CooperBurnett’s Victoria Sampson & Joseph Oates on their firm’s new branding and why they do things differently
THE FUTURE'S BRIGHT
The developers of the old cinema site reveal their inspiring plans
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
We have a number of coworking options - but which are best?
ALFRESCO APPEAL
The best places to enjoy life outdoors when the sun shines
Ideas on how to have fun and support local this summer
How one local florist is becoming more sustainable EXCLUSIVE INVITATION
Discover the town's unique new private members' club
ELECTION SPECIAL
New MP for Tunbridge Wells tells us his plans
EDITOR
Eileen Leahy
DESIGN MANAGER
Jason Stubbs
PHOTOGRAPHY
David Bartholomew
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Robin Singer
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
George Percy
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Richard Moore
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Nick Moore
Welcome
It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through the summer – especially given the weather hasn’t exactly been great for this time of year.
So we sincerely hope that we can help bring a little bit of proverbial sunshine through the pages of our third issue which is packed with interesting and insightful content.
Gracing our front cover are Victoria Sampson and Joseph Oates from CooperBurnett solicitors. We had a fascinating chat with them earlier this month about their slick new branding – and how and why they do things so differently. It’s a great read which we hope you’ll enjoy. Turn to page 16 to discover more…
Elsewhere we talk to Will Bax of Retirement Village Group about their exciting new project at the old cinema site – AKA the infamous ‘grot spot’ in the centre of townwhich is finally being developed into residential housing and a mix of retail, hospitality and leisure – the latter of which everyone can benefit from.
We also shine a spotlight on the various coworking options available here in Tunbridge Wells – there were 15 at the last count.
We also meet Joe de Kwant Stoner, CEO of Big Orange Media and discover why his integrated agency,
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
which only started here in Tunbridge Wells 8 years ago, now has such an impressive global reach.
As well as all your regular expert financial, HR, employment, legal and property investment advice we have some ‘out of office’ features for you to enjoy in our After Hours section. These include a review of the best alfresco places to sip and savour the sunshine, an interview with a budding local playwright and actor Cameron Corcoran, and also a brilliant interview with a florist who is determined to make her business 100% sustainable.
Finally, do take the time to fill in our business survey which will help take the commercial temperature of the town. This is the perfect opportunity for you to have your say…
Find us at: www.twbusinessmagazine.com @twbusiness_magazine @TWBizMag
Business News: What’s happening in our commercial community.
Election Analysis: We hear from new Lib Dem MP Mike Martin.
County News: A round up of what’s going on elsewhere in Kent.
Making connections: enTWine hosts its summer social.
Join our club: We hold our first TWBM Members’ party.
Down by law: CooperBurnett on its professional ethos.
Edited
The future’s bright: We meet the founder of Big Orange Media.
Legal matters: All the latest news from the local legal landscape.
Footfall for all:
BID’s CEO Alex Green shares his vision on upping tourism.
Working Lunch: The team at Aesthetics Retreat talk about their unique roles.
Council
Talking
Alfresco allure: The best places to sip and savour in the sunshine.
Theatre of dreams: Cameron Corcoran on his new West End play.
Flower power: How won local florist is making her business sustainable.
Adventure time: All the information you need on this month’s events.
In the club: We meet the entrepreneurs launching Club Quantum.
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
Cllr Justine Rutland Economic Development & Deputy Leader
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
Matthew Sankey Director Sankey’s
Neil Simmons Managing Director TN Recruits
Siobhan Stirling Managing Director Sharp Minds
Erik Brown Food & Drink writer
Helen Williams Mindset & Business Coach
Joe Stoner Founder Big Orange Media
Is new store in town centre now moving a step closer?
BY RICHARD MOORE
Removal vans are due to arrive this month at the old BHS store in Royal Victoria Place to clear the way for the arrival of a new retailer.
Since BHS closed its doors in August 2016, the shopping centre location has often stood empty but in recent times has operated as Home Land selling everything from furniture to washing up bowls and phone chargers.
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine (TWBM), as previously reported, understands that talks between the famous retailer Primark and other parties, including Tunbridge Wells Borough Council which ‘acquired’ the actual shopping centre, have been going on behind closed doors for several months.
business, we’re always looking for new opportunities for store locations, however we cant comment on speculation about where we might open next.”
ANY NEW DYNAMIC RETAILERS WILL HELP REJUVENATE CENTRE
We asked Alex Green, the CEO of RTW Together Business Improvement District (BID), for his thoughts on what’s happening at Royal Victoria Place:
“Whilst we are not aware of plans for the former BHS unit, we are pleased that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has intervened to acquire Royal Victoria Place and by the trajectory to date in terms of new tenants (most recently Sostrene&Grene which had queues of people lining up for its opening).
“We very much hope that this success will continue with further new dynamic retailers moving into a rejuvenated shopping centre and improve the likelihood of the owners of BHS finding a new tenant of which the town can be proud”.
Other town centre businesses looking for a boost are hoping that a deal is now close for the popular retailer to take over the site, although so far there has been no confirmation from parties involved.
Primark told TWBM: “We love to hear that people would like to have a Primark store near them. As a growing
Attracting the retailer to Tunbridge Wells would be seen as a major coup and something of a game changer for the town. This is particularly true when coupled with the work now underway, just down the road, on the development of the old ABC cinema site’s new £115million retirement village.
Primark already has stores in Eastbourne, Brighton and Hastings and
Sat nav for Business
by Darren Austin at Synergee
Having provided business support and development services to clients for many years, we have recently consolidated these services into a powerful business growth system we have called Sat Nat for Business.
Imagine your business as a car on a journey. To reach your destination efficiently and effectively you program your Sat Nav with the destination. It knows exactly where you are and plans the required route. Once underway, it constantly monitors your progress and suggests adjustments if conditions change or you take a wrong turn. Sat Nav for Business takes this approach and applies it to your business journey. It has 4 key components: Where do you want to get to: this is your vision of what you want your business to achieve. This should include what products and services you wish to sell, who do you wish to sell them to, and in what geographical area. To paraphrase Lewis Carroll’s Alice and the Cat, if you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter which road you take.
Where are you now: Your reporting systems need to provide you with all relevant results and underlying drivers from your finance, operations, marketing, and HR activities. Only
by pin pointing with accuracy and sufficient detail where you are now can you identify the gap to where you want to be.
How do I get there: This is where you consider the different strategies available to bridge the gap. There will likely be various ones each with differing pros and cons. Do you need to improve existing services, extend them to new markets, develop new income streams, etc.? What resources (skills, systems, equipment, funding, etc.) will be needed on the journey?
How do I monitor progress: Once you start the journey you need to regularly check on progress to ensure you are on track. Your reporting systems should be capable of tracking actual vs targeted results for every key area. The earlier you can spot issues the better chance you have of taking successful remedial action. This may be a small detour around a roadblock or a completely new route if you are heading the wrong way.
If you would like more information about how our Sat Nav for Business service can support your journey, you can download a brochure here: www.synergee.org.uk/news/blog/publications/ sat-nav-for-business/
the launch of Tunbridge Wells would take the tally of shops across the UK to more than 150. The chain sells a diverse range of products including clothing, footwear, beauty products and confectionery, all ‘at prices below those typically charged by other retailers’.
Any new store in Tunbridge Wells would not be likely to open until well into 2025.
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.
It’s a double whammy for motorists hitting a pothole. Not only are many having to pay out for a new tyre they are also likely to have their claim for compensation rejected by county hall.
More than three quarters of claims are being turned down by councils across the South East.
Data provided by the BBC shows that out of the 4,357 claims that were handled by councils in Kent, Sussex and Surrey in 2023-2024 around 77 per cent were rejected. The authorities said claims were ‘thoroughly investigated’.
Councils are taking full advantage of loopholes. They are only responsible for potholes if they did not inspect the road often enough or fail to repair the hole within an appropriate time frame.
In 2022-2023 data reveals that 79 per cent of pothole claims were thrown out . That figure stood at 91 per cent in 20212022.
County councils are charged with looking after smaller roads while the A roads are the responsibility of National Highways. One woman made a claim when her car hit a ‘giant pothole’ on a country lane in Cranbrook last year and her tyre burst.
Kent County Council rejected the
claim for £135 reimbursement. They said the road had been inspected the month before the incident and that ‘no foreseeable hazardous defects’ had been spotted. They also pointed out that noone had previously reported the pothole.
Britains deteriorating roads have become the plague of drivers with RAC patrols, for example, attending nearly 30,000 pot hole incidents in 2023, up by 33 per cent against the previous twelve months.
However, it looks like those potholes may be boosting the garage trade with official figures pointing to suspension faults accounting for almost a third of all MOT failures with broken springs being the most common headache.
Budget supermarket Aldi is looking to open a new larger store in Tunbridge Wells as part of its nationwide expansion programme.
The company already has a store in the town at Great Lodge Retail Park but now wants to open another one that’s at least 20,000 sq ft in size and has 100 parking spaces.
Aldi has selected Tunbridge Wells as one of its ‘priority areas’ in the county where it would like to build a new branch.
“We want to make high-quality food accessible to all, but we can’t do that while there are still some towns and areas that either don’t have an Aldi or have capacity for additional stores,” said Jonathan Neale, MD of National Real Estate at Aldi UK.
More than 4,000 people responded when the chain invited people to get in touch with suggestions on possible sites across the country.
“We recognise there is a huge demand in certain regions for more stores”, said Jonathan Neale. “People have helped us identify where demand is greatest”.
Other ‘priority areas’ in Kent are Chatham and New Romney.
Aldi has overtaken Asda to become Britain’s third biggest supermarket behind Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Culture Club
Creative Tunbridge Wells launched earlier this year with the key aims of igniting growth and innovation in the local creative sector. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine discovers more about this initiative…
Creative Tunbridge Wells (CTW), a Cultural Compact funded by Arts Council England, is excited to announce the official launch of its website and social media platforms. Having already been active for several months, CTW is dedicated to serving the vibrant community of artists, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals in Tunbridge Wells.
Bob Willard Watts, who is the Cultural Compact Lead explains what it means for the town: “There are a number of Cultural Compacts across England, and Tunbridge Wells is the first town to have one. I am delighted to be leading this programme and working with various partners to achieve strategic growth and deepened collaboration across the creative landscape of Tunbridge Wells. One of our first big projects is the development of The Pump Room at the end of The Pantiles into a flexible community space for creative arts. The fit-out will provide a space that can lend itself to have multiple uses; a rehearsal space, a venue for
for community use through a section 106 obligation. This space will be transformed into a vibrant hub for cultural and creative businesses and groups, offering a venue for workshops, presentations, and scratch performances.
The Pump Room represents CTW’s commitment to providing accessible and versatile spaces for the creative community.
presentations and workshops thanks to its auditorium style seating area, a gallery, a hub for collaborative creative working.” Through working in partnership with RTW Together and Dandara, CTW has secured a lease for The Pump Room: an exciting space on the Pantiles reserved
Dawn Badland, Chair of the CTW Steering Group said: “By identifying shared opportunities and goals across both the creative and wider local sectors, we hope CTW can help to form meaningful and sustainable partnerships which will have positive social and economic impacts in the borough. CTW is a collaboration and we are delighted to be gaining momentum together.”
From left to right: Isobel Dormon -The Forum, Mikey Powell –Assembly Hall Theatre, Bob Willard Watts – CTW, Jason Lower –Trinity Theatre, Dawn Badland –Applause, Alexandra Curson –The Amelia Scott
Creative Tunbridge Wells aims to provide comprehensive support, collaborative opportunities, and advocacy for strategic growth and success of the local creative sector. By partnering with existing creative businesses, community groups, freelancers, and cultural organisations, CTW spearheads a range of tailored projects and resources. These include networking
Tunbridge Wells is a hugely entrepreneurial place and regularly tops the charts for creative hotspots. CTW will play a vital role in taking this to the next level
events, skills development workshops, assistance in accessing funding and grants, and fostering strategic partnerships. CTW’s goal is to empower individuals and businesses within the creative industry, enabling them to thrive and grow.
Alex Green CEO of RTW Together commented: “RTW Together is delighted to be supporting and helping fund CTW, which we believe has a great opportunity to galvanise the Creative and Cultural employment sectors thereby supporting employment and growth as well as helping to sustain the events activity within the town, which benefits all.”
William Benson, CEO of TWBC added: “Tunbridge Wells Council is thrilled with the creation of CTW. Tunbridge Wells is a hugely entrepreneurial place and regularly tops the charts for creative hotspots. CTW will play a vital role in taking this to the next level – maximising our potential and ensuring even more creativity and connectivity within the sector.”
The activities of CTW are guided by the CTW Steering Group which consists of:
X Dawn Badland, Chair – Director, Applause Rural Touring
X Lucy Keeley - Culture & Creative Economy Service, Kent County Council
X Alex Green – CEO, RTWT
X Hilary Smith – Economic Development Manager, TWBC
X Jeremy Kimmel – Arts, Heritage & Engagement Director, TWBC
X Isobel Dormon – Owner, The Forum
Driving force: Local law firm Thackray Williams have donated a buggy for the elderley residents at Rockdale Housing so they can access their favourite activities a lot easier than previously
When a separated parent takes their child on holiday abroad
By Melissa Gire, Associate Solicitor in the Family & Matrimonial team at CooperBurnett LLP
Are you a separated parent planning to take your child on holiday abroad this summer? If so, it is important to consider whether you need to get consent from the other child’s parent before doing so. Taking a child abroad without permission is child abduction, so you must be clear on the legal position.
When there is no court order
The consent of every person with parental responsibility (PR) is required before taking a child outside of the jurisdiction of England and Wales. A child’s mother always has PR. A child’s father or second parent may have PR.
When there is a court order
Any person who has a Child Arrangements Order in their favour which includes an order that the child lives with them can take the child out of the jurisdiction for up to 28 days at a time. The court can also make a Prohibited Steps Order or Specific Issue Order that addresses the issue of holidays, so you must ensure that you understand any provisions.
Obtain permission from everyone with PR
A letter from the person with PR for the child is usually enough to show that you have permission to take them abroad. It is also helpful to have evidence of your relationship with the child, e.g. a divorce or marriage certificate if your family name is different from the child’s.
If consent to go on holiday is refused
You can ask the court for permission to remove the child from the jurisdiction for a holiday. The welfare of the child is the court’s paramount consideration and the court generally considers holidays to be in the child’s best interests as long as there is no genuine reason for the other person with PR’s opposition and all necessary safeguards are in place.
Make sure you check the requirements in your destination country, as it may have its own laws when travelling with a child.
If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Gire on email: meg@cooperburnett.com or tel: 01892 515022.
Election victory for Liberal Democrats as their candidate becomes MP for Tunbridge Wells
On July 4 residents of Tunbridge Wells went to the polls and by early July 5 the results were in: Mike Martin, of the Lib Dems was returned as our MP. The first time the town had a Liberal Democrat representative in Parliament was 1906.
The party had campaigned extensively throughout the lead-up to the General Election after Tunbridge Wells was declared one of its top targets.
Former TW MP Greg Clark held the seat for the Conservatives for nearly 20 years, but announced he was standing down when the election was called.
Mike Martin won the seat for the Lib Dems with a majority of 8,687, scoring 23,661 votes. In second place was Neil Mahapatra from the Conservatives on 14,974 with John Gager of Reform getting 6,484 and Labour’s Hugo Pound receiving 6,178. John Hurst of the Green Party received 2,344 votes.
According to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council there were 53 polling stations in 43 locations with 182 staff working in them and 112 counting staff.
Mike Martin told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine: “It is a huge honour to be elected as the MP for Tunbridge Wells and I am thankful for the support I have
received. I love Tunbridge Wells and will use my skills and experience to make it an even better place to live and work.
This work includes securing investment, rejuvenating the town centre and building more affordable homes. I look forward to working with businesses and residents to make this happen.”
Who is Mike Martin?
Well, he appears to be well placed to survive the cut and thrust of politics if his background is anything to judge him by.
He lives in Tunbridge Wells with his wife and baby daughter and started his career in the British Army serving with distinction as a Political Officer in Afghanistan.
Seems his job was to talk to all sides caught up in the conflict. and build relationships. He is said to be credited with inventing that job for the military.
Since leaving the Army, Mike Martin has been ‘a senior executive in a global charity that works to bring people and
communities together.’ It’s not clear from his background notes which charity is involved.
He also established his own business advising organisations on how to understand and navigate conflict and is the author of several books on psychology, conflict and travel.
As an MP he wants to make Tunbridge Wells ‘a town centre fit for the 21st century - greener, less traffic and with more things for youngsters to do’.
At a national level he sees his main focus as ‘helping guide the UK through the turbulent years that we face’.
Enough to keep our new MP busy…
Full election results, Tunbridge Wells 2024
How the dog-in-a-pram-days finally came to an abrupt end
BY RICHARD MOORE
Chatting some years ago to David Jukes – the then Leader of the Borough Council that was Tory controlled – the conversation turned to elections and choosing party candidates.
“Doesn’t really matter who they are,” said the man who ruled the Town Hall with an iron rod.
“You could put a dog in a pram and wheel it around Tunbridge Wells. So long as the pram was painted blue it would get elected.”
That is no longer the case!
Not only did David Jukes go on to be voted out but earlier this year Conservatives lost control of the council itself to the Lib Dems. The writing was clearly on the wall ; Tunbridge Wells could no longer be considered the safest Tory seat in the country.
return Lib Dem Mike Martin as their MP, pushing Conservative Neil Mahapatra into second place with Reform’s John Gager in third and Hugo Pound for Labour fourth.
One man who saw that coming was former Tory MP Greg Clark who announced earlier this year that after 20 years he would not be contesting the election, perhaps believing that even if he won the day it would probably mean years on the back benches in opposition.
“It was not just Tory gaffes that sealed their fate... the demography of the town has changed with a stream of professionals from London ”
National politics obviously played a part in the blue demise but the cause was not helped when the party’s first choice as candidate, LBC host Iain Dale, withdrew red faced after a 2022 podcast came to light in which he declared of Tunbridge Wells:
“I’ve never liked the place and still don’tI would happily live some where else.”
the years of professionals in their 20s and 30s moving into the area from London, getting on the housing ladder and starting a family. Many brought with them views aligned to those of the Lib Dems seeking ‘a fair, free and open society’.
They would have helped seal a comfortable 8,600 majority win over Conservatives for Mike Martin who believes that ‘regenerating Tunbridge Wells has never been more important’.
So, the town now has a Lib Dem council and a new Lib Dem MP. It’ll be interesting to see what between them they can achieve over the next few years.
