BUSINESS
SO
BUSINESS NEWS
OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD
n AT THE FORE
n LADIES FIRST
n GARDEN’S BLOOMING
At a significant time in its history, a
The Wealden Business Group have
Kent’s tourism industry is continuing
Sevenoaks golf club has selected a
announced the appointment of their
to thrive, according to Visit Kent.
new Captain. While celebrating its
new Chairperson. The networking
Figures obtained using the Cambridge
125th anniversary, Seal based
organisation, which meets weekly at
Economic Impact Model reveal that, in
Wildernesse Club has appointed
the Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden,
2013, Kent entertained 58million
Mark Roy to take the reins, who had
elected businesswoman Dee Bateman
visitors and the tourism industry’s
previously been a member for 14
for the role. “I am delighted to have
value remained strong at £3.4billion.
years. Mark will be responsible for
been elected and am looking forward
The county was the eighth most
ensuring Wildernesse marks the
to recruiting more female members
visited in the country (excluding
occasion by holding a number of social
and young people in business,” she
London) for domestic overnight trips,
events, as well as fundraising for his
says. “With the economy improving, I
as well as the third most visited
chosen charity, The Lily Foundation.
anticipate a year of increasing
destination outside London for foreign
He says: “The club has a long heritage
referrals, mutual business support and
visitors, with overnight trips up by 7%.
of fun, friendship and generosity.
continuing our social and charitable
In the last 10 years, Kent’s tourism
To be elected captain in our 125th year
activities.” Dee, who had previously
industry’s economic impact has risen
is a huge honour.”
worked as a fashion buyer and credit
by 42% and jobs have gone up 30% in
www.wildernesse.co.uk
controller, is now owner of an
the same period.
accounting and book-keeping business.
www.visitkent.co.uk
www.wealden-business-group.co.uk
YOUNG GUNS
A Tunbridge Wells children’s clothes retailer has been named one of the fastest growing private companies in the UK. Childrensalon came 10th in the Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100 table, after an impressive turnover of £28.5million in 2014, and a forecast of £42million for 2015. The recognition follows the launch of the retailer’s new website and blog, which attracts over a million monthly visitors. CEO Michele Harriman-Smith says: “This is another exciting chapter for us. Being able to innovate in the digital sphere whilst still delivering on our promise of dressing children beautifully is incredibly exhilarating and rewarding.” www.childrensalon.com
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