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People caught walking more than six dogs at once. Dogs being allowed in children’s play areas. Those who fail to pick up their dog’s excrement.
Clare Robins, who has lived in Tonbridge for the last 19 years and walks her springer spaniel Jake regularly in the town’s parks, said: “I am very upset by these proposals. Dog owners are out all through the year, come rain or shine. Continued on page 4 READY TO ROAM Bailey the springer spaniel outside Tonbridge Castle
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Dog owners could face £80 fines for walking their pets off the lead PLANS to introduce fines for walking your dog off the lead in certain areas of Tonbridge have received a mixed response from pet owners in the town. The proposals are part of the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) being considered by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC). If approved, it would mean a person found walking a dog off the lead around the Racecourse Sports Ground or the Castle grounds would face a fine of up to £80. In Haysden Park and Tonbridge Farm Sports Ground, the ban will only apply in the car parks. Other proposals will impact the whole borough where fines could be issued for:
TRUMP SACKS ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO DEFIES THE REFUGEE BAN
STRIKING A CHORD Charismatic string quartet play in town tonight Page 98
DRIVING FORCE Land Rover site could become luxury car superstore
HIGH ST CHANGES Poundland quits as a new gelato café opens Page 5
Luxury car dealer maps out plan to drive into Tonbridge By Murray Jones
newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk A NEW ‘five site superstore’ of highend cars could be heading to Tonbridge’s industrial estate. Plans are being considered to bring Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Bentley and Jaguar dealerships to the existing Land Rover site in Vale Rise. The four showrooms are currently situated in Sevenoaks, across two sites. They are all owned by Jardine Motors Group, which trades under the name Lancaster. Planning documents submitted in November already confirm the group’s intentions to relocate the Jaguar dealership to a newly built location in Vale Rise, with Land Rover vacating their current site to trade alongside them. The two brands are owned by the same parent company, Jaguar Land Rover. The application includes a new
showroom, drive-in service lane and a 20-bay workshop. The move is expected to be complete by March 2018. But the Times understand that the other three brands are also being considered for relocation. Sources close to the motor industry revealed that discussions were underway to move the three luxury brands into a large multi-brand retail unit. The proposal has been spurred on by a desire to grow the brands, with the soon to be vacated Land Rover site seen as a prime location for expansion. Scaling back from five separate locations to one central base will also help cut costs. The deal could be threatened by the rivalry of the luxury brands, as Bentley, Aston Martin and Lamborghini may prefer to not be sold directly next to their biggest competitor. There is also a concern that moving further south, away from the M25 and
M20 could reduce the available customer base that the Sevenoaks dealerships currently enjoy. Although it is hoped that the prospect of a giant multi-brand ‘supersite’ may be able to draw more people in, providing a ‘great boost’ for Tonbridge. In reaction to the news, MP Tom Tugendhat said: “Our economy has been getting stronger year on year so it is no surprise that new car dealerships are looking to move here. “Building on a bedrock of great schools, beautiful countryside and a strong sense of community, businesses are seeing new prosperity in Tonbridge and they are right - we’re not just a commuter town to London but, as the economic regeneration of our town shows, a centre of investment and opportunity in our own right.” When the Times approached Jardine Motors Group about the plans, they declined to comment.
BOATERS AFLOAT
Venice of Tonbridge’s fate will be decided in court Page 4
ATTORNEY POWER
New business supplement includes legal review See inside Kent
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How 2017 got off to the worst possible start for Bovis Homes – and what it means for the housing sector FULL REPORT PAGE 2
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Kent LEGAL SECTOR REVIEW
2017 EIGHT-PAGE SPECIAL
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The woman taking a manufacturer global after 20 years in the shadows PAGE 7
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Measures sensible argues councillor Continued from page 1 “Tonbridge is my home town and I spend my money here to support local businesses while out, but if my daughter and I, and my dog can’t enjoy a country walk without him running free we might just start going elsewhere.” Clare suggested instead of a blanket ban on dogs being off leads, why not have set times when these rules applied such as when children are likely to be around. Another dog walker, Eleanor Jane Cooper, said that the large dog-friendly parks were ‘one of the main reasons for moving to Tonbridge’, adding: “We would be very disappointed if we were restricted to certain areas, or had to use a lead while on walks with [our dog] Bailey. I think dog owners would certainly walk elsewhere, so in the winter months the parks would be really empty. We have met very few dogs that have behaved badly while off the lead, most owners are very responsible.”
‘We would be very disappointed if we were restricted to certain areas’ Gordon Hodge, a Tonbridge dog walker, bemoaned the lack of parity for dog-owners and parents. “Why don’t they have a section in the park where children aren’t allowed and we can let our dogs off the lead?” he asked. Cllr Vivian Branson, a Conservative for Castle Ward, claims she always keeps her two dogs on the lead in busy areas, and defended the proposals as ‘extremely sensible’ since it ‘protects the dogs and the public at large’. “No one is suggesting that dogs should be on a lead all the time but those owners who cannot control their dogs will be required to keep them on a lead,” she said. The proposals were debated last night (January 31) by the TMBC Cabinet and will now go out to public consultation next month.
ELSEWHERE IN THE UK… In other parts of the country similar proposals have been met with protests from dog walkers. In Flyde, Lancashire, hundreds took to the streets to campaign on behalf of their pet freedoms after the council proposed to ban dogs being off the lead on all public highways.
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Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Police launch new squad to crack down on cyber-crime By Murray Jones
newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk PROTECTING businesses from cyber-crime will be at the ‘very centre’ of the police’s priorities, claims Matthew Scott, the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner. Speaking to an audience of small business owners at the Old Fire Station in Tonbridge last week, Mr Scott launched his ‘Community Safety and Criminal Justice Plan’, which sets out the county force’s priorities over the next four years. He said: “Crime is important, no matter where it takes place. You might think for me, talking as a politician that means just rural and urban crime. “It’s not. Crimes that affect residents and crimes that affect businesses should be given equal fairness and equal treatment.” Mr Scott promised that he is committed to holding the Kent Chief Constable, Alan Pughsley, accountable for protecting businesses, as the force are ‘refocusing toward cyber-crime’. A new division has been established, with all personnel recruited, and will begin operations in the spring. It will work in collaboration with Essex Police’s Cyber Crime Unit. Nationally online fraud is the most common crime in the country, with almost one in ten people falling victim according to the annual Crime Survey of England and Wales. Kent is the only county in the South East which saw an increase in cyber-crime last year, with 7,389 incidents recorded between September 2015 – 2016, an eight per cent rise. Although the actual figure is expected to be much higher as it is estimated that only 6.2 per cent of cases are reported to police because victims Alex Styles either feel embarrassed or
CRIME FIGHTER Matthew Scott at the Old Fire Station believe little can be done. Alex Styles, a risk management specialist who attended the Old Fire Station event, said: “The average cost of a cyber-crime attack on a small business is in the region of £6,000. But this doesn’t take account for lost time, often people are not able to operate for two or three days.” He added that small businesses were now being targeted more often, ‘due to negligence, ignorance or innocence’, they are much more vulnerable than bigger firms. The most recent tactic of fraudsters is to use ‘whaling’ – where hackers send fake emails from CEOs to finance departments to release money to the criminal’s bank account. It often works, he asserted, as ‘who would ignore what appears to be a genuine email from the CEO?’ The situation is only going to get worse, he anticipates, as cybercrime is being used by organised groups, ‘rather than solely teenagers in their bedrooms’.
CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS
Newspaper House, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2DW
Identity theft – Criminals use online
‘fraud forums’ to buy and sell credit cards, email addresses and passports. Hacking – It is estimated that 90 per cent
of all data records that were used in a crime was a result of hackers employed by organised crime. Online harassment – Over half of
adolescents and teens have been bullied online, while 73% of adult users have seen someone harassed in some way online and 40 per cent have experienced it.
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handing over their card details or access to protected systems. Emails are sent out that contain either links or attachments that either take you to a website that looks like your bank’s, or installs malware on your system. A report by Verizon into data breach investigations has shown that 23 per cent of people open phishing emails.
agreement with the Mooring Manager Phil Hibbs. Mr Hibbs does not live in the boatyard himself but holds tenancy contracts with the residents which he then pays Mr Mockford for using the space.
STILL AFLOAT The Barden Boaters
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Phishing – The aim is to trick people into
Decision day for Barden boaters
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HERE at the Times of Tonbridge we strive to deliver fair, accurate and balanced reports. When we don’t meet our own high standards we will accept the responsibility and publish clarifications and corrections. If you would like to make a comment on any aspect of the newspaper, please write to the editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU, or email newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
Types of cyber-crime
THE FUTURE of the Barden Boatyard in Tonbridge looks set to be decided in March, with both parties taking the other to court. According to Helen Kirk, one of the boaters, landowner Brian Mockford has accused them of trespassing as he seeks to gain a repossession order. The group of boat owners, who have lived on the
River Medway for 25 years have been summoned to a hearing at Hastings County Court on March 13 and are currently putting together statements to defend themselves against the accusations. The following day, the landowner will appear at Brighton County Court in relation to an ongoing legal dispute over the lease
The long running saga between the 13 residents of the ‘Venice of Tonbridge’ and the landowner began in October 2016. Ms Kirk claims she and her Barden neighbours were told there was going to be a change of their tenancy arrangements on October 8, when they were visited by representatives of Mr Mockford, accompanied by what she describes as ‘a group of intimidating men’. She accused them of changing the locks and chaining up the entrance gate, locking them inside the boatyard.
The boat owners claim they were then given a list of updated terms and were told they had to sign they were accepting them within two weeks or face eviction. These new rules would end their access to electricity, water, their on-land toilet and washing facilities, as well as their shed storage and garden areas. These were covered under their previous agreement. Since then, the boaters have twice been told they must leave, but no one has attended to ensure their departure, contrary to threats from Mr Mockford’s solicitors. Ms Kirk said the group were ‘keeping positive’ adding: “We believe that the judge will treat us fairly and listen to our story. “It’s stressful but we are getting loads of support from the Barden Residents’ Association and the local community.”
Local News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
NEWS IN BRIEF
Health warning over town’s poor air quality
Club to bid farewell
Grime doesn’t pay A MAN has been successfully prosecuted for littering after he threw his parking fine on the ground in protest. On June 14 2016 Luke Green from Tonbridge, parked his motorbike illegally in a bay outside the chemist in Tonbridge High Street. He was issued with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which was then attached to his motorbike. When Mr Green returned to the vehicle and discovered the penalty, he raced up to the traffic warden to remonstrate, throwing the ticket to the ground. Despite being warned that he would get a fine for littering, Mr Green rode off on his bike leaving the PCN on the ground. Luke Green paid for the parking offence on June 28 2016 but never paid the fine despite being sent two warning letters. The case was also heard at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday January 24. Luke Green pleaded guilty by post to an offence of littering and was issued with a fine of £147, ordered to pay costs of £105 and a victim surcharge of £30.
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All change in the High Street
TONBRIDGE residents with existing health problems may need to think twice about exercising outdoors due to the quality of air in the town. Last week, the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the air reached ‘moderate’ levels (four on a scale of ten) along Tonbridge High Street on three separate dates - January 20, 23 and 24. The recording equipment is situated outside the McDonalds on the High Street. When the quality of the air is within this band, people with heart or lung problems ‘should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, especially outdoors’ according to the pollutant monitors KentAir.
THE TEEN AND TWENTY CLUB have encouraged people to attend an open day, where people can share memories and photographs of their time at the social centre. A statement read: “It is with regret that the management committee of the Teen and Twenty Club confirm that they will be closing on March 31. “On March 3, the building will be open for everyone who has had a connection with the Teen and Twenty to come in to say goodbye. “We look forward to greeting anyone who wishes to come. Tea and coffee will be available.” Jean Mundy, who has been with the club for 35 years, said she was ‘sad’ to see the venue go and confirmed they would not be relocating due to lack of funds. The Teen and Twenty is a registered charity.
NEWS
IN FOR A PENNY One Poundland will close next month
TONBRIDGE shoppers will no longer have the choice of two Poundland stores in the High Street, as one site is set to shut next month. Closing down signs were put up last week, stating that ‘all stock must go’ from the 77-81 High Street premises. The town has been the home to two of the discount stores after a second was introduced to replace the 99p store, right opposite the first, which opened at 76-78 High Street in 2013. A Poundland spokesman has confirmed the shop will be closing on Saturday, February 25. Pets Paradise, which opened in 2010 in Angel Walk ceased trading on Saturday 28. Owner Geoff Spencer said that he felt the High Street was ‘getting quieter’ so instead of signing a five year lease, they decided to focus on their sister
shop in Paddock Wood. A taste of Italy is coming to town in the form of a new ‘artisan gelato café’. The Cream Factory will open its doors at 160 High Street in February, selling snacks and drinks as well as the traditional Italian dessert. The site was formerly occupied by the One60 restaurant, which closed down last summer. The café claims on its website that gelato is ‘very different from typical British style ice creams’, using more milk than cream and being churned at a slower speed, which they claim distinguishes it from ‘inferior ice creams’. The owners see Tonbridge as a good location to sell their products even though the Favola Gelato Café in Angel Walk, which opened in July, closed its doors after only a few months trading.
Grammar schools forced to reach out to parents as funding crisis means schools will lose thousands PARENTS whose children attend grammar schools may soon be asked for more financial contributions, as Heads look to alleviate cuts to funding. Most of Kent’s grammar schools already only receive £4,300 per pupil - £500 less than the standard sum needed to fund a year’s secondary education. This is just more than half of the £8,000 per secondary school pupil in London. Due to the new funding arrangements, the National Union of Teachers calculate that by 2019, Tonbridge Grammar will lose over £500,000 a year, equivalent to a further £641 per pupil. Weald of Kent Grammar School will see their budget cut by £384,185 or £433 per pupil.
The Judd School are set to lose £255,543 from the yearly funding by 2019, which is £353 per pupil. Non-grammars, Hillview School for Girls (£217,429) and The Hayesbrook School (£179,527) are also set to lose out. Although Hugh Christie are not expected to. The head of Tonbridge Grammar School, Mrs Rosemary Joyce has confirmed that parents will be asked to contribute money to allow them to carry on providing the same level of education, due to new changes to government funding. She said: “Tonbridge Grammar School has experienced an annual reduction in our per pupil grant income for a number of years at a time when
salary, pension and national insurance costs have increased. It is disappointing that the school will see further cuts to our grant income as a result of the National Funding Formula proposals currently out for consultation.” She confirmed that the school already look for additional sources of income to supplement their annual per pupil grant income. Tactics include ‘applications to grants and trusts, approaches to business for sponsorship and asking parents who are able to offer financial support to enrich student learning’. “Given the current indications of further cuts to our grant income and costs increases this strategy looks likely to continue,” Mrs Joyce stated.
New players eye up community lottery game THE NEW lottery launched in Tonbridge could be an even bigger money spinner for the Borough Council following interest from other local authorities. The online Hive Lotto was introduced by Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council (TMBC) in September 2016. Players can buy a £1 ticket for a chance of winning a weekly jackpot of £25,000. For every ticket bought, 50 pence goes to the player’s chosen cause and 18 pence to the council to distribute from a central fund. If no charity is specified, 68 pence will go straight to the fund. In response to a number of queries from other councils, TMBC is considering commercialising the Hive Lotto brand, selling usage rights to
them, as it is not specific to a location. A report by the TMBC Director of Central Services, Adrian Stanfield, said: “After nearly five months of Hive Lotto we continue to be very pleased with the community’s response to this exciting initiative, with 30 organisations now signed up and their supporters playing to raise money for good causes. “Our current estimates are that £2,686 (2016-17) and £7,276 (2017-18) will be paid to good causes, which represents 68 per cent of money we expect to receive from ticket sales. “However, we are at a very early stage with our community lottery and if we continue to see an increase in the number of players the amount we are able to pay to good causes will also increase.”
ONTO A WINNER Hive Lotto is raising money for the community
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Greg Clark called upon to represent his constituents in the Brexit vote LOCAL Liberal Democrats are urging Greg Clark to vote against triggering Article 50 this week, unless the public is given a vote through a referendum on the final Brexit deal. The Tunbridge Wells party claims the constituency’s vote to remain in the EU with a majority of 55 per cent on June 23 means it will be a ‘betrayal’ of constituents if their MP voted for a ‘hard Brexit’. Councillor Ben Chapelard said: “Tunbridge Wells voted by a clear majority to remain in the EU. “If Greg Clark waved through a hard Brexit by voting to trigger article 50 without giving people the final say, it would be a clear betrayal of his constituents. “Mr Clark must now choose between loyalty to his constituents who elected him to represent them in Westminster or Theresa May’s hard Brexit government of which he is a member. “Voting to trigger Article 50 would be a stab in the back to his Tunbridge Wellian constituents many of whom depend on the single market to earn their livelihoods. “I am urging Greg Clark today to confirm he will vote against triggering Article 50 unless a vote is secured on the final deal. “The Liberal Democrats’ position have made it clear that we will fight to stay in the Single Market and we will not support triggering Article 50 unless the British people are given the final say on the Brexit deal.”
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Tunbridge Wells to lose jobcentre By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk PLANS to close the Tunbridge Wells Jobcentre have been described as ‘one more nail in the coffin’ of public services in the town after the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) said it was looking to relocate the office to Tonbridge. A spokesman for the DWP said the centre was likely to shut in 2018, but ‘may go before that,’ as the government seeks to make savings of around £180 million a year by divesting of one in ten jobcentres around the UK. Residents of Tunbridge Wells who rely on the Grosvenor Road centre to find employment and to receive Job Seekers Allowance will have to travel to the Tonbridge Centre on Bradford Street for future appointments. Last Thursday’s (January 26) announcement by the DWP was seized upon by the local Labour Party who said the service was ‘being cut to the bone’ and will penalise ‘vulnerable’ people who rely on the centre. Martin Betts, Labour’s local Campaign Co-ordinator said: “Closing the Tunbridge Wells office will mean many vulnerable claimants will have to spend more and travel further to get to their Jobcentre appointments. “This will often mean relying on public transport which has also been cut, further undermining their chances of finding work. If they are minutes late for their appointments they can be ‘sanctioned’ and lose part of their benefit, driving them in desperation to rely on handouts from the local food bank.” The borough of Tunbridge Wells has traditionally had one of the lowest rates of unemployment in Kent. Figures released last month for December
showed 525 people were claiming either Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit in the borough. This was only slightly higher than in Sevenoaks, at 510. DWP auditors say 20 per cent of Jobcentre office space is being under-used, while eight out of ten claims for Jobseeker’s Allowance and 99.6 per cent of applicants for Universal Credit now submit their claims online. Andrew Metcalf, director of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, and director of Tunbridge Wellsbased Maxim PR, believes the government is right to consider ways of saving money. He said: “Given the size and value of the building the Jobcentre occupies, and with only 525 claimants in Tunbridge Wells, it is easy to understand why the DWP would consider closing it. “If it is closed we would welcome the opportunity to discuss with the DWP and borough council whether the building could become a home for small businesses, rather than simply be converted to residential apartments.” However, he said the government ‘must ensure’ those who are unemployed can still access advice and support, stating it would be sensible to consider co-locating the service to the council-run Gateway offices on Grosvenor Road. His views were echoed by Greg Clark, who said: “If the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells offices do merge I think it is important that there is a presence in both towns, such as by having advisors in the Gateway or in community centres on
a regular basis. I will be asking the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to commit to this as part of the consultation.” Public consultation: The DWP has said the closure of the Tunbridge Wells Jobcentre will go to ‘public consultation’ to help ‘inform the final decision and planning’. This is because the proposals will mean merging with the Tonbridge Jobcentre and will result in customers having to travel more than three miles or more than 20 minutes. See Editorial Opinion page 4.
MOVING Services will relocate to Tonbridge
Local News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
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Civic Society fails in its bid to stop ‘oppressive’ Pantiles development By Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk THE redevelopment of Union House looks set to go ahead after planning permission was granted last week, a move one council officer said would ‘remedy the damage’ inflicted on The Pantiles by
the current building. The decision came in the face of opposition from the Civic Society that claims the development is ‘oppressive’ with ‘no justification for doubling the bulk of building on the same footprint’. An additional 127 apartments, with accompanying retail units and ‘community spaces’, will replace the 1960s office block that has long been
seen as a blight on the image of the historic promenade that it overlooks. Councillors voted at a meeting of the planning committee on Thursday (January 26) to let the project’s developer Dandara press ahead with the scheme. A council spokesman confirmed the vote was not unanimous, however, no breakdown of the split is available due to the unrecorded nature of the meeting.
Opportunity
DIVISIVE Proposed Dandara redevelopment of Union House has split opinion
The proposed development has proven divisive since it was first mooted in 2015, a year after Dandara purchased the existing structure from British Steel Pension Fund. Initial designs were criticised by members of the public who described them as a ‘gulag’ and a ‘cross between a prison and a hospital’, leading the developer and architectural firm Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to return to the drawing board. But in a report to the planning committee Alan Legg, the council’s urban design officer, said he ‘fully supports’ the proposed development. Mr Legg said: “The proposed redevelopment of Union House presents a real opportunity to remedy past damage to the townscape through the appropriate replacement of the buildings and public realm. “This proposal has grasped that opportunity to deliver new land uses and redevelopment in a sensitive way. It is an accomplished and considered piece of design, achieving a balance between not being a design to parody The Pantiles but something that is of early 21st century.” His opinion was in contrast to that put forward by the Civic Society who urged the planning committee to reject the proposals due to the size of development. In a statement, the society said: “Whilst the architec-
tural treatment of the existing Union House is inappropriate and poor quality, the scale is not greatly excessive. “There is no justification for doubling the bulk of building on the same footprint; the result is oppressive even with improved architectural treatment and results in the arbitrary creation of an eight-storey ‘gateway’ feature on Eridge Road.” However, the council looks to benefit from an £850,000 windfall in developer contributions, of which £340,000 is to be to used for off-site affordable housing within Tunbridge Wells Borough. A spokesman for Dandara said the developer was ‘delighted’ by the decision, adding: “The redevelopment is of the highest architectural quality, endorsed by Historic England, and will replace a building that is overbearing and unwelcoming with a scheme that integrates seamlessly with The Pantiles. “We are confident that our redevelopment of Union House will also act as a catalyst for further regeneration around The Pantiles area as well as bringing forward much needed housing. We hope to start the redevelopment of Union House as soon as possible and bring forward a building that is unmistakably ‘of Tunbridge Wells’ and one that we can all be proud of.”
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Multi-cultural crowd shows the way to say Love Thy Neighbour
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Council buys ASK restaurant as it builds property portfolio By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
SIGN OF THE TIMES MP Greg Clark with organisers AN ENTHUSIASTIC and eclectic crowd of at least 150 people gathered at the Town Hall steps on Saturday for the ‘Love Your Neighbour’ campaign. Some 20 nationalities were represented including, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Holland, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, USA and the UK. Several faith communities, including Christian, Muslim and Hindu, were also represented. Each person was asked to bring a message written on a card, in their own language, that said ‘Love Your Neighbour’.
Proactive Participants gathered in the Council Chambers to mix and mingle with one another and to hear short messages from local MPs, invited guests and organisers of the event. One of the organisers, Cliff Allen, said: “We were encouraged to see that ‘our neighbour’ extends to anyone who has need, locally, nationally and even globally, and that showing love to our neighbour involves taking positive, proactive steps towards them to get to know them better, to understand them and to value and honour them. “People were encouraged to make ‘loving their neighbour’ part of their daily lives and not just a one-off sign-holding event; to meet hate with love, confusion with hope, anger with peace, and fear with joy. Love your neighbour!” ALL TOGETHER Mayor David Neve with two young participants
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Borough Council has purchased the ASK Italian restaurant on Monson Road and will act as landlord in order to raise revenue. The council already has an asset portfolio of more than £100million, but the maintenance budget means that it earns less than £500,000 from rental. It has also become frustrated by the paltry return from bank interest rates. A council spokesperson said: “This was seen as an investment which would add to the council’s property portfolio and provide a source of income which will ultimately be for the benefit of residents.
‘It was no longer possible to simply put money in the bank’ “Cabinet gave approval to develop a property investment portfolio back in November 2010, the rationale being to maximise capital holdings and generate income.” She added: “We are also always actively considering acquiring land assets as part of our asset management.” As of March 2016, the council’s asset portfolio was valued at £101.97million, with an annual rental income of £1.6million and a maintenance budget of £1.14million.
Power cuts caused by underground cables A SPATE of power cuts that have hit thousands of homes and businesses across Tunbridge Wells, have been blamed on underground power cables. There have been four main incidents this year. The first was in the TN1 postcode on the afternoon of January 4 – an occurrence which hit retail outlets in Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre for a short time but still affected 1,224 customers. The other three disturbances were of a longer duration. The next day, January 5, another incident
Cabinet minutes from December last year state: “The income to capital value ratio reflects the nature of the portfolio and the fact that it is held in the majority as an operational portfolio to enable the council to deliver its key priorities.” The purchase is unusual since councils across the county have been largely selling off their assets as the budget constraints from central government hit them hard. Indeed, Tunbridge Wells has made around £15million from the sale of non-performing assets in the past five years. The Cabinet stated: “It was noted that the site was not intended as a development opportunity but rather an investment that would provide revenue in the future. “It was no longer possible to simply put money in the bank and expect a reasonable return – the council had to be more entrepreneurial.” No price has been released for ASK, and there is no indication that the restaurant chain will be moving out. Instead the premises will held in the property investment portfolio. However, there is an element of empire-building in the acquisition of 33 Monson Road, since the council already owns Nos 27, 29 and 31. It is following in the footsteps of Sevenoaks District Council,
which first bucked the trend of selling assets by setting up a ‘property investment strategy reserve’ with a budget of £8million. Sevenoaks purchased three properties over the last three years: The Swanley Working Men’s Club, a petrol station in Swanley and Suffolk House, a freehold suite of offices on Sevenoaks High Street. The petrol station was bought for £2.45million, while Suffolk House cost £4million. Both are tenanted and ‘the rental will assist in the council’s move to become self-sufficient in the light of expected reductions in government grants’. Cllr Peter Fleming, Leader of Sevenoaks Council, said: “We are passionate about becoming self-sufficient. We are now at the next stage of the plan where we need to borrow additional funds to move forward and be in a position where we can bid for suitable properties when they come on the market.”
in TN2 left 506 residents in the dark. On January 10, the electricity went down in TN2 and TN4 in the early hours of the morning, cutting power for 309 households. A week later, on January 17, there was another cut in TN2, starting at around 4am, which caused problems for 1,253 customers.
“We understand how difficult it is to be without electricity and always do everything we can to safely restore supplies as quickly as possible.” She explained: “The interruptions were mainly caused by underground cable faults on different parts of our electricity distribution network. Most of the repairs have been carried out.” UK Power Networks set up some roadworks on Frant Road, next to Forest Road, which caused congestion until Tuesday morning. The company added: “Power supplies are normally very reliable and our engineers will continue to monitor the network and take any action necessary to maintain reliable electricity supplies for our customers.”
Inconvenience A spokesperson for UK Power Networks, which looks after the grid in the South East, said: “We apologise to customers in Tunbridge Wells for any inconvenience caused by recent interruptions to their electricity supply.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT ASK has become part of the council’s Monson Road empire
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Local News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
The man who has found the town buzzing for more than 30 years By Murray Jones murray@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk AFTER spending more than 30 years in the same workplace, you would be forgiven for thinking a job could become a bit stale. But for the curator of the Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery, Dr Ian Beavis, three decades of making discoveries about the town, past and present, means the role has always ‘stayed fresh’. “It feels very short,” he explained. “It’s the kind of job where you’re always learning and there’s always new things happening. “It is incredibly rewarding particularly when people are genuinely enlightened, about an aspect of a local story that they didn’t know or about the wildlife that is there on their doorstep, and they just didn’t notice.” Born and bred in Tunbridge Wells, he attended St James’ Primary School before going to Skinners’, although his interest in the natural world began much earlier – ‘collecting insects in a jam-jar’ from a very young age. He went to Exeter University to read Classics, staying on to complete his doctorate. The topic? Insects in classical antiquity. “It was a way of bringing together my main interests: classics and the insect world,” he said. Since he’d ‘always had an interest in museum work’, when a position in his home town opened in 1985, he jumped at the opportunity. Within a year, he was assistant curator. By 1989, he was in the top job. Thirty years on, he modestly admitted he has
MINI BEASTS Dr Ian Beavis teaches children about the town’s insects. ‘built up a quite a good fund of knowledge’ around the town’s history. Although they are still frequently finding new stories, recently the fact that Tunbridge Wells has been a ‘centre of discovery and innovation’. “Tunbridge Wells was the first holiday resort, in the modern sense. After the Chalybeate Spring was discovered in 1606. You had a bunch of local entrepreneurs who set themselves the task of drawing visitors in and capitalising on the discovery of the spring and its ‘wonderful health-giving properties’. “They make it up as they go along and create this thing that no has ever seen before and it becomes this holiday resort. You’ve got dedicated accommodation, guide books, tourist maps, organised entertainment, which was a very new thing,” he revealed.
Bees and wildlife Dr Beavis also runs his ‘famous mini beast safaris’, every Thursday in August where he introduces young and old ‘to the smaller wildlife right on their doorstep’. “Tunbridge Wells is a remarkably rich area for wildlife. Thanks to our open spaces, our parks and the two commons we have quite significant wildlife right on people’s doorstep,” he explained, confirming that the town is ‘doing very
well in terms of wildlife conservation’. While having a vast array of interests, it appears Dr Beavis has a particular soft spot with the ‘humble bee’. Over the last few years he has been raising awareness of methods that can be used to help conserve the vital insect. Most people now have heard that bees are in trouble so it has gone past just the enthusiasts,” he said. He expressed admiration for the ‘wonderful mutual relationship between flowers and bees that has been built up over millions of years’ where, at the back end of the dinosaur era, flowery plants began to evolve bright colours and nectar to attract bees. But he warns that it is bees’ ‘absolute dependency’ on flowers, coupled with the destruction of natural grasslands for modern agricultural purposes that is threatening the insect’s survival. In response Dr Beavis has tried to get the word out, holding educational walks around the town, focusing on getting people to plant bee-friendly plants in their gardens and local parks. He was also instrumental in securing the £47,000 Heritage Lottery grant for the Tunbridge Wells based Cross Pollination Project in June, which has filled six gardens around the town with plants that can provide bees with the sustenance they need.
The ‘radical’ side of Tunbridge Wells AS THE man in charge of caring for and investigating the town’s history, Dr Ian Beavis, revealed that, in the past, Tunbridge Wells had ‘a tradition of radical thinking, in politics in particular’. He revealed that the town was home to the ‘largest and strongest women’s suffrage movement outside of London’. The Tunbridge Wells branch of National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies was formed in 1906, in the same week as a mass women’s suffrage protest outside the House of Commons, as a result of an annual meeting of the National Union of Women Workers at the Opera House. In 1908, a number of women from Tunbridge Wells had attended a mass ‘Votes for Women’ demonstration in Hyde Park, with a special train laid on
from the town station. As the suffrage campaign gathered momentum, action by militants such as the interruption of a Home Counties Liberal Federation meeting at the Opera House in 1913, and the burning of the Nevill Cricket Pavillion the same year. This unsurprisingly attracted the attention of the press and public. In 1913, a mass march from 17 cities across the country, to converge in London, was organised to remind the public of the work being done by many thousands of peaceful, law-abiding suffragists. The march included what was to become known as the ‘Kent Pilgrimage’, following the traditional pilgrim’s way. They passed through the major towns of Kent before all joining in Tonbridge on July 21 for the march to London.
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS: Women’s Suffrage march on Grosvenor Road
Business Awards
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
The award categories New Business of the Year. You’ve come into business in the last three years (start date after January 1, 2014) with a bang and are really getting noticed. Tell us what makes you the best of a great new crop of companies. Creative Business of the Year. This award category is for any company over two years old in any sector that can demonstrate creativity as well as adding value to your business’s success. Family Business of the Year. The business must have been trading for a minimum of 12 months. Applicants must show the set-up, family members involved (past and present) and the financial success of the business. Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This award is open to dynamic individuals aged 30 or under by the closing date of April 13, 2017 who are running their own business and are able to demonstrate great success and drive in growing their company. Service Excellence Award. The winner of this category will give outstanding assistance and advice to those who buy or use their business or organisation’s products or services. Business Person of the Year. The winner of this category will show they have a clear vision/strategy for their business and are committed to growing it. Best Independent Restaurant of the Year. An award celebrating independent restaurants who source their food locally, demonstrate exceptional customer service and offer the very best all-round dining experience. Best Small Business up to £2m turnover. This award recognises those who have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance. Best Tech Business. Innovation lies at the very heart of successful tech companies, and this award is given to recognise outstanding success in commercialising new technologies and making an impact on the local and wider community. Outstanding Business of the Year. This is the ultimate award of all the categories and will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in their enterprise, as well as sound management practices.