And so it came to pass that a century of dominance came to an abrupt end on July 4 when the General Election saw voters
“But it was not just Tory gaffes that sealed their fate. The demography of the town has changed with a steady stream over
We were excited to be part of the first edition of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. We knew it would be great PR for us, and this has certainly been the case. We have had a number of comments and compliments from our clients, in addition, we have had new business enquiries from companies we didn't know before and applications from fresh candidates we wouldn't otherwise have heard from. If you’re looking for additional regional business, we'd certainly recommend the magazine
Finally, an important nod to all those who worked on the election campaigns for whichever party and in particular the likes of Labour candidate Hugo Pound. He was never going to stand a chance in this Royal town. And yet the long serving Borough councillor walked the streets and knocked on the doors, as usual, so that people could have a choice and know that they live in a democracy. Mind you, he just might get some comfort from the red tidal wave that swept the country...
Neil Simmons Managing Director of TN Recruits Ltd
www.twbusinessmagazine.com
How making connections plays a vital role in supporting business
While a borough’s borders are no boundary to business, it’s clear an area’s connectivity plays an important part in its economic success. Andrew Metcalf, Vice-Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and Managing Director of Maxim, a leading regional PR, marketing and public affairs agency based in the town, shines a light on the issue, and its implications for Tunbridge Wells businesses…
Flying high economically
There will be some in the borough critical of the environmental footprint of air travel or the planes flying overhead. However, there’s no getting away from the enormous contribution London Gatwick makes to the local economy.
In fact, according to research conducted by leading economists Oxera, London Gatwick supports 7,220 jobs across the county and was worth £515 million to the Kent economy in 2023.
Overall, London Gatwick generates £5.5 billion for the UK economy and supports more than 76,000 jobs (2023 figures), with the majority of this vital economic activity taking place in six local authority areas across the South East.
London Gatwick recently flew the flag for the region when it co-funded a delegation to UKREiiF, the UK’s leading investment event, alongside Invest West Kent, where it met with investors and developers and promoted the area’s many strengths.
For Tunbridge Wells businesses, and residents, it continues to be the airport of choice, a position strengthened thanks to the 56 airlines serving 223 destinations.
West Kent’s connectivity
It’s also great news that rail travellers and tourism groups have called for the reinstatement of a direct rail service from Kent to Gatwick, scrapped more than 15 years ago, that currently forces rail passengers to change at Redhill to reach the airport or go via London. Tourism champion Visit Kent has said the service's return would be really good news for inbound tourism, but while its return isn’t planned in the short-tomedium term, Visit Kent would continue
to liaise with partners about the options to improve connectivity between Gatwick and Kent. If the change is going to happen it’s important that Tunbridge Wells businesses lobby the route’s operators: Southern Railway and Network Rail.
Channelling growth
The county remains home to the country’s only highspeed rail line following the cancellation of HS2. The continued loss of Eurostar services from Ashford and Ebbsfleet remains an issue with politicians and businesses across the county pushing Eurostar to reinstate the Kent services.
Changes to the competitive landscape look to be on the horizon for Eurostar, which may motivate it to bring back the services. There’s news that Evolyn, another rail operator, could launch a highspeed rail service, connecting London and other European capitals, with the company announcing the purchase of 12 trains.
Tunnel vision
How many dread crossing the Thames at the QEII Dartford Bridge? Well plans for a new Lower Thames Crossing were due to hit a major milestone until the General Election was called. On 20 June, the government was expected to give its final decision on pushing ahead with the £9bn project to tunnel under the Thames between Tilbury and Gravesend.
With the political support of Kent & Medway Economic Partnership, including Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the
The new toll crossing would better connect the rest of the UK to strategicallyimportant Dover and Eurotunnel, and
unlock growth in Medway and along the M2 and M20, plus over in Essex.
Let’s hope the Labour government sticks to the new 4 October date for a decision, as the project still needs to go through planning, and needs construction to start in 2026 if it is to be completed by 2031.
mood music was it would get the green light as doing nothing was not an option with Dartford already operating above capacity.
A Summer Celebration
The weather was absolutely perfect for enTWine’s very first Summer Festival event, which was held at the Deer Park Café in Eridge on Thursday 27 June. Nearly 50 enTWine members got into the festival mood and enjoyed chatting with other business owners in the sunshine. enTWine was created in October 2020 by three Tunbridge Wells-based business owners and past Presidents of West Kent Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Lynne Gadsden from Eight Wealth Management, Pam Loch from Loch Associates Group and Victoria Sampson from CooperBurnett.
Since then, interTWine has also been established for aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, and members from that business group were invited along to the Summer Festival as well.
Break-out rooms are a key part of any enTWine event and, this time, Victoria, Pam and Lynne hosted three sessions covering ‘we listen’, ‘we share’ and ‘we benefit’ – the group’s mantra.
Guests enjoyed a delicious BBQ spread, finished off with treats from the donut van. There were also garden games to play as the sun set over the fields. Members even spotted some deer!
To find out more about enTWine, email: entwinertw@gmail.com
Party faithful
Last month guests gathered at one of Tunbridge Wells’ most prestigious venues to celebrate the inaugural meeting of our publication’s new members club.
The sun shone as invitees from across a number of different business sectors arrived at Thackeray’s to enjoy an alfresco afternoon of socialising while enjoying a delicious array of canapes and chilled drinks.
This was the first social event for the new Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Members Club and was hailed a huge success given the fantastic turnout. Key members of the town’s business community were in attendance including those from the legal and finance sectors as well as HR, recruitment, publicity and property.
“This is an extension to our monthly publication and provides opportunities to all regular advertisers and commercial partners to meet and network with likeminded CEOs, Directors and business owners in a relaxed and informal way in some of our best local venues,” Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine’s publisher Nick Moore said.
“Members are also given the opportunity to be featured in the magazine as regular expert contributors, helping them stand out as an authority within their sector. This is something that is unique to our club.”
Photography by David Bartholomew
Legal duty
After revealing a slick new rebrand at the start of July, CooperBurnett’s co-leaders Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson invited Eileen Leahy to their smart central Tunbridge Wells offices to talk about their successful law firm – and how the company’s new look is already helping it to further stand out from the crowd…
CooperBurnett LLP is certainly one of the best-known law firms in the area thanks to being in the town for over four decades and because of its personable and straightforward way of doing business with both its corporate and private clients.
Joseph Oates and Victoria Sampson have both been at the firm for over 25 years and have co-led the firm since 2018. CooperBurnett is listed in the Legal 500 and has boasted a number of presidents of the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and District Law Society over the years.
“I decided to dispense with the traditional hierarchy of a law firm. I thought why don’t we just co-lead the firm? It was about recognising each other’s complementary talents
“We’d been a firm where we had up to eight owners at one time. This then went down to three when our former partners either retired or moved on. As I had held equity for six months before Victoria, she expected me to become the Senior Partner. But I decided to dispense with that type of traditional hierarchy,” explains Joseph.
“I thought why don’t we just co-lead the firm? It was about recognising each other’s complementary talents so why would you exclude that for the sake of a job title?”
That, adds Joseph was the start of the pair’s decision to start doing things differently and making their own mark.
Joseph continues: “I would like to think that we’re not mechanistic, we are focused on sustainable growth. I mean, if we look at our staffing numbers, two and a half years ago we were at 38 and now we’re at 51. That is also reflected in our turnover and whether or not it’s good to talk about money, it’s a measure of our success.”
“We have a distinctive culture here at CooperBurnett, not only as an offering to our clients, but also as a place to work. We view both as equally important: Our clients and our people.
“When we joined the practice in the late 1990s it was a traditional partnership where a lot of the emphasis was on who was earning the most fees,” Victoria explains. “The profession back then was
very much more general practice and not specialised like it is today.”
Our interview is taking place at CooperBurnett’s HQ Napier House on Mount Ephraim Road which is a beautiful period building right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. The ambience there today is one of excitement as Joseph, Victoria and Jennifer Irving have just overseen the launch of their rebrand which has been very successful… but more on that later.
“Both of us have had most of our careers here so when we assumed full strategic management of the firm in 2018 it was exciting to have that opportunity to start doing things the way we wanted to,” states Victoria.
“Although it all happened fairly quickly it
A new era for CooperBurnett
Monday 1 July marked an exciting new chapter for CooperBurnett, as the Tunbridge Wells-based law firm unveiled its refreshed branding.
While the new look may appear quite different at first glance, there remains the distinctive ‘CooperBurnett’ teal core which runs through the heart of the firm. It has also introduced a very personable ‘coral sands’ colour, alongside a ‘solid and constant’ navy.
CooperBurnett is proud of its ‘3Ps’ – people, people and profit – and this is reflected in the new branding. The interlinking ‘OO’ of CooperBurnett emphasises how the firm works in partnership – with its clients; its own TeamCB; and its community.
“We are very proud of this refreshed branding, which is the result of many
hours of creative hard work by Kelly Wilcox at Tunbridge Wells-based BakerWilcox, along with input from our management team, particularly Jennifer Irving, who have committed help and dedication to making this rebrand process a reality,” says Partner Joseph Oates.
Partner, Victoria Sampson adds: “This has been a passion project for us (and for those who have embarked on rebranding will perhaps say a real labour of love!). We could not have achieved this without the guidance, persistence and professionalism of the team at our web agency Target
was a gift because we had an opportunity to look at what we had. We possessed a very clear focus in terms of how the firm was going to grow and how we were going to bring people in and up.
“It can be lonely being a solo leader so Joseph and I being partners, in business and life, have always had the benefit of being able to brainstorm, discuss - and argue - with each other as needs dictate.”
“
Our three Ps stand for People, People and Profit. It’s funny because people told us off at the time saying ‘you can’t talk about money’! But profit isn’t necessarily just about money
Joseph infers that initial changes weren’t just limited to dispensing with the age-old hierarchy framework of a law firm but included other radical decisions.
“We wanted to bring Jennifer Irving, our Head of Residential into our senior management team. Now this was fairly unprecedented as she is not a solicitor but I think that was an outward expression of the way we regard her. It was recognition of her deep value to the firm which is far more important than the fact she didn’t
Ink; photographer Dee Airey; Practice Manager, Clare Kelly; our PR, social media and content creator, Angela Ward; and our longstanding designer, Heather Gullick from Scroobius – Print and Web.”
Photograhpy : David Bartholomew
go to law school.”
“We would say she has established herself as an incredible ambassador for the firm,” states Victoria.
“What Jennifer has created in the residential property team is second to none - and her success is the firm’s success. We’re bringing more people like her into CooperBurnett, showing them how they can do it too. Respecting people over hierarchy is key for us.”
But before we delve further into the nuances of how CooperBurnett does business differently we must, Victoria tells me, rewind back to March 2020 when Covid hit.
“That night when we sat watching Boris telling us the world is shut we looked at each other and said: ‘Oh my goodness, do we have a business?’ Yes it was
“
We are a firm of solicitors that can look after you, your family and your business – through the good and the bad ”
terrifying, but looking back retrospectively it opened our eyes to so many things like remote working, flexibility and generally empowering people to do what they needed to do in order to put the business first,” explains Victoria.
Joseph reveals that during that very uncertain time at the start of the pandemic he came up with the mantra: ‘Wherever you are, we are here for you.’ “It was a firm recognition of that kind of flexibility we could offer our clients and people.”
Also around this time is when the partners came up with the concept of CooperBurnett’s ‘Three Ps.’
“This stands for People, People and Profit,” Victoria explains. It’s funny because people told us off at the time saying ‘you can’t talk about money’! But profit isn’t necessarily just about money. It’s about how we can profit from one another and how our community can profit from us. It’s another way of saying value.”
All of the above is what has led to the company’s excellent reputation –especially when it comes to staff retention say Victoria and Joseph.
“We can certainly be proud of that fact and we’re aware that doesn’t happen everywhere. It’s not about offering competitive salaries and then expecting people to put up with the culture. For us it’s about becoming part of a work family.”
Victoria admits she knew from the age of 11 that she wanted to be a solicitor so it’s no wonder that she is so passionate about what she does. “I love my work,” she beams. “I think you have to have passion – whether that’s for people and their progression, your clients or the success of the business – or all three.”
In terms of what CooperBurnett specialises in, Joseph jokes that people could almost define the firm by what they don’t do: “We are a firm of solicitors that can look after you, your family and your business – through the good and the bad.”
Some of their key areas include: Commercial Property & Development, led by co-business owners, Jonathan Rowe and Tom Lumsden, Corporate & Commercial, Employment, Dispute Resolution on the corporate side and Family, Wills & Probate and Property Disputes on the private side. “Our clients demand our expertise. A lot of them own a business and live in this area so usually you either start with the family side of things and then transfer over the business
trainees, Joshua joined us last year as a paralegal through the MLaw programme, which is done through the University of Kent. So rather than doing what was the old LPC, they do a Masters qualification which enhances the students’ foundations of legal knowledge and equips them for the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE). Joshua has got a distinction in the MLaw and is now going to train with us. Our advice is do not race to qualify. We think the regulator is trying to accelerate the process which we say doesn’t suit the profession – and it doesn’t suit the clients or the solicitor. You are still learning every day so we are trying so hard to support these people coming into the profession.
“One of our partners, Sarah Strong, has just celebrated a decade with us and is absolutely phenomenal but it takes time and investment to train somebody. It’s an investment.”
Victoria adds that of course she and Joseph realise they are a business and here to do well but with 50 years of collective experience between them, the pair know they have a responsibility to the next generation entering into their profession: “If we ignore people coming in then we won’t have the opportunity to influence how they are going to look at the profession and I think that is really
or vice versa. We are very approachable and try to make everything as clear and concise as we can for people. We certainly don’t have the high London rates but this doesn’t mean that there is ever a compromise on our service levels.”
Our conversation then naturally navigates its way back to the subject of people and how well they perform. There are many in TeamCB who have come via the traditional route of law school but, Joseph and Victoria are also passionate about championing alternative ways into the profession.
“How one qualifies as a solicitor has changed so fundamentally over recent years,” says Victoria. “One of our new
important,” Victoria stresses. “We like to retain what we see as the best part of the profession’s heritage, namely its broad base of training – just without the absence of the hierarchy. It’s also about recognising the various pathways to progression too.”
Joseph tells me that another thing that has changed over the years is internal communications. “We meet regularly with our staff and we talk to them about their objectives. That didn’t happen when we started out. We would meet with the partners perhaps once a year to be given a pay review and that meeting would be very short. So here we’re talking about our people’s ambitions within the firm
and how these can be used outside of the office. For example, we have a charity committee who come up with ideas for our charitable endeavours, which the firm then supports by pound matching. So for every pound that we raise from our donors we will match it. But we allow our staff to choose who the charities will be and they are changed every two years.” Currently CooperBurnett’s chosen charity is Jigsaw South East.
Joseph and Victoria are also very keen that staff are involved with additional vocational roles. “Natasha Smith is a Trustee of Demelza while we’re both BID Directors and our colleague Tom Lumsden supports Pickering, for whom we also do pro-bono work.
“People note from seeing our social media or reading about us, that there’s more to CooperBurnett than just how many chargeable units you can do in a day,” Joseph states. “There’s an added depth here. Our focus is not just on billing. We support people to bring full value to the firm themselves but we don’t boil it down to those sort of indices –which is quite unusual for a law firm!”
“I think it’s just recognition that we’re all grown-ups and if you’ve got the right work ethic, then you’ll apply yourself. I don’t see the point of micro management,” adds Victoria.
Joseph agrees: “I don’t think that sort of thing generates loyalty. What is it if
it’s just numbers and rubrics? Here we have meetings about people’s ambitions and we are here to encourage them to develop. We will help people courtesy of our experience, but it will never be measured by widgets.”
People, Profit ethos doesn’t it?
Victoria responds say that yes, it is selfperpetuating. “We have the mantra of retain and recruit, but retain comes first always. Our retention is something we are very proud of. We talk about ‘umbilical whiplash’ because people will leave and then want to come back… the second P is also people. We want to work for the best people and have the best work. In short it just makes you feel good and, if you feel good, people are going to want to work for you.”
Before she has to dash to another
meeting, Victoria briefly explains the thinking behind the smart new CooperBurnett branding which was created by BakerWilcox, with a new website crafted by CooperBurnett’s longtime web agency, Target Ink – both based in Tunbridge Wells. “It has been a long time coming and we are so delighted with it as we believe it embodies everything we are about. You have the coral sands colour which symbolises the empathy we have, the navy is reliability and professionalism and then the teal, which runs through the middle, is a nod to our original CB branding. For me it is very personal and represents who we are, what we do and what we strive to be.
“We revealed it to our team a few days before the official launch and everyone loved it. We’ll be 44 next year and two of our longest-serving staff members have been here 40 of those years which is just wonderful as it proves longevity and loyalty.”
“We’ve wanted to create a place where clients want to return and staff remain as well as providing the best service that we can,” states Joseph who tells me that the majority of their clients are from Kent, Sussex and Surrey but that loyalty runs deep so the geography is ever expanding.
“We have many clients who have moved away from the area but will still instruct us. And we’re very grateful for that.”
www.cooperburnett.com
This, I suggest, cycles back to the company’s People,
On the money:
award-winning international payments for local businesses
At the Finance Hub we are expertly placed to offer a variety of financial solutions for businesses and individuals. International payments and foreign exchange is one of the many areas where we can provide expertise and support through our partnership with Currencies Direct. Read on to discover more…
Currencies Direct is a Londonbased international payments provider that specialises in foreign exchange solutions for corporate and private clients. Founded in 1996, they were one of the first currency specialists in Europe and have over 25 branches globally.
The Finance Hub partnered with Currencies Direct in 2022 to fill a gap in our offering regarding foreign exchange expertise. Many of the businesses in our network send or receive payments in foreign currencies and now have a provider they can trust to offer excellent exchange rates and risk mitigation solutions.
“In my opinion, the partnership between Currencies Direct and the Finance Hub is exceptionally beneficial and unique,” says Katie Keith on behalf of Currencies Direct.
“It allows us to leverage each other’s strengths to deliver superior financial services and innovative solutions to clients throughout their major life events.”
The company not only provides businesses in The Finance Hub’s network with cost savings on their exchange rates but they also help identify their FX risk exposure.
So, when is your business at risk from fluctuations in exchange rates? If you deal in multiple currencies, use international suppliers and buy and sell in overseas markets, you are at risk to market movements the majority of the time.
How to determine which areas of the business are most at risk varies from business to business, but there are key indicators that Currencies Direct can help to identify. As many companies start to finalise their budget for the next financial year, understanding how to best mitigate these risks and include exchange rates in budgets is crucial.
Businesses that know their outbound (or inbound) foreign exchange requirements will need to include this as part of their budgeting process. This can be difficult as although they may understand how
much currency they require over their budgeting period, they do not know how their required currency pair will move during that time.
