One Maidstone Summer 2020 digital edition

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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I NSI DE THIS ISSUE

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Mix it up with a post-isolation meal and drinks at Madisons!

ONE MAIDSTONE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT The Business Improvement District (BID) is funded by town centre traders, to serve town centre traders.

Operated by One Maidstone, the BID helps improve the appeal of the County Town’s busiest area for shopping, working and entertainment. www.onemaidstone.com

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twitter.com/onemaidstone instagram.com/onemaidstone facebook.com/ onemaidstonebid

Great dresspectations!

One Maidstone meets the retailers that are glad to be back.

24_ One Maidstone gathers 75 local stories for the anniversary of VE Day

We look back at Maidstone’s lockdown in photos.

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10_ Where to be gin!

The BID team visits Maidstone’s new distillery.

// onemaidstone.com

Shop in store with exclusive deals and discounts throughout this issue.

Since its inception in October 2018, the role of the Business Improvement District has always been to support town centre businesses. Little did we all know that a period of such intense difficulty would hit traders in a completely unforeseen way in only our second full year of operation.

The business support that the BID offers is now more important than ever - which is why we’ve put together this free magazine, as one of the many ways we’re helping to promote stores and venues as they look to get back on their feet.

And you can help with this - by coming back to our town centre, you’re helping our economy to recover. You’ll find some great stories about some of our retailers and hospitality workers, and a selection of discounts that we hope will encourage you to spend locally.

The One Maidstone Business Improvement District is a not-forprofit organisation working to improve the town centre for us all!

This issue should also help you better understand what the BID is, and what the BID does. The work that we carry out will become vitally important in helping our high streets to come through this period of uncertainty, and our priorities are even more focused on making Maidstone town centre a safe and inviting destination for you to return to.

We do hope you agree - and welcome back!

Ilsa Butler ILSA BUTLER

BID Manager Ilsa Butler ilsa.butler@ onemaidstone.com Marketing and Communications Manager Sarah-Jane Adams sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com One Maidstone Mall Management Suite, Pads Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 6AT 01622678777

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LETTER FROM THE BID MANAGER

// CONTACT

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

WELCOME

PHOTOGRAPHY, UNLESS OTHERWISE CREDITED, BY SARAH-JANE ADAMS AT ONE MAIDSTONE

NOTE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING Please be aware that some images used within this issue were taken before the implementation of social distancing. Content correct at time of going to print.

THIS MAGAZINE HAS BEEN PRIVATELY FUNDED BY ONE MAIDSTONE USING GRANT MONEY TO SUPPORT TOWN CENTRE BUSINESSES.

To enquire about advertising sales for future issues, or feature opportunities for town centre traders, contact sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com

© Copyright 2020, produced by the One Maidstone Business Improvement District.

One Maidstone BID Manager // onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

HAIR ALCHEMY

B ACK I NG BUSI NES S THAT ’ S One Maidstone has been telling the stories of business owners through its Backing Business, Back in Business campaign.

Alessandro, at Vesuvius restaurant, talked to One Maidstone about closing the doors of his Italian eatery: ‘Lockdown was daunting, we tried to go on for as long as we could, but we quickly realised that we needed to shut. Our business is essentially based on freshly prepared food, so we always prefer to have people come and sit down and enjoy the food. We made the decision to put our staff on furlough, so we retained all our full time staff.

Our landlord was very kind, but we were worried that debts would accumulate - the go ahead to open came at the right time for us. We needed to start again. // onemaidstone.com

back in business

I announced that we would be opening just on Facebook, within a couple of hours we were fully booked.

We also saw an increased number of takeaways and deliveries, even up on pre-closing - back at the deep end!

Part of me knew that a portion of the market just couldn’t wait to get out.

People seem very comfortable, with plenty of space between them capacity has been reduced by 40%.

We only set tables as people come in, so that everything put on the table has not been touched by anyone else, and we have sanitising stations. As a catering business, we are already used to having to wash our hands constantly, and now we take extra steps, such as disinfecting chairs and fixtures after guests leave. Before we opened, we had a professional deep clean, just to make sure.

The people who have come here

The Living Cafe in Earl Street remained open during the town centre lockdown, providing takeaway services.

seem to feel safe. Because we’re Italian and we have lots of regular customers, I used to give them a hug or a kiss - we can’t do what

BABES ALLOWED

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we used to do automatically as hosts, but they are still very welcome!’

For Simon at Alchemy Hair in Gabriel’s Hill, the wait to open was a little bit longer: ‘Lockdown was a bit of a whirlwind, Inobody knew anything, so we were nervous. We didn’t have any other revenue streams, we don’t have online product sales, so we rely on bums on seats!