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Creativity proves the key to success Since the application process for the Times Business Awards opened at the start of the year, numerous companies have thrown their hat into the ring in the hope of being nominated for the prestigious accolade. This week we showcase our first entry for Creative Business of the Year
COMPANY: Freefold CATEGORY: Creative Business of the Year NOT many fledgling businesses are brave enough to predict a 2,900 per cent increase in turnover between one year and the next but Tony Higson is confident his product Freefold can deliver. Freefold is an elegant solution to a common problem: How to transport a freshly ironed piece of clothing within the confines of a backpack or hand luggage without it getting creased. It works by using ethylene vinyl acetate foam – found in swimming floats – which is placed on the inside of the shirt and jacket. Acting as an elaborate coat hanger, Freefold allows suits to be folded without becoming creased. Unlike a suit carrier that weighs 3kg, Freefold only weighs 560g. Despite admitting he has ‘no qualifications’ Mr Higson, has shown a great talent for innovation. He said: “I was cycling to work when I noted the gap in the market for a removable garment carrier that fits backpacks and hand luggage. I am Dyslexic but highly creative so I am proud of managing all design, manufacturing,
web development, tradeshows distribution and supply agreements myself. “I wanted to bring my own brand to market and everyone said I couldn’t. Freefold is based in Tonbridge and supplies a product I designed on my front room floor with a shoe box and car spray. “It is now patented globally and getting retailers orders.”
UK Jobs Mr Higson said the retailers are also helping to secure UK manufacturing for the product as he moves production back from China. Having launched in 2013 with the backing of undisclosed financier from the City, Mr Higson has so far sold 3000 units globally with 300 per cent mark-up, grossing his firm £40,000 in the 2015/16 business year. But this year his ambitions are far higher, with a
‘I wanted to bring my own brand to market and everyone said I couldn’t’ new even lighter version (150 grams) being rolled out and a big international push he is predicting sales of £1.2 million. Winning at the Times Business Awards will be a positive recognition for what his business has achieved so far. Mr Higson said: “It’s been a struggle financially and a learning curve but a good example to my two children. “So whilst I am not an owner of a multi-million pound turn over business. I have started a brand from the product and ground upwards. A brand that is looking set to create UK jobs and increase UK exports in a lucrative airline accessories market.”
To enter, visit our awards website and follow the instructions that could put you on to a winning path: www.timesbusinessawards.co.uk
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BUSINESS
Local Business News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
VERY CONTENT The audience listen to the debate
How #ContentWars made me feel like a 28-year-old dinosaur Adam Hignett adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk ‘THIS is going to have to be a sketchbook piece’, I thought to myself as the debate got underway. The topic to be discussed was ‘content’. It’s a word with many definitions, but in this case the right ones, according to the Oxford Dictionary, are: “Information made available by a website or other electronic medium; the material dealt with in a speech, literary work.” I had been invited to attend the debate at Southpaw Creative Agency on Hill Street on January 19 and at the time I really didn’t know what to expect. I left a little wiser on content and what it means but not much, hence the sketchbook – it thinly veils my ignorance. Entitled, ‘2017 Content Wars: The Fight for Ideas and Cultural Influence,’ the debate was chaired by Ria Campbell, Head of Content at Southpaw. The panel itself consisted of; journalist and author, Tanya de Grunwald; Vlogger (that means video blogger) Anna Whitehouse; Creative Director at Southpaw, Glenn Smith and Independent PR Director, Penny Joyner-Platt. They were all, I was assured, big names in their respective fields. The debate was structured around five statements, each of which was to be debated by the panel, followed by an audience vote on whether they agreed or disagreed with said statement. STATEMENT 1: Content overload is damaging the creative integrity of the work we make. Unsure of what this statement means? I certainly was. Mainly because as a local journalist I have never really experienced ‘content overload’. It sounded disingenuous to complain about it, although having to fill pages at any price does lead to a certain degree of creativity. Luckily Ria explained: “What we mean by content overload is stats showing that across the globe 5.3 trillion display ads are shown online each year, 400 million tweets are sent daily and 4.75 billion pieces of content are shared daily on Facebook.”
THE PANEL: (L-R): Anna Whitehouse, Tanya de Grunwald, Penny Joyner-Platt, Ria Campbell and Glenn Smith So does this ‘damage the creative integrity of the work we make?’ First up was ad man Glenn who agreed that for the, admittedly broad, world of advertising the statement holds true. “When I first got into the industry it was all about the power of the poster. It was about getting out a message very clearly and having it stick in your mind. I see a hundred of those daily on Facebook now. It’s never been harder to have new ideas. But this may not be a bad thing,” he concluded. For Vlogger Anna content overload was less of an issue. “There is an abundance of content out there but for the consumer we are getting savvier at filtering it out. This means brands now have to work harder on their YouTube ads or newspaper ads to get me wanting to follow them.” PR Penny believed what was important was getting a ‘relevant’ person to represent a brand and not, to paraphrase, just use Kim Kardashian to promote products she has a tenuous link to. “If I am working with a client I am not going to pick someone to represent their brand purely because of the number of their followers. They actually have to be relevant to the brand.” According to Penny 86 per cent of brands will use ‘Influencer marketing’ this year. In effect, they will rely on people such as Anna to subtly promote
‘There is an abundance of content out there but for the consumer we are getting savvier at filtering it out’ brands to their followers through their blogs and online videos. Journo Tanya admitted she was pretty rubbish at filtering out all the content and was often ‘bombarded’ by things online. She had noticed a ‘reduction’ in the quality of advertising campaigns. So does content overload is damaging the creative integrity of the work we make? The audience agreed by a small margin. STATEMENT 2: The Influencer bubble is about to burst because people are sick of brands using them as third party sellers. In layman’s terms (or rather my understanding of it) Influencers are prolific, bloggers, vloggers, Instagrammers, tweeters and Facebook users – famous or not – who have a dedicated following numbering thousands to millions that will be receptive to products or services they may promote. First up was Vlogger Anna, a practicing Influ-
encer, who herself earns a living promoting products through her accounts of daily life on her website, Mother Pukka. Anna believes that to truly flog a product, you need an emotional human angle as consumers have always been savvy to ads and ‘don’t like being sold to’. This means brands now value the average woman ‘with a slightly dodgy sense of humour’ to sell hair serum over Jennifer Aniston as the target audience ‘can see Jennifer Aniston doesn’t actually use it’, whereas the Influencer does. Situations such as Jessica Alba being seen using an iPhone after she has been promoting its Samsung rival served to highlight this point. “This damages the brand,” Anna said, adding: “It’s about authenticity and integrity. I need this job, celebrities don’t.” Ad man Glenn was not yet ready to concede that this new form of promotion was going to eclipse his industry. For him, it’s adapt or die. His sector is ‘paid for and picked out’ because it has the ability to make people change their minds about things, ring phone numbers or click on web links. In a speech reminiscent of Mad Men, the ad man laid his cards on the table: “We talk quite a lot about brands as role models that do the right thing. This completely contradicts what was traditionally the art of persuasion…which is spin.” ‘You mean lie?’ Someone said, to which Glenn candidly replied: “I have been called a professional liar. It’s what you do. You are paid to lie to people.” To him, this new Influencer element is simply broadening the opportunity to ‘hit people’ (not literally) but is also taking away his ability to sell. To rectify this, from what I gather, he then proposed a sort of alliance between advertisers like himself and influences such as Anna which subliminally sounded like: “look, you may have hundreds of thousands of easily led followers but we have the ability to persuade people that three McDonalds a day lowers cholesterol. Let’s team up.” For PR Penny – who acts as middleman between brands, ad agencies and Influencers – the annoying thing is Influencers now have middlemen of their own in the form of agents! How can she deal
Local Business News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
with the Influencer’s directly and build relationships with them around, she lamented. Journo Tanya, perhaps off-topic but in a move that instantly made me like her more, then laid into ‘native advertising’ – or advertorials, as they are known where I work. i.e. it looks like free editorial (albeit with a subtle tag stating otherwise), but is in fact is a fully paid for ad (genuinely unlike this article). “We are doing more and more native advertising for our clients in PR and it takes away the whole point of what we are trying to do, which is free editorial with an editorial stance. It confuses people on our website.”…can I have an halleluiah! When it came to the vote, it was almost unanimous that the ‘Influencer bubble is about to burst’. STATEMENT 3: Brands will never be as good as media and news outlets at making content that effectively reaches the target audience. I certainly sat up and took notice on this one, and aptly it was Journo Tanya who got the ball rolling. Brands will ‘obviously’ never be as good at making content she said, since traditional news outlets ‘put the reader first’…can I get another halleluiah!... There is also a thing called ‘editorial rigor’…sing it with me!... and this ensures written work from media outlets ‘is far better than brands’…praise the Lord! “If you are not trained as a real journalist, no offence (none taken, you never talk about ‘content’ for example. I have never heard a real journalist talk about content, we talk about stories.” By this point I was literally beside myself with a sense of self-righteousness. At last, my ignorance of what content actually means was actually a virtue. As she is a writer for the nationals I was able to excuse her next remark that journalist ‘never writes simply to fill space.’ “A journalist has to pitch each of their ideas to an editor who is usually either harsh but fair or just down right harsh,” she said, before recollecting some all too familiar scenes at editorial meetings. This is where PR has its place, argued PR Penny. They are needed to bridge the gap between brands and journalists she said. Flatteringly describing journalists as ‘the gate keepers’, of what gets seen, she said PR’s ensure what brands want published is presented in a way that is relevant and usable for the journalist and won’t instantly get chucked in the bin. “We know the insights into journalism that brands don’t know and that is why it is important we have relationships with both.” There is no competition between journalists and Influencers, Vlogger Anna asserted. “Consumers use us in different ways. If you are feeling a little bit rubbish they will turn to Influencers for the human connection. If you want to know what’s going on with the Presidential Campaign you will turn to the news outlet. I don’t think either is going to be done away with. Brands will be using us for very different things.” Mad Men Glenn was now back on form. Turning to Tanya he said: “One of the big things you made a big thing about was having to tell the truth. It’s malpractice to lie. But in my line of work it’s actively encouraged. “The guys running the big marketing budgets for brands are looking for a competitive advantage. We can’t simply say ‘these running shoes will help you run faster’, because everyone can do that. The brands are looking for the spin, they are looking for something to change it. That’s where the creative element comes in.” He went on to say the art of persuasion, ‘can’t exist’ in a world of ‘honesty, integrity and authenticity’, which means his sector needs to up its game. “We need to be smarter and harder on ourselves to create great work.” I must admit I think in this new era of ‘post truths’, ‘fake news’ and ‘alternative facts’, he is selling his chances of success rather short. Besides, even I admit he is giving journalists far too much credit. Ultimately it was an even split among the audiences on whether ‘Brands will never be as good as media and news outlets at making content that effectively reaches the target audience’.
‘A journalist has to pitch each of their ideas to an editor who is usually either harsh but fair or just down right harsh’
DEEP IN THOUGHT Ria and Glenn discuss content issues
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BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF
CASTING THEIR VOTES The #ContentWars crowd get involved
STATEMENT 4: In the fight over who should lead Influencer relationships, PR agencies will beat creative agencies, because they are better able to demonstrate long term value to brands. PR Penny was first up and obviously completely agreed. “My strong belief is absolutely. PRs are trained from day one for media relations. It’s our core skill.” She said PRs learn the hard way by ‘picking up the phone and being told no every single day,’ leading me to think that, in my own small way, I myself have helped in the training process. “We are judged each month by our clients on the coverage we secured them. Therefore it is important we completely understand what journalists and Influencers want and we do a lot of research
BUSINESS
MEP fails to appeal four year sentence
into every single title that we work with.” Her experience of the creative sector of which Glenn is part of, she was ‘sad to say’ was that it was simply data bases to distribute the same content to as many publications as possible and no long term relationships. But ad man Glenn naturally had other ideas of which was more important: “My expertise are working in a creative agency. The thing that is exciting about the world I love is having to come up with ideas and create something different. I don’t see that from the PR side traditionally.” For Journo Tanya and Vlogger Anna it was a toss-up. Yes PRs nurture a good relationship, but actually finding one which sticks around long enough for that to be of value is pretty hard. Creative agencies, are genuinely just better at coming up with unique ways of doing things. STATEMENT 5: Influencers are more effective in reaching audiences, and therefore more useful to a brand, than journalists and PR. Having well overshot the allotted hour for the debate this statement had to be skipped, and by that point I was rather grateful for as my head hurt from ‘content overload’. However, it was an enlightening experience and was, as much as anything, fascinating to see these representatives of their respective sectors interact and their perceptions of their role in the constantly evolving world of media. Like many aspects of a very intertwined world, they are co-dependent competitors. They are trying to stay independent and fight their corner but at the same time being forced ever closer through disruptive new ways of communication. So much thinking made the first beer of that night taste extra good.
A FORMER Labour MEP for the South East lost his appeal for a reduced sentence after claiming over £100,000 in fraudulent expenses. Peter Skinner, 56 of Recreation Avenue, Snodland, was handed a four-year jail term at Southwark Crown Court after he was convicted of a string of offences in March last year. Skinner, who was an MEP between 1999 and 2014, was found guilty of false accounting, fraud and making a false instrument. Lady Justice Rafferty told London’s Appeal Court last week that he had ‘damaged public trust,’ and dismissed the appeal, adding: “This sentence is not arguably wrong in principle or excessive.”
Petition finds favour A NATIONWIDE petition to cancel Donald Trump’s state visit has found some favour among the people of Tunbridge Wells borough, attracting 3,406 signatures as the Times went to press, making it second in Kent after Canterbury on 4,350. Residents in Tonbridge are less keen on a ban, with 2,575 people backing it.
Manhole madness TUNBRIDGE WELLS was brought to a standstill on Monday (January 30) morning after a collapsed manhole cover resulted in gridlock. Motorists were sat in traffic as far as back as Langton Green after temporary signals were put in place on the A26 London Road through Southborough to divert drivers around the hazard.
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NEWS
Community News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Lanterns Parade could fizzle out if there’s no bright future By Andrew Tong newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
OH YES THEY DID Snow White raised money for three weeks
Panto power raises £7k for Hospice in the Weald THEATRE-GOERS who watched this year’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Assembly Hall donated more than £7,000 to Hospice in the Weald. Bucket collections were held at the end of each performance during the three-week run. The annual collection raised £7,320.61 for the theatre’s chosen charity. The hospice in Pembury provides compassionate, individualised, holistic care for all patients with a terminal illness, their families and carers. The money raised can pay for counselling sessions for 20 patients or family members who are seeking additional support, for however long they need it. Beth Swarbrigg, Fundraising Director for Hospice in the Weald, said: “The Assembly Hall Theatre has been supporting Hospice in the Weald for over 18 years. “The generosity of the audiences for every performance is staggering and will make a huge difference to the patients, families, and carers supported by Hospice in the Weald each and every year. “It costs over £7million to run the hospice and with less than 11 per cent of our funding provided by the Government we are dependent on the generosity of the community we serve to provide our vital services.” Theatre Director, JJ Almond, added: “As a theatre, we have always been passionate about supporting charities and committed to the communities that we serve. Martin Dodd, Director at UK Productions, said: “Pantomime is all about families and I can think of no better cause to raise money for one that provides so much needed help and support to families when they most need it.”
THE Winter Lantern Parade will once again be illuminating Tunbridge Wells this Saturday night (February 4) – but after 10 years there are doubts about its future because of a lack of funding. The event was taken over by the community group CREATE (Camden Road Education Arts and Theatre Enterprise) four years ago after several partners such as the Assembly Hall and Trinity dropped out. CREATE continued to receive generous funding from Town & Country Housing Group but when that stopped two years ago the organisers had to fend for themselves. Now they are seeking a corporate sponsorship deal amid fears that they may not be in a position to hold the parade next year. “It’s a community event,” says CREATE’s chairman, Dave Prodrick. “It’s something the whole town can enjoy. It’s very important that it’s accessible for all.” They ran a series of five lantern-making workshops at three local schools, St
Barnabus in the town, St Paul’s in Rusthall and Southborough Primary. These gatherings are currently supported by donations on the day and CREATE want to avoid having to charge for them in future. “People really enjoy coming along to the workshops,” says Mr Prodrick. “We only ask for donations so we don’t scare them off if they can’t afford it. But it’s a delicate balancing act.” This year’s parade will begin at 5.15pm in Civic Way, and will proceed down Monson Road and Camden Road, finishing at St Barnabus on Quarry Road, where a range of refreshments will be available. The theme of this year’s procession will be children’s book characters. The event was started in 2007 when local dramatists who were putting on a production
Henry VIII turns heads at Southborough Lions SENIOR citizens of Southborough and district were royally entertained by Henry VIII at the St Dunstan’s Church Hall in Southborough on January 21. Seventy local people enjoyed a glass of wine followed by afternoon tea, bingo and a ‘gift for all’ raffle. The highlight of the afternoon was
the visit of Henry, who quizzed his audience on his many wives. The king was played by Tony Harris from Hastings, a renowned impersonator of the Tudor monarch. This annual event is sponsored, run and financed by Southborough and District Lions Club. For more information, call 01892 527893.
LIGHT HEARTED Lantern designs from last year’s parade in the lower Camden Road decided to light up the street, which had no Christmas lights erected on it. They organised a parade from the town centre, down the full length of Camden Road, as a fundraising event for a community theatre production. Then it was combined with the earlier Chinese New Year parade, and over the past decade it has became an annual feature in the town’s calendar. If you wish to to make a donation or discuss sponsorship, visit www.localgiving.org/charity/ create-tw or call Dave Prodrick on 07966 190428.
BIG PERSONALITY King Henry regales guests with his tales
Community News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
NEWS
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Beavers seek adult leaders to cope with growing demand THE popularity of the Scouting movement is growing in Tunbridge Wells with more than 1,000 young people aged 6 to 18 involved with the movement every week. The number of adults helping out has also increased, and this has enabled the Scouts to open new sections to meet the growing demand. But there are more than 200 young people aged 6 to 10 who are on the waiting list, so the organisers are looking to recruit more volunteers. Paul Batchelor, a Beaver Leader at St John’s, became involved after his son Tom joined the group. He said: “I was nervous about becoming a leader, I was unsure what I was taking on, and I had doubts about being responsible for other people’s children.” “But I have a great support network around me. I have watched and learned from more experienced leaders,” he added. “The whole leadership thing has been nothing like I expected – it’s been a whole lot better. It’s worth every second and I would recommend being a leader to anyone.” District Commissioner Brian Hobden explains why scouting has become so popular: “It’s a youth-led organisation, young people get to shape their own scouting experiences, and
LEADING LIGHTS The line-up will feature chart-topping and local bands
Volunteers needed to help Gig for Life’s cancer battle GIG FOR LIFE, a family music event, will be held at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood on May 27 to raise money for Cancer Research UK. World Cancer Day, which is supported by nine charities, is being held on Saturday (February 4) and Gig for Life is putting out an appeal for volunteers to help out at the festival. With 10,000 people attending, there are also sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals across a wide range of activities, from backing one of the acts to funding wrist bands. Event Director David Rivers said: “We’re very close to being able to announce an exciting, full line-up which will cover a huge range of music, from chart-topping bands to local acts who are now gaining national recognition. “Cancer has touched us all in one way or another, so although Gig for Life will be a party to remember, it will also be a chance to celebrate life
and recognise all the unsung heroes that help, care and nurse family members and friends to recovery.” Sharon Baldwin, the charity’s Fundraising Manager for Kent, said: “Gig for Life is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enjoy a one-day family festival on their own doorstep. The money raised is vital – it could be life-saving. “We also need volunteers to help us with our fundraising on the day, so please sign up at www.gigforlife.co.uk if you would like to be part of the team.” Tickets to Gig for Life are on sale online – with a limited number available at a 10 per cent discount. Cancer Research UK is asking everyone to wear a £2 unity band for World Cancer Day and play a part in an ‘Act of Unity’ to beat cancer sooner. The bands are available from Cancer Research UK shops. For more information, visit www.cruk. org/worldcancerday
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this means we provide a programme that youngsters want to take part in.” Over the last 12 months, 51 local scouts went on a week-long camping trip in the Swiss Alps, among more than 3,300 overnight adventures overall. Other expeditions saw them flying microlights and climbing mountains, while young members attended a weekend camp at Broadstone Warren, a scout-owned centre on the Ashdown Forest, where they tried out zip wires and a ‘jump of faith’. To find out more about volunteering with Royal Tunbridge Wells District Scouts visit www.tunbridgewellsscouts.org.uk
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AIMING HIGH: A young Beaver tries his hand at archery
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National News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Parents and teachers await No chance of Brexit deal within two-year outcome of Supreme Court period says Dame Margaret Beckett case over term-time holidays TAKING a child to Florida for seven consecutive days during term time without a school’s permission ‘cannot on any view’ be lawful, a QC representing education chiefs has told the Supreme Court in London. The submission was made as Isle of Wight Council, backed by the Education Secretary, launched a landmark legal battle over term-time holidays in the highest court in the land. In a case being watched by schools and parents all over the country, the local education authority is seeking to overturn a High Court ruling in May last year clearing a father, Jon Platt, of failing to ensure his daughter’s regular attendance at school. Mr Platt, 46, won a decision blocking a £120 fine for flying off with his child on a seven-day trip to Disney World in Florida in April 2015. The Government ordered a crackdown on school absences in 2013. New guidelines were introduced for English schools which only allow head teachers to permit pupils to miss classes in ‘exceptional circumstances’. In a day-long hearing at the Supreme Court, Isle of Wight Council and the Education Secretary are asking five justices – the court’s president, Lord Neuberger, sitting with his deputy Lady Hale and Lords Reed, Mance and Hughes – to rule that the High Court got the law wrong. Martin Chamberlain QC, appearing for the council, argued that the High Court had taken a wrong approach and regular attendance meant pupils had to be in class ‘at all times when required by the school rules’.
COURT CHALLENGE Jon Platt arrives at the Supreme Court with his wife Sally Mr Chamberlain added that, in any event, ‘absence for seven consecutive days cannot on any view be regular attendance’. Mr Platt was in court and said before the hearing: “There is a legal requirement to attend school regularly but that has never meant every single [term-time] day. If it becomes that after today, that would be pretty draconian.” James Eadie QC, appearing for the Education Secretary, said: “Absence from school can adversely affect a child’s educational attainment. Research indicates that every extra day missed is associated with a lower attainment outcome.” Clive Sheldon QC, appearing for Mr Platt, said it was the education authorities who were now putting forward a new and radical interpretation of the law which was absurd and would ‘penalise millions of people’. At the end of the hearing, Lord Neuberger said the court would give its judgment ‘in due course’ at a later date.
A FORMER foreign secretary has suggested there is no chance of Brexit negotiations being concluded within a scheduled two-year period. Speaking in the Commons yesterday (Tuesday) as MPs debate a Bill which would allow Brexit talks to begin, Dame Margaret Beckett warned that the UK’s decision to leave the EU could have ‘potentially catastrophic’ consequences for the nation’s economy. She added that she does not believe ‘for a second’ that a deal will be done within the formal two-year negotiating period, which will start once Prime Minister Theresa May triggers Article 50. Despite the warning, the shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer urged Labour MPs not to block Theresa May from starting the formal Brexit process. Sir Keir said: “As democrats our party has to accept the result and it follows that the Prime Minister should not be blocked from starting the Article 50 negotiations.” Sir Keir’s remarks came after the Speaker John Bercow selected an amendment in the name of SNP’s Westminster leader Angus Robertson. This calls for the European Union (Notification Of Withdrawal) Bill not to be given a second reading for several reasons. The SNP says that because the Government has yet to publish its detailed plans in a White Paper, no details for ‘effective consultation’ with devolved administrations on implementing Article 50 have been outlined, and there remain unanswered questions about the implications of leaving the single market. The two-day debate is expected to run until today (Wednesday) when a vote is expected. Sir Keir told the House of Commons: “We have
before us a short Bill and a relatively simple Bill, but for the Labour Party this is a very difficult Bill. We share values and identity with the EU. But we failed to persuade, we lost the referendum. “Yes, technically the referendum is not legally binding but the result was not technical – it was deeply political. “And politically the notion that the referendum was merely a consultation exercise to inform Parliament holds no water. Ministers were forced to bring forward the proposed legislation after the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament’s approval will be needed before the two-year formal Brexit withdrawal process can begin. The Government wants this to start before the end of March. Opening the debate, Brexit Secretary David Davis said: “At the core of this Bill lies a very simple question: Do we trust the people or not? “The democratic mandate is clear: the electorate voted for a Government to give them a referendum. “Parliament then voted to hold the referendum. The people then voted in that referendum and we are now honouring the result of that referendum – as we said we would.” Sir Keir said he understood why some of his fellow Labour MPs felt unable to back the Bill and also called for an end to the ‘gloating’ from some Leave-backing MPs. Labour MP Hilary Benn, Chairman of the Brexit Select Committee, said he will be voting for the Bill but hit out at the Government for not giving more information to MPs about its aims for the negotiations. He said: “Though it pains me to say it, we are leaving the European Union and our task now is to try and bring people together.
SPORT IN BRIEF
Coe accused of hiding Russian doping claims LORD COE has been accused of not sharing information relevant to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee’s inquiry into doping by its chairman. The President of the International Association of Athletics Federations told the committee in December 2015 he was ‘not aware’ of specific allegations of corruption related to the Russian doping scandal. On Tuesday (January 31), the Committee published an email from Coe to IAAF ethics board Chairman Michael Beloff QC, sent in August 2014, in which Coe states he had received ‘copied documentation of serious allegations’ made by Russian athlete Liliya Shobukhova. A four-page letter written to CMS Select Committee Chairman Damian Collins by Coe last week, detailing his recollection of events and why there is ‘no discrepancy’ in what he told the panel in 2015, was also published. Colllins, speaking to the BBC, said: “Whatever excuse he gives, it is clear that Lord Coe decided not to share with the committee information that was relevant to our inquiry on doping in sport.”
Rooney to stay at United WAYNE ROONEY will stay at Manchester United until the end of the season at the very least, according to Jose Mourinho. The striker and his team mate Ashley Young have been linked with the Chinese Super League. But Mourinho insisted on transfer deadline day that no further players will be arriving or leaving Old Trafford until the summer. United have reportedly been keen to recruit France striker Antoine Greizmann from Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £70million.
Charteris and Sexton out WALES lock Luke Charteris will miss the rugby Six Nations opener against Italy in Rome on Sunday. Back-rower Taulupe Faletau awaits a fitness test. He has a knee injury while Charteris has a fractured bone in his hand. Both players are likely to be fit when Wales host England on February 11. Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations opener against Scotland on Saturday after failing to shake off his calf problem. Flanker Peter O’Mahony is out with a hamstring problem, while Ulster wing Andrew Trimble is also a major doubt because of groin tightness.
Ivanovic to leave Chelsea
Sutton want ‘home’ tie
FOOTBALLER Branislav Ivanovic underwent a medical at Zenit St Petersburg ahead of the Chelsea defender’s proposed move to the Russian side. Inter Milan winger Jonathan Biabiany has turned down a loan offer from Antonio Conte. The France international has only made three appearances for Internazionale this season. But the 28-year-old has rejected a temporary switch to the Premier League leaders.
SUTTON UNITED will meet tonight (February 1) to discuss switching their glamour FA Cup tie with Arsenal to Selhurst Park. But chairman Bruce Elliott is adamant that the non-league side should hold the fifth-round tie at their 5,000-capacity Gander Green Lane ground. Sutton could cash in by switching to the 25,500-capacity home of Crystal Palace.
For local sports news, turn to pages 101-103
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National News
NEWS IN BRIEF
MPs unite in memory of murdered Jo Cox COLLEAGUES of Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in her constituency, have launched a new initiative in her memory to tackle the ‘silent epidemic’ of loneliness. The cross-party Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness has been set up to find practical solutions to help isolated people. Mrs Cox had been taking the first steps towards establishing the organisation before she was murdered last June by farright extremist Thomas Mair in her Batley and Spen constituency in West Yorkshire.
Lifeguards for Camber EXTRA money for lifeguards at Camber Sands, near Rye, could be provided by Rother District Council. Seven men died last summer at the East Sussex tourist attraction. The authority has put aside £51,000 in its draft 2017-18 budget and, if approved by councillors, RNLI lifeguards would be stationed on the beach during the summer season, from Whitsun to the end of the school summer holidays. There have been growing calls for safety to be increased since the tragedy at the beach, which can attract up to 30,000 day-trippers during peak season.
McCanns’ court defeat MADDIE McCANN’S parents, Gerry and Kate, have lost their latest libel case in the Portuguese Supreme Court to overturn claims in a book by former detective Goncalo Amaral that they were involved in her disappearance from their Algarve holiday apartment in May 2007.
Piper says Doctor no FORMER Doctor Who star Billie Piper has ruled herself out of replacing Peter Capaldi when the Time Lord regenerates at the end of the upcoming series but has backed calls for the new Doctor to be female. Capaldi has announced that he will be leaving the Tardis in the Christmas special later this year.
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Government accused of delaying lagoon renewable energy scheme THE Government has denied dragging its heels over a pioneering scheme to generate renewable energy from tidal lagoons. Former Energy Minister Charles Hendry supported the technology in a Government-commissioned review earlier this month, saying the plans could create a new global industry for the cost of a pint of milk per household per year. The lagoons use the power of tides to generate electricity and would be less expensive than both offshore wind and nuclear power over the first 60 years of their 120-year life, the review found. Labour’s Stephen Doughty told MPs there was massive potential for tidal energy in Wales, where plans for a pilot scheme in Swansea Bay were backed by the Hendry review. During business questions in the Commons, the MP for Cardiff South and Penarth said: “There is huge potential for tidal energy, not just in the Swansea scheme but along the south Wales coast and the Severn estuary and indeed along the north Wales coast. “But I am hearing concerning things about the department dragging its heels,” Mr Doughty added. “Will the minister assure me there will be strong ministerial leadership to take the recommendations forward, to get on with the Swansea scheme and to get on with other schemes?” Energy Minister Nick Hurd rejected the claims,
GO WITH THE FLOW Tidal lagoons will produce cheap energy
saying the review was being considered to ensure the best interests of UK energy consumers. He said: “It’s the Government’s job to consider the advantages and disadvantages of tidal lagoons as a whole, and to take a decision which includes not merely the financial elements but also environmental elements, the capacity to generate power as part of a wider energy mix and ancillary elements as well.” Shadow Energy Secretary Clive Lewis called on ministers to commit to a deal on a smaller ‘pathfinder’ lagoon, which could pave the way for full-scale projects across the UK. He explained how this trial project could address issues such as the environmental impact on developing tidal lagoons.
Fresh outcry as Southern staff have safety licences withdrawn A FRESH row has flared on Southern Railway after union leaders accused the company of planning to strip staff of their safety licence. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said workers now classed as on-board supervisors (OBS) have received a letter saying their safety licence and certification were being withdrawn. Safety is at the heart of a longrunning dispute between the union and the train operator which has led to a series of strikes, causing chaos for passengers.
A Southern spokesman said: “The conductors in question stopped dispatching trains on January 1, so they no longer need to hold those licences and our new on-board supervisors are not required to maintain them. This is yet another attempt at mischiefmaking by the RMT.” The union’s General Secretary Mick Cash has written to Charles Horton, Chief Executive of Southern’s owners, Govia Thameslink Railway, saying: “I am distressed to have received reports of actions taken by the company
against staff who have been forced into the OBS role and are now having their guard’s licence/ certification cards, detailing their safety critical competencies, withdrawn. “Many of these staff have 30-plus years’ service with the railway and I believe this move is designed to undermine the confidence of these staff.” Mr Cash noted that the letters had been sent while talks were continuing between Southern and Aslef over driver-only trains at the offices of the TUC.
Problems in jails laid bare by chief inspector JAILS in England and Wales are unsafe and full of drugs, claimed the Chief Inspector of Prisons when he was invited to speak before the Commons Justice Committee. Peter Clarke warned the issues affecting prisons around the country risk creating a ‘major obstruction’ to the Government’s reform plans. He described a ‘failure of leadership’ seen in some establishments and criticised a fall in how many of his recommendations are implemented. Ministers are attempting to address a safety crisis behind bars amid soaring levels of violence and self-harm. Last year Justice Secretary Liz Truss unveiled a wide-ranging programme of reforms, including a recruitment drive to add 2,500 frontline officers and measures to crack down on drugs and mobile phones. Asked what was wrong with prisons, Mr Clarke told MPs: “Basically they are unsafe, they are full of drugs. We have an ageing population.
