 150m starter extension. Tender documents have been prepared and pre-qualified contractors will be invited to submit offers. An announcement about the successful contractor will be made as soon as the airport completes the planning conditions attached to its consent which was granted in 2013. LAA is also working on a number of other projects which could see further announcements made about business developments at the Romney Marsh site. Charles explained that 2015 will also see the airport showcasing its £25m development plans at international aviation events.
He said: “We look forward to spreading the word about our ambitious investment plans with airlines, tour operators and other travel businesses attending these events. They represent a great opportunity to network with potential customers and to bring them up to date with the fantastic opportunities awaiting them in Kent. “These events attract high-level decision-makers and buyers from across the travel and aviation industries worldwide and provide an excellent platform for us to explore new business opportunities.
“London Ashford Airport is the perfect base for airline operators. Our runway extension will enable regional jet aircraft to fly a full payload of passengers to a wider range of destinations across Europe. We are also providing much-needed additional airport capacity in the South East of England.” The airport’s owners have spent £35m upgrading facilities over the past decade, including the installation of a state-of-the-art instrument landing system, a new executive terminal with VIP facilities, improved passenger check-in and security, and a new departure lounge.
Netbox Digital looking to expand further With more than 130% growth in turnover over the past four years, NETBOX Digital, the Rochester print, copy, scan business, has announced plans to expand further through the acquisition of copier and IT services companies. As one of the UK’s and Kent’s fastest growing companies, NETBOX Digital made it into the latest Top 10 of the Mega Growth 50, the definitive league table of successful businesses, published by Kent Business.The company’s latest accounts show sales of £3,028,000, with a pre tax profit of £244,000. It’s the second year running NETBOX Digital has made the Top 10 of the Mega Growth 50 - coming 2nd in 2013 and 9th in 2014.
NETBOX Digital, managing director Paul Crewe, said: “The next few years are critical for us and we are not going to rest on our proverbial laurels. To go to the next stage, where we are turning over £10 or £20 Million plus we need to acquire businesses and run them the NETBOX Digital way.” “As an independent privatelyowned business we recommend the best products available regardless of a business’ size or location. The company has
partnerships with global leaders in office technology, meaning NETBOX Digital can provide a business with the latest technology at the lowest cost.” NETBOX Digital is currently looking at acquiring in its own sector and also expanding into the highly lucrative IT Services sector offering IT solutions as well as copy, scan and print, making the company a true one stop shop for all office needs.