I understood the delay - I always thought we’d be classified alongside the hospitality sector due to the close promixity we have with people. I was constantly coming in to the salon, just to make sure we hadn’t sprung a leak!

LUSH

£ Save money where you see this symbol throughout this issue!

H O P, S T I T C H & J U M P E R

L I T T L E S TA R S

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

Turn over for 10% off food at Vesuvius.

Re-opening has been really good, we’ve been really diligent. Fortunately we’ve got lots of space, two clients at the front and one at the back - there’s three of us working and we’re flat out. It’s equal to a really busy Christmas. We’re just glad to be back, cutting and colouring hair and making people look beautiful again!

We’re fully compliant, and it’s our job to transfer confidence to our clients. The reaction has been positive, and we understand everyone has different ways of coping - there’s no right or wrong. As time goes on, it’ll become the new norm, and then it’s how we transition back to things as we used to know them.

Don’t be scared to come out, you have to be the judge, but the mental wellbeing of people is so important. We still haven’t seen a lot of our older generation clients, and we miss them terribly, but we also understand.’

V E S U V I U S R E S TA U R A N T // onemaidstone.com

B ACK I NG BUSI NES S BACK IN BUSINESS V E S U V I U S R E S TA U R A N T

READ ONLINE To help businesses on a budget, we’ve given local traders and charities free full page adverts within the digital version of this magazine.

Why not show them your support and also view this issue online (for free!) at onemaidstone.com/ magazine

SAVE 10% ON FOOD AT VESUVIUS WHEN YOU SHOW THIS MAGAZINE!

£

No businesses featured within the print or digital edition have been charged for the promotion - please pay them a visit!

The party’s still going at Harlequin Fancy Dress!

Staff at Hair Alchemy wear protective face shields.

Frederic’s Bistro in Market Buildings is ready to say bonjour to fine French cuisine once more.

// onemaidstone.com

For many couples, the Covid-19 crisis meant putting the brakes on their big day - but with the easing of lockdown, there’s an influx of customers planning their trip down the aisle.

Bridal boutiques are back!

GRE AT dresspectations VICTORIA EL AINE BRIDAL

Ben at Custom & Co, who produce jewellery in their onsite workshop in the Royal Star Arcade, spoke with One Maidstone: ‘Our repair service has been our saving grace, and now people can hold weddings again, they’re buying bands. Customers are finding out at the last minute that they can have their ceremony after delays - it’s quite a lot of pressure, but it’s good pressure. We also do trade work for shops around Maidstone and further afield.

Upon re-opening we introduced all of our screens. We have masks with smiley faces, just trying to lighten the mood! Every ring is put into an alcohol wash before it’s handed over, and we have gloves, everything is sanitised and sterile.

People are happy to come in, they’re glad we’re open, and that we’re doing a full working week 9 to 5, six days a week.’

The sparkle of wedding magic is back at Custom & Co jewellers in the Royal Star Arcade.

Brides and grooms are keen to put a ring on it after the uncertainty of 2020.

PERFECTION BRIDAL

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

Covid-19 WHAT THE BI D DI D. When Covid-19 hit, the Business Improvement District did what it does best - support businesses.

As a business itself, the One Maidstone Business Improvement District faced many of the same challenges as the town centre stores and venues it represents.

The priority was to use our resources to inform, help and encourage those who operate our shops, pubs and services during the darkest of times.

MEET AND GREET SOCIAL DISTANCING CHAMPIONS When the go ahead was given for the first non-essential shops to open, the One Maidstone BID employed four additional meet and greet Ambassadors, in addition to our three full time BID Ambassadors, to help the public understand social distancing measures.

// onemaidstone.com

DISTRIBUTING GUIDANCE The BID produced comprehensive packs for businesses compiling up to date regulations and guidance for re-opening. We sent this digitally, and physically delivered a print copy to every outlet across the town centre.

BRINGING AUTHORITIES TOGETHER IN CRISIS One Maidstone formed a working group with Kent Police, local Councils, Counter Terrorism experts and shopping centre owners to work behind the scenes on strategies for the re-opening of the town centre.

SPREADING THE WORD The BID ran a ‘Backing Business, Back in Business’

marketing campaign, visiting businesses to photograph their post-Covid measures and returning staff, and offer free advertising and help with promotion.

This magazine forms part of this help, the first time One Maidstone has

One Maidstone attended daily town centre briefings held

by Kent Police as the first stores re-opened.

delivered a publication directly to homes, as well as to every BID business in the town centre.

RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS One Maidstone’s social media channels were utilised to make the public aware of social distancing measures and new ways of operating.

We published real time photographs during lockdown and throughout phases of re-opening to help visitors understand what to expect when they returned to a changing town centre.

BOYS ON THE BEAT Our team of BID Ambassadors worked right up until lockdown made it unviable for them to be on patrol. They returned to their posts in anticipation of the lifting of closures, and resumed their routes during the last phases of total lockdown, helping stores to re-open and assisting the public.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR COVID-19 WORK AT WWW.ONEMAIDSTONE.COM

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POSTER PRODUCTION Social distancing and wash your hands posters were produced and made available for free download, helping smaller businesses without the resources to design or commission their own.

One Maidstone remained operational throughout lockdown.

A new team of social distancing champions helped to make guidance clearer for shoppers.

One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors hand delivered useful information packs to every business.

BID Manager Ilsa Butler leads a walking tour of the town centre as we planned for re-opening with local authorities.

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

BID Manager Ilsa Butler meets gin entrepreneurs Darren and Sam.

MAI DSTONE DI ST I LLERY Maidstone Distillery has given the town centre a hand with donations of sanitiser!

One Maidstone has facilitated a generous donation of hand sanitiser to town centre volunteers, courtesy of the newly opened Maidstone Distillery.

Housed in the Market Buildings, the Maidstone Distillery, having now launched its local gin brand online, began producing sanitiser at the start of the Covid crisis. Having

// onemaidstone.com

lends a hand

already provided stocks of this product free of charge to sites such as Maidstone Hospital, One Maidstone was able to connect founder Darren Graves with the Urban Blue Bus and the Maidstone Street Pastors.

The Urban Blue bus, staffed by medical volunteers to provide assistance to members of the public, primarily on evenings out, found themselves facing a shortage of sanitiser, with Super Saturday rapidly

approaching. Trustee Val Jacobs explains, ‘Urban Blue Bus cannot thank Darren and the team at Maidstone Distillery enough for the incredible donation of hand sanitiser for the volunteers to use.

At a time when we have lost revenue due to events being cancelled because of Covid-19 and having extra expenditure with buying PPE, this donation is invaluable.’

A donation of sanitiser was also made to the town’s team of

BID Manager Ilsa Butler says ‘One Maidstone is very glad to welcome the Maidstone Distillery venture to the town, and applauds the team for launching during such a difficult time. Opening a new business is challenging enough, but the Distillery has also managed to help its local community by producing and donating this fantastic sanitiser. Our Ambassadors come into contact with the public on a daily basis, and their welfare, as well as that of visitors to the town centre is our priority, and we thank the Distillery for the exceptional generosity they have shown to us and to others.’

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volunteer Street Pastors, and to One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors, who are employed by the BID to patrol the town centre to assist Kent Police with incidents of antisocial behaviour and support the public in understanding social distancing measures.

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

Despite launching during a pandemic, the Maidstone Distillery is already proving to be a tasty tipple for the town centre.

Darren Graves, owner and founder of the Maidstone Distillery, expands ‘ When the Covid-19 crisis broke, Maidstone Distillery was about to launch and open to the public. Frustrated but www.the maidstone determined to help, like many distilleries up and distillery down the country we re-purposed our equipment .com and expertise to make sanitiser.

We have been delighted to support many charities and front-line workers, as well as members of our own community. We are also pleased to hear that our efforts are helping get businesses back to normal. For ourselves, this means making craft premium spirits as well as sanitiser.

Delayed by the lockdown but not stopped, our first spirit, George Bishop London Dry gin, is available now.’

Urban Blue Bus medical volunteers accept a donation of sanitiser.

Lots of little ones sent their letters to Santa via One Maidstone’s Christmas post train, which pulled into Jubilee Square Station for four days in November,

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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PA R T N E R S H I P

The One Maidstone Business Improvement District and Kent Police prove that partnership working is working!

One Maidstone works closely with Kent Police on a number of diff erent projects, helping to make Maidstone town centre a safer place to work , visit and live.

The One Maidstone BID partnered with Police to deliver Domestic Abuse Guardian training, held at our HQ. Officers and representatives of the National Centre for Domestic Abuse instructed staff from the town’s bars and nightclubs on how to recognise the signs of abuse, and signposting possible victims to the appropriate services. These bar and door staff were the first to recieve the free training, which will be rolled out to restaurant and shop workers when possible.

One Maidstone also led the // onemaidstone.com

way with a scheme providing Emergency Trauma Packs to local businesses. The first scheme of its kind in Kent, the packs are designed to be used by first responders to a critical situation or medical incident.