Major obstruction “The physical environment is appalling and there are far too many people in our prisons who are suffering from mental health issues. In my judgement those five issues will create a major obstruction to the reform programme.” Mr Clarke spoke of his frustration that recommendations made on the back of inspections appear to ‘fall on deaf ears’ in some instances. He added that ‘most worryingly’ this trend was being seen in the area of safety. He said: “We are now in a position where more of our recommendations on the subject of safety are not being achieved than are being achieved.” Mr Clarke identified ‘visible leadership’ as a key element, explaining: “As I walk around the wings of a prison, if I get a group of prisoners approach me and say, ‘Are you the governor?’, that tells me an awful lot about the visibility of the leadership in that prison.” The scale of the problems was laid bare last week with the publication of official figures showing suicides, assaults and self-harm have surged to new peak levels.
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BUSINESS
National Business News
BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF
Shell offloads North Sea package to rival ROYAL DUTCH SHELL is to sell off a package of North Sea assets for up to $3.8billion (£3billion) to smaller rival Chrysaor as it continues a divestment drive. The oil giant’s interests in Buzzard, Beryl, Bressay, Elgin-Franklin, J-Block, the Greater Armada cluster, Everest, Lomond and Erskine – plus a 10 per cent stake in Schiehallion – will all be offloaded as part of the deal.
MPs in high stakes row THE Association of British Bookmakers has criticised a recommendation by MPs to cut the maximum stake for gambling on the electronic terminals in betting shops from £100 to just £2. The renewed call for a lower limit on fixedodd betting terminals (FOBTs) – once dubbed the crack cocaine of gambling – was made by an all-party Parliamentary group.
Help farmers says bank BRITAIN’S young farmers need extra support amid market volatility and fallout from Brexit to prevent them from moving to pastures new, a NatWest survey has concluded.
Confident shoppers CONSUMER confidence picked up in January, but a combination of Brexit jitters and the collapse in the value of the pound are set to take their toll on shoppers in the year ahead says the GfK Consumer Confidence Index.
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Deutsche Bank is fined £500m for ‘money-laundering’ failings
Increase in customer base helps online grocer push up profits
DEUTSCHE BANK has been fined more than £500million after British and US regulators found that failings at the German lender led to $10billion (£7.9billion) being laundered out of Russia in a manner ‘highly suggestive of financial crime’. The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) slapped the bank with a record £163million penalty for anti-money laundering (AML) shortcomings and exposing the UK’s financial system to criminal activity. The New York State Department of Financial Services fined Deutsche Bank $425million (£340million) for the abuses, which it says took place at its Moscow, London and New York offices. The FCA said the German lender failed to maintain an adequate anti-money laundering control frame work from 2012 to 2015. The regulator added that Deutsche Bank exposed the UK financial system to the risks of financial crime by failing to properly oversee the formation of new customer relationships and the booking of global business in the UK. As a consequence, Deutsche Bank was used by unidentified customers to transfer approximately $10billion of unknown origin from Russia to offshore bank accounts. Mark Steward, Director of Enforcement and Market Oversight at the FCA, said: “Deutsche Bank put itself at risk of being used to facilitate financial crime and exposed the UK to the risk of financial crime. The size of the fine reflects the seriousness of Deutsche Bank’s failings. “We have repeatedly told firms how to comply with our AML requirements and the failings of Deutsche Bank are simply unacceptable. “Other firms should take notice of today’s fine and
ONLINE grocer Ocado has notched up a healthy rise in full-year profits as it continues to grow its customer base. Pre-tax profits rose 21.8 per cent to £14.5million in the year to November 27, its third consecutive year in the black. The group, founded in 2000, only managed to turn its first profit before tax in 2015. Revenue rose 14.8 per cent to £1.27billion as boss Tim Steiner hailed ‘robust trading’ in a challenging environment. He said: “We are pleased to announce results today which reflect robust trading in our core business and show continued progress against our strategic objectives in what has been a challenging retail environment.” Ocado grew its customer base by almost 14 per cent to 580,000, with growth in average orders per week approaching 18 per cent to 230,000. However, the grocer saw average order sizes fall 2.7 per cent to £108.10 after taking a hit from the enduring supermarket price war. The battle for shoppers, sparked by the rise of German duo Aldi and Lidl, has engulfed the sector and has seen all of the so-called Big Four supermarkets – Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons – come under pressure. The City is still awaiting details of a muchanticipated international deal for Ocado. Neil Wilson, Senior Market Analyst at ETX Capital, said: “Ocado claims there are a multitude of international partners queuing up to strike a deal. “After more than a year of talk we’ve seen nothing in terms of an overseas deal. Profits are improving but investors are being asked to be very patient. A long-touted international deal has yet to materialise.”
RUSSIAN LAUNDRY Deutsche Bank
look again at their own AML procedures to ensure they do not face similar action.” According to the FCA, the failings allowed the front office of Deutsche Bank’s Russia-based subsidiary, DB Moscow, to execute more than 2,400 ‘mirror trades’ used to transfer more than $6billion (£4.8billion) from Russia using its UK division. The cash ended up in overseas bank accounts in countries including Cyprus, Estonia and Latvia. A further $3.8billion (£3billion) in suspicious ‘onesided trades’ also occurred. Deutsche Bank agreed to settle at an early stage of the FCA’s investigation and therefore qualified for a 30 per cent discount on the fine. The FCA said Deutsche Bank was ‘exceptionally co-operative’ during the investigation and has committed ‘significant resources’ to a large scale remediation programme to correct the deficiencies identified. The New York State Department of Financial Services found that Deutsche Bank and several of its senior managers missed key opportunities to detect, intercept and investigate the scheme.
World News
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Trump sacks US Attorney General after she defies refugee ban order DONALD TRUMP has fired acting US Attorney General Sally Yates after she ordered Justice Department lawyers to stop defending the President’s refugee ban. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said the president has named Dana Boente, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, as her replacement. Ms Yates, a Democrat, was appointed on January 20, until the successor for Loretta Lynch was confirmed by the Senate. Mr Trump’s choice, Senator Jeff Sessions, is awaiting Senate confirmation. Ms Yates angered the Trump administration when she directed Justice Department lawyers not to defend Mr Trump’s executive refugee and immigration ban, saying she was not convinced that the order was lawful. Mr Trump said Ms Yates ‘betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States’. He said: “Ms Yates is an Obama administration appointee who is weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration.
“It is time to get serious about protecting our country. Calling for tougher vetting for individuals travelling from seven dangerous places is not extreme. It is reasonable and necessary to protect our country.” The President said Mr Boente would serve as acting Attorney General until Mr Sessions ‘is finally confirmed by the Senate, where he is being wrongly held up by Democrat senators for strictly political reasons’. Mr Boente said: “I am honoured to serve President Trump in this role until Senator Sessions is confirmed. I will defend and enforce the laws of our country to ensure that our people and our nation are protected.” The refusal by Ms Yates to defend the executive order was largely symbolic given that Mr Sessions will almost certainly defend the policy once he is sworn in by the Senate Judiciary Committee and given approval by the full Senate. Mr Boente immediately ordered Justice Department lawyers to ‘do our sworn duty and to defend the lawful orders of our President’.
FIRED Sally Yates
The clash between the new president and the nation’s most senior law enforcement officer had laid bare the growing dissent over Mr Trump’s refugee and immigration ban. His executive order temporarily halted the entire US refugee programme and banned all entries from seven Muslim-majority nations for 90 days. Ms Yates had said: “I am responsible for ensuring that the positions we take in court remain consistent with this institution’s solemn obligation to always seek justice and stand for what is right. “At present, I am not convinced that the defence of the executive order is consistent with these responsibilities nor am I convinced that the executive order is lawful.”
Israeli army tells West Bank settlers they must leave ISRAEL’S military has ordered residents of a West Bank settlement to evacuate the area within 48 hours, days before a deadline for it to be demolished. The army posted a notice at the entrance to the Amona outpost yesterday (Tuesday) which said: “After 48 hours nobody will enter or reside in the area.” Israel’s Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that Amona was built on private Palestinian land and must be demolished. It later set February 8 as the final date for it to be destroyed.
Amona is the largest of about 100 unauthorised outposts which were erected in the West Bank without permission but have generally been tolerated by the Israeli government. The outpost, built in the 1990s, stretches out over a rugged, grassy hilltop and looks out across the valley on to Palestinian villages. In 2006, Israeli police demolished nine homes at Amona, setting off clashes pitting settlers and their supporters against police and soldiers.
Several dozen trailers have remained and the outpost has become a symbol for the settlement movement. Its fate has threatened to rupture Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s narrow coalition, which is dominated by ultra-nationalists who support settlements. Mr Netanyahu has struggled to find a balance between appeasing his settler constituents and respecting Israel’s Supreme Court.
NEWS
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WORLD NEWS IN BRIEF
Austrian government bans full-face veils AUSTRIA has agreed to ban full-face veils in courts, schools and other public places. The coalition government of Social Democrats and the centrist People’s Party also agreed to prohibit police officers, judges, magistrates and public prosecutors from wearing head scarves in the interest of appearing ‘ideologically and religiously neutral’ while serving the state. The French parliament passed an act more than six years ago that made France the first European Union country to ban the niqab and burqa, the full-face and face-and-body coverings worn by some Muslim women, in public places. Others have followed.
Town evacuation plans THE Ukrainian government is preparing to evacuate more than 8,000 people a day from the town of Avdiivka after fresh fighting broke out involving pro-Russian rebels. The clashes have led to several deaths in the government-held town, which currently has no water or electricity.
Europe gets a boost UNEMPLOYMENT in Europe is at its lowest level in nearly eight years, according to official figures released by Eurostat. The figures also showed inflation rose sharply, a move that will likely encourage critics who think it is time for the European Central Bank to start withdrawing its stimulus programmes.
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Letters
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
And another thing… This is the page where you, the reader, have your chance to express your views or comments on what’s going on in our part of the world. We like to hear from you. You can email us at newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk or write to the Editor at 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU
Calverley
Our front page story [January 18] about the National Union of Teachers calling for strike action after a member of staff was ‘assaulted’ at St Gregory’s in Tunbridge Wells drew contrasting reactions. We print two of them:
Observations on life and more important things
Unions can make problems bigger I see that you have reported yet again on the ‘incident’ at St Gregory’s school. The fact that the NUT is not now calling on their members there to strike shows that the situation has been resolved and things are returning to normal. As I know only too well from working in a secondary school myself, incidents can happen at the drop of a hat if a student feels particularly rankled about something, or there is underlying tension in a group, or family issues are brought into school. It’s well-known that the more militant unions are all too happy to wade in and make a bigger problem out of things which could be sorted out on site. Thankfully this has been the case at St Greg’s. The more serious problems we should really be worrying about are pupils getting involved in substance abuse and, as you reported a few weeks ago, not even the best regarded grammar schools such as Skinners’ are exempt from this problem. St Gregory’s has a cast iron reputation not just academically – it boasts an Outstanding Ofsted record - but also for its pastoral care which
How can May be trusted on Brexit? On Sunday January 22 Theresa May refused four times to tell [TV interviewer] Andrew Marr if she knew about a Trident nuclear missile misfire. If she can’t give a yes/no answer to that simple question, how can she be trusted with the complex question of Brexit? And by the way, staying in the Single Market was in the 2015 General Election manifesto she signed up to. John Hurst Via email
Chance to nominate your own hero I would like to invite your readers to nominate someone for a British Heart Foundation Heart Hero award. The awards recognise the incredible efforts many people make to fight heart disease and we’re looking for the people who have inspired you with their drive and determination. They might be someone who’s improving services for heart patients, a fundraiser who’s brilliant at organising events, or someone who is
clearly helped resolve the particular issue you have reported on for the past two weeks swiftly and fairly. Knowing many teachers at the school I can assure you they are getting on with what they do best, teaching and inspiring their students. Katherine Evans Via email
Union was right to call for a strike On the whole I am not fond of unions, especially as a rail commuter constantly worried about when they may next go on strike. But I completely agree with the stance of NUT members at St Greg’s school [January 18]. Teachers have to put up with a lot of boisterous behaviour and rude pupils are part and parcel of the job. Much of it really is just dealing with adolescents. But they should not be made to feel unsafe. overcoming the daily challenge of life with a heart condition. These awards are our way to honour the heart heroes in our community. It is really easy to nominate a friend, colleague or relative. So please help us celebrate their achievements and give them the recognition they deserve. For more information visit bhf.org.uk/heartheroes Simon Gillespie Chief Executive British Heart Foundation
More bobbies on the beat? Re your headline ([January 18] ‘More bobbies on the beat for Kent’s streets’ and the story about 20 New Police Officers for West Kent. The reality is one Officer per shift for the whole of West Kent. The reality is that it will make no difference what so ever. Will West Malling have a ‘bobby’ walking the streets? No. Will the antique shop in the same town stop employing a doorman because of their fear of crime? No. Will we see a drop in drink driving because the Police will have more time to be pro-active? No. This week there has been a
As far as I am concerned if they really are willing to take a collective decision to refuse to educate a pupil they feel poses a threat then the concern is real enough. By extension for the school to turn around and say it was due to ‘high spirits’ just before Christmas is incredibly disingenuous. If the union thought the pupil needed to be expelled then it was obviously a little more serious than mere ‘high spirits’ leading to some foolish but ultimately harmless behaviour. The pupil in question is also not being served well if they are in an environment in which the school finds itself the centre of a conflict between a substantial number of staff and the school’s governing body, all because of his/her actions. Sarah Crook Via email huge rise in crime - [according to a] British Crime Survey. The general public are being deceived. Derek Cuff Ditton
Now let’s make better frankfurters How marvellous it is to see Biddenden Vineyards flying the flag for English wine [January 25]. I am proud of my identity – a man with an English heart and a Kentish brain - and it is so refreshing to observe some real local gumption and ingenuity helping to break the elite hegemonic order of continental wines. People thought we would never have a suitable enough climate to compete with sunny mainland Europe. But our leading role in the industrial revolution over the last 150 years has ensured that this is no longer a problem. Onwards we go, a free independent Britain, where we can challenge all preconceptions– let’s make world-beating baguettes or frankfurters next, everything is possible! Robert Pilkington Via email
We do our best to publish letters in full. However, the Editor reserves the right to edit any letter. Please ensure that letters do not exceed 250 words
WILD HORSES will not drag from the lips of Calverley the name of the Tunbridge Wells restaurant that is the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons. It held a late Christmas party for staff at another nearby establishment and caused chaos. Himself understands that rows broke out, furniture was uprooted and at least one person, a woman no less, somehow suffered a blow to the face. Everyone had a really high time. The culprits have, it is said, been barred from the scene of the party after being grilled by bosses. HIMSELF pulled into a car park the other day and came to a halt behind a 4x4. The door opened, a woman leaned out and emptied the contents of an ashtray onto the ground. After being advised that the Litter Police would be called and that the whole episode had been recorded on a mobile phone for evidence, the woman ungraciously stepped out, scooped up the mess and drove off. Obviously Calverley did not record the ‘crime’. His technical ability just about extends to answering the phone when it rings (no texts please). CALVERLEY is sad to see the end of January - a month when it’s so easy to get a seat at the bar, a table in the restaurant and really good service. And why? Because most people are paid ten days or a week before Christmas to put money into their pockets which means they have to wait until the end of January for the next pay cheque. Back to normal this week. FOODIES will be delighted to know that this week Calverley can confirm that a new French restaurant will indeed open in Vale Road as revealed in this column eons ago. It will be run by those nice brothers Ivan and Maurizio Di Santo from Sopranos the tapas bar just round the corner. Bring on those menus. OPPOSITE the offices is a large house being restored to its former glory. They are four storeys high. Himself can’t but help notice that some days a head hangs out of a small window on the top floor and clouds of cigarette smoke are wafted away in the wind. Suppose it is a long way to trek down the stairs for a smoke. Chin, chin readers
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
EDUCATION Times WITH THE
One of the area’s leading prep schools appoints its first female Head Teacher AFTER almost two decades at the helm of Rose Hill it was announced last week that David Westcombe will be retiring and replaced by Emma Neville, currently Deputy Head at Caterham School in Surrey. When the Rose Hill Board of Governors announced Ms Neville’s appointment last week they confirmed she would start her role with effect from April 1. She is the co-educational independent school’s first female Head Teacher.
Originally located by the town’s Lower Common it moved to its present, purpose-built location in the more central Culverden area in 1966. Since then it has thrived and is regarded as one the country’s leading prep schools thanks to its strong educational track record, impressive sporting results and excellent pastoral values. Ms Neville, who has a Masters in Leadership and Management from Clare College at the University of Cambridge and has also taught at Bishop’s
Stortford College, will continue to champion Rose Hill’s approach to academia by combining traditional values with a friendly and open atmosphere but she will also have a firm focus on the school’s future. Talking about her appointment she said: “Rose Hill has an outstanding reputation as one of the leading prep schools in the country and it is a privilege to be invited to play a key role in shaping the next stage of this magical school.”
‘It is a privilege to be invited to play a key role in shaping the next stage of this magical school’
ALL CHANGE Emma Neville, pictured left, will take up the headship at Rose Hill School on April 1
The Board said their decision was made after a ‘rigorous selection process’ and that Ms Neville’s appointment was due to her being an ‘experienced and highly effective educationalist, who is passionate about providing a broad, progressive curriculum within a stimulating and deeply nurturing environment’. This reflects the educational ethos put in place by Mr Westcombe when he was appointed Head Teacher in 1998. Since then he has, according to a school spokesperson, go on to ‘successfully create an environment that offers a unique educational experience through pupils’ formative years at school.’ Since it was first established in 1832, Rose Hill School in Tunbridge Wells has offered its 300 plus students, aged between 3 and 13, an ‘exceptional all-round education’.
Election results are in FOR the second year running, students from The Skinners’ Kent Academy have been elected to the Kent Youth Council where they will voice the views and opinions of young people throughout the county. Gabriel Baker and Aidan Mars are both 13 and will choose three issues to campaign on for the next year. Aidan said: “Listening to the voices of young people in Kent is
what we are here for. Any queries or worries people have is an opportunity for us to tackle them, making a difference during the next year and in the future.” As the two year 9 students prepare for their important roles Gabriel added: “I have a dream of helping younger people, especially those who live in Tunbridge Wells. If people are affected by anything, we can do more to assist this now we have been elected.”
TOP TEAM: (L-R) Gabriel Baker and Aidan Mars
NEWS IN EDUCATION
Support with learning
Brought to book
Get into teaching
The next Kent West Dyslexia Association workshop is on February 8 from 7.30-9.30pm at the Cawthorn Lecture Theatre, Tonbridge School. Caroline Bateman from Achieve Now will give helpful tips into how technology can help with revision. The interactive session is aimed at secondary school students. Visit www.kentwestdyslexia.org.uk
PUPILS in years 3 and 4 at Holmewood House enjoyed a recent visit from writer Karen McCrombie. The author of over 80 published books including Indie Kid, Ally’s World and Angels Next door, delighted the attentive students with her talk on writing. ‘Lovely visit, lovely kids,” McCrombie commented after her visit.
Claremont Primary forms part of the Teach Kent and Sussex collective. They are able to provide a variety of routes into teacher training across Kent and East Sussex and have places to train teachers from September 2017. These will be across a variety of secondary school subjects and for primary school training. Contact the school for further information.
Education
NEWS
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Weekly Comment
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Tom Tugendhat
MP for Tonbridge & Malling
Tom Tugendhat, MBE, left the British Army in July 2013 after a career in which he served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and as the military assistant to the Chief of the Defence Staff. As a Territorial Army officer, he worked on everything from those ops to establishing the Armed Forces Muslim Association. He also worked for the Foreign Office. He was elected as a Member of Parliament in 2015.
Why Britain has a duty to lead in the world IT IS said that generals always prepare to fight the last war. Sadly it’s true of all of us. Our past experiences shape our actions so strongly that we have to make a determined effort to think about how we should act when the facts change. The legacy of Iraq makes this clear. Operations are compared with Basra and lessons are drawn that convince us not to act. It is understandable but wrong. By focusing on Iraq and not, say, Sierra Leone where British troops saved thousands from the barbarous Rebel United Front, too often we do not learn how to protect the innocent, instead we abandon them to the brutality of force. Understanding that all decisions have consequences and inaction is itself a decision is what brought Jo Cox and me together. We had both spent our lives far outside Westminster and engaged in trying to solve these problems. As a soldier, I fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seeing the impact of war I know the terrible price it can exact. But I also saw the cost of doing nothing. Jo saw it too. In the refugee camps of Darfour she heard the testimony of victims of rape and torture. We both knew the price paid by the most vulnerable. For us, it came to a head in Syria. I’ve been going to Damascus for 20 years. It is the capital of one of
the most beautiful countries in the world with an easy charm that makes it welcoming to everyone. At least it did. Since I was last there the society had collapsed and the Assad regime has taken to using chemical weapons against its own people. At the same time Islamist extremists are murdering thousands and destroying our common heritage. It is hard to argue that our decision not to act has made life better for the civilians still there.
In both our parties the natural instinct towards isolationism is strong and we had to fight it. Prof John Bew of King’s College, London used historic analysis to show clearly that by acting beyond our borders we can bring others with us to defend
Without intervention Britain would be weaker and leave the weakest most exposed Nor has it made us safer. The growth of ISIS and the spread of Jihadist inspired violence has seen people murdered across Europe and our own citizens radicalised. At the same time, refugees fleeing the conflict have put pressure on the resources of eastern European and are destabilising the EU itself. It is hard to see how our inaction has helped. That’s why Jo and I got together to write a paper explaining the importance of intervention as one part of the UK’s arsenal. Without it, Britain would be weaker and leave the weakest most exposed. That would be wrong.
DEVASTATION The price of inaction?
our common interests. That’s why I was so pleased to launch the paper and celebrate Jo’s contribution to public service. Her voice was not silenced and her ideas live on. As she said, and I agree, Britain must lead.
Kent
Business Hitting home
Website: www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk • Twitter: @timeslocalnews • Facebook: www.facebook.com/timeslocalnews/
How 2017 got off to the worst possible start for Bovis Homes – and what it means for the housing sector FULL REPORT PAGE 2
INSIDE
Kent LEGAL SECTOR REVIEW
2017 EIGHT-PAGE SPECIAL
Plus
The woman taking a manufacturer global after 20 years in the shadows PAGE 7
Times Local News CONTACTS: Times Local News 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1TY Tel: 01892 779650 Follow us: facebook.com/timeslocalnews Twitter: @timeslocalnews
Adam Hignett Times of Tunbridge Wells Chief Reporter 01892 576051 adam@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Robin Singer Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Commercial Manager 01892 774781 RSinger@markerstudy.com
For KM Chris Price KM Group Business Editor twitter: @TheChrisPrice email: cprice@thekmgroup.co.uk Paul Francis KM Group Political Editor twitter: @PaulOnPolitics email: pfrancis@thekmgroup.co.uk Letters to the editor Email to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk (please include full postal address and telephone number). Letters should be kept to a maximum of 250 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or cut letters. Send to: Times Local News 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1TY Tel: 01892 779650 The next issue of Kent Business will be out on Friday, February 24, 2017 Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Times Local News & KM Group. This publication is produced by the Times Local News & KM Group Head office: 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1TY Tel: 01892 779650
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HOME TRUTH
‘Huge pressure’ for return behind Bovis’ fight to put house in order Self-inflicted troubles at Kent’s largest housebuilder highlight the race for returns facing bosses in the sector. Chris PriCe reports. Things appeared to be going so well at Bovis Homes. The New Ash Green developer – the ninth largest in the UK by turnover – had successfully calmed investors shortly after the EU referendum result. A trading update showed sales were up by 5% to 1,601 in the first six months of 2016, with average sale prices up 15% to £255,000. Many other housebuilders released similarly positive updates, shrugging off concerns that uncertainty might have stalled investment in the run up to the vote. The announcement in July was not enough to bring its share price back up to levels before the decision to leave the EU – Bovis’ stock fell 37.5% in the two trading days after the Brexit vote – but it was a start. It wowed its shareholders again in November with predictions of record revenues for the year. Then, three days after Christmas, everything began to unravel. On December 28, it surprised investors with a warning that it had “deferred” the completion of 180 homes until the early part of this year. Shifting the sales to the new year would reduce pre-tax profits for 2016 to between £160m to £170m, it said, compared to analysts predictions of £183m. Less than a fortnight later, its chief executive of eight years David Ritchie announced he was quitting after 18 years with the business. Chairman Ian Tyler tried to dispel any concerns Mr Ritchie was leaving under a cloud, saying he was “instrumental in preparing the group for growth” which had seen it double in size during his tenure. However, that was when the real trouble started. It emerged it had offered to pay customers up to £3,000 to move into unfinished homes before its end-of-year cut off date on December 23. Families at its Orchard Fields development in Maidstone revealed how they had been given less than 24 hours notice that their homes would not be ready in time. Many had booked moving vans and effec-
Kelly Terry bought off-plan home at Orchard Fields
‘We had to throw away food as fridge wasn’t ready’
David Ritchie has quit as Bovis Homes chief executive; the developer’s head office is at New Ash Green tively been left homeless. A group of unhappy customers on Facebook, dubbed the Bovis Homes Victims Group, has since swelled to more than 1,000 members. Bovis apologised for the issues it caused to customers but insisted it only offered incentives on homes which were inhabitable. A spokesman said: “We recognise that our customer service has to improve and the leadership of the organisation is absolutely committed to getting this right.” On January 22, the Sunday Times reported Bovis’ second biggest shareholder, Schroder Investment Management, pushed for a merger with larger rival Berkeley in a letter to the
housebuilder’s board. Berkeley apparently rejected the idea. Aside from the damage caused by poor customer service, the Bovis tale reveals much about the industry, according to property moguls. Mark Quinn, managing director of Canterbury housebuilder Quinn Estates, said it disproves the theory that major developers slowly build houses to keep prices high. He said: “When a housebuilder buys a site, he needs to get a return on capital employed. That managing director will be under huge pressure to build houses as quickly as possible. “This is shown by what happened at Bovis, who are paying people to take a house early. “It’s a complete fallacy that
The Orchard Fields development in Maidstone
developers are sitting on land. “When you’ve spent that much money on a planning application you have got to get that site delivering money into your coffers as quickly as possible.” Nick Fenton, chairman of Kent Developers Group, said bosses in the industry are faced with a number of issues. He said: “There is a shortage of labour and materials, it takes too long to bring development sites forward and we need to ensure the infrastructure, utilities, services and jobs are there to support delivery. We also need to look at planning and really understand the complex housing needs of our communities.” Before the recession, 50% of homes were being delivered by smaller housebuilders, a figure which has fallen to between 20% and 25%, according to Mr Fenton. He said small developers need encouragement from local authorities, otherwise Britain’s housing crisis will not be solved. He said: “The market remains strong for housebuilders but this good demand must be considered alongside the continued under supply of housing. In simple terms, we have four generations of families living in three generations of homes and this needs addressing.”
Kelly Terry and her husband, Scott, bought their Bovis home in Orchard Fields, Maidstone, off-plan in April. They had been looking forward to moving in and starting a family. Things began to go wrong in August when their garage was built with the wrong coloured bricks. Mrs Terry complained of poor communication from the firm. Disaster struck the day before she and her husband were due to move. The 28-year-old teacher said: “We were told we were moving in on Wednesday and took time off work and ordered a van as we were doing it ourselves. “At 8.30pm on Tuesday evening we were told we couldn’t move in. “We had to spend the night in a hotel and were effectively homeless.” The couple moved in a few days later but discovered their three-bedroom house was filthy with snagging issues, no proper tiles and a leaking bathroom. Mr Terry, a policeman, even touched a light fitting and it fell from the ceiling. Christmas food had to be thrown away as the fridge was not ready. A spokesman from Bovis Homes said: “We apologise to them for any delays or inconvenience caused during this busy period and where there have been delays we have ensured that customers have free accommodation available during the period of disruption.”
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MOVING MARKET
Rail link drives rise in rented schemes
Shahan Lall with one of his properties
Picture: Steve Crispe FM4647896
In five years, Shahan Lall has built up a rented property portfolio worth £10 million across Kent. The property expert, who grew up in Maidstone, is aiming to have £50 million of private rented sector schemes, known as PRS, on the books of his development firm Lall Group by 2021. Investors are queueing up for the company’s over-subscribed investment funds which will buy buildings and convert them into high-end flats. Mr Lall expects to generate a 55% return to shareholders over five years. His ambitions look achieveable, with the Halifax reporting the average house price in Kent increased by 14% last year to more than £326,000. Chatham – not traditionally seen as a property hotspot – was among the top five towns across the UK for house price growth, with property values jumping 17.1% to £237,545. The surge was more than double the 7.5% annual growth seen across the UK generally. Mr Lall believes high speed rail is the key reason for Kent’s surge, as the London population moves out, unable to afford house prices in the capital. Chatham is a prime example, with a 30-minute commute to St Pancras International and a weekday service of 84 Londonbound trains. Mr Lall said: “High speed rail is the biggest reason for the drive towards Kent. We have acquired a 6,000sq ft site in Folkestone for a PRS scheme which we would not have touched four or five years ago. Now it’s 40 minutes
High speed links to London mean investors are putting their cash into rented property as commuters move to the county. CHRIS PRICE reports. away from Kings Cross. “The average age to get on the property ladder in London is 42 so there is a migration coming out who want quick access to central London.” The rising interest from investors in Kent property has allowed Lall Group to make investments in the last year at New Road in Chatham and Brewer Street and Marsham Street in Maidstone. Mr Lall rejects the idea his company is contributing to rising house prices. He laid the blame for that on councils for not approving enough homes. He said: “People look at developers as an evil entity but there are not enough houses in the market.”
Mr Lall said measures by the government to curb the buy-tolet market – such as increasing stamp duty on second homes from April – have simply pushed out individual landlords. That has made the landscape easier for large scale PRS investors, increasing their attraction. He said: “First-time buyers can’t get onto the market but still want independence from mum and dad. “The private rented schemes are a model which is going to continue. “Unfortunately, with the supply differential it’s just going to lead to increased house prices unless developers can get on site and build more homes.”
FACTFILE Shahan Lall launched Lall Group in 2011 after working as divisional director for pub company Enterprise Inns, making him the youngest divisional portfolio manager of a FTSE 250 company at the age of 32. His company, which is based in Maidstone, employs 17 people and acquired investment and development
company Porters three years ago. He went to Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone and began his career in sales and marketing at Shepherd Neame. He has worked for Port of London Properties and became a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2008. He lives in Rainham with his fiancee.
Business bulletin from KentBusiness.co.uk
Jamie’s jam Jamie Oliver will close six of his restaurants, blaming Brexit pressures. The restaurants include Jamie’s Italian in Tunbridge Wells but not the Bluewater branch. The celebrity chef, who has a net worth of £240m, plans to sell within three months.
Truck record Eurotunnel recorded more than 1.64 million trucks through the Channel Tunnel last year, up 11% on 2015. December was the 14th straight month with record truck traffic.
Banking sale
Agriculture and engineering giant Camellia is offloading most of its private banking business Duncan Lawrie after a cut to interest rates lowered returns for investors. The international group, which has its headquarters in Linton, Maidstone, and one of its four offices in Wrotham, indicated concerns about the “challenging environment” in its half-year financial results in August.
Bought out
Dartford engineering consultancy GDM Group, which has fitted offices near the Old Bailey and some of London’s high-end residential developments, has been bought by property services group Styles&Wood for £4m in cash and shares, with up to £3.1m payable later.
BUSINESS Month
4
A round up of the big news from our website www.KentBusiness.co.uk
Park ‘unlikely’ MEDICAL NEWS to pay creditors Some creditors owed £5.2m by Dreamland are unlikely to get all their money back, administrators of the Margate attraction have warned. A progress report by administrators Duff and Phelps places a question mark over the claims made by some creditors because of the ongoing financial challenges facing the business, which went into administration in 2015.
Permission for airport analysis RiverOak, the American investment firm that wants to reopen Manston as an airport, has been granted permission to access the site to carry out an environmental analysis. It comes as its owners Stone Hill Park confirmed they will appeal a decision by Thanet District Council to refuse permission to use buildings on the site for nonaviation purposes.
Saga reports strong trading Saga, the over-50s holiday and insurance giant, has told shareholders it continued to trade strongly in the second half of last year. The Folkestone company, which employs nearly 4,500 people, of which 3,000 work in Kent, is on course to meet financial expectations for the year, it said in a trading update.
Wildlife park to get a sister Wingham Wildlife Park has taken over the site of the former Rare Species Conservation Centre at Bellar’s Bush near Sandwich. It will turn it into a sister centre called Sandwich Wildlife Park.
Fashion brand’s second shop Online women’s fashion brand Missguided is poised to open its second store in Bluewater. The clothing retailer, which launched its first shop in Westfield shopping centre in Stratford in November, is due to open the 16,000sq ft outlet in the summer.
£2m beach sewage fine Southern Water has been fined a massive £2m after untreated sewage polluted the sea and beach at Margate in 2012.
