Nick Gabay discusses how he is helping Thackray Williams to become one of Kent’s best law firms
GYM & TONIC
Carol Barazzone on the impressive refurbishment of her spa Knowle Grange
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We meet the local entrepreneur who's launched a new luxury hamper venture
CULTURE CLUB
Celebrating new arts and cultural events in Tunbridge Wells
FUTURE LEADERS
Meet the young professionals currently flying high in the corporate world
RETAIL VALUE
What the arrival of Primark means for the town and its commercial landscape
NEW VISION
Alexander Pushkin reveals his exciting plans to launch an auction house
Fun things to do before the end of summer
EDITOR
Eileen Leahy
DESIGN MANAGER
Jason Stubbs
PHOTOGRAPHY
John Knight
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Robin Singer
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
George Percy
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Richard Moore
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Nick Moore
This month we have another issue packed full of interesting features on local businesses, some great hospitality venues worth checking out along with the low-down on what’s on where for the rest of the season. Whether you’re after an inspiring read, some top tips on where to dine or how to keep active then you will find all that info - and more - in the pages of our fourth edition.
Our cover star this month is lawyer Nick Gabay from Thackray Williams. The Tunbridge Wells resident tells us what makes the law firm – which has offices in London, Bromley, West Wickham and Sevenoaks – stand out from the crowd. Turn to page 24 to hear what he has to say…
Elsewhere in this issue we talk to BBC South East’s Claudia Sermbezis about her recent Kent Press & Broadcast Award, how she juggles her busy career and children and what she loves about living and working here in Tunbridge Wells. We also hear from a number of entrepreneurs who are putting a unique stamp on their business. Whether it’s a high-end health retreat such as Carol Barazzone’s
Knowle Grange venture or a fledgling horticultural business like Alex Stevenson’s Clockhouse Landscaping, each journey has many common highs and lows. We hear from them how obstacles are overcome and successes celebrated. We also have lots of expert opinion on everything from finance to pensions and property plus some useful insights into how the new government’s policies will impact our own economic landscape. Talking of which, the news has finally been confirmed that Primark will be coming to Tunbridge Wells. Since we launched this magazine we have closely followed this story so it is our pleasure to be able to to bring you all the news you need to know in full.
Enjoy the edition,
Find us at:
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is published by JJL Media & Marketing Ltd, 3 Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells TN2 3EF. Registration no: 15546231 For enquiries please email hello@twbusinessmagazine.com or call 01892 574474 www.twbusinessmagazine.com
be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors and omissions. We can under no circumstance be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the website or magazine. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials or photography or any other such material supplied by a third party. The views and opinions expressed within our publications are not necessarily those of the publisher or Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine or any featured parties.
Business news: What’s happening in our commercial community.
TV star:
BBC South East’s Claudia Sermbezis on life as a news anchor, mother and occasional actress
County news: A round up of what’s going on elsewhere in Kent.
Royal approval: What the recent King’s speech means for local business
Be appy:
BID’s CEO Alex Green shares the news of a groundbreaking new app for Tunbridge Wells
Designer goods: The founder of Ubuntu talks about her passion for design
Mental health MOT: NLP coach Ruby Farrant on how to prioritise your wellbeing.
Dates for your diary: The best cultural events not to miss before the end of summer.
Stage
Chill out: James Viner picks the best reds to drink chilled this summer.
EXPERTS across the board...
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is proud to have so many of our talented entrepreneurs and inspiring CEOs writing for the title. Whether it’s advice on accounting or property, information on current legal issues or HR legislation you will find all the expert industry guidance you need within these pages. This month our experts include the following...
Henry Adekoya Health & Fitness Specialist
Darren Austin Director Synergee
Sophie ForrestLavery Founder The Forrest Group
Jess Gibson Managing Director The TN Card
Alex Green CEO RTW Together
Mark Hill Antiques Expert
Matthew Hill Founder Private Medical Insurance Brokers
Dee Airey Photographer & Visibility Strategist
Simon HowsonGreen Technology Expert
Ruby Farrant NLP Coach
Clare LushMansell Founder My Tunbridge Wells
Becky Moran CEO TN Lettings
Gillian Palmer Founder The Finance Hub
Sarah Raine Director
Colley Raine & Associates
Deborah Richards Founder Maddisons Residential
Carol Barazzone Owner Knowle Grange Spa
Neil Simmons Managing Director TN Recruits
Siobhan Stirling Managing Director Sharp Minds
Erik Brown Food & Drink writer
Helen Williams Mindset & Business Coach
Alex Stevenson Director Clockhouse Landscaping
Where Primark leads will other big brands follow?
BY RICHARD MOORE
Years of speculation and rumour have ended with the formal announcement that Primark is coming to Tunbridge Wells - something that’s viewed as a ‘game changer’ for the town providing a ‘tremendous boost to the local economy.’
It is taking over the old BHS site in Royal Victoria Place (RVP) shopping centre, although no opening date has yet been made public.
The arrival of the popular retailer will lead the way in the rejuvenation of RVP, which at one point had a quarter of its units empty.
One social media post commented: “This is such good news for the revitalisation of a really dreary shopping centre.”
Primark is an Irish multinational fashion retailer selling everything from clothes to confectionery ‘at prices below those typically charged by other retailers’.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council acquired the Royal Victoria Place in 2013 for a reported sum of £9million and since then has been working hard behind the scene to attract big names. Chicken chain Nando’s is another new arrival, along with Sostrene Grene.
Council officers, as well as council members, including the Conservatives who lost overall control of the town hall in 2021, deserve much credit for pulling off the deal. Retailers such as Primark can pick and choose their locations.
Also at the table were the council’s Asset and Development Manager RivingtonHark.
Since BHS closed in 2016 there has been much speculation and rumour about who would eventually take over the site. In its May launch issue this magazine wrote that a ‘high profile retailer’ was heading for Tunbridge Wells and mentioned the name of Primark.
The retailer will trade on two floors of a site that extends into the shopping centre from the pedestrian precinct.
Primark Director of Sales for London & the South East, Philippa Nibbs said: “We know our customers have wanted a
PRIMARK BY NUMBERS :
WHAT MAKES PRIMARK SO ATTRACTIVE TO SHOPPERS?
Primark is an international fashion retailer employing more than 80,000 people across 17 countries in Europe and the US. It was founded in Ireland in 1969 under the Penneys brand, and aims to ‘provide affordable choices for everyone’.
It has more than 440 stores globally and continues to expand with the aim of reaching 530 stores by the end of 2026.
Along with retailers such as Zara and
Primark here for a long time, so we can’t wait to open the doors. Works will be underway soon and we will update in due course.”
Cllr Justine Rutland, the Borough Council’s Chair of the Investment Advisory Panel and Cabinet member for Economic Development said: “It was really important to us to see the former BHS unit filled with a store that many residents, especially young people, have been asking for, and which will complement existing businesses.
“Its arrival will create jobs and lead to a significant increase in footfall, bringing economic benefits to the town and the wider borough.
“Where Primark goes, other retailers follow, so this is a great reason to be cheerful for the future of the town centre.’
Lee Colyer, the Council’s Director of Finance Policy & Development said:
“The Council has played an important role in encouraging Primark to become the permanent occupant of the former BHS site.
“This will provide a tremendous boost to the local economy and will link neatly with the recently acquired Royal Victoria Place. “Primark will be making a significant
H&M it supports the contemporary fast fashion trend.
According to an article in The Economist magazine: “For many shoppers, Primark has an irresistible offer: trendy clothes at astonishingly low prices.
“The result is a new and even faster fashion, which encourages consumers to buy heaps of items, discard them after a few wears and then come back for another batch of new outfits.”
investment which we hope will encourage other businesses to also recognise that the prospects for Tunbridge Wells town centre have never looked better.”
Primark is expected to begin its refurbishment of the site imminently.
H0W TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING
Since its launch this magazine has established itself as a ‘must read’. Here’s why…
MAY: Magazine reports ‘a high profile retailer is heading for Tunbridge Wells’. Primark is flagged.
JULY: Magazine reports ‘talks between the famous retailer Primark’ and council ‘have been going for several months’.
AUGUST 9: Council confirm that ‘Primark is to open a store in Tunbridge Wells’. We post news online. Keep in touch through this magazine… www.twbusinessmagazine.com
IT hub launched to support SMEs with new one-stop-shop
A Vodafone Business IT Hub has opened in Tunbridge Wells aimed at helping small and medium-sized operations on a range of issues …. including cyber security.
Behind the new venture are two local entrepreneurs - Ollie Bartlett and Laurie Probert - who already run six Vodafone retail stores covering Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Orpington, Chatham and Eltham.
“The Hub, which covers Tunbridge Wells and beyond, is a totally separate business offering an outsourced one-stop-shop for IT and communications support,” explained Ollie Bartlett.
“That includes helping with hardware and applications, alongside security and business resilience.
“It’s especially aimed at SMEs with between 10-250 employees, who are often resource-limited and don’t have their own internal IT support function.”
The overall idea is to give SMEs the same level of support enjoyed by much larger organisations.
Ollie and Laurie started working together in the Tunbridge Wells Vodafone store in 2016 and were one of the first retail franchises taking over the Tonbridge outlet in 2018.
They have already seen a positive response to the launch last month of the Hub.
“It can be hard for some businesses to keep up to date with product changes including cyber security,“ said Ollie.
“We carried out a cyber audit at one company and they were a bit surprised to discover they were not as well protected as they thought.
“In fact they were at serious risk of being hacked and possibly held to ransom. They were vulnerable. Happily we were able to help them make the business more secure.”
But the support services are not just about security issues adds Ollie.
“Our team of local engineers will provide enterprise grade solutions and services from both Vodafone and their network of partner vendors to small business.
“We want to be seen as a dedicated extension of their own team, to provide best-in-class solutions to help them with the growing demands of IT.”
The Head of Vodafone Business IT Hubs Miryem Salah said: “We are delighted to welcome Laurie and Ollie aboard. With their local expertise and technical skills, coupled with working with a global brand like Vodafone Business, as well as finance and marketing support, we believe we have the foundations on which to build a solid successful business that can help the local small business community flourish.”
The importance of succession planning for all businesses
By Katie Hilsdon, Senior Associate in the Corporate and Commercial team at CooperBurnett LLP
At CooperBurnett, we speak to businesses throughout their journey, assisting clients in the initial stages of setting up a business through to achieving their exit plan. With the new government stating its commitment to supporting small businesses, an increase in start-ups is anticipated.
New beginnings
At the outset, the focus for businesses remains, understandably, on establishing and growing the new business venture. All efforts and resources are poured into building a profitable business and developing a sustainable business model.
Thoughts rarely turn to succession, exit strategies or fall outs. However, this is the perfect time to consider these issues, and to address expectations, as these conversations are much easier to have when everyone is getting on.
Caution
Unfortunately, without the appropriate agreements in place, the costs of dealing with a fall out between business owners can be high, not only in terms of legal costs, but also the detrimental impact of allocating precious time and resources to resolve any issues and remedy the situation.
What can businesses do?
Impact can be alleviated by considering and legislating for different scenarios from the get-go. Limited companies can consider shareholders’ agreements and director service agreements to govern any exit. Partnerships and LLPs should consider Partnership Agreements. Keyman insurance and cross-option agreements can be put in place to protect against worst case scenarios.
Tax advice
Trusted tax advisers are key throughout the process, from the initial set up and as the business grows, determining the most effective and efficient manner to deal with each stage of the journey. We work closely with tax advisers to realise the maximum potential for our clients.
Review
All plans and strategies should be kept under regular review to ensure they are suitable for the business requirements, both current and future.
If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Katie Hilsdon on email: KH@cooperburnett.com or tel: 01892 515022.
Laurie Probert and Ollie Bartlett
Foodie favourite Nando’s boost for town centre
At the start of this year younger people taking part in a survey told the Borough Council that one of the eating places they’d like to see open in Tunbridge Wells is Nando's ... and their wish has now come true.
The popular peri-peri chicken chain is close to announcing an opening date for a new restaurant at the old Gateway premises on Grosvenor Road that used to house council services.
Nando’s Chicken Land Ltd has submitted a planning application to the council for minor alterations to the site, which it has already acquired, including displaying its famous logo of a black rooster with red tail.
The Cabinet member for Economic Development Cllr Justine Rutland, told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine: “We would be very pleased to welcome Nando’s especially as young people we talked to at the beginning of the year told us that this is the restaurant they would most like to see in the town centre.
“The arrival of Nando's would fit well with the Council's acquisition of Royal Victoria Place, where we are already seeing increased occupancy and rising footfall, and would help to deliver a vibrant economy, which is one of our
strategic objectives.”
Nando’s was founded in Johannesburg in 1987 and has 1,200 outlets worldwide across 30 countries. It has around 400 in England and tops the list of eateries for younger people beating the likes of Wetherspoons, Pizza Hut, Pizza Express and TGI Friday.
The planned Gateway site is two storey’s and is alongside Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and close to Greggs, Subway, Costa and KFC making it a natural fit.
In other news, popular Thai chain Giggling Squid announced earlier this month that it would be moving from its present Calverley Road premises to the former Havet site on Mount Pleasant Road. The dining area will now boast 58 covers and the team will increase to 20 staff.
Boco Social, which replaced Carluccio’s on Mount Pleasant Road two years ago announced last month that it had ceased trading in the town after the company went into liquidation.
So what’s happened to local Tory MPs after the General Election wipeout?
After the change of political guard here in Tunbridge Wells with the Liberal Democrat’s Mike Martin replacing the Conservative’s Greg Clark as MP after nearly two decades of Tory control, Richard Moore looks at what he and his local party colleagues are up to next…
New job for Clark after resigning as town’s Conservative MP
Former Cabinet Minister Greg Clark has been appointed as the first Executive Chair of Warwick Innovation District – a new entity founded by The University of Warwick.
Mr Clark was a senior minister for nearly 10 years, including serving as Business Secretary, Levelling Up Secretary, Minister for Science and Universities and Financial Secretary to the Treasury.
He was the MP for Tunbridge Wells from 2005 until standing down when the General Election was announced earlier this year. The seat was won by the Lib Dems' Mike Martin.
During the last Parliament Greg Clark was elected by the whole House of Commons to Chair the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee.
In office, he was responsible for the development of the UK Industrial Strategy and for the City and Devolution Deals
which have established Mayoral Combined Authorities covering half of the population of England - including the West Midlands.
Commenting on his appointment Mr Clark said:
“This is one of the most exciting times in history for science, technology and innovation.
sectors.
“It will build upon the Warwick Manufacturing Group’s work over four decades as a role model for collaboration between academia and industry, driving innovation to develop the brightest ideas and talent”.
"Warwick Manufacturing Group has a great impact on the country, and I'm delighted Greg Clark will be building on that legacy"
“We have an extraordinary national opportunity to accelerate innovation and discovery and so to drive growth and prosperity across the whole country.
“The creation of the Warwick Innovation District is part of the University’s vision to ensure that education and research drives positive economic and societal impact in collaboration with the public and private
Mr Clark, who takes up the post in October, will be ‘the driving force behind the establishment of the new organisation’.
Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds said: “Warwick Manufacturing Group has had a great impact on both the West Midlands and the country, and I'm delighted Greg Clark will be building on that legacy.
“The future of manufacturing and its
critical role delivering economic growth across the nation will be at the heart of this government's industrial strategy.
“By bringing academia and industry together Warwick Innovation District will be part of delivering that, and I'm looking forward to working with Greg and the team.”
Tonbridge MP sets his sights on being next Tory Prime Minister
Not for the first time Tonbridge MP Tom Tugendhat has put his name forward to become the Leader of the Conservative Party. He failed in his 2022 mission to replace PM Boris Johnson.
Mr Tugendhat is battling several others for the Leadership including Pritti Patel and Robert Jenrick which will see the eventual winner being announced in November after various voting by fellow Conservative MPs and party members. Launching his campaign for the role in the Telegraph Mr Tugendhat indicated he would be prepared to quit the European Convention on Human Rights to protect the UK’s borders.
He added that the party would not be divided on ‘common sense’ issues such as gender, taxes, defence and net zero.
“We know that if institutions do not serve the British people and make it harder to control our own borders, then we will have to exempt ourselves from them, or leave their jurisdiction. We know what a woman is. We all want lower taxes. We all know national security must come before Treasury spreadsheets. We all know that energy security and household bills come first.
“These are common-sense Conservative positions. They are non-negotiable for me and, I would hope, for anyone else who puts themselves forward.”
He also added: “I am not just running to be the next leader of the Conservative Party. I am running to be the next Conservative Prime Minister.”
Mr Tugendhat left a successful career in the British Army to enter politics and has been the member for Tonbridge (formerly Tonbridge and Malling) since 2015.
He is seen as a Tory moderate, identifies with the Jewish people and has led antisemitism marches. Mr Tugendhat has two children with wife Anissia Morel, a French civil servant and lawyer.
In 2010 he received an MBE for his military work in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Intelligence Corps.
MP makes history as the first ethnic minority Deputy Speaker
Three women MPs – including Sussex Weald’s Nus Ghani – have been elected as Deputy Speakers in the House of Commons.
Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle expressed his delight that for the first time he has an all-female line-up of Deputy Speakers.
‘This Parliament is breaking more glass ceilings than ever before,
with the biggest number of women MPs –and now an all-female team of Deputies.
‘All three MPs are incredible politicians who are well-respected by this House, and I am looking forward to working with them.’
The other two new Deputy Speakers are Labour’s Judith Cummins of Bradford South and Conservative Caroline Nokes of Romsey and Southampton North.
The principal Deputy Speaker, in this case Tory Nus Ghani, is also Chair of Ways and Means.
By convention, they chair the Budget debate, have responsibility for the selection of amendments during Continued on P12
The summer holidays have officially arrived…
This has left many working parents feeling overwhelmed. They are faced with the challenge of balancing work, alongside the care and needs of their children during the extended break from school.
It is important to support your staff who have young children during the summer holiday period. It can be a very stressful time for your employees, and you, so planning ahead can reduce this anxiety.
Let’s break down how you help employees navigate the holidays.
make their holiday requests in advance during this period.
If your business operates using shift work, it would be beneficial to encourage communication between team members.
Firstly, if possible, offer flexible working to your employees. By offering flexible hours or compressed workweeks during the summer months, you can reduce the pressure on employees.
Additionally, remote working remains an attractive option for working parents or those with childcare responsibilities. This takes
away the pressure of commuting, allowing them to spend more time with their family and juggle their childcare arrangements. Working from home can elevate any childcare stress and means they can continue working efficiently.
Where flexible or remote working is not a viable option, you could consider offering holiday request priority to working parents; you should be encouraging employees to
Promote the possibility of shift swapping, which could solve any scheduling issues that working parents may be experiencing. This encourages staff to support each other as a team and creating the possibility of a more positive working environment.
Ultimately, the most important takeaway is to ensure you maintain open communication with your employees. Working with them to elevate their stress will help employees to feel valued and maintain their productivity.
If you need support creating flexible processes, get in touch with our team today.
Committee of the whole House and supervise the arrangement of business in Westminster Hall, the House of Commons’ parallel chamber.
The Chair of Ways and Means also oversees the Panel of Chairs responsible for chairing Public Bill Committees and other General Committees, as well as Westminster Hall debates.
Once elected, Deputy Speakers remain in office until the next general election, unless they resign or otherwise cease to be an MP. They also withdraw from an active political role.
Nus Ghani commented: “Delighted to have secured the confidence of MPs across the House and to have been elected as Chairman of Ways and Means, Deputy Speaker.
“Honoured to have made a bit of British history as the first ethnic minority MP to serve in The Chair and I hope it inspires the next generation of women.”
She was looking forward to working on ‘Parliamentary integrity, security and impartiality’.
Nus Ghani was born in Kashmir and raised in Birmingham. She was elected the MP for Wealden (now Sussex Weald) in 2015 and her constituency takes in Crowborough.
The post of Deputy Speaker carries an annual salary of £156,000 which includes the MP’s salary.
BID boosts board members quota
RTW Together Business Improvement District (BID) have announced the appointment of three new board members. Oliver Butler who is a Partner at Thomson, Snell & Passmore, Melissa Hollis, the Marketing Manager at Berry & Lamberts and Nick Bryant who is the Managing Director of Brilliant Businesses Ltd will all join the board of Directors chaired by Alex Greig, Owner of Fuggles Beer Café.
Earlier this year the board also welcomed Jenny Kitchen, CEO of Yoyo Design along with a shared appointment
of Partners Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson from Cooper Burnett.
RTW Together BID is a Community Interest Company that is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, who represent business members from across the town and its different sectors. The BID is collectively funded by local businesses who pay over a specified business rateable value within the town centre, the BID then invests that resource in a range of initiatives that support member businesses, and in turn, local residents.
Business Acquisitions – learn from the experts
Our complimentary invitation for business owners: whether embarking on your first acquisition project, seeking to use acquisitions for growth, or enhancing your experiences – this event is for you!
Our panel know first-hand how to deliver a seamless acquisition and are keen to present to you their knowledge and learnings.
Industry experts Gillian Palmer of Lending Made Simple, Joanne Bell from Bells Accountants and Joe Milner of Loch Law, look to:
Unfold the process and achieving profitability
Explore the funding options available
Navigate you through the legal landscape.
Date: Thursday 5th September
Time: 2.30 – 4.30 PM
Location: The Finance Hub, Unit B, The Potteries, Linden Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5FQ Don't miss this insightful
Gillian Palmer
Joanne Bell
Joe Milner
Oliver Butler
Nick Bryant
Melissa Hollis
“My mission has always been to deliver the best work”
Claudia Sermbezis is one of the most recognisable faces on local television thanks to her role as one of BBC South East’s news anchors. She was recently named Broadcast Presenter of the Year at the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards and here she tells Sarah Raine what that accolade means to her – and why she hopes to one day revive her career as an actress…
Congratulations on your recent win as Broadcast Presenter of the Year at the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards organised by Maxim PR, what does this mean to you?
It’s incredibly exciting! My role is not a 9-5 office based job. I spend a lot of time on the road and talking down a lens so I don’t always know if I am doing a good job! It’s therefore really nice to be recognised and to discover that other people like what I do.
How long have you been a part of the BBC South-East team?
I have been with the BBC for about 15 years. My mission has always been to try my best at work, to be proud of myself and do what I do well. For the last 12 years I have been fortunate to have been able to juggle being a single mum and working part time, so to win an award doing my dream job is something I don’t take for granted.
What inspires you each day to continue working in Tunbridge Wells?
I grew up in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and at the time there was no television station here so I started my career in national television and acting. When I wanted to settle down, I was delighted to be able to work in my home town. From a reporting perspective, it’s a really interesting, mixed patch, steeped in history, rich in culture and it is also stunningly beautiful.
How to win at awards
If you were able to do one story or interview, who would it be with and why?