As a result, it can be challenging to determine an appropriate exchange rate to include in your budget and lead to potential losses if miscalculated. More
“
It can be challenging to determine an appropriate exchange rate to include in your budget and more SMEs are seeking expert support in this area and locking in profits to protect cash flow
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and more SMEs are seeking expert support in this area and are locking in profits to protect cash flow.
This is done through the use of forward contracts which are simple non-standardised agreements to exchange two designated currencies
at a predetermined exchange rate on a specific future date. Highly effective at protecting against adverse market movement, forward contracts remove the likelihood of nasty surprises by allowing businesses to lock in an exchange rate for later use. This gives finance teams much greater certainty when managing funds and payments in multiple currencies. Managing international payments can be daunting and expensive if not planned for. By utilising the expertise at the Finance Hub and our relationship with Currencies Direct, business and individuals can access decades of experience, excellent rates and risk mitigation solutions.
Find out more by contacting us on 01892 280000 or come in for a visit in our modern offices in the prestigious 1887 building in The Pantiles.
FINANCIAL GUIDANCE: Katie Keith from Currencies Direct with The Finance Hub's Gillian Palmer and Siobhan Stirling from Make It Your Business
Building on success
The beleaguered former cinema site in the heart of Tunbridge Wells is finally being developed after two long decades. Eileen Leahy spoke to Will Bax, CEO of Retirement Villages Group about how it will be breathing new life into this area of town courtesy of a stylish new housing and community development
Anyone who has lived or worked in Tunbridge Wells for a long time will know that the centre of the town has had an infamous ‘grot spot’ for over two decades. We’re referring of course to the former ABC cinema site which has sat as a blot on the TW landscape since the cinema shut in 2000. Visible from a number of vantage points including Church Road, Mount Pleasant and Crescent Road you couldn’t have missed it if you were shopping, socialising or commuting through Tunbridge Wells over the past 24 years. This highly valuable site and its hoardings became as familiar a landmark as the Town Hall and Trinity’s clock tower given it was redundant for so long – despite many failed attempts by developers to buy it. But in 2021 a deal was finally done by Retirement Villages Group to develop it into a ‘later living’ residential development, for the over 65s, under its Thrive Living brand. At the time of the deal the group announced it would aim to build 150-180 apartments and would also include a public green space, retail
This
new development will be amenity-rich housing thanks to the retail, hospitality and leisure offerings open to residents and the public
outlets and hospitality offerings too. Fast forward three years and as cranes and lorries started to move in and ground was officially broken last month, it would seem that finally after nearly a quarter of a decade of waiting, Tunbridge Wells will no longer have its notorious ‘grot spot’.
Retirement Village Group’s Chief Executive Officer Will Bax tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine in his own words about the new development and what it will offer to both those who will live there as well as the wider Tunbridge Wells community…
”I live in Kent and grew up not far from Tunbridge Wells, so I have followed the story of the vacant cinema site over the years. I always wondered why this site in the heart of such a fantastic town remained empty for so long. It always puzzled me that no one could figure out a way of unlocking its potential to the benefit of the town.
In 2020, we were made aware that the site was once again, back on the market. We explored the opportunity, and to cut a long story short, in 2021, we
CEO - Will Bax
Photograph:
David Bartholomew
agreed to buy it. We then started initial conversations with the Council and more latterly, with a variety of stakeholders to understand their expectations for the site.
Given the site’s location, we felt it needed to integrate better with the town and offer more civic and public amenities. We were always going to do something in the later living category as this was right up our street. As such, we spent a long time talking to people about what they wanted, listening to opinions on how we could enhance our offering and getting to know Tunbridge Wells.
In my experience, understanding the community’s hopes and fears is crucial to creating something genuinely useful- a force for good with longevity. As developers, of course some people opposed our plans, but there were an awful lot of people who were uncertain. The common theme was for something to happen with the site.
Taking onboard all the feedback we received, we submitted a planning
Wells town centre, and people will adapt to it fairly quickly. An important point is that it’s a civic building, with the ground floor dedicated to retail, hospitality, and leisure. In these spaces we aim to attract independent businesses and to be sanguine with the rents. As we progress, we’ll continue to have lots
“
We give real credit to the planning team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – they have been so engaged
”
of conversations with the community on what they want to see and how we can create a space beneficial for both residents and locals. We are not interested in gated luxury residential developments; that’s not our focus. Instead, we want to build communities that play a valuable part in their town and neighbourhood. Our vision extends beyond exclusive amenities for the residents of our Thrive Living community; the restaurant, the gym and a new public space for the town, will be accessible to everyone, fostering great community spaces. Our company values authenticity and genuine engagement, and as time has gone by, I believe people can see that. As a society, we need better solutions to support our ageing population. Society often views ageing quite negatively. However, we know through running various later living developments around the country, that that these communities are really interesting and vibrant places to live in later life. We’ve been very much
consent for a slightly larger project.
Considering Tunbridge Wells’ architectural history, it was essential for the building to be noteworthy. Some of those we talked to wanted a classic Decimus Burton building, while others desired a more Georgian approach. However, given its proximity to the Art Deco Town Hall, and as an architectural reference point, we decided to mirror the Town Hall’s style and scale. The former cinema’s Art Deco design also influenced our choice, and that is the route we chose.
People definitely have different views on this, but we believe the building will fit comfortably within the Tunbridge
DIGGING FOR VICTORY: RVG’S WORK ON THE OLD CINEMA SITE IN NUMBERS
• Construction works started on site in February 2024
• Construction will take approximately 2.5 years
• The site anticipates to peak at approximately 200-250 workers on site at the busiest period during construction
• The residential development will consist of a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments over 4 residential blocks
• Retirement Villages Group (RVG) and building contractor partner McAleer & Rushe, will deliver the development having been supported by at least 100 external consultants, subcontractors and key suppliers
• There is almost 10,000 square feet of retail space within the development, spanning across 9 retail units which range in size to accommodate a variety of prospective tenants
Photograph: Swoop Media
inspired by New Zealand, which leads innovation in this space globally.
At Thrive Living, we are deliberately developing in more urban and connected areas, offering better options for clubs, activities, retail, and hospitality. Recently, at the 40th anniversary of our first RGV development in Cranleigh in Surrey, I received a list of over 60 activities available to residents, from arts and crafts to gardening and opera streaming! We need to shine a light on these brilliant ways of living in later life. We want to lance the boil of ageism that we see in our society and instead of referring to later living communities, I think they should be ‘renaissance communities’. It turns the whole argument of ‘we don’t want a load of old people living in our town’ on its head.
Tunbridge Wells has a really interesting challenge around its ageing profile, as young people can’t afford to buy in the town. It’s an important issue Tunbridge Wells needs to figure out. One solution is to deliver excellent options for older people to live independently in later life, unlocking housing that is currently frozen out of the market.
I am so excited about opening the doors to our new Thrive Living community. People will be amazed by what they see and the active lifestyles the group of people who live there will play in Tunbridge Wells’ life. We’re very fortunate
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We want to build communities that play a valuable part in in their town and neighbourhood
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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.
to have Trinity Theatre right opposite us and we have already forged a valuable partnership with them.
I commend the planning team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for their high-quality engagement. It was a different experience to what we’re used to. Cllr Hugo Pound, then Cabinet Minister for Housing, and TWBC Leader Ben Chapelard were incredibly valuable in promoting the project and getting it over the line.
We’re now on-site and making great progress. Our contractor is brilliant, particularly in traffic management and consideration for those living and working around the building site. The development will take about 2.5 years to complete and will consist of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments across four residential blocks. People will also have the choice to rent. Last year, 40% of new residents moving into our communities chose to rent.
This new development will offer amenity-rich housing, including retail, hospitality, a fantastic gym, and a common space accessible to all. We’re good at creating beautiful places that surprise and delight. When people step inside, they’ll think wow, this is different. We’re very excited to be in Tunbridge Wells. Watch this space!” tunbridge-wells.retirementvillages. co.uk
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?”
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
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
Work it out
Since the pandemic there has been a huge surge in demand for coworking spaces – at the last count there were 15 different companies offering flexible working offerings in Tunbridge Wells. So what do these coworking companies offer? Freya Hodge spoke to a few and discovered there is something out there for everyone...
Desk Renter:
Desk Renter was established in 2015 and since then the organisation has grown from operating from just one single room in Tonbridge to having over a hundred members (and 7 dogs) in five locations across Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.
To date Desk Renter boasts 22 private office suites, 161 desk spaces, three meeting rooms and two gardens.
“Like a lot of providers we offer the full range of services from virtual office post handling, to meeting spaces, hot desks, dedicated desks in shared spaces through to private offices,” says Simon McArdle of DeskRenter Ltd. The company has multiple sites here in Tunbridge Wells, including at The House and also Prospect House, as well as in Tonbridge.
“What sets us apart is that having come from a design and technology background, we’ve focused on creative people and those working around them. This allows us to work closely with members, bringing them together to share knowledge, experience and significantly to collaborate on client projects,” he adds.
“Over our 9+ years we’ve worked with Economic Development teams at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council and Kenty County Council.
“We’ve delivered a free mentoring programme and helped members to
The Hive:
The Hive 12-16 the Pantiles offers a wonderful grade 2 star listed building which was built in the 1660s - and frequented by King Charles the 1st. It has been restored to its past glory and now offers a total of 11 office suites—rentable by the day/week/month. There is also a retained desk studio, a zoom booth, kitchen and showers.
Owner Stuart Smith says: “Located in Bath Square it is a great location to reach where it’s all happening. There is also a VIP guest section here as well as area to meet and relax with access 24/7.”
In addition to The Hive there is also The Buzz at 7 The Pantiles. It offers a hot desk studio where people have free internet access and desk space and just pay for any food they consume. “Hot desking has never been so tasty,” laughs Stuart. “In addition, we have an 8-person meeting
receive direct grant funding. We’ve introduced individuals who’ve started businesses together and supported member organisations as they’ve grown –in one case from 1 to 80 people.
“We are very proud to say our first Tonbridge office was designed by a member who is an architect, our website is run by a company in our Monson Road offices - even the majority of art on our walls is by local artists who’ve sold work and received commissions through displaying with us.
“And yes, we have free fresh coffee and cold beer in the fridge but most importantly we now have a lot of friends and colleagues working with us.”
Other Desk Renter benefits include:
X Affordable and flexible
room equipped with a 52-inch-wide screen TV.”
The Buzz provides wonderful food and drink for all its customers and is open open seven days a week with live Fridays every week.
“Both our premises are located in Bath Square in The Pantiles and therefore offer a great location to work, eat and play.”
Other benefits at The Hive include:
X It has its own restaurant, Kypseli Taverna, and café The Buzz
X Kitchen Space
X Peer mentoring
X Workshops and socials
X Promotes sustainability
X Offices, dedicated desks and hot desks
X 24hr access
X Parking
X Pet friendly
Desk Renter’s USP: Its main selling point is its affordability; the prices are fixed monthly so you know exactly what you’ll be paying. Each space has a very unique appeal and there is a lot of support from Simon and his team should clients need it. Desk Renter hosts many networking and events, creating a very sociable and connected community.
01892322711
www.deskrenter.co.uk
X Meeting rooms and Zoom booths
X Boutique office suites
X Height adjustable desks, integrated charging points and mobile monitors for streaming
X The Hive aims to reduce the need for workers to commute, therefore aiding in reducing transport pollution
X Open 24/7
The Hive’s USP: Work and hospitality places are entwined. With a Greek restaurant, Kypseli Taverna, located on the ground floor of the building which can be used to entertain clients there’s also the group’s café The Buzz which is ideal for a quick business meeting.
As part of the building, The Hive aims to advertise their workspaces as a highly social environment. They also place emphasis on sustainability which other places have not as much.
0800 0219 111
www.hivehubs.buzz
Office Tribe:
The first Office Tribe coworking space was launched in March 2019 by husband and wife team Julia and Tom Olden. They believed that Tunbridge Wells was in desperate need of a flexible workspace set up that was both contemporary and friendly. They now have two premises: one on Mount Pleasant and the other is on London Road.
Office Tribe’s Hattie Butler says: “We have always been so much more than a 'desk for hire' enterprise. We built our very foundations on the spirit of community and belonging. Humans are social creatures who find inspiration in collaboration. That extends to the way we work too.
“Through our flexible coworking day passes and our Unlimited hotdesk membership we can offer greater flexibility and accessibility to our spaces.
TW Town Hall
Having only opened earlier this year Town Hall is one of Tunbridge Wells’ newest coworking spaces. Located in part of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s HQ right in the heart of town, it offers a smorgasbord of different sized offices
Our membership model ensures it has never been more affordable to work with us for a day, month or permanently. Our user-friendly members portal allows people to sign up and easily book a hotdesk for the day, through our website or mobile app. We have stand/sit desks with an extra 10 monitor screens, as well as access to zoom and meeting rooms, plus plenty of free tea and coffee for a productive day’s work. We are dog friendly too!”
Other benefits at Office Tribe include:
X 24/7 access for members
X Printing and Scanning services
X Breakout areas
X Discounts with local businesses
X Dog friendly
– from small spaces that would be perfect for a therapist or counsellor to vast areas which would accommodate a whole team and a meeting room! Part of TownSq operative, they create spaces for freelancers and entrepreneurs to grow and develop their businesses and can also offer admin support.
Lonsdale Gate Business Centre:
This extremely smart serviced offices set up is based right in the town centre and comprises 45 offices, a gym, stylish boardroom, various meeting rooms, a small reading area and parking spaces (at an additional cost). Lonsdale Gate Business Centre was established in 2020 by father and son entrepreneurs John and Jack Elkington of Penhurst Properties. The group also has similar offices in Tonbridge and also in London.
Elena Petushynska of Lonsdale Gate Business Centre adds: “We stand out in Tunbridge Wells for our prime location, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant community, offering flexible office solutions that foster productivity and collaboration in a professional and inspiring environment.”
When we spoke to Town Hall’s Hub Manager Lucie Merkl in May she said: “For us it’s all about creating an environment that ignites collaborationand thankfully, that’s something that comes naturally with coworking. There are not many people out there with the experience we
Other Lonsdale Gate benefits include:
X Near the train station and high street
X Telephone answering, postal and
X administration services
X 24/7 access
X Security
X Shower facilities
X Meeting rooms
X Serviced offices in a range of sizes
X Fully staffed
X Shared kitchen
X Parking is available at an additional cost
X Flexible
X Dog Friendly
Lonsdale Gate’s USP:
If you’re looking for premium serviced offices that resemble something you’d find in London then you’ve
X Tea and coffee are available & kitchens
X Phone booths
Office Tribe’s USP: Building community and a friendly/casual atmosphere. A lot of social and networking events. An emphasis on being a ‘tribe’ or family. www.officetribe.co.uk info@officetribe.co.uk
have at starting, growing and supporting business communities in this way.”
Other benefits at TW Town Hall include:
X Meeting rooms and event spaces
X Central location
X Events and workshops
X Start-Up Club (Support for those starting a business)
X Provides guidance on skills and info needed to start a successful business.
X Workers benefit from TownSq’s Admin Support.
X On-site café (soon to be open)
Town Hall’s USP: We would have to say its flexibility is key. Boasting office spaces of all shapes and sizes and also both flexible and long-term working solutions, there really is something for everyone here. We can’t wait to see the new café… www.twtownhall.co.uk
come to the right place. Lonsdale Gate has a very professional and luxurious feel to it and as clients have access to a stateof-the-art fitness room you can look after your well-being as well as your business. www.lonsdalegate.co.uk
What price can you put on work/life balance?
In his column for this month TN Recruits’ founder Neil Simmons talks about establishing personal and professional boundaries so employees can reap the best of both worlds…
We are repeatedly told by job seekers how important work/life balance is to them. We recently placed a candidate with a leading law firm locally who made the decision to go from a higher paid role in the city in order to take on a local opportunity. They originally took the decision to leave the big smoke as they felt spending more time on themselves was more important to them than the additional salary they could command from the London market.
“Since our candidate’s move into a local role, their total travel time has gone from three hours on a good day, right down to 30 minutes on average”
role, their total travel time has gone from three hours on a good day, right down to 30 minutes on average. Their question to themselves prior to taking the plunge was: what would they give to have an extra 12.5 hours back per week?
Having sat down to calculate the difference in remuneration there wasn’t such a gulf, particularly with the cost of a train season ticket sitting at £8,000+ of their taxable income.
Salaries for professional roles in and around Tunbridge Wells have really improved post-Covid but this means that the competition to secure talent has now become particularly fierce.
Since our candidate’s move into a local
Let’s take a minute to just think about that number…12.5 hours per week x 46 working weeks becomes 562.5 hours per year! That’s a staggering 15 working weeks per year spent travelling, based on a standard 9-5.30 job.
In today’s world where time seems to be at a premium for everyone, it feels crazy to me that anyone would want to put themselves through that - but I suppose I have a slightly biased view.
I am in one particular WhatsApp group
with a number of friends who commute from Tunbridge Wells to London. There is often conversations about trains being crowded or, worse still, cancelled, which adds to their already painful journey. The outcome for our extremely happy candidate is that they are able to go to bed later, wake up at a reasonable hour, spend more time with friends and family, and on their hobbies. The biggest win of all for them is that they can now put their kids to bed at night. Our aforementioned candidate said: “This is priceless to me and I’ve been told these years pass quickly”. If you are ready for a change and would like to explore the job market in and around Tunbridge Wells, please get in touch. Our consultants are highly experienced at listening and tailoring a job search to meet the needs of professionals in and around the TN postcode.
Contact TN Recruits: Call 01892 571105
Email neil@tnrecruits.com
Say Cheers
Charlie, you initially spent four years building up and running Good Things Brewing Co. can you tell us about this?
Good Things Brewing is a time that we all look back on very fondly. We became the most sustainable brewery in the UK creating 90KW of energy daily, boring our own water on-sure, re-using our waste products and delivering in our electric van. We made more energy per year than we consumed.
Only 11 months of Good Things trading were outside Covid. We were very lucky as just prior to lockdown we had a canning line installed on site. This meant we could pivot the company very quickly from trade heavy to direct to consumer. We created an online shop and during that time, we sold over a 250,000 cans and just under 50,000 pints.
Tell us how the Allkin brand came about?
When lightning struck our brewery in July 2021 we were overwhelmed by the support from our community. Our GoFundme raised over £20,000 in two days and they gave us the strength to carry on. This same community went on to help us raise over £450,000 within six months of launching Allkin.
On top of the support we received throughout Covid, meant we had to come back as a more community-focused company and therefore appropriately named brew house. Our name is an important part of our journey, one that represents our community, who we are and where we are going. All - Kin, All Community, All friends, All of us.
You opened Allkin Tap & Bottle last year tell us more about your offering there?
When we opened the Tap & Bottle we decided that we wanted to have as many
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 Charlie Young at Allkin Tap & Bar on Calverley Road, which gives TN card members 10% off drinks as a thank you for supporting them Jess Gibson
of those incredibly talented breweries showcased.