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Chief executive Simon James; theatre practioners in an operating room; KIMS Hospital
Hospital still making a loss Sheps buys The Oak on the Green
Picture: Martin Apps FM2272541
A private hospital has thrown its aspirations of breaking even next year out the window as it continued to make significant losses despite growing patient numbers. KIMS Hospital in Maidstone suffered pre-tax losses of £15.9m in the year to April, up 4%, despite increasing revenues by 86% to £16.4m, according to its latest accounts. The institution, which opened two years ago, did not rule out seeking further funding to help it grow, even though a restructure in November 2014 injected £20m. However, the health of the
business improved, with underlying losses before interest, taxes and other charges (EBITDAR) improving by 23% to £7.2 million. Chief executive Simon James said the hospital is still in a “growth and investment phase” and is working on a five to seven year timeline towards profitability. He put the sustained losses down to “indirect costs” and new accounting standards. At present, he said revenues “continue on an upward trajectory” but did not commit to his aspirations last year, when he said the site would be breaking
even and generating income of £24-£26m in the 12 months to April 2017. He said: “Revenues had good growth and if you look at EBITDAR, that indicates an operational improvement and losses have dropped by £2.2m. “The important number is the improvement on the EBITDAR. That indicates we are growing. Our investors are very pleased with the performance and will continue to invest.” The hospital, at Kent Medical Campus near junction 7 of the M20, increased overall patient numbers by 71% in the year to April, treating 2,700 private
cases, up 69%, and 2,100 NHS cases, up 75%. However, it used an average of just 22.5% of beds, up from 12% the previous year, while operating theatres worked at 36% of capacity, compared to 20% the previous year. The facility, which has a rent holiday until April 2019, has increased staff numbers by nearly two thirds since April 2015, employing 304 people and working with about 250 consultants. Mr James said: “Between now and the end of April I’m confident we will probably have one month where we should hit break even.”
Pulses trader bought by 230-year-old firm A global commodities trader is to buy a $300m turnover pulses supplier in Kent with trading offices in 12 countries. ED&F Man, which distributes agricultural products like coffee and sugar around the world, is taking control of Maviga in Yalding for an undisclosed sum. The deal is likely to result in a huge payday for privately-owned Maviga’s nine shareholders, particularly chief executive Marcus Coles, who owns 51% of the firm. He founded the company in 1994, which featured in the MegaGrowth 50 list of Kent’s fastestgrowing companies in 2013 and entered the The Sunday Times’ Top Track 250 in 2015 with pretax profits up 62% to $8m. It originates, processes and ships about 250,000 tons of bagged or bulk containerised products from more than 25 places to cli-
Neil Brooks-Johnson from Lloyds, Andrew Griggs from Reeves, now Kreston Reeves, Geraldine Allinson from KM Group and Russell Bell from asb law, present Maviga with a certificate for making it into the MegaGrowth 50 list in 2013 ents in more than 65 markets around the world. Its takeover signals a new focus on the grow-
ing market for dried edible pulses and crops like sesame seeds for ED&F Man, which was founded
in 1783 and employs about 7,000 people in more than 60 countries. ED&F Man chief executive Philip Howell said: “This is a strategic acquisition in a dynamic sector, of a highly-regarded company with an accomplished leadership team. “The global market for edible pulses is growing rapidly – it is estimated that the world’s population will be nine billion by 2050. This will place an even greater reliance on leguminous protein.” Maviga chief executive Mr Coles said: “This is about the perpetuity of our business, something that ED&F Man, with its 230-year heritage understands. “ED&F Man has a strong entrepreneurial culture and will be able to provide Maviga with investment capital for both continued organic growth and acquisitions.”
chain of restaurants
Beer and pub company Shepherd Neame has bought a chain of five restaurants in Kent for £11.9m. The Faversham brewer, which employs about 1,300 people, has taken control of Village Green Restaurants from owners Alex and Helen Bensley. Its new additions include the Oak on the Green and the Fish on the Green in Bearsted, the Old Mill in Kennington, the Chequers on the Green in High Halden and the Swan and Dog in Great Chart. The restaurants had a combined turnover of £6.6m and an operating profit of £900,000 in the year to October 2015. To fund the takeover, Shepherd Neame has extending its revolving credit facility – a rolling loan agreement with the bank – from £20m to £45m. It means the company has access to bank finance worth £105m. Chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “Over recent years we have transformed our pub profile, greatly developed our food offer and enhanced the experience for our customers and this is another important development in our strategy.” Shepherd Neame, which makes Spitfire and Master Brew, operates 328 pubs, of which 267 are tenanted or leased and 54 managed. Another seven are held as investment properties. The Village Green Restaurants will come under the firm’s managed division.
Rail firms come last
Nine banks to close
Cliff lift under threat
Two rail companies in Kent have come bottom of consumer champion Which?’s annual survey. Southern, with routes from Ashford and Tonbridge, was bottom following a series of strikes. Second bottom was Southeastern, responsible for most of the county’s services.
NatWest is to close nine branches across Kent this summer, leaving some customers with a journey of nearly six miles to reach their nearest bank. The lender, part of Government-owned RBS, said the decision was because more people are choosing to manage their finances online.
A tourist attraction which has carried 35m tourists up and down the cliffs in Folkestone since 1885 is under threat. The grade II-listed Leas Lift could close after the community company which runs it said it could not afford an £80,000 bill for new brakes. It is hoped a Heritage Lottery Fund bid may save it.
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STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Directors proud to be the ‘custodians’ of historic firm As it marks its 140th anniversary, building contractor WW MARTIN is proving it can thrive in a climate of tight margins and high costs where some competitors have failed. CHRIS PRICE reports. The past two years have been difficult for construction contractors in Kent. Two of the county’s biggest names, Epps in Ashford and Cardy in Canterbury, went bust despite strong order books, leaving high-profile building sites unfinished, subcontractors out of pocket and scores of people out of work. With that in mind, it is worth marking the achievements of WW Martin, a contractor based in Ramsgate that marks its 140th anniversary this year. The firm managed a record turnover in 2016 of £36 million and re-entered the MegaGrowth 50 list of Kent’s fastest-growing private companies – a rare feat given its age. In the past year, it has completed a new bus depot for Stagecoach in Herne Bay and the Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs for East Kent College. Its present projects include a primary school for the Ebbsfleet Garden City. The achievements have come five years after the business came under new ownership, having been with its founding family for 135 years. Friends and business associates Mike Darling, Ian Posnett, Neil Peck and John Higgins proposed a management buyout after managing director Tony Morland – the last man running the business known by the Martin family – signalled his intention to retire after four decades. The offer was accepted and, after Mr Higgins retired in April, the remaining trio have been left to guide the business in its next steps. “We are custodians really,” said Mr Posnett, who met Mr Darling at Canterbury Technology College in 1985 and was eventually his best man. “We are now looking after its 100 staff.” “We have that longevity and reputation and we need to maintain it,” added Mr Darling. “It is a good oldfashioned company that needed moving into the 21st century with a very strong reputation.” Its directors have moved the business forward with
Business engagement (Fire saFety) team
LOVE YOUR BUSINESS
FACTFILE WW Martin still has one member of the founding family working for the company as a lorry driver. Julian Martin is greatgreat-grandson of founder William Woodgate Martin.
From left, WW Martin directors Neil Peck, Mike Darling and Ian Posnett
A balanced risk strategy
The Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs for East Kent College
The new bus depot in Herne Bay for Stagecoach
Renovation work on part of Chatham Historic Dockyard
The building of Epps Construction in Ashford, which went bust in 2015
Cardy Construction in Maynard Road, Wincheap, which collapsed last year; one of its construction sites in Rhodaus Town, Canterbury a tight focus on costs and a realistic attitude. While housing developers work to margins of 25% to 30%, contractors like WW Martin typically have margins between 1% and 2% per job. Business has been made more tricky with fluctuating raw-material costs and the volatility of the pound after the Brexit vote. “It’s a high-risk industry
with small margins,” said Mr Darling. “If you have an issue on site it doesn’t take long to wipe out your margins on a particular project. “People think developers make a lot of money but WW Martin are not in that end of the business.” The trio, who all live in Broadstairs, have sympathy for the bosses of Cardy Construction and Epps, the latter
of which ceased trading after 174 years. “It’s been a tough six years for everybody,” said Mr Posnett. “Clients just want to put all the risk on us. We have to try and negotiate with them.” Mr Darling said: “The construction industry itself is a very volatile industry. “We always say it’s the first into recession and last out. A
WW Martin, which has become the main sponsor for Kent County Cricket Club and Ramsgate FC to mark its anniversary year, has combated risk with a mix of safe and higher exposure work. The business, which employs six apprentices, has become an approved contractor for Kent County Council because “it is good safe money”. Mr Darling said: “You mix that with some of the higher risk work with higher margins. “Our job is to make sure money gets built into the figures we negotiate and tender for. People can get caught in a rising market. It is not an exact science. Sometimes it’s an assessment of a risk that you take or don’t take.” However, growth will not be at all costs. The aim over the next five years is to maintain turnover near present levels to avoid the need for outside help. Mr Darling said: “If we raise turnover to £70 million we will have to bring in people we don’t really know to help us and that is not what we want.” recession hits hard, and all of a sudden the competition gets worse and your margins come down. “Most of the problems for the likes of Epps were getting caught in a rising market on cheap-priced work after coming out of recession. Then prices rise at a high rate of knots, and if client’s don’t pay you then you end up in trouble.”
Asabusinessareyouawareof yourfiresafetyresponsibilities? KentFire&RescueService BusinessEngagementTeamare adesignated,freesupportservice readytoansweranyof yourquestions. Theteamof6,promotebusinessfire safetyawarenessacrossthecounty andassistinthereductionof non-domesticfirestothebusiness economyofKent. Smallandmediumbusinesses cantakeadvantageofinformation thefiresafetyteamcanprovide. Theteamcanhelpyou,asa business,undertakeyourown fireriskassessmentandmeet allresponsibilitiesexpectedofa responsibleperson-leavingyou,as abusinessowner,withmoretimeto loveyourbusiness! Theteamaredeliveringfreeadvice throughout2017throughvarious eventsandvisits: •Onetooneadvicevisits •Seminarsandworkshops •Networkingeventsandgroups •Seasonalcampaigns
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Business bulletin from KentBusiness.co.uk
‘Guru’ guilty
A Kent-based motivational speaker who advised businessmen on “inspiring sales” has been revealed as a fraudster. Consultant Keith Liddiard, 54, posted videos on YouTube boasting “leadership and essential skills for businessmen”. But a jury at Canterbury Crown Court decided the business “guru”, from Rowan Mews, Tonbridge, who ran Liddiard Company Associates, had fraudulently claimed £45,000 in VAT. He received a ninemonth sentence suspended for two years.
Freight sale
UPS, the global package delivery company, has bought a freight-forwarding business in the county. The US giant, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has taken control of Dover-based Freightex for an undisclosed sum. Founded in 2001, Freightex had revenues of £22.5 million and pre-tax profits of £632,000 in the year to the end of March 2016.
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CHARITY PLANS
Children’s hospice wants to double the help it gives by Chris Price Business Editor cprice@thekmgroup.co.uk @TheChrisPrice A children’s hospice charity has launched a five-year plan to double the number of families it supports and increase its income by at least 25%. Demelza, which has hospices
in Sittingbourne and Eltham, now works with 650 people a year. It aims to help 1,300 by 2021. It anticipates it will need to hire another 20 to 30 staff over the period, adding to the 300 who already work with the charity and expand its network of 1,000 volunteers by about 100. The drive, led by chief executive Ryan Campbell, is to address the changing nature of care for
Dealer slump Declining motor sales put the brakes on profits at a Mercedes-Benz truck and van seller. Sparshatts of Kent, a commercial vehicle dealer, suffered a 14% slide in turnover to £78.3 million last year as it sold less lorries and wagons. Bosses at the company – which has dealerships in Sittingbourne, Dartford, Ashford and Tonbridge – said they were “very pleased” with pre-tax profits of £784,000, down 44%, and are “hopeful of further future growth”.
children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity, which has nine beds in its Sittingbourne hospice and six in Eltham, aims to provide more services to its users within their own homes. Mr Campbell, who has been in post for a year and a half, said: “If you live in Margate with three kids, one of whom is poorly, and don’t have a car, then getting to Sittingbourne for a weekend is quite a big deal. “It doesn’t suit everyone so we need to go out and deliver care where people are. “We already do some of that with the therapies we offer but we don’t offer nursing care in people’s own homes and we want to be able to do that.” The charity, which covers the whole of Kent and parts of East Sussex, estimates it works with about 20% of eligable families within its catchment area. A large part of its expansion drive is down to the growing number of children with life-limiting illnesses, which is expected to double within 20 years. Five years ago the hospice dealt with one or two neonatal infant cases a month. Today it is about four times that figure.
‘That time is very precious for families’ Ryan Campbell, chief executive at Demelza Picture: Chris Davey FM4602614
– Ryan Campbell, Demelza chief executive
Poppy Few, aged one, drawing at Demelza Mr Campbell said: “This is actually a good thing. The reason is advances in medicine and science. “It is doing two things. Some children who would not have made it to birth are being born and surviving. “It might be for a short amount of time but they are surviving and that time is very precious for the families. “On the other hand, some conditions where people might have been expected to die in childhood are actually being treated so they can live into their 20s and 30s. “That is challenging as we are a children’s service and have got staff for toddlers but not for 20-year-olds. “The difficulty is that adult palliative care tends to be set up for 75-year-olds with cancer. You do not fit there if you are a 21-yearold with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which is a very rare progressive condition, where an adult needs more-and-more help with day-to-day activities. “We need to make sure there is support there for people as they grow up and want independence.”
Pictures: Andy Jones FM4517438
Yearly cost now £8m Demelza, which has 24 charity shops, of which 18 are in Kent, needs to increase its income by a quarter to cope with the large cost of its ambitions. It spent £6.7m providing care in the year to September 2015, growing to £10.5m once wages and other costs are taken into account. Mr Campbell, who has published the hospice’s aims in a five-year strategy document, said the costs of providing care are now closer to £8m and due to rise under its new outreach model. He aims to increase income through fundraising, its charity shops and its charity lottery. He said: “It is certainly achievable and isn’t out of step with the growth path of Demelza in history.”
Riley Stockbridge, one, throwing ducks into the pool at Demelza FM4517435
Correction In the article “Profits add up to £1.9m payday” on Page 1 of the December issue of Kent Business, it was stated that Nigel Fright, managing partner of Kreston Reeves, had the largest individual entitlement of the firm’s profit share, totalling £365,690, among the business’s management team. This was incorrect. Mr Fright was not the partner with this entitlement. We apologise for the error and are happy to make the clarification.
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www.kentbusiness.co.uk
News
SPRINGING INTO ACTION
Boss pushing firm from ‘grandad’s workshop’ to worldwide trade
Design engineer Phil Lenney and senior technical manager Max Sheppard test one of the Kineteco products on an engine FM4648900
Little-known manufacturer Kineteco is ready to go global with its life-saving product after quietly going about its work for 20 years. chris Price reports With a shove and a sassy shake of her finger, 10-year-old Kira Harris pushed aside engineer Ollie to show him how to work a manual spring starter. Towers School pupil Kira, now 11, is the star of a product video for Ashfordbased manufacturer Kineteco. She is also the niece of managing director Karen Rhodes, an accountant turned engineering boss who is turning a hidden gem into a global player in the maritime safety sector. “What is better to show how easy it is to use your product than a schoolgirl showing an engineer how to do it?” asked Ms Rhodes, who has been at the company for three and a half years. The firm, which employs 10 people, makes devices which can manually start engines when electric starters fail. The spring starter has been used by fishermen for decades because of its life saving potential for the crews of vessels on the high seas. The niche product was part of the giant Midlands automotive manufacturer Lucas CAV until it sold off the business in 1996 when bosses decided it was not in line with the rest of its products. Yet life was not easy for the new owners of the company – three business associates and engineers. “If you had seen the place when I turned up…” said Ms Rhodes with a gasp. “It was treated as the shareholders’ hobby rather than a company going places, even though it had potential.
Kineteco managing director Karen Rhodes and, right, Kira Harris, then aged 10, shows how to use a spring starter made by Kineteco in Willesborough Industrial Park, Ashford “There were only three people, all in the same office, with no office furniture or decent computers. “I often say I wish I had taken photos when I started working here. It was like going into your grandad’s workshop.” Ms Rhodes joined the firm after a career as the finance director for several companies and 10 years consulting on mergers and acquisitions across Europe in the oil and gas sector.
Production manager James Sackett working on a spring pack at Kineteco in Willesborough Industrial Park, Ashford FM4648884
“I wanted a challenge,” she said. “I loved the product. No one really does it. It’s global and yet so small and I thought ‘I can do something with this’. “Sales were under-marketed. No one knew about the product and when they did they thought it was a great idea. The company was run very on much wordof-mouth and run on repeat business.” Whereas its previous owners serviced orders as and when they arrived, today
Kineteco’s structure has been formalised into divisions like purchasing and sales. “Now it’s very streamlined,” said Ms Rhodes, who lives in Ash, near Canterbury, and grew up in Ashford. “People are responsible for their departments. An order comes in and it’s out the door the same day. Things are massively changing.” That change has not been without
A mechanical engine starter, one of Kineteco’s products FM4648894
its challenges. One of Ms Rhodes’ first actions was to cancel a deal with its primary distributor, which slashed annual turnover from £723,000 to £398,000. “It resulted in less turnover but more profit,” she said. “That was the level of discount we were giving them. It was pointless. “We took the hit in the last year and we are now seeing a massive improvement in the figures in the current financial year. “Being a niche product, they can’t buy it from anyone else. So customers can buy from me directly or through our new network of distributors at a reasonable price. “Now we are seeing an increase in the numbers and our margins are better. That is where my finance background comes into this.” Kineteco, which is based in three units at Willesborough Industrial Park, managed turnover of £314,000 in the year to the end of July 2016, although pre-tax losses grew 59% to £218,000. The aim over the next five years is to increase output to be between 5,000 and 8,000 a year to make the company profitable. At present the firm sells about 1,000 starters a year. Deals are now in place with distributors in Australia, the Far East and the so-called Benelux countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Ms Rhodes said: “It’s more than doable from this premises and with this level of staffing.”
Kineteco apprentice engineer Jamie Nichols Pictures: Gary Browne FM4648889
News
Buyback of £5m as directors block bids Palm oil company MP Evans has announced its first share buyback programme as directors seek to take advantage of a continued undervaluation of its assets. The £5 million buyback comes after the Tunbridge Wells firm, which trades on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market, spent the final three months of last year battling numerous hostile takeover bids. Shareholders tried to block the moves by the Malaysian palm oil giant KL Kepong, which was valuing MP Evans at 740p a share. Directors at MP Evans, which owns oil-palm plantations in Indonesia and property development in Malaysia, have argued the true value of their company should be 1,082p a share. Shares in the company were trading at around 635p shortly after the buyback announcement on January 16. It will be funded by the recent disposal of its 37% stake in the Indonesian plantation operator PT Agro Muko to Belgian partner Sipef group for £82 million. An announcement to investors said: “The board continues to believe the current share price very substantially undervalues the group’s assets, the performance of the business to date and its future prospects. “The board sees a case for buybacks being economically attractive since the group’s shares are trading well below the share price implied by the recent independent valuation of its assets.”
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ONLINE ORDERS
Fish trader surfing the web to tackle increasing prices
Business bulletin from KentBusiness.co.uk
Trust control for theatre Canterbury City Council wants to hand control of the Marlowe Theatre to a charitable trust and close the city’s heritage museum. If approved, the 1,200-seat theatre, which reopened in 2011 after a £25 million rebuild, will be managed by an independent trust, but remain under council ownership.
It is never too late to get a business trading online but it is rare that rising demand – and costs – for fish prompts entrepreneurs to take the digital plunge. ADAM HIGNETT reports.
Owner Matt Sankey outside Sankey’s in Tunbridge Wells
The Sankey’s brand has been synonymous with the fish trade for decades. It has two restaurants, a fishmongers and a wholesale division, all based in Tunbridge Wells. Owner Matt Sankey admits his business was slow to adapt to online, which he and his business partner of nine years, Graeme Anderson, are keen to rectify. “We missed a trick really,” he said. “While all the supermarkets and fishmongers moved online, we just stayed as a retail shop. “So in December we moved online and it gives us an opportunity to reach people who would never come to Tunbridge Wells.” The move has helped Sankey’s tap into the click-and-collect mar-
ket, where commuters can pick up a nice piece of fish for dinner from its restaurants on the Pantiles and Mount Ephraim, even after its fishmonger has closed for the day. The expansion of its retail offer has been backed up by a welldeveloped wholesale operation, which uses a fleet of vans for deliveries to other restaurants and hotels. Demand has been driven by an increasing appetite for fish among the population. The firm delivers up to a tonne of mussels per week. Sourcing such vast quantities of fish is challenging, with daily deliveries from London’s Billingsgate market still an integral part of the supply, although the majority is now bought direct from suppliers. The devaluation of the pound
Water firm’s revenues up since the EU referendum has increased prices from non-British suppliers. Mr Sankey said: “Sometimes we have to buy from the continent if they have the product and our guys have not. This is an issue at the moment due to the strength of the euro. “It means it is more expensive for us to buy abroad, but it is also driving up the price of domestic products because, for European merchants, British seafood is now relatively cheap.” They say the increased cost means there is no choice but to pass on price rises to customers, as margins in the industry are wafer thin. Mr Anderson said: “If you take a knock on the price even for a short time you see its impact on the bottom line at the end of the week.
“Prices therefore fluctuate with the market.” Price fluctuations are a very common occurrence, as the industry is highly affected by seasonal factors and weather. Mr Sankey said: “In effect the industry is still all about hunting. “There is no guarantee fishermen will come back after two or three days with a catch. “They are not going to risk their lives in a storm, so supply dwindles when the weather is bad. People still want to eat fish and so prices rocket. “You have to keep your eye on the ball the whole time. If you take a week off you will be completely lost. “It is a fascinating industry to be in but it is completely unpredictable.”
Meat wholesaler’s value revealed The full value of a meat wholesaler has emerged after it was taken over by a new Brazilian owner. Universal Meats, which was acquired by food and poultry processor BRF SA in April 2015, recorded a 352% surge in pre-tax profits to £12.6m after reorganising the business, according to its latest accounts. The huge increase came after acquiring 99 companies worth £9m for just £495. The takeovers essentially brought under one firm all the businesses of its directors, formerly led by MD Colin Norton, making it easier for the sale to its new South American owners. The company, which previously traded under the name Invicta Food Group, insisted it had not got a bargain on the 99 acquisitions because there was no change in “ultimate beneficial ownership” of the reorganised companies. It listed the value of the
South East Water made revenues of £111 million in the first half of its financial year, up 1%. The drinking water supplier serves around 2.1 million customers in large parts of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Pre-tax profits were static at £21.8 million.
£1.9m fund for research A consortium has secured £1.9 million of funding for student-led crop research. Tonbridge-based fruit producer Berry Gardens and NIAB EMR, formerly known as East Malling Research, teamed up to win funding for a six-year PhD scholarship programme.
Takeover of ship repairer Britain’s largest independent ship repairer has made its fifth takeover for an undisclosed sum as it continues expansion following a management buyout. Burgess Marine, based in Dover, has acquired Superyacht procurement firm Global Services and its sister company, Global New Builds.
Operating profit rises Universal Meats building at Eureka Park, Ashford new subsidiaries under its profits rather than assets to show the “enhanced value of the group” – meaning the profit figure shows its value. The Ashford company – which supplies meats from South America and the Far East to the UK, Ireland and Nordic countries – increased turnover by 42% to nearly £190m in the year to the end of March last year. Operating profit jumped 27% to £3.5m at the business, whose subsidiary
Invicta Foodservice Limited ranked third in the 2013 MegaGrowth 50 list of Kent’s fastest-growing companies. The company, which employs about 20 people, was bought for £18m by BRF SA, which was already one of the world’s leading meat exporters, with food sold in more than 110 countries. The Brazilian firm was created in 2012 following the merger of Perdigão and Sadia.
An electronic components distributor and sustainable energy company has swung back into operating profit after overstretching itself on projects which put it in the red. APC Technology, based in Strood, is still expecting to make a loss of £4.6 million for the year to the end of August after taking a £12.8 million hit on the costs of exiting some parts of its business. However, operating profit is likely to reach £300,000, up from a £1.4m underlying deficit last year, with gross margins growing to £35.8% compared to 26.3%.
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A KM Group publication
We now live in an era of rankings, covering everything from hotels to school results. In the legal world, the annual guides produced by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 fulfil that role. Both are respected because they are independently researched, and draw heavily on interviews with clients. Chambers and the Legal 500 use different research methodologies, so Kent Business combines their findings to offer an overall picture of the Kent legal market. To do this, we translate both guides’ band-based rankings into an equivalent numerical score. We award five points for a top band ranking, four points for band two, and so on. Where both guides analyse the same area of law in broadly the same way, a total of 10 points will be up for grabs in that section – five for a top tier ranking in the Legal 500 and another five for Chambers. Where one guide covers a legal practice area, but the other guide does not, the maximum possible score a firm can receive in that section obtain is five. Occasionally, for ease of presentation, we combine closely related sections. For example, Chambers has three different sub-
categories of corporate and M&A law covering Southern England, which we have consolidated into just one. Where a combination has occurred, we award each firm the highest score they obtained across each of these combined sections. Occasionally, different categories are combined and separated differently on a year-by-year basis. Our tables reflect these changes. Last year, for example, we combined intellectual property (IP) and information technology (IT) into one classification. This year, we have one unified category for IT and telecoms, but a separate category for IP. Our findings are also broken down to key areas of expertise with accompanying tables, including corporate and commercial, dispute resolution, private client and charities, and real estate and public sector. The larger the firm, the more sections it will typically be ranked in. Most of our tables only contain rankings directly attributed to law firms’ offices in Kent. Unlike in previous years, this year we have specifically excluded locations such as Bromley or Beckenham – which is why several previouslyincluded firms do not now appear. Points are awarded for Kent-
rated offices only. This means that offices rated only in locations such as Crawley or Orpington are excluded. However, recognising that some Kent firms enjoy a nationwide reputation, table 1b combines the total rankings for our firms’ rated Kent offices and adds points from Chambers assessed on a truly UK-wide basis. To give smaller or niche firms a chance to shine, table 6 highlights firms that are highly-rated in a limited number of practice areas – only firms ranked in four or fewer practice areas are included. To allow readers to identify which of these firms are consistently highly rated, we produce an average score per ranking. We then rank firms from high to low, based on this average score. For most tables, last year’s rankings are shown in parenthesis. However, care should be exercised in drawing year-on-year comparisons. Subtle changes in the practice areas included in both directories, coupled with methodologic changes to how we compile our rankings, are likely to have a significant cumulative impact on both individual firm scores, and their relative ranking positions, when compared with previous years.
Kent LEGAL SECTOR REVIEW
We must be agile and ready to adapt by Christina Blacklaws Law Society deputy vice-president As I live and work in Kent, I feel passionate about making the most of the opportunities for our county and, of course, for our law firms. Although there are many challenges, solicitors excel at adaptation and I am confident that our profession will continue to make a significant contribution to the financial health of Kent. However, I want to focus on the equally important but often unrecognised contribution that solicitors make to our communities. In my travels across the county and the country, I have spoken to many solicitors in all walks of the profession. One of the key issues I picked up was their commitment to helping others. Despite often being unfairly characterised as only interested in money or themselves, solicitors work hard to help other people. Whether this be through supporting clients to resolve often highly complex legal and business issues or through our charitable and pro bono work, across all communities, solicitors take their responsibilities seriously. I know of many firms in Kent who do marvellous work to raise funds for charities and individuals who use their skill sets as school governors or trustees of charitable boards. Solicitors have a deep commitment to social justice and rights and this is evidenced by the nearly two million hours of voluntary time that lawyers across England and Wales give each year as they advise some of the most vulnerable people in our society. So I, too, feel a strong sense of pride and am honoured and humbled to represent the solicitor profession. Another theme is the legal profession’s response to the drive for greater agility from clients and colleagues alike. Innovation and modernisation are becoming key concepts in the legal sector as we develop new technologies, agile working initiatives and operating models to help us work smarter. One of the barriers to more flexible working is the notion that it
Christina Blacklaws says solicitors have a deep commitment to social justice and rights is only for working mums or that it only means part-time working. There has been a significant trend over the past year for firms to introduce agile working, giving staff greater control over how, when and where they work. It is about more than just parttime hours, with some firms formalising working from home for all. Role models are vital to the success of a more agile model – male and female leaders need to adopt flexible working for it to become culturally accepted in the firm. We should not underestimate the significance that technology plays in the delivery of modern legal services. Of course, excellence of client service is paramount for all law firms and it is vital to link technology with positive outcomes for clients: cognitive technology allows us to do tasks better, faster, cheaper. Law firms of all shapes and sizes need the best lawyers they can get to survive increasingly
About the author The Kent Legal Sector Review has been compiled by Richard Parnham, right, a legal journalist, copywriter and researcher. Now based in Cardiff, Richard previously lived near Kent’s northern border for more than a decade. To learn more, follow him on Twitter @RichardParnham or visit www. legaljournalism.com
cost-conscious clients, legal aid cuts and threats from increasingly business-oriented competitors. Those firms that can create diverse, agile, future-focused businesses will be able to gain all the advantages of the technological revolution in legal services. I am certain that many of those law firms are based in Kent. n Christina Blacklaws is the chief operating officer at Cripps LLP – Kent’s largest law firm
‘Despite often being unfairly characterised as only interested in money or themselves, solicitors work hard to help other people’ Christina Blacklaws
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Kent LEGAL SECTOR REVIEW 2017 KENT POSITION 2015
162
1
1
Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP
86
89
2
3
Brachers LLP
81
90
3
2
Furley Page Solicitors
53
53
4
5
asb law LLP
50
73
5
4
Warners Solicitors
36
36
6
7
Whitehead Monckton
34
34
7
8
Gullands Solicitors
20
20
8
11
Knights Solicitors
14
19
9
12
Clarke Kiernan LLP Solicitors
12
12
10
13
McMillan Williams
9
9
11
17
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP
8
48
12
6
Rawlison Butler LLP
6
-
13
-
Loch Employment Law
5
5
14
21
Weightmans LLP
4
4
15
23
Sharratts
3
3
16
24
Stantons Solicitors
3
3
16
24
TG Baynes
3
8
16
18
Boys & Maughan
2
-
19
-
GT Stewart Solicitors and Advocates
2
2
19
27
Thomas Mansfield
2
6
19
20
Yet again, Kent has a runaway legal market leader. Based on rankings from the Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 guides, the industry’s two bibles, Cripps LLP is way ahead of its nearest competitors. The firm’s Kent-only scores, shown on table 1, were far higher than either of its closest rivals Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP (TSP) and Brachers LLP. At the end of 2016, Cripps’ dominance of the Kent legal market took on a very tangible form. In December, the firm moved into its highly visible new headquarters in Tunbridge Wells built on the site of the former Kent & Sussex Hospital. Around 300 of the firm’s
Cripps managing partner Gavin Tyler Picture: John Cassidy/The Headshot Guy
staff now work there. According to Gavin Tyler, the firm’s managing partner, Cripps had been on the hunt for a new Tunbridge Wells
base for more than a decade. Cripps’ move comes at a time when the firm’s revenue is also booming. In the year to April 2016, turnover reached £28.3m – up by 9% on 2015. By way of contrast, the revenues generated by Cripps’ main Kent rival, TSP, were smaller. It made £18.9m in the year to June 2016. More positively, TSP’s revenue growth over the past year was higher – rising by 12%. TSP’s five-year growth strategy – under the leadership of its first ever chief executive, Simon Slater – is to yield annual revenues of £25m. Making up the third part of Kent’s highly-rated n Turn to page 15
FIRM
POSITION 2015
KENT POSITION 2016
149
Including national results
POSITION 2016
POINTS TOTAL 2015
Cripps LLP
Market leader is way ahead of main rivals
Table 1b: Kent’s best law firms POINTS TOTAL 2015
FIRM
POINTS TOTAL 2016
Based on Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 rankings
POINTS TOTAL 2016
Table 1: Kent’s best-performing law firms
Cripps LLP
155
165
1
1
Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP
91
94
2
2
Brachers LLP
81
91
3
3
asb law LLP
55
85
4
4
Furley Page Solicitors
53
53
5
6
Weightmans LLP
45
48
6
7
Warners Solicitors
36
36
7
9
*Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP’s numbers are calculated nationally only
Whitehead Monckton
34
34
8
10
Gullands Solicitors
20
20
9
13
Knights Solicitors
14
19
10
14
Clarke Kiernan LLP Solicitors
12
12
11
15
McMillan Williams
9
9
12
18
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP*
8
61
13
5
Rawlison Butler LLP
6
-
14
-
GT Stewart Solicitors and Advocates
6
2
14
27
Loch Employment Law
5
5
16
22
Sharratts
3
3
17
24
Stantons Solicitors
3
3
17
24
TG Baynes
3
8
17
19
Boys & Maughan
2
-
20
-
Thomas Mansfield
2
6
20
21
ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
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Experts in our field Don’t just take our word for it, both The Legal 500 and Chambers and partners give our solicitors and practice areas a great ranking. We will build up a detailed understanding of your business so we can tailor our advice for you. ■ Business defence ■ Charity Law
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WEST KENT’S ULTIMATE PROPERTY GUIDE – FREE EVERY WEDNESDAY A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING TO BUY, LET OR SELL
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UNDER £250,000 ERIDGE ROAD, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
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UNDER £350,000 WOODSIDE ROAD, RUSTHALL
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PROPERTY
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great properties by price range… Under £450,000 HILL VIEW ROAD, RUSTHALL
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UNDER £600,000 OLD SCHOOL HOUSE, SMARDEN
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GREEN LANE, CROWBOROUGH
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£799,500 FREEHOLD
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Finished in a modern and contemporary style, this country home has a large triple aspect kitchen/sitting/dining room with bi-fold doors leading to a granite stone seating terrace and the rest of the garden. There is a vaulted reception hallway, family room and open stone fire place, as well as a guest bedroom with en suite wet room. The outside of the property is approached by wrought iron electric gates and a pea stone driveway which in turn leads to a double garage with electric rolling door. CONTACT Mansell McTaggart 01825 760770 www.mansellmctaggart.co.uk
42
PROPERTY
Smugley Farm House
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
AT A GLANCE SMUGLEY FARM HOUSE GOUDHURST, KENT ■ Grade II listed ■ Entrance hall ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Dining room ■ Inner hall ■ Cloakroom ■ Utility room ■ Cellar ■ Drawing room ■ Sitting room ■ Study ■ Master bedroom with en suite ■ 5 further bedrooms ■ 2 family bathrooms ■ Detached triple garage with games room ■ Formal gardens and grounds ■ Paddock ■ Pond ■ Summer house ■ In all about 2.64 acres
GUIDE PRICE
£1,500,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk
Live in a fairytale with this period farmhouse
This 15th Century Grade II listed farmhouse enjoys a peaceful, rural position.
bracketts est. 1828
When experience counts...