The ETPs contain equipment that would prove vital in a medical emergency, such as dressings and bandages, stretcher, resus shield, thermal blankets and haemorrhage kits.

The work carried out by One Maidstone was so successful that the scheme was subsequently rolled out county-wide by Kent Police.

Police Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott visited the BID team to hear about the packs, and to see one in situ at the Brenchley pub. Other sites to hold the ETPs include the Mall, McDonald’s, Fremlin Walk and the Hazlitt Theatre.

One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors work with Kent Police on a daily basis, particularly liasing with the town team, formed in October 2019.

Kent Police created the new team to assist businesses and promote public confidence by allowing Officers to patrol on foot and have a strong visible presence in and around Maidstone.

5 Police Constables and 1 Sergeant joined the 2 PCSOs already in post.

The aim of the unit is to promote public confidence, provide a visible Policing presence, detect and deter shoplifting offences, reduce violent crime and create stronger links with the community.

To achieve this Kent Police have patrolled in uniform, in marked Police vehicles, employed plain clothes tactics and embedded themselves within the town.

One Maidstone ran Domestic Abuse Guardian training for venues.

Operating the town centre’s BID, One Maidstone knows the importance of CCTV to the traders it represents. A widespread number of night-time and day-time economy venues, employers and employees have voiced their feeling that actively monitored CCTV provides a safer working environment, acting as a deterrent against crime and anti-social behaviour.

In view of this being a priority for our BID members, One Maidstone approached Maidstone Borough Council with the offer of delivering a 24-hour monitoring service for

17 One Maidstone / Summer 2020

The One Maidstone BID is working to provide 24hr town centre CCT V monitoring

[Pictures before Covid-19]

One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors regularly assist the Police town team.

BID Ambassador Kris shows Police Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott the contents of an Emergency Trauma Pack.

One Maidstone has even won the Divisional Commander’s Award for its approach to partnership working!

The One Maidstone team liaise with Kent Police Officers on a daily basis to share intelligence on the town centre.

its recently upgraded cameras, funding operatives at no cost to MBC. This proposal was accepted on a trial basis, and work commenced by One Maidstone at the beginning of April, with active monitoring commencing in June.

One Maidstone provides trained, local monitoring operatives to compliment the town centre radio system it already offers through its Business Crime Reduction partnership. Reports and requests

for assistance can be received by One Maidstone radios, supported by viewing any unfolding incidents via the CCTV network. One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors will be deployed to the scene if required, or the Police notified.

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THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THE BID From patrolling the streets to bringing back Christmas spirit, here are just some of the ways One Maidstone serves the town centre businesses it represents.

BID AMBASSADORS

An estimate of four thousand or more people joined us in Jubilee Square on November 21st, broadcast on KMFM, singing along to Christmas hits and chanting the countdown to the big switch on, headlined by X Factor alumni and Dancing on Ice Winner Jake Quickenden.

The BID will install the lights Our BID Ambassadors are a scheme again in 2020. familiar and welcome sight around the town centre, helping EVENTS AND TOURISM workers, shoppers and traders.

Our team are often the first response to incidents such as anti-social behaviour and shop lifting, answering radio calls and working closely with Kent Police, helping at the scene and sharing intelligence.

You can approach our Ambassadors at any time for help with directions, reporting an incident or medical assistance.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2019 was the first year in which the One Maidstone BID had taken over responsibility for not just the lights switch on event, but the choosing, funding and installation of the lights scheme itself. // onemaidstone.com

Not content with organising the Christmas lights, One Maidstone also arranged a very special visit from Santa’s post train, arriving in Jubilee Square for four days in November.

Tots were encouraged to bring a letter with them, or to write one onboard, and post it to Father Christmas in the mail sacks. The train then departed for the North Pole, taking the VIP wish lists with it for the elves to process.

One Maidstone is also headline sponsor of the Maidstone Fringe Festival, and Official Events partner for Elmer’s Big Heart of Kent Parade, coming to the town centre in the summer of 2021.

One Maidstone installed a new Christmas lights scheme, with 2019 being the first year the BID took over the task.

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Ambassadors work in conjunction with security staff at locations such as Fremlin Walk and the Mall.

Reality star Jake Quickenden raised the roof with his appearance at the One Maidstone lights switch on.

A bird’s eye view of the One Maidstone Christmas lights switch on from the top of the Town Hall.

Lots of little ones sent their letters to Santa via One Maidstone’s Christmas post train, which pulled into Jubilee Square Station for four days in November,

// onemaidstone.com

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The Mall shopping centre was the site of One Maidstone’s Remembrance artwork last year.