Having 14 lines of the best beers in the country and ever-evolving means every time you come back in Allkin Tap & Bottle you have something new to try.
Our wine list is quite small but delicious. Each style has its own house, ‘by the glass’ offering that are very accessible and easy drinking. Luke, the third Director of Allkin, has a bar down in Brighton called ‘Vine Street’ where he has become more of a wine bar than beer which means that his knowledge on this area has helped us develop a menu that we think goes very nicely alongside our beer offering. We have recently developed a really simple cocktail menu boasting three cocktails – they are only £5 a pop, so you can’t go wrong with that.
You’ve had great food since opening thanks to local collaborations. Are you providing this in house now?
We had some absolutely brilliant pop-ups, starting with the unbelievably talented Chris Chater from Squisito and Robin Read from The Counter (our new Calverley Road neighbour). It was a lot of fun getting to try all these amazing cooks’ food, but we realised that we wanted to take it in-house. We are a brewery and pushing beer production so that has to be our main focus which is why we decided
“
“Our name Allkin is an important part of our journey and one that represents our community
”
upon serving pizza. Our chef Marc has blown us away creating 20” pizzas (also sold by the slice). The current best seller is double pepperoni. We named the pizza shop with a nod to where we came from: Good Things Pizza.
What are your plans for the rest of the year and how can we support you?
Our biggest plan is to get the brewery site up and functioning, this will mean that we can supply our taproom with some of the freshest, most delicious beer you can get anywhere in Tunbridge Wells & way beyond. Once we have a full list of Allkin beers at the taproom we will be very happy. Support us by coming in and experiencing what Allkin is. We are only at the beginning of the Allkin journey - there is so much more to come.
“Small
businesses like ours are the lifeblood of the economy”
Joe de Kwant Stoner founded his marketing agency Big Orange Media in 2016 with the aim of offering pioneering integrated digital services to clients to get their brand and messaging to a wider audience. Since then the agency has grown exponentially and now boasts clients all over the world. Joe tells Eileen Leahy more about his business’s journey
When and how was the seed for Big Orange Media sewn?
I was working in London and wasn't enjoying it very much. I’d thought for a long time that I'd really like to have my own business but with a mortgage and two small children it always seemed too much of a risk. Then one day - May 3 in 2016 to be precise - I decided that I was going to take the plunge. I came home and told my wife Jess my plans and asked her what she thought. Jess has always been my biggest support and so we set up the company that night.
Can you explain what it is you do at Big Orange Media?
We’re an integrated agency, which means we offer a wide range of different services to clients so that all their marketing needs are met under one roof. When we launched there wasn’t anything like us in the market. We had an opportunity to offer digital marketing services that weren’t available locally. Our key specialisms are website design and development, videos and podcasts, branding and creative design, social media and paid social, and PPC. Having this cohesive approach means that clients can get the maximum out of their marketing budgets, and we can ensure that their business is being promoted effectively with strong brand identity across all their campaigns.
Have you always worked in this industry?
In my twenties I was working for DMGT publishers, selling advertising in newspapers across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. I got to meet such a variety of business owners from all different sectors and I think this helped me hone the interpersonal skills that are required to hold your own in meetings and presentations to larger crowds. In 2014, I got the opportunity to work with the team at One Media, working on SO magazine and helping to launch the Times of Tunbridge Wells newspaper, which was a real highlight. Through these experiences, I have tried to bring the best bits of each
Being a truly ‘door open’ business makes us unique “ ”
of them into Big Orange. They include culture, management styles and the openness to keep learning and evolving.
What changes have you seen since you launched?
Over the past eight years we’ve grown from a team of two in the early days, to a team of fifteen - plus a wide range of expert local freelancers. We started out working on laptops in cafes (and sometimes pubs) but now have our own self-contained office in the heart of Tunbridge Wells on Mount Ephraim. We love having our office in Tunbridge Wells as it is such a creative hub with many interesting, dynamic businesses.
And how about changes in your sector in general?
The world of marketing is ever-changing, and being able to adapt to new challenges and demands of the industry has been key. This was particularly the case throughout the height of the pandemic when many clients had to temporarily close down operations and pivot on their
marketing efforts. There was a big shift to digital operations, with businesses needing to offer services online, and we adapted our offering to accommodate these needs.
Let’s talk tech…what developments have you seen in this area?
There have been huge changes in the different creative ways that companies can promote their products and services, and it’s always interesting to be at the forefront of this. Podcasts, and in particular video podcasts, are a good example of this, and these are something we’re doing more frequently as customers look to show that they’re thought-leaders
in their field. The benefit of being an integrated agency means we can take care of every aspect of the podcast process, from developing the concept, through to recording and editing, plus cover artwork design, distribution, and promotion via paid social media campaigns and landing pages.
Is your client base predominantly local or does it go further afield?
Over the years we’ve significantly expanded our client base geographically, and now we work with clients in Cyprus, France, Spain, Italy, The Bahamas, USA and Canada , across a wide variety of business types. It is always really interesting to get to know clients in different locations, and to understand the cultural nuances of their businesses to create campaigns that talk to their local audience as well as the wider global community. Being Dutch myself, it has always been really important to maintain strong links to the European business community, and so in 2018 I set up our sister company Orange Marketing Masters. It is an integrated marketing agency just like Big Orange, but designed to serve our clients based in the EU.
Can you tell us a little bit about some of your local clients?
They have continued to play a really important part in our story and we’re honoured that many come back to us time and again whenever they need marketing support or advice. It has been great to grow alongside many of them, helping them on their journey as they
Over the years we’ve significantly expanded our client base geographically, and now we work with clients in Cyprus, France, Spain, Italy, The Bahamas, USA and Canada , across a wide variety of business types
expand themselves. We decided early on not to limit ourselves to working with a particular industry, and as such we’ve had the privilege of working with a huge variety of businesses - from tech to hospitality.
What would you say are your specific USPs in terms of how you do business?
For me, it’s all about the people. I really enjoy understanding what makes people tick and as such, developing a good relationship with clients is vital. Especially in a world where there is going to be more and more automation and AI. I think that being a truly ‘door open’ business makes us unique – we always want past, present and future clients to stop by for a coffee and a chat, whether or not we’re working on a specific project for them at that time. I really believe in building community around the business and making relationships that last with clients.
You’ve recently started doing more film and podcast projects. How did this come about?
It was about reading the signals from the market. We had already been successfully creating video content since year one (and still do) and podcasting is a natural progression from that. There has been a noticeable shift in the way people consume video and audio content which has meant that podcasting is a great way for anyone to share their ideas and opinions in a genuinely authentic way and keep their audience wanting more – which is obviously very important!
Do you believe the local business community to be a supportive one?
Tunbridge Wells is a very unique place. We’ve got such a vibrant community in general, with lots of opportunities for creativity and idea sharing, which I love. I’ve always felt that the business community here looks out for each other. We’ll often get referrals from someone who knows someone - not to say that doesn't happen in other areas, I just think we are a little more open to the idea of that here.
What are you most proud of in your business journey so far?
Small businesses like Big Orange are the lifeblood of the economy, and throughout the whole of the Big Orange journey so far I’ve strived to create a happy, flexible, supportive environment that lets the team shine as individuals as well as for each person to play an important role in the success of the business.
bigorangemedia.co.uk
Photography by John Knight
“There’s never been a
better time to do an apprenticeship”
Last month we reported on how Cripps’ paralegal Callum Benson had won a top industry award. Here he tells us in his own words about his journey into the legal profession and what it feels like to have been named the BPP Apprentice of the Year in Level 4-5 …
LAW always seemed an obvious choice for me: I love solving problems and examining arguments in detail, and doing this in an exciting, ever-changing common law landscape seemed like a dream come true.
I considered a conventional degree but decided that a degree/apprenticeship would offer the same advantages without the debt associated with a being a fulltime student.
Furthermore, in law, hands-on experience with clients and within feeearning teams is critically important for building competence and commercial awareness.
Cripps has been beyond incredible as an employer. The chance to experience life as a solicitor across a variety of departments is absolutely priceless and it’s a dynamic, fun place to work.
There are countless social opportunities and learning opportunities available and the internal support teams are fantastic at facilitating juniors’ professional development. Across the firm, there’s also a massive emphasis on giving back to the community and, through my apprenticeship, I've served as the Charity Committee's Treasurer for the past year, visited a local care home over the Christmas break and signed up to visit the school across the road at lunchtimes to help children who struggle with maths. I’ve tried to expand the reach of apprenticeships by visiting numerous local schools and discussing the benefits of alternate routes in higher education.
The apprenticeship has made me more confident around others, familiarised me with team working in an office environment, and has taught me more about law than I could ever have learned from a textbook or in a lecture hall.
I entered the BPP awards hoping to recognise Cripps' impressive programme – and to further raise the profile of legal apprenticeships locally. I'm delighted to have won, and I hope that this can pave the way to future success in my upcoming four-year solicitor apprenticeship programme. It would be amazing to keep getting involved with Cripps’ community projects and to continue to build my network.
For any young people considering a career in legal practice, I can't recommend it enough. Lawyers never stop learning
new things or progressing because the environment they operate within is constantly shifting. Law presents a chance to make a meaningful difference to clients' lives, and to do something different every day.
For anybody of any age considering an apprenticeship, my advice would be: ‘go for it!’
Many sectors – professional services included – are experiencing a shift in attitude towards apprenticeships as employers and learners alike recognise the benefits of ‘on-the-job’ learning and development.
Political parties across the board are pledging more resources towards apprenticeships and they present an opportunity to break into your chosen field debt-free – ‘to earn and learn’. With top companies all over the country taking on more apprentices with each passing year, there's never been a better time to pursue alternate routes to qualification.
For more information visit: www.cripps.co.uk
HOW TO EARN AND LEARN
What is a paralegal apprenticeship?
A paralegal apprenticeship is the first rung on the ladder in terms of legal qualifications. It offers ambitious young people an alternative route into the legal profession instead of attending full-time university. Over Cripps’ two-year work-based paralegal apprenticeship programme, you complete the BPP Paralegal Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This is a qualification designed to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge needed for a career in law.
Cripps are looking for people who are:
• Well-rounded individuals with good personal and communication skills.
• Participative team players, keen to develop and learn from colleagues,
• Methodical, accurate, well organised and have the ability to work to deadlines.
LEGAL EAGLES: Callum with two other apprentices who joined Cripps in September
Leading law firm wins one of the ‘most respected accolades’
TUNBRIDGE Wells based Cripps has been named Independent Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2024.
The awards are regarded as one of the legal profession's most respected accolades, celebrating the outstanding achievements of firms and individuals across the entire legal landscape.
Cripps was up against eight others in The Independents category that honours firms ‘demonstrating consistent business growth, exceptional client service, and a commitment to the wider community’.
The judges took into account Cripps' well-defined vision and strategic direction, highlighting the fact ‘it knows what it is good at and where it wants to go’.
Cripps' strong focus on people evidenced by their B Corp certification (December 2023), further resonated with the panel. This commitment to social responsibility solidified Cripps' position as a leader not only in legal expertise, but also in driving positive social change.
The firm's strategic investments in technology were also commended by the judges.
"We are absolutely thrilled," said James Beatton, managing partner. “The past year has seen tremendous growth, with key lateral hires combined with our successful merger with PDT playing a big part of this.
“The award is a testament to our people and their dedication. This is a momentous accomplishment for everyone at Cripps, and one we all share in."
Mike Scott, senior partner, added: "We continuously strive to make a positive
and lasting impact in everything we do whether for our clients, people, communities or the environment.
“Using purpose as our core, we have articulated a clear set of values and an ambitious vision. This award serves as a powerful validation of the steps we have taken to achieve that vision, acknowledging not just our legal excellence, but also our unwavering commitment to our core purpose.”
Maintaining social trust through the AI revolution
While the adoption of AI still lags far behind the hype, consumer concern about it is growing. The findings of a recent YouGov poll highlight the need for brands to address growing mistrust about AI content and misinformation on social media.
Whether social media is your money-maker channel or a piece of the reputation-building jigsaw that helps elevate your brand currency, trust in your social content is essential. The YouGov poll of over 2,000 UK adults reveals that this essential trust is in danger of being eroded.
81% of respondents said they were worried about the trustworthiness of social content, with three quarters worried about misinformation through photoshopped images and videos, and two thirds concerned about misinformation via AI-generated content.
While you may think the solution would be to label altered or AIgenerated content, it’s not as simple as that. Nearly half the respondents
said they wouldn’t trust the accuracy of content labelled as AI generated. A quarter would unfollow or block accounts with content labelled as AI generated, with a third of consumers aged 55+ saying they would take this action.
So, with your audiences concerned they can no longer trust their newsfeed, but also saying they wouldn’t trust labelling, where does this leave your social media policy?
The answer is that credibility and authenticity need to take centre stage to maintain trust in your brand and your social content.
For credibility, only say what you know to be true and can speak on with authority, and provide source references where relevant.
For authenticity, value honesty
over perfection. Professional corporate photography and video will always have their place, but on your social feed, the more obviously genuine (and even amateur) your posts are, the better. Rather than staging official photo opportunities, you need to think social and take pictures and videos on your smart phone when you’re out with clients, on site visits, networking, brainstorming or having in-person team meetings. With consumers increasingly worried about the implications of sophisticated technology, showing your humanity – spots, unflattering angles, ‘ums’ and ‘errs’, and all –will help you stand out in a stream of manipulated content to build connection and confidence with your target audiences.
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.
“We want to bring people into our town centre”
In his regular column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID explains the importance of events and why the collective supports them for the local area
One of the most important roles the BID plays in Royal Tunbridge Wells is to entice visitors to come to the town and increase the footfall across all areas across it. We play a pivotal role in supporting events across the year that help to achieve this goal, and in turn (in addition to residents and employees having great activity to engage with), our retail, hospitality and hotel business members benefit from the visitor spend, the longer dwell time in the town and the repeat visits that a good experience generates.
Town centre ecosystems are finely balanced with a range of sectors all influencing each other and so the recent growth of online shopping has had a wide-ranging impact. This combined with pressures from external retail centres and general economic impact mean that if we wish our High Streets to thrive, it is more important than ever to find ways to bring
people into town centres. Indeed research conducted by Sustrans has shown that some smaller towns have fared better than large cities as the desire to support local businesses and events has been
adopted.
Luckily Royal Tunbridge Wells is blessed not only with two great theatres and one of the best independent live music venues, but also a plethora of events and
festivals that bring life to the town across the year. RTW Together BID is pleased to have contributed over 70 grants and £210,000 in funds over the last five years, as well as loaning equipment and supporting with promotion, to help these cultural activities take place.
Following on from our support of the Literary Festival, Food Festival, Fringe
“ ”
RTW BID has contributed over 70 grants and £210,000 in funds to support with promotion of our cultural activities
COMING SOON!
Art of the Pantiles is a free weekend cultural festival taking place at various locations across The Pantiles on 21 – 22 September. The event centres on, and celebrates, the artisan nature of The Pantiles, especially the Lower Walks and the historical element of the Georgian Walkway.
Festival and Unfest there are a range of fantastic events within the town still to come. In addition to established and much-loved annual festivals like Local & Live and Tunbridge Wells Mela Festival, we are also investing in new events to attract different audiences including Art of the Pantiles Festival and Love Fairs Antique Festival on The Pantiles as well as helping the TW Puppetry Festival and Winter Lanterns Parade return to the town in the Autumn and Winter.
Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to learn about and experience art in all its forms, including the Pantiles Artist of the Year Competition, as well as the arts of ceramics, sewing, poetry, jewellery, glass making, and furniture repairs, restoration and refinishing. There will also be interactive events for children and adults alike alongside classical music and drama.
From large listed companies to generations of families...
...we have the depth and breath of expertise to help you through every twist and turn in your professional and personal life.
Our award winning, experienced lawyers are... ...with you all the way.
A revolutionary approach
Just over two years ago Maryna Cole launched her business Aesthetics Retreat here in Tunbridge Wells. As well as offering exclusive groundbreaking cosmeceutical treatments, Maryna has since qualified as a regenerative medicine aesthetician aiding the internationally renowned surgeon Darryl Coombes with his postoperative work. Here Maryna tells us more about her business and the unique partnership she has developed with Darryl and his patients.
Can you give us some background on you and your business?
I have been based in Tunbridge Wells for over 15 years. I qualified with a Business Degree from the University of Kent and have worked in the beauty and wellness industry at different levels worldwide. As well as managing five-star spas such as Champneys in the UK and the Steiner Spa in the USA, I also ran the Royale Retreat Wellness Spa here in Tunbridge Wells before launching my own business Aesthetics Retreat in 2022. I am now qualified as a regenerative medicine aesthetician, working with Mr Darryl Coombes, a consultant maxillofacial surgeon both in Tunbridge Wells and Harley Street, London.
What does your work with Mr Coombes involve?
He refers some of his post-operative patients to me for rehabilitative treatments. Mr Coombes specialises in the surgical treatment of facial deformity, cutaneous cancers of the face, head and neck, and also cosmetic facial surgery. He has pioneered the incredible Apex Facelift which not only gives natural, tailormade results, it only takes 90 minutes and there is minimal downtime due to it being performed under a local anaesthetic. Mr Coombes works in both the private sector and also for the NHS and has clinics in Tunbridge Wells, Worthing and London.
“
Our treatments change the structure and the function of the skin, so clients see a better skin quality restoration
”How did you and Mr Coombes meet?
He treated my mother for her surgery and after a period of time we started discussing how could benefit Mr Coombes’ patients. I specialise in regenerative skincare treatments which are carried out using a special microneedling machine called the VIVACE RF. It also incorporates the wonder ingredient Exosomes into the treatment. These have been dubbed the ‘next generation aesthetics’ and help to not only chronologically slow down ageing but biologically reverse it thanks to using regenerative therapeutics and aesthetics.
What is so special about what you do? Our treatments change the structure and the function of the skin, so clients see a better skin quality restoration. Better still there is no downtime and using the Exosomes, in combination with the Vivace technique, stimulates skin cells and
results in a huge increase of collagen and elastin levels. We are therefore delighted to be one of the first places in the UK to offer this sought-after treatment which can help with both cosmetic and post-op procedures.
How does this type of work benefit Mr Coombs’ patients?
Patients who have undergone cosmetic facial surgery can have a totally unique post-surgical procedure. VIVACE RF is an award-winning revolutionary treatment which uses microneedling and radiofrequency to tighten and brighten ageing or traumatised skin. I was trained by expert Dr Shameema Damree and this is what impressed Mr Coombes. He told me that I had done my homework in terms of using the best pioneering products which could benefit those having post-operative work done. The regenerative results are truly amazing for the aftercare work I carry out and can really help correct issues such as scarring. In short: the surgeon moves the face and my job is to deliver a regenerative life support for the patient’s skin. A treatment plan can be tailored to suit an individual’s specific needs.