Central Tonbridge
£425,000 - £450,000
Tonbridge
£1,200,000
Impressive Family House, quiet location within walking distance of the Town Centre. 4/5 Bedrooms, 4/5 Reception Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, Garage & Parking. EPC D
AG SA RE LE ED
Well-presented Town House in the Popular Slade area, close to the Primary School and High Street. 18ft Lounge-Diner, 3 bedrooms (Master Suite), Parking. EPC C
South Tonbridge
£595,000 - £625,000
Tonbridge
£395,000 - £410,000
Detached Chalet Style Bungalow set back from the road. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 19ft Lounge-Diner, 16ft Kitchen-Breakfast room, Parking. EPC D
Sale arranged within a few days of receiving instructions, this 3 bedroom Semi-detached House on a large corner plot. Similar required for disappointed applicants.
Tonbridge
Tonbridge
£380,000 - £410,000
Good size 4 Bedroom Semi-Detached house in a cul-de-sac, only a few minutes from the High Street. Recently updated. 2 Reception Rooms, fitted kitchen. EPC D
£300,000 - £330,000
Newly converted luxury apartment within a Character/ Historic Building just off the High Street. 2 Bedrooms, 25th Fitted Kitchen-Living Room, Parking. EPC
bracketts.co.uk Tonbridge 01732 350503
tonbridge@bracketts.co.uk
Tunbridge Wells A fine and elegant Grade II Listed villa situated within easy walking distance of the town centre 8 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. 1 bedroom apartment with independent access. Heated swimming pool. Triple carport. Mature gardens. EPC rating F. In all about 0.93 acres. Offers in excess of ÂŁ3,250,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/TNW100109
daniel.aldred@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 310997
 @KF_TWells KnightFrank.co.uk
Move Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately. In the last 6 months alone, potential buyers from 105 different countries have viewed properties for sale, so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.* Call us today on 01892 310997 to arrange your free market valuation. *Figure correct as at 5th January 2017
Guide price: £995,000
Rolvenden An attractive Grade II Listed oast house with wonderful views 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms. Triple open bay garage with office / study above. Gardens and grounds. In all about 0.56 acres.
Price Reduction
Guide price: £1,325,000
Wadhurst A spectacular conversion occupying a delightful setting in a quiet yet accessible hamlet 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5 reception rooms. Garage. Pretty gardens. EPC rating C. In all about 0.38 acre.
@KF_TWells KnightFrank.co.uk
Matfield Grade II Listed attractive country farmhouse, surrounded by woodland and pastures with Tudeley Brook running through its land 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Double open garage, store room, studio room. Gardens and grounds including a feature hedged maze, fields, pasture land and woodland. In all about 96.24 acres. Guide price: ÂŁ2,675,000 KnightFrank.co.uk/TNW140248
simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 01892 310997 oliver.rodbourne@knightfrank.com KnightFrank.co.uk/country 020 7861 1093
 @KF_TWells KnightFrank.co.uk
Price Reduction
Move Our understanding of the ever-changing market enables us to price your property accurately. In the last 6 months alone, potential buyers from 105 different countries have viewed properties for sale, so you can rely on Knight Frank to get you moving.* Call us today on 01892 310997 to arrange your free market valuation. *Figure correct as at 5th January 2017
Guide price: £1,495,000
Sandhurst A beautiful 16th Century Grade II Listed farmhouse 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4 reception rooms. Ponds, rose garden, orchard, swimming pool and pool house. In all about 2.59 acres.
@KF_TWells KnightFrank.co.uk
Price Reduction
Guide price: £675,000
Southborough Attractive period house close to Southborough Common 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 reception rooms. Formerly part of the Holden House estate. Private garden. Carport, additional parking space and further visitor parking. EPC rating C.
50
PROPERTY
Great Wadd Farmhouse
Escape to the country and live the dream in this Wealden wonder
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
AT A GLANCE GREAT WADD FARMHOUSE FRITTENDEN, KENT Main House: ■ Reception hall ■ Drawing room ■ Dining room ■ Family room ■ Study ■ Inner hall ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Utility room ■ Cloakroom ■ Master bedroom with en suite ■ Guest bedroom with en suite ■ 3 further bedrooms ■ 2 further en suites ■ Cloakroom Oast house: ■ Open plan kitchen/sitting room ■ Dining room ■ 4 bedrooms (one with en suite) ■ Family bathroom ■ Cloakroom Timber framed barn: ■ Heated swimming pool ■ Changing and shower rooms ■ Cloakroom ■ Mezzanine gallery/studio Outside: ■ Garden and grounds ■ Tennis court ■ Garaging ■ Storage ■ For erection of 2 storey extension and alterations to north façade ■ In all about 33.7 acres
GUIDE PRICE
£2,350,000 For sale through Knight Frank 01892 515035 www.knightfrank.co.uk
Having been sensitively updated, this well-presented home features a wealth of details
Tunbridge Wells
£295,000
A modern, well presented 2 bedroom house situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, located close to the main line station benefits from a good size garden and garage offers excellent value for money we highly recommend a prompt inspection. EPC: C
Southborough
£675,000
With 4 bedrooms, a sitting room with log burner and farmhouse style kitchen this beautifully presented home is set within a small courtyard development next to Southborough Common together with a car port & further parking. EPC: C
Tunbridge Wells
£295,000
Tunbridge Wells
£785,000 Tunbridge Wells
£650,000
Tonbridge
£270,000 Tonbridge
£300,000 Tonbridge
£839,950
A 3 bedroom modern spacious semi-detached house situated in a cul-de-sac location on the south side of Tunbridge Wells with the added benefit of a garage en bloc. EPC: E
Top floor 2 bed apartment in a McCarthy & Stone built, age-restricted complex with a lift servicing all floors, 24 hour Careline and resident House Manager. Great location in the centre of Tonbridge. EPC: C.
A most attractive 4 bedroom terraced period property arranged over 3 floors and with courtyard garden & garage en bloc & is in excellent proximity to the lower town, railway station and well regarded local schools. EPC: F
2 bed period house in a convenient location for town, station and schools. Sitting room, dining room, kitchen, utility, spacious upstairs bathroom, lawned rear garden. EPC: D.
Tu n b r i d g e We l l s O f f i c e | 0 1 8 9 2 5 11 2 11 t u n b r i d g e w e l l s @ w o o d a n d p i l c h e r. c o . u k
£495,000- £525,000
An exceptionally well presented 4 bedroom family home which has been thoughtfully extended over the years and also offering a good size garden which backs onto playing fields in a popular cul-de-sac location. EPC: D
* LAST HOME REMAINING * No. 3 The Willows is a beautifully finished 4 bedroom detached family home, benefitting from generous size gardens, within Rusthall village and close to open countryside. SAP: B
Detached executive home enjoying views over open parkland. 4 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, double garage and plenty of parking. Walk to town, station and outstanding schooling. EPC: D.
Crowborough Office | 01892 665666 c r o w b o r o u g h @ w o o d a n d p i l c h e r. c o . u k
S o u t h b o r o u g h O f f i c e | 0 1 8 9 2 5 11 3 11 s o u t h b o r o u g h @ w o o d a n d p i l c h e r. c o . u k To n b r i d g e | 0 1 7 3 2 3 5 11 3 5 t o n b r i d g e @ w o o d a n d p i l c h e r. c o . u k
Southborough
H e a t h f i e l d O f f i c e | 0 1 4 3 5 8 6 2 2 11 h e a t h f i e l d @ w o o d a n d p i l c h e r. c o . u k Associated London Office
Lettings | 01892 528888 l e t t i n g s @ w o o d a n d p i l c h e r. c o m
HELP TO BUY AVAILABLE AT KNIGHTS WOOD
Owning your first home should feel like a dream come true. With just a 5% deposit, now is a great time to purchase a new home at Knights Wood with Help to Buy. Knights Wood offers a variety of exceptional new homes in a peaceful woodland setting in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Our marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm, so come and visit us to see how Help to Buy will get you the home you want for less. Alternatively, call us on 01892 800580. Two, three and four bedroom homes available with Help to Buy from £365,000 to £599,000. Knights Wood, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3UW
5% DEPOSIT 75% MORTGAGE 20% GOVERNMENT LOAN Example of a Victoria two bedroom house priced at £365,000
5% Deposit £18,250 20% Loan £73,000 75% Mortgage £273,750 Call us to discuss how Help to Buy will work with your property purchase
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. This example is provided for guidance only; Dandara does not offer mortgage advice. Subject to full affordability checks, you may qualify for a higher equity loan amount from the government. You should take advice from a suitably qualified adviser before agreeing to a mortgage. Prices correct at time of print and are subject to change without notice.
54
PROPERTY
Beech Hill
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
BEECH HILL WADHURST
£12,000
PER MONTH
Stunning rural property leaves nothing to be desired
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Beech Hill
PROPERTY
AT A GLANCE ■ Recently improved ■ Reception hall ■ Galleried landing ■ Atrium ■ Drawing room ■ Dining room ■ Kitchen/breakfast room ■ Secondary kitchen ■ 2 utility rooms ■ Cloakroom ■ Snug ■ Billiards room ■ Office ■ Conservatory ■ Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite ■ 2 further bedroom suites ■ 3 double bedrooms ■ Family bathroom ■ Fourth en suite double bedroom ■ Hallway ■ Further Bathroom ■ Cabin style attic room with own staircase, two rooms and storage cupboards ■ Opportunity for separate annexe
£12,000 PER MONTH For sale through Hamptons 01892 313000 www.hamptons.co.uk
The elegant drawing room has a double aspect with outlooks over the rear garden
55
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Making moves this month
Ashdown Close
£330,000
Garden Street
£395,000
DECIMUS BURTON! An opportunity to acquire this historic property set within a few minutes’ walk of the town centre. Built around 1850 this fabulous home has a many period features and consists of two reception rooms, kitchen, downstairs WC, two double beds and a bathroom. There is a well-stocked, south facing garden.
Firs Court
FO
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A chance to acquire this delightful two bedroom property which includes a modern kitchen opening onto the spacious sitting/dining room. On the first floor there are two double bedrooms, both with fitted wardrobes, and family bathroom. Outside there is a large patio area which leads to the lawned garden. There is also a garage to the side of the property.
£250,000
Newcomen Road
£365,000
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Grade II Listed. Located within walking distance of town centre is this newly refurbished property. It includes an open plan sitting/dining room, a newly fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and downstairs WC. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms and a bathroom. Off road parking and gardens to front and rear.
T
A two bedroom, purpose built maisonette located within walking distance of the town centre. The property comprises: two bedrooms, both with storage, a good sized sitting/dining room, kitchen with integrated appliances and bathroom. The property has its own private garden with a garage to the rear.
Down Lane, Frant
£1100 pcm
Attractive semi-detached cottage providing a quiet home in a rural location. Entrance lobby to the kitchen/breakfast room and WC. A working open fireplace is a feature of the living room. Upstairs finds a double bedroom with built in wardrobes, a single bedroom and bathroom. Gardens include a parking area and a shed.
lettings@mcauleymiller.com
Nevill Street
£825 pcm
A spacious one bedroom apartment in the Pantiles area accessed by a lift or stairs from the well maintained communal hallway. There is an ‘open plan’ reception room with a fully integrated kitchen. The bedroom is a very large double. Modern bathroom. A short walk from the apartment there is permitted parking.
Tel: 01892 614777 www.mcauleymiller.com
sales@mcauleymiller.com
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Advertising
PROPERTY
57
60
PROPERTY
The Old School
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Top marks awarded for this clever, charming conversion AT A GLANCE THE OLD SCHOOL HEATHFIELD n Entrance hall n Magnificent drawing room n Sitting room n Dining hall n Snug n Kitchen/ breakfast room with AGA n Conservatory n Cloakroom n Boot room n 4/5 bedrooms n Dressing room and 2 bathrooms (one en suite) n Ground floor guest wing n Studio room/ bedroom 6 n Study/ dressing room n Bathroom n Oil fired central heating n Integral garage n Detached ‘cottage’ for conversion n Gardens and grounds n In all about 1 acre
£1,175,000 For sale through Hamptons 01892 516611 www.hamptons.co.uk
CENTRAL TONBRIDGE £425,000 STROLL TO THE TOWN & STATION from this elegant Sandstone property. Located in the heart of the Conservation area on an award winning development, the accommodation offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, kitchen/breakfast room with fitted appliances and spacious 21’ sitting room. Two allocated parking spaces. NO CHAIN EPC: C Apply Tonbridge
PEMBURY OIRO £550,000 ATTRACTIVE AND SPACIOUS 4 double bedroom home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the village, close to orchards, woodlands and primary school. Entrance porch, wide hallway, double-aspect sitting room, large kitchen/dining room with bi-fold doors to a conservatory, cloakroom, wc and spacious family bathroom. Driveway parking for 2 and integral garage. Gardens to the front and rear. EPC: D Apply Pembury
SOUTH TONBRIDGE £335,000 READY TO MOVE STRAIGHT IN…. This Semi benefits from a quiet location within walking distance of the town & station. Recently re-decorated and with new carpets there is a living room, kitchen/ dining room, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. The property benefits from a garage and fully enclosed garden. NO CHAIN EPC: C Apply Tonbridge
64
PROPERTY
Top Tips
Stylish, robust and efficient: Join the wood-burner revolution
1
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Wood-burning stoves are around 60% more efficient than open fires. With a wood burner, around 80% of the heat generated is radiated and convected into the room, compared to only around 20% with open fires, as most of the heat escapes up the chimney. If you’d like a wood burner, look for one that suits your home aesthetically, but also consider size and heat output (measured in kilowatts or kW). A smaller square-shaped or cassette-style wood burner can be inserted into an existing fireplace or chimney-breast opening and generally produces up to 5kW of heat. Large and open-plan rooms may require a higher kW wood burner to sufficiently heat the space.
2
Cast-iron wood burners are very robust and most suited to rural or period properties where there’s a fireplace. The more modern soapstone, sandstone, tiled, aluminium and glass-fronted freestanding wood burners are more suited to contemporary properties. Sandstone and soapstone models work well in larger spaces because they retain heat over a long period, even after the fire has been extinguished.
HOW TO...
Freestanding Contura 510 Style
If you’re screwing new skirting boards to the wall, use a countersinking drill bit so the screw heads are below the surface and can be filled over, leaving a seamless finish.
PRODUCTS OF THE WEEK Create a focal point in a contemporary or open-plan room with the freestanding Contura 510 Style (RRP from £1,595, see www.contura.eu/english/dealers/map/ for local stockists) wood burner. It’s available in white, black or grey, with a glass door and top or cast-iron door and top, depending on the model, and has a useful integrated log store. The door handles are also integrated, but cleverly don’t get hot. If you need a wood burner for a chimney-breast opening, the fireplace insert Contura i4 FS Classic (RRP from £1,245) works well. Despite the name, it’s not a traditional-looking wood burner - its retro, curvaceous styling is really unusual and would suit most homes. The i4 FS Classic can burn both wood and smokeless fuel.
3 4
Installers for wood burners should be registered with HETAS (www.hetas.co. uk/consumer/) to ensure the installation complies with building regulations. Ask potential installers for photos of previous installations and ask family, friends and neighbours if they can recommend an installer. When choosing wood to burn, it’s generally the case that the more you spend, the drier the wood, meaning it’ll burn better. Cheap wood often has quite a high moisture content, so try to buy from an accredited British supplier to be sure of the wood’s origin. Kiln-dried wood (and species such as ash, beech and birch), burns particularly well and is available in bags, making it convenient to store. This is the more expensive option, though. If you have storage space, consider cutting and storing your own logs - use a wood shed that allows air to circulate. This ‘seasoning’ process can take at least 12 months, depending on the species, so plan ahead.
5 Fireplace insert Contura i4 FS
Fireplace insert Contura i4 FS
A couple of logs can burn for around an hour on a wood burner, compared to (often) minutes on an open fire, meaning you use fewer logs and get the optimum energy out of each log with a wood burner. Switching from an open fire to a wood burner with a flue will also eliminate the draughts caused by the open fire drawing air from the room.
CONNELLS.CO.UK CONNELLS.CO.UK
TUNBRIDGE WELLS Auckland Road Street Tunbridge Wells Street Name Name
Long Eridge Road Long Street Name Tunbridge Wells Street Name
£198,250 £175,000
Bayhall Road Street Tunbridge Wells Street Name Name
£198,250 £250,000-£270,000
R V EA IE R W
Offers over £198,250 £300,000
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£198,250
Street Street Name Name
Lorem dolor sit consectetuer adipis eli This firstipsum floor one bedroom apartment is situated onlycing 0.3 mile Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, amet, consectetuer adipis cing eli sed sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore radius to the Pantiles 0.7 miletinc radius to the station. diam nonummy nibhand euismod idunt ut train laoreet dolore magna volu tpat. Ut Allocated Parking.erat Suit fi rst time magna aliquam aliquam erat volu tpat.buyers/Investors. Ut wisi. wisi. Lorem Lorem ipsum ipsum dolor dolor sit sit
Lorem dolor sit consectetuer adipis sed Favoured St Peters area; maisonette with accommodation arranged Lorem ipsum ipsum dolor sit aamet, amet, consectetuer adipis cing cing eli eli sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore over floors, withnibh two bedrooms, cloakroom, lounge, kitchen/diner diam3 nonummy euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam and bathroom. magna aliquam erat erat volu volu tpat. tpat. Ut Ut wisi. wisi. Lorem Lorem ipsum ipsum dolor dolor sit sit
Long Long Street Street Name Name
Street Street Name Name
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£198,250
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£198,250
URGENTLY
URGENTLY
URGENTLY
CAN YOU HELP?
CAN YOU HELP?
CAN YOU HELP?
WANTED!
WANTED! Mr J is actively seeking a 2 bedroom flat in central Tunbridge Wells. Ideally under 15 minute walk to the Tunbridge Wells station. Conversions or new builds considered. Budget £320,000
Mr and Mrs E are actively seeking a 3 or 4 bedroom house either in the St Johns or St James area. All styles or condition considered. Budget £675,000
WANTED! Mrs S is actively seeking a 2/3 bedroom house in Rusthall, Southbrough or Pembury. Period property or older style considered. Budget £280,000
If this is your property give us a call
If this is your property give us a call
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Lorem sit adipis Lorem ipsum ipsum dolor dolorand sit amet, amet, consectetuer adipis cing cing eli eli sed sed talkconsectetuer to us today. diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore magna magna aliquam aliquam erat erat volu volu tpat. tpat. Ut Ut wisi. wisi. Lorem Lorem ipsum ipsum dolor dolor sit sit amet, consectetuer adipis cing elit sed diam nonummy amet, consectetuer adipis cing elit sed diam nonummy nib nib
Lorem sit adipis Lorem ipsum ipsum dolor dolorand sit amet, amet, consectetuer adipis cing cing eli eli sed sed talk consectetuer to us today. diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore magna magna aliquam aliquam erat erat volu volu tpat. tpat. Ut Ut wisi. wisi. Lorem Lorem ipsum ipsum dolor dolor sit sit amet, consectetuer adipis cing elit sed diam nonummy amet, consectetuer adipis cing elit sed diam nonummy nib nib
Broadwater Down Tunbridge Wells Street Name Street Name
Keel Gardens Long Long Tunbridge Wells Street Name Street Name
Bidborough Ridge Tunbridge Wells Street Name Name Street
If this is your property give us a call
£350,000-£370,000 £198,250
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£325,000-£350,000 £198,250
£198,250
Lorem ipsum sit consectetuer adipis eli New BuildOnlydolor 2 remaining! in Southborough village; Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, amet,Situated consectetuer adipis cing cing eli sed sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore three bedroom semi-detached house with entrance hall, w,c, kitchen, diam nonummy nibh euismod tinc idunt ut laoreet dolore lounge/diner and bathroom. Driveway. Chain. magna erat tpat. wisi. Lorem ipsum dolor magna aliquam aliquam erat volu volu Garden tpat. Ut Utand wisi. LoremNo ipsum dolor sit sit amet, amet, consectetuer consectetuer adipis adipis cing cing elit elit sed sed diam diam nonummy nonummy nib nib
01892 547 966 tunbridgewells@connells.co.uk 5 5 Vale Vale Road, Road, Tunbridge Tunbridge Wells, Wells, Kent Kent TN1 TN1 1BS 1BS
£600,000 £198,250
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Kent LEGAL SECTOR REVIEW 2017 INSOLVENCY AND CORP RECOVERY
HEALTH AND SAFETY
EMPLOYMENT
IT AND TELECOMS
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
2016 TOTAL
2015 TOTAL
10 8 6 7 8 6 0 0
9 8 3 0 0 0 0 0
4 0 3 2 0 0 0 0
0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0
9 9 8 7 7 0 5 2
7 0 0 0 0 3 0 0
7 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
46 25 23 16 15 11 5 2
55 45 20 12 12 8 5 6
Table 3: Disputes and resolution PROPERTY LITIGATION
DEBT RECOVERY
2016 TOTAL
2015 TOTAL
FIRM Cripps LLP Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP Brachers LLP Furley Page Solicitors asb Law LLP Whitehead Monckton Rawlison Butler LLP Weightmans LLP Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP Warners Solicitors
PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE (DEFENDANT)
Breakdown by sector
PI DEFENDANT
The Canterbury-based firm represented Magna on the UK part of the disposal of its automotive interiors division to Grupo Antolin, a Spanish-based car interiors company. The fact that it was able to play a part in a $525 million global disposal is an impressive feat. The year 2016 was also notable for seeing three of Kent’s top rated employment law firms – TSP, Brachers and Furley Page – coming together to launch the Collaborative Employment Law (CEL) grouping, along with Bromley-based Thackray Williams. CEL’s purpose is to act as a referral network between member firms. The group aims to ensure that employees and employers have the opportunity to resolve their differences via a non-adversarial alternative to an employment tribunal or court. All lawyers participating in the CEL scheme are accredited specialists in internal workplace mediation.
FIRM Cripps LLP asb Law LLP Brachers LLP Furley Page Solicitors Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP Warners Solicitors Loch Employment Law Thomas Mansfield
BANKING AND FINANCE
Once again Cripps comes out on top for corporate and commercial law but it is worth looking at the second placed firm in table 2, which has its county office in Maidstone. According to Chambers, asb law LLP is a highly-reputable regional practice, which typically acts for owner-managed businesses and larger corporate clients throughout the South East. The firm also has a growing expertise in private equity. The firm recently hired Alistair Maclean, the former group legal director at the Football Association. He now works in asb law’s legal management consultancy service, dubbed asb consult. It helps corporate counsel – lawyers who work inside corporations rather than for law firms – to transform their operations. One of Furley Page’s recent corporate and commercial highlights, as identified by Chambers, was the firm’s work for Canadabased automotive giant, Magna International.
Breakdown by sector
CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE (DEFENDANT)
n From page 13 heavyweight trio is Brachers of Maidstone. This firm’s revenues for the year to April 2016 were £12.4 million, representing a modest improvement on 2015, where the firm’s fee income was £12.2 million. According to the Chambers UK legal directory, a small number of law firms operating in Kent are not simply Kent market leaders – they are also regarded as leading legal practices nationally. Recognising this, table 1B adds the “national leaders” or “UKwide” rankings to the scores already given to our highlyregarded Kent firms. The updated figures therefore reflect each firm’s combined Kent-specific and national reputation, although the Legal 500 does not include nationwide rankings. For companies operating in Kent, the key question to consider before instructing companies with these rankings is: can this firm’s Kent office usefully assist with my particular problem – either in its own right, or as a gateway to the firm’s national expertise?
Playing a part in international $525m deal
Table 2: Corporate and commercial CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL
Strong in Kent – and nationwide
LITIGATION AND COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
13
7 6 4 5 5 6 3 0 2 0
0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 0
4 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 6 6 3 0 0 3 0 0 2
3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0
24 15 15 13 7 6 6 4 2 2
31 13 21 18 10 5 27 4 2
Kent LEGAL SECTOR REVIEW 2017
Broad range of highly-rated services Our Kent-only private client and charities summary – table 4 – is the only one in which Cripps is not the overall winner. Instead, that accolade is given
to Thomson Snell & Passmore (TSP), which has practices in Tunbridge Wells and Dartford. This is largely due to TSP’s broad range of highly-rated
services across numerous practice areas. These include claimant clinical negligence, family and private client, personal tax, trusts and probate.
Table 4: Private clients and charities CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE : CLAIMANT
PERSONAL INJURY: CLAIMANT
FAMILY OR PRIVATE CLIENT
PERSONAL TAX, TRUSTS AND PROBATE
CONTENTIOUS TRUSTS AND PROBATE
CHARITIES AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT
2016 TOTAL
2015 TOTAL
Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP Cripps LLP Gullands Solicitors Furley Page Solicitors Brachers LLP Whitehead Monckton asb law LLP Clarke Kiernan LLP Solicitors Warners Solicitors McMillan Williams Knights Solicitors TG Baynes Stantons Solicitors Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP Boys & Maughan GT Stewart Solicitors and Advocates
CRIME: FRAUD
FIRM
CRIME
Breakdown by sector
0 0 9 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0
10 0 0 8 0 0 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 9 2 0 9 7 4 0 8 2 0 0 3 0 2 0
5 5 3 4 4 3 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0
0 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 4 3 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
38 23 17 16 16 14 12 12 11 9 5 3 3 3 2 2
47 27 17 16 19 16 24 12 14 9 5 6 3 34 2
Third in the disputes resolution table is Gullands Solicitors. Unlike several of its larger rivals, this Maidstone firm is ranked highly by both Chambers and the Legal 500 in relation to its criminal work. Gullands is also rated across several other private client and charities specialisms, including for its personal tax, trust and probate expertise. One of the more notable criminal matters undertaken by Tonbridge-based Clarke Kiernan – which is also ranked by the Legal 500 for its criminal fraud
expertise – was its work defending a client accused of defrauding financial institutions of £60 million. It also acted in two murder cases and in cases where police corruption was alleged. In contrast with the more traditional law firm partnerships in this table, one of the more unusual is McMillan Williams. It is believed to be the first high street practice to receive private equity funding – until recently, the only investors allowed to own stakes in law firms were solicitors. The firm received a £5 million
investment by the Business Growth Fund in February 2015, which has helped fund further geographical expansion beyond the practice’s South London and Surrey heartlands. This expansion included the firm’s new Tunbridge Wells office, which opened last year. However, the practice’s Kentbased Legal 500 ranking for both claimant clinical negligence and personal injury work are derived from McMillan Williams’ more established South East England offices, including its Sevenoaks branch.
Local firms dominate county Cripps leads the dispute resolution table, on Page 15, by a respectable margin. The firm gained the highest possible rating in both Chambers and The Legal 500 for its property litigation, giving it a four-point lead over its nearest competitors, Thomson Snell & Passmore (TSP) and Brachers. The Tunbridge Wells-based business also edges ahead of its rivals in relation to its Legal 500-only rankings for defendant
professional negligence and debt recovery work. It remains to be seen whether abs law’s recent hire of Jonathan Stevens, formerly head of global litigation at global IT company Atos, will boost the firm’s midtier dispute resolution ranking in next year’s legal directories. Mr Stevens joined in July and heads its dispute resolution team. Few national UK law firms have any physical presence in
Kent. Following the recent closure of Kennedys’ Maidstone office, arguably the last major national firm standing in Kent is Weightmans. Its Dartford office is one of the firm’s smallest. Yet, despite its relatively small size, this highly-focused office was given the second highest ranking in the South East for defendant personal injury work in the latest edition of The Legal 500.
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Cri
Br
Th
W
Wa
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Fu
asb
Gu
Rix
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Tw foc tor Y lea in tab A of Le en fir er
Here for you Hatten Wyatt Solicitors are a well-established, friendly, proactive law firm, with over 170 years of experience. We offer a wide range of services including:
Family • Conveyancing • Private Client • Licensing • Personal Injury Wills • Charities • Employment Incorporating:
T: 01474 351199 Email: advice@hatten-wyatt.com www.hatten-wyatt.com 51-54 Windmill Street, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1BD
K
Ke pu Tu th in T ro als F –t 10 T Kn in B Cl th Le an na T La an em K tot sp in F by wo for
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
CONSTRUCTION
ENVIRONMENT
PLANNING
SOCIAL HOUSING
2016 TOTAL
2015 TOTAL
10
0
4
5
9
6
4
10
3
51
52
Brachers LLP
8
2
4
0
6
4
3
0
0
27
31
Thomson Snell & Passmore LLP
8
0
0
0
8
2
0
0
0
18
22
Whitehead Monckton
8
0
0
0
3
0
0
3
0
14
13
Warners Solicitors
9
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
12
12
Knights Solicitors
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
14
Furley Page Solicitors
4
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
8
7
asb law LLP
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
6
6
Gullands Solicitors
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
3
3
Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
2
0
3
11
Sharratts
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
3
3
First in their field for working in agriculture Two legal specialisms dominate table 5, focusing on real estate and the public sector: agriculture and commercial property. Yet again, Cripps is a Kent market leader in these two areas of law – amassing 19 out of a possible 20 points in our table. Along with Brachers, Cripps is also one of the few Kent firms to be ranked by the Legal 500 for its expertise in health and environmental law, and the only Kent firm ranked in relation to its local government expertise.
It is this breadth of specialisms which enables Cripps to dominate this table, amassing almost twice as many points as its nearest competitor, Brachers. However, it faces respectable competition in certain niche areas. It is ranked equally with Sharratts on social housing law. Sharratts is a 13-fee-earner firm based in Brasted, near Sevenoaks, which specialises in acting for social housing providers and their partners. Brachers is a firm to watch in relation to its agricultural expertise. Its highly-rated
agricultural specialist Simon Palmer retired after 25 years with the firm in June, but will continue to work with the firm as a consultant. Additionally, according to the Legal 500, Brachers’ other agricultural specialists of note are the Maidstone-based Sarah Webster, who heads the practice’s agricultural property team, Sarah Gains, whose work focuses on agricultural tenancies, and tax planning specialist Christopher ErikssonLee, who joined the firm in 2015 from Sevenoaks-based Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP.