REMEMBRANCE CAMPAIGNS In October 2019, One Maidstone proudly unveiled its Remembrance season tribute to the Armed Forces, with a large scale window display at the Mall shopping centre, in Maidstone town centre.

Regiment were honoured to have been invited to assist in the unveiling of such an emotive and meaningful piece.’

The occasion was marked with a launch event, attended by representatives of the 36 Engineer Regiment, the Royal British Legion, veterans, the Gurkha veteran community, AeroLegends, local Councillors, MP for Maidstone Helen Grant and the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Marion Ring.

During a visit to the County Town, Kent’s Police Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott gave his positive reaction to One Maidstone’s artwork, saying ‘I commend One Maidstone on the efforts they’ve gone to at a really important time. It’s a fantastic design, and I hope it brings a renewed focus on something which is really important to all of our local communities.’

Captain Joshua Thomas of the 36 Engineer Regiment, stationed at the Invicta Barracks, said ‘ The artwork was truly outstanding, it really captured the essence of the tri-service camaraderie of remembrance. 36 Engineer

The artwork was also replicated on an empty unit on Floor 2 of the Mall, where Royal British Legion poppy sellers were stationed to take donations - and where it can still be seen.

// onemaidstone.com

OTHER PROJECTS FROM THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT: pos et lacit faceped mo estiis cleans autTargeted minia nisdeep moluptat re volut Although Maidstone Borough quasseriora di omnis molupta Counciloriossunt is responsible for latio dioremp ea imilique standard streetnam cleaning, One doenderum ligenia fugitiscia Maidstone employs them to luptatur, voluptum faciis magnien undertake additional dayssim dipiet dolendae pa idelenda of targeted deep cleaning, ipsae. hariat vid earitio mossitium providing services such Itatur arum, extra sumetus moditat as chewing gum removal and jet washing.

CCT V monitoring and town centre radios for business crime reduction partnership members Providing floral planters across the town centre in 2019 Rolling out Emergency Trauma Packs Off ering marketing support, workshops and staff training

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

GET 10% OFF ANY HOT OR COLD DRINK WHEN YOU SHOW THIS MAGAZINE AT MATESTONE!

£ M AT E S T O N E

THE GRE AT MAI DSTONE Matestone Coff ee house in Middle Row was only open for 10 days before lockdown was imposed!

cake off!

Goodies at Matestone are purchased from Kent producers.

Now Sandra and George are back to bring a sense of community and locally sourced products to the town centre.

Puddings in Week Street is a cosy place to take a break from shopping, especially as owner Marta bakes all the delicious homemade cakes on the premises!

And it doesn’t stop at tea - savoury lunches are also on the menu.

It’s always time for tea at Puddings in Week Street!

// onemaidstone.com

JUBILEE SQUARE

Businesses around the town centre displayed rainbows in a show of solidarity to our key workers.

Lots of little ones sent their letters to Santa via One Maidstone’s Christmas post train, which F Rpulled EMLIN into Jubilee Square Station for four days in November,

// onemaidstone.com

WA L K

AS WE GET USED TO A NEW NORMAL, WE CAST OUR LENS BACK TO THE QUIET STREETS OF MAIDSTONE IN SPRING 2020.

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HOW THINGS CHANGED.

Floor markers and directional signage were displayed.

Stay left walking routes were introduced.

Face masks became a common sight.

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

life in LOCK DOWN

Stores limited customer numbers.

Social distancing become a key tool for re-opening the town.

Royal Star Arcade and Earl Street.

Share your experiences of Maidstone town centre during Covid-19 at sarah-jane.adams@ onmemaidstone.com

Face coverings became mandatory on public transport and in shops.

06_ Bank Street without its usual bustle.

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

AB SOLUTE CRE ATI VE PRI NT

sees the sign

Town centre based Absolute Creative Print has found opportunity in a new need for

From staying apart to staying left, Maidstone’s businesses suddenly found themselves commissioning the types of signage they never thought they ’d need when Covid-19 changed the way we navigate retail spaces. Luckily, Absolute Creative Print were able to produce speedy solutions for a wide range of new systems, for clients such as Fremlin Walk .

A range of social distancing essentials on offer included posters, banners, floor graphics and display boards to be installed in shops and offices, offered as bespoke items, or as a part of a pre-designed template pack.

Director Chris Langley explains // onemaidstone.com

‘As so many businesses found themsleves needing social distancing material, we wanted to produce a ready to go, off the shelf pack, which would be particularly useful for those who didn’t have their own design resources. Content changed overnight - bars suddenly needed disposable menus and walking routes were in place.