I’d have to say Sandro Botticelli, the Renaissance painter. When I was a pupil at Claremont primary school, one of our teachers made us all pull a stick out of a bucket on which they had written different artists names. We had to select a stick and from that moment on, we were each the expert on that artist for ever more. I picked out Botticelli and recall having the summer holidays to research his life, and it has stayed with me since then. I feel the 9-year old art expert in me would really like to know more about the frescos in the Sistine Chapel, The Birth of Venus and why he put a self- portrait of himself in one of his paintings!
What are your thoughts on the increasing use of AI to create content? I think one of the great things about doing this job is that it’s engaging directly
‘Award winning’ helps take your business to the next level. But to craft an award-winning application takes time, so how do you make your business stand out to the judges? With many awards inviting applications at the moment, award ninja Siobhan Stirling, Managing Director of PR and marketing agency Sharp Minds Communications, shares her tips for taking the title.
You may turn your nose up at them, but awards bring benefits. Agreed, the pay-to-win variety can devalue the currency, but I can tell you from personal experience that the uplift just from making the shortlist is tangible.
If we post award success on Sharp Minds’ LinkedIn, we get around ten times the engagement as other content. When we meet business associates they always comment ‘I see you won another award’. And that’s not to mention the internal benefits of boosting staff morale.
As well as winning awards, I’ve also judged them. And I’m going to let you into a secret: the standard of the average application is pretty poor. This means that if you invest a
bit of time, you’ll instantly be ahead of the pack and in with a credible chance of winning a gong.
Start with the basics: is the award/ category relevant to your business?
Can you demonstrate the qualities/ outcomes the judges are looking for? Can you back this up with supporting evidence? Will you be able to go to the award ceremony (a requirement for some awards)?
If the answer to all of these is ‘yes’, go for it. But realise that you need to invest time to ensure you tick every box (scrutinise the criteria closely to make sure you demonstrate everything you’ll be marked on).
Avoid cliches (being ‘passionate’ about what you do doesn’t evidence how you are ahead of your field or
add value for your clients).
Use evidence: how can you demonstrate growth (turnover, profit, staff numbers, new services, bigger offices); how you deliver for your clients (measurable Return on Investment, client loyalty, percentage of word-of-mouth referrals); expertise (qualifications, keynote speaking opportunities, leadership roles within your industry)? Etc, etc.
And don’t leave it to the last minute; it takes time to gather supporting evidence, such as client testimonials.
Award success can help fuel business success. Being in it isn’t enough to win it –you also need to demonstrate to the judges why you deserve the crown.
MEET THE EXPERT
Siobhan Stirling is the founder and Managing Director of Sharp Minds Communications, a multi-awardwinning marketing and PR agency that provides intelligent communication with power and purpose to help its clients punch above their weight.
Photograph: Tim Stubbings Photography
with people. I think so long as you are compassionate, empathetic, and genuine in what you do, people will still love seeing a real story reported. People are interested in watching other’s reactions and it’s my privilege to be the human voice reporting that. Even if AI may assist us as a tool for research or content creation, I think the way we engage with our viewers is the reason people watch the news.
You began your journalistic career reading Saturday morning bulletins for GMTV at 25 years old. That must have been quite a steep learning curve?
It’s a great story …basically, the woman that was presenting the news wanted to go on holiday but didn’t have anyone to replace her. I worked in the production team and she knew I was an actress. So she asked me to do a screen test – and I got the gig! She got her holiday and I
stayed on after that but sadly that meant no holidays for me for the next three years!
Are there any other journalism jobs where you felt you learnt a lot?
I worked on the ITV equivalent of Newsround, ‘Kids News’, and learnt a lot while there. I was very much thrown in at the deep end as there was no actual team. It was just me and I had to write, produce and present it.
What advice would you give to people starting out in their journalism career?
I would say don’t be afraid to keep trying and learn from failure. I have been turned down hundreds of times in my career but I never stop contacting people or sending off film clips - just be your authentic self and keep trying.
You are also an accomplished actress, with your role as Lema Eelyak in Star Wars: The Force Awakens being a highlight, do you still take on acting roles?
Over the past 12 years I have really dedicated myself to being as much of a full-time mum as I can be, so at this stage of my life I can’t commit to acting as it would take me away from my kids too
much. Now they are getting older, I will definitely start to reconsider roles as I genuinely love acting.
Any fond memories of how you juggled both journalism and acting?
There was a pivotal point in my early career, where I was acting in a Peter Hall production in the West End alongside Vanessa Redgrave, and at the same time reading the national news on a Sunday political breakfast programme throughout the Iraq War. Literally all my childhood dreams colliding at once!
As a Tunbridge Wells girl, born and bred, where do you like to shop, stroll and socialise?
In terms of shopping, I love our High Street and I am passionate about supporting local businesses. I love Dunorlan Park, I have spent many, many hours there with my kids and still run around it three times a week. When friends from overseas came to visit, they were blown away by Dunorlan, they couldn’t believe we had such beautiful green space, boating, festivals and having the ability to feed ducks in the centre of town. It’s really quite special. Socially, I often meet up with my old school friends in Tunbridge Wells, I feel very lucky to have such a great group around me and my boys.
Future proofing for better personal and professional needs
We’ve seen a growth in later living developments in the borough, but Andrew Metcalf, Maxim’s chief Executive, looks at an interesting development coming forward elsewhere in Kent and reveals why it’s time to put pressure on Eurostar for better county connections to Europe
Much is often made of the absence of care facilities when it comes to residential development, whether for the young or older people – and delivering new homes in Kent.
With an ageing population, and many in our community struggling to find the specialist care accommodation they need, a Maidstone project 18 months in the planning could be a perfect response to the situation.
Permission has just been secured for a new integrated Community Care Hub at Heath Road, on the edge of Coxheath, from Maidstone Borough Council. It will include a 73-bed care home to contribute to the borough’s lack of older people’s care bed spaces, plus 14 supported living units for adults with learning disabilities or autism. Also on site will be a 12-bedroom state-of-the-art specialist palliative and end-of-life care and family support facility for Heart of Kent Hospice. It will incorporate activity space, a garden room, a consulting/ counselling rooms and a café, and a large private sensory garden near to the inpatient rooms.
To make it all possible, the development will include up to 52 affordable retirement
bungalows for the over 60s. This will all delivered by the landowner working in partnership with Aspire Living, Coral Living and Stonebond Properties – with planning permission secured by Maidstone-based DHA Planning.
Over the border in East Sussex, DHA Planning also secured permission for 91 specialist homes for those aged 65+ from Wealden District Council, adding to the developer’s offering across the South East.
TIME TO BRING BACK EUROSTAR
Last month I focused on Gatwick and its importance to Kent, this month it’s Eurostar – and the campaign to reinstate services from Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International has once-again
metaphorically left the station.
The Kent business community, politicians and public have rightly got behind the campaign to reinstate the route. Now Sojan Joseph, the newlyelected Labour MP for Ashford, believes it is vital the service reconnects the county to mainland Europe.
Although Eurostar is back in profit, it’s facing stiff competition from other operators eager to connect London with Paris and other European capitals via high-speed train services.
In my capacity as Vice-Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce we need to continue to put political and commercial pressure on Eurostar to serve Ebbsfleet and Ashford to support the Kent economy and promote the county as attraction to visitors.
Kent Press & Broadcast Awards Celebrate 10 years
The winners of the tenth annual Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA) were announced last month at a lavish ceremony which saw BBC News presenter Martine Croxall compering.
Tunbridge Wells firm Maxim PR, who organise the event, said the awards received a record number of entries for the 16 categories which are judged by an independent team of media experts.
The not-for-profit award scheme recognises and rewards the media’s commitment to serving local communities.
New for 2024, the sponsors were joined by charity partners Demelza and Leas Lift, two organisations selected by the Maxim team as deserving special recognition for their positive impact on their communities.
Maxim was joined in supporting KBPA by Caxtons, CPL Films, East Kent Colleges Group and Eurotunnel LeShuttle, as well as Gallagher Group, Kent Cricket, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, MHA,
Port of Dover, plus Shepherd Neame and Stagecoach South East.
The awards event took place at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Canterbury on Friday 26 July.
Commenting at the event, Maxim Director Rachel Knight said: “This year’s awards demonstrate that the standard of journalism continues to be strong in Kent. Congratulations to everyone who attended the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2024, and to the worthy winners.”
She added: “We also need to thank the generous sponsors, who recognise the important role that the press plays in our communities. As KPBA is a not-for-profit event, we really couldn’t run these awards without them. We also thank our judges for giving up their time.”
To read our interview with this year’s Kent Broadcast Presenter of the Year, BBC South East’s Claudia Sermbezis, turn to page 14.
KPBA Awards Winners 2024
Local relationship banking
Handelsbanken has a different perspective from many other banks. We’re driven by satisfying our customers, taking a long-term view and investing time to get to know each customer, their needs and ambitions.
Here at Handelsbanken, we’re committed to relationship-led banking, with a dedicated account manager who gets to know you and your aspirations. Our unique approach means our colleagues are empowered to make key decisions in branch. It’s this approach that has seen us ranked top for customer satisfaction in an independent survey of UK banks for personal and business customers, for 15 years running (epsi-rating.com, 2009-2023). We have also been named as the most recommended provider for relationship / account management for SMEs by the Competition and Markets Authority’s Independent Service Quality Survey (August 2023).
Handelsbanken was founded in Sweden in 1871, and has built a network of branches serving communities across Great Britain. We have a wide range of services, from mortgages to wealth management for personal customers, and services for businesses including financing, FX and treasury services and financial planning.
on 01892 553070
Expert reaction to the King’s Speech
The King marked the start of the new parliamentary year last month by delivering the new Labour government’s key priorities following its general election. Here we ask some of our expert contributors about their thoughts on how they will impact various business sectors…
Fundamental effects on finance
Gary Jeffries, CEO Panoramic Wealth
“Labour are looking to be a bold government - and hopefully Rachel Reeves can be more in control of the economy than Keanu Reeves was with the bus in the Hollywood movie Speed. Here are my musings on a variety of different areas…”
Property
Abolishing Renters
Right Bill -This is very welcome for renters given the nature of non-fault evictions but the snag is it may reduce landlords keeping properties. UK wide there is already a shortage of available properties in the market due to demand. The impact of introducing this could mean an increase in rents.
“Hopefully Rachel Reeves will be more in control of the economy than Keanu Reeves was with the bus in the movie Speed”
Pensions
Auto Enrolment
in
Workplace
Pensions –
The government wants employers to offer retirement options in their plans. This will include drawdown and annuities options. This will be interesting in terms of who ends up paying for this as providers will not simply absorb the extra burden.
A result in more cost for employer is therefore likely.
Taxation
VAT on school fees – this is being brought in to fund 6,500 extra teachers. There are at present 7% of children at fee paying schools and for some this is aspirational. With middle earners squeezed from cost of living rises, the increase is likely to mean many will leave and go into the state sector. The knockon effect of this is likely to affect those in post age 11 education, putting pressure on state schools with parents looking at grammar and Ofsted Outstanding state schools which are already heavily subscribed.
Care Cap Provision
Previously there was going to be a Care Cap introduced by October 2025 limiting the amount of ‘care’ an individual would pay for. In essence this was £86,000 which, once paid, would mean the state would then pay. This assistance had initially been suggested back in 2014 under the then government’s Care Act. This has now been scrapped. So individuals with their own assets will now be required (as is currently) to fund all care personally.
Time to work things out
Sophie Forrest-Lavery, CEO Forrest Group
Sophie outlines some key employment areas which she believes will be of specific interest to small and local businesses…
Proposed Employment Bill - The main point with the employment bill that businesses need to be taking into consideration, is that everything is ‘proposed’ and ‘in draft’. Whilst our new
within
is more realistic that we will see this roll through more gradually, and with some aspects of the legislation we may have to wait as long as two years.
“Employers will now be expected to manage situations more thoroughly”
Unfair Dismissal Rights – Currently an individual has to work for an employer for at least two years to accrue employment rights. It is now proposed that these rights should accrue from day one of employment. The main reason for this being introduced is to encourage individuals to move jobs more frequently, as salaries are likely to be considerably higher with a new employer, than with their current one. We are still lacking in further information in regard to this though, particularly in respect of how this will affect temporary, seasonal and casual workers. No longer will it be possible for employers to exit individuals with very little reason. Instead businesses will be expected to manage situations more thoroughly and using a probation period to deal with any early performance issues.
Banning
‘exploitative’ Zero Hours Contractsthe main point to focus on here is the word ‘exploitative’.
PM Sir Keir Starmer has advised that he wants to introduce this
100 days, it
The new government are not suggesting that all zero hours contracts are banned, just those that are considered one-sided and are unfavourable to the worker. Many businesses in the hospitality industry utilise these types of contracts frequently and I don’t believe that would be beneficial for the company or the worker for these contracts to be banned in their entirety.
Statutory sick pay – currently an individual is only entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they are off sick for four working days or more and if their earnings meet the lower earnings limit (currently £123). It is proposed that SSP should be payable from day one of sickness and that the lower earnings limit should also be removed. The impact and cost to businesses could rocket with this proposal, meaning they will need to manage sickness absence much more effectively to keep control of this.
All in the detail
Emma
Thompson, Partner at Thackray Williams
Changes to UK employment laws are expected in the coming months and Emma Thompson believes these will significantly strengthen employee rights and entitlements… Headline changes to employment laws include day one employment rights, including parental leave and sick pay rights and the right not to be unfairly dismissed (though employers will be able to operate probationary periods).
As previously mentioned there will also be a ban on ‘exploitative’ zerohour contracts with workers receiving contracts reflecting regular hours and reasonable notice for shift changes, alongside compensation for cancelled or curtailed shifts. Coupled with this, and the strengthened statutory sick pay entitlement, there’s also enhanced
“Enhanced requirements for pay gap reporting are expected as well as the introduction of a new state enforcement body to ensure compliance”
redundancy consultation requirements and additional protection against dismissal for employees returning from maternity leave. There is also expected to be enhanced requirements for pay
gap reporting and the introduction of a new state enforcement body to ensure compliance with employment laws. Whilst several of the proposals remain light on detail, it is expected that businesses will need to navigate these changes carefully to ensure compliance and to avoid potential legal issues.”
Let’s talk technology
John Speed, Managing Director, Heliocentrix Ltd
Commenting on what kind of impact the new Digital Information and Smart Data Bill will have on tech John Speed believes it can do nothing but enhance all our lives…
Technology is a big part of all of our lives, and I am pleased to see it being discussed in these two new government bills. Many of my clients have been talking about productivity and how they can use technology more efficiently.
And the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill may create new opportunities for innovation to do that.
“I would expect, that in the coming years, we will see faster house purchases, quicker background checks and easier access to our own information. It should make information sharing between organisations much easier.
“Writing this only a few weeks after the July 19 tech issues - where so many people were affected by one application - makes me stop and think about our reliance on technology. While the scale of the outage was unprecedented it was not unexpected. Hopefully these bills will stop further incidents of this kind. I just hope the requirements are realistic for small businesses.”
Royal seal of approval
King Charles outlined the new Labour government’s law-making plans in a speech to Parliament last month. Here’s a brief resume of just some of the other 39 bills ministers want to pass at the next parliamentary session*:
ENERGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
• Great British Energy Bill: a new stateowned energy investment and generation company, GB Energy, will be created
• National Wealth Fund Bill: this will set up a new fund to invest £7.3bn over five years in infrastructure and green industry
• Water (Special Measures) Bill: this will make the bosses of private water companies personally liable for lawbreaking and give the water regulator new powers to ban bonuses TRANSPORT
• Passenger Railway Services Bill: this will allow the government to renationalise nearly all passenger rail services when existing contracts expire
• Great British Railways: A new body to oversee track and trains will be established by a separate Railways Bill
• Better Buses Bill: will allow a wider range of local leaders to take over responsibility for running bus services CRIME AND BORDERS
• A Crime and Policing Bill will give police new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour and make assaulting shopworkers a specific crime
• The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, published in draft form by the Tories, will enact Martyn's Law, requiring large venues to put in place procedures to deal with the threat of terrorism
• A new Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill will introduce new rules requiring offenders to attend sentencing hearings and to strip parental rights from child sex offenders MIGRATION
• Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill: will allow police to use counter-terror powers to tackle gangs smuggling migrants into the UK HEALTH AND EDUCATION
• Tobacco and Vapes Bill : Labour will introduce a gradual ban on smoking by bringing back the first one announced under Rishi Sunak
• Mental Health Bill: will tighten rules on sectioning people, and change the rules on care for people with learning difficulties
• Children's Wellbeing Bill: this will force councils in England to maintain registers of children not educated fulltime in school, and deliver a manifesto promise for breakfast clubs in all primary schools in England
*Some of these bills, or a version of them, were originally tabled by the previous government but were not passed ahead of the election. This is also a truncated version of the bills proposed. For more information see www.gov.uk
It’s good to talk
The TN card continued its successful Small Business Talks with another special event last month at The Old Auction House. Similar to mini TED Talks, this free quarterly event series for TN card businesses and members was created by Jess Gibson to connect her growing business community.
“These talks also provide a platform for businesses in the TN card’s professional services directory, while giving small business owners valuable lessons from expert speakers on various topics. These range from marketing and sales strategies to financial planning and management techniques,” explains Jess.
Summer talks included: Time Saving Technology and AI by Jennifer Cooper Timesaver, Cyber Security by Kris Ruffell at NetVector IT Services, Instagram for Business by Beau Yeung at Elevate Management and the Power of Goal Setting by brand photographer and visibility strategist Dee Airey.
The TN card Small Business Talks returns to Old Auction House on October 23.
female LEAD
Last month global strategic creative agency Southpaw, in collaboration with their media partner The Kite Factory, revealed new research to a room of guests at 180 Strand, Soho House, London.
The Midlife Revolution, a study into women aged 4554, presented a call to arms to brands and the media to better represent this cohort of women and to delve deeper into understanding the unique nuances of this demographic.
“Only 6% of midlife women feel represented in the advertisements they see (Global Web Index, 2024), indicating that brands have yet to grasp how to resonate
with this dynamic audience,” explained a spokesperson for Southpaw which is based in Tunbridge Wells.
“These women are 'super consumers,' commanding unprecedented economic power and representing a vast untapped market. At pivotal moments in their lives, they are reassessing their needs to achieve midlife self-actualisation. By aligning insights, tone of voice, language, imagery, and media, brands can show this powerful audience that they are seen, heard, and, most importantly, valued.”
To find out more about this study email: sayhello@southpawagency
Create Balance are a modern and thriving accountancy and tax practice based in Tunbridge Wells but serve clients all over the UK. We provide: X Statutory accounts X Payroll services X Bookkeeping X VAT returns X Trusts and estates returns X FD/CFO services X Capital gains tax X IHT Planning Tax return service from
We believe selecting the right accountant and tax adviser is paramount to your financial success. To discuss how we can help your business flourish call us on 01892 311890 or email hello@createbalance.uk
“We’re very ambitious about growth”
is Head of Corporate & Commercial at Thackray Williams –one of the South East’s leading law firms which specialises in both private and business law. Here the Tunbridge Wells resident tells Eileen Leahy about his key role within the company, and how it is on an exciting trajectory to accelerate its impressive year-on-year growth…
t’s not often you walk into the reception area of a law firm and are so bowled over by its cool design aesthetic that you immediately start snapping pictures of the funky seating, panelled walls and statement lighting on your iPhone. But that’s exactly what I find myself doing on arrival at Thackray Williams’ super stylish headquarters in Bromley.
It’s the first indication I get of how this forward-thinking firm likes to do things differently.
Whilst our photographer John and I wait in the stunning reception area and discuss how comfortable the curvaceous chairs are, I note a huge ‘People Powered’ slogan dotted –quite literally with colourful huge tack pins – on the opposite wall.
“That’s what we’re all about,” states Thackray Williams’ Head of Corporate & Commercial Nick Gabay as he arrives in reception and overhears John and me discussing how impactful a statement it is.
We’re here to interview and photograph Nick, who after joining the company in 2021 has helped steadily grow Thackray Willliams’ business division.
Nick, who lives in Tunbridge Wells and worked for Thomson Snell and Passmore for more than twenty years prior to joining Thackray Williams, looks completely at home here, chatting and laughing with colleagues as we set up for the shoot.
“I am really happy here and so excited about the journey Thackray Williams is on,” he says as John’s camera clicks away. But before we get into more detail about Nick’s role within Thackray Williams, a little history about the firm… It was established in 2004 following the merger of Thackray Wood and Leigh
The company’s Headquarters are here in Bromley but it also has three additional
offices in Sevenoaks, West Wickham and London.
The staff totals around 130 and is spread across the four different sites where a hybrid working system is encouraged, along with a smart casual approach to office attire instead of suits and a supportive, inclusive style of working. So far, so very unlike a lot of traditional solicitors then…
Boasting the prestigious LEXCEL Practice Management Standard – a quality mark for solicitors that only 3% of firms in private practice have attained – earlier
“Thackray Williams’ mission is to deliver consistently outstanding client service and increase its expertise and market share
”this year the practice posted record-high revenue of £12.2m for 2023/24, which the firm is hoping will propel Thackray Williams into the UK’s top 200 ranks.
Nick tells me the firm has its sights firmly on being acknowledged as one of the South East’s best as it continues to expand.
Thackray Williams’ senior legal team is headed up by Managing Partner Sean Sanders and includes 10 equity partners. The firm’s non-executive Chair is Simon Slater, formerly of Tunbridge Wells’ Cripps and also Thomson Snell and Passmore.
Commenting on the figures released earlier this year Simon said: “The year ahead will again see us identify and recruit senior lateral hires to enhance our service to clients and move us forward in our chosen sectors and practice areas.”
As we make our way around Thackray Williams’ impressive offices – where the stylish attention to detail continues courtesy of Herringbone flooring, sumptuous sofas and trendy Crittall framed doors and windows – Nick points something rather special out.
“Can you see that each of our meeting rooms is named after a famous resident of the local area? As a big music fan my
I just knew I couldn’t turn down this opportunity.”
The ‘opportunity’ Nick is referring to was to help grow the firm’s Corporate & Commercial division.
“They already had a good foundation but the challenge I accepted was to get us better known on the business side of things and to grow outside of Thackray Williams’ immediate catchment area.
favourite has to be the David Bowie one, so make sure you get a shot of that,” he smiles.
Other names include tennis player Emma Raducanu, naturalist Charles Darwin and writer HG Wells.
Once the shoot is done and we’re sitting down to chat, Nick reveals that one of the key reasons he decided to take the job at the firm in 2021 was because he liked Thackray Williams’ approach to doing business.
“The firm is ambitious yet it is committed to helping people achieve their full potential. It’s also inclusive and open to hearing everyone’s ideas,” reveals Nick.
So how did he become part of team Thackray Williams?
“We were just coming out of another lockdown in 2020 when I got a call from a head hunter. They said there was an exciting opportunity for a firm in Kent and when they mentioned Thackray Williams I was intrigued as it wasn’t one of the usual firms named when you get this type of call.