Knights set criminal sector standard Table 6: Kent’s best niche law firms
FIRM
POSITION 2016
Ranked by points, position, number of sections and their average
AVERAGE 2016
Kent is home to numerous niche legal practices that punch above their weight in their specialisms. Tunbridge Wells-based Knights Solicitors is arguably this year’s winner, gaining the highest possible ranking from Chambers for its criminal law expertise. These topics include acting for defendants in environmental protection and animal-welfare cases, and also in relation to firearms matters. For its second ranked legal specialism – agriculture – the firm achieves a score of nine out of a possible 10 across both legal directories. Tunbridge Wells-based practitioner Matthew Knight is identified by Chambers as a notable expert in agricultural and rural affairs law. Back in the criminal law field, Tonbridge-based Clarke Kiernan LLP Solicitors is another noteworthy practice, picking up eight points between the Legal 500 and Chambers for its criminal work, plus another four points from the Legal 500 for its criminal fraud expertise. The Tunbridge Wells office of Loch Employment Law garnered a total of five points from Chambers and The Legal 500 for – perhaps not surprisingly – employment law. Kings Hill-based Rawlison Butler’s overall Kent total was derived from both general and propertyspecific litigation. Gravesend-based Stantons’ ratings came from family law. Finally, Dartford-based TG Baynes was recognised by the Legal 500 for its claimant personal injury work, while Sharratts got the nod from Chambers for its social housing expertise.
NUMBER OF SECTIONS 2016
l e t r k l
Cripps LLP
KENT TOTAL POINTS 2016
e
FIRM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
e r t
Breakdown by sector
HEALTH
h d d e d s
Table 5: Real estate and public sector
EDUCATION
e s
Kent LEGAL SECTOR REVIEW 2017
AGRICULTURE
s , r d d
15
Knights Solicitors Clarke Kiernan LLP Solicitors Loch Employment Law Weightmans LLP McMillan Williams Rawlison Butler LLP Sharratts Stantons Solicitors TG Baynes Rix & Kay Solicitors LLP Boys & Maughan GT Stewart Solicitors and Advocates Thomas Mansfield
14 12 5 4 9 6 3 3 3 8 2 2 2
2 2 1 1 3 2 1 1 1 4 1 1 1
7 6 5 4 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2
1 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 10
NB No data for 2015 as a different method of collating data was used
In the SPOTLIGHT
16
In the service of the Old Lady After two days spent chatting to bosses of large businesses across the county, Phil Eckersley finally puts up his feet and checks his emails. Sitting in his Maidstone home, he is also preparing notes to report back to the Bank of England in his role as its agent for the South East and East Anglia. Mr Eckersley, who relocated to the county in 1983, having been born and raised in Merseyside, is one of 12 regional agents for the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street. His primary role is to visit companies and take an “economic sounding” to find out how they are faring. After asking questions about activity, output, the labour market, price pressures and credit conditions, he reports his findings to the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC), which decides how to set interest rates. Even with the countless economic surveys published weekly by various business and economic groups, he insists the role is vital. “It’s an early indicator,” he said. “There is a significant time lag before the impact of changes hit the economy. Some official data is backwards-looking and takes time to publish. You are looking at a rear view mirror. “We are trying to shorten that time span and find out what businesses are telling us about their order books.
‘You are a fool to estimate when interest rates will go up. It is a very inexact science’ What challenges do Kent firms say they face? “They tell me it is difficult to recruit certain skills in Kent. There is a twospeed story in Kent because parts of east Kent are not moving so quickly as west Kent although incomes are going to improve. “High-speed links have made a bit of a difference. “The biggest bugbear of Kent business is infrastructure difficulties. There is a need for a Lower Thames Crossing and an improvement in the road network. “That is way beyond the remit of the MPC, but it is the sort of information we pass back and gets picked up.”
Ever wondered how the Bank of England works out when to raise interest rates? A Liverpudlian who settled in Kent is part of the answer.
“It can shed a bit of light on what policy we may be expecting for the economy in the future.” To do this, he keeps a contacts book of 850 businesses across his region, spread across a variety of sectors. His findings have, on occasion, put him at odds with the view of the MPC. “Sometimes I have moderated their views,” he said. “It goes through a lot of rigorous analysis. “My report is quality checked to make sure everything I present fits in to their view of the world, and we have internal debates about what inference I’m putting on reports.” Last year, interest rates fell to 0.25%, their lowest-ever level. However, with the likely return of inflation this year – thanks to rising import costs caused by a weaker pound – many analysts are trying to fathom when the Bank of England will alter its historically low rates. Mr Eckersley is coy. He said: “The bank doesn’t predict the future path of interest rates. It relies on market expectations. “You are a fool to estimate when interest rates will go up. It is a very inexact science.”
How is the Kent economy responding to the impending Brexit negotiations? “I’m interested in the national economy rather than the Kent economy. I’m reporting back to the committee the views of large UK firms which may have their headquarters in Kent but I am not a regional economist. It is not of relevance to us whether Kent is doing well in the bigger picture.” What will be the impact of the national living wage rises in April? “In the South East, I would counter that its impact is likely to be slightly
Typical day Phil Eckersley usually catches up with emails first thing and leaves his home in Maidstone after the rush hour. He did a company visit in Dover at 11am the day prior to our interview before a trip to another company in Canterbury in the afternoon. In the evening he attended a dinner with contacts. He stayed over in Canterbury, and the following day he drove to Hythe for a company visit, followed by another in Cranbrook in the afternoon. After returning home, he began answering emails. In his downtime he plays tennis one or two times a week and runs a small badminton club in Maidstone.
CV Born: 3/3/1961 Lives: Maidstone School: Christ the King, Merseyside
Family: Two sons and a stepson
First job: Laundry boy at Pontins holiday camp
First wage: £1 for four Bank of England South East agent Phil Eckersley less than other parts of the UK because wage levels are generally higher here. I’d give a different steer to an agent in the North East on that.” Why has the UK economy fared better than many predicted after the Brexit vote? “The primary driver of growth in the third quarter of 2016 was household consumption. People continued to consume products and services at a rate quicker than we might have expected. We didn’t see a return to saving which we might have seen in times of uncertainty. Some people say it was just a nice hot summer and it
brought out people spending. It was good news for pubs and bars.” How will businesses cope with the uncertainty caused by Brexit? “It is very early days in this adjustment process. Post-referendum data suggests household expenditure remains robust but it is not clear what will happen to firms’ behaviour. Sentiment around the referendum period was negative and if that manifests itself then we should expect a sharp contraction in activity. We are talking about moderation in growth. It takes a while for this uncertainty to translate into action for firms.”
hours work
Car: Lexus 300 hybrid Book: “I quite like military history by Lyn MacDonald.” Film: “I like the Bourne films (left) and great British films like Chariots of Fire.” Music: The Shires Gadget: iPad
Last holiday: Bay of the Somme, France
Charity: Oxfam
www.kentbusiness.co.uk
Jobs Kent/Medway unemployed
The number of people on unemployment benefits in Kent fell for the second straight month, cancelling out a sharp rise in the autumn. There were 18,185 claimants on either jobseeker’s allowance or universal credit in December, a fall of 105, following a drop of 130 in November, according to the Office for National Statistics. The dip all but cancels out a jump of 240 across the county back in October. Medway recorded the largest drop, down 55 to 3,365, with other significant falls in Gravesham (down 40 to 1,250), Tunbridge Wells (down 35 to 525) and Maidstone (down 30 to 1,190). However, there was a rise of 50 in Thanet to 2,750 and a jump of 35 in Dover to 1,400. Martin Kennedy, office man-
ager at Dover Jobcentre, said: “We have always had fewer people sign on in the summer and an increase in the winter. A lot is tourism related.” However, there is a question mark about the insight the figures give into the jobs market. Mr Kennedy said the 8% rise in Kent over the last year was related to the introduction of universal credit, paid to some people in full and part-time jobs. The county’s claimant count is set to take a sharp rise again in May when Dover becomes the first Jobcentre to fully roll
out the benefit, which was the flagship policy of former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith. Mr Kennedy said: “It used to be simple. People on jobseeker’s allowance were out of work and you could point to those who were economically inactive because they were unemployed. Now, how we find out that information is becoming more difficult. Lines that were clean are going to be blurred.” Across the South East, unemployment fell by 18,000 in the three months to November to 157,000, while the region’s claimant count fell 700 to 62,200 in December. It had the lowest unemployment rate in the UK at 3.4% as well as the nation’s lowest claimant count rate at 1.3%. Nationally, the number of people out of work fell by
20,000 19,000
17,000
52,000 to 1.6 million, putting the unemployment rate at an 11-year low of 4.8%. Employment Minister Damian Hinds said: “We start the new year with another encouraging set of figures. “There’s good news in the
Nov
Dec 16
Oct
Sep
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Jan
20000 16,000 15,000 15000
Business bulletin
from KentBusiness.co.uk
18,000
Feb
Jobless number fall cancels out the autumn rise
DECEMBER 2016
Aug
EMPLOYMENT FIGURES
Dec 15
17
DOWN 105
18,185
DOWN 105 UP 5 DOWN 10 DOWN 15 UP 35 DOWN 40 DOWN 30 DOWN 55 NO CHANGE UP 10 DOWN 15 UP 50 UP 5 DOWN 35
18,185 1,140 1,325 745 1,400 1,250 1,190 3,365 510 1,355 1,915 2,750 725 525
South East where there is a near record number of people in work at 4.5 million and a near record number of women of women in work at 2.11 million. We have made real progress helping more people into work.”
Deal cements work for 50 About 50 jobs will be created at two Kent ports after an £8 million investment from a transport company. Chatham and Ridham Docks will form part of a multi-million pound contract between Simon Gibson Transport and Aggregate Industries, one of the largest importers of cement in the UK. The deal means the haulier will pick up bulk cement from six UK import terminals over five years, including the two Kent sites.
Fresh faces at bookings firm A man who helped grow dating app Badoo, a former head of digital at Virgin and an ex-director at Expedia are among fresh blood joining the board of a booking company for airport hotel and parking. Hythe-based Holiday Extras, which employs 930 people, has made five heavyweight appointments to its leadership team as it aims to double in size within five years.
One Healthcare – Experience. Quality. OneHealthPlan: a new health insurance package designed to give you convenient and affordable access to high quality private healthcare facilities located just 5 minutes’ walk from the William Harvey, and one minutes’ drive from Junction 10 of the M20. One Healthcare in conjunction with Medic Healthcare are now offering an independent insurance package bringing all the benefits you can expect from a national scheme, but at an affordable rate. We want you to benefit from the new facilities we have built in the local community. Our One Ashford Hospital site is brand new and purpose-built, including theatre and MRI-imaging suites featuring modern medical technology. Our services are expanding constantly, with cosmetic surgery launching from February and including the only fully private paediatric ward available in Kent.
Our consultants are hand-picked from Kent health-services and divide their time between private and NHS work. While visiting our site, patients can expect to enjoy quick access to all of our healthcare professionals in a luxurious brand-new facility, featuring round-the-clock inpatient care and a full-time chef to help make the recovery process as comfortable as possible. With OneHealthPlan you are entitled to full outpatient and inpatient care provided exclusively at our site in Ashford. Our plan covers all eligible hospital and surgical fees including MRI, CT and PET scans when requested by a suitably qualified specialist. But in the event that your diagnosis requires you to have your treatment elsewhere, our plan will fund eligible claims at alternative hospitals. Why pay more when you can have access to private medical services in a local, purpose-built and modern facility?
Apply for OneHealthPlan today. The team at Medic Healthcare, our local specialist healthcare intermediaries, are available to offer advice on 01233 423310
Comment and analysis
www.kentbusiness.co.uk
Institute of directors
Consider all the emerging trends
by Jane Ollis chairman of IoD Kent
Welcome to 2017 and an exciting year ahead for your business. As you plan and set your goals for the year, it’s worth re-looking at what might have an impact on it. We know that Article 50 will be triggered in March, heralding our exit out of Europe and that Trump will create a new style of presidency in the USA. So what other emerging trends are there to consider? This year, I predict subject matter experts will be the ones to bring business in and drive sales. This is already evident in the top performing business to business SMEs. This means there will be a growing need for training to understand the sales process and how customers make decisions. Another phenomenon in 2017 will be that stores that only offer stuff to buy slowly start to disappear. If you have to discover products on your own, you will do it online. If you go into a store you want something more – either products already carefully selected for you or an outstanding service or to learn something useful while you are there. Also, watch If you go into a store you out for the want something more continuing rise of crowdfunding. While being used to raise funds, it will be more regularly used to validate new products, before any more substantial investment in product development is made. After all, the best focus group you’ll ever find is the market. The IoD in the South has a full programme, all carefully designed help your business grow. Check out the details on our website. Also look at attending the upcoming one-day national conferences in London on creating competitive advantage and doubling sales.
federAtion of sMALL Businesses
Confidence up, but profits down
Our research shows confidence bounced back in the last quarter of 2016 to levels reported before the EU referendum. The FSB’s small business index has now moved into positive territory, which means more small businesses feel confident than those that feel the opposite. The confidence bounce-back has effectively wiped out the fall we saw last year in the run-up to the EU referendum and its immediate fallout. The economic outlook seems brighter – Kent small businesses are ambitious and want to make the most of it. However, although confidence is positive and there are areas of strong performance, most small firms are not seeing this feeding through to profits. Profitability has dropped for the second quarter in a row. In addition, investment intentions remain quiet and have fallen compared to last year with costs of
doing business continuing to rise. Despite the overall positive picture, our members still face many challenges as rising costs squeeze margins even further. The
falling pound is driving up the price of imports and rising oil prices are being reflected in higher fuel costs. These inflationary pressures and price competition are hitting the bottom line hard with the majority of small firms seeing their profits continue to fall. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of firms citing the exchange rate as the main cause of cost inflation, currently at 28%, compared to just 5.4% a year earlier. Given these conditions, the share of small businesses aspiring to grow over the next 12 months has slipped, with a significant increase in those expecting to stay the same size – 37.5% compared with 27.4% in the second quarter of 2015. To increase economic growth and productivity, the government must look at how the business policy framework can help all small firms move into moderate growth – and not simply focus on start-ups alone. Our members tell us they are
by Stephen Askew chief executive maximising their opportunities in this current positive economic climate. But with costs rising, they will need support for their confidence to translate into new economic growth and jobs. As policy makers prepare for Brexit negotiations, we would urge them to be ready to act if trading conditions deteriorate. We are also calling on the Chancellor to make March 8 a fullthroated pro-business Budget. An increase in the employment allowance, to help small firms boost job creation, would be a good place to start.
Kent inVictA cHAMBer
Donald Trump wants to do business with us because of our fantastic record Brexit? What Brexit? Christmas proved to be the season to be jolly for retailers like Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Tesco and JD Sports after they reported positive trading figures for the period this month. This was followed up last week with findings from Lloyds Bank’s regional purchasing managers index, which said business activity across England and Wales reached an 18-month high at the end of last year. So why is business shrugging off the Brexit blues? Part of it was a raft of swift measures taken by the Bank of England to stimulate spending after the EU vote, including putting more cash in the economy and lowering interest rates. As a result, consumers have been on a spending spree which has kept business confident and given a boost to the high street. A weaker pound has boosted exports
by Jo James Chief executive
which, let’s be honest, there are many – to dampen activity. The reason President Trump wants to do business with the UK is because this country has a fantastic record of doing great business, regardless of our political situation. The reason foreign investors want to put their money into firms and property in this country is because they promise an excellent return. Let’s focus on the good things which have kept business flourishing despite the economic shocks which happened in 2016 and make this year another example of strength in the face of adversity for companies in Kent. and will kick start a flood of foreign investment in the UK this year as overseas backers spy the chance of a bargain price for a slice of the country’s fantastic companies. Indeed, things are looking very bright when you also consider
President Donald Trump has also pledged to offer Britain a quick and fair trade deal with the US within weeks of taking office. The greatest concern for business is that we allow storm clouds hanging over the economy – of
confederAtion of BritisH industrY
Making a success of Brexit will not be without challenges Nobody needs reminding of the deep ongoing political divisions following the referendum. Business, however, is focused on making a success of Brexit. Firms across the UK are determined to achieve an exit from the EU that enables our economy and communities to prosper. There are certainly no calls from the CBI for unnecessary delays. The business community is 100% committed to making this work, and work well. At the same time, we will make no apology for
highlighting the complexity of the task facing the country or for setting out the steps needed to get Brexit right. But making a success of Brexit will not be without its challenges. Given how deeply the UK economy is integrated within Europe, there will be difficult decisions to make. The responsibility of business is to ensure that the government makes those choices armed with the best evidence about what really matters for firms on the ground, rather than just in the offices of Whitehall.
PM Theresa May has difficult decisions to make The UK urgently needs a ‘whole economy’ approach to Brexit. Since the referendum, the CBI has examined 18 different sectors in depth, from
farming and manufacturing to chemicals and life sciences. What is most striking is how interconnected the modern UK economy is. It’s clear that the UK cannot afford to leave any sector behind in the negotiations – to do so would be to damage others. Firms are practical and need practical answers to their questions. Take the aviation and aerospace industry, which are massive in the South East. It needs to know what agreements will be in place to ensure the smooth transport of
holiday-makers, workers and goods on the day after the UK leaves the EU. Logistics companies, hauliers, manufacturers and retailers want to know the same thing. The CBI and the wider business community stands ready, sleeves rolled up, to help the government navigate the coming complexities. This depends crucially on an open and honest dialogue. We will continue to provide the evidence our negotiators need. Deep industry input into the Brexit negotiations could not be more important.
by Malcolm Hyde
regional director CBI South East
18
19 Sponsored by
Sales for county firms stabilised at year’s end by Chris Price Business Editor cprice@thekmgroup.co.uk @TheChrisPrice Sales stabilised for Kent firms in both UK and foreign markets at the back end of last year, according to economic research. The number of businesses complaining of declining UK revenues dropped 11 percentage points to 14% in the last three months of 2016, said the quarterly economic survey carried out by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, 35% reported improving domestic turnover, reversing the growing numbers warning of falling UK sales in the second and third quarters. The survey of 189 Kent company bosses also revealed a sturdier export performance in the last three months of 2016. A surprising 28% said foreign sales had declined in the third quarter despite the weakening of the pound since the EU referendum. Results for the fourth quarter show only 9% said exports were down, a 19 point positive swing, although 67% said performance had remained constant rather than improved. This was mirrored in future expectations for overseas trade, where only 12% reported a weaker order book, down 17 points. Once again, the major
‘Q4 shows more robust exports, with one in four reporting an export sales increase, two-thirds consolidating, and fewer than one in 10 apparently struggling’ – Kent Invicta Chamber
The major change was in the number saying export orders remained constant change was in the number saying export orders remained constant, up 21 points to 67%. The picture was similar for future UK sales, although not as dramatic. The percentage saying future orders remained constant grew nine points to 59%, while 16% reported decreased prospects, down seven points. In its report, Kent Invicta Chamber
said: “After weaker UK sales in Q2 and Q3, apparently due to Brexit uncertainty, sales strengthened in Q4. The reduction in strugglers was the lowest for nearly two years and is particularly encouraging. “UK forward orders also show a reduction in strugglers, even if only one in four reported an increase in orders.” It continued: “One of the sur-
prises of Q3 was the patchy performance of export sales, given the weaker pound. “However, Q4 shows more robust exports, with one in four reporting an export sales increase, two-thirds consolidating, and fewer than one in 10 apparently struggling. “As usual, respondents were less bullish about export orders.”
20
‘Cashflow has been volatile in the past year or so but respondents no longer report the acute cashflow pressures of the first post-crash years’ – Kent Invicta Chamber
COUNTY ECONOMY
Bosses expect turbulent times as EU exit begins The prospect of rising inflation has led to a huge rise in the number of Kent companies planning to put up prices. While the weaker pound has boosted exports, it has also increased import costs, with many firms in the county planning to pass on the hikes to consumers. A massive 38% of bosses across the county said they would put up prices, the highest figure for nearly six years, according to the Kent Invicta Chamber quarterly economic survey.
By contrast, only 1% said there were plans to lower prices, indicating price wars may be coming to an end as businesses prepare for a bumpy period while the UK negotiates its exit from the European Union. Despite this, confidence about future turnover reached its highest point in more than a year in the last three months of 2016. Nearly one in six Kent bosses in the county expect turnover to increase over the next year, the highest since the third quarter of 2015.
Only 11% expect the figure to decrease, its lowest level since the same period. Profit expectations over the next 12 months recovered at the end of last year, with 48% anticipating an increase, up six points. However, concerns over cashflow have crept into the findings (see the table on Page 23). Only one in four said their situation had improved in the fourth quarter, compared to 24% in the previous three months. Those figures are at their lowest levels for three-and-a-half
years. The percentage of the survey’s 189 respondents saying their cashflow situation had worsened was up two points to 23%. Nevertheless, more than half (52%) said cashflow pressures remained constant. Kent Invicta Chamber’s report said: “Confidence strengthened slightly, albeit profit expectations remain weaker than for turnover. “Cashflow has been volatile in the past year or so but respondents no longer report the acute
cashflow pressures of the first post-crash years. Nonetheless, with almost as many reporting worsened as improved cashflow, Kent’s economy can’t be described as buoyant.” It continued: “With imported inflation due to the weaker
pound, hardly anybody is planning to reduce prices. Turnover expectations may be reverting towards their traditional pattern, with six in 10 improving. “However, given the imported inflation, this pattern is not quite as reassuring as it appears.”
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Bosses say finding the right staff is difficult Businesses in Kent are beginning to curb plans to take on more staff, with finding skilled people remaining a problem. Those looking to increase their workforce over the next quarter slipped slightly by two points to 25%, its lowest level for a year and way off the 40% figure in the first three months of 2015 (see tables on Page 26). The proportion of firms which hired new staff in the last three months increased three points to 27% in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to the quarterly economic survey by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. More than one in six (61%) of bosses said they had tried to hire in the last three months – its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2014 – but few found the experience straightforward. A total of 79% said it was hard to find suitable applicants. The figure has remained above 75% in all but one of the last eight quarters. The Kent Invicta Chamber report said: “Employment increased slightly overall in Q4, indicating gradually greater confidence, mostly in services. “However, employment expectations show more caution. A significant minority still expect to shed staff. Larger organisations are particularly cautious.” The concerns about investing in people come as about a third of firms said concerns
The proportion of firms which hired new staff in the last three months increased three points to 27% in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to the quarterly economic survey by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce about exchange rates affecting their business more than three months ago. The lower value of the pound since the EU referendum last June has increased costs for companies which import goods. Indeed, three in 10 bosses reported raw material prices as a pressure on their business, its highest level since the first quar-
ter of 2013. The survey showed it affected 68% of manufacturers, compared to 17% of companies in the services industries. Three in 10 also said worries about corporate taxation were higher than the previous quarter. Surprisingly, inflation concerns were reported by only one in four of the survey’s 189 respondents, its lowest level
since the financial crisis in 2008. The Kent Invicta Chamber report said: “Unsurprisingly in view of the weak pound, it is mainly manufacturers who report raw materials pressures in Q4. “Consistent with the rising concern about raw material costs is the near doubling of those concerned about exchange rates since the Brexit referendum.”
Firms slow down on investment plans
Boddingtons Plastics in Marden invested £4.6m in a new factory and machinery but Kent Invicta Chamber research suggests this kind of spending is slowing down across Kent
Investment plans slowed at companies across Kent in the last quarter of 2016 (see tables on Page 26). Two thirds of firms said they would keep investment in training and kit at constant levels, according to the quarterly economic survey by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Fewer bosses reported plans to increase money spent on coaching their workforce, down two points to 23%. Meanwhile, the proportion of companies set to increase spending on equipment has fallen sharply by eight points to 16%, its lowest level since the
financial crisis in 2008. Those expecting to decrease investment in kit stands at 16%. It has only been higher once in the last three years. The Kent Invicta Chamber report said: “Planned training spend in Q4 was broadly as robust as in the previous 12 months. However, planned investment in equipment – a long-term capital commitment – was much more cautious. Usually more respondents report an increase than a cut in capital investment plans but in Q4 this patten was broken for the first time in more than four years.”
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It’s all about the negotiation by Jo James, Kent Invicta Chamber chief executive In business, what you achieve in a negotiation – not what you bid for – is what really matters. The Brexit process is no different, as outlined by the Prime Minister when she made her first major Brexit speech of the year on Tuesday, January 17. The latest results of the Chamber’s quarterly economic survey show how the EU negotiations will be acutely felt by companies across Kent. While businesses now have a clearer sense of Theresa May’s top-line priorities, they will come away from her speech knowing little more about the likely outcome of the Brexit negotiations than they did before. The simple fact is that businesses all across the UK are carrying on. Directlyaffected companies are being pragmatic and are preparing for a range of possible outcomes. Away from Westminster, many businesses are ignoring the Brexit noise completely and say there needs to be a far bigger focus on getting the basics right here at home.
Their message is that Brexit must not become allconsuming and that having the right skills, infrastructure and business environment across the UK will play a far bigger part in our future success than any eventual Brexit deal. Many businesses have been preparing for the eventuality that the UK would leave both the single market and the customs union, with some sort of free trade deal to follow. The Prime Minister’s remarks largely confirm this, and will lead other firms to think about making similar plans. Clarity on barrier-free arrangements between Northern Ireland and the Republic remain critical to business. Regarding a proposed transitional period after Brexit, this would be common sense. We need a reasonable transitional period that gives directly-affected businesses the breathing space they need to adapt to new realities. If, as the Prime Minister suggested, citizens of the EU-27 are subject to future restrictions on immigration, a simple and light-touch system is required. Bringing EU nationals into the costly and bureaucratic Home Office work permit process would be a huge regulatory burden for many businesses, especially when their immediate skills shortages at every level remain acute.
‘The simple fact is that businesses all across the UK are carrying on. Directly-affected companies are being pragmatic, and are preparing for a range of possible outcomes’ – Jo James
While businesses now have a clearer sense of Theresa May’s top-line priorities, they have come away from Prime Minister Theresa May’s big Brexit speech knowing little more about the likely outcome of future EU negotiations than they did before
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www.kentbusiness.co.uk
News
commercial property
Warehouse scheme for river bank
£1.8m given to recyclers
Councillors may invest £35m of taxpayers’ money to build offices and warehouses on the banks of the Thames to create 690 jobs. A public exhibition was held in Gravesend last week on the proposals for a commercial development on land known as Northfleet Embankment East. The scheme is being put forward by Gravesham Borough Council and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), the body planning a garden city. The employment land would sit next to a 600-home scheme by housebuilder Keepmoat, which is due to go before a planning committee later this year. The two authorities will submit an outline planning application for the 240,000sq ft of commercial space – also later this year – which will be decided by EDC’s planning committee.
A waste and skip hire company has bought its premises with £1.8m of bank funding. Greenbox Recycling used a £640,000 commercial mortgage loan to acquire its previously rented yard in Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, Ashford, where it has been operating since 2011. The company has also been given £500,000 from HSBC to buy a new fleet of lorries. The investment represents a new start for the firm, which was fined more than £25,000 in May after being caught illegally dumping rubbish on farmland. Richard Monks, who co-owns the business alongside Alan Hogg, said: “Having full ownership of our business has always been important to us and it’s great to officially own our Ashford site.”
Ebbsfleet Development Corporation and Gravesham council are considering a £35m investment to build commercial space at Northfleet Embankment East If approved, more than 40 industrial units could be built next to a business centre, offices and a small retail space. Gravesham council’s business
development chief Cllr Samir Jassal said the scheme would be the first new significant commercial development in the borough for 25 years.
It will sit in the North Kent Enterprise Zone, an area where the government offers incentives to attract firms, meaning companies which move into the space
will be eligible for business rates discounts worth up to £55,000 per year up to 2022. Gravesham council deputy leader Cllr David Turner said: “These plans will be subject to the outcome of this consultation exercise so it’s really important we get as many people involved as we can. However, the cabinet is keen for it happen.” Paul Spooner, interim chief executive of the EDC, said: “While we are delivering homes at pace in the garden city we are also keen to bring new jobs to the area and, if approved, this scheme would deliver much needed floor space for small and medium sized local businesses and help them prosper. “Ebbsfleet Garden City is well placed to deliver new jobs and new homes in this part of north Kent.”
Restaurant deal
Habib Siddiq of Cinnamon Square is served one of his own dishes by Sukh Majhail from Royal Bank of Scotland
Firms silent over rolling mill project Peel Ports and Liberty Steel are remaining tight-lipped about negotiations to reopen the rolling mill at the former Sheerness Steel site. Last year Liberty said it wanted to reopen the abandoned mill and create 60 jobs. Staff were seen visiting the premises, off Brielle Way, but neither Peel nor Liberty have responded to requests for an update. Meanwhile, work is progressing on the 53-acre site to make it ready to store imported vehicles from Gefco and Volkswagen. Some cars were already being
parked in the premises – now renamed Wellmarsh by Peel – before Christmas. In a statement last year, south Wales-based Liberty, which is part of the giant multi-national Liberty House Group, said it was excited about restarting the Sheerness rolling mill, which was closed four years ago. Peel has won permission from Swale council to redevelop the area. It will include creating a 32-acre car park and pre-delivery inspection depot for imported vehicles and a road bridge over Brielle Way, linking the site to the docks.
A husband and wife team have bought the freehold of their restaurant after gaining a six-figure funding deal with a bank. Habib and Waheda Siddiq now own the site where they run the award-winning Cinnamon Square restaurant in Hildenborough, which opened five years ago. It was named the best Indian restaurant in the South East at the Bangladesh Caterers Association 2016 award ceremony in November, held at the Park Plaza in Westminster. The restaurant, which employs 20 people, is capable of serving 160 people a night. The funding agreement was made with Royal Bank of Scotland. Mr Siddiq said: “We have leased our premises for nearly five years and felt now was the right time to buy them outright.” Sukh Majhail, senior relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We are excited to support Habib and Waheda and assist them with their future of this award-winning restaurant. “We have no doubt our investment will allow this young and ambitious couple to continue further success.”
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Food & Drink
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Food, glorious food and the good news is… so much of it can be sourced on our doorstep In his first Times column for 2017, Bruce McMichael, Farmers’ Market Manager for Tunbridge Wells explains why we should all make a firm resolution to buy local food products and support their passionate producers
I
n this corner of Kent we are fortunate enough to have lots of markets for people to pop along to: Shipbourne, Tunbridge Wells, Penshurst and Tonbridge are all quite unique and offer buyers something just a little bit different. From the charming churchyard feel of Shipbourne, to the impressive country house backdrop of Penshurst and the buzzing town centre atmosphere of Tunbridge Wells, each one’s location adds an additional ingredient to savour when browsing their rich array of seasonal produce and quality goods. Shipbourne farmers’ market, which is run by a group of volunteers headed up by Bob Taylor from the Kent Farmers’ Market Association, had its most successful run last year: “Christmas trading was really strong,” says Bob and that was primarily down to the presence of local artisan producers like Greensand Ridge Gin. “They took a pitch at the market, and introduced people to their London Dry brand which includes various botanicals; cobnuts, hawthorn berries
and gorse, some of which are picked within a mile of their distillery just down the road.” Steve Wood, who runs the award-winning Tonbridge farmers’ market and the Love Chillies range of sauces, is also passionate about getting people out of the supermarkets and buying from the stalls of regional independent suppliers. He states that the quality of ingredients and the producers’ wealth of in-depth knowledge is high but this doesn’t mean paying over the odds for food and drink. “More and more people are beginning to realise that produce bought from a stall at a market is not more expensive than what the supermarkets offer, seasonal fruit, veg, meat and fish are all priced very competitively, and supermarkets themselves are noticing that.” Steve also says that by talking to independent suppliers when mooching around can help customers get a real feel for the goods on offer as well as discover all about their individual production process or simply how things are made. “For example Nut Knowle Farm in Heathfield and Chillies Farm Dairy in High Hurstwood both attend the Tunbridge Wells farmers’ markets and sell goats cheese from their own herds. Chillies Farm keeps a herd of Nubian goats and are very hands-on, helping with
RICH PICKINGS There’s plenty to savour at farmers’ markets
everything from nanny goats giving birth to mucking out and making the cheese.” Renhurst Farm in Mark Cross is another regular stallholder at our local markets and their pork and beef is always fresh and has only travelled a few miles from farm-to-market. This is also the case with the produce from Precious Porkers which is located on a smallholding at Collier Street in Marden and run by Zoë Allcorn. She sells the meat from her small herd of Berkshire pigs and says there’s a very simple reason it’s so popular: “Our pigs are kept outdoors and allowed to grow at a natural pace, resulting in pork which is succulent, tender and juicy.” So, given the ever growing number of visitors to farmers’ markets it would seem that today’s consumers want to go back to a time when food wasn’t mass produced or contained preservatives and chemicals. They are also seeking better animal welfare conditions for livestock and healthier foods, and it goes without saying that farmers’ markets are an integral part of helping to achieve this.