When we went into lockdown, our workload massively decreased. We used a Government grant, and utilised the furlough scheme, which took a lot of pressure off. The question was, how would we adapt when we came back?

We needed to work out how to get back in business, see who would be opening again and what the workload would be.

social distancing

signage.

Companies still needed design and print work, and we changed our approach to sales, becoming more proactive about generating leads and offering our Covid packs rather than relying on enquiries to come in and referrals, and we’re building a new website for ecommerce.

We put a care package in place for July, offering a discount to help businesses and encourage trade.

My brother Matt works on the production side, and he was able to be onsite. Then we could open back up for client visits from June 15th. We weren’t sure what the reaction would be, but we’ve got new proceedures in place, such as hand sanitising stations.

Social distancing gave us an opportunity out of a horrible situation.’

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Floor and wall signage have been flying off the press.

Newly acquired technology helped the Absolute Creative Print team to meet this new demand. ‘By coincidence, our brand new CAD cutter came in handy with this project - upgrading our machinery back in December 2019, we were able to produce larger CADcut graphics than before.

We printed these with a polypropylene vinyl, suitable for indoor and outdoor use and scuff resistant so it can be stood on without the print being affected!’ www.absolutecp.co.uk

The print specialist in Starnes Court already works with a number of town centre businesses.

Bollard covers printed by ACP for Fremlin Walk.

Director Chris keeps things clean with new hand sanitising stations.

The Absolute Creative Print team have been able to open their premises for walk-ins and appointments.

// onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

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BODY CARE SPORT S THER APY

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

I went from working a full time job in football and seeing an average of 10-15 clients a week for my private work, to absolutely no income whatsoever. I unfortunately am self employed and missed out on the grant, relying solely on Universal Credit and the amazing support of my parents - it’s been a challenging time and there have been some tears along the way!

Beth Cooper is ready to kick off a new chapter for her business at the Gallagher!

As Sports Therapist for the Maidstone United football team based at the Gallagher Stadium, massage professional Beth Cooper can’t wait to get back to being hands on with her business, Body Care Sports Therapy. Beth spoke to One Maidstone about the long route back to the pitch. ‘ The harsh reality of Covid hit in just over a week.

Our last game with Maidstone was on Saturday 14th March, saying bye to the players and telling them I’ll see them on Tuesday - by the Monday evening the season was postponed, and the following Monday I was effectively out of work.

I was probably naive in thinking that lockdown would last 4-6 weeks, but I’m only just getting back to work just shy of four months later!

BID Ambassadors at the Gallagher Stadium before Covid-19.

In relation to getting back to work, the main change is the addition of PPE - disposable gowns and gloves, visor and medical mask which I need to change for each client, and clients wearing masks and washing their hands. I’ve managed to make all the notes and consent forms electronic and brought a contactless card machine, so no paper or cash going forward!

Since opening my diary to clients, Maidstone United have been very supportive about my use of the facility to see my private clients, and I know they’re desperate to allow spectators in for some football once that’s back!

Images of Beth courtesy of Helen Cooper (instagram. com/acerhelen)

£ SAVE £5 ON A SPORTS MASSAGE WITH BODY CARE SPORTS THERAPY WHEN YOU SHOW THIS MAGAZINE!

Lockdown has definitely been an experience, one that’s made me step back and see what I want and what’s important, making me more determined to make the business a success once I’m back up and running properly - but an experience I don’t ever want to repeat!’

Book with Beth via www.instagram.com/ bodycaresportstherapy, www.facebook .com/ bodycaresportstherapy, or contact bodycarest@gmail.com

// onemaidstone.com

lends a hand

SAVE £5 AT BLOW GARDEN MAIDSTONE WHEN YOU SHOW THIS MAGAZINE!

Blow Garden!

After months of isolation and missed appointments, it’s time to get glam at Blow Garden in Middle Row, Maidstone’s selfie spot salon.

When pubs and clubs closed their doors, the Blow Garden team of super stylists were left all dressed up with nowhere to go - before turning off their own lights for a lockdown of lacklustre locks.

Manager Whitney met One Maidstone as she fired up the hairdryer once again: ‘ We specialise in hair up, blow drys, hair styling and makeup, and we’re the only salon around here that just focuses on these services, so that makes us a bit different!

As a spacious salon, Blow Garden is keeping its sense of style while maintaining social distancing.

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

When Covid hit, because we specialise in party hair, there was nowhere to go, the bars were shut, everybody’s parties got cancelled! Now the pubs are open, and people are starting to rebook for weddings, we’re going to be alright.