What’s next for you and the work you are doing with Mr Coombes?
We have been invited to attend a number of high-profile events include the ASCE+ Exosomes’ private symposium which is where the world's leading plastic surgeons along with the CEO of ExoCoBio, Dr Byong Seung Cho, will be discussing the science behind the magic of the world’s best cold chain Exosomes. Later this month we will be travelling to Malta and in the autumn we are off to Seoul in South Korea to attend another key industry events.
And finally Maryna, what makes your line of work so special?
Appearance is so important to one’s selfconfidence and mental health. I have seen first-hand how a patient changes after treatment; their confidence just shines through. It is a pleasure to help with this process.
Did you know that research indicates individuals who meticulously write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who don’t?
The above statistic alone underscores the potent influence that goal setting can have on reaching our big dreams.
Recently, I found myself deep in conversation with a friend who expressed a longing to be like Beyoncé. I said to her, “The reason we’re not like Beyoncé is because we simply can’t be bothered.” If we genuinely aspire to attain greatness or be like our idols, to possess what they have, and enjoy the lifestyle we only dream of, we have to shake off our complacency. We need to be bothered to commit.
“
Imagine the possibilities if you approached your goals with the same passion and determination as your idols?
”
Having courage to set ambitious goals is a hallmark of truly successful individuals. Beyoncé, for instance, didn’t wake up one day as a global icon adept in every facet of her craft. Her journey was one of setting monumental goals, relentless work, overcoming incessant challenges, and steadfast perseverance. We, too, must adopt this fearless approach to goal setting and follow through with the necessary actions to realise them. It really is that simple.
Often, people hesitate to set big goals, dismissing them as either overly simplistic or fearing potential failure. The truth is, simplicity often paves the pathway to greatness, and failure is a natural part of this journey. The essence lies not in the complexity of the plan but in the magnitude of the dream and the dedication to take action and bring it to fruition.
Imagine the possibilities if you approached your goals with the same passion and determination as your idols?
Consider the impact you could make, the
lives you could touch, and the legacy you could establish.
Now is the time to be bold, to stop dreaming and start doing. It’s time to engage, to commit, and to set those lofty goals into motion.
Most of us excel at keeping promises to others but hesitate when it comes to commitments we make to ourselves. Today, make a pact to pursue your dreams with unwavering dedication. Become the protagonist of your own story.
Invest in a goal planner. Write down your grand aspirations and methodically break them into manageable, written goals— daily, weekly, monthly. You’ll be astonished by the progress you can achieve.
Are you prepared to make small
adjustments to your daily routines to achieve huge results? Are you ready to truly be bothered?
Let this be your call to transform your business and your life through the simple and powerful act of goal setting. Let today be the day you decide to be limitless, no more playing small”, and achieve your dreams. Professional photographer and visibility strategist shows you how to do this...
www.deeairey.com
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.
Local Summer 2024
We Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is running its Love Where We Live Awards once again and has asked Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine to be its media sponsor. Here a TWBC spokesperson explains what they are all about and how you can get involved…
The council’s Love Where We Live Awards started in 2008 as a campaign to promote and enhance community pride,” explains Lizzie Goodwin, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s (TWBC) Communications Manager.
Lizzie is organising this year’s event which officially launched on July 8 with nominations for each category closing at midnight on September 1.
“Our aim when we launched them 16 years ago was to establish an idea that would inspire new activities and progress existing activities in the Tunbridge Wells Borough in order to enable people to feel
“
(Media Sponsor)
(Media Sponsor)
Love Where We Live is a wonderful initiative that recognises the amazing people and organisations who make Tunbridge Wells such a great place to live and work
”
This year's Love Where We Live Awards are back and open for nominations until midnight on Sunday 1 September. We've still got all the familiar categories you are used to seeing.
proud of where they live. This included litter pick projects, volunteering and charity work, as well as improving and repairing community spaces.”
Lizzie goes on to say that the early incarnation of the Love Where We Live Awards were a transition from those activities and events to recognise the many individuals and organisations who make the borough the great place it is to live.
Love Where We Live Award Categories
“Our annual community awards celebrate the people who make the borough a great place to live and work,” says Lizzie Goodwin, Communications Manager at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. “There are nine categories to choose from with an award for everyone and every group.”
Here Lizzie explains more about each one:
COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR
Community Group of the Year
Is there a group of people who are the lifeblood of your community? Do you admire a group’s collective energy, enthusiasm or achievements? Then tell us about them…
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Charity of the Year
Tell
Sportsperson/ Team of the Year
Your chance to talk about a charity that enhances the lives and wellbeing of residents in the Tunbridge Wells borough.
SPORTSPERSON/TEAM OF THE YEAR
(Media Sponsor)
businesses.
This year's Love Where We Live Awards are back and open for nominations until midnight on Sunday 1 September. We've still got all the familiar categories you are used to seeing.
Green Business Do
Through this award we’d like to recognise an individual, team or club who has made exceptional progress
This year's Love Where We Live Awards are back and open for nominations until midnight on Sunday 1 September. We've still got all the familiar categories you are used to seeing.
This year's Love Where We Live Awards are back and open for nominations until midnight on Sunday 1 September. We've still got all the familiar categories you are used to seeing.
“These people give up so much of their precious time and energy so as to improve the quality of life for many of our residents and we wanted to reward and recognise these achievements at an annual awards event.”
Our annual community awards celebrate the people who make the borough a great place to live and work. So, with nine categories to choose from, which one will you choose first? There’s an award for everyone and every group!
“We held the event in the Assembly Hall Theatre and brought on board sponsors and tweaked categories from time to time. For the next decade the awards were held annually until we decided to make them bi-annual in 2022. And now, two years later, we are in 2024, and I’m pleased to say they have continued to grow in size and popularity.”
This year Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine has been asked to be the event’s media partner and to also sponsor its Green Business of the Year Category.
Our annual community awards celebrate the people who make the borough a great place to live and work. So, with nine categories to choose from, which one will you choose first? There’s an award for everyone and every group!
Our annual community awards celebrate the people who make the borough a great place to live and work. So, with nine categories to choose from, which one will you choose first? There’s an award for everyone and every group!
The first official Love Where We Live awards ceremony took place in 2010 with just two categories awarded: Most Outstanding Contribution to the Community and Most Outstanding Individual.
“In 2011 I took over and was asked to grow the awards and produce a plan. The following year in 2012 heralded the first of the new style awards which boasted more categories and broadened to include
The title’s editor Eileen Leahy comments: “We are delighted to be part of this wonderful initiative which recognises the wonderful people and organisations who make Tunbridge Wells such a great place to live and work. It is an honour to support the business community by sponsoring the Best Green Business award for 2024.”
The awards other sponsors include
under on 1 September 2024.
“
I used The Finance Hub recently to sort my pensions and wills. Both were sorted in a polite and quick fashion and fully updated along the way, and I would use them again for any future financial decisions or information. I have recommended to friends who have used them too. One stop shop for any financial advice – keep it up guys, doing a great job!
”
Google review
Your exclusive invitation to join our club…
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is proud to announce its new members club. Read on to discover how you can be part of it and reap the numerous rewards
The TW Business Magazine
Members Club is an extension of the monthly publication provided free to all regular advertisers* and commercial partners.
Here the title’s CEO Nick Moore reveals why he is delighted to launch this exclusive club.
“Our TW Business Magazine Members Club has been very well received. As an extension of the publication it provides our advertisers and clients with the opportunity to meet and network with like-minded CEOs, Directors and Business Owners in a relaxed and informal way in some of the best local venues.
“Members are also given the opportunity to be featured in the magazine as regular expert contributors, helping them stand out as an authority within their sector. This is something that is unique to our Club.”
TW Business club membership provides:
networking events over the year for senior level business owners and executives to come together, sharing best practices, knowledge and contacts in a relaxed and informal environment held at carefully selected venues within the area
X The chance to participate in topical and engaging round table debates with fellow professionals which will be serialised in the magazine and online, highlighting the expert participants and their views
X An opportunity to be a recognised as a regular editorial contributor in the magazine within your field of expertise
X Participation in relevant business surveys and inclusion within subsequent coverage and press releases
X Access and personal introductions to other members within the club with whom you’d like to do business with X Support and advice from our
experienced editorial, creative and commercial teams acting as an extension to your in-house resources
X Invitations to attend relevant third party events and celebrations as our guest
If you’re interested in joining the TW Business Magazine Members Club please email hello@twbusinessmagazine.com
*Membership is free of charge to all companies who commit to advertising in a minimum of 6 issues over a 12-month period of the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. Alternatively membership can be purchased at £75+vat per month, payable in one annual subscription of £900+vat.
www.twbusinessmagazine.com
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Toasting Tunbridge Wells
In November Jess Gibson will host the first TN Card Tunbridge Wells Business Awards and Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine will be its media sponsor. Here she tells us more about the event…
"I created the TN card to highlight and promote the many small businesses that are the lifeblood of our community and local economy, and make Tunbridge Wells an amazing place to live and work. Launching a business awards is a natural extension of thisgiving a platform to our town's best businesses and the people behind them, from our biggest employers to our high street retailers and sole traders.
“Having hosted the Tonbridge Business Awards in June this year, I'm looking forward to bringing the same concept to Tunbridge Wells in November, with a glittering awards ceremony at Trinity that will mark the beginning of the festive season.
“Guests can expect an inclusive evening in the heart of our community that will celebrate our businesses and toast this special town, while raising money for a number of Tunbridge Wells charities." Those who will benefit are: Trinity Theatre, Nourish Community Foodbank and
“Guests
can expect an inclusive evening in the heart of our community that will celebrate our businesses and this special town”
amplifi.
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine will be the event’s official media partner and also sponsor of the Big Business category.
Nick Moore, CEO of JJL Media which publishes this title said:
“As the region’s leading business publication we’re pleased and proud to be support the TN Card Business Awards helping to recognise and reward the very best of local businesses.
“In 2025 we look forward to collaborating with Jess and her team to create a single Tunbridge Wells business awards, producing unrivalled support, exposure and options for local businesses.”
The event, which is being sponsored by CooperBurnett law firm, will take
place at Trinity Theatre on the evening of November 26 and entry for the awards will start on September 9 and close on October 14. The judges and compere for the ceremony will be announced at the end of this month.
For more information visit www.thetncard.com
The TN Card TW Business Awards Categories are:
New business
Food & Drink
Retail
Creative
Hair & Beauty
Health & Wellbeing
Small Business
Large Business
Employer
Businessperson of the Year
Community
Members' Choice
“We
are feeling very positive about what we can do”
Starting this month Tunbridge Wells Borough Council will have a regular column in Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. The idea is to inform readers of its new and ongoing projects and share any relevant news. Here Cllr Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development and TWBC’s Deputy Leader, talks about the important work she and her team do and reveals some exciting plans for both our retail and culture sectors…
Aweek is a long time in politics and May’s local elections already feel like ancient history. At the time of writing we have just had a General Election and we now have a new MP for Tunbridge Wells: the Liberal Democrat’s Mike Martin.
As a Lib Dem majority council, we look forward to working constructively and positively with Mike who now has the privelege of reperesenting the constituency.
There is much to do on multiple fronts, not least of which is supporting the business community and doing everything in our power to make our towns and villages vibrant, in what for many residents and businesses are bleak times.
The wonderful Economic Development
“ ”
Economic Development works with Kent County Council to deliver highways schemes such as the pedestrian-friendly High Street and improved cycling and walking. We also collaborate closely with the Business Improvement District and are working to bring a monthly farmers’ market to the town
team (ED) leads this work. ED is the first point of contact for business enquiries to the Council, compiles the monthly E-biz newsletter and manages the Visit Tunbridge Wells social media and website. ED works with Kent County Council to deliver highways schemes such as the pedestrian-friendly High Street and improved cycling and walking. We collaborate closely with the Business Improvement District.
We are working to bring a monthly farmers’ market to the Calverley Road precinct. We apply for government funding and are currently overseeing distribution of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (aka Levelling Up money). Some of the fund has gone to business initiatives, including grants; work experience schemes for young people with SEN; BEAM (an employment and housing support project); additional
Putting you at the heart of what we do.
Solving problems. Championing ambitions
marketing spend for the visitor economy; events such as the West Kent Expo and recruitment fairs; and Creative Tunbridge Wells, which will support the local creative industries - everything from architecture and live music to software and graphic design.
As someone whose day job is in Tunbridge Wells’ lively marketing sector, I am certain this will deliver tangible benefits.
Talking of creativity, TWBC Culture comes under my ED portfolio and, as we are fond of saying, Culture IS Economic Development! Under the outstanding Culture team, the Amelia Scott and the Assembly Hall Theatre are thriving. We want to do more, and we want to support other creative and cultural organisations, too – this is part of the remit of Creative
Culture brings wellbeing, education and economic regeneration. Last week, I was reading about how cultural programme Eastbourne ALIVE!and the hosting of the Turner Prize at the seaside town’s Townergallery had contributed around £16.1m and almost 200,000 visitors to the local Economy. These are the kinds of cultural ambitions we have for Tunbridge Wells.
Back in January, TWBC welcomed a corporate peer challenge (a bit like Ofsted for councils). Colleagues from other local authorities visited us over three days
and one of the great outcomes has been discussions about social value.
For public sector organisations, social value means looking beyond the purely financial costs to consider how services can improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of an area. Now that the council’s finances are on a sustainable footing, we are all feeling positive about what the council can do to make life better for everyone living and working in the borough.
If you have a business and we can help, please get in touch by visiting www.business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Is your business being affected by increased absences as we head into summer?
As the weather heats up, you may start to notice a correlation between high temperatures and increased sickness absence rates. The start of summer ‘24 in particular has sprung challenges to “staff sickness” rates, with many significant UEFA Euro football matches taking place on weekday evenings.
With sporting events continuing throughout the summer, it’s important to identify these patterns and address absenteeism, as ultimately this affects your bottom line. Having the appropriate procedures in place, makes this process simpler.
up with staff during and after their absences.
starts or late finishes. This would remove the need for employees to call in sick or requesting extra time off, particularly last minute.
X Have robust sickness and absence policies in place.
X Encourage staff to book their holiday requests with advance notice, so that you are able to fulfil their requirements and prepare for their absence.
Ultimately, the best way to combat summer absences is to have honest and transparent procedures in place. Encourage communication with your team about their needs and try to accommodate them where possible. Employees who feel like they are valued and listened to, will typically adhere and respect protocols.
Here’s some ways you can start to tackle summer absenteeism:
X Temporary flexible working arrangements could be put in place to accommodate the summer activities, such as early
X Make sure you are consistent in keeping a record of staff absences, so that you can track patterns and repeat offenders.
X Check in and hold return to work meetings, ensure you are following
If you would like help addressing absences in your business or other employment matter, please reach out to our team of professionals, we’d be happy to help.
Tunbridge Wells.
Photographs: TWBC
Have your say courtesy of our Business Barometer 2024 survey...
Complete
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine has commissioned a new survey to take the temperature of the town and borough’s current business climate. We’re asking companies of all sizes and from across a wide range of sectors for their opinions on everything from growth and turnover to whether the price of good and services have risen exponentially and finally what their financial expectations are for the rest of 2024. The results of this survey will be published in our August edition. You can fill in this printed survey and send it to the address on the bottom of the third page. You can also fill in the survey online at twbusinessmagazine.com/ business-barometer-survey and across our social media platforms
Q3
How did your business’s turnover in the last 6 months compare with the previous period?
Turnover increased
Turnover stayed the same
Turnover Decreased Not sure
Q4
Which of the following challenges, if any, are currently impacting your business’s turnover?
Competition
Cost of labour
Cost of Materials
Economic uncertainty
Financial costs
Insufficient demand
Q5
Lack of equipment
Shortage of labour
Shortage of materials
Weather conditions
Other
Not currently experiencing any challenges
What are your business’s expectations for turnover during the last 6 months of 2024?
Expect turnover to increase
Expect turnover stay the same
Expect turnover to decrease
Not sure
Q6
How did the price of goods or services bought by your business in the last 6 months compare with the previous year?
Prices increased
Prices stayed the same
Prices decreased
Q7
Not sure
Not Applicable
How did the price of goods or services sold by your business in the last 6 months compare with the previous year?
Prices increased
Prices stayed the same
Prices decreased
Q8
Not sure
Not Applicable
What are your business’s expectations for the prices of goods or services for the remainder of 2024?
Prices increased
Prices stayed the same
Prices decreased
Not sure
Not Applicable
Q9
Which of the following factors, if any, are causing your business to consider raising prices in 2024?
Energy prices
Finance costs
Labour costs
Raw material prices
Q10
Transportation or haulage costs
Other
Not sure
Business is not considering raising prices
At the end of your next financial year, compared to the previous financial year, are you forecasting profits to:
Increase
Stay the same
Q11
Decrease
Not sure
Over the next 6 months does your business intend to:
Increase staffing levels
Keep staffing levels the same
Q12
Decrease staffing levels
Not sure
How optimistic are you feeling about the next 12 months of trading?
Very optimistic
Optimistic
Not optimistic
Not sure
Thank you for completing the survey!
The results will be analysed and published in the August issue of the magazine.
Please send your completed survey to:
Business Survey, TW Business Magazine, 3 Chapman Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent,TN2 3EF by the 5th August 2024 to be entered into a prize draw. One business, drawn at random, will win £1,000 worth of advertising in Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. If you would like to be entered into the draw, please include your business name and contact details in the box below:
Team spirit
Since Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine launched in May this year we have had the privilege of being asked to collaborate on a number of important events. Read on to discover who we are partnering with and why…
Launching a new magazine can be an exciting yet daunting time but we’re so happy to report that Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine has been incredibly well received into the local community.
From the day we hit the stands we’ve had lots of really positive feedback on our publication, with so many of you telling us that a title that celebrates all the amazing local businesses of all sizes and across all sectors is exactly what the town needs. We couldn’t have asked for a better welcome so thank you to all our supporters and readers.
From the day we hit the stands we’ve had lots of really positive feedback so it is a real privilege to support so many great events and organisations “ ”
Such a fantastic response has also resulted in some key new collaborations with a number of different partners. From sponsoring community events and glitzy award ceremonies and supporting local charities, it has been a real privilege to be asked to be part of so many great events and organisations. Here’s just a few that we look forward to working with over the next few months…
WHAT: Best of British Charity Fundraiser Lunch with cricketing legend David Gower
WHEN: October 11
WHERE: The Spa Hotel , Tunbridge Wells Ryan Heal Founder and CEO says: “We launched our sold out Best of British
charity fundraiser with Frank Bruno last year in Tunbridge Wells and following its huge success we’re back again. This time with a media partnership in place with Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. We look forward to working with the team there to further promote the event and engage more businesses within the region to attend another fantastic event in October.”