Food & Drink
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
NOW TRY THESE RECIPES AT HOME: Spring leg of lamb is perfect for feeding a large gathering and you can rely on its sweet tender taste to be a crowd pleaser. It’s easy to source from your local market but there are many other lamb cuts which are also ideal for roasting and will suit different budgets. Look out for saddle, boned and rolled shoulder or mini roasts which are all easy to cook. If you have traditional tastes, a classic roast lamb paired with garlic and rosemary is always a favourite but if you fancy a change, how about serving your roast with a medley of seasonal spring vegetables and a delicious white wine sauce? Try the following recipes and taste the difference… Recipes and images courtesy of www. tastyeasylamb.co.uk
LEG OF LAMB WITH GARLIC AND ROSEMARY, COATED WITH HONEY MUSTARD What you need: 1 leg of lamb, approximately 1.6 kg 5 cloves of garlic, crushed 2 tbs olive oil 2 good sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped Salt and pepper 250ml hot water 60 ml dry white wine 4 tbs honey 2 tbs Dijon mustard What you do: Take the leg of lamb out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking. Preheat the oven to Gas mark 4-5/180-190°C. Mix the garlic with the oil and rosemary. Use your hands to coat the lamb all over with this
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ROAST LAMB WITH THYME AND SPRING VEGETABLES Serves 4
mixture, rubbing well in and season. Place the lamb on a rack in a roasting tin. Pour the water and the wine into the tin and roast for your calculated cooking time. Mix together the honey and mustard. Brush on to the lamb 10 minutes before the end of cooking time. Wrap the lamb in foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the roasting tin over a medium heat and add 150 ml of boiling water. Stir well with a small whisk or spoon to release any rich sediment. Strain the sauce into a jug. Carve the lamb into slices and serve with the sauce.
Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: Approx 50 minutes What you need: 500g boneless mini lamb roasting joint 1 tbs sunflower oil Salt and pepper 4 sprigs of fresh thyme 600g choice of green vegetables: (green beans, broad beans, peas, green mini-asparagus, broccoli, etc.), prepared and shelled if necessary 1 tbs of butter 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 tbs flour 100 ml white wine 250 ml hot lamb stock What you do:
Serves 6 - 8 Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: Medium: 25 minutes per 500g plus 25 minutes Well done: 30 minutes per 500g plus 30 minutes
FEATURES
Take the roast out of the fridge 1 hour in advance. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 6/200°C. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Sear the lamb quickly on all sides, on a high heat. Season, then place in a roasting tin and sprinkle with half the thyme. Cover with foil and cook for 40 to 50 minutes, to suit your preference.
About 20 minutes before the end of the cooking time, boil or steam the vegetables, until just cooked. Melt the butter in a small pan. Brown the shallot and the remaining thyme on a low heat. After 5 minutes, sprinkle with the flour, stir for 1 minute, then pour in the white wine and stock, while still stirring. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes on a low heat. When the lamb is cooked,
wrap it in foil and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Pour 3 tbs of hot water into the roasting tin, stir well with a whisk or spoon to release any meat juices and sediment and pour into the pan containing the sauce. Remove the sprigs of thyme and leave to simmer for another 2 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Cut the lamb into slices and serve with the vegetables and sauce.
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FEATURES
Travel
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
WHALE OF A TIME Antarctica is a cool holiday choice
Freezing time at the end of the earth
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t a time when economies thrive on arms industries and hopeless wars wage over resources, it’s refreshing to be in a place that belongs to no one. The world’s seventh continent, a frozen desert loaded with hostile superlatives, has no army, no government and no land up for plunder. Holding our planet in the palm of its icy hand, Antarctica influences climate and weather patterns worldwide. Clearly, there’s no question who’s boss. But attempts are underway to tame the wild beast - or at least make it more accessible. My journey to the fabled land that’s claimed the lives of so many brave explorers, takes just two hours - a fraction of the time it took Scott or Amundsen.
‘Would you like to go to paradise? asks our expedition leader, Aaron’ One Ocean Expeditions are one of a handful of operators offering tourists the option to fly into King George Island, a research base 120km off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, thus avoiding a two-day voyage across the tempestuous Drake Passage. Weather permitting, it’s a breeze - although that doesn’t mean our 11-night voyage will be a leisurely, diluted affair. Getting off the beaten track sounds like a tautology in a place as remote as Antarctica, but the truth is - wilderness is getting busier. IAATO, the body monitoring tourism in Antarctica, estimates 43,885 tourists for the 2016/17 season, a 12% rise on last year. Currently, 52 vessels operate, although that
number too is set to increase. Their reports also suggest that of the 180 authorised landing sites available, 25 are significantly more popular. Our aim is to explore the western side of the Peninsula, tackling the unpredictable Weddell Sea, where fewer vessels go. To ease ourselves into the adventure, we first skirt the eastern edge of the continent, following a classic route. “Would you like to go to paradise?” asks our expedition leader, Aaron, rhetorically, as we enter the appropriately named bay. Snow-wrapped mountain peaks ripple in the wake of our zodiac boat, as we slice through perfect reflections, where ice floes play the role of clouds floating in a cerulean sky. Beneath a beaming sun, frozen sculptures melt like candle wax until gossamer smooth, and glistening slopes framing the inlet are a swirl of kaleidoscopic refractions. For the past few weeks, this ‘Antarctic Riviera’ has been drenched in sunshine; a pattern consistent with the last decade, according to one naturalist on board. Perhaps it’s too crude a deduction to interpret it as climate change, but there are signs to suggest disturbed equilibrium. Long chains of salps (pea-shaped organisms encased in a gelati-
ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE A boat slices through the ice
nous body) ribbon below the surface; their presence indicates a rise in water temperature and dictates a crash in the population of krill the bedrock of all marine life. All, it would seem, is not well in paradise. For now, though, there’s still a sufficient supply of the 5cm semi-transparent crustaceans to feed creatures 320 times their size. Weaving between our zodiacs and trails of brash ice in the inky black waters of Orne Harbour, humpbacks lunge feed at such close proximity, I gulp and gag at blasts of their fishy, putrid breath. Arcing above us on the Antarctic continent proper, a ridgeline of slate spires knife the sky, top
tier housing for a colony of rock scrambling chinstrap penguins. Reaching them requires a steep, sweaty climb, although thick snow stymies my ascent. Metres away, my calf-high companions make it look effortlessly easy as they waddle purposefully along hewn out ‘penguin highways’, returning from a fishing trip, to feed their newborn chicks. Yet, eking out an existence in this mercurial environment is thwarted with rigours. Nowhere is this desolation more felt than at Deception Island, the caldera of an active volcano in the South Shetland Island archipelago, at the tip of the Peninsula. The last eruption occurred in 1970, at Telefon Bay, where a steep-sided valley rips through the colour-drained basalt landscape, stained white with zebra stripes of ice. A listless crabeater seal languishes at the the bottom, the only sign of any recent life. Some distance from the water, his
Travel
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
unfortunate presence leaves us baffled, and as rage-swollen black clouds belligerently hurl spears of hail in our direction, we retreat to avoid a similar fate. It’s rare to see any other vessels on a polar voyage, so meticulously orchestrated are the itineraries, but icebergs currently choking the Lemaire Channel, further south, mean many are navigating the same waters. To avoid them, our expedition leader selects some atypical landing sites. Carrying less than 100 passengers, our ship, the Akademik Sergey Vavilov, has access to places off limits to bigger liners; and an experienced crew can navigate zodiacs into landing spots others wouldn’t dare attempt.
WINGING IT Magellanic penguins atop a rock
Shallow depths and submerged boulders challenge our entry into the astounding Gourdin Island, where 14,000 pairs of Disney-eyed Adelie penguins nest alongside several hundred gentoos on scree slopes slipping into turquoise, Maldivian-kissed waters. It’s January, and most chicks are newborn; some eggs are yet to hatch. Attentive parents corkscrew their necks before dexterously performing a nest changeover, and hungry youngsters guzzle drools of regurgitated krill. I’m especially taken by the pear-shaped gentoo babies, dragging their bellies along the ground like freeloaders ruined by a bottomless buffet. Comedy capers unfold all around. All penguins have an insatiable instinct to steal stones, always striving for nest-building perfection, but one kleptomaniac hasn’t quite got the idea; repeatedly picking up nothing, he carries it from one place to another, creating an ever-increasing empty pile. Our voyage, incorporating a visit to the Falkland Islands, offers a chance to see seven species of penguin - but one type was always going to be an outside bet. A colony of emperors lives south of Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea, but impenetrable ice scuppers our hopes of the exploring the Peninsula’s tricky west coast. Instead, we drift through the Antarctic Sound, passing a graveyard of sky-scraping tabular icebergs in solemn procession as they gradually turn and tumble, becoming part of
the swelling ocean once again. Reaching the Falklands requires skirting the Drake Passage for a day or two, although our solid Russian research vessel can easily handle boisterous waves. But I enjoy every sharp lick of the ocean’s fury. More than a body of water, the Drake is a rite of passage; experiencing it is fundamental to appreciating wilderness at the end of the earth. In the Falklands, amid tussocks, honeysuckle and lupins, we encounter more avian beauties, our eyes torn between sea and sky. Squabbling rockhopper penguins pelt through the surf at New Island, while graceful black-browed albatross swoosh from clifftop runways, balancing on blustering winds with
FEATURES
sangfroid. On West Point, these unlikely neighbours carry out parenting duties, and at Saunders Island, on hillsides raped by over-grazing, predatory caracaras rip young Magellanic penguins from their burrows. It’s a sad loss, but one which won’t dent the population. According to members of American science and educational foundation Oceanites, who have been conducting a penguin census during our voyage, we’ve clocked up a whopping 1,208,664 birds. But not one single emperor. Next time. Besides, in a shrinking world, it’s reassuring to know some doors remain closed. We’ll just have to wonder and imagine what greatness lies beyond.
TRAVEL FACTS Sarah Marshall was a guest of One Ocean Expeditions (www.oneoceanexpeditions.com; +0351 962 721 836) who offer the 11-day Ultimate Antarctica - Weddell Sea and Falkland Islands trip from – £9,175pp. Voyages in 2018 depart on January 9, 23 and 30. Includes charter flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island and from Stanley (Falklands) to Punta Arenas. The Ultimate Travel Company (theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk; 020 3051
8098) offer bespoke travel arrangements for all One Ocean Antarctic sailings with prices from – £13,780 per person, including two nights in Punta Arenas, international flights, domestic flights to Punta Arenas and private transfers throughout. Air France (www.airfrance.co.uk; 020 7660 0337) offers daily flights from Heathrow to Santiago, via Paris from – £1,069 return. Regional departures also available from Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
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FEATURES
Life & Style
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
THE WARREN RESTAURANT HOSTS PRESS LAUNCH OF NEW SEASONAL MENU BY HEAD CHEF SAM SPRATT
TITLE SPONSOR OF THE CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE - LITERARY FESTIVAL 2017
The Warren restaurant held a tasting evening on January 25 to showcase the new menu, created by Sam Spratt, who took over as Head Chef in December, having worked with the restaurant since it opened in March 2016. The founders, Christopher Fitt and Martin Haymes, also own the Crowborough Warren Estate, 700 acres Of woodland and farmland on the edge of the Ashdown Forest.
The Tunbridge Wells office of investment management firm, Brooks Macdonald, is proud to announce it’s title sponsorship of the Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival 2017, taking place in Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent from Sunday 30 April to Tuesday 2 May 2017.
The woodland provides companies and individuals with wood chip and plant hire for all aspects of bio mass fuel production, heating systems, hub filling, land clearance and chipping. The farm is home to free range herds of Sussex cattle, Charolais X Suffolk sheep, wild boar and fallow deer, along with flocks of poultry and waterfowl. Chris and Martin’s aim for the restaurant is to serve the best quality food using locally sourced, seasonal, free range produce from The Crowborough Warren Estate. The focus is on farm to table, nose to tail cooking, using the most and best from each animal brought straight from the estate to the kitchen. The menue changes daily and each dish has been carefully created with this in mind. Anything that can’t be produced on the estate is sourced from local suppliers whenever possible. The Warren is redefining dining - moving away from the sometimes stuffy image of fine dining, and towards a restaurant atmosphere that is more conducive to a leisurely and family orientated experience with friendly staff. The tasting evening fell on Burns Night, and to honour tradition, the guests sampled haggis Scotch eggs made with quail eggs from the Estate; Warren venison carpaccio garnished with salt baked celeriac; torched soused mackerel with beetroot, horseradish and watercress; and West country crab gratin with fennel. They left with a gift of half a dozen free range eggs from the Estate.
For all PR, advertising and press enquiries, please contact: belinda@aboutcontent.co.uk. To contact the restaurant or book a table, please call: 01892 328191 or email: contact@thewarren.restaurant The Warren Restaurant, 5a The High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UL
The new sponsorship adds to the Tunbridge Wells office’s other sponsorships including professional golfer David Callaway, Junior Bromleians Football Club, Speldhurst Juniors Cricket Club and West Surrey Golf Juniors. Pam Beith, Senior Investment Director and Head of Brooks Macdonald’s Tunbridge Wells office, said:
RENCRAFT OF KENT AWARDED BEST OF HOUZZ 2017 Rencraft of Kent were Nominated the Best Home Improvement and Design Professionals in the UK and Around the World On January 26, 2017, Rencraft of Kent was voted ‘Best Of Design’ on Houzz® - the leading platform for home renovation and design. The award-winning handmade kitchen designer and manufacturer was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the worldwide Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, improvement and design industry professionals. The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Work from the winners of the Design Award was the most popular amongst Houzz users. Customer Service honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional company received in 2016. Architecture and interior design photographers, whose images were most popular, were recognised with the Photography award. A “Best Of Houzz 2017” badge will appear on winners’ profiles, as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and toprated home professionals on Houzz. “To have scooped a Houzz Best of Design award for the second year in a row is a great honour” said Karen Cowell, Marketing Manager at Rencraft, “We are absolutely delighted to know that our work has been enjoyed and recognised by the many members of the Houzz community year after year.” Andrew Small, MD of Houzz UK and Ireland said: “We are so pleased to award Best of Houzz 2017 to this incredible group of talented and customer-focused professionals, including Rencraft. Each of these businesses were singled out for recognition by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts, for helping to turn their home improvement dreams into reality.”
Follow Rencraft on Houzz https://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/ rencraftltd/rencraft-ltd or visit their website www.rencraft.co.uk
“We are very proud to be the title sponsor of the Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival 2017. The Festival is now in its second year and was a huge success in 2016. This year’s event will once again have an impressive line-up of wellknown authors covering a wide range of topics. The Festival really has something to offer all age groups. We have an established history of supporting the arts, charities and sport throughout the firm and it is great to be able to support initiatives in our local market. Sponsoring the Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival 2017 also provides us with a wonderful platform to raise awareness of our business in Kent and the South East.” Events will take place over three days with a special programme for local schools on Tuesday 2 May. There will be vintage food vans, a bar and organic coffee trikes, along with the Castle’s own courtyard tea rooms serving cakes, sandwiches and light lunches.
Tickets for each event on Sunday and Monday will be £12 for adults and £5 for children including entry into the Castle and Collections. Online ticket booking will be available via the Castle website from 1 March with discounts for Early Birds. Tickets for the school events on Tuesday will be £4 per student and are available for purchase directly from the Castle from 1 February 2017.
Motoring
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
FIRST DRIVE
Nissan Micra N-Connecta WHAT’S NEW? Let’s face it, the last Nissan Micra wasn’t exactly a big hit in the UK market. It was a bit too quirky compared with previous generations and what had been the firstcar staple of so many young drivers became the reserve of the older generation. Nissan has breathed a new lease of life into the latest Micra, though, bringing it into line with the rest of its product range and offering segment firsts on the safety and technology fronts. It’s been redesigned from the ground up to offer far better driving performance, plus the combination of standard safety options, improved driving aids and tech developments make it a very appealing option. It is also available with must-have extras such as Apple CarPlay integration and high-quality Bose headrest speakers, which make it an attractive alternative to rivals.
LOOKS AND IMAGE When it comes to looks, the fifthgeneration Micra has certainly improved and is likely to win favour - as many
Nissans have before - with those looking for a stylish, but practical alternative to the traditional cars on the market. It’s been given that instantly recognisable Nissan chrome ‘V’ around the badge and an overall much sleeker look. It’s clear that the target market for Micra is younger drivers, and Nissan is hoping to capture the attention of this audience with its new customisation options. There are three levels for this, covering the exterior and interior, meaning buyers have 125 options to choose from and can ensure their car stands out on the road. Focus on interior quality has been drastically improved in the fifthgeneration car. Here the Micra really sets itself apart from rivals, with soft flowing lines across the dash, which is built with soft-touch materials in contrasting colours.
SPACE AND PRACTICALITY The new Micra has a longer wheelbase than ever, and that means more legroom for all occupants. This is another way that Nissan has challenged rivals, as it’s moving away from a cramped supermini to a small hatchback. With five doors and
FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: Nissan Micra N-Connecta ENGINE: 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph in 11.9 seconds, 109mph top speed ECONOMY: 64.2mpg EMISSIONS: 104g/km (99g/km with stop-start) COST: from £14,995
FEATURES
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THE TOWN’S TOP MOTORING GUIDE FROM E V E R Y D AY D R I V E S T O LU XU RY SU P E R C A R S
By Rebecca Chaplin
WITH THE
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
a reasonable boot, it would be appealing for any family with young children. Space in the back is still limited, although two adults could squeeze in. The roof curves into the rear spoiler, so it looks great from the outside, but there’s more headroom than you’d expect. The doors open nice and wide too, as you’d expect from a Nissan, which makes this a great option for getting in and out of, especially if you’re trying to get a child in the back. However, the door openings themselves aren’t that big and you’ll have to bend over quite considerably. The Micra is kitted out with lane departure assistance, emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and blind spot warning, meaning you get a really comprehensive range of driving assistance for such a small car. This is standard on the top-spec Tekna, but you’ll have to pay extra for it if you opt for a lower grade.
BEHIND THE WHEEL The Nissan Micra is available with two engine options at launch - a 0.9-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel - both producing 89bhp. From March,
‘It’s been redesigned from the ground up to offer far better driving performance’
NEW AND IMPROVED The Nissan Micra has had a facelift
when the car goes on sale, there will be a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, producing 74bhp, coming to the UK, but details are limited. Currently, it’s only available with a five-speed manual gearbox. According to Nissan, the 0.9-litre petrol engine will achieve 64.2mpg and produce 99g/km of CO2 with stop-start fitted. Its diesel counterpart will do 88mpg, while producing 85g/km of CO2. It will achieve 0 - 60mph in 11.9 seconds with the petrol engine, continuing to 109mph, while the diesel will go marginally faster to 60mph in 11.7 seconds, reaching 111mph. The Nissan Micra is a pretty pokey little car to drive in both petrol and diesel guises, although you’ll get marginally more out of the little turbo petrol. The car’s centre of gravity has been lowered, which means it clings to the road better than ever. It’s still a small car with a small engine, so don’t expect a life-changing driving experience, but it offers more than you’d need on a daily basis. The car’s handling is its redeeming feature, as it corners with absolute ease even on the tightest of bends. There’s more clever kit under the car’s skin, which is constantly working to keep the car planted on the road. Although the Micra is bigger, it’s also become slightly wider. Once you’re behind the wheel it doesn’t feel like a large car but its new stylish and flared design does mean you may want to keep an eye on the car’s extremities. Fortunately, the Micra is now available with Nissan’s 360-degree manoeuvring camera, which makes parking easy.
VALUE FOR MONEY However, all of this extra kit and extra space does mean the price has increased on the Micra. That’s not to say there isn’t value in the Nissan range any more, and those looking for a low-priced, practical, but small car are better off opting for the Note. The Micra does offer plenty of options depending on your budget though, ranging from the entry-level Visia to the top-spec Tekna. The entry-level car is priced at £11,995, which will give you a fairly basic array of goodies, including 15-inch steel wheels, LED daytime running lights, electric door mirrors and front windows, hill start assist and emergency braking and the two-tone dashboard. Going for Visia+ will add air conditioning and an entry-level sound system with two speakers, but it’s predicted that the midrange Acenta spec with the 0.9-litre petrol engine will be the most popular model, which is priced from £14,995. This adds 16-inch alloys, cruise control, bodycoloured trim and the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. From this grade, you’ll be able to add the Bose PersonalSpace system for £500, which is standard on top-spec Tekna models, and gives you high-quality surround sound thanks to speakers built into the front headrests.
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FEATURES
Motoring
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Former PM driven out of accepting car Secret memos have revealed that Margaret Thatcher had to turn down the gift of a new vehicle
POLICE TARGET: Drivers using mobiles will be penalised
Motorists: Don’t drive and dial NEARLY 8,000 UK motorists were caught using their mobile phones while behind the wheel during a week of police enforcement on distraction driving. The nationwide operation - involving 36 forces took place last November, with as many as 47 motorists per hour being caught using their phones. This was the highest ever for a week of enforcement on distraction driving. Police issued more than 7,800 penalty notices during the campaign and said “hundreds of verbal warnings” and 68 court summonses were also given. Today, police launched another week-long mobile phone enforcement campaign. Operations include targeted patrols using unmarked vans, high vantage points and helmet cameras to catch offenders; partnering with local authorities and emergency services to deter motorists from taking the risk; and using commu-
nity ‘spotters’ to highlight hotspots and repeat offenders to police. Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, said: “This week forces will be working to make driving while distracted as socially unacceptable as drink-driving through enforcing strong deterrents and powerful messages to make people think twice about their driving habits. “Encouraging results from last year’s campaign against mobile phone use show how effective new tactics and innovative approaches can be. Officers will continue to use intelligence-led tactics to target police activity and resources and catch repeat offenders. “Forces will be working throughout the year to tackle this behaviour by motorists with national partners and the public. “Remember: when at the wheel, your calls or texts can wait. Keep your eyes on the road.”
DRIVE TIME A similar Rover 800 to the one offered to Mrs Thatcher in 1986
Motoring
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
NEWLY released documents show that Margaret Thatcher secretly tested the Rover 800 before it was launched in 1986. The files, which were published by the Margaret Thatcher Foundation, reveal the then-Prime Minister was secretly sent a demonstrator of the flagship saloon to prepare for a photoshoot outside Downing Street. A note from Mark Addison, Thatcher’s private secretary, reminded the Prime Minister that the vehicle would be towed to Chequers, the premier’s country retreat, before she spent half an hour familiarising herself with the vehicle. Less than two weeks later, Thatcher drove the car along
Downing Street. The memos also show that Addison was concerned about the way the press would perceive the publicity stunt, saying the Evening Standard was “aware the Prime Minister would be ‘accepting’ a Rover 800”. Addison said: “It should be made quite clear that the Prime Minister was not accepting the car as a gift, but simply trying it out or demonstrating it.” The PM’s aides were also keen that Rover should provide a blue car as that matched the colours of the Conservative party. Thatcher had previously been unhappy when testing another British Leyland model, which had turned up in a red paint scheme.
FEATURES
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Paying the price of visiting sick relatives in hospital FINE TIME Record numbers of hospital visitors hit penalty parking charges VISITORS to hospitals around the country were hit with approximately £13.3 million in parking fines during the 2015/16 financial year, it has been revealed. YourParkingSpace.co.uk made the revelation following a Freedom of Information request, and also discovered that 10% of the 159,000 tickets issued were appealed against - two-thirds of which were done so successfully. The chances of successfully appealing against a parking ticket varied from region to region, with some areas seeing a success rate of 100%, while others were less than 10%. Some trusts were also more heavyhanded than others when it came to issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), with some trusts handing out more than
12,000 in 2016, while others issued none. Barts Heath NHS Trust issued the highest number of PCNs during the 2015/16 period, standing at 12,789. University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Foundation Trust closely followed with 12,556. Some trusts were more forgiving than others when it came to overturning PCNs as well. Those that overturned all the PCN appeals they received included The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, University of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. Managing director of YourParkingSpace. co.uk Harrison Woods said: “It isn’t right that visitors who are often attending
hospital for treatment or to visit sick relatives are being hit with fines of up to £100. “It’s added worry at a time that is often already very stressful for patients and their families. The research, however, shows that if you feel that you have been unfairly ticketed while parking at a hospital, it can pay to appeal.” Woods believes technology that enables motorists to book parking in advance could provide the NHS trusts with an ideal solution. He said: “Some hospital trusts are dealing with tens of thousands of PCN appeals a year, most of which are overturned. “It’s generating huge amounts of unnecessary and costly administration for hospitals, which could be avoided by embracing the changing customer behaviour of booking online. “Many patients and visitors already know in advance when they will be visiting the hospital, and booking their parking online could make the trip much less stressful and help them avoid parking illegally. “Meanwhile, for hospitals that deal with PCN appeals internally, it’s a reduction in the administrative headache that comes with this, so it really is a win-win.”
The Ultimate Driving Machine
THE BMW 118i SPORT 5-DOOR SPORTS HATCH. BMW Select Representative example: BMW 118i Sport 5-Door. Term of agreement
47 Monthly payments of
On the road cash price*
Customer deposit
Deposit contribution
Total deposit
Total amount of credit
Option to purchase fee**
Optional final payment**
Total amount payable
Rate of interest
48 months
£279.00
£22,790.00
£279.00
£2,547.64
£2,826.64
£19,963.36
£1.00
£9,090.98
£25,030.62
3.9% Fixed
Representative 3.9% APR
For more infomation call us on 01892 628 120. Cooper Tunbridge Wells Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE 01892 628 120 www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 1 Series range: Urban 23.2-54.3mpg (12.2-5.2l/100km). Extra Urban 41.5-72.4mpg (6.8-3.9l/100km). Combined 32.8-64.2mpg (8.6-4.4l/100km). CO2 emissions 200-116g/km. Figures are obtained in a standardised test cycle. They are intended for comparisons between vehicles and may not be representative of what a user achieves under usual driving conditions. The Cooper Group is a credit broker and not a lender. Finance example is for a BMW Select agreement for a BMW 118i Sport 5-Door, with a contract mileage of 32,000 miles and excess mileage charge of 5.84p per mile. Applies for new vehicles ordered between 4 January and 31 March 2017 and registered by 30 June 2017 (subject to availability). Retail customers only. *On the road cash price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail price and includes 3 year BMW Retailer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12 months’ road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. **Optional final payment and option to purchase fee not payable if you opt to return the vehicle at the end of the agreement (vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable). Finance available subject to credit acceptance to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. ‘BMW Select’ is a form of hire-purchase agreement provided by BMW Financial Services (GB) Limited, Summit ONE, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. You will have a 14 day statutory right to withdraw from the agreement. The Cooper Group Limited is an Appointed Representative of Inchcape Retail Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and commonly introduce customers to a selected panel of lenders including BMW Financial Services. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to such lenders. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice.
Books
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
FEATURES
TIMES REVIEWS
Book some time off…
The January Man by Christopher Somerville
Time to unwind and relax, and what better way than with a great book? Here are a few suggestions for your winter reading…
Hardback by Doubleday, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99). Travel writer Christopher Somerville takes us on a rich and nostalgic tour of Britain’s countryside in this gentle amble through some of his favourite places to stretch his legs. Somerville puts on his boots and takes us across the land at various points of the year, from the frozen flatlands around the River Severn in winter, to a summer stroll in the Shetlands. His vivid, highly descriptive style seems to bring nature to life, while weaving in interesting nuggets of information on subjects including local history, people and music (the book’s title comes from a 1970 song). Interspersed with the walking, Somerville examines his relationship with his late father, himself a keen walker and potential spook. What emerges is a tender, relaxing work that is as readable as a book as it is useful as a guide to seek these places out for yourself and escape from the rat race.
BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Nix by Nathan Hill Hardback by Picador, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.49). At its heart, the hotly-tipped debut from Nathan Hill is the story of an estranged mother and son. Small-town English professor Samuel hasn’t seen his mother, the irritatingly-monikered Faye Andresen-Anderson, since her meticulously-planned walk-out on the family home when he was 11. Fast forward 20 years and Samuel is now an English professor at a small-town university. He spends his days obsessing about his childhood sweetheart, playing online video games and, in short, doing anything he can to avoid writing a single word of the novel he earned a megabucks advance for 10 years previously. But when his now left-wing radical mother is caught up in a scandal involving throwing rocks at a leading political figure, her lawyer begs Samuel to attest to her character. As luck would have it, this request coincides with his publisher’s threatening to sue if he doesn’t produce the novel. The temptation to investigate his mother’s story and turn it into a book proves irresistible. This is an astonishingly ambitious novel, taking in everything from the 1968 Chicago protests to the Occupy Wall Street movement, from 1980s suburbia to 1940s Norway, over 600 pages. It might sound like a heavy read, but Hill has a lightness of touch and a sly observational style that makes for a compelling narrative.
7/10
(Review by David Wilcock)
CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK
The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson Hardback by Doubleday, priced £14.99 (ebook £9.99).
8/10
There’s a genre of fiction that goes something like this... Boy with learning and/or physical disability or mental illness spots or solves a crime - which began with Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time in 2004, in which our hero has autism, and was notably followed up by Virginia Macgregor’s What Milo Saw in 2014, about a boy with the sight condition Retinitis Pigmentosa. The Goldfish Boy is the latest incarnation, but aimed squarely at children, who will empathise with 12-year-old narrator Matthew and his oddball friends, Jake and Melody. Matthew suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder brought on around the time his baby brother died, which makes him afraid of germs - and reclusive. He takes meals in his spotless room, wears rubber gloves, and keeps tabs on the goings on in his street, earning the nickname Goldfish Boy from Casey, the little girl who comes to stay with her grandfather, Matthew’s neighbour. When her toddler brother Teddy goes missing one day, Matthew is the last to have seen him - and so he starts to investigate his closest neighbours, learning that, in their own way, they’ve each had to deal with losing a child. Matthew and his anxieties are instantly relatable and Thompson’s book is by turns dark and light, as she bravely tackles serious subjects in a way children will understand. A moving and powerful debut.
(Review by Anita Chaudhuri)
The Trophy Child by Paula Daly Hardback, priced £12.99 (ebook £7.99). Karen Bloom is not the maternal type. She raises her children for success and does not accept less than perfection, especially when it comes to her young daughter Bronte who she refuses to let grow up the same as her drug-abusing brother Ewan, or her unruly step-sister Verity. But this obsession with achievement masks a crumbling family dynamic in which each member struggles to keep their head above water, and individually rebels against Karen’s intensifying control. What begins as a seemingly common tale of family fall-out, focusing on the archetypal role of the pushy parent and the overworked child, unravels to reveal a surprising and gripping read. Whilst not a particularly adventurous plotline, Daly expertly crafts a thriller from within the walls of domestic life and shows how tragedy uproots the illusions and pretences of idyllic family life.
NON-FICTION
8/10
7/10
(Review by Kate Whiting)
(Review by Erin Bateman)
w
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Births, Marriages and Bereavements
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
Do you have an announcement? Times of Tunbridge Wells and Times of Tonbridge are pleased to receive announcements from readers for publication in the newspaper. To help you provide the information required please email info@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or call 01892 779650. We try to publish reports as quickly as possible after receipt and when space allows.
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Puzzles
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
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Numbers are substituted for letters in the crossword grid. Above the grid is the key with two letters solved. Try to complete the first few words to give you more letters, or look for a frequent number that might reveal a common letter. As you find letters, enter them in the key and into the grid. Cross off the letters in the A to Z list.
6
6 7 1 2 3
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5 26
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Codeword:
9 7 6 3 1 8
P E A C O C K
To complete Sudoku, fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
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P E P Y S
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In this Sudoku, the normal 3x3 boxes are now strangely odd shapes – but all the rules and logic of normal Sudoku apply. Fill the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 so that each row, column and box contains every number uniquely. Puzzle solutions will be published in next week’s paper
S A L M J U T I U L A D D I N R W K L I V E E N E R NOC K S S R O U L L E Y S A Q W E N G U A B D I L T O P P E D
Jigsaw Sudoku:
Sudoku:
4 3 6 2 9 1 5 7 8
9 8 5 7 6 4 2 3 1
2 1 7 8 3 5 4 9 6
N I P E R E R I X R A Y S U I K S U R E S I N E E Z E O A N I C E R F H T O L I S H O N L D I A R Y
1 4 9 3 5 6 7 8 2
3 6 8 1 2 7 9 5 4
5 7 2 4 8 9 1 6 3
8 5 1 9 4 3 6 2 7
6 2 4 5 7 8 3 1 9
7 9 3 6 1 2 8 4 5
6 7 8 3 2 4 9 1 5
4 9 2 5 1 8 6 3 7
5 1 7 4 8 9 2 6 3
9 8 3 6 7 2 5 4 1
1 5 9 8 3 6 4 7 2
2 6 4 1 5 7 3 8 9
7 3 6 2 9 1 8 5 4
3 4 1 9 6 5 7 2 8
8 2 5 7 4 3 1 9 6
© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★II
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles, Inc.