“We were actually on our way to Cornwall for a holiday and I certainly wasn’t looking to leave my previous employer at all but I thought ‘well I’ll take the call’ and immediately the chemistry was there.
“The ambition the team talked to me about was immediately believable. And although it sounds slightly cliched
“Our employment team is very strong here,” continues Nick. “And they already had some semblance of a commercial division but they really needed someone to spearhead the corporate team and that’s when my name was mentioned.”
Nick’s professional expertise lies in Mergers & Acquisitions, Demergers and Articles of Association, but he states that running a corporate law department wasn’t necessarily what he was looking for as the next step in his career.
“Not at all! I was very happy just being
“
We are not afraid to think outside the box and demonstrate that we are always outward looking ”
a lawyer and doing a good job for my clients, but there was something about Thackray Williams’ offer that just made me think.
“I’d been at my previous firm for two decades and so I decided to grab the opportunity and here I am. I’ve settled in very well and I really enjoy working with our clients and the team here.”
On its promotional literature the firm cites Nick’s pragmatic and efficient approach to legal advice as a key strength: ‘He will get the job done with the minimum level of fuss possible, whilst working in partnership with clients to
About Thackray Williams...
Extraordinary circumstances demand exceptional people. Thoughtful, intuitive, determined individuals. Approachable, insightful professionals who can quickly get to the heart of your needs to deliver results that mean as much to us as they do to you. It’s these qualities that define Thackray Williams and it has built its reputation as a leading full-service law firm that cares.
The firm provides a full range of legal services from its offices in Bromley, Sevenoaks, West Wickham and London. Its client base is wide-ranging, from private individuals to property developers, manufacturers, banks, builders and retailers, housing associations, professional services firms and charities.
TEAM SPIRIT: Nick Gabay with colleagues : Head of Commercial Group, Emma Thompson; Senior Partner, Andrew Raby; and Managing Partner, Sean Sanders.
achieve their objectives.’
Initially when Nick started his new role he was based at the firm’s Sevenoaks office, but often finds himself commuting further up the A21 from his home in Tunbridge Wells to operate from Thackray Williams’ Bromley HQ.
“Geography has never been an issue for me. I travel a lot seeing clients so being based here is fine.”
When Nick began working at the firm he explains he could immediately see the
“
We are on our path to doing what’s necessary in order to achieve and that is very exciting
”potential to grow the department further.
After many months of hard work and research Nick and his team revealed a new strategy, built around six core sectors in April of this year.
“They are Hospitality & Leisure, Real Estate, Private Wealth, Financial & Professional Services, Independent Education and Sport,” explains Nick.
“These are our key sectors as a firm but they are not exclusive to what we do. We are a full-service law firm so we will never say ‘we can’t help you’. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, we will be able to assist you. But these sectors are a good guide to some of our strengths and areas of expertise,” states Nick.
“The Sports one is an interesting one because originally it was all wrapped up within the Hospitality & Leisure sector, but we sectioned it off after recruiting
Lewis Glasson, who is now spearheading a special team.
“I suppose by doing this it’s an example of how we are not afraid to think outside the box – and it demonstrates that we are always looking forwards. We recruited Lewis and said we would support him in building his own sports division within the firm, and that is what we are doing.”
Nick goes on to exclusively reveal how Lewis has managed to secure a local partnership with the Premier League team Crystal Palace FC.
“Lewis contacted them and to be honest we weren’t really expecting much but actually they were very receptive to us. I think that’s because Thackray Williams is a local firm and Crystal Palace is all about forging hyper local connections. For us it helps put our name on a different stage which will hopefully have a positive impact all round.”
Thackray Williams will be sponsoring some of the club’s interactive ad boards and TV screens at home games so you can see why Nick, Lewis and team are so excited about this latest
The Thackray Williams Pledge
The firm will work to the following fivepoint pledge:
• Keep you informed with regular progress reports on or ahead of schedule
• Reply to all letters, emails and telephone messages promptly
Having such a high-profile Premier League partnership is something you would expect from a glitzy London practice, and without wanting to sound rude, not necessarily something you’d expect from a regional one. But Nick agrees, saying that’s what makes it all the sweeter for him and his colleagues.
“I never wanted to work for a London firm. I grew up in Hong Kong and saw how hard lawyers there worked, coming out of their offices at 3am. I promised myself I would never be like that.”
Nick ended up moving to the UK and studying at Manchester University.
Sticking to his guns about not working for a London firm, he decided to apply for roles in the South East.
“One of my aunts lives in Tunbridge Wells so I knew the area fairly well and
• Work to the highest standards of our profession to include technical competence, confidentiality, integrity and courtesy
• Adopt a clear and uncomplicated approach to explaining our fees so that there will be no unexpected changes
• Be mindful of your personal and business goals in order to provide you with a value-added service development.
“They are a club that are very keen to give back to the community – as are we –so our cultures were perfectly aligned. It’s a proper partnership,” adds Nick.
“It might be a bit of a stretch to use a football analogy here but they’re keen to expand their supporter base and we’re keen to increase our client base, and to reach more of Kent, so hopefully something like this will help us to do that.
“This has not just been a really good opportunity for Lewis, but for us as a firm, as this type of partnership will feed into all our departments. We really couldn’t have hoped for any better.”
applied to Thomson Snell and Passmore.” He was accepted on a traineeship and eventually settled as a resident in the town and says he has ‘never looked back’ after doing so.
From early on in his career Nick says he really enjoyed working on the corporate side, looking after clients in business and helping them build and go onto the next stage.
“That type of role is my natural fit as a lawyer. Business was always my personal preference.”
Nick and his Thackray Williams colleagues mainly work with clients based in London and the South East, but they do also have a number of others across the country.
“It’s a natural thing if you have helped a client they will come back to you – even if they have relocated. It’s all about word-ofmouth reputation. I’ve acted for people all over the country, especially when they’re on the acquisition trail. Again, geography is not a problem for us.”
When Thackray Williams launched 20 years ago, the practice was very much focused on property, private clients, wills and probate.
And then around 10 years ago the firm’s
partners decided to specialise in areas of more commercial law. Over the past decade this has steadily grown thanks to new client wins – and of course Nick’s vision.
The business moved from its original offices, which were located above a shop in Bromley, and upgraded to the swish new premises on London Road a couple of years ago.
That, says Nick, was a key turning point for the firm becoming a more corporate outfit.
“The team were just ready to move to the next level,” he adds.
As well as Corporate & Commercial services, Thackray Williams also specialises in:
• Employment Law
• Commercial Litigation
• Commercial Property
• Wills, Tax & Administration
• Probate, Wills & Estate Disputes
• Family Law
• Dispute Resolution
• Residential Real Estate
The senior team’s vision for creating a new HQ with the wow factor has paid off as business has never been better. And according to recent figures, the firm is well on its way to achieving its growth objectives over the next few years.
“We’re ready to be seen and recognised as a firm who people can trust for a myriad of different services.”
“
This is a close-knit partnership and I’m proud to be part of it - everyone sitting around the table wants the same thing
”What would Nick’s chief aims be for his department?
“I’d like to grow the team, preferably by two more by the end of this time next year. And exponentially thereafter.
“We’ve just had Thackray Williams’ year end results and our turnover was £12.2m And our strategy is to grow to £15m by 2027. And then to £20m by 2030, that’s our goal. And the good news is we are on target for all that.”
If there is one challenge, Nick says it’s recruitment. “But I think every firm experiences this. We’re competing with London for the best recruits but there are a few things that make us stand out and that’s our commitment to work/life balance and to our staff.
“In terms of our employee benefits, we don’t just say ‘this is what we can do for you’. In fact we flip it on its head by asking ‘what can we do for you?’
“And our employees are constantly giving us feedback on everything from
our private medical insurance to gym membership. If people come to us with an idea then we will consider it.”
Nick reveals that other ways they have ripped up the traditional solicitors’ rule book is by carrying on with encouraging employees to work both remotely and from the office. They must do the latter for a minimum of two days a week.
But the funky Thackray Williams offices are not just to tick aesthetic boxes or immediately impress guests. In the meeting room area the cool chairs and tables dotted around also double up as hot desking spaces if capacity is ever reached in the main, open-plan office.
Nick adds that the firm has also done away with the traditional hierarchy of having ‘secretaries’ and instead prefers the terminology of ‘legal assistants’.
“Every person has their strength here,” he acknowledges. “And there is always the opportunity for promotion, whatever department you are in.
“In fact we are looking at that structure in both the fee earnings side for lawyers and also the support staff. The latter see opportunities that maybe those of us who are immersed in the nitty gritty detailfocused work often don’t see. It’s about collaboration and communication.
“Often our support staff will come at things with a better view from the eyes of the client than we do as lawyers, so we host regular team meetings where people can vocalise their thoughts.”
Nick states that he and his colleagues have an ambitious growth strategy, but that its success comes down to how you deliver it.
“Others can have the same ambition but get stuck on delivering it; we have a very clear vision of how this can be achieved.
“It’s a really exciting journey we’re on. Just this morning I was interviewing someone for a corporate position and I was telling them that we are not yet the finished product. Why did I say this? Because we are still growing in order to achieve what we want. But we are on our path to doing what’s necessary to achieve our ambitions and that is very exciting.”
As we start to wrap up our conversation, Nick tells me that within 18 months of joining such ‘a young, vibrant partnership’ he was invited to join the equity partnership.
“I was really flattered to be asked to join because it was obvious the senior team saw that what I was doing was key to the firm’s success. My piece of the jigsaw fitted what they needed. And given the fact that I had so much experience from another firm for so long meant that I could bring some really valuable lessons in. It really is a close-knit equity partnership here and I’m proud to be part of it as everyone sitting around the table wants the same thing.”
www.thackraywilliams.com
Bringing property celebrities to Kent
Thackray Williams solicitors is hosting its biggest ever Property Expo in September, giving anyone interested in renovation, self-building and property investment the chance to get expert advice from trusted suppliers and industry heavyweights, including interior designer and TV personality, Laurence LlewelynBowen.
The South East Property Expo, which was launched by the leading Kent law firm in 2017 as a one-stop shop for anyone with an interest in property, is this year being held on 23rd September in the new location of the Knole Academy in Sevenoaks to provide extra capacity in response to the show’s growing popularity.
creators of award-winning local Sevenoaks co-working space, Limetree Workshop, Sandie Johnston and Cathy Emmins.
Those attending will be able to gain expert insight from a lineup of industry experts. Joining Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will be: property expert, writer and broadcaster, Kunle Barker; multi-award-winning surveyor, Colin Horton; local architect and PassivHaus specialist, James Galpin from Hazle McCormack Young LLP; and the
There will also be expert financial advice from mortgage brokers, accountants and insurance advisers; suppliers ranging from fencing to steel; and creatives to help you bring your vision to life, including interior designers and house stagers.
“We’re delighted that the growing popularity of The South East Property Expo means that we have had to move to a new location this year,” commented
Vikki Herbert, Head of Real Estate at Thackray Williams. “It’s testimony to the winning formula we have created, combining household names with local expertise, as well reflecting the wide expertise and connections across our growing real estate legal team.
The South East Property Expo takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday 23 September at The Knole Academy, with a Networking Breakfast from 8.30 a.m. Tickets are available from sepropertyexpo.co.uk
tecwork is a local IT and Telecoms company and their sole aim is to be the very best company providing WOW Factor support and solutions to local organisations for IT and Telecoms in the Tunbridge Wells area.
tecwork has been doing this since 2017 and was started by Nick Brandon and Adam Walder who both previously were part of the Award-Winning service provider First Office Systems which got acquired in 2016.
Since that time tecwork have established an enviable reputation locally. Working with global mainstream partners including Microsoft, Gamma and 3CX they provide impactful solutions and a proactive approach – something which Nick Brandon, Director, says seems to be woefully ignored by many support companies, who tend to ‘do the minimum, take the money and not much else’, they have established themselves as one of the leading experts in Technology in the local area.
How to build positive, professional relationships
This month Neil Simmons of TN Recruits discusses how friendly and consistent communication can make your job hunt stress-free
In today's competitive job market, effective communication can make all the difference in securing your dream job. At TN Recruits, we understand that consistent and friendly communication is vital throughout the job search process. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, the way you communicate can significantly influence your job search success.
Creating a Positive First Impression
The way you communicate leaves a lasting impression, from the very first point of contact. Polite, respectful, and enthusiastic communication reflects well on you as a candidate. It shows that you are not only interested in securing a job but also in maintaining positive professional relationships. This can set you apart from other candidates and leave a lasting impression on both recruiters and employers. Your communication style can often be the deciding factor that tips the scales in your favour, demonstrating your interpersonal skills and cultural fit within an organisation.
Building Relationships
Friendly communication helps build strong relationships with potential employers and recruitment agencies. When you engage with us at TN Recruits, our team becomes your ally, guiding you through the complexities of the job market. By maintaining a positive and approachable demeanour, you create a rapport that can lead to valuable opportunities and insider information about job openings that may not be publicly advertised. This relationshipbuilding is essential because it fosters trust and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Demonstrating Professionalism
Consistent communication is a reflection of your professionalism and reliability. Employers are looking for candidates who are dependable and can be counted on to follow through. Regularly updating us on your job search progress, responding promptly to messages, and being available for discussions demonstrates your commitment and organisational skills. This proactive approach not only keeps you on our radar but also showcases your readiness for the responsibilities of a new role.
“When you engage with us at TN Recruits, our team becomes your ally, guiding you through the complexities of the job market”
Professionalism in communication also includes clarity and conciseness, ensuring that your messages are understood and appreciated.
Gaining Feedback and Insights
Effective communication with our team at TN Recruits allows you to gain critical feedback and insights. Our Consultants are industry experts who can provide you with valuable advice on your CV, interview techniques, and career strategies. By staying in touch and being open to feedback, you can continuously improve and tailor your approach to better meet the expectations of potential employers. This feedback
loop is invaluable, as it helps you refine your skills and presentation, making you a more attractive candidate.
Reducing Anxiety and Uncertainty
The job search process can be stressful and filled with uncertainty. Responsive and regular communication helps alleviate some of this stress by keeping you informed and engaged. At TN Recruits, we strive to keep you updated on your application status, provide timely feedback, and offer support whenever needed. Knowing that you have a dedicated team working with you can boost your confidence and motivation. Regular checkins and updates can transform a nervewracking experience into a manageable and even enjoyable journey.
Why Choose TN Recruits?
We are committed to supporting you every step of the way in your job search. Our experienced team is here to offer personalised guidance, constructive feedback, and unwavering support. We encourage you to reach out to us for a confidential and no-obligation chat about how we can assist you in finding your ideal job. Whether you need help refining your CV, preparing for interviews, or navigating the job market, TN Recruits is here to help. Let us partner with you to make your job search experience as smooth and successful as possible.
Neil@tnrecruits.com 01892571105
“Let’s talk pensions…”
Ahead of this year’s Pensions Awareness Day on September 5, Gillian Palmer of The Finance Hub (TFH) introduces us to Martyn Bates of Alexander Bates Campbell IFA, one of the Hub’s many special experts who will also be present at the Hub’s free all-day pensions consultation workshop on September 10…
“Pensions can provide an avenue to tax-efficient savings, much-needed income in retirement and the ability to pass on wealth to your family without the burden of Inheritance Tax.
So embrace them,” says Martyn Bates, Co-Director of Alexander Bates Campbell (ABC) an Independent Financial Advisory firm which prides itself on experience, expertise and professionalism.
Founder Gillian Palmer emphasises the importance of welcoming ABC-IFA into TFH earlier this year.
“As the owner of The Finance Hub my mission is to find the best financial advisors to fit every one of our clients’ needs. Financial advice is a broad topic and I very quickly realised that having just one type of financial offering here at The Finance Hub would not be everyone’s liking. Also, how likeable the
advisor matters too,” states Gillian.
“Some of our clients have personal pensions abroad which they need advice on, and I also wanted to offer businesses who may be opening offices outside the UK or already have
international businesses, the support they need when it comes to workplace pensions advice.”
Martyn of ABC-IFA adds that he and his colleagues can help people understand what they can contribute and what their pension pot could provide, over and
Martyn Bates
above the state pension.
“Today’s ‘old age pension’ is only £11,502 per annum (entitlement starts at age 66 rising to 68). Do you really want to work
Nearly all pension providers offer alternative fund choices, so working out which option is appropriate for you is something to understand
until that age?” questions Martyn. “Pension pots can fill the gap between your wish to stop working and the state
provision starting. Making that pot as large as possible while working gives you options and flexibility. It could be possible to invest £200,000 into a pension today at a cost of only £110,000 after tax relief. Equally, those earning £120,000 pa could make a £20,000 contribution at a
Embrace your pension with a little help from The Finance Hub and ABC-IFA by securing your free consultation on our workshop on September 10 which will be running all day. Let’s talk about securing your slot when you call us on 01892 280000
cost of just £8,000.”
“Martyn’s final bit of advice is “Be aware of your retirement savings and embrace them within your overall wealth plan. Pensions offer much more flexibility than you think and could make a huge difference,” he says. “She dared me to run my own business”
PRESERVE AND PROTECT
Last month The Finance Hub welcomed some of its esteemed partners Nathan Blackmore, CEO of WAY Trustees Ltd, Martyn Bates, Director at Alexander Bates Campbell – IFA’s, and Sutton Winson Insurance
Brokers & Risk Managers - Account Manager Adam Saunders. Collaboratively they hosted a free event offering advice about estate planning, asset protection and strategies for persevering family wealth.
Cale Sinfield from Kangaroo Connections talks to us about his social media management company. We discuss his approach, the growth he’s enjoyed and the confidence he now has as a business owner to help others. To watch the video podcast go to www.brilliantbusinesses.biz
Escape to the country…
Knowle Grange Health Spa has recently undergone a comprehensive redevelopment, enhancing its existing facilities but also introducing some fantastic new spaces too. Eileen Leahy met the spa’s owner Carol Barazzone to talk about the vision behind the renovation and how you too can enjoy using this secret retreat…
The last time I visited Knowle Grange Health Spa in Wadhurst was just over a year ago.
On arrival, the spa, gym and wellness retreat, which is located in a picture-perfect spot of the East Sussex countryside, resembled more of a busy building site given the diggers and mixers that populated the driveway as workmen scaled ladders getting a smart new exercise hub, reception area and café built.
Now, some 14 months later or so, Knowle Grange – which is just a short drive from Tunbridge Wells - has had a huge glow-up thanks to the aforementioned facilities now being finished and enjoyed by both the health club’s members and those on special spa packages.
Although the driveway is still waiting to be completed later this summer, the rest of the impressive makeover is pretty much complete says the spa’s owner of four years Carol Barazzone.
For those not familiar with the recent history of Knowle Grange I’ll give you a quick recap… Carol bought the spa after spotting a ‘for sale’ ad in the Evening Standard newspaper back in 2020. The ad read that there was a country house and gardens for sale – with a spa included too!
Carol was intrigued and, despite it being the time of the early Covid lockdowns of 2020 she says the sale and move went through fairly smoothly.
After leaving her home in North London and relocating to Wadhurst, Carol whose three daughters live nearby - one of whom works at Knowle Grange - has since
“Meandering around the grounds you can certainly see why a space like this would instantly make you feel calmer. There’s fantastic flora everywhere, a pretty folly, a walled kitchen garden and an outdoor pool
”carried out extensive development works to bring the spa, which first opened in 1998, into the 21st century.
It was actually the gardens – and not the house or spa - that first attracted Carol
to the site: “They were once part of the sprawling Knowle Estate next door,” she explains. “They are so beautiful, especially during the month of May when everything is in full bloom including the fabulous wisteria we have here. It’s funny because we ask people what they want from their membership here and the majority of them don’t want to just improve their physical wellbeing but their mental health too.”
Meandering around the grounds you can certainly see why a space like this would instantly make you feel calmer. As well as the fantastic flora everywhere, there are also various charming period details which include a glass house originally built to grow carnations, a pretty folly, a walled kitchen garden and a 19th century greenhouse.
The latter two is where Carol and her team are currently growing all manner of goodies including courgettes, Jerusalem artichokes, raspberries, lettuces and pears to serve in the new licensed café.
As we stroll around the delightful gardens Carol – a former financier-turnedbusiness entrepreneur - is keen to update me on what’s happened since I last visited.
“The works are almost complete and it’s clear we have got something right as we
have a pretty long waiting list for our gym membership,” she smiles before adding that she never thought in a million years she would end up running a health spa.
“I have certainly learned a lot along the way and am very grateful to all our amazing members of staff who run the gym, the treatment rooms and the café – and of course the gardeners who have worked so hard.”
One of the key messages Carol says she would like to get across to readers is that, despite the fact there is a long waiting list for the gym, anyone can go along and enjoy a beauty or holistic treatment or a book a specialist class. Although it’s worth noting that numbers are limited per day in order to maintain the spa’s signature ‘secret retreat’ exclusive ambience.
“As well as offering a fantastic new gym, there are numerous beauty and holistic treatments to enjoy ranging from massages, to makeovers and manicures
”
Working with the French brand Caudalie, CACI and OPI nails, the boutique newly built spa offers everything from massages to manicures and makeovers as well as Light Therapy treatments and neck lifts. You can also enjoy special St Tropez tanning experiences – perfect if you’re about to hit the beach this summer…
“Our therapists are very interested in high-tech skincare so there will be more of that too. But we also have a host of holistic therapies to try including Reiki Healing, Reflexology and Kinesiology and also a range of clinical practice treatments including scar work therapy, sports massage and osteopathy,” adds Carol.
Visitors can enjoy a one-off pampering treatment or a series of them – or indulge in a half or full-day pampering package. Details of all of these are on the spa’s website.
Dotted around the glorious grounds are numerous relaxation areas where you can retreat after your treatment –or gather with a group of friends if you want a little bit of privacy while you kick back and relax. Booking in advance is recommended for this.
For the club’s members there is access to the newly built state-of-the-art gym, use of the 12-metre-long outdoor pool, which is filled with natural spring water and boasts a clever telescopic enclosure so it can be used come rain or shine.
And perhaps Knowle Grange’s other key unique offering is that unlike so many
gyms and beauty spas - which are either tucked behind windowless buildings or underground - at least here at Knowle Grange you can truly feel at one with nature thanks to the fact that the treatment rooms, pool, changing spaces, gym and relaxation rooms are located in various different parts of the stunning estate which is beautiful in all seasons.
In other words, your wellbeing will be given a further boost post your treatment or workout thanks to being able to wander through hydrangea-laced borders and expansive lawned areas studded with all manner of floral fancies. From the café you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area while you sit and sip your coffee or enjoy a bite to eat. And if that is not good for the mind, body and spirit I really don’t know what is… knowlegrange.co.uk
Cutting edge
Alex Stevenson is Co-Director of Clockhouse Landscaping, a Tunbridge Wells-based gardening firm which helps clients achieve their dream outdoor space – from conception to completion. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine finds out what makes this successful business tick…
So Alex, let's start at the beginning, when was the business established and why?
Clockhouse Landscaping was founded in 2015 by Martyn Lock. I came on board in 2021 when the company we both worked for went into liquidation and we are now Co-Directors of the business.
Have you always worked in horticulture and design and what qualifications do you need? I have always worked in horticulture - starting when I was 17 years old. My business partner Martyn started working in landscaping in 2004, before that he was a qualified electrician. I have a B-Tec diploma In Landscaping and Amenity Studies from Hadlow College and a BA with Hons in Garden Design from Greenwich University.
Talk us through how Clockhouse Landscaping operates - are you involved in every aspect of a design project?
Both Martyn and I are very hands on. Project Director Martyn works on site
“Being involved with a landscape garden project from conception to completion is very rewarding”
making sure our multi-projects run smoothly and to schedule. He also looks after the general day-to-day management, keeping a happy, safe, tidy, environment for both our clients and staff. I am more office-based, being the Pre-Contract Director, which includes meeting and on-boarding new clients, working with designers, putting together new projects, producing designs and quotations. In
short I run the business side of the company.
You have worked on some pretty impressive projects - is there a favourite?
The two that stand out for us are a Hildenborough project which we built for Karen McClure of Karen McClure Garden design. We used an innovative paving product from Schellevis paving on a pedestal rail sub-frame system. This helped us to level off an unforgiving sloping garden and create a large dining kitchen terrace. The project included large retaining walls softened by exquisitely designed planting. The other project that stands out is one in Ticehurst which was built for Debbie and Ian at Acres Wild Garden Design. This is now a garden for all the family and boasts multi-functional terraces and abundant Mediterranean style planting throughout and informal lawns.
What are the current trends in garden design - and do you have a personal favourite?
The joy of landscaping is that both hard and soft materials palates are always evolving. When it comes to hard landscaping I find Schellevis products are very interesting to work with. In terms of our clients and their tastes we are seeing a lot of sawn limestone and Dutch clay pavers being requested. As always the plant palate is evolving with new varieties being produced.
Do you have any flowers and plants that you personally love working with?
My favourites are yew hedging for all year-round interest and the structural form they can give a garden. I also like the ‘Annabelle’ variety of hydrangeas as it has great large white flowers in the summer months and all-round interest. I also like Gaura Lindheimeri Whirling Butterflies- it’s an airy-looking white and pink flower with thin stems and looks like it’s dancing in the garden - it is truly a wonderful plant.
Alex Stevenson
Do you work with a number of other local businesses on projects?
Yes we do indeed and they include the likes of the aforementioned Acres Wild and Karen McClure as well as Philip Bristow Outdoor Creations - to name a few. The local suppliers we work closely with are Corker Outdoor Living & Landscape Supplies, Tate Fencing and Palmstead Nurseries. We also work with a number of national and specialist suppliers dependent on-site specific requirements.
Like all businesses, you must have experienced a few challenges along the way…how do you overcome the inevitable bumps in the road?
Obviously, the bumps are sometimes unavoidable, but we find with good planning in the office and on site, and well-thought-through designs and specifications, any challenges are always solvable. With over 50 years’ experience in the industry between Martyn and myself, we have wealth of knowledge to fall back on to support us.
Where are the majority of your clients based and how do you source new ones?
They mainly come from recommendations from both previous clients and the network of garden designers and suppliers we work closely
with. We are based in the Tunbridge Wells area but work throughout the Southeast and South London.
How many is in the Clockhouse team and are you looking to grow it as your business expands?
There are seven of us including myself and Martyn. That number also includes an apprentice as we are always looking to support young landscapers. Depending on each project’s specifications and requirements, we bring in specialist contractors to attain the highest quality.
Rental income and joint property
by Darren Austin at Synergee
Income from rental properties has been under pressure over the last few years as tax relief on loan interest payments has been restricted to 20%. Where properties are jointly owned by spouses or civil partners (referred to as spouses in this article), this has increased the tax advantage of allocating rental profits against the joint owner that pays tax at basic rate, rather than one that may pay tax at higher rates.
Where joint property is held by owners who are not spouses, they can agree to share the rental profits as they wish. However, where the owners are spouses, HMRC tax the income equally between the owners unless the underlying equity ownership in the property is different, in which case this can be reported to HMRC, and the rent is then allocated in proportion to the underlying ownership. If spouses wish to recognise rental
profits on a basis other than 50/50, they will need to take legal advice to move to ‘Tenants in Common’ and change the underlying equity ownership in the property. This will usually involve a declaration of trust with a gift of equity from one spouse to the other which, whilst neutral for capital gains tax purposes, may trigger a Stamp Duty Land Tax cost if there is finance secured on the property. Luckily, the SDLT higher rates do not apply in these circumstances. Once the underlying ownership has been changed, this needs to be reported to HMRC using Form 17, which is a declaration of the beneficial interest. Evidence, such as the declaration of trust, needs to be submitted along with the form. The deadline for submitting Form 17 is 60 days from the date of signature of the last spouse to sign, otherwise it is invalid.
Therefore our team numbers can double at some points. Expansion is always talked about, but we will not compromise quality to do so.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Being involved with a project from conception to completion is very rewarding, being able to produce garden spaces that our clients love and will stand the test of time is a massive driver for us.
www.clockhouselandscaping.co.uk
If you have any questions you'd like to ask Darren he can be contacted on 01892 772960 www.synergee.org.uk
Darren Austin is a director of Synergee Limited, a firm of Chartered Accountants & business advisers based in Tunbridge Wells.
Talk of the town
In his regular column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID tells us about an exciting new free app for Tunbridge Wells
We are delighted to announce that RTW Together have invested in a bespoke app for the residents and businesses of Tunbridge Wells.
The ‘RTW Love Local’ app is effectively a digital town hub platform, which will launch in October 2024. The app puts everything local together in one place and will give residents and visitors a one-stop shop on their mobile devices.
select interests that fit with their likes and dislikes.
It will work hand in hand with the existing website from Visit Tunbridge Wells to help tourists navigate their way around the town centre.
They will be able to access the latest offers, view upcoming events, scroll through an easy-to-segment business directory and view useful information including news feeds, weather updates etc.
The app will enable the BID’s 600+ business members to create bespoke content and upload special offers, promote their events and attract new customers to visit them. In a society where we are often overwhelmed by messages and posts, one of the app’s advantages is that it can be personalised, so app users can choose how many notifications they receive. They can also
What’s more, when someone is walking around the town, users will be able to receive geo alerts from businesses near to them, so they can take advantage of deals and special offers.
There will also be the opportunity next year for BID members to use ‘Shop Local’, an e-commerce marketplace, which will allow members to sell their goods and services to local residents and visitors through the ‘RTW Love Local’ App.
As the developers Loqiva explain: “I think we can all agree that online shopping is here to stay. Every day, local residents in your community are going online to purchase goods from Amazon (and others) and we say, ‘Why should all of this money be leaking out of your local economy?’ Often, residents would like to
support their local retailers but it’s not that easy for them to find out what’s available across their high street. So we’ve built a marketplace to allow trade exclusively within your community, where your sellers can connect directly with your buyers. Think of this as a miniAmazon just for your town.”
If your business would like early access to have a look and trial the app, please contact us to be part of the beta testing by emailing projectofficer@rtwtogether. com. Otherwise keep your eyes peeled mid-October for it in your app store. www.rtwtogether.com
Applications now open for new business leadership programme
Victoria Symons, Head of Corporate at Cripps, has just launched a new female leadership programme.
Designed to ‘unlock the potential in female leaders’ the EmpowHer leadership programme launched earlier this summer in association with WHN Group.
It is the first year of the programme which is open to any privately owned business with a presence in London and the South East.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the EmpowHer Leadership Programme; a transformative initiative designed exclusively for female business leaders,” a Cripps spokesperson told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.
They added: “Less than 20% of SMEs are led by women in the UK, a figure unchanged
in the last decade. Getting funding is often cited as one of the biggest barriers to growth.
“Our mission is to help change this by providing a free development programme which equips women with the knowledge and practical tools to access funding and achieve the next stage in their growth journey.”
The application process closes August 30 and all applications must be submitted via Cripps’ registration form.
Sarah Strong celebrates ten years at CooperBurnett
Sarah Strong from the Private Client team at CooperBurnett LLP in Tunbridge Wells is celebrating 10 years with the firm.
She became a Partner last year and, in the recent ‘Table Talk’ with Partners Lisa Connolly and Glen Webb, she explained: “When I came here for my interview, I immediately felt at home and that’s never changed. I thought ‘this is me’.
“Becoming a Partner was part of the dream when I started out as a paralegal. Now, I feel more involved with the decision-making, strategy and management of the firm, which I’m enjoying.”
Sarah assists clients with the preparation of Wills and advises on Inheritance Tax, including supporting executors. She also advises and assists clients in relation to Lasting Powers of Attorney and deals with making applications to the Court of
Protection, where a relative has lost the capacity to manage their own affairs. She also has expertise in more technical Wills for business owners.
Sarah is a full member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners); the global professional body, comprising lawyers, accountants, trustees and other practitioners that help families plan for their futures. She is also a Council member of the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and District Law Society.
Date: 10th September 2024 Time: 10am – 3pm
Victoria Symons
By Design
Philippa Caddow founded her design agency Ubuntu Design in her native South Africa. Since then she’s lived in Portugal, London and now Tunbridge Wells. Here she tells us more about her business and why this town inspires her creativity
Can you tell us how you came to choose Tunbridge Wells as a place to live and work?
After living and working in Portugal, I returned to London and felt unrooted and like a large, crucial part of myself was left behind in Portugal. The charge of the city was dwindling for me and with ludicrous living costs, air, noise and light pollution I realised life was becoming a grind.
I was drawn to Tunbridge Wells as it was still close to London and ‘my tribe’ but also not far from my family on the Kent coast. When I came to visit, I took to Tunbridge Wells instantly; there was enough buzz, many excellent restaurants and a diverse cultural scene – with the added benefit of the countryside being on my doorstep.
What had you been doing in Portugal before you moved to Tunbridge Wells?
I was working on a collaboration to create a concept store in a surfer town. I got to draw on my design background to help establish the brand’s identity, design its store, curate the carefully selected local and international crafts and also design some of the surf apparel. So, with
packaging, brand identity and marketing materials. Designers cleverly use their creative abilities and understanding of how to control one’s eye to help the viewer absorb information. By applying visual hierarchy, composition, colour, scale, texture, photography and typography, designers have the power to convey all manner of ideas to an audience. My clients range from businesses wanting corporate branding, to small startups, general retail, the luxury sector as well as healthcare and wellness.
What do you enjoy most about your job and what are the challenges?
WHAT’S IN A NAME ?
The meaning of Ubuntu:
“In South Africa ‘ubuntu’ means "I am, because you are”. In fact, the word ubuntu is just part of the Zulu phrase "Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu",
which literally means that a person is a person through other people. Ubuntu has its roots in humanist African philosophy, where the idea of community is one of the building blocks of society.
a clear vision, delicate balance of passion, strategy, and resilience - and plenty of coffee and surfs - we worked hard to open a great store.
How would you describe the kind of work you do to those not au fait with creative design?
I guess I would say that simply put I like using words and images to make order out of chaos. Design is always around us - no matter if it’s at the supermarket,
I absolutely love the problem-solving aspect of my work and coming up with creative ideas but I am impatient with any task competing for time spent doing what I love. I would also say maintaining your energy is the hardest part of being a designer. It’s all about the peaks and troughs. Peaks are good because deadlines pump adrenaline through your veins and projects zoom past. But the problem with peaks is you can’t keep running uphill forever and then come the troughs…
Can you tell us how you overcome these?
I take breaks as I’m often working long hours, in isolation in the run up to a deadline. Doing that relentlessly mines
all the numerous walks and surroundings. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people is also a good idea as that way you can slipstream into their energy if yours falters.
Have you found the local business community to be a welcoming one?
I have been pleasantly surprised by the warm and welcoming community in Tunbridge Wells. I think small businesses and the self-employed are so often the heartbeat of their communities and so I am looking forward to doing more networking and meeting new people. The town has a strong sense of community spirit, with friendly neighbours and passionate independent business owners. I have quickly felt at home.
To find out more about Philippa’s work visit: ubuntudesign.co.uk
UBUNTU’S AREAS OF EXPERTISE:
X Branding
X Creative problem solving
X Digital marketing campaign development
X Graphic design
X Typography
X Visual storytelling
X Video editing
X Print design
X Web design
Philippa Caddow (left) and (main picture) some examples of her work
‘Be. Do. Have.’ Philosophy: Keys to Unlocking Success
There's a transformative approach that might just be the secret to achieving the success you dream about: the ‘Be. Do. Have.’ paradigm. Many entrepreneurs mistakenly operate under the ‘Have. Do. Be.’ mindset, but this common misconception could be holding them back from true achievement.
The Common Trap: Have. Do. Be.
Often, business owners say, “Once I have a profitable business, I’ll start marketing and networking, and then I’ll truly be an entrepreneur.” This mindset insists on having the fruits of success before planting the seeds. It's a waiting game where the prerequisites of ‘having’ dictate the actions (do) and the identity (be) they adopt.
The Power of Being
Contrastingly, the ‘Be. Do. Have.’ philosophy suggests a powerful reversal. Start by defining who you want to be. This identity should encapsulate the qualities and attributes of a person who has
already achieved your goals. For instance, if your aim is to have a thriving business, begin by adopting the mindset of a successful entrepreneur. Be proactive, resilient, and deeply engaged with your industry.
Action Comes Next
Once you embody this persona, your actions should align naturally. A successful entrepreneur does not wait for opportunities to come knocking. They network, they seek out challenges, and they innovate constantly. These actions are not dependent on having already
achieved success; rather, they pave the way to it.
Results Will Follow
This brings us to the final piece: have. If you start by being how you see your future self and doing what that person would do, what you want to have will follow. Success, in this sense, becomes a byproduct of the identity you embrace and the actions you take.
Practical Steps to Implement ‘Be. Do. Have.’
Identify Your Future Ideal Self: List the traits you associate with a successful
entrepreneur in your industry. Are they confident, innovative, resourceful? Whatever these characteristics are, start embodying them now.
Align Your Actions: Evaluate your daily activities. Are they reflective of someone who has reached your desired level of success? If not, adjust your actions. Start networking, improve your product, or enhance your service now - not later.
Measure and Adjust: Keep track of your progress. Are your actions bringing you closer to your goal? Be prepared to tweak your approach as you learn what works best.
If you're waiting to have before you start doing, and only then deciding to be, you might find yourself in a perpetual state of frustration. Reverse the order. Be the person you need to be, do what such a person would do, and you willhave the success that follows. Embrace this philosophy and watch how your perspective shifts from one of waiting to one of creating. Your future as a successful entrepreneur isn't just about the goals you set; it's about the attitude and mindset you approach them with.
www.deeairey.com
DeeAirey
“This is never going to happen” my Client messaged me. Timestamp 3AM.
My phone buzzed with a message from my client. 3 AM. I squinted at the screen, the words "This is never going to happen" glowing in the darkness. My heart sank. She had been working tirelessly on her business, but the late-night panic messages were becoming all too common.
The next day, we jumped on a call. Her voice trembled with frustration and exhaustion. She felt stuck, convinced that no matter how hard she tried, her business would never take off. I listened, understanding her doubts. We've all faced those moments where the fear of failure overshadows our vision.
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, cultivating the right mindset is essential. As a local business coach, I'm here to help you build resilience, motivation, and confidence as well as introducing proven strategies to grow your business in a way that fits uniquely to you and your values.
Book a free introductory call with me today to see how we can work together to grow your business and leverage your social media presence.
But as her coach, I knew that these moments of doubt are the turning points. We began unpacking her fears, identifying the root causes, and rediscovering her "why." Through a series of exercises, she started to see her strengths and the unique value she offered. It wasn't overnight, but slowly, her confidence grew. She began to make bold moves and set clearer goals, and the results started to show.
That 3 AM message was a cry for help, but it became the spark that ignited her transformation.
Vintage appeal
Alexander Pushkin is taking his business to the next level courtesy of launching an online auction house and revealing a slight change in brand identity. Here he tells Eileen Leahy more about his future vision for the wonderful world of vintage collectibles…
Alexander and his wife Olga Pushkin established their eponymous business in 2012 in London and in 2021 opened their first customer-facing store here in Tunbridge Wells.
Located on the corner of Castle Street and the High Street, the popular shop sells a covetable collection of curios and antiques that include period silverware from all over the world, statement vintage furniture, original James Bond prints, Murano glassware and preloved Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton fashion pieces.
But, as Alexander tells me when we sit down to chat, now is the time for a little bit of a change. The first thing I noticed on arrival is that the emporium’s smart, jet-black and gold liveried shop front now just boasts the name ‘Pushkin’s’.
So the first thing I ask Alexander is why he has dropped the ‘antiques’ from his branding.
“Well my wife Olga and I felt we needed to take the company to a new to new
level,” he explains.
“I'm not the sort of person that sits around and stagnates. I'm always evolving and keen to try something new. We wanted to do something a little bit different and because I have a few other businesses it made sense to have all of
The Art of Financial Planning
At first it might be the facts and figures, but what Panoramic Wealth loves to know are the things that really matter; the goals and dreams that person, couples or family have their eyes set upon. The art of Financial Planning is first understanding who we are advising.
Life has a funny way of making itself more complicated on its own, which is where we come in to help. It might be that matters are somewhat complicated when Financial Planning goes hand in hand with running your own business, but we are used to that.
Based in Tunbridge Wells since 1989 specialising in advising many family businesses, and as one ourselves we can totally empathise. We have been able to guide clients on their different business journeys from inception to sale.
them under one Pushkin’s umbrella,” says Alexander.
“And anyway, all of our customers referred to us as Pushkin’s and never Pushkin’s Antiques so it made sense to drop the antiques bit.”
The next bit of news is that Alexander
For businesses and their owners, we can assist on:
• Tax efficient profit extraction.
• Succession and continuity planning.
• Using pensions to buy commercial property.
• Employer Ownership Trusts.
• Estate and Later Life planning to mitigate inheritance tax.
Planning for Individuals:
With so much more to retirement than just pensions these days, we can also ensure you know the answers to the following questions:
• “How much is enough?”
• “When can I retire?”
• “What will retirement look like?”
is launching a new auction house which he says won’t be a traditional bricks and mortar business but all done via the company’s website.
“That’s the way auction houses have gone since the pandemic – even with the likes of Christie’s and Sotheby’s,” states Alexander. “Now it is very rare to see buyers bidding in person. Everything is done online and that allows you to be far more flexible in terms of what you sell and who you sell to.
“Our customer base is very broad –with lots of international clients so this is a much easier way to trade,” explains Alexander. “I would say it makes up 90% of our business.”
He recently hosted a mini relaunch party (pictured) with some of his clients and contacts - who include the team from Club Quantum who bought some one-off pieces to decorate their private members’ space.
In terms of trends and what people are currently buying – both online and in his shop - what would Alexander cite as the most popular pieces du jour?
“People still love good design – and anything that has a name on it. So that is what we are predominantly going to concentrate on.”
Our customer base is very broad, with lots of international clients, so having an online auction house is a much easier way to trade “ ”
Do people not want to still see pieces in person I ask.
“Not really but we can offer WhatsApp video call appointments if necessary.
Glancing around Pushkin’s and noting the Chanel handbags, the Hermes china and vintage children’s Bentley toy car, I ask Alexander if there’s any one collectible that has alluded him so far?
“I have been so lucky to have seen so many incredible pieces but you can’t have buyer’s regret otherwise you just become a collector.”
Alexander tells me he recently bought one of Admiral Nelson’s 40 mourning rings which were handed out after his funeral. “They were given to his nearest and dearest and I now have one of them.”
I ask if he’ll be keeping that rare objet d’art for himself to which Alexander quickly responds: “No. it’s for sale. It will cost you £40,000 if you want to buy it.”
I have every faith that the new direction Pushkin’s is going in will prove to be yet another hugely successful chapter in Alexander Pushkin’s career.
Pushkin’s on Tunbridge Wells High Street will now be open Thursdays, Fridays Saturdays and also by appointment. For more information on the new auction facility and to discover upcoming dates visit www.pushkinantiques.com
NEW BEGINNINGS: Alexander Pushkin recently hosted a mini relaunch party for friends and clients
Getting down to business
In its column this month TWBC reveals more about what the Economic Development Team does and how companies can access business support. The team also explains the key contributors to the town’s impressive tourism growth as the annual figures are released...
What the Economic Development Team does
We focus on projects that support local businesses and improve the economic wellbeing of the borough. Our funding bids have secured £1,478,404 for businesses and communities over the past two years (including UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Rural England Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England). This has included grants for startups and micro businesses, rural businesses, community projects, decarbonisation initiatives, cultural and heritage programmes, and housing and recruitment support.
Business and Community Support
The TWBC Business Portal provides upto-date information to businesses looking to access funding, connect with potential clients and business support providers, and access Council services. You can find out more by heading to tunbridgewells. gov.uk/business-portal. Along with our neighbouring authorities of Sevenoaks and Tonbridge & Malling we have established Invest West Kent, an initiative to attract inward investment and support existing businesses to grow across the area.
Through the business support, we’ve funded between four and eight hours of free mentoring each for 34 local businesses (100 across West Kent) as well as giving them access to webinars and online resources at westkentbusiness. com. And we’ve hosted a number of inperson and online events including the inaugural West Kent Expo at the River Centre in Tonbridge.
To find out about local funding and networking opportunities, sign up for our monthly business newsletter, which goes to over 2,300 local contacts.
The latest Cambridge Economic Impact Report commissioned with Visit Kent, shows that from 2021 to 2022 there was a 19.4% increase in visitors to Tunbridge Wells (4.3M visitors)
TunbridgeWells.
The Visitor Economy
The team operates as the official destination management organisation for the borough (and beyond) under the Visit Tunbridge Wells brand @Visit_
Our marketing activities include visittunbridgewells.com with its events calendar, business listings and inspirational articles written by local bloggers and more. We run social media campaigns and influencer trips, and work closely with partners like Visit Kent and RTW Together BID. The team produces and distributes over nearly 200,000 copies of the Visit Tunbridge Wells miniguide across London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and Oxfordshire and the channel ports.
A growing sector
The latest Cambridge Economic Impact Report commissioned with Visit Kent, shows that from 2021 to 2022 there was a 19.4% increase in visitors to Tunbridge Wells (4.3M visitors), 34% increase in visitor spend (£256M), 20% increase in related employment (5.4K jobs). Around 40% of people are visiting their friends and relatives reaffirming the need to promote our offering locally as well as internationally.
With the return of international visitors our recent focus has been on the international market. In the last 12 months visittunbridgewells.com has seen a growing number of users from the USA, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, Ireland, France, Belgium, Canada, Poland and New Zealand.
The Visit Tunbridge Wells website receives over 400,000 visitors a year, get in touch if your business would like to be part of it.
Follow us and get in touch! Follow us on social media (X and Instagram) @TWBC_Business
If you have questions about Economic Development or Council services visit our Business Portal or email us at business@tunbridgewells. gov.uk or call 01892 335538
The TWBC Economic Development team
Leaders of the future
These local young entrepreneurs are thriving in their particular professional fields. Here they tell us what drives their work ethic, who inspires them – and how they ensure they look after themselves to stay on top of their game…
“Invest in yourself”
Tom Pelling, co-owner, The P2 Collective
I hold NVQ Level 1, 2, and 3 in Hairdressing and have completed various courses to broaden my knowledge. We opened our first salon in December 2023 and have just been confirmed as finalists for ‘Best Client Experience’ and ‘Best New Salon’ in the UK Salon Awards.
Describe yourself in 3 words… Passionate, determined and reliable.
Tell us about what you’re doing in your job?
I’m one of the two owners of the P2 Collective, a modern-day men’s hair salon that my business partner Sam and I opened in December 2023. We aim to redefine men’s grooming with high level service in a stylish and welcoming environment.
TOP TIP:
Education and experience are crucial in business. Education provides essential knowledge and theoretical understanding, while experience offers practical skills and insights.
Who or what motivates you?
My family is my main source of motivation. I’ve always wanted to provide the best lifestyle for us and thank my mum for everything she’s done for me. Ever since I started my apprenticeship at 16, I dreamed of owning my own salon. I even told my boss, Lizzie, about this dream, and being here now feels amazing.
How would you define success?
For me it is having a fully booked salon with a team of staff who are achieving their individual and team goals. I want to create an atmosphere where both staff and clients feel like part of one collective. On a personal level, success means having a happy, healthy family who can enjoy nice holidays and financial freedom.
Is there one particular entrepreneur who inspires you?
For me Tommy Mallet is a great example. His journey is indeed inspiring, especially for those who come from similar backgrounds. His story resonates with many because he came from a working-class family and used sheer determination and resilience to achieve his success. Despite numerous setbacks, his persistence and hard work paid off. His online presence is a testament to his motivating spirit, showing that with the right mindset and effort, significant achievements are possible. How do you take care of your mental health?
I take care of my mental health by working out at least five times a week and going for evening walks to reflect on the day and mentally prepare for the next one. I’ve also started working with a mentor, which has been incredibly helpful. I’m always setting goals and striving to achieve them, which keeps me motivated and focused. We also have a P2 run club in which our clients come along to and we run together!
Where do you aim for your business to be in 5 years?
We have exciting plans for P2 Collective in the coming years. We aim to expand to a larger salon with more stylists. It’s amazing to already have a three-week waiting list, and we want to savour this success while continuing to plan and prepare for the future.
What advice would you give an 18 year old self?
Invest in yourself more and don’t just follow the norm. Take courses in business and skills, stay fit and active, and enjoy the journey. Avoid the pressure from social media and society. Everyone runs their own race, so don’t compare yourself to others.
“I’m tenacious, thorough and consistent”
Ellie Waterman, Operations Director, TN Recruits
“I am the Operations Director of TN Recruits, which involves ensuring the day-to-day running of the business and being a support for all things operations for the MD and everyone in the team. From liaising and negotiating with suppliers to planning team days out and everything in between, no two days are
TOP TIP:
Even during the busiest of times switch off from technology and responsibility when you’re not working
the same.
In terms of what motivates me I would say that I am naturally self-motivated. My goal continues to be the same - which is to be successful in anything I do.
What does success look like for me? I think it’s to be proud of and happy with my job, my home and my life.
I take care of my mental health by ensuring a healthy work life balance, making sure that I find time - even in the busiest work week - to switch off from technology and responsibility.
My aim over the next five years is to continue to use my position in the business to keep growing TN Recruits.
When it comes to doing well in your job I would say experience is more important over education and qualifications. Of the course the latter two have their place but for me it has been my experience of working from a young age that has given me my motivation and opportunity to be in the place I am now.
If I were to describe myself in 3 words they would be: Tenacious, thorough and consistent.”
“Strike a good work/ life balance”
Fiona Sewell, Operations Manager, BDHL
Tell us about the company you work for and what your current role is…
BDHL is an independent wholeof-market health and protection insurance broker for businesses and individuals in the UK and across the world.
I manage the day-to-day running of the team, office and client portfolio. From HR, training and development to our internal processes and compliance. As well as managing client queries, negotiations with insurers and new opportunities, I also attend networking events, plan our exhibitions and oversee the marketing. I value the varied role and responsibility.
TOP TIP:
Say ‘yes’ to things and work out the finer details later. You never know where that opportunity might lead you…
Who or what motivates you?
Setting goals and objectives for myself, the team and company and then managing the process - both individually
and as a team - to ensure these are achieved.
What does success look like for you? An equal work/life balance.
Who do you admire most in the business world and why?
To be honest there isn’t a particular businessperson I admire, I find sporting achievements much more inspirational! Although I think this quote by Richard Branson is invaluable for any successful business and part of the reason I enjoy working for BDHL within employee benefits: “If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”
How do you take care of your mental health?
I have a passion for horse riding and am lucky enough to own my own horse. I ride every day, and this is where I do my best thinking and planning. As Churchill once said: “No hour of life is wasted that is spend in the saddle.”
BDHL can support clients with their mental health through an employee benefits programme – either stand alone or through a health and/or protection policy.
What are the top three websites, blogs or social media channels you can’t imagine your day without?
I find the power of social media both exhilarating and terrifying. At the click of a button you can share important issues (both positive and negative) with people across the world. The other day I was reading online about SHE (Style Her Empowered) which is a non-profit organisation who have designed the world’s only school uniform that grows! It adjusts to six different sizes. What an incredible idea!
Describe yourself in 3 words?... Loyal. Confident. Fun.
“Hard work and determination will lead you to success”
Ashley Matthews, Associate Solicitor, Thomson Snell and Passmore
Tell us about your current role?
I am an employment law solicitor. I advise on all aspects of
employment law from recruitment to termination of employment and post termination restrictive covenants. I frequently defend employers from tribunal claims and provide dayto-day legal advice to employers to ensure compliance with the law and help them to mitigate expensive risks. Employment law is ever-evolving, which keeps me on my toes and ensures my work remains dynamic and engaging.
Who or what motivates you?
I am driven by a strong commitment to not letting others down. This commitment fuels my determination, making me resilient and diligent in my endeavours. Additionally, seeing my clients transition from feeling stressed and hopeless to achieving a great resolution or outcome is incredibly satisfying.
TOP TIP:
The biggest opportunities often come from stepping out of your comfort zone.
What does success look like for you?
Professionally, it means delivering an exceptional service to my clients (such as keeping them regularly informed and involved in key decision making) and achieving favourable outcomes for them. Personally, it is about continuous growth and learning, ensuring I consistently improve my skills and knowledge while also achieving my own goals and milestones. If I had to sum myself up in three words they would be: Hardworking, resilient and diligent.
What advice would you give to an 18year old you?
Lock into a long-term fixed-rate mortgage before 2021! On a more serious note, have a 5-year plan and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. Be brave and have confidence in your abilities to fulfil your goals in that plan. Embrace challenges with the mindset that you can overcome them, and trust that your hard work and determination will lead you to success.
Which is more important in business, education or experience and why?
Both education and experience are important, but experience edges it for me. Education equips you with theoretical knowledge and analytical skills, forming a solid foundation. However, it’s the hands-on experience that teaches you how to apply this knowledge, navigate complex situations, and develop the soft skills essential for success. Without experience, education can only take you so far.
“I love that feeling of being productive and motivated”
Hannah Lawrence, Head of Delivery at Yoyo Design
Tell us about your current role?
I lead our team of Project Managers and collaborate closely with our Heads of Departments to ensure that all our projects are delivered smoothly and exceed our clients' expectations. Additionally, I'm a member of the Senior Management Team, and work hand-inhand with our Finance and Operations teams to keep everything running seamlessly.
and grabbing different opportunities. While education gives you a good base and teaches critical thinking, experience lets you apply that knowledge, solve real-world problems, and get to know the ins and outs of your industry. Plus, it helps you build valuable connections and a better understanding of how business works, which are both really important for success.
Describe yourself in 3 words… Conscientious, Considerate, Committed
“Emphasise kindness and inclusivity for effective leadership”
Harriet Kinsey, Sales & Marketing, Yoyo Design
woman because of her compassionate leadership style, her commitment to social justice, and her ability to balance empathy with strength. Her approach to governance, emphasising kindness and inclusivity, demonstrates that effective leadership can be both strong and compassionate.
If I had to describe myself I would say I am positive, persistent yet patient too. I train three times a week at a strength and conditioning gym and go for regular runs when things get heavy. I have learnt within the last five years that having exercise in my life makes me more productive, happier and is the best medicine for my overall mental health. I think experience is absolutely key, but without a solid foundation of education (and being almost forced into doing the things you don’t really want to do) helps arm you with what you need to trudge yourself through the steps you go through to gain the life experience. Both work hand in hand.
TOP TIP:
Choose where you spend your energy wisely and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Who or what drives you in your every day working life?
Ticking things off my list! I love the feeling I get when I’ve been highly productive and have achieved lots with my time. I’m also motivated by other people’s happiness.
How do you take care of your mental health?
By sticking to my daily non-negotiables. I’ve found that when I make sure these essentials are part of my routine, I stay productive and keep a steady mindset.
Where do you aim to be in 5 years?
I want to move more into business operations, stepping back from dayto-day project / account management and working a lot more on how we run Yoyo - taking on more responsibilities and embedding new processes that supercharge us.
Top 3 websites, blogs or social media channels you can’t imagine your day without?
1. Instagram - mainly for parent/mum relatable content or meal ideas (Emily English the nutritionist is my go-to!)
2 Google - I google EVERYTHING 3. WhatsApp - does that count?
Which is more important in business, education or experience and why? Experience! Experience comes from learning on the job, making mistakes,
“At Yoyo, I create and implement strategic marketing plans and support our Marketing Assistant with the execution of all our marketing and sales activities. I build and manage relationships with agencies and clients, organise networking events, maintain our CRM system, and do everything and anything I can to showcase Yoyo’s brilliant portfolio of services across all our digital channels.
TOP TIP:
Be inspired by New Zealand’s former prime minister Jacinda Ardern. She is a role model for how to lead with integrity and vision while staying true to one's values.
Additionally, I manage the marketing budget and collaborate with senior management to drive growth through a wide variety of innovative strategies.
I’m motivated by people. I love building positive relationships with new prospects and then seeing those projects come to fruition in the studio resulting in great success for both the clients, our team and our agency.
I monitor success through seeing that the work we choose to go after and bring in through sales and marketing activities is being enjoyed by the team, making money for the agency and creating impact for both the organisation we’re working with and the world in general.
Former New Zealand politician Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern inspires me as a
“I have recently been promoted to Partner at Berry & Lamberts, having worked here for almost 10 years. I started as a Trainee Solicitor. I work within the wider property team, carrying out my own caseload whilst also supervising a junior solicitor and a trainee solicitor.
A lot of what I do is conveyancing, and one of my favourite motivations is calling clients to confirm with them that they can go and pick up the keys of their new home!
TOP TIP:
Your mental health is vital to be able to succeed in any career. Treat others as you wish to be treated, even when they are not returning the favour to you.
For me success is being happy in your job with a healthy work-life balance. On that subject, I try to maintain my mental health like I maintain physical aspects of my health. Acknowledging when you are struggling and proactively dealing with this is important. For me, lots of time spent outside can undo a lot of stressors too. In the next five years I hope I am still enjoying my career, balancing family, free time and work.”
“Creativity is key”
The TN card is the loyalty card that rewards our community for supporting local at over 900 independents across Tunbridge Wells and the TN postcodes. This month founder Jess Gibson chats to Michelle Wilson, owner of pottery painting studio Manic Ceramix on Camden Road, where members receive a complimentary tile to paint with every £20 spent… Jess Gibson
Michelle, remind us what you offer at Manic Ceramix?
We have over fifty different ceramic bisques on our shelves to paint. From mugs to plates, figurines and bowls, there is something for everyone. We give customers a run though of how it all works and they let their creativity and imagination run wild.
Anything else we should know about?
We offer a baby print service to capture those tiny hands and toes as well as late night painting for adults and children’s birthday parties. We go off site to many locations such as schools, brownies and cubs. We also host private parties, and corporate events and do regular pizza nights with our neighbours at Cantuccio. There is nothing we can’t do and we like a challenge.
You launched in 2021, what led to you opening the studio?
I wanted to own something of my own that also had fun, creative and mindful elements to it. I am a Norland trained nanny and maternity nurse and wanted to stay working with children. I had previously worked in a ceramic studio a few years ago as a manager in Tunbridge Wells but it closed down. After a few years I felt it was missing it and wanted to get back to doing a job I loved. It’s important to have fun but to also know when you have to do the work and I think my team and I have struck that balance. We are like a family and that shows in the studio every day.
How do you manage running Manic Ceramix alongside raising a young family?
Having three children comes with its challenges. From being a mum who used to be at home every day to working, it’s certainly been a learning curve. Especially for my older children who knew me as a mum who’s at home and there for the holidays. My youngest did not know any different as she was under two when I started my business. There were things I knew would change but there were definitely some things that surprised me. With a lot of support from my husband, mother and father, the logistics worked. I also have a fantastic team of staff which I could not do what we do at Manic Ceramix and we do have a lot of fun together which is what it all about.
What is the business community like on Camden Road?
It’s fantastic: we support each other as much as we can. I try to get to know as many people as I can and feel really lucky to be part of Camden Road and to have found a place to put my studio on there.
Thank you for joining the TN card. Why is it so important to support our local independents?
When you support a local business, you are supporting making their dream of what they are passionate about doing become a reality. You also support some with a family, like myself. Each time an experience with us is paid for, you are helping my staff to keep doing their amazing job and for my child to do her ballet class or go swimming. thetncard.com/manic-ceramix
“ ”
It’s important to have fun but to also know when you have to work and I think my team and I have struck that balance
“Creating this collection has been a rewarding experience”
WhichGift has just launched a sister brand: The Calverley Hamper Company – a glorious gourmet celebration of all the epicurean delights you can find here in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. Here the company’s founder and local resident Rupert Simpson tells Eileen Leahy what inspired him to offer his clients a taste of TW…
Let's start by you telling us a little bit about yourself and your company WhichGift…
I have been in the world of wine and hampers for some time running WhichGift since 2016. I created WhichGift as a side project alongside my corporate job, driven by my passion for sourcing and creating gifts which I then sold at Christmas markets. At one such market, I received a corporate inquiry, which sparked my imagination and made me realise the potential opportunities. Since then, we have been supplying personalised wine and hamper gifts to corporate clients across the UK. In 2021, I left my job to dedicate myself to the business full-time.
So how did the Calverley Hamper Company come to launch?
These hampers – which have only just launched this month - use more local suppliers and are totally inspired by Tunbridge Wells. I have lived in Tunbridge Wells since graduating from university and our warehouse is also based here. All of our gifts are carefully selected and packed right here in Tunbridge Wells. Creating my own brand of gifts, inspired by the place I live in and love has always been my dream and now it has come true…
“We work with Sanden –one of the finest English Sparkling ones produced in Groombridge – and also collaborate closely with Temper Temper Chocolate, and the Wells Candle Company”
Whether it is sending gifts to loved ones, colleagues or clients we a have something for everyone.
Any other USPs?
Service is paramount. While our products are highly acclaimed and loved by our clients, it’s our dedication to service that ensures client retention. We boast a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot, so we must be doing something right.
You obviously have a lot of Kentproduced gifts in each one but which brands are specific to Tunbridge Wells?
We work with Sanden – one of the finest English Sparkling ones, which is produced in Groombridge. We also collaborate closely with Temper Temper Chocolate, who supply us with their famous honeycomb and several other chocolate products from their fabulous collection. Our candles come from the Wells Candles Company. And, of course, we include water from the famous Royal Tunbridge Wells Water Company, sourced directly from the spa on The Pantiles.
What’s the main difference between WhichGift and The Calverley Hamper Company?
While WhichGift is very seasonal, with many of our top clients ordering primarily at Christmas, I wanted to expand our business to include a retail side that caters to year-round occasions. Our wine and hamper gifts are suitable for all events, ensuring we have something special for every moment.
In a fairly crowded and competitive market what makes you different?
Our products are exceptional. With over a decade of experience working for Waitrose, food and wine are my passions. I've always taken pride in the high
standards of our WhichGift collection, but the new Calverley Hamper Company takes it to another level by focusing on local suppliers. We tasted over 200 products to carefully curate this new collection.
We love the names each hamper has in your new collection such as High Rocks, Chapel Place and Scotney - how did you decide upon these?
It was about having fun with it while creating a story people could connect with. The people of Tunbridge Wells are incredibly proud of their hometown, and I love the idea of people connecting with the area through the landmarks we've used for naming our hampers.
Do you eventually hope to make your offering even more TW-centric?
Yes, we are always keen to work with more local suppliers and I am sure this is something that will evolve over time.
Does the majority of your custom come through private sales or the corporate side?
WhichGift caters to corporate clients but with the Calverley Hamper Company, our vision is to develop a range that appeals to both corporate and retail customers. Calverley Hamper Company began development in early 2024 and officially launched this month (August). I’m thrilled with our range and branding. Creating this collection has been a rewarding experience, and I’m excited about building an online retail presence while connecting with many local businesses.
www.calverleyhampercompany.co.uk
New boss for the shopping centre flagship store key to rejuvenation
The town’s flagship department store – Fenwick – has a new Chief Executive. Retail veteran Nigel Blow will take over the top job in October.
He replaces John Edgar who is stepping down as CEO after almost five years at the helm of the UK’s largest family-owned department store business.
The operation is based in Royal Victoria Place and is one of eight stores that Fenwick has around the country. It is seen as key to the rejuvenation of the shopping centre.
Nigel Blow will join Fenwick from London department store group Morleys Stores, where he has held the role of CEO since 2019.
He joined Morleys in 2016 as nonexecutive director, having previously held the roles of Turnbull & Asser managing director (2013-17).
Fenwick chair Sian Westerman said the move was ‘part of a reorganisation of our executive leadership team and wider changes to the management structure of the company’.
She paid tribute to John Edgar who had ‘successfully steered the business
through the Covid-19 pandemic, launched our online proposition, enhanced and expanded our restaurant business, focused on the development of key store development’.
Fenwick is one of three anchor stores for Royal Victoria Place (RVP), the other two being M&S and Boots.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council bought the shopping centre last year for just under £9million, having owned the freehold since it was built in 1992.
Over the years RVP has been hit by plunging footfall and at one point more
than a quarter of its units were standing empty. Previous owners British Land abandoned a £70million upgrade. Matters were not helped by Covid and lockdown plus changes to the way people shop.
In a bid to turn things around the council brought in RivingtonHark as Development Manager. The company has a successful 25-year track record as development and asset managers.
A feasibility study is looking at ways to make RVP more attractive to shoppers and visitors and to promote economic growth. RivingtonHark will be seeking the views of residents, businesses and other interested groups.
The general view is that since buying the leasehold the council has begun to stabilise the centre and is now in a position to look forward.
The future of the former BHS site was finally confirmed on August 9 when Tunbridge Wells Borough Council announced that Primark would be moving into the two-storey premises. It ended months of speculation and is seen to be further proof of the town’s retail revival plan.
What price loyalty?
The England Football team came home from Europe after losing in the Euros final – and is now searching for a new manager since Gareth Southgate resigned. Simon Howson-Green questions the issue of loyalty in business and whether it actually pays off or can be an own goal...
It’s been a hectic few weeks out there in the corporate world and one big business had certainly been making impressive inroads into Europe.
I’m talking big here… its senior management team and client-facing staff are worth a staggering £1.5bn and therefore winning a certain impressive European contract would have been worth an estimated £30bn in sales, endorsements and international press relations alone.
This impressive company was bringing an English way of doing things to the market as it put on quite the show at this huge exhibition in Germany. (I think you know where I am going with this…Yes, I’m talking football!)
“All you CEOs, line managers and team leaders ask yourself: What is the price for loyalty?
”This particular English company took on some of its biggest competitors: the Swiss, the Dutch and the Spanish – and we did well. We had our sales pitch well rehearsed, and we delivered it over and over again.
Southgate’s Strategy seemed to go something like this:
1) Being a team player is a big deal in business but sometimes you just need to have a sales department with everyone pulling in their own unique direction. And when you get a knock back – you just retreat, regroup and start again.
2) Give the up-and-coming youngsters a go but loyalty to those staff members who are now in decline is the key to success.
To be fair Southgate had his sales team’s back. He gave his all and really made them know their product line inside out and (offside) in. And so, as we headed out to Europe at the start of the Euros we looked like we were on our way…
Except we weren’t – and we all know how it came undone. We took our eye off
the ball and hey ho we were just another sales conference attendee again. An ‘also ran’.
Clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson will post snarky monologues with tears in his eyes on Insta about this. The metaphors will bounce around the debating chambers and in the school playground kids will tell how their dads just stared at the wall for days and wept when their stock crashed.
In short, whatever game you are in –football or finance - it’s about trust and loyalty just as much as strategy. If your strategy falters you need to rely on the experience of the ‘old guard’ to get you through. Quite! In Southgate’s case that’s a load of match balls. We all know it. The old guard lost us the final and Southgate his job and possibly his reputation.
So, where should a CEO’s loyalty lie? With those employees he’d nurtured up the ranks and who have brought him and the company success in the past? Or with the thrusting new generation who are ready to kick the ball harder, run faster and reach even more impressive company goals? Boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. And in our case that past is 1966.
In years to come business gurus will be examining this dilemma. I suspect it will be called the Southgate Effect.
So, all you CEOs, line managers and team leaders out there… ask yourself: What is the price of loyalty? Is maintaining
a harmonious, stable staff worth the sacrifice of getting better results?
The cost of Price’s law
I mentioned the controversial business psychologist and author, Jordan Peterson as he often talks about a theory called Price’s Law. Spookily this theory was first proposed in the same year that England last won an international football trophyalbeit on home soil in 1966.
The ‘law’ or mathematical principle states that in any organisation a small number of individuals or groups are responsible for a large majority of the work carried out.
Peterson puts it more succinctly. He says ten to twenty percent of employees in a business do most of the work. To put this in terms of England at the Euros… about two players on the pitch at any one time during each game created most of the scoring opportunities. Significantly, the team captain did far less work than all the rest of his team.
Was this strategy? If so, it was a bad one. Was this stupidity? If so, the culprit has left the stage with a thumping big pay-off. Was this loyalty? If so, it meant England were beaten because the winning team was not on the pitch for more than twelve minutes.
Look, I’m not saying I’m bitter - I am. But what I am saying is just sometimes loyalty and giving people the benefit of the doubt often comes at too high a price…
Current Vacancies
Bookkeeper
Sevenoaks
up to £30,000
Bookkeeper role for a firm of Chartered Accountants, great work/life balance and exposure to a variety of clients. Great town centre location with parking.
Applications: rachel@tnrecruits.com
Graduate Data Specialist
Kings Hill
£30,000
Financial company looking for an Analytical Data pro-active thinker to join the data team. Ideal candidate will have a Computer Science Degree.
Applications: helen@merecruits.com
Junior HR Administrator
Crowborough
Circa £23,000
Working for a global company, the successful candidate will be rewarded with progression opportunities and hybrid options.
Applications: rachel@jorecruits.com
Marketing – Italian Speaking
Tunbridge Wells
£27,000 basic plus commission
European Exhibition Company looking for a native Italian speaker to lead their marketing some experience needed.
Applications: helen@merecruits.com
Customer Service Representative (Temporary to Permanent)
Tunbridge Wells
£11.50 per hr
Working in a busy team, friendly office environment. You will be speaking with clients, booking in appointment, and scheduling events. Full training given and the option to become a permanent member of the teams.
Applications: melissa@tnrecruits.com
Legal Secretary - Real Estate
Tunbridge Wells
£ Dependent on experience
Commercial property or residential property experience is desirable. Offering hybrid working options and a generous benefits package.
Applications: emma@tnrecruits.com
Probate Paralegal
Tunbridge Wells
£ Dependent on experience
2+ years paralegal experience is required. Rewarding the successful candidate with hybrid working options, generous holiday allowance and a rewards scheme.
Applications: emma@tnrecruits.com
All change in the rental market’s value?
TIn her column for this month Becky Moran of TN Lettings discusses The Bank of England base rate reduction and how it will impact the rental market
here has finally been some positive movement in the rental market for landlords, as the Bank of England has cut the base rate from 5.25% to 5%. The 0.25% decrease comes 11 months after it was set at its previous point, skyrocketing from 0.1% in November 2021. It is the first reduction to have been experienced since April 2020.
It can be seen as good news by all, as it means there is a very high chance that borrowing costs will fall further, with some economists in the city forecasting it to be around 4.6% and 4.7% by the end of 2025.
This will encourage those looking at Buyto-Let properties, as it will mean mortgage rates are likely cheaper than in recent years. The interest rates that are available should make being a landlord more profitable once again, especially following the hikes in living costs that everyone has had to deal with since the pandemic.
How do landlords benefit from lower borrowing costs?
It seems like a question that is pretty simple and straightforward to answer, as lower borrowing costs simply mean less money will need to be repaid over the course of the agreement. The money being saved can then be used to expand the number of properties they have or carry out additional projects at a cheaper
“The Bank of England base rate reduction will encourage those looking at Buy-to-Let properties, as it will mean mortgage rates are likely cheaper
”rate. Essentially, landlords will be able to improve their portfolio of assets in numerous ways.
At the same time, there could be greater availability for Buy-to-Let properties, as there could be more incentive to look at these households as investment opportunities. With the interest rate on mortgages being lower, prospective landlords may find that these assets could be a great way to make more money
in the future, especially when they are cheaper to pay for than they have been over the last four years.
Of course, some may want to wait a little longer and see what happens, but with the world’s economy sometimes unpredictable, there may be no better time than now.
Could the base rate reduction create more money for landlords?
Landlords will have more money for their portfolio because they are now able to save money due to the decline in the rate. However, if they are smart, they could profit from the situation even further.
Demand for rentals has started to drop, with it falling to its lowest point for 30 months in June 2024. It is still high, though. According to figures, each property has around 15 people competing for it as soon as it comes onto the market. Lower borrowing rates could allow landlords to capitalise on the demand by charging rents below the market value. With the current situation, it does seem unlikely and unwise given the amount of demand. But if more people decide to invest in Buy-to-Let properties because of the rate reduction and the forecasted predictions, now might be a good time to try and get slightly under market value and increase earnings.
www.tnlettings.co.uk
Picture: Mollie Manning
Local property expert joins Moveli’s broker platform
ELECTION SPECIAL 11
Upper-end property brokerage Moveli has added another senior name to its teamsheet.
Wells votes for change
Alliance and Labour as a coalition since the first time since 1996 Tunbridge Borough Council has been under Liberal Democrats’ full control. Twenty were required for any party to have a majority and the Liberal Democrats took 22. Martin, who is the prospective Liberal Democrats MP for Tunbridge took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate his party colleagues saying: incredibly proud my friends and
Stephen Donnelly is a well-established figure in the land and new homes arena. Via his company SJD Projects, he advises clients on sales and acquisitions of development opportunities ranging from single plots through to major housing schemes.
colleagues in the Tunbridge Wells Lib Dems. We have majority control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council with 22 out of 39 seats.”
TWBC’s Leader Ben Chapelard said:
He’s worked extensively with Hamptons, and was formerly Land & New Homes Director at Countrywide, and Consultant Land Director for Spicer Haart.
“Thank you Tunbridge Wells for the trust you placed in Tunbridge Wells Lib Dems. We have been given a two-year mandate by residents to deliver and I can’t wait to get started.”
Now operating under the Moveli banner, Donnelly covers London and the Homes Counties from a base in Tunbridge Wells. He deals with all aspects of residential and commercial land transactions, developments and investments.
For a full set of election results for the borough visit tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Donnelly is the latest in a run of established agents moving to Moveli, which was set up six years ago and aims to build what co-founder Ben Littlewood has called ‘a sort of Savills/Knight Frank/ Hamptons 2.0 in the self-employed broker space.’
Other recent joiners include former Hamptons director Philip Knight, Sally Jane Hobson (who previously worked for 15 years with Hamptons and Knight Frank), and well-known SW London estate agent Fraser Allen.
SJD was founded over 15 years ago by Stephen Donnelly: “We help developers and home owners to optimise their returns providing a unique and bespoke service that can be trusted,” he states.
of a new business centre on North Farm Industrial Estate.
The site, called Tavis House, is located at the centre of the High Brooms Industrial Area and offers five high quality new build industrial/warehouse units to let.
The units range from 10,481 – 90,315 SQ FT and will be available to rent from November 2024.
For more information visit www.durlings.co.uk
Building for the future
One of the big manifesto pledges of the new Labour Government is to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, recognising that our growing population has resulted in a housing shortage.
Just the day after the General Election, Rachel Reeves, in her first speech as Chancellor, declared that she wanted to ‘get Britain building again’ with the return of Local Authority housebuilding targets - a move that will be welcomed by many house builders.
In addition, Labour will relax the planning approvals process, allow easier development of so-called ‘grey-belt land’ (a new term which means not so nice greenbelt land, such as car parks and wasteland), and ease the private funding
More residents means greater congestion for the roads, more pressure on school and GP surgery places, and increased general wear and tear on the facilities of the area.
Tunbridge Wells itself has recently seen three recent significant developments: Royal Wells Park on the old hospital site, Knights Park in the area of unused land adjacent to the A21, and Hollyfields in Hawkenbury.
The resulting developments are thoughtful and attractive, built by the well-regarded developers Dandara Homes and Berkeley Homes, who place a strong focus on build quality.
Local amenities have also been enhanced by these developments. from far and wide, has softened this blow.
The new Kent and Sussex Hospital is a
“Labour will relax planning approvals, allow easier development of ‘grey-belt land’ and ease the private funding of developments”
strong is the love they have for where they live.
Property values in these areas have, as a result, also improved with strong demand for easy-living homes, in attractive developments with a lovely sense of community.
Change can often cause uncertainty, but the frequent reality is that once the disruption of the construction phase has passed, a new norm settles, and the area can be enhanced. This may be a little over-exaggerated, but as Robin Sharma, the Canadian writer said: “Change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end.” www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk
We
and won’t be beaten
Choice. Independence. Purpose.
SCAN ME
After Hours
Where to wind down in the Wells
Arts and crafts
The Pantiles welcomes a new creative festival
A treat for your tastebuds
Savour the flavours of Kumquat
How to invest in your mental health
We meet NLP coach Ruby Farrant
Festival fever at Hever
The summer season is back in full swing
Time to say cheers
Our wine expert James Viner’s top chilled reds
An Asian Adventure
Erik Brown savours a taste of the signature dishes served up at Kumquat, a popular Asian fusion restaurant and café on The Pantiles and is highly impressed by the eatery’s culinary calibre…
It’s a rare sunny day on The Pantiles in this wet summer of 2024, and Alex Boyd owner - with his wife Virginia - of the 64-seat cafe and restaurant Kumquat is telling me how he makes what the Japanese call ‘nasu dangaku’ - or misoglazed aubergine, to you and me.
As he talks about steam baking the aubergine (rather than roasting it) and mixing the miso sauce, there suddenly is that flash of passion that proper chefs always have when they talk about food. I think it’s what happens when the thing you love to do becomes who you are.
Miso-glazed aubergine (£9.50) is a simple enough dish, but it takes time and, as Alex tells it, it is put together with great care and a few personal twists. On the plate, it looks beautiful with a scattering of sesame seeds, edamame beans and tiny aromatic
Mayfair’s famous fish pies, worked with the highly-regarded Paul Gayler at The Lanesborough Hotel in Belgravia and took over from Adam Handling as executive head chef at St Ermin’s Hotel, where he ended up running a team of 35 chefs across six locations. Along the way he cooked for royalty when he was executive chef at The Mansion House (official home of the Lord Mayor of London) was nominated for banqueting chef of the
shisho leaves. In the mouth it is soft, sweet at first and then there’s a big miso and sesame, garlic and ginger umami finish. It is superior food.
And why would it not be? Alex Boyd started his career at 15 and has worked with some of the most famous chefs in the world. When he was still a teenager, he trained with Pierre Koffmann at La Tante Claire, he spent time at L’Atelier de Jöel Robuchon, he turned out Scotts of
year and yet still managed to find time to spend three years in Hong Kong.
So, what’s he doing here in a tiny restaurant in Tunbridge Wells when, clearly, he would be an asset to any fine-dining kitchen? There’s a longer version of this story on Kumquat’s website, and it’s worth looking at.
But the short answer is that Virginia, who was born into a Hong Kong hospitality dynasty, wanted to open a cafe on The Pantiles and simply couldn’t find a decent chef. Alex stepped in to help his wife, and (since there are so many competing cafes on The Pantiles) ended up running a modern Asian-fusion restaurant, taking well-known Asian dishes like Vietnamese pho and adapting them to his own style. After St Ermin’s, he says he enjoyed ‘getting back on the stoves’.
In Vietnam, pho (pronounced ‘fir’) is street food; a rice noodle soup, based on a rich bone broth laced with chilli and spices like star anise, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and coriander and herbs such as coriander, into which
The food keeps on coming.
Japanese leaf bites with homemade chilli jam and fillings of prawn, mango and coriander and tofu, carrot, coconut and ginger are delightful
slivers of raw beef or chicken are sliced to cook in the boiling broth. At Kumquat, the pho I’m served is built around short rib of beef cooked overnight to make an altogether more substantial meal. It’s delicious.
As we talk with Alex, I can hear Virginia chatting to customers in the background. She is a natural, with a winning smile and a gentle touch. Good service always makes great food better.
The food keeps on coming. Japanese leaf bites with home-made chilli jam and fillings of prawn, mango and coriander and tofu, carrot, coconut and ginger (£9 for three leaves, £12 for four) are delightful, ‘messy, but worth it’ as Virginia points out. The tuna tartare with mouli, cucumber, wasabi mayonnaise and cassava crackers (£12.70) is wonderful. A succulent soy and honey-glazed pork belly cooked for 18 hours comes with spiced red cabbage and sesame coleslaw and two soft-as-clouds steamed bao buns (£23.90) and is spectacular. Finally, there’s a mango cream with toasted marshmallows, passion fruit, lime crumble and freeze-dried raspberries (£8.50). It simply disappears.
This isn’t just good cooking, it’s hands-on cooking by a chef who worked in Michelinstarred restaurants - and it shows. The big news is that Alex and Virginia have just taken the lease on The White Hart at Crowborough with the intention of opening a modern British restaurant there towards the end of summer. I can’t wait…
Kumquat
30 The Pantiles
Royal Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 5TN 01892 487556
Website: kumquat.restaurant
Here for the beer…
Savour a sip of some of Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brews at the Abergavenny Arms…
James Murphy, landlord and owner of the Abergavenny Arms in Frant is now stocking Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beers and ciders.
We went along to ask him why he wanted his customers to savour an exclusive sip of Clarkson’s Farm’s finest…
“We try to use only British produce and support farmers whenever possible,” states James as we pull up a bar stool one evening to chat.
The publican is one of the first in the local area to exclusively stock Hawkstone beers and ciders, which are made on Clarkson’s Farm. Not heard of them? Then let us fill you in…
Hawkstone brewery is the brainchild of former Top Gear presenter-turned unexpected reality TV star Jeremy Clarkson (of the aforementioned Clarkson’s Farm). He launched his drinks label in November 2021 and has seen it go from strength to strength.
The first offering launched was Hawkstone lager which Jeremy declared on his Instagram page as tasting “Ruddy delicious.”
Since then the brewery has branched out and it now sells a variety of different
brews and cider – all of which are made on Clarkson’s now famous farm after an Amazon TV crew started capturing everyday life on it in 2021.
Three seasons in and it is now one of the most popular programmes to stream with viewers from across the world tuning in. The third season was released
earlier this year.
This summer Jeremy opened his first pub The Hawkstone near to his home in The Cotswolds and this too has proved to be a huge success.
But the good news is you don’t have to travel a couple of hours north of Tunbridge Wells to sit at the bar and
Summer Breeze - Creating Positive Vibes During the Holidays
Henry Adekoya
Summer holidays offer a chance for relaxation and revitalisation, but they can also pose challenges for maintaining a positive work environment when many team members are away. Employee wellbeing is crucial for a thriving workplace, especially during the summer months. To ensure those who remain are supported and motivated, it’s essential to uphold a strong wellbeing culture. Adopting a culture of recognition and appreciation can make a significant difference. Acknowledging the efforts of employees who pick up the slack during this period is important. Simple gestures, such as a small thank-you gift, a handwritten card, or public recognition during meetings, can greatly boost morale and
reinforce a sense of teamwork and camaraderie.
To sustain positive wellbeing vibes, businesses should actively promote open communication and flexibility. Encouraging employees to genuinely disconnect during their breaks helps them return refreshed and more productive. Offering remote working options or flexible hours can also assist employees in balancing their workloads with personal commitments. Additionally, implementing engaging summerthemed activities, like casual dress days, walking meetings, or team lunches, can help maintain a lively and vibrant workplace atmosphere. When employees feel valued and supported, their overall wellbeing and productivity will significantly improve.
Just as a gentle summer breeze refreshes and invigorates, prioritising
a supportive workplace culture enables companies to navigate the holiday season smoothly while keeping productivity and employee wellbeing soaring high.
Book a consultation for a FREE 10 minute insightful presentation and see how our wellbeing initiatives can support your business.
Revive Health Fitness – Specialised Employees Wellness Days www.revivehealthfitness.co.uk
savour a sip thanks to the fact James at the Abergavenny Arms is now selling both Hawkstone Premium lager and cider.
Each pint costs £5.65 and the drinks have been extremely well received by the pub’s thirsty guests.
“Customers seem to love it,” smiles James. “The cider especially has been a great seller during the summer.”
The Frant pub, which dates back to 1450, famously also serves some delicious food so what would James suggest we enjoy a pint of Hawkstone with?
“I’d have to say our Hunters Chicken Burger is a perfect match.”
He adds that the pub only works with the best local food suppliers – such as Sankey’s - for its menu. As well as eating a la carte, diners can enjoy weekly Wednesday steak nights and Sunday roasts.
James only started stocking and serving Clarkson’s beloved beers and ciders six weeks ago but so far he has sold over 800 pints and counting… We’ll raise a glass to that!
“You don’t have to travel to sit at the bar and savour a sip of Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone thanks to it being stocked at the Abergavenny Arms
”Devlin brothers to add third business to their expanding portfolio
Will and Matt Devlin of The Acre group have announced they’ve taken over a new multi-use events space in Flimwelll.
Posting on Instagram earlier this month the brothers, who also run The Small Holding restaurant in Kilndown and Birchwood café, also at Flimwell, said they were now custodians of the new Forestside events area.
Set within 46 acres of ancient birch and chestnut woodland, the site is adjacent to Birchwood on the Flimwell Park Estate in rural East Sussex.
The company’s spokesperson Hannah Blake from Dining Room PR said: “Sitting under three pillars, Forestside is an events space for Community, Celebrations and Corporate. It welcomes guests with an immediate sense of calm and the natural world.”
Will Devlin added: “At Forestside we are purpose-driven to achieve the highest standards of social and environmental practice. This reflects our unrelenting belief that as a society we must tread more lightly on the planet and to operate more sustainable business practices, while also recognising that we still have so much we can do.”
All the fun of the fair
Water Lane in Hawkhurst will host its Harvest Festival Autumn Fair over the weekend of September 14 and 15
Water Lane, the Victorian walled garden just outside Hawkhurst will bring together craftspeople, makers, artists, and textiles creators for a weekend of food, flowers and friends.
Co-owners Nick Selby and Ian James have curated a wonderful mix of stallholders for the event.
They include: Vintage, Hawk & Dove (vintage clothing), Hunter Jones (lifestyle), Sally Hampson (blankets and throws) and Crafty Basketry, plus new stallholders including Olivier Morris (dressing gowns and slippers), Nicola Gillis(pottery), Old Hope (block prints) and Twisted Horseshoe (knives).
“We’re thrilled to be introducing so many wonderful and talented makers and creatives to Water Lane,” says Nick.
Sellers’ stalls will be set up under the stretch awning, terrace and in the Pelargonium House, and food stalls from Water Lane’s Produce Market regulars, including LAM, Cold Blow Coffee, Blackwoods Cheese, Zak's Kombucha, Halstead Bakery, Basil's Fungi
Farm and Colt Bagels will be on the upper terrace.
Head Chef Jed Wrobel will be serving breakfast on the terrace and visitors will also be able to avail of lunch, coffee and cake. And, from Water Lane’s own cutting garden there will be bunches of freshly cut flowers for sale, including all the late summer favourites, dahlias and chrysanthemums, in colours of berry, plum, mustard and marmalade.
The fair is on from 10am – 4.30pm and tickets cost £5 per adult on the door. Children aged 16 and under go free. www.waterlane.net
Image: Maria-Bell-Photography
Chill out...
Many associate the summer with rosé wine, but there’s an array of reds perfectly suited to the warmer months. So why not give crisp, young, light-bodied, fruit-forward bottles with fresh acidity, low levels of alcohol, oak and tannins the green light by pouring them slightly chilled? You’ll be amazed at how much crunchier and more stimulating they taste says our Drinks Editor James Viner
TO CHILL OR NOT TO CHILL? JUST DON’T GO TOO LOW!
Temperature is the DJ of your wine party, setting the mood and enhancing the flavours. While it’s one aspect you can control, many people get it wrong: white wines are often served too cold, and red wines too warm. When served excessively cold, reds taste thin and insipid, with the tannins seeming more astringent; if too warm (over 18°C/64°F, ‘room temperature’), they lose freshness and become a soupy mess with noticeable alcohol.
Slightly chilled, the reds listed below are perfect for barbecues, picnics, and relaxing outdoors with a glass (avoid stemless ones) in hand. While fullbodied reds like Shiraz are best served at 18°C/64°F, these lighter bottles are more refreshing at 12-13°C/54-55°F, the ideal temperature for storing wine. Just pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Cheers!
1. 2023 SPECIALLY SELECTED LE BOURGERON PINOT NOIR, Limoux, Languedoc, France (Aldi, £6.99)
Treat aromatic light reds, for example cool-climate Pinot Noir, like whites, i.e. serve cool. From Limoux, in the chilly foothills of the French Pyrenees, this silky BBQ-ready red brims with oodles of tangy cranberry, redcurrant, raspberry and cherry fruit. Juicy, fleshy and mediumbodied, there’s plenty of everything set
to finely tuned tannins. Perfect with BBQ burgers and sausages. Great result at the price for such a tricky grape.
2. 2023 SANTA TRESA, RINA RUSSA
ORGANIC FRAPPATO TERRE SICILIANE
IGP, Vittoria, Sicily, Italy (Cork of the North, £12,99 & Waitrose, £11.99, down to £9.99 at Waitrose until 20.08)
Native to Vittoria in southeastern Sicily, Frappato is the south Italian progeny of Tuscany’s Sangiovese. Made by celebrated consultant winemaker Stefano
“A fine herbaceous 100% Cabernet Franc is reminiscent of good Beaujolais: a mouthwatering, summery red that never fails to bring a smile to your face
”
Chioccioli, this pure, sun-kissed, scented, organic example offers scrumptious red berries, pomegranate, cherries and wild strawberries, with delicious depth on the ripe palate; balanced by ample acidity and a lifted, fresh finish. A great option served chilled with fish – hello grilled tuna and
pasta con le sarde (sardines). Delizioso! Fun, transparent and marvellously persistent for the money.
3. 2023 FAMILLE BOUGRIER, LES TERRASSES SAINT-NICOLAS DE BOURGUEIL, Loire, France (Tesco, £11)
A fine herbaceous 100% Cabernet Franc is reminiscent of good Beaujolais: a mouthwatering, summery red that never fails to bring a smile to your face. Completely unwooded, this sappy red from gravel-based vines on the north bank of the Loire boasts flavours and aromas of red summer berries, violets, freshly turned earth and capsicum. Exquisitely balanced with vibrant acidity and gentle tannins. One for charcuterie, beef fillet and roast gammon.
4. 2022
XINOMAVRO JEUNES VIGNES
THYMIOPOULOS, Naoussa, Macedonia, Greece (The Wine Society, £13.50)
Lap up and lightly chill this joyful, perfumed, lightly-extracted, mediumweight Xinomavro (meaning ‘sour black’) from young vines in elevated PDO Naoussa, the most renowned appellation of northern Greece. Brimming with dark fruit, wild Mediterranean herbs and strawberries, it has just a soupçon of earthiness and sundried tomato. Racy, thirst-quenching, charming and lingering with sibilant acidity. Pronounce this capricious grape as ‘ZEE–no–mav–ro.’ Enjoy it with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
5. 2022 BERRY BROS. & RUDD
BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES BY LOUIS
CLAUDE DESVIGNES, Beaujolais, France (Berry Bros & Rudd, £15.50)
Hosting a summer garden lunch with friends, family, neighbours (and their dogs)? For a memorable red vinous treat, pour a top-notch Beaujolais-Villages from Berry Bros & Rudd. This is the perfect gluggable (‘glou-glou’) bistro bottle to
sit outside with on a balmy summer’s evening; a dazzling red summer-pudding berry, floral, mineral and graphite-stashed red from a parcel of south-facing 60-yearold Gamay vines planted on granite soils high up in the village of Jullié. This wine is not just a treat; it’s a journey of flavours— moreish, persistent, and impeccably balanced. Try with seared tuna, salads and grilled meats.
Named after the founding year of Balfour winery in nearby Staplehurst, the ‘1503’ range has been a part of Majestic’s homegrown selection for a decade. Savour this stylish pale Pinot Noir, its notes a symphony of zingy red berry fruit with a whisper of spice, letting it cool your senses like a gentle breeze on a warm summer’s day. Serve with grilled salmon, cod wrapped in prosciutto or barbecued leg of lamb. Cheers to a local favourite! available. 6 2 1 4 5 3
Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines
An invitation... Beyond the face
SPIRIT OF THE MONTH
Twice-distilled from 100% Blue Weber agave, this premium tequila blanco had a quick rest in oak barrels for a touch of vanilla. It’s a flavour fiesta with notes of grilled pineapple, petrichor, herbs and citrus. Perfect for sipping neat, mixing in cocktails, and pairing with tacos.
Join us for drinks and canapes at our Beyond the Face event and an introduction to a better you whilst learning about VIVACE, the award-winning revolutionary skin treatment alongside the unique new Apex facelift. Experience an informal and enjoyable evening with renowned international Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr Darryl Coombes and Founder of Aesthetics Retreat, Maryna Cole.
X Tuesday 17th September 2024 5pm – 8pm
X The Finance Hub, Linden Park Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5QF
X Please RSVP: clinic@aesthetics-retreat.com
“Our treatments change the structure and function of the skin so clients experience a much improved skin rejuvenation and restoration”
Dr Darryl Coombes FRCS (OMFS) FDSRCS (Eng)
Ms Maryna Cole Founder Aesthetics Retreat
Cheers to the Englishindustrywine
When it comes to industries intrinsically linked to Kent which have successfully taken on their international peers, it’s the English sparkling wine industry that stands out.
Maxim PR’s Andrew Metcalf examines why the glass is more than half full, and the outlook is strong…
English Wine Week took place once again last June and we should raise a glass or three to our local vineyards – to acknowledge all the hard work that’s been put into creating and marketing their products.
After more than two decades of investment, Kent’s viticulture industry has benefitted from the terroir, and the pioneering spirit of the likes of Chapel Down, Squerryes, Westwell, Biddenden and also Lamberhurst Vineyard, who the company I run, Maxim, worked for a number of years ago.
So what’s driving the success of a UK industry that produced 30,000 tonnes of grapes last year – which is sufficient to deliver 20-22 million bottles? Fundamental is a climate that’s changing, making it possible to grow popular grape varieties consistently. And in Kent it’s widely known that we now have the same terroir as the Champagne area in France.
There’s been massive investment by UK and French producers in new facilities and senior management with a viticulture track record. In the last five years, estate agents Strutt & Parker estimates that nearly £480 million (2023 figures) has been invested in UK vineyards and wineries.
Vineyard owners could once tap into
rural development EU funding, which used to account for as much as 40% of equipment, winery, tasting rooms and restaurant costs. Post-Brexit, this has unfortunately not been replaced, but private investment has continued. When it comes to quality, Kent leads the way. Chapel Down, the country’s largest wine producer, recently won seven trophies at the WineGB Awards, including Top Sparkling Wine, Top Still Wine and Supreme Champion.
“
So what’s driving the success of a UK industry that produced 30,000 tonnes of grapes last year – which is sufficient to deliver 20-22 million bottles?
Fundamental is the climate and having the same terroir as the Champagne area
”
To sustain its growth, Chapel Down has secured permission for a new winery and warehousing, part of a £32 million development at Canterbury Business Park to increase capacity to at least six million bottles by 2032. An exceptional harvest
helped it post net sales revenues of £17.9m for the year ending 31 December 2023 – which is up 15 per cent on the previous year. The business is listed on AIM and is valued north of £125 million. It now appears eager to raise more funds to expand its area under vines, which could see it join forces with a global player - but nothing is yet confirmed.
Another big sparkling wine name in Kent is Gusbourne, which has most of its 93 hectares of mature vineyards in the county, with some over in West Sussex. It has also seen significant sales and profit growth, and confidence in its product recently saw it launch Fifty One Degrees North. Which, by the way, at £195 a pop is the most expensive English sparkling wine on the market.
And if press reports are correct, it appears Lord Ashcroft is ‘exploring strategic options’ for his 76% shareholding in Gusbourne, which might see a sale or a strategic partnership, with the aim of growing the company valued at around £40m.
One thing that’s for certain is that having such a great product, which is constantly winning major awards, the outlook looks particularly bright and even brighter with investment, whether from home or abroad. So, let’s raise an optimistic glass and toast the ongoing success and growth of Kent’s wine industry.
ON THE GRAPE VINE:
“As an agency, Maxim has promoted English wine via the media over the last three decades,” says the PR company’s founder and author of this article Andrew Metcalf. “We arranged for the harvest to be blessed, celebrated the vintage and even launched Manchester United’s
English sparkling wine – a joint venture between the football club and Lamberhurst Vineyard. We also helped launch the research vineyard, winery and oenology laboratories to support the science behind the industry at NIAB at which is based in East Malling, Kent.”
THE PIANO SHOP
Nevill Estate Yard, Eridge, Tunbridge Wells, KENT TN3 9JR
“This
has been an exciting project to work on”
Pig & Porter collaborate with artist Victoria Howard in new exhibition celebrating the history of brewing beer – and how women were an integral part of that process…
Pig & Porter, an award-winning craft-brewery based in Tunbridge Wells, were thrilled to collaborate with Kent-based artist, Victoria Howard in a recent ‘ale-inspired’ exhibition at Trinity Theatre.
The project, which went on display at Trinity last month, was born over 18 months ago, following discussions at the brewery, which is based on Chapman Way, to develop a body of work depicting the history of brewing.
During Victoria’s research into the medieval period, she came across records of women, known as the ale wives, who dominated the brewing of beer. The Alewife would brew a batch of beer, be the chief taster and then prepare it for sale. An ‘Ale Stick’, AKA a broom handle with hops attached, would be placed above or to the side of the front door to
“We
were delighted to work with Victoria on this exciting project, which brings to life the fascinating history of the role women played in brewing”
indicate that beer was available to buy. When going to the market to advertise her produce, the Alewife would wear a hat with a flattened tip, not dissimilar to a witch’s hat, to highlight her presence and make her easily identifiable in a crowd. The senses played a big part in ale selection and small vials would be belted together, carrying tasters and raw ingredients, such as barley, rye and hops, for market goers to sample.
Artist Victoria Howard explains more about the collection: “The research sparked my imagination, picturing these dominant women leading the production of ale. I became interested in the work clothes and appearance of these women. My experience in textiles, combined
with my contemporary mark making inspired by the use of current brewing tools and parts, recordings of sound and the facilitation of ideas through writing, enabled me to produce a collection of imagined garments that suggested the work of the ale wives, along with a range of homeware designs depicting the brewing process.”
Robin Wright, Founder of Pig & Porter added: “We were delighted to work with Victoria on this exciting project, which brings to life the fascinating history of the role women played in brewing. I have always felt that the art of brewing is something that should be represented more in contemporary art, and Victoria’s incredible collection as our ‘Artist in Residence’ has made that a reality.”
Pig & Porter are renowned for the breadth of range, and the quality and consistency they bring to both keg and cask brewing, something they have always done since they first opened their doors. With a range of Pale Ales, IPAs, NEIPAs, Bitters, Stouts and Lagers, they offer something for everyone and maintain
traditional values with modern brewing techniques.
The brewery continues to focus on sustainability across all aspects of the business, from green energy sourcing/ production to using raw materials from sustainable & carbon neutral suppliers and capturing and reusing CO2. They continue to minimise waste and maximise reuse and recycling within their process including production, packaging, merchandise and marketing with the aim to be carbon neutral within five years.
Pig & Porter are also currently busy planning for their future growth and expansion to accommodate a permanent Tap Room and retail/event space at their Tunbrige Wells brewery.
Pig & Porter supply pubs, restaurants, clubs and hotels with their beers but also has a successful online shop which sells direct to consumers.
To enquire about the collection items still available for sale please email Victoria at Victoria.howard71@outlook.com or to find out more about Pig & Porter visit www.pigandporter.co.uk
“Do
what you love and love what you do!”
Chloe Simmons runs the popular primary schoolbased dance clubs Do4Kidz Danceworks. Having celebrated two decades in business last year, the entrepreneur reveals why she loves her job…
So Chloe, you started your business in 2003. What made you want to start running dance clubs for children?
When my husband Neil and I returned from working in hotel entertainment overseas, we decided to put our talents and experience to use – and so Do4Kidz Party Entertainment was born. The Do4Kidz Danceworks came a little later once I had gained an IDTA Dance Teacher Qualification. I launched the first dance club at Bidborough Primary School on 5th June 2005 and had my son a year later in July 2006.
You go into a number of local schools to teach - what do you enjoy most about this?
I love that each school is happy to see me! My music and dances seem to please both the children and staff. I also gain great satisfaction that if children move schools within the area, the chances are I will be running classes at their new school, so it gives the pupil and parents familiarity and helps them settle quickly. I try to bring all the schools together at annual events and workshops.
What key things do you think your pupils gain from your classes? I think they get so much out of them without even realising it. That includes balance and co-ordination skills, cooperation and social interaction and also hearing new languages courtesy of our various party dances from around the world. I also run Boogie Tots classes for pre-schoolers and these follow a 10week lesson plan with a different theme each week which follows the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Your business also offers parties and holiday workshops. How popular are these and what trends are you seeing? The holiday clubs are always very popular as they are open to all children from any primary school, not just restricted to existing term time pupils. It’s also an opportunity for our ‘kidz’ from
previous workshops to meet up. I’m doing less parties now that my children are teenagers as it’s good to have family time at the weekend. In terms of trends I try to get a feel of the popular films or musicals that are coming out. Pop music is a good indicator too. I asked my pupils for feedback this summer on what they might like and they asked for Taylor Swift themed workshops. The Tunbridge Wells one sold out immediately so we are putting on another in Crowborough.
“My pupils get so much out of my classes without even realising it. That includes balance and co-ordination skills, co-operation and social interaction
”
Do you employ anyone else in your business and if so, how many?
In the autumn of 2007 I was teaching four afternoons a week, with demands of growing the business from other schools in the area, but physically I felt that I didn't have the time to take on any more. It was my mum, who was very sadly dying of cancer at the time, who told me to ‘be a doer not a talker’ when I told her of my dilemma. She died in November 2007 and by January 2008, I went from having classes in four schools to classes in 18! We
had clubs from Forest Row in East Sussex all the way to Barming near Maidstone! Over a ten-year period, I had 33 teachers working for me but I scaled the business right back in 2017 and have worked solo since then. I have managed to build it back up to 200 pupils a week post Covid single-handedly.
There's clearly much to enjoy working with children and seeing them dancebut are there any challenges involved? There are always challenges when it comes to working with children, but luckily I love a challenge. I have had children who choose not to talk, children that have one-to-one assistance in school, but, through the communication of dance and the whole Do4Kidz emphasis on ‘kids being kidz’ my classes encourage them to just enjoy themselves. No one cares if they use the wrong arm or go in the wrong direction, it's all about making friends and having a good time.
What was your most recent show?
We recently put on our Do4Kidz big summer show - the first in over six years - at The Crowborough Community Centre. 96 pupils performed a fabulous Movies & Musicals show. I’m proud to say that many of the best routines were choreographed by my talented 14 year old daughter!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Do what you love, love what you do! When this becomes my ‘job’, I will have to retire. I am 19 years in and still loving it!
www.do4kidz.co.uk
“We offer our clients a welcoming and supportive environment”
Dan Green is co-owner of TWPT fitness in Tunbridge Wells. Here he tells Eileen Leahy what makes the successful personal training business, which was established 14 years ago, stand out from the crowd…
When and why was TWPT established?
It was established in 2012 by Ed Lumsden, with the vision of being a great place for clients to achieve their health and fitness goals in a private, welcoming and non-intimidating setting - as well as being a great place for personal trainers to work.
Why was having a motivational space for your staff important for you?
We really feel that giving trainers a space to work in that keeps them motivated to continually improve the service they deliver, will lead to a great offering for clients, giving them the best opportunity to achieve their goals.
You now co-own TWPT –have you been on board since the beginning?
Yes, both myself and my business partner Jon Manners have been there since the original studio opened in 2012. In 2018, Ed decided to step back from personal training to focus on new projects. This gave Jon and I the chance to purchase the studio which we were delighted to do as we felt a strong connection to the brand having been there from the start.
“
We wanted to create a team that does not have a one size fits all approach so we can really offer clients a range of different ways to achieve their goals
”
How would you sum up what the team can offer clients at TWPT?
We really feel we offer clients a welcoming and supportive environment so that anyone can achieve any goal. We love working with clients of all levels of experience, whether they’re brand new to exercise or veteran trainees looking to improve their existing results. We have a dynamic team of trainers who all differ in their skills and have their own approach of working with clients. We wanted to create a team that doesn’t work to a ‘one size fits all’ approach. That means we can really offer clients a range of different ways to achieve their goals.
In what ways would you say your personal trainer service is unique compared to others?
I think our strengths and points of difference are being able to offer clients such a wide range of training styles. These range from resistance training to boxing, preparation for running and Ironman
events, to helping people overcome persistent pain and injury. We also work with pre and post natal clients as well as perimenopausal clients - all in a private space across two studios in the centre of Tunbridge Wells. That’s what really sets us apart from others.
You are also TWPT's head trainer so what are your particular areas of fitness expertise?
I’ve worked with such a wide range of clients over the course of my career and really enjoy working with people to help them move forward with their goals. I have worked with clients post-surgery - including both knee and hip replacements – and helped those who have been in long-term persistent pain such as lower back pain. I have also mentored and tutored trainers for many years from both within the studio and from outside. This really pushes me to ensure I continually invest in my own education in order to deliver the best service I can to clients and mentees alike.
How many people are in the TWPT team?
We currently have nine personal trainers, a sports massage therapist and a health counsellor across our two sites. The health counsellor and sports massage therapist are recent additions to our team and we feel really they help us to deliver an all-round service to our clients. We also have great working relationships with a lot of other local health and fitness businesses so that when it is right to refer to other professionals such as physiotherapists and osteopaths or a client wants to supplement their personal training session with their own training we can recommend some great local businesses.
How connected do you feel the local business community is in Tunbridge Wells?
We are very fortunate to have a lot of clients who own local businesses and find them all incredibly supportive, especially when there is an opportunity to work together or when asking for advice. We have also recently started to build partnerships with other local businesses to feel more connected to the local community and now sponsor the Trinity Theatre as working and supporting local businesses is a something we really feel passionate about.
www.twpt.co.uk
“Why it’s time to prioritise mental health”
My journey began when I was 13 years old, when I fell unwell with a chronic illness. This caused my world as I knew it to stop and life was put on pause. Despite being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition, I was determined to rebuild my health across the board so I could get back to playing sports competitively again.
I did this by keeping both my body fit and my mind calm through movement and mindfulness. It was only when I continually defied medical expectations that I realised the power of the mindbody connection. This in turn sparked my curiosity in the field of neuroscience.
Fast forward to today, taking this darkness and turning it into light, I aspire to help others overcome life’s challenges and explore the power of neuroplasticity. My personal experience, coupled with intensive clinical training under Dr Phil Parker at both Diploma and Advanced Masters levels, has equipped me with
“My main focus is about shifting our attention towards what your brain is doing for you, and what you can do for it, to move you towards optimal mental and physical wellbeing
”the tools and techniques to help others become the most physically and mentally first-rate version of themself.
I am now dedicated to normalising mental health, supporting others to navigate modern life using Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) to rewire their brain, and restore their wellbeing. In the same way your body evolves in size, strength, and structure, your brain can too - this is called ‘Neuro' (the nervous system), ‘plasticity' (easily shaped); the only difference is that you cannot see it
Ruby Farrant is an Advanced NLP Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Wellbeing Specialist who runs her own business Coaching With Ruby. Here she tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine more about the work she does and why she is on a mission to transform our attitude towards mental health; making it as much a priority as our physical health…
visibly. As we all know, if you exercise one particular group of muscles a lot, they will become stronger, and if you forget to exercise another group of muscles they will waste away. It appears that the brain pathways are just like this. The more you use a pathway in your brain, the more easily triggered it is, and the faster and stronger it becomes.
NLP enables us to make change using the most powerful healing tool on the planet: our brain. NLP stands for: Neuro: the activity of our brain. Linguistic: the impact of language (how we talk to ourselves and others talk to us) on how we feel. Programming: the patterns of behaviour we adopt, often unconsciously.
The practice of NLP was developed in the 1970s by a group of psychologists, combining the most beneficial principles of neuroscience, coaching and hypnotherapy. It helps people to understand how to organise their thoughts, feelings, language and
behaviours, and looks at the science behind how our body affects our mind and how our mind affects our body. Much of NLP works by changing our thinking processes at an unconscious level, altering the way our brain remembers and stores information, which in turn affects how we feel and behave. Unlike certain other therapies, NLP focuses on the future rather than the past; it looks at how to change, rather than why we feel or act the way we do. It provides the tools and techniques to start thinking, feeling and acting in the way we want straight away, whether that be at home, in work or about and out, change will come about very quickly.
How to create lasting change
The brain is a dynamic organ that controls the body, continually processing sensory information and making decisions. It operates through two primary components: the conscious and the unconscious, with the latter
responsible for around 90% of its functions. Creating lasting change involves effectively communicating with the unconscious mind through hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is defined as the practice of accessing an altered state where the unconscious mind becomes more receptive and the conscious mind less dominant. This state allows us to engage with the part of the brain that generates our thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, sensations, emotions, memories, and behaviours. In this receptive state, we can gently modify how our brain stores and recalls information, thereby influencing our feelings and actions. In essence, hypnotherapy enables communication with the part of the brain responsible for the majority of its operations. By subtly altering the brain's architecture and strengthening new neural pathways, we can move
towards realising our happiest selves.
Key benefits of having a healthy brain
The brain is one of the most complex structures in the human body. Now imagine if we spent the same amount of energy on how we look on how we feel - how differently would we show up? We spend a lot of time appreciating the very physicality of our body, but not the physiology - and that’s my main focus; shifting our attention towards what your brain is doing for you, and what you can do for it, to move you towards optimal mental and physical wellbeing.
Your brain is involved in everything you do - how you think, how you feel, how you act. Your brain is the engine, the operating system behind you - when your brain is at
optimal health, you are at optimal health; you reap the benefits of a healthy, happy life. That is why it is so critical to create the right conditions to ensure your brain can continue to operate at that level. When you suffer from trauma, stress, lack of sleep, chronic illness... you are sadder, sicker, less successful - your body isn’t betraying you, it’s asking for help. If you
Report, 1 in 5 employees needed to take time off work in the past year due to poor mental health caused by stress and pressure.
“ ”Life can be challenging, consisting of lots of twists and turns, bumps and potholes. And with all that wear and tear, it’s important to check in to see how you’re doing
see your brain as the hardware, and the mind as the software - it is important to keep the hardware in good condition and the software continually updated for it to run at optimal.
All the research shows that the best way to improve our brain health is by doing some form of aerobic activity, anything that gets our heart rate up (walking, working out, or even vacuuming). There’s a particularly fascinating study by Dr Daniel Amen that shows as our weight goes up, the size and function of our brain goes down. With physical activity, the body releases a bunch of chemicals consisting of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and endorphins; all of which contribute to improved mood, focus, sleep, digestion, memory and cognitive function. So exercise will not only make you feel physically stronger, but also mentally and emotionally.
COACHING FOR BUSINESSES:- A 'PERK THAT WORKS'
Since the pandemic, we have seen a shift in employee behaviour, engagement, and job satisfaction. Prioritising employee mental health is more important now than ever. Based on a 2024 UK Burnout
HOW RUBY CAN HELP YOU
Coaching with Ruby is a kind, open, and completely confidential space for those who are looking to improve their health, habits and happiness. Each session is centred around Neuro Linguistic Programming, combining the most beneficial principles of neuroscience, coaching and hypnotherapy. I work with clients online via Zoom, offering a range of services from 1:1 sessions, couples coaching, to a 12-week brain training programme
Ruby has helped clients with:
• Stress, anxiety, low mood
• Work-life balance, burnout
• Fatigue, low energy
• Self-confidence, self-belief, self-esteem
• Life coaching and goal setting
• Social anxiety
• Insomnia, sleep issues
• Loss of purpose and sense of self
• Unwanted habits and behaviours
• Resolving grief and dealing with loss
• Limiting beliefs and body image issues
I work with companies as their mental wellness partner, working collaboratively to improve employee mental health by offering confidential 1:1 coaching sessions; designed to support employees to thrive at work. Not just here for crisis management, I offer a service that focuses on prevention and maintenance. My sessions are there to engage, inspire and motivate. Coaching, not just for those who are suffering from burnout, but for those looking to improve their overall wellbeing.
DON’T SUFFER, SEEK HELP
Life can be challenging, consisting of lots of twists and turns, bumps and potholes. And with all that wear and tear, it’s important to check in to see how you’re doing. Whether you’ve been going at 100mph or feel like you’re constantly stalling, Coaching with Ruby offers 1:1 sessions to check your brakes, ‘REFRESH' your engine (brain), and get you back on the road again.
A lot of people say to me ‘But it’s expensive to talk to someone’, and I often reply ‘Would you rather pay for wellness or illness?’ I understand for a lot of people it is not as easy as that, which is why I offer my Free Clinic once a month; ensuring that everyone has a space to talk, and move towards ultimate wellbeing.
My mission is to transform our culture surrounding mental health, making it as normalised and as aspirational as our physical health. Just as you’d lift weights in the gym to build muscle and increase strength, I support others in building and strengthening their mental muscles improving mood, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re struggling with something, feeling a bit ‘meh’, or wanting to proactively work on yourself, Coaching with Ruby provides clear, flexible support to help you move forward on your terms.
• Improving relationships, professional and personal
Summer showstoppers
The future of Hever Festival was thrown into doubt last summer when the open-air theatre was badly damaged due to severe storms. Luckily though it is back and has been enjoying a very successful season to date. We find out what’s on the diverse schedule for the rest of this month…
After a disastrous 2023 season when a freak lighting incident ripped the iconic roof of the Festival Theatre at Hever Castle off, forcing many of the scheduled shows to be cancelled or compromised, the good news is that for 2024 the much-loved event is up and running again.
Having opened its doors again in May organisers revealed the stunning new theatre structure on the picturesque Two
Sisters’ Lawn.
This state-of-the-art open-air theatre, which replaces the previous one damaged by severe storms in July 2023, boasts several enhancements, including a continuous clear roof that provides uninterrupted views and an immersive outdoor atmosphere for all attendeescome rain or shine.
Festival Director Ailsa Molyneux told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine:
“The new theatre built for our 44 year old Festival has recently been described as ‘A very special place.’ Our audiences are telling us they are as pleased with our new home as we are!
“We’ve had some really lovely comments from festival goers including ‘Such a beautiful place, totally transporting and
“This season, in collaboration with Hever Castle's curatorial team and Historian Dr. Owen Emmerson, the festival will host its first ever four-day deep-dive into Tudor history”
good for the soul.’, ‘A unique experience you will remember for ever.’ and ‘It’s just a perfect place… breathtaking.’.
“We really are ‘A theatre to escape to, in a magical setting.’ and I love being part of it. It's a glorious celebratory festival in our new theatre with lots of treats to entertain up until the end of the festival’s run at the beginning of September.”
This season, in collaboration with the Castle's curatorial team and Historian Dr. Owen Emmerson, the festival will host its first ever four-day deep-dive into Tudor history (Aug 19-22) featuring talks
from esteemed historians Dr Elizabeth Norton, Dr Tracy Borman, Gareth Russell, Dr Nicola tallis, Dr Joanne Paul, Dr Alison Weir and Sarah Gristwood.
The music of legendary artists is celebrated with a series of tribute acts from classic rock to pop. The Beatles for Sale (Aug 24), The Retro Rock Show (Aug 31) and direct from London’s West End Whitney Queen of the Night (Aug 30)
are amongst the performances paying homage to some of the most influential musicians of our time.
Renowned for its vibrant jazz scene, Ronnie Scott’s Club brings its iconic sound to the festival. Expect mesmerising performances from some of the best jazz musicians in the world including The Soul Family featuring Natalie Wiliams (Aug 23).
Festival favourites Charles Court Opera make a welcome return with their brandnew production of the first full length Gilbert & Sullivan opera The Sorcerer (Aug 18).
Family-friendly activities abound with wonderful puppetry in Out of the Hat (Aug 18) and the Horrible Histories team bring hilarious tales of Rotten Royals (Aug 29).
The Festival Theatre will also return to Chiddingstone Castle with classic tale The Wind in the Willows (Aug 18).
The stage will light up with laughter for Blackadder, based on the iconic British
television series. Fans of the sharpwitted and hilariously cynical Edmund Blackadder will not want to miss this hilarious adaptation (Aug (17) and the mesmerising Duke’s Theatre Company perform Shakespeare’s most famous and quotable comedy, As You Like It (28 Aug).
The festival would not be complete without The Last Night of the Hever Proms (Sep 1). The Brandenburg Sinfonia returns to the Hever Festival to present its popular tribute to the Last Night of the Proms conducted by raconteur Bob Porter.
Pomp, ceremony and attendees are encouraged to pack their flags and participate in the Best Dressed Brit competition with a pair of tickets to the 2025 Proms up for grabs. So what are you waiting for?
To see the full programme of events visit heverfestival.co.uk or call 07379 488477
Artistic endeavour
The Pantiles will welcome a free new event to its famous cobbled walkways next month which will celebrate our vibrant cultural scene. Freya Hodge talks to the Art of The Pantiles’ organiser Suzy Phillips about what’s in store and how you can get involved…
Anew arts festival is making its inaugural debut at The Pantiles next month, promising to be a grand celebration of the unique artisan culture that defines the area. Focusing on the Lower Walks and the historical Georgian Walkway, The Art of the Pantiles Festival is a free event pioneered by The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society, which marks its 90th birthday this year. The festival will take place on September 21-22 and is a collaboration between passionate volunteers and local businesses.
The weekend will include a mix of activities for all ages. Visitors can learn about art in a wide selection of mediums including ceramics, sewing, poetry, jewellery, and furniture restoration; there’s something for all creatives alike. Engage in interactive events, listen to classical music and enjoy captivating
“We wanted to include as many different forms of art as possible for this new festival including local art and craft makers as well as musicians
”drama performances. Plus, art talks and guided tours will provide an interesting education on the local artistic heritage, including observing artists competing in the very first ‘Pantiles Artist of the Year Competition’,
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society and the newly opened Pump Room will present an array of workshops and speakers, covering topics such as Stained Glass, Coco Chanel, and the Art of the Circus. Along the Lower and Upper Walks will be a range of high-quality artisan stalls while the Bandstand will host both dramatic and classical music performances throughout the weekend. Local shops, including Catherine Hills Jewellery, Pincushion and YiJu Oriental Antiques will join in the festivities, encouraging a community-driven atmosphere.
There will also be an opportunity for creatives to enter the first Pantiles Artist
of the Year Competition.
Suzy Phillips, the Director of the festival and chair of Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society, expressed her excitement to Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine: “We are delighted to be bringing the inaugural Art of the Pantiles Festival to Tunbridge Wells this September. We believe this new arts festival will offer something for everyone in its range of events and remind people of the artisan nature of the Pantiles. It will benefit all the Traders on the Pantiles and generate new visitors to the town.”
“As a local artist and chairing the Art Society, I spend quite a bit of time on the Pantiles. Years ago, I had my own antique business and have always loved mooching around artisan shops and galleries, so the Pantiles is one of my favourite places.
“So, a few of us at the Art Society had a chat, shared some ideas and before I knew it, I was heading up a weekend arts festival! I wanted to include as many different forms of art as possible and local art and craft makers and musicians. We
went for classical music and opera as it is a different offer and fitted well with The Pantiles’ cultural heritage.
“I also want to remind people what The Pantiles is about in terms of the Georgian walkway, the Chalybeate Spring and the history of the buildings and little passageways. So, part of the festival will include talks and tours.”
Suzy goes on to say that she was ‘delighted’ by the support she received from local classical singers, pianists, cello players, and singer/songwriters.
The festival will also showcase contemporary dance, traditional craft making, art and craft stalls, a Live Art Competition and Workshops on Art and Poetry.
“I am hoping there will be something for everyone and the Art of the Pantiles Festival will attract people from a wide field who will have a lovely experience and continue to visit our beautiful town.”
For more details about the event, visit www.rtwas.org
Help this charity raise vital funds
Stevie Rice CEO of West Kent Mind is appealing to local businesses to help the mental health charity raise vital funds for its new youth service. Here’s how you can help ahead of its August 30 deadline…
West Kent Mind is participating in the Big Give Christmas challenge this year to raise much needed funds that will go directly towards a new service designed to help children and young people mentally thrive.
“We are raising funds to deliver early intervention services for up to 100 young people aged 11-18 in West Kent,” explains the charity’s CEO Stevie Rice.
“This service will improve their mental health, provide coping strategies, and support adults and carers with communication techniques and early recognition of mental health problems.”
Stevie has also sent members of the TN Card scheme this message as the initiative supports the charity courtesy of donating some of its profits from its membership scheme.
“We must provide children and young people with the best start in life to help them develop the resilience and coping mechanisms needed to thrive as adults,”
continues Stevie.
“Alarmingly, the number of children and young people referred to specialist mental health services in our area has surged by over 28% in the past two years. This significant increase highlights a growing crisis that demands immediate attention.”
She adds that poor mental health among young people has far-reaching implications, affecting their academic performance and straining relationships with family, friends, and peers.
“These challenges can lead to isolation and worsen their mental health. The impact of poor mental health in childhood often persists into adulthood, affecting their ability to function in society, maintain employment, and form healthy relationships.”
How can you help?
With your help, we aim to secure £2,500 in pledges towards an overall £10,000 target. The Big Give team are also in touch with a range of Champion Funders, and we will be eligible for up to the same
amount of Champion funds as we secure in pledges. During the public fundraising campaign (between Tuesday 3 – Tuesday 10 December) we aim to raise £5,000 to meet our overall £10,000 target.
Pledge now, pay later!
“The minimum pledge amount is £100 and you can pledge from today! By becoming a pledger you are not only helping to meet the immediate needs of children and young people in West Kent but also investing in their future wellbeing and success. Together we can create a positive and lasting impact, ensuring that every child and young person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.”
Stevie states that all pledge offers must be receive by 12 noon on 30 August 2024 and payment will need to be made by 6pm on Friday 17 January 2025. “It really is pledge now and give later!”
To make a pledge visit www.community.biggive.org
Stevie Rice
My Tunbridge Wells, Your Tunbridge Wells
Clare Lush-Mansell from My Tunbridge Wells is your expert guide to all the fantastic events happening in and around the town every month. Read on to discover her top picks for the last few weeks of the summer holidays and into September…
Wind your way to the Willows
Join your favourite characters from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in The Willows, and follow them through the gardens as their tale unfolds against the backdrop of Penshurst Place’s historical grounds. Taking place each Sunday from now until September 1, a visit to Penshurst Place and the adventure playground is always a fabulous day out!
Water wipeout!
Something exciting is coming to Racecourse Park in Tonbridge from August 24 to 26. Action Arena is the UK's biggest touring Inflatable obstacle course and it will be there across the Bank Holiday weekend. There’ll be a mini inflatable obstacle course (for children under 1.2m in height or aged between 2-7 years old) and for the bigger thrill-seekers (those over 1.2 meters in height), the Action Arena XXL awaits.
Wheely good fun
Tractorfest will be returning to the fields in the beautiful village of Biddenden on Saturday and Sunday August 17 & 18. Over 200 tractors are the stars of the event along with the hilarious dog and duck show, stalls, vehicle demos, children’s entertainment, food, live music and more at this popular countryside fair!
At one with nature
Join Nature Makers on Tunbridge Wells Common for their free Earth School Big Nature Play Day on Monday August 19. Suitable for children from ages 2 to 10 years, the activities are free flow. The event lasts for three hours and all you need to do is book your starting time via the Nature Makers website and then stay for as long as you want. Children need to be accompanied by a parent or carer and can enjoy a range of activities with support where needed.
Music to your ears
The Local & Live four-day festival is returning to Tunbridge Wells over the Bank Holiday weekend (August 23 to 26). Bringing the best live music and culture to our brilliantly creative town, the festival always promises to be an uplifting occasion for everyone. Led by its founder, Paul Dunton, Local & Live is proud to support local original music and the artists who create it. See you there?
Quacking good fun
Penshurst Duck Race is back on Monday August 26. Always a favourite amongst villagers and visitors, admission is free and the gates open at 12 noon for a 1pm race! There’ll be a BBQ, ice cream and bar as well as race, games, fun football matches and a dog show. Entrance is at the bottom of Rogues Hill - between the bridges.
A noteworthy performance
Barefoot Opera’s imaginative new production, of La Traviata is part of its
Photograph: Mollie Manning
Clare Lush-Mansell
annual ‘Young Artists Tour’. It will be gracing the stage at Down House in Lamberhurst on Saturday September 14. This show, featuring Tunbridge Wells Choral Society, is bound to pull at the heart strings with a dynamic, vibrant take on Verdi’s classic tale of love and loss.
Just child’s play
Our favourite local soft play area (formerly Minor Mania) has been transformed into an ‘Amazon Adventure’ and purchased
by our friends at Drusillas. With a huge indoor playframe (plus a smaller area for younger children) and a lovely outdoor area, this is once again our go-to place for the children to burn some energy whilst the grownups get to sit and chat!
Turn over a new leaf
A visit to Bedgebury Pinetum is always a winner in our household. Bring the bikes, explore on foot or from the tree tops (on the Go Ape high rope course). We enjoy following the Gruffalo party trail as well as the multiple play areas and always finish up with an ice cream from the
Tales From The River Bank
September 1
The Tonbridge Lion's Dragon Boat Race returns on Sunday September 1. This is always an exciting day out, bringing a real buzz to Tonbridge town centre. Taking place at the Watergate (big bridge on Tonbridge High Street) teams will compete in heats from 9.30am to 3pm followed by the grand final. The Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival is also taking place across the weekend too, so there’s always something yummy to eat. Remember to visit the big playground at Racecourse Park and have a look out for the miniature railway, just outside the swimming pool.
Energie Fitness Tunbridge Wells is committed to providing a top-tier fitness experience at an affordable price. Corporate memberships start at just £21.99, standard memberships from £23.99 and our best value for money memberships starts from £37.99. We pride ourselves on having the best gym community and ensuring everyone feels that they belong here no matter what their fitness goals or experience. We know gyms can feel intimidating, our mission is to ensure everyone feels comfortable and is able to achieve their fitness goals.
Members at Energie Fitness Tunbridge Wells benefit from a broad spectrum of amenities so no matter what your goal or experience we have something for you:
X Group Exercise Classes: From high-energy HIIT sessions to calming yoga, the gym offers an extensive schedule of group classes to suit all fitness levels and preferences.
X Cardio Equipment: State-of-the-art treadmills, Stairmaster ellipticals, and stationary bikes cater to cardio workouts of all intensities.
X Free Weights and Functional Fitness: With a wide array of free weights, high quality machines from Primal and Precor and functional fitness equipment such as Assault Bikes, Ski-erg and Rowers.
X Expert Personal Trainers: Knowledgeable and experienced personal trainers are on hand to provide guidance, personalized workout plans, and motivation.
Exciting new expansions are on the horizon. Upcoming additions include a stylish coffee bar, perfect for post-workout relaxation and socializing, modern saunas designed to enhance recovery and wellness and a breakout room for stretching, relaxation and winding down.
How to just let it go…
When you become a Taylor-Made Dreams (TMD) supporter, you help to create magical days for the charity’s TMD warriors and their families. This month we meet Sofia and discover all the wonderful experiences she has enjoyed - including a trip to see Frozen -thanks to the amazing donors who help to fund TMD’s services…
We have gifted our trademark silver dragonfly Taylor-Made Dreams (TMD) since we became a registered charity in 2014.
We engrave the pendants with a child’s name on the reverse for our families and it becomes a precious keepsake of their loved one.
In addition to these, we wanted to offer our families more personalised keepsakes and have since expanded this service to gift families more opportunities.
These include individual hand casts, fingerprint and hair jewellery created with wonderful jewellery maker Wendy Kemp.
Craft days such as these provide our TMD families with a fun activity, precious quality time together and a beautiful memory keepsake to take with them wherever they go.
One of our TMD warriors, Sofia, decided she wanted to make a collection of shell jewellery.
“This was really special to us as she is renowned for dragging a bucket to any beach and spending hours collecting shells,” explains Sofia’s mum. “It was a definite ‘shoe fits’ moment.”
She goes on to say that the crafter Wendy patiently guided the family through the process.
“After selecting moulds and the accompanying beads and gems - all of which were symbolic - Sofia made a large shell and love heart peacock pearl. This resembled faith and charity. All of the jewellery has Sofia’s fingerprints on the back and so we’d like to say a huge thank you to Taylor-Made Dreams for making this happen. It has created another unforgettable memory for us.”
Another big wish for Sofia was to see Frozen the musical.
“This was a must-see for a big fan like Sofia,” adds her mum.
A TMD spokesperson says: “We wanted
to make the day as special as it could be, so we arranged a little something extra for Sofia’s day. To put it in context: after being asked to create a list of wishes by the TMD team, Sofia immediately talked of how keen she was to see Frozen the musical in London. Sofia has always been such a fan of the Disney film. TMD felt that Sofia was ‘worth melting for’ and so we immediately got to organising a very special day out…”
TMD felt that Sofia was ‘worth melting for’ and so we immediately got to organising a very special day out seeing Frozen the musical…
Sofia’s mum says: “We were blown away to be told that not only had the tickets been booked in the stalls (amazing seats!), but that we would be chauffeured to the theatre and back in our very own limousine. It really made us feel like we were royalty.
“When we arrived at the theatre, we found our seats and strapped ourselves in for what we knew would be a brilliant show – and we were not disappointed! The fantastic day didn’t end as the curtain
came down though and we finished by sharing a delicious meal in China Town. It was a new experience for Sofia and her cousins; they were totally blown away by all the sights, smells and sounds.”
Sofia’s mum says that thanks to TMD the family all had a truly magical day.
“I know this meant the world to Sofia. I think for a minute (or two) we were all able to forget that the last six months had happened and it was like old times again. We enjoyed the show, the meal, the limousine and most of all each other’s company. We really have made some memories that will last a lifetime and we’ll never forget such a special day.”
If you would like to find out what your donations help to achieve, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thetmdteam and as Taylor-Made Dreams on LinkedIn for all things TMD
A corking idea
This month our resident antiques expert and TV presenter Mark Hill reveals the joy of collecting corkscrews. Read on to discover why they are such a covetable – and innovative – item for any oenophile
It’s the height of summer – finally – and it’s time for alfresco dining. Long, light and languid evenings spent with friends in the garden with light food and a refreshing bottle of rosé, or a chilled Chablis. And there’s nothing better to open your bottle of fine wine with than an antique corkscrew.
Not for me those trashy supermarket corkscrews or the flashy designer examples – show your style by using something that has lasted for a century or more. These won’t break, and their many types show the inventiveness of British and European industry. And just imagine the stories they have heard over all those dinner parties!
Nobody really knows when the corkscrew was first developed, but it’s likely to have been in England during the late 17th century. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that we saw an explosion
with inventors devising all manner of marvellous mechanisms for removing a cork effortlessly.
In general, we can break corkscrews down into two main groups – ‘straight pull’ that rely on the strength of the host to pull the cork out, and ‘mechanical’ that use moving parts to assist the host in his or her task. I’ve chosen my favourite from each group.
Legs eleven! For sheer fin de siècle fun, the ‘ladies legs’ straight-pull corkscrew can’t be beaten, conjuring up mental images of kicking legs doing the Can-Can at the Moulin Rouge. Fold back the legs, insert, twist and pull! Et ooh la-la!
The quirky and cool design originated in Germany in the late 19th century and many different sizes and variations were made into the 20th century by makers including Steinfeld & Reimer and Graef & Schmidt. If you see the words ‘Gesetzlich Geschutzt’, that’s simply a design protection mark. The colourful striped stockings are made from celluloid, and condition is important – also always check the end of the ‘worm’ (the curly bit that goes into the cork) as any damage or loss reduces value. As well as being perfectly portable (perhaps for a picnic), nearly 80 variations have been found, making them highly collectable. Some stockings cover the entire leg, others more daringly flash the thighs, and if you spot an example marked with advertising wording, you can usually kick the price right up. Prices usually range from £300 upwards for a pre-WWII example. But for technical ingenuity and sheer ease, nothing beats one of the first mechanical corkscrews ever invented – the Thomason-type. In 1793, the Brummie businessman Edward Thomason inherited his father’s buckle manufactory and expanded the company’s production to include medals and tokens, watch chains and buttons. Also an inveterate inventor, jackpot in 1802 when he developed a mechanical corkscrew using a double helix mechanism with both male and female threads. Turning the handle continuously clockwise forced the worm into the cork, and continuing to turn it that way extracted the cork from the neck in one smooth action. Then, by turning it anticlockwise the cork was cleanly removed from the worm. A handy brush on the handle allowed the oenophile to brush away any detritus from the rim, such as fragments of cork, lead or wax. Thomason was so proud of his invention that he placed a badge on his examples bearing not only ‘Patent’ with a regal coat of arms, but also the words ‘Ne Ultra Plus’ – ‘no more beyond’. It’s estimated that he produced over 130,000 examples during the 14-year patent protection period - that’s a lot of business! Of course, this great success led to competition when the patent expired. Similar Victorian examples can be found with a plethora of different manufacturer’s names including
“
Nobody really knows when the corkscrew was first developed, but it’s likely have been in England during the late 17th century
”
Dowler, Rodgers (the noted cutler), and Jones. Dowler in particular produced a number of variations. Look out for barrels decorated with gothic windows, or other unusual motifs, as these command a premium over the usual £150-300 range. Handles can be made from wood or bone, but don’t consider those with ivory handles as the sale of ivory is now banned, with non-applicable exceptions. With its instantly recognisable brass or bronze barrel body that fits over the neck of the wine bottle, the Thomason-type is a great example of Georgian technical invention at its best. It also highlights the breadth of innovation in business during the Victorian period. But, best of all, they still work effortlessly and catch admiring eyes well over two centuries later. Bottoms up!
Visit:
The Pantiles Arcade at 49 Lower Walk, The Pantiles is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am –5pm. More details can be found at thepantilesarcade.com, or by calling 01892 322 777. To buy online, visit scottishantiques.com.
Valuations:
For valuations or to consign items for auction, email mark@ markhillauctions.com or call 01892 574 310 to set up a free appointment.
(top) A mid-19th century Dowler patent bronze Thomason-type mechanical corkscrew.
(bottom) A 1920s-30s German Graef & Schmidt ladies legs straight pull corkscrew, with celluloid stockings.
“This experience is truly unique”
The Talentz is a vibrant youth theatre company based in Tunbridge Wells. Here its founder Debbie King tells Freya Hodge more about the troupe and how businesses can get involved in supporting the group to ensure it can carry on performing at the world’s greatest arts festival…
Debbie, please can you tell us a little bit about The Talentz?
We were founded in 2009 and are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of performers. We are specialists in the teaching, training and development of children and young adults in the skills and attributes of the performing arts. We give our students unique opportunities to grow and develop their life skills, creativity and character, using performance, singing, dancing and acting.
Tell us about your connection with the Edinburgh Festival?
For the past seven years, The Talentz has been taking a small cast up to the world’s largest fringe festival in Edinburgh. The show is cast, rehearsed and performs previews in Tunbridge Wells before heading up to Scotland to join thousands of other shows and the millions of people who make the pilgrimage to the festival each year.
What are the benefits for young people being a part of this cultural festival?
The experience is truly unique. The cast, aged between 12-18, take ownership of their show, and have responsibilities in ways that performers don’t outside of fringe theatre. The heightened responsibilities come with added benefits – when not performing, flyering or sleeping, the cast have the freedom to see
“
We really hope for more local businesses to join us in supporting our young performers at Edinburgh Festival 2025
”some of the incredible number of shows available at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Have any of your previous pupils gone on to carve a career in the arts as a result?
Yes! Alumni are currently performing professionally in tours and productions in the US, Germany, Asia and in London’s West End. For those who aren’t pursuing a career in performing, the week in Edinburgh and the months spent preparing in Kent help create everlasting memories that develop a plethora of skills, passions and friendships.
Can you tell us about this year’s performance…
We put on our production of The Addams Family at The Space, Nidry Street, after performing it at two sold-out previews as part of the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival in July. The cast totalled 25 and the crew four and we performed
eight times. In total we spent a week in the Scottish capital and we are very thankful to two local businesses – Kent Wines and Robert Country Vehicles - who have sponsored performers and removed the financial barrier that may have prevented them from benefiting from this incredible experience.
How important is it to get local sponsorship from businesses?
It’s quite simply essential as getting the team to Edinburgh would not have been possible without the generous support of local businesses. A trip to the Fringe Festival is a transformative and memorable experience for all the young people involved and gives them an experience like no other.
Looking ahead, how can other businesses get involved?
We really hope for more local businesses to join us in supporting our young performers. Sponsoring them helps the children to continue offering amazing teaching and guidance that goes beyond just singing, dancing and acting. If your business wishes to offer its support do not hesitate to contact us!
For more info email : debbie@thetalentz.com or visit: www.thetalentz.com You can also follow @TheTalentz on Facebook or @thetalentz on Instagram