£

We’ve had our loyal regulars back, those who come in for a chat, and we think the weekends will shoot up.

We’ve been lucky, where the space is quite big we haven’t had to shuffle too many chairs around, we’ve already got 2m between each station. We have got big screens, stickers for the floor, sanitiser and more cleaning, and staff wear shields.

We’re giving out care packages to every client, so you get your own towels, so you know your items aren’t mixing with anyone else, and disposable prosecco glass, so you’re still getting the same experience - we’re all about that, we want you to come in and have a good time, it’s not just coming in to get your hair done! Don’t be afraid, you can still come in and treat yourself.’ www.blowgarden.com // onemaidstone.com

// onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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COMMUNIT Y

One Maidstone pays triute to local lives in its project to mark VE Day 75.

Earlier this year, One Maidstone launched its town centre campaign to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, entitled OneMaidstone, 75 Stories, kindly sponsored by McDonald’s Maidstone.

Aided by the Kent Messenger newspaper, One Maidstone asked local residents to submit relatives who served in, or contributed to World War 2, abroad, or more locally.

Originally due to be unveiled in April, these stories will now be commemorated on specially designed flags and posters of thanks, to be displayed across the town centre, and on Arriva buses, throughout the months of October and November. *

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Area Managing Director for Arriva Kent and Surrey, Oliver Monahan, explains why the project struck a chord with him: “Alongside the rest of the county and the whole country, Arriva through its originating companies, sent staff to the front line who never returned. We are honoured to be able to support this amazing project by One Maidstone to help our colleagues and customers in Maidstone remember those that were so brave in our nation’s hour of need.”

One Maidstone’s posters and flags will be joined by a specially designed commemorative double-decker Arriva bus, which will also be named after the occasion before it goes into general service.

* CIRCUMSTANCES PERMITTING

BID Manager Ilsa Butler continues, ‘After the overwhelmingly positive response from the public to our Remembrance Day artwork displayed on the front of the Mall in November, we wanted to build on this appetite for honouring our heroes by creating a campaign for VE Day 75.

This event hopes to have a celebratory feel, whilst acknowledging, and indeed thanking those at home and abroad who sacrificed their lives, or life as they knew it to serve, work and help the war effort, whether that was on the battle field or on the home front.

We hope that One Maidstone, 75 Stories will encourage families to investigate their own histories, and that some interesting tales

[Pictured before Covid-19]

Maidstone Museum have been invaluable in providing research connected to the West Kent Regiment.

One Maidstone launched the project in partnership with the Kent Messenger earlier in the year.

If you also have a WWII story to share, there’s still time to submit it for our One Maidstone, 75 Stories project.

If you live in Maidstone, and have a relative who served, lived through, or contributed to World War 2 in any capacity, in a military, work or domestic setting, please tell us about them at sarah-jane.adams@ onemaidstone.com

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

Indeed, some of these stories have been provided by researchers at the West Kent Regiment department of Maidstone Museum.

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about Maidstone’s wartime past are unearthed.’

Your relative does not need to have been a Maidstone native, but local stories are particularly welcome. Ideally you will be able to supply a photo of your family member, which does not need to have been taken during the war - although if it was, we’d love to see it!

For more information on the campaign, visit www.onemaidstone.com/75stories

Iris Sheppard is one of our 75 stories.

Left, she joined the WAF at the age of 18, and right, as she is today, at 96.

Winston Churchill pictured during a visit to Mote Park in 1942.

Image: Kent Photo Archive, kentphotoarchive.com One Maidstone met with Maidstone’s branch of RAF veterans, to thank them for supporting the campaign. [Pictured before Covid-19]

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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[Pictured before Covid-19]

Members of the Madison team are ready to greet you!

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FREE COCKTAIL AND SHOT AS PART OF DANCE & DINE PACKAGE. SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

HIGH SOCIETY...

MADISONS Hang on to your Instagram accounts - a new no-filter-necessary restaurant has opened in Gabriel’s Hill.

Formerly the site of Strawberry Moons nightclub, Madisons offers a premium, London inspired dining experience right here in the town centre.

Boasting luxe decor, stylish mood lighting and smart dress code, the aim is to bring a high class environment to local foodies, focusing on food and service that is worthy of standards within the capital.

Costing around £2million to refurbish, the contemporary interior takes itself seriously, and is designed to impress.

The aspirational decor is inspired by top London eateries.

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Restaurant Manager Simon Hagen tells us ‘Madisons had only just opened five weeks prior to the lockdown and had, in this short space of time, a fantastic initial response and support.

Bar Manager Jay Grief shows off his cocktail making skills.