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© 2016 Syndicated Puzzles
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SOLUTIONS (FROM LAST WEEK)
SUDOKU & JIGSAW SUDOKU
DIFFICULTY RATING: ★★★★
CODEWORD
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FEATURES
NEWS
Recruitment
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
FIND YOUR PERFECT JOB TODAY – A MUST READ FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR WORK LOCALLY WITH THE
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Commercial Sales Manager One Media UK Ltd, part of the award-winning Markerstudy Group, is currently looking to attract experienced and proven commercial talent to work with new and existing clients across its publishing portfolio. As part of a small, but very successful and ambitious team, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a successful sales strategy, achieving the agreed revenue targets both weekly and monthly in allocated categories. You will ensure targets are exceeded and will maintain successful relationships with key accounts through clients directly and via agencies. Selling across both newspaper and magazine publications, you will make yourself and your brand famous within the local lifestyle brand world, establishing and maintaining strong commercial relationships and maximising revenues. This role requires a highly structured and proactive approach to ensure revenues are generated every day within the agreed guidelines from the relevant markets. It is 100% results focused. For the right individuals, we offer a highly attractive salary and benefits package, along with strong career progression opportunities. For more details and to apply for this exciting role, please contact Lara Milan: lmilan@markerstudy.com One Media UK Ltd is part of the Markerstudy Group of companies.
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND TONBRIDGE
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Recruitment
NEWS
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FEATURES
Arts & Culture
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
It’s a family affair for this blues inspired band The Blues Brothers Little Brother are one of the most popular parts of The Pantiles’ Hug-Many event and this year they drew a record crowd of nearly 2,000 people. Ahead of their sell-out gig on Saturday night in Ditton Eileen Leahy spoke to guitarist Paul Roscoe to discover more about their musical magic
How did your name come about? It’s a play on words of the Channel 4 TV programme Big Brother’s Little Brother, which was a spin-off to the original Big Brother show. We
then swapped the prefix to The Blues Brothers as we mainly play numbers from the soundtrack of this classic 1980s film [which starred John Belushi as Jake and Dan Ackroyd as Elwood].
EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY Blues Brothers Little Brother performing on stage
PHOTOS: David Bartholomew
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of your band? Well this is actually our 10th anniversary year. The Blues Brothers Little Brother formed in 2007 after someone requested a few of us to sing at a birthday party. Afterwards we all knew that we had a future and we built the band from that point, adding songs and rehearsing hard.
What other genres of music do you play? We also perform tracks from Alan Parker’s 90s film The Commitments, as well as the odd soul song. We want people to dance, sing along and have a great time, so we plan the set list to reflect this. How did you get involved in performing at the New Year’s Eve Hug-Many events? Its creator Ian Andrew approached us in 2014 and asked us to play at the very first one. Coincidentally, we had supported The Pickering Cancer Drop in Centre [which benefits from the HugMany event] for many years. How did this year’s concert go? It was fabulous! We had an incredible crowd and all the acts involved did a fantastic job. The feeling in The Pantiles was very warm - it was like playing to 2,000 friends and family. What did you enjoy most about it? Definitely the crowd’s reaction. From the stage all CROWD PLEASERS Performing to a packed Pantiles on New Year’s Eve
Follow in the steps of great book illustrators. The Great Illustrators Trail at Penshurst Place. 11th to 19th February 10.30am till Dusk Wander through our winter gardens this half term and help us match a few fantastic illustrations to the much-loved children’s book they come from. We’ve thrown in a riddle or two along the way so thinking caps at the ready, as we open for the first time in 2017. Don’t forget to check our website to see what else we have in store for 2017, including a few creepy crawlies, bushcraft experiences and garden pantomimes. It’s a great family day out at Penshurst Place & Gardens!
www.penshurstplace.com 01892 870307
you could see were smiling faces, and people singing and dancing. What makes Hug-Many such a special gig for you to play? The fact that it’s New Year’s Eve and everyone comes to party and see in a new year together makes it very special. Where else do you perform? We play at weddings, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, summer fêtes,
charity fundraisers and festivals. We’ll play at anything if we are asked, as we love performing this fantastic music. Do you all have day jobs too? If so, how do you find juggling work with your musical passion? Yes, many of us do but the band is our passion. Playing music is what we love to do and when it’s like that you move everything to fit around the band. It’s great fun and everybody gets on well
and when we perform live our singers ‘Jake’ (Simon Attwood) and ‘Elwood’ (Gary Hindley) get up to all sorts of mischief. Their interaction with the crowd makes our concerts One performance is never the same and that’s what makes playing in the band so much fun. For more information on the band visit their website www.bluesbrotherslittlebrother.co.uk
Arts & Culture
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
FEATURES
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Finding the rhyme and the reason in life through the power of poetry When The Change Came is the latest work by local poet Steve Walter. Here he tells us about his passion for creative writing which has helped him with his bipolar diagnosis and why he wants to open up the conversation on mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding it…
I
’VE been writing poetry since I was a teenager, when I discovered that poems didn’t have to rhyme at the ends of lines. My late father was a poet, so it fell into place naturally for me. The thing I enjoy most about writing is the occasional sense of connection with something fundamental when the writing’s going well. It’s that moment of reflection, of creating something new, making connections matter and bringing ideas to life. I’m inspired by a wide range of poets from those who’ve passed on, like Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, to those alive and well-established like Roger McGough and Wendy Cope. I admire Ted Hughes for his deep grasp of the natural world and Sylvia’s potency of language. McGough and Cope’s quirky take on people, events and situations also appeal. Then there are the contemporaries whose poetry I enjoy, and I must mention Michael Laskey, Sarah Salway and Abegail Morley
who’ve all helped me in many ways. I worked with Michael, an established poet, on an Open College for the Arts poetry course, he was my mentor. Sarah Salway is a great local writer and poet who runs excellent writing workshops while Abegail Morley, winner of the Canterbury festival Poet of the Year, has published many powerful collections and hosts The Poetry Shed which publishes new work as well as excellent workshops. For me, poetry is core to my thinking, feeling and being, and has helped me assimilate and come to terms with my experience of being diagnosed as bipolar, and realise that the condition does not define me. By day I’m a Global Health, Safety and Environment Manager but my job and poetry are entirely separate - although ideas may occur to me when I’m working. I write wherever I can, often tapping ideas into my phone. My first book was Fast Train Approaching,
a creative autobiographical account of breakdown and recovery. Then followed Voices, a collection of other people’s experiences of mental ill health which I wove in with my experience of putting on a show at the Edinburgh Fringe. My latest work is entitled When The Change Came and it’s a collection of 32 poems written over a period of twenty years since I had my first breakdown. The title poem is about transformation, both creative and psychic. When it comes to mental health, support campaigns such as the Time To Change anti-stigma one [which aims to put an end to mental health discrimination] have gone a long way to help but there’s still a general reluctance for people to speak out and I often feel this myself, despite having delivered numerous workshops, seminars and conferences. I’ve found that sometimes it’s the simple things that help most like asking someone how they are and being prepared to listen actively and non-judgementally to the answer. Later this year I intend to draw together some more poems for a larger collection and will perform at the Brighton Fringe festival. My show, Acute Psychotic Episode III – When the Change Came, is a retrospective reflecting on 20 years of bipolar and creative experience up to the present day. I’m also hoping to do a number of open mic slots at various literature and poetry festivals like Ledbury and Cheltenham. My poetry and creative writing have both been central and cathartic on my journey in life so far.
An extract from when The Change Came
When The Change Came is published by Indigo Dreams and priced £6.75 www.indigodreams.co.uk For more information on Steve Walter and his work visit www.makingconnectionsmatter.org
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FEATURES
What’s On
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
SEVEN DAYS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
WHATS ON WITH THE
Eileen Leahy Local events
GOING UNDERGROUND See Cityscapes at Trinity
>> WEDNESDAY If you’re after an artistic fix then why not pop along to Trinity’s latest exhibition which is entitled Cityscapes and Other Works. It’s a collection of paintings by William Pierce who recently completed a postgraduate at the Royal Drawing School in London. The former Central St Martin’s and Canterbury Christ Church University student’s work focuses on people and familiar urban settings which are created from photographs and rough sketches he has taken on his travels. The exhibition, which is free to attend, runs until Sunday February 12. For further details visit www.trinitytheatre.net Every Wednesday from 7 until 9pm the Angel Indoor Bowles Centre in Tonbridge welcomes beginners to their ‘Have a go at bowling’ evening. There’s even a free drink on offer at the bar afterwards! For more information visit www.angelibc.co.uk >> THURSDAY Colin Stuart, an astronomy author, writer and speaker will be hosting a talk entitled 13 Journeys Through Space and Time at Sankey’s, tonight from 7.30pm. Tim Peake’s recent visit to the International
ARTISTIC VALUES From pencils to Picasso
If you would like to see your events featured in our weekly What’s On pages please email eileen@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
Space Station has placed a fresh spotlight on the latest developments in space exploration and Colin wants to capitalise on this so he’ll be talking about the special series of lectures he wrote about the fascinating subject of space. For more information visit www.colinstuart.net Meanwhile, over at the Assembly Hall there will be a performance of Seriously Dead, a brand new comedy show starring Emmerdale’s Fraser Hines and Benidorm’s Crissy Rock. This full-on farce promises to make you ‘die laughing’ – well let’s hope not literally! Tickets cost from £18 and can be purchased from ww.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk >> FRIDAY A collection of images from the prestigious International Garden Photographer of the Year competition are currently on display at Sissinghurst Castle. The exhibition, which runs until March 5, showcases everything from portraits to panoramic shots of horticultural scenes and intricate flora and fauna details from both professional and amateur photographers. To find out more visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk At 7pm Rusthall Community Cinema Club is putting on a screening of The Shawshank Redemption. This classic film, which dates back to 1994 and stars Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins, was directed by Frank Darabont and will be shown at the Sunnyside Hall on Rusthall Road. There will be a Q&A afterwards. Tickets cost £7 for non- members and £2 for members. www.rusthallcinema.club
GREAT OUTDOORS Visit Sissinghurst The Chilingirians are a prestigious and charismatic string quartet who play a variety of classical music symphonies by the likes of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Their Armenian leader Levon Chilingirian will introduce some of his home country’s musical pieces into the programme too. Tonight’s concert is at St Peter and Paul in Tonbridge and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £22.50 per adult and £5 for students and are available through www.tmc.org.uk
>> SUNDAY The monthly Tonbridge Farmers Market happens today and every second Sunday of the month at Soverign Way car park from 9.30am until 1.30pm. It is the largest one in the county and has just >> SATURDAY been shortlisted in the Taste of Kent Awards 2017 Keep your New Year resolutions going well by Top Three Best Farmers’ Markets thanks to the fact joining the weekly park runs which happen at it offers such an impressive array of excellent both Dunorlan park and the Castle Street quality local produce. For more information on recreation ground in Tonbridge. They’re free to your nearest markets visit www.kfma.org.uk enter, all you have to do is register At 3pm acclaimed pianist Jong-Gyung Park will your details before hand so you can play a concert in aid of Brain Tumour Research participate in the 5k circuits which at the Knole Academy in Sevenoaks. The start at 9am. talented Korean musician has played with the For more information Israeli Philharmonic and Moscow Symphony see www.parkrun. Orchestras and her concert will include org.uk Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 31 No. 3, Brahms’ Intermezzo Op. 117 and Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 2 Op. 36. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £5 for students and can be purchased from boxoffice@ knoleacademy.org Recollections: Private Collections; from pencils to Picasso is now on at Tonbridge School’s OBS gallery. It is a wonderfully rich selection of artworks, pictures and pieces of memorabilia from a number of personal collections owned by former teachers and pupils of the school. One of its aims is to examine the power of the object in the digital age and the myriad of meanings that these pieces hold for the people who NOTE WORTHY covet and collect them. The exhibition is free Pianist Jong-Gyung Park to attend and can be viewed every weekend performs on Sunday from 12 until 4pm until March 5. For more
information on what you can see visit www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/obsg >> MONDAY This evening from 7 until 8pm there will be a talk on the Historic Parks of Tunbridge Wells at the Grosvenor and Hilbert Hub. Local historian Ian
PICK OF THE WEEK #Wild_Child Fundraiser for #FlosFight Saturday February 4, Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells, 8pm - midnight
Mum’s the Word have organised an (adultonly) night of dancing and shape-throwing to raise funds for Florence Jackson. The two-year old has been battling stage 4 neuroblastoma (cancer) since she was just 16 months old and now requires complex surgery to save her life. Her family need to raise £250k in order to do this and you can help by buying tickets to this special #Wild_Child event which will include a live DJ, photobooth, glitter facepainting, a silent disco room, street food vendors and an amazing raffle and auction to raise even more money for #Flosfight. Tickets cost £15 and include a free cocktail, courtesy of Master of Malt, on arrival. To book your place visit www.mumstheword.online
What’s On
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
OUT OF THIS WORLD Hear Colin Stuart’s talk on space
A ROUND-UP OF THIS WEEK’S MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Paul Dunton
The must-read guide to what’s on musically for the week ahead… www.paulduntonandguests.com
Live music It’s a busy week across the local scene with an array of fantastic gigs all detailed below… THE BEDFORD PUB
2 Highstreet, Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm onwards
SATURDAY Listen at The Bedford fundraiser for Kent Air Ambulance Trust. THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM
Beavis will give an illustrated speech on the town’s many green areas and light refreshments will be provided. No booking is required and the event is free for all to attend. >> TUESDAY Every Tuesday at Christ Church on Tonbridge High Street Les Puces French speaking classes take place. Aimed at pre-schoolers and primary pupils, the lessons are an hour long and are held at 9.30am and 4pm. Fees for half a term cost £60 per child. For more information visit www.lespuces. co.uk The Cross Keys pub in St John’s holds its weekly quiz night from 8pm. All are welcome to this event which offers players the ‘chance to compete against each other for money, sweets, glory and the occasional smug point’. For more information visit www.crosskeystw.co.uk
FEATURES
Doors 7.30pm, entry price variable, event information and tickets at www.twforum.co.uk
THURSDAY Raised By Raptors, Operation Kino, Snakes UK, Hunter Kill Hunter FRIDAY Skinnyman, RTkal, Erny Baits and TNYI MASONIC CENTRE
St John’s Road, Details of event times and tickets at www.twjazzclub.co.uk
FRIDAY Graham Hughes Sunshine Kings THE GREY LADY MUSIC LOUNGE
The Pantiles, Doors 7.15pm, entry £6/£7, websites www. pdag.co.uk + www.thegreylady.co.uk
FRIDAY Private Party SATURDAY Dino Baptiste SUNDAY Sean Manuel, Becky Copsey, Josh Renton TUESDAY Chasing Shadows Milly McCarron, Ryan Weeks
RUSTHALL CLUB
5 St Paul’s Street, Rusthall, Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm onwards
SATURDAY Duvet Dogs THE CROSS KEYS
St Johns Road, Open all day, free entry, music from 8pm, website www.crosskeystw.co.uk
MONDAY TWUNT Ukulele Jam Session THE ROYAL OAK
Prospect Road, Open all day, free entry, music from early evening onwards
SATURDAY Cut Above MONDAY Open Mic Night THE BEAU NASH INN
Mount Ephraim, Open all day, free entry, music from 8.30pm till late
SATURDAY Wayne Bridle SUNDAY Open Mic Night THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE
Crescent Road, Information on times and tickets at www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
FRIDAY Fairport Convention SATURDAY The King Is Back, Ben Portsmouth as Elvis SUNDAY RTWSO with Peter Donohoe
TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS Ben Portsmouth as Elvis
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Sporting Times
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Victory runs in the family
FATHER TIME Cain celebrates his victory in 1985 THE Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon has been a major event on the local sporting calendar since the early Eighties, and the winners have come from all over the UK. But the only father and son combination to win the race are Tunbridge Wells residents. Cain Bradley, now 56, was first over the line in 1985 while his 30-year-old son Dan won it 30 years later in 2015. Both are members of Tonbridge Athletic Club and below they recall their race-day thoughts ahead of their victories.
I knew that the runner who had beaten me the previous year wasn’t racing this time. But there were still a number of guys who I knew could push me hard including my own team-mates from Tonbridge AC. DAN: I had seen the list of starters and didn’t spot any of the top UK road racers. However, several of my club team had run well previously over the distance, including Julian Rendall, who had won the race on more than one occasion. CAIN: The race went much as expected and by the time we reached the eight-mile mark, there were just three of us in the leading group. I had got up the big hills quite well but was hanging on a bit on the last little climb on to the Langton Road. My team-mate, Pete Mason, dropped off the pace through Langton, leaving just two of us at the front. We ran side-by-side past the Spa Hotel and the old Kent and Sussex Hospital and on to St John’s Church. I knew I had to accelerate at some stage to get the win so I upped the pace at the FTA JOG THE MEMORY Cain and Dan Bradley
CAIN: I was living in Southborough so walked to the start after my usual pre-race breakfast of cereal, toast and coffee. I had run the Half Marathon the previous year and finished second so I knew what to expect – the big hills around Penshurst and Fordcombe and the surprisingly undulating run in from Langton. I had been training well and had raced every weekend since the start of the year, recording a personal best of two hours 24 minutes three weeks before the race. DAN: I was also living close enough to the race to walk to the start. Like dad, I had been training well and had recently won two road races (a five-miler and a 10k). I had run the Tunbridge Wells ‘Half’ a few times before so I knew the course pretty well. My raceday breakfast consisted of a bowl of cereal and a hot drink. CAIN: As I warmed up on the day,
Yarnold pledges to fight cheats WINTER SPORTS:
LIZZY YARNOLD has vowed to continue speaking out about the scourge of drug cheats in her sport as she prepares for the World Skeleton Championships in Germany next month. The Sevenoaks athlete threatened to boycott the event if it remained at Sochi in Russia, where the Winter Olympics were staged in 2014. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) moved the event to Konigssee. Last month the governing body lifted the provisional suspension of four Russian athletes saying there is insufficient evidence for a ban. The 28-year-old, who won Olympic gold in Sochi, said: “The majority of the skeleton world was really supportive and shared my concerns that I wanted to compete somewhere that was both safe and fair. “I think in the end the IBSF came out with a strong statement in moving the championships. The athletes had spoken out and we felt like we had been listened to.”
building with 600 metres to run. I then pushed hard all the way to the finish line to win by a few seconds. I had won a few road races but it was different, being on my home patch. DAN: I ran with the leading pack from the start and at three miles I decided I could probably push on a bit harder. Instantly I found I was clear of everyone else. The good news: I was in the lead. The bad news: I would have to run 10 miles alone without fading. Dad was out on the course supporting at around 11 miles and told me how much of a gap I had on second place. It was only when I reached the entrance to the Sports Centre with about 300 metres to run that I could relax and enjoy the win. CAIN: My training diary suggests I recovered quite well. I ran about 50 miles a week for the next three weeks and then raced a hot and hilly Maidstone Marathon, where I finished fifth. DAN: I dropped straight back into my training schedule after my win – running about 60 miles a week, and I ran a fast 10k in a high-quality race at Eastleigh a few weeks later. I won’t run this year because it’s only a few days before the national cross-country championships. But I’m sure I’ll have another crack at the race. I matched dad’s victory but I have not yet bettered his time! To enter the race on February 19, visit www.twharriers.org.uk or www.race-nation.com
SON SHINES Dan wins the half-marathon in 2015
NEWS
101
Two weeks to go:
How to cope with aches and injuries AS WITH any activity where you are pushing yourself to improve your fitness, speed or both, you can expect your body to feel sore when you are training for the Tunbridge Wells Half Marathon. Knowing when you should rest and when you might need professional advice can help you minimise the risk of serious injury and keep you on track to complete the race. Following a heavy exercise session, it’s common to feel sore the next day or even 48 hours afterwards. “This is known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS for short,” explains Jane Dew, a fitness instructor at Nuffield Health and Fitness Wellbeing Gym on Knights Park Leisure Park and a run leader for Runtogether. “It’s usually felt in the main parts of the muscles. Typically after running these are the thigh, calf and buttock. If this is fairly symmetrical in nature and settles within a day or so, it’s usually nothing to worry about. “Often doing some gentle exercise of a different nature the following day, for example cycling, swimming, yoga or core exercises, will help relieve the discomfort. “But doing another hard session when you have these tired muscles can contribute to injury.” Pain that is sharp in nature, located in a joint and one-sided, can be a sign that something is not right. Swelling or heat in and around a joint is also an indication that your body is suffering from an injury. Resting and taking antiinflammatories or putting ice on the affected areas is a good place to start, but this may mask a problem. If you have pain that occurs from the moment you start to run and persists, then it’s probably a good
FITNESS TIPS Jane Dew idea to hang up your running shoes for the time being. “This would be the time to seek some professional help, such as seeing a physiotherapist,” says Jane. “They are specialists at not only diagnosing the condition but also helping to explore the underlying causes. “They will plan an exercise programme to target any specific weakness and/or tightness that often occurs with running.” If, however, the pain develops towards the end of the run, then it is quite possible that your muscles are fatiguing and your technique may be breaking down. This can be helped by running shorter training distances and adding some core strengthening exercises to your program. “If you are unsure whether you should run on race day, then you have to be honest with yourself and your body,” says Jane. “Remember, you only have one body, but there will be plenty of other races.”
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NEWS
Sporting Times
CONTACT US:
Please send your sports stories to newsdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk or newsdesk@timesoftonbridge.co.uk
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Allberry hat-trick settles nerves as men stay top By Brandon Begg HOCKEY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS exacted revenge over Worthing for their defeat earlier in the season and kept up their form ahead of a key run of fixtures in the Kent & Sussex Regional Division One title race. Wells enjoyed the lion’s share of possession against a deep-lying defence. But a lapse in concentration saw the ball mistrapped at the short corner and Worthing pounced, leaving Wells exposed at the back. Worthing were clinical in front of goal and their counter-attacking hockey saw Wells go in at the break 2-0 down and facing a repeat of the last time these sides met. After a frank and tough team talk Wells looked to start again, and they pulled a goal back through a short corner and Ben Allberry’s strike.
Then Worthing were awarded a short corner and after an initial save from the Wells keeper and some scrapping in front of goal they put the ball into the Wells net. At 3-1 down Wells finally began to play like the side sitting at the top of the league. Simple passing in the middle orchestrated by the centre-half partnership of David Judge and Simon Hare gave the men in red the platform to attack. A piercing run from Ben Brandt gave him his first goal on his return to the club and with two more goals from Allberry, Tunbridge Wells took the lead for the first time. Having finally settled the nerves Wells began to dictate the game and sealed victory through Matt Wilson to make it 5-3. Next week sees Tunbridge Wells take on Maidstone in a top-of-thetable clash.
PHOTO: Adam Hookway
Tunbridge Wells Men’s 1st XI 5 Worthing 1st XI 3
UNDER THE POSTS Cole Campbell scores for Juddians
TJs cast aside slow start to show their superiority
PHOTO: Brandon Begg
Guildford 18 Tonbridge Juddians 39
PLAY BOOK Ben Allberry scores from a short corner
Glubb gives Ladies victory Tunbridge Wells Ladies’ 1st XI 4 Sudbury 1st XI 2
HOCKEY:
THE LADIES had to work hard to overcome lowly Sudbury in a tough encounter at Hawkenbury. Wells started off strong with good link-up play, and a well executed short corner saw England teenager Georgia Whitaker fire the ball into the backboard. The hosts kept the pressure and forced another mistake from the defence. An alteration to the short corner routine allowed Ana Glubb to put Wells 2-0 up going into the half-time break.
PREDATOR Jen Hunt, Wells captain
RUGBY UNION: JUDDIANS warmed up for their rearranged top-of-the-table clash, which fell victim to the cold snap, with a testing encounter at Guildford. TJs had eased to a 37-5 victory in the home tie so travelled in confident mood. But the pitch at Broadwater had suffered from the frost and the visitors found it hard to gain a foothold early on.
Guildford in fact dominated possession and field position for much of the first half and went ahead with two penalties. A Liam Prescott penalty and George Lawson’s try were all TJs could muster in a lacklustre first half. But they came out firing against a Guildford squad who lacked penetration against a pacey defence. Murray Galbraith-Lowe got the ball rolling after interplay between the forwards and backs, and Adam Darracott bene-
Impatient Wells miss out on crucial bonus point
The third goal came shortly after the break, with player of the match Glubb on target again. Sudbury had a couple of good counter-attacks and brought the score back to 3-2 but a goal from Roberta Organ ensured victory for the home side.
Chiswick 8 Tunbridge Wells 19 By Roger Clarke
PHOTO: Brandon Begg
By Brandon Begg
By Adam Hookway
fited from the same mix to crash over. Cole Campbell finished off another move under the posts, which secured the bonus point. TJs dropped off a little and Guildford managed to get into TJ territory for the first of their three tries. But the visitors were soon back on track as Will Ward went over after some excellent work down the right by Harry Isaac. The final TJ try came as Stephen Neli bounced his way over, but the hosts finished strongly with two tries of their own. TJs now look ahead to Saturday’s match with Wimbledon at The Slade, which will coincide with the annual TJ Beer Festival.
RUGBY UNION: TUNBRIDGE WELLS were triumphant on their first ever visit to Dukes Field in west London and now sit eight points behind the second place play-off position in London One South. They were boosted by the return of Coach Matt Cook, who had been missing since November with a broken arm. Chiswick put up valiant resistance, forcing Wells to be patient – something they did not manage all game long.
Captain Chas Spence released quick ball and right wing Jake Jones registered the first try in the corner. Wells continued to pile on the pressure through some fast forward interchanges. Centre Hayden Pope made a telling break to get in behind the defence and Mike Hathaway scored under the posts after 23 minutes, with Reynolds converting. Wells were pulled up four times for forward passes, and just before half-time another midfield passing error was seized upon by Chiswick for their first try. At the interval the score was 12-5 to Wells, but within two minutes of the restart an attempted box kick from
Spence was charged down. From the ensuing breakdown Chiswick were awarded and scored a penalty. Then Wells threw the kitchen sink at the home side but despite a yellow card for their left wing, Wells could not find the right lines or patience to break through. Eventually a line-out steal saw Owain Withers regain possession. Prop Nick Blacklock ran on and released Pope in the centre, who sealed a good day’s work with the third try, converted by Reynolds. This left Wells 25 minutes to score the all-important bonus point try. But then they lost Tom George to a yellow card and simply could not find a way through.
Sporting Times
Wednesday February 1 | 2017
Angels Manager Steve McKimm had opted for a more familiar 4-4-2 formation after using a diamond set-up for several games. There was no starting place for their new signing, Dan Thompson from Burgess Hill, although the prolific striker had a 25-minute run-out in the closing stages. The goal came in the eighth minute following good work by Nick Wheeler on the left flank. His cross was converted by Nathan Eder with an accurate header past Jake Jessup, the Trawler Boys keeper. It has been a familiar goalscoring partnership this season, and yet there was a palpable sense of relief around the ground. The Angels’ leading scorer had by his own high standards been suffering something of a goal drought. It was a formula that worked as the ball was shifted skilfully to both wings and the Lowestoft defence was put under pressure from accurate crossing. Chances fell to Luke Blewden, Elder and Tom Phipp but they couldn’t add to the goal tally. The second half was much the same story. Elder’s spectacular bicycle kick in the 54th minute was
HEAD MASTER Mitchell Nelson climbs highest
Tonbridge Angels 1 Lowestoft 0 By Jim Rowe FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS were deserved winners at the weekend despite having to rely on just the one goal to claim all the points and a double over their Suffolk visitors. Lowestoft offered little up front and rode their luck at the back to keep the scoreline respectable.
Rusthall 6 Forest Hill Park 1 By Richard Smith FOOTBALL: THE RUSTICS kept up their unlikely push for promotion from Southern Counties East Division One with a comprehensive demolition of Forest Hill Park. When the two sides met back in November, only a debut goal from Andy Constable separated them. But this game was one-sided and the Rustics could well have managed double figures. The home side dominated from the start and went ahead after 10 minutes when leading scorer Constable celebrated his 38th birthday by calmly finishing from just inside the box after a smart passing move down the left. They doubled their lead in comic fashion on 22 minutes when visiting defender Stanley Ugwoke strangely caught the ball in both hands inside the six-yard box. Referee Mark Cheeseman pointed to the spot but only issued a yellow card to Ugwoke. Adam Davies struck
the penalty firmly in off the underside of the crossbar. Rusthall were caught on the break on 34 minutes and Herve Mbongue produced an excellent finish to put Forest Hill back into the game with virtually their first attack. Before half-time Stanley Ugwoke lunged in on the Rustics’ Joe Fuller and was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The interval came with the home supporters wondering how Rusthall were only leading 2-1 after totally dominating the first half – and fearing that the visitors would get back into the game. However, in the second half John Phillips scored twice and defender Luke Stratford registered his first ever goal for Rusthall as Forest Hill became deflated. The hosts’ day was made even better when news came through that the title favourites Glebe had surprisingly lost 2-1 at home to SC Thamesmead. Next comes a difficult away game against Eltham Palace, the only side to have beaten the Rustics in the league this season.
PHOTO: David Couldridge
Birthday boy Constable and a gift keep Rusthall in pursuit of glory
HIGH JINX Nathan Elder attempts an overhead kick
just wide, while a Phipp volley on 77 minutes and Tom Parkinson’s header eight minutes later were typical of the home side’s dominance. With a few minutes left, Lowestoft’s Rory McAuley had a chance to steal the equaliser but he headed straight at Anthony di Bernardo in the Tonbridge goal. I In stoppage time Di Bernardo was favourite to claim a through ball but misjudged his block. The Tonbridge defence were quick to back up their missing keeper and the chance was gone. The home side held on for three valuable points to take them up to fifth place. Angels Assistant Manager, Barry Moore, said his team should have won by a greater margin but had played some good football and created plenty of chances. “It was great to see Nathan end his goal drought and you could see how delighted the other players were for him,” he said. “There were some other good performances and I thought our back line was superb, never giving Lowestoft any genuine chances.”
saved by Colts keeper Charlotte Brown, while Abbie Skilton hit the post. Eventually the lead was doubled in first-half OFF THE MARK stoppage time Megan Akehurst with Janes finally scored her first goal getting the better of Brown with her first goal since November. Becky Saxby calmly finished with only the keeper to beat, and two minutes later it was four, Castle Colts 0 Tonbridge Angels Ladies 5 Courtney Smith making a surging run down the left By Jim Rowe and firing home on the angle. Janes scored a fifth ten minutes from time. FOOTBALL: TONBRIDGE ANGELS It was a first clean sheet for Ladies moved up to third place in goalkeeper Tracy Edwards, their debut season in the South East and with three of the four Counties League after a convincing remaining league games 5-0 win away to Castle Colts. against the two sides Tonbridge were in complete control immediately above and from the outset but it wasn’t until the below them, the race is 23rd minute that the Colts defence on for second place. was breached, Megan Akehurst First the Ladies play recording her first goal for the club in league leaders Maidstone her first competitive start. in the Kent Divisional Cup Becky Janes had an effort superbly quarter-final on Sunday.
Clean sheet a welcome sign in the race for second place
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Tonbridge’s Caitlin wins triple gold while Masters sweep the field
PHOTOS: David Couldridge
Elder ends his goal drought as Angels keep Lowestoft at bay
NEWS
SWIMMING: TONBRIDGE SWIMMING CLUB’S 11-year-old Caitlin Ebbage won three gold medals at long distance in the opening round of the Kent County Swimming Championships last month. The event is held over four consecutive weekends – the first three at Crystal Palace and the last one at the London Aquatic Centre. Caitlin was Tonbridge Swimming Club’s sole competitor, but by the end of the weekend she had single-handedly put Tonbridge into fourth place overall in the medals table. She began by winning the 400m Individual Medley, which she completed in personal best time of 5min 49.65sec – included a PB butterfly time in the first 100m. In the girls’ 400m freestyle Caitlin found herself up against 13-year-olds but was unfazed and led her opponents by 10 metres at halfway. She then paced herself from the front and finished in a time of 5min 00.68sec – another PB and the eighth best time recorded in Britain in her age group over the last 12 months. For the next evening at Crystal Palace she took on the gruelling 800m freestyle event, the longest event the girls are allowed swim. Swimming against 14 and 15-year-olds girls, she slogged hard to finish with a three-second PB, half a minute ahead of the nearest swimmer in her age group. Caitlin produced a barnstorming last 100m split to finish in 10min 18.21sec, a time that now ranks her fifth in the country in her age group. Meanwhile Tonbridge Swimming Club’s older swimmers were competing in the South-East Regional Championships at K2 Crawley. In the ASA South-East Regional Masters event for over-25s, the Tonbridge team put in many outstanding performances to bring home three gold medals, three silvers and three bronzes across all the events. Carly Moon cleaned up in the breaststroke events, winning all three gold medals in the 50m, 100m and 200m races and collecting silver in the 800m freestyle. In the 100m version of the breaststroke it was a one-two for Tonbridge with Rebecca Pritchard coming in second behind Carly. Kirsty Alfredson picked up a silver in the 100m butterfly and a couple of bronzes in the 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle. Steward Grant collected silver in the men’s 100m breaststroke while Sam Petter won bronze in the 200m backstroke.
SUNKEN TREASURE Caitlin Ebbage with her haul of gold