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Times Business Awards
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Wednesday May 16 | 2018
Gala night tickets on sale for the awards celebrating local business
By Duncan Audsley newdesk@timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk MORE than 200 people will enjoy the most exciting social and networking event of the year next month and you have the chance to be among them. Tickets are now on sale for the Times Business Awards, which will be held at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday, June 13. Guests at the glittering black tie gathering will be treated to a champagne reception and a threecourse meal with wine. The gala night presents an opportunity to network with some of the most successful business leaders in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Malling. But as well as the chance to swap business cards, the evening will also offer jokes and stories from television personality and global traintrotter Michael Portillo. The former government minister turned documentary-maker has most recently been on our screens in Portillo’s Hidden History of Britain on Channel 5, in which he explores abandoned buildings around the country, and series 6 of his Great Continental Railway Journeys is being rerun this week on BBC Two. The celebrity has committed to ‘making the audience laugh a bit’ at the awards, but has not
confirmed if he will be wearing his trademark exotically coloured jacket and trousers. If that’s not enough, there will also be live music until midnight, giving everyone an opportunity to make use of the dance floor. Those attending need not be company owners, or associated with nominees, but people who wish to be part of the event, which showcases the best individuals and organisations in West Kent.
COULD THIS BE YOU? More than 200 enjoyed the awards last year
Winning Jenny Kitchen, Managing Director of Tunbridge Wells creative agency Yoyo Design, has entered her firm in the Best Business 1-25 Employees category, having previously been named Young Business Person of the Year. She said: “We love getting involved in local events, and of course we’re always hopeful of winning. “We didn’t quite know what to expect [at a previous awards] but it was a fantastic evening.” Hope Marshall is another to have signed up for the awards, having entered the Young Entrepreneur of the Year. “This is the first time I have entered an awards of any kind, and I liked the sound of this category,” she said. “It would be amazing to win, but I wanted to come because I think it will be a great event.”
HOW TO BUY YOUR TICKET
WELL TRAVELLED Michael Portillo about to set off on another railway journey
PHOTO: BBC/Boundless
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THE Times Business Awards will be held at Salomons Estate from 6pm on Wednesday, June 13. Guests will receive a welcome drink and a three-course dinner with wine included in the price. Tickets are £95 each or £850 for a table of ten. To secure your place, call Lara Milan on 01892 739764 or email: lmilan@markerstudy.com