Our brains didn’t stop working over lockdown and we made a few tweaks to the restaurant and menu.

We developed two new dishes, ‘Lobster Mac & Cheese’ & ‘Bang Bang Chicken’, which have already proved hugely popular in the re-opening weekend! To comply with guidelines we have created a new seated area for customers wishing to join us just for drink, or enjoy a drink before being seated in the restaurant.

The music volume has been lowered, and dancing is restricted at this time.’ www.madisonsmaidstone.co.uk

T URNI NG OVER A

new leaf at Vinetta Flower Gallery!

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

Vinetta Flower Gallery was only just coming into bloom when Covid-19 hit.

Recently opened Vinetta Flower Gallery is bringing a stylishly natural approach to floristry, using non-traditional designs and woodland inspiration to create unusual and beautiful displays.

Vineta, who describes her signature style as earthy and flowing, now faces operating a new business in an entirely new way.

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SAVE 10% INSTORE AT VINETTA FLOWER GALLERY WHEN YOU SHOW THIS MAGAZINE!

She explains, ‘I had just 2 weeks off, and after that I worked behind closed doors in my shop throughout lockdown - I realised I can help my business survive and reach more customers using social media to attract people. I recieved more online and telephone orders and loyal customer orders, although revenue dropped by 70% and we relied on business grants.

Since re-opening, more and more people are coming back to town each week, but customers are limited and it’s another challenge to fill up the stock wisely.

We provide hand sanitiser, can serve customers outside and allow two people at a time inside. Also we prefer card payments and practice social distancing. All surfaces are sanitised between each customer. ‘ www.vinettaflowergallery.co.uk

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Only a handful of people were allowed to attend this year’s event, including flag bearers from the Royal British Legion.

ST I LL FLYI NG THE FL AG Despite being an open air occasion, this year’s flag raising ceremony for Armed Forces Day had to take place ‘behind closed doors.’

In June, One Maidstone joined the Mayor, Cllr Marion Ring, and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Bill Cockcroft for a small flagraising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day 2020.

This year, the event was moved to the war memorial in Brenchley Gardens from its usual location of Jubilee Square and was not attended by members of the public.

Two of One Maidstone’s BID Ambassadors have military backgrounds.

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The memorial, unveiled in 1921, pays tribute to 6,866 men from the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment who lost their lives serving in the First World War. It was designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, famous for the Cenotaph in Whitehall.

One Maidstone / Summer 2020

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BID BACKS BUSINESS

One Maidstone meets the founder of an app that aims to put the high street in your hands.

LOCALI SE Local entrepreneur and Kent based businessman Ashleigh Cornelius recently announced the raising of half a million pounds in seed capital from private investors for his high street app, Localise.

Allowing independant businesses to connect with local shoppers, Localise are in talks with a number of national membership organisations, such as BIRA (British Independent Retailers Association), who are staunch supporters of the British high street and welcome new and innovative solutions to boost the UK’s local economies.

As a Kent resident himself, Ashleigh is keen to ensure that the Localise platform plays its part in helping to regenerate local high streets

and economies across the County. Ashleigh told One Maidstone, ‘Passion for supporting the high street and the independent retailers of the UK is the absolute driving force behind Localise. We recognise that behind every small business is a real person and character who plays an important part in our community and this is a key part of what we are trying to promote.

I am local myself, and as such, we are going to be launching in Kent as one of our first areas of focus and nothing would please me more than being able to help our local economy, especially after such a difficult few months.’ Localise brings its app to indies and shoppers as the lockdown eases and the public begin to steadily return to our high streets. For independent retailers, Localise offers simplified ecommerce tools that make online selling a social affair.

For shoppers, Localise brings locally sourced products and services directly to their smartphones. Shoppers can earn commission and receive rewards that can be redeemed at small businesses in the local area.

Ashleigh and the Localise team are hoping to bring their technology to Maidstone and surrounding areas in phases, beginning in September 2020, and have been working closely with the One Maidstone team to discuss a strategy for the local launch.

Localise founder Ashleigh Cornelius meets the One Maidstone team.

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DEALS & DISCOUNTS

S AVI NGS ARE I N T HE B AG! £ Money off!

Show this magazine in the following outlets to receive an exclusive One Maidstone discount, and help support our town centre traders!

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10% OF FOOD AT VESUVIUS ITALIAN RESTAURANT

£5 off at Blow Garden

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£5 OFF BLOW GARDEN MAIDSTONE SALON

10% off Vinetta Flower Gallery 10% OFF INSTORE AT VINETTA FLOWER GALLERY

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