WHAT: TWBC Love Where We Live Awards
WHEN: Nominations are open now and close on September 1
WHERE: The awards ceremony is on November 4 at the Assembly Hall
Cllr Astra Birch, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine involved in the awards this year as media sponsor. We are looking forward to working with them to spread the word to even more businesses and people in the borough. We always receive amazing nominations, but let’s hope it’s our busiest year yet for the judges!”
WHAT: TN Card Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2024
WHEN: Nominations are now open so head to @thetncard for more details or
see p39
WHERE: and the awards ceremony takes place on November 26 at Trinity Theatre Jess Gibson, TN Card founder comments: “Thank you to Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine for asupporting the TN card’s Tunbridge Wells Business Awards this year as media sponsor. I’m honoured to be part of the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine team. Editor Eileen Leahy and publisher Nick Moore have championed the TN card from its infancy and the success of the scheme is owed in no small part to their continued support. As a contributor, it is fantastic being able to shine a light on our High Street businesses, promoting them to our business community via such a wellrespected platform.”
And last but not least our chosen charity is Taylor-Made Dreams Charity Here Suzi Mitchell, TMD’s founder says:
“We are so grateful to have been chosen as The Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine’s charity partner. Having a local business within a community that we support means so much to us and to our TMD families, as it raises awareness, which allows more families to discover and potentially use our services. Thank you to the TWBM for helping us to enable the dreams of the children we support now and in the future.”
All in the detail…
Matt Hill founded Private Medical Insurance Brokers in 2023 and since then he has seen his independent firm steadily grow thanks to its mission of offering the best bespoke health advice. Here he tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine why he launched his own company and how it can guarantee clients the finest customer experience…
So Matt, let's start at the beginning: when and why was Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Brokers started? I started Private Medical Insurance Brokers in September 2023. I had been working for another leading health insurance broker, however after 11 years - and having seen the company grow from six employees to 60 - I felt I could do some parts better and therefore decided to start my own company.
What are the key hallmarks of the PMI Brokers’ offering?
In my time I’ve noticed that customer service is paramount, and it is something that larger companies sometimes let slip. Therefore I’ve made excellent customer service and putting the client first, core and key values of Private Medical Insurance Brokers.
How would you sum up what you offer clients at PMI Brokers?
We are a ‘whole of market’ health insurance broker and we don’t charge a fee for our service. That means you get the same prices as you would going to an insurer directly. We help source the best individual, family, company, and international health insurance plans for our clients. We review the market annually and are on hand throughout the year to help with administration tasks and claims mediation.
In what ways would you say your service is unique compared to others?
Most ‘whole of market’ health insurance brokers offer the same service, however
“We help source the best individual, family, company, and international health insurance plans for our clients
”where we set ourselves apart is in the care we give to all our clients. We’re there to help and offer best advice ALWAYS. We are not afraid to offer advice, even if it doesn’t benefit the company. For example, we’ve told potential clients to remain with their current insurer, and
advised others they shouldn’t have health insurance, if that is what’s best for them.
Whereabouts are you based and do you offer a 'walk in' or 'face-to-face' service?
Our office is based just opposite the Tunbridge Wells train station, and we offer both by-appointment as well as face-to-face meetings. These can either be done at the PMI office, or at the client’s premises.
Do your clients mainly come from the local area or are they based all over the country?
We have clients all over the country, however about 40-50% are local individuals and businesses.
How supportive and connected do you feel the local business community is in Tunbridge Wells?
I’ve lived and worked in Tunbridge Wells for the last 18 years, so I feel very connected to the local business community here…
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PMI HERE:
PMI brokers offices are located at 16 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1QU www.pmibrokers.com
“Securing the right individual health insurance is a pivotal step toward safeguarding the well-being of yourself and/or your family. We understand the significance of listening to our clients requirements and tailoring the cover to meet your unique needs.”
“Prioritising the health and well-being of your workforce is paramount. We work with you to explore the benefits of Company Health Insurance designed to provide suitable coverage and foster a healthy, productive workforce. It also has the added benefit of helping with staff retention and recruitment.”
“Embark on a journey of global well-being with International Health Insurance. Whether you’re relocating to another country, a frequent traveller, managing a multinational workforce, or a high net-worth individual our solutions provide a safety net that transcends borders.”
Hitting the high notes
That summer sonic staple Local & Live is back this Bank Holiday August
weekend
and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever. Charles Armstrong-Wilson tells us what we can expect from the incredible lineup for 2024…
The town’s biggest free music festival returns in August when Local & Live sets up in Calverley Grounds, promising another fabulous weekend of music and fun.
The much-loved festival is a gift to the local community from the town’s thriving music scene and its local businesses. The collaboration between the artistic and commercial communities breathes life into the town centre on a Bank Holiday weekend that is known for being quiet. It is almost entirely funded by local business including RTW Together BID, and counts Maxipay Accounting Services as its headline sponsor. This is the third
year the local employer has been a major supporter of the festival and its input has been invaluable to the ongoing longevity of the event.
Simon Bailey, Managing Director at Maxipay told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine: “We are delighted to lend our support once more to Local & Live which is an important event in the Tunbridge Wells calendar. We are passionate about investing in the town, in our employees who live and work in the area and in helping to bring exciting events to the local community.
“The rise and rise of this magnificent music festival is testimony to the hard
work of the volunteers who collectively give thousands of hours to deliver a funpacked, professional weekend of local music.”
Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend from August 23 to 26, the festival draws thousands to Calverley Grounds with its showcase of the very best the local music scene has to offer, before moving to Sussex Mews on bank holiday Monday. From modest beginnings on the Pantiles bandstand, the event is in its 18th year and has become the biggest free event in the area.
Once again the event will be centered on the main stage in Calverley Grounds,
Employee Wellbeing - A Safe Bet
July is election month, and some members of the Conservative Party have faced criticism for placing bets on the exact election date before it was officially announced. This controversy has sparked discussions about party ethics and the potential conflicts of interest they may present.
Those MPs may claim to predict the future, but for most of us, the power of foresight remains elusive. Without a crystal ball, businesses must rely on strategies grounded in evidence and careful planning. One such strategy is investing in employee wellbeing, which has proven benefits.
For businesses, having a clear vision and the insight to create a thriving structure and culture for employees is vital. When employees feel appreciated and valued, they become more productive, remain in their roles longer, and take fewer
days off. Prioritising wellbeing initiatives that engage employees to improve their mental and physical health can boost productivity up to 40% (Vitality Health). However, many businesses fail to recognise this intrinsic link and miss out on these benefits.
By constructing a framework with initiatives that are educational, engaging, inspirational, and supportive, businesses allow employees to feel genuinely respected and valued. This approach isn’t just beneficial for employee morale, it also makes financial sense. With a potential of £5 return on investment for every £1 spent (Deloitte), focusing on employee wellbeing is a winning bet. So, while the future may be unpredictable, betting on employee wellbeing is an assured strategy for success.
Revive Health Fitness – Specialised Employees Wellness Days www. revivehealthfitness.co.uk
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Henry Adekoya
taking advantage of the green space’s natural amphitheatre. It will be bolstered by a food village offering produce from exclusively local traders including Hattons, Sankey’s and Roddy Burger. In addition to providing summer entertainment for Tunbridge Wells residents, it draws crowds from a much wider area, generating trade for businesses in the town centre.
Paul Dunton, Founder of Local & Live added: “We cannot wait to bring the Local & Live Festival 2024 to Calverley Grounds. We are so thrilled that this event is now a much-loved part of many local residents’ summer calendar. Each year it grows
In addition to providing summer entertainment for Tunbridge Wells residents, Local & Live draws crowds from a much wider area, generating trade for businesses in the town centre
bigger and better, attracting an audience of thousands. Retailers and hospitality businesses in the town tell us this event has helped bolster trade on a weekend previously renowned for being quiet, as families take holidays before schools start back. We cannot wait to bring another stellar line up of local talented musicians to you all.”
A characteristic feature of Local & Live is that the artists are drawn from the local music community playing their own original material, which is unlike most festivals who rely on high profile national performers. This in turn gives visitors the chance to experience the wealth of talent on their own doorstep, and for many it starts a lifelong following for local artists. For the artists it provides an opportunity to experience playing in front of a substantial crowd, often their biggest audience, and to have their own work heard.
In recent years, Local & Live has been praised for its breadth of appeal, with a family-friendly environment in the afternoons morphing into an energetic festival experience in the evenings. Around 60 artists will perform during the fourday festival, most on the main stage in Calverley Grounds and the others at The Forum, Trinity Theatre and The Sussex Arms. We look forward to seeing you there!
To find out more visit www.localandlive.org
Photography: Nigel Martin Photography
MUSIC MAESTRO: Paul Dunton is the founder of Local & Live
A creative approach to starting a business
Local illustrator and painter Imogen Partridge swapped her career as a successful interior designer for going freelance as a watercolour artist at the start of 2024. Here she shares her experience of what it’s like to leap from being employed to going it alone and reveals the lessons she has learned along the way…
In January this year I left my job. I’d been an interior designer for 12 years, working on hospitality and commercial residential projects but over the last six years, I’d slowly been building up my side hustle in watercolour illustration and calligraphy.
Initially, I was worried that the pressure of relying on my illustrations financially would take away the joy of doing them. However, after toying with the idea for a couple of years, I realised I love the business side too. I like the autonomy and the variety of having to do ALL of the things, from marketing, to finances, to client work and beyond.
But back to how I got here…Returning to work for a year after my second child gave me the focus I needed. I decided I would stay for that year and then take the leap to go freelance. This gave me 12 months to build up to it, but it didn’t make it any
“I listen to a lot of podcasts and hearing stories from other people has really helped me work on different areas of my business and mindset”
less terrifying when my last day came! That’s been the thing I’ve noticed the most: it’s really scary and you can have wobbles (or bouts of utter terror) which make you doubt yourself. But I have discovered that it’s about learning to work through these. You need to understand where the thoughts come from and then use those feelings to channel into practical actions to lessen them in future… I listen to a lot of podcasts and hearing stories from other people has really helped me work on different areas of my business and mindset. They also help me to just keep learning all the time.
I had already registered as a sole trader before going completely freelance and so had done a couple of tax returns which proved to be helpful. Now this is something I outsource, but I appreciated my accountant guiding me through the first time and learning how it works and
how I can use looking at my finances to help my business. Before leaving work I tried to save three to six months of costs to cover everything needed, but our mortgage doubled and life happened so I only managed two - but it helped. My advice is that anything you can save as a buffer fund will really help you feel more secure and confident. It stops you making decisions from a place of scarcity and gives you space to say no if something doesn’t feel right.
I had carefully reviewed my
From employed to self-employed…
rules Imogen has learned so far:
Mindset is key: The number one thing I would say to anyone is to work on is their mindset. Before I left work I spent a year practising saying ‘when this works, when I leave my job’ instead of ‘if this works, if I leave my job’. You have to make yourself believe it. You learn a lot about yourself doing this...
Be prepared to flex: Having the ability to juggle and prioritise and then later reflect is a valuable tool.
The process of understanding how you work in this new format was something I hadn’t thought so much about.
Be kind: Talking to people, reaching out to those who inspire you, celebrating others, helping people, all without an agenda goes a long way. The community and network I have built up have become the most powerful force that helps me every day.
costs, calculating my outgoings and pricing to outline what the first year could look like – however this went completely out of the window! But it was never supposed to be an exact plan; more of an example. I now continue to review throughout the year, learning and changing as required until I get into a rhythm.
I also diversified with becoming freelance; setting up workshops, working with more businesses as well as private clients and introducing doing ‘live’ illustration which I love. They all make sense together, but each one also allows me to reach different people in different ways.
I am now about five months in and I’ll admit it has not been easy. In fact, it’s actually really scary - especially with childcare and the cost of living. However I wouldn’t change it for the world. The feeling of pouring my energy into something I love and believe in, that aligns with my values and gives me purpose is incredible. The people I meet, my wonderful clients and the community I have managed to surround myself with is second to none and I am so grateful for everyone who supports me on this journey. FIND
Hopping to it
Forget the Northern Powerhouse, the Miracle of the Midlands, those Dark Satanic Mills and the Financial Force Field of the capital…Hopping - and even skipping and jumping - at business opportunities is the Kent way. It’s the physical gateway to Europe – and something which has been driving this country’s economy since the Romans says Simon Howson-Green
No matter which bank of the Medway you call home – and irrespective of whether you are Kentish Man or a Man of Kent – it means you are part of a truly impressive, industrious and creative culture.
The numbers prove this. They are a bit tedious so I’m not going to bore you with them here but if you have a spare hour, you can indulge yourself with Kent
County Council’s Economic Dashboard at (Kent.gov.uk.)
Numbers aside, there is strong evidence of Kent’s impressive entrepreneurial pedigree. And most of it can be neatly encapsulated in its approach to brewing –or is it beer drinking?
Things really kicked off with the demise of Henry VIII once his war mongering daughter, Elizabeth eased her posterior onto the throne.
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“
Today
there are more breweries in Kent than there were in 1920. Kent knows what it is doing…
”
But it didn’t begin there. Ask not what the Romans did for us, but what we did for the Romans…
We gave the Romans – under Emperor Claudius - perfect grape growing weather and soil and a bunch of hardy locals who – once they’d persuaded the Romans to
Claudius had that covered too and so created an industrious blueprint which has been followed ever since.
I Claudius’ message was clear: Kent was Rome’s Gateway to Britannia, and he threw investment into the region with the gusto of latter-day venture capitalists building their wine collection.
The jewel in Rome’s laurel wreath was Portus Laminis. A thriving dockyard and sea-facing fort. The modern village of Lympne derives its name from here. This acorn of a beginning sprouted into a series of seaports, shipyards and trading posts with Chatham dominating after the arrival of the Elizabethans.
Kent was Rome’s gateway to Britain and, by definition, became Britain’s gateway to Europe and the rest of the world.
The key was how this non-stop ‘in and out’ mentality was able to thrive in peace and war. And as this country has always been rather partial to a bit of warparticularly with Europe - Kent thrived.
The Romans brought grapes. All well and good in sweltering South Eastern Britannia. Adaptation was the key and when the sun left our shores and followed the Romans back to Italy, Kent needed to meet the challenge.
Kent had the infrastructure but needed to find a hardier crop. So, with another skip and a jump six hundred years ago
the Flemish and Dutch hoards arrived brining the holy hop with them.
Now, we all know the Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham is the oldest in the country. We did it first. Here’s the proof.
Hops, malt, yeast and Kent are words which are meant to go together. It was an intoxicating combination which arguably also transformed Kent into this country’s first holiday destination.
It was the downtrodden of London who invaded us. Escaping the filth, grime, sewerage, and disease of ‘the smoke’ for a week of back-breaking hop picking in Kent. This was the closest many ever got to clean air and freedom. This pilgrimage
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Kent and the thriving environs of Tunbridge Wells are overflowing with inspiring business stories.
Challenges, Success, Anecdotes and Golden Advice and Guidance. The ups and downs of running a business are well worth sharing. We live in a county of family businesses, small enterprises and big business ventures. If you have a story to tellwe will help you tell it. es and fears? email us at hello@twbusinessmagazine.com
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.
still exists today except the grime and disease comes from cars and kissing rather than human effluent.
Here’s a little survey I carried out all by myself…it sums up how this thriving country has developed and adapted to change: By the mid 1800s, there were more than three thousand Oast houses in Kent. That was more than the rest of the country put together…
These hallowed places of heat and dust were crammed with jolly workers leaping about, drying hops and packing them off to be mixed with water to produce beer for the whole country. Mainly for Kent but the rest got a look in and it meant people weren’t drinking the polluted water and dropping dead.
This was a massive industry and for a time it was second only to Whaling –England’s largest industry by the turn of the last century. (Whaling took eighteen months to vanish from the face of the earth. Brewing is bigger than ever today).
Thousands of Kentish types and Types of Kent were involved in brewing. Today there are more breweries in Kent than there were in 1920. However, Kent has moved on from the Oast houses. They have either gone or been beautifully converted as homes for rich bankers, media types and estate agents for their families and the odd barbeque. Kent knows what it is doing. Says it all really…
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.
Stamp out damp
In her column this month Becky Moran of TN Lettings explains how the issue of damp can be avoided in rental properties with some simple and effective tips and tricks…
Water, water and more water…You could be easily excused for thinking I’m talking about the wet spring and summer we’ve had so far this year but no, I’m talking that something that is becoming more and more prevalent on the news and consumer TV programmes: damp.
Whilst water is vital to life it’s not just humans or animals that thrive on water – mould spores love moisture in the air and colder walls and ceilings in order to reproduce. This of course leads to what we commonly call damp and, in our homes, this can be a real issue.
It’s an issue that often leads to a blame game between landlords and tenants. This is because there are two causes of damp. The first is water ingress, where water is present due to a leak in a pipe or from an external source. The second is condensation which tends to be the most common cause especially in the winter months where steam from cooking,
Picture: Mollie Manning
showering, drying of clothes and the like meets cold walls.
Whilst damp caused by water ingress is usually down to the landlord to resolve, it is also true that tenants can play a significant role in preventing dampness in rental properties by properly ventilating and maintaining a suitable temperature.
Here at TN Lettings we try to ensure both landlords and tenants alike are
”“singing off the same hymn sheet with regard to preventing damp before the tenancy starts – and there are some great tips that landlords can provide to tenants to help prevent damp before it becomes an issue. These include the following:
• Encourage tenants to open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce moisture buildup, all modern windows now need to
have trickle vents that help with air movement
• Use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens when showering or cooking in order to remove excess moisture
• Ensuring the speedy reporting of any leaks or water damage promptly so that repairs can be made quickly
• Providing information on how to properly dry laundry to prevent excess moisture in the property
• Keep a consistent temperature of at least 18 degrees Celsius to prevent condensation from forming on walls and windows
This latter tip has become more and more of an issue over the last couple of years as fuel bills and the cost of living have soared, so tenants are
understandably becoming more and more conscious of spending. Heating is one of the areas they can make savings, turning off radiators in a spare room and closing the door means the room won’t stay at 18 degrees in winter and there is minimal air movement.
Landlords can also consider installing humidity sensors or programmable thermostats in rental properties to help monitor and regulate humidity levels. By working together with tenants to address dampness issues, landlords can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for everyone involved, and prevent damage to the property. For all your rental needs please do contact us on 01892 249070 or email info@tnlettings.co.uk
What will a Labour Government mean for the UK Property Market?
Deborah Richards
of Maddisons
Residential offers her take on what the new political landscape will look like for the property sector…
After 14 years of Conservative rule, we have a new Labour government, with a muchpredicted landslide majority – indeed the biggest seen since 1832! Normally a General Election creates uncertainty in the property market, but the fact that this result was so expected meant that this was not the case. This new Government stability, combined with an expected Base Rate cut, should see a positive momentum to the market moving forward, with an estimated 1.1 million property sales this year. However, how will the specific manifesto pledges of the new Labour Government affect the property market?
The proposed Planning Reform Act aims to kickstart housebuilding with the Housing Recovery Plan, with a promise to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years. This will be achieved through a combination of relaxed planning laws, streamlining of private funding, speeding up Compulsory Purchase Orders, and building on ‘grey belt’ land (not so nice green belt sites). However, as anyone knows, large projects come with delays, and so there will be heavy focus on
“Labour’s pledge to levy VAT on school fees will inevitably impact on the property market by boosting demand for properties in close proximity to good state schools”
whether the actions of their first 100 days look set to deliver on this promise. Protecting tenants was also a heavy focus of their manifesto. The Renters Reform Bill will be revisited and with this the abolishment of Section 21 no-fault evictions. They also want to ensure that landlords improve the energy efficiency of their rental stock. However, this again will be another balancing act. It
is estimated that there is a shortage of 120,000 rental properties in the capital alone, and in making the private rented sector a more challenging investment for landlords, many could look to dispose of their assets. A reduction in the supply of homes for rent, will only push rentals asking prices still higher.
The Conservatives did promise that they would permanently set the current Stamp Duty relief for first time buyers at £425,000. There will now be a real focus on how Labour proposes to help these important buyers enter the property market…
Labour’s pledge to levy VAT on school fees has been labelled one of the party’s more controversial moves. This will leave many parents unable to afford private school education, which will inevitably impact on the property market by boosting demand for properties in close proximity to good state schools.
Whether you agree with Labour’s policies or not, at least the property sector now has clarity of vision and certainty of direction for the country for at least the next five years.
www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk
After Hours
THE PIANO SHOP
Nevill Estate Yard, Eridge, Tunbridge Wells, KENT TN3
Puppetry in motion…
Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine can exclusively reveal the launch of the much-loved Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival 2024 (TWPF). Now in its sixth year, the festival will take place on from October 5-13 and will focus on the interconnectedness of humanity, with all its wonders and flaws.
TWPF has grown consistently since its inception in 2015, celebrating world-class puppetry in all forms from masks to aerial work. The festival’s vision is to excite through experiences of performance and outreach work, enhance wellbeing, encourage career development by promoting artistic engagement as well as ensuring community involvement.
The team will be delivering their most ambitious festival yet, presenting 48 performances of fantastic puppetry to suit all ages including three international artists, two UK premieres, one world premiere and a parade over nine days.
The exciting event is, in part, thanks to funding from The Arts Council, and will take place across the breadth of the town, from Royal Victoria Place to Trinity Theatre, The Forum to the Camden Centre, parts of The Pantiles and Calverley Grounds.
This year the lineup includes:
⬤ The internationally award-winning Macbeth Muet, a brilliant 50-minute utterly silent, (muet means mute in French), and succinctly comprehensive telling, of the ‘Scottish Play’ by Montreal company, La Fille de Laitier
⬤ Kent based producers Improbable will be presenting a bespoke production of ImprobaBand, a superb evening of live improvised music, story and puppetry
⬤ She Said Jump will be performing Guy in a Luggage Rack, an aerial comedy about grief, memory and relationship.
⬤ Puppet Masters talk with Louise Gold trained by Jim Henson on The Muppet Show and Nigel Plaskitt who worked on Spitting Image, Labryrinth and so much more and will also be running an Avenue Q workshop
Hayley Chester, Co-Director of TWPF says: “We are so excited to be presenting
TW Puppetry Festival returns with biggest programme yet
our first ever fully accessible parade, where the community can watch and participate alongside professional puppeteers. We have families attending Rhino mask making workshops in schools, libraries and community centres, which can be used in the parade.
“Alison Denholm’s Dancing Flamingos will also be part of the parade. We will have six mobility scooters transformed into flamingos, allowing local people with mobility issues to become puppeteers for the day. The dance company This is Us will be promoting access to the arts for those with physical and learning disabilities in their new production Love our World commissioned for the festival.”
Fellow TWPF Co-Director Alison Bundy explains how the organsisers have ensured the festival will be economically accessible to all: “We will support community engagement by presenting 28 free performances across different venues including six open spaces. There will also be 10 free outreach rhino mask making workshops and to encourage
participation, a meal will be provided by Charlie’s Angels at the end of the workshop. These sessions will be held in venues in lower income areas where artistic engagement is lacking due to affordability.”
The team will work with young people in years 11-13 who have volunteered in past festivals and build up their portfolio by promoting schools’ work experience opportunities in marketing, front of house, admin and stage management. Support for emerging artists in puppetry will continue following the success of ‘Unlocked’ with their new programme inviting future talent to apply to receive a grant of £500 and perform at the festival. Businesses across the borough can also get involved by supporting the festival as Puppet Festival Friends by contacting twpuppetryfest@outlook.com.
Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID, who are financially supporting the Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival, comments: “The programme this year is really exciting, not only because of the huge range of content, but also because they have really focused their efforts on outreach to encourage footfall across all areas of the town, accessibility for all and youth development work.”
To book tickets visit www. trinitytheatre.net and to find out more, visit www.twpuppetryfestival.org or follow @twpuppetryfestival.
Zorba the Great
Erik Brown savours a taste of some Turkish delights at Zorba Meze & Grill…
“Is there anything else I can get you?” says Onur Sahin, General Restaurant Manager of Zorba Meze & Grill. “Yes,” I reply, “somebody else to come and help me eat it.”
Onur laughs, and leaves me staring at the largest plate of food I’ve seen in years: Sultan’s Delight – AKA smoked aubergine and mixed mornay sauce topped with improbably large cubes of tender, grilled chicken, drizzled with glazed butter. And it comes with separate bowls of bulgur rice and salad. It’s easily enough for two people, which makes it great value at £21.95.
I turn to my wife, but she’s staring, surprised, at the vast amount of chicken shish (£17.45) on her own plate. The chickens they use must be the size of ostriches, I whisper. But the meat is beautifully cooked on a Turkish mangal barbecue in the open kitchen at the end of the restaurant. (Mangal is derived from the Arabic word for ‘portable’ and refers to the heaters Bedouins used to warm their tents in the winter.)
Zorba Meze & Grill is owned by Sadat Zorba who was persuaded to launch Tunbridge Wells’ first Turkish restaurant seven years ago - by the very same Onur, when he was just 27. It’s at the top of town at 4 Upper Grosvenor Road - just ten minutes’ walk from the railway station.
There are six front of house staff, and eight in the kitchen – which is led by head chef Halis Erol. It’s a young team and most have worked at Zorba since it opened, although four were shipped in from Turkey last year. “It’s important for the chefs to be Turkish,” Onur explains. “It’s to
do with the way the meat is cooked…”
Onur is now an affable 34-year old with a wife (who used to work at Zorba) and a two-year-old son. The family live in Tunbridge Wells but most of Onur’s time is spent working.
“I do a lot of hours,” he says. “Six days a week. I am always here. It’s really, really hard running an independent restaurant.” Since opening, Zorba has worked through the Covid-19 lockdown (when it
Zorba restaurant is buzzing. There’s a party of eight at the next table and a couple of teenage boys at another. The age range is probably between seven and 80 and the food is delicious
supplied free meals to NHS workers), the devastation of an earthquake back home that killed more than 50,000 (Zorba ran a fund-raising evening) and a startling rise in food prices.
“We use the best quality meat,” Orun says. “Especially the lamb. It has now doubled in price.”
And yet early on a Wednesday evening, the restaurant is buzzing. There’s a party of eight at the next table and a couple of teenage boys at another, talking about
bikes and cars. The age range is probably between seven and 80. It’s a relaxed place too, with swift and friendly service and natural brick walls. From our table, I can see a giant letter Z in red neon.
The menu is vast: there is a vegetarian section and plenty of seafood options. I should have tried the seafood casserole which comprises salmon, sea bass, calamari, mussels, asparagus, baby potatoes and cherry tomatoes in a white wine sauce. (£20.95) in addition to the mangal grill and meze dishes.
But back to what we actually ate: we started with babaganoush (£7.95), and garlic buttered king prawns (£9.95).
The prawns were just gigantic, with a sweet chilli dressing, the babaganoush creamy, smoky and faintly nutty. If you’re not au fait with this dish then it’s a mix of finely chopped roasted aubergine, olive oil, lemon juice and tahini. It’s also surprisingly good for you as it’s low in calories but high in fibre and antioxidants.
But then we forget that the Mediterranean Diet - one of the healthiest in the world - includes food from Turkey.
The next time I’m at Zorba (and I will go back), I’ll try the meze - the Middle Eastern equivalent of tapas or the Venetian cicchetti. Small plates - a sharing collection of five – are priced at just £22.95.
If you’re socialising down at the other end of town on The Pantiles then Matthew Sankey says that Sankey’s Old Fishmarket is the place to head: “Our patio is the perfect spot for enjoying sensational British seafood, great wines and of course each other’s company.
Although we haven’t had the greatest of summers so far, when the sun does shine, it’s fantastic to head outside and enjoy a cool drink and some delicious food. Here are some of our favourite places to do so…
“We have worked hard to create a space that offers great views, but also with a little added closure so you can feel relaxed as the crows hustle and bustle around you. On a Thursday our live musicians play just for you, with no entrance fee charged.”
SANKEY’S MOUNT EPHRAIM
“Our Court Yard Garden is a suntrap, has its own bar, heating for those nights when summer has a wobble and is an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre,” says proprietor Matthew Sankey of this popular central hostelry’s beer garden. He adds that every Sunday during the summer months he and his team host a BBQ – with a difference. “Guests can enjoy the pub’s full menu BBQ’d in front of their eyes!” www.sankeys.co.uk
THE KENTISH HARE, BIDBOROUGH
The Kentish Hare is located in beautiful Bidborough and opened in May 2014. Its custodians are the talented Tanner brothers James and Chris who have ensured that this pub, currently celebrating its tenth anniversary, has always stayed at the top of its gastro game. Its award-winning menu is seasonal and always a huge
hit with foodies thanks to its adventurous spirit. During the colder months customers can enjoy dining in the open-plan restaurant but the pub’s outside space is where to be when there’s a heatwave – or even just a hint of sunshine – thanks to its relaxed vibe. If you’re after a quiet drink then there’s few little nooks to enjoy or why not hang out on the terrace with friends? www.thekentishhare.com
THE GEORGE & DRAGON, SPELDHURST
The magnificent 13th Century George and Dragon pub is located in the picturesque village of Speldhurst and is one of those places that hits the spot all year round. Whether you’re after a cosy pint by its roaring fire in the winter or a light lunch during the spring this welcoming historic hostelry always delivers – especially in the summer months when its gorgeous beer garden becomes the star of the show. Customers can simply take time out to enjoy a glass of wine after work or make a day of it feasting on fabulous food courtesy one of the pub’s legendary weekend BBQs headed up by Head Chef Rod. On the recent menu were grilled sardines and ribeye steak. There’s often live music performed over the weekend too. www.ganddspeldhurst.com
THE ABERGAVENNY ARMS, FRANT
This country pub has recently undergone a revamp of its outdoor space and is well worth a visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Smartened up with new deck, and painted in shades of azure and cobalt blue it truly feels very relaxing. When the sun shines and you have a cold beer to hand and all those beautiful pastoral views to drink in there really is no place quite like it…Oh, and during the school holidays the team at The Abergavenny Arms are feeding kids for free – if you order one adult main then you will receive one complementary children’s meal.
www.abergavennyarms.co.uk
Staging a comeback
Local playwright and actor Cameron Corcoran is putting on his new play Nook at the Union Theatre in London next month. Running from August 19 to 21 it promises to be an engaging and powerful insight into one family’s relationships as they navigate life post a bereavement and have to handle secrets that have come to the surface. Here Cameron explains more about the play and how he got into theatre…
How and why did you get into writing and acting Cameron?
I always enjoyed writing at school and outside of it; when I was eighteen I did think I wanted to become a writer. I actually got into acting as a way to understand how to write plays, to work with material on its feet. On day one, I was hooked, really.
What experience to date have you had in the theatre?
I was very lucky to have one of my plays selected at Seven Dials Playhouse a couple of summers ago, which was pretty successful. Besides that, I’ve had a few plays on at the Cockpit in Marylebone, the Omnibus in Clapham and the White Bear in Kennington. They’ve all been integral in getting me where I am today; I feel the plays and the performances have got better and better, which is why we’re so excited for Nook.
What do you enjoy most about working in this artistic medium?
It’s always the rehearsal room where the magic happens: the discoveries, frustratingly, are always more acute in the workshops than in performance – it can sometimes feel really outer-body. I know lots of actors wish the rehearsal period never ends, because it’s where you get to really play.
Tell us how the idea for Nook came about?
So Nook is a dark play. I have to make that very clear to anyone interested to come and see it. It’s light and funny at the beginning, and I was tempted to keep the play in the comic realms – those areas are probably influenced by my own family life – however, I do have an inclination towards the darkness when I write. The basis of the story is actually inspired by a teacher of mine, who told us once about a student of theirs who wrote a shocking yet true piece of creative writing…
What was the timeframe from writing the play to getting it commissioned?
It was all very quick. August is usually a quiet time for theatre, due to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, so we contacted the Union theatre’s Artistic Director, told her what the play was, and she was happy to give us a limited run. To be honest, we are using the run as a means to invite some other theatres to come and see the play, with the view to putting it on for a 3-4 week run. That’s kind of the nature of theatre: you showcase it to others and they decide if it lives or dies.
Are you pleased with how the actors are bringing Nook to life?
Curious actors are integral to the process of the play being made: they
offer insights into the delivery of the script and will often challenge the writing where they feel their instincts take them a different way – that’s good! You want a three-dimensional performance that lives and breathes. These actors aren’t afraid to breathe life into the play.
And what do you think audiences will enjoy about seeing the play?
Nook is funny. It is sad. It is dark. It is about family. There’s a lot there. It will make them uncomfortable at times, but they’ll be living each scene with the actors and hopefully take the play away with them. A play is worth being seen if it makes you think, especially if you’re still thinking about it months later. We feel we have that kind of play.
Do you get nervous before one of your plays goes live?
Not especially. The rehearsal process makes the play ready. I get nervous before rehearsals start. Once it does, the process is great.
Finally, what’s next for you? Are you looking to carve out a career as a fulltime playwright or do you enjoy the mix of writing and acting?
Well… I have an acting agent who is amazing: they get me a lot of great auditions. I just need to snag one or two of those and then hopefully the ball can start rolling. I am writing a new play at the moment, called The Mother… if Nook’s a success maybe I will persevere with The Mother: you’ve got to chase a good feeling.
More information is here: www.uniontheatre.biz
A BRIEF OUTLINE OF NOOK’S PLOT:
Following the wake after their mother’s funeral, Kenny and Tom return to their old family home to hear the will their mother has left behind. Long forgotten traumas reach the surface when their estranged sister Beth arrives and the boys’ wives learn secrets that could break the family.
This new play explores the interaction of working class and middle class lifestyles, how inter-generational trauma is cyclical and no matter how far we get away from our past, it is always there.
Aoife Boyle and Seamus Dillane in Mosquito at Seven Dials Playhouse.
Food heroes
This year’s Taste of Kent Awards saw a slew of successful independent food and drink businesses celebrated for their fantastic produce. And the good news is a few of the winners were local…
Last month saw the 19th Taste of Kent Awards take place at the Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury. A panel of judges, led by Head Judge and well-known food and drink broadcaster Nigel Barden, blind taste a variety of products from across the county.
The event celebrates the tastiest food and drink of Kent and shines a spotlight on the region’s excellence in producing fine quality British goods. It is sponsored by a number of companies including Southeastern, The University of Kent and local business Digitom.
Winners on the night of June 13 came from across the county including Whitstable, Sevenoaks and also Tunbridge Wells and its environs.
Kent Beer of the Year went to the Pig And Porter brewery in Tunbridge Wells for its Lucky Day tipple. Commenting on their win the brewery’s founder Robin Wright said: “We are all absolutely thrilled with the news that Lucky Day has been awarded Gold in the Best Beer category at The Taste of Kent Awards. Having won Silver last year with our Kentish Hopped bitter Caravan we thought we’d showcase some more modern Kentish hops in a completely different beer this year to highlight the incredible range of hops we have in the county. We have a small but exceptional team at Pig and Porter and this award means a
⬤ AWARD WINNING: Both Will Devlin (Above) of The Small Holding and the team at Pig & Porter won at TOKA
huge amount to us.”
The Small Holding in Kilndown, which is just 20 minutes from Tunbridge Wells on the Kent and Sussex borders and run by brothers Will and Matt Devlin, won Kent’s Fine Dining Experience of the Year.
Set within a one-acre farm the Michelin green starred restaurant is a favourite with foodies yet unusual in that it grows nearly 200 varieties of vegetables and fruit for its Full and Half Acre (eight and five course) tasting menus.
Farm of the Year was awarded to Kingcott
This Taste of Kent award means a huge amount to us
“ ”
Dairy in Staplehurst while Winterdale Cheesemakers in Sevenoaks also took home a gold gong.
The Taste of Kent awards are organised and hosted by Produced in Kent. Its CEO Susie Warran Smith told us: “Time and again these awards demonstrate the incredible talent, innovation, and heritage we have here in Kent, the range of produce we have seen is really quite astounding, we have much to be proud of!”
Photograph: Key & Quill
A vine time
Water Lane in Hawkhurst hosted its first wine fair and supper club last month. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine savoured a sip of the action…
Water Lane, a delightful and historic walled garden, with restaurant and boutique shop located near Hawkhurst, hosted its first wine fair on Saturday June 15.
Its custodians are Nick Selby and Ian James and they are gradually bringing this exquisite space back to its former glory courtesy of their attentive planting and curation.
Last month, the pair invited wine makers
and producers including Wiston Estate, Oxney Organic Estate, Artelium Wine Estate, Roebuck Estates and Tillingham Winery to the stunning High Weald venue for a celebration of English Wine Week. The event was held in collaboration with wine writer and communicator, Abbie Moulton, author of New British Wine. And in keeping with Water Lane’s ethos, winemakers were handpicked to reflect its same values: highlighting family-run and independent wineries, and those
committed to organic and sustainable winemaking.
Throughout the day there was a programme of events which included how to learn to taste like a pro at an expert-led tutorial, a panel talk and award-winning sommelier Honey Spencer talking about her new book Natural Wine, No Drama.
In the evening, an early summer supper of sharing plate-style dishes was served, cooked by Water Lane’s Head Chef Jed Wrobel and his team. Each course was paired with an English wine by a guest sommelier. www.waterlane.net
Great Heritage, Hospitality, Shopping & Entertainment
Support your local businesses and commit to ‘Love Local’ in Royal Tunbridge Wells, ensuring our vibrant town, set within an area of outstanding natural beauty, continues to be a great place to live, work and play. Support local traders, their suppliers and the people they depend on to run their business, and for every £1 you spend with a local business, between 50-70p circulates back into our local economy*.
*source: www.indieretail.net
Scan the QR CODE to download a copy of the RTW What’s On Guide for May – August and a directory of Tunbridge Wells retailers, hospitality and businesses.
With a wealth of entertainment, hospitality, heritage and shopping, this year we have a lot to enjoy:
A packed events calendar including Local & Live, Art of the Pantiles and Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival Open air events in Calverley Grounds, The Spa Hotel, The Pantiles and Spa Valley Railway
Why not try shopping in Saltmarsh, Sostrene Greene, Anna Poulsen and Sharps Bedrooms.
Eat and drink at Charlie’s Angels, Roddy Burger, and The Buzz.
Sponsored by
The Amelia Scott Centre The Pantiles
Local and Live Puppetry Festival
The Spa Valley Railway The Calverley Quarter
Calverley Adventure
Royal Victoria Place
Dining out
Dunorlan Park
Back to Black
The Black Deer Festival returned to Eridge Park last month. The event, which is now in its fifth year, featured the likes of Sheryl Crow, Rufus Wainwright, Joe Bonamassa, Seasick Steve, The Shires, Damian Lewis, Ward Thomas, Rosanne Cash and The Staves all taking to the stage…
Black Deer took place over the weekend of June 14-16 in the glorious grounds of Eridge Park. As has become the tradition at this festival of all things Americana - and so much more - the sun shone all weekend and the various musical acts performed equally blisteringly hot sets.
Friday’s headliner was Joe Bonamassa with Sheryl Crowe drawing a huge crowd on Saturday night and Rufus Wainwright closing the festival on a perfectly warm and sunny Sunday evening.
But there’s so much more to this festival, which was founded by Gill Tee and Deb Shilling in 2017, than just the big acts. Plenty of sonic joy was enjoyed courtesy of the likes of Courtney Barnett, Villagers and The Staves who played at various times over the weekend on the main stage, while the second stage area, The Ridge, saw Turin Brakes, Twinnie and Bess Atwell plus many others perform.
Photograph: Saltwick Media
Photograph: Caitlin Mogridge
Photograph: George Harrison
The sun shone and the various Black Deer acts performed equally blisteringly hot sets
Thousands of festival-goers were able to experience the culinary wonders of the livefire stage, which boasted entertaining eating competitions, a mechanical bull, axe throwing, the now legendary gospel Sunday brunch, as well as thrilling rides. Young festival goers had plenty to get stuck into including the Young Folk Adventures area. There was also the opportunity to feast on delicious food, sample some fine ales and shop for vintage clothing over the three-day festival.
The Cafe Nero stage brought the festival to life with musical acts playing all day and night, while the Supajam stage and Hayley’s Bar also drew big crowds.
A Black Deer spokesperson said: “We hope you enjoyed your 2024 experience and look forward to seeing you again next year!”
Early Bird tickets for Black Deer 2025 are on sale now at blackdeerfestival.com
Photograph: Caitlin Mogridge
Photograph: Caitlin Mogridge
Photograph: George Harrison
Photograph: George Harrison
Photograph: George Harrison
floral TRIBUTE
Floristry is currently a £1billion plus industry in the UK, but there is a lot of waste within this particular sector. One local florist, Amy Pay of Delilah and Herb, tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine why she is on a mission to promote more sustainability in floristry…
Amy Pay, of Delilah and Herb florists is working to highlight the significant benefits and natural beauty of using locally grown, British flowers and eco-friendly floristry methods. Amy sources her flowers from The Tunbridge Wells Flower Company whose farm is based in Speldhurst.
Recently winning ‘New Business of the Year’ at the inaugural TN Card Awards, Amy, whose business is based in Tonbridge has cultivated a strong ethos since it was established in June 2023. Supplying flowers for weddings, special occasions and funerals, Amy not only provides memorable displays for life’s most heartfelt moments but hopes to educate flower lovers about their options for buying flowers in a sustainable and more eco-friendly way.
“Floristry is currently a £1.4billion industry in the UK,” explains Amy. “To set the scene, a huge number of our flowers (approximately 86%), are imported from across the world. These flowers are grown on vast scales as perfect replicas of each other – straight stems, blooms identical in size and colour and little, to no fragrance.
“They have to be strong enough to survive transport and to last in our vases once they finally get to us. This involves chemical treatments and cold storage, with each stem accruing a huge carbon footprint over its lifetime. More often than not, they are packed in cellophane and plastics for protection. As with a lot of our industries, the supermarkets dominate – it is estimated that 29% of people regularly buy their flowers in Tesco.”
Amy adds that the other significant problem within the floristry industry, is the use of plastics – in particular floral foam (also known as oasis).
“Floristry is currently a £1.4billion industry in the UK and a huge number of our flowers (approximately 86%), are imported from across the world. As with a lot of our industries, the supermarkets dominate –it is estimated that 29% of people regularly buy their flowers in Tesco
”“It is estimated that every year over 14,670m3 of plastic floral foam is sent to landfill from UK crematoriums alone – that’s the equivalent of more than six Olympic swimming pools! Plastic floral foam is a single-use plastic and cannot be recycled. It will never biodegrade but breaks down into microplastics which can contaminate the soil and watercourses. As well as this, we also need to consider the number of other plastics - containers, cellophane and ribbons that are so often seen with floral arrangements, as they will also end up in landfill.”
Amy adds that there is some good news though: “If we go back to before the 1950s, which saw both the industrialisation of the flower market and the invention of floral foam, flowers were produced solely in Britain and loved purely for their sweet smell and delicate appearance. Consumers did not expect their flowers to look perfect after a week
Amy Pay
in a vase, as they would now.”
To play her part in taking her industry back to its roots, Amy works as much as possible with local flower growers and farmers. She explains: “I choose the flowers that I use, not only for their appearance, but for where and how they are grown. I am very spoilt to work with Vicky from The Tunbridge Wells Flower Company. From her farm in Speldhurst, she grows a range of flowers and foliage, flowers that work so well within my designs.
“It’s so wonderful to visit the farm and talk to her about my orders and what flowers she can cut fresh for me to use. Knowing that these flowers have a minimal carbon footprint, are grown without chemicals and support
our wonderful pollinators and local biodiversity is priceless.
“Not only this, they are also abundant with vitality and movement - each stem having its own unique and mesmerising quality. Their scent is unparalleled, often incredibly evocative and with their depth of colour and size all dependant on the weather, soil and season, no two flowers
are ever the same. As a floral designer, they truly are the most exquisite medium to work with.”
Amy makes the valid point that when working with such a precious medium, it seems somehow wrong to then combine them with something so unnatural like plastic.
“The more ‘traditional’ methods I use to arrange my flowers all make use of re-useable or recyclable materials, some designs are even entirely compostable. I prioritise natural, handmade bases for pieces such as funeral arrangements –hand-making bases from moss, twigs and twine, as opposed to using foam. For other displays, good old water is absolutely the best thing if possible to use. I most often combine re-useable containers and chicken wire to hold the flowers in place and give lasting results. You can find a sustainable solution for every design.”
Amy says she also encourages her clients to think about the life and use of their flowers after the event: “A lot of the weddings I have worked on, the flowers are discarded the next day. So I work with my clients to create designs that can be taken apart and gifted to family and friends, or maybe donated. Sometimes, they can even be planted. If we can enjoy the flowers for the whole of their life, before composting them –why wouldn’t we?”
During midsummer’s peak rosé season demand for pink wine soars as enthusiasts seek out its thirst-quenching, delicate allure. Our drinks editor James Viner reveals how to bring a taste of chic Provence to your table with some expert-chosen rosés. Santé to summer!
ROSÉ WINE, A PROVENÇAL SPECIALITY
The sun-drenched wild hills of the southeastern region of Provence, between the Alps and the Rhône, are well-known for their stunning landscapes and refreshing, effortlessly drinkable, palepink rosé wine. According to figures from the trade body Vins de Provence (CIVP), 91% of the 174 million bottles produced there in 2022 were rosé, representing about 43% of France’s total AOC rosé production.
DEFT WINEMAKING
Rosé wine has seen a tremendous surge in popularity over the past 20 years, with Provence leading the way in its marketing, research and development. France astonishingly consumes one-third of the world’s rosé! The success story of its rosé de Provence, made primarily from Grenache Noir and Cinsaut, is the outcome of the passionate vision, fervent drive, and unwavering determination of generations of winemakers.
The Centre du Rosé, established in 1999, is the world’s only research and experimentation centre dedicated to rosé wines. It shares its expertise with individual growers, co-ops, and négociants, contributing to the enhancement of rosé de Provence. In particular, advancements in temperature and oxygen control have significantly improved the quality of rosé wine production.
Provence remains the leader of the pink wine category, holding steadfast at the summit despite increasing competition. I’ve selected six delicious Provençal rosés to keep you in the pink. Treat yourself to a splash of liquid sunshine (let’s hope the real sunshine joins the party soon!) …
1. 2023 COMMANDERIE DE PEYRASSOL 'LES TEMPLIERS' ORGANIC ROSÉ, Côtes de Provence
At the top of my list is an exquisite organic rosé, exclusively crafted for Majestic at a historic estate founded by the Knights Templar in the thirteenth century. This distinguished pink showcases enchanting notes of peach, herbs, and raspberry. A fab price for a pukka Provençal bottle from the classic, original appellation, with a long,
unwavering finish. Chill it for griddled seafood, ratatouille or a barbecued butterflied leg of lamb.
2. 2023 MAS DE CADENET HÉRITAGE ROSÉ, FAMILLE NEGREL, Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire DGC
£14.50, Co-op, 12.5%
Sainte-Victoire is a sub-region or ‘cru’ — like Lugny (Mâcon Lugny) in Burgundy — within the Côtes de Provence appellation (there are four other ‘dénominations géographiques complémentaires’). This is a crisp, stylish example from an iconic estate, all silky, seductive white peach, redcurrant and pink grapefruit pizzazz. Exceedingly pale in colour – ‘nacre’ (mother of pearl) if you will – but revitalising, delicious and long. Magnifique! One for bouillabaisse.
3. 2023 MIP* MADE IN PROVENCE CLASSIC ROSÉ, DOMAINE DES DIABLES, Côtes de Provence
£15.95 in a case of 12, Lea & Sandeman, 13% Just as enchanting, this stylish, zesty, Cinsault-forward rosé from a brilliant producer in the medieval village of Puyloubier has delicate flavours of cassis, garrigue scrub and grapefruit, making it perfect for summer dining. Pour as an apero, or with salade Niçoise, moussaka and anything where garlicky aïoli or skorthalia are involved. Splendid visitor accommodation. www.maison-mip.com
4. 2023 CHÂTEAU VIGNELAURE, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence www.vignelaure.com
£16, The Wine Society,13% (£33, magnum) Located around 20 miles northeast of Aix with vineyards around 400 metres above sea level, Vignelaure was built in
the 1960s by art lover Georges Brunet, once owner of Bordeaux’s Château La Lagune. Made in the arid Coteaux d’Aixen-Provence appellation from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (Brunet brought this grape to Provence), Rolle, Syrah and Grenache – Provence’s most planted grape variety – this is a bright, organic and food-friendly pink with lingering red berry fruit, white peach, pomelo and pomegranate flavours. Pass the seafood/ tomato/Greek/Chicken Caesar salad, tuna steak and pissaladière.
5. 2023 M&S Coteaux Varois-enProvence Rosé, magnum £18, Marks & Spencer, Ocado, 13% (1.5 litres)
Tremendous value for a quaffable magnum of rosé from the wild, green appellation of Varois-en-Provence, which is cushioned from the warming maritime effect by the hills of Ste-Baume. Expect delicate red fruit and floral aromatics. Lots of fun.
6. 2023 Château Sainte Marguerite en Provence Cru Classé, ‘Fantastique’ Rosé, Côtes de Provence www.saintemargueriteenprovence.com
Around £21-£30, Premium Grands Crus, Vinatis, 13%
About 20 miles east of Toulon, near La Londe-les-Maures, lies Château Sainte Marguerite. Renowned for its high-end
rosé wines, this expanding estate boasts over 200 hectares of organically farmed vineyards, primarily on schistous, clayfree soils. As elsewhere in Provence, the insistent, dry, cleansing Mistral wind is extremely advantageous for viticulture.
Sainte Marguerite’s dazzling ‘Fantastique’ rosé, launched in 2017, epitomizes the distinctive coastal terroir and masterful craftsmanship of this renowned winery, now gearing up for its 49th harvest. Crafted from the best plots of Grenache,
Cinsault, and Rolle grapes it has sophisticated flavours of white peach, grapefruit, passion fruit and pear, all harmoniously stitched together with a fine thread of acidity. A subtle hint of jasmine adds another layer of complexity to this high-pedigree, gastronomic wine. Visit the estate for tours, wine tastings and culinary events. Nearby accommodation is available.
Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines
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My Tunbridge Wells, Your Tunbridge Wells
Every month Clare Lush-Mansell from My Tunbridge Wells is your expert guide to all the fantastic events happening in and around the town. Read on to discover her top picks for the next few weeks from Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, August 11
Mela Festival
Sunday July 21
The much-loved Tunbridge Wells Mela festival is returning to Calverley Grounds on Sunday July 21. Celebrating music, food, and dance from across the globe, this year’s festival promises to provide a day of awesome entertainment and celebration across our society. Enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes from around the world at this free family-friendly event.
Free fun at RVP
Monday July 22 to Wednesday August 28
Launching on Monday July 22 and - taking place every Monday and Wednesday throughout the summer holidays - Royal Victoria Place (RVP) is hosting a super selection of free activities! Across 6 weeks, families can enjoy magical children’s shows with Once Upon a Wish Events, awesome art workshops and super story sessions with some fabulous local authors!
Throughout the summer Chocolate Workshops
If it involves chocolate, then we are in! Temper Temper, our favourite local chocolate business has a limited number of chocolate-making workshops for kids available in July and August. Aimed at
children aged 5+, all equipment and ingredients are provided. The kids’ workshops are two hours long and parents have the option of dropping off and collecting two hours later or they can sit and relax in the viewing room.
Friday July 26
Joy Fest at Squerryes
‘JoyFest’ is a fabulous new event for Squerryes Wine Estate in Westerham, which celebrates great music, food and wine set to the sounds of Ibiza and feelgood summer vibes. Taking place on Friday 26th July from 5 to 11.30pm, visitors get to enjoy music from
International DJ, Marcel Mendez and Royal College of Music’s guitarist Will Scott. We can’t wait to see the terrace and lawn area at Squerryes transformed into a summer utopia in this celebration of music, community, and the great outdoors. The event is for over 18’ and tickets can be booked at www.squerryes.co.uk.
Photograph: Mollie Manning
Clare Lush-Mansell
July 27-September 1
Circus fun at Scotney
Step into the ring with Big Top-themed games and activities at Scotney Castle this Summer. From July 27 to September 1, why not test your stilt-walking skills, try your hand at plate-spinning and diablo or conquer the ring of fire? Clown around with the juggling balls and balance your way to safety across the tight rope. And the best bit? It’s all free with admission. Big Top, Big Fun is part of the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank and Scotney Castle and grounds is this promises to be a a fabulous day out. Don’t forget to visit the two natural play areas, mud kitchen, play house, toddler swing and more while there too!
August 10 & 11
SummerFest at The Spa Hotel
Our friends at The Spa Hotel are bringing a brand-new family and foodie-friendly music festival to Tunbridge Wells this August. ‘SummerFest’ will be taking place on August 10 and 11, celebrating all things local and delicious. With music arranged by Paul Dunton and Mint DJs, the sets will offer a vibrant mix of Ibiza chilled beats and club classics from across the decades. Tickets include access to your chosen session as well as access to the luxurious gardens with delicious food options available to purchase, created by the talented chefs at The Spa Hotel.
Selected dates
Discovery Days at The Amelia
Spend an afternoon at The Amelia discovering the Brickosaurs collection of dinosaur brick models that provide a ‘jaw-inspiring’ spectacle for visitors. With amazing models including a large Velociraptor, Pteranodon and Parasaurolophus, this touring show contains some of the most extraordinary
toy brick builds ever created. Why not join in the Summer Reading challenge too and look out for Discovery Day dates packed with fun, creativity, and learning for the whole family between July 31 and August 17 at The Amelia - including dinosaur puppets, print-making, fossil and skeleton making and more!
WORTH THE TRIP
Throughout the summer Dream days at Dunorlan
If you haven’t gone boating in Dunorlan Park before then you are seriously missing out! It’s such a feel good activity and budget friendly too. No need to book ahead and did you know, you can also take your dog on board (provided it is on a lead and under control). Rowing boats, pedal boats (2 and 4 seaters), kayaks and canoes are available to rent and all ages and experiences are welcome. Make sure you save some time to visit the cafe at the park too and ‘Dragon Playground’!
We are so lucky to have so many wonderful parks and playgrounds to choose from here in Tunbridge Wells and St John’s Recreation Ground is one of our family favourites - with a decent play area with sandpit, zipwire, swings and more. There’s plenty of green space in this park as well as a bike and skate ramp, basketball park and it’s also a good place for kids to take their little bikes too. ‘The Shack’ is new for Summer 2024 and offers lots of coffee, treats, food and puppuccino’ from 8am daily. Time to treat your doggy too?
www.mytunbridgewells.com
- August 10 & 11 Motors by the Moat
The immensely popular classic cars show, ‘Motors by the Moat’ returns to Leeds Castle on 10th & 11th August. With a programme packed with live stunt shows, parades and hundreds of vintage, high-performance and classic cars on the lawns (all included with your admission ticket) this promises to be a fun day out for all.
Watch Terry Grant, international stunt driver and multiple world record holder, in a jaw dropping stunt routine set against the magnificent backdrop of the Castle. Save time to see the world-class ‘DJR’ freestyle Jet Ski team demonstrate backflips, spins and huge aerial tricks on the Castle’s moat! There’ll be an array of
enviable, glamourous and sleek cars too and of course the opportunity to discover the gorgeous grounds of Leeds Castle and the amazing playgrounds.
Dream team
This month Taylor-Made Dreams tell us about their special corporate membership packages…
At Taylor-Made Dreams, we wanted to make it as easy and simple for you to support the dreams of children with life-limiting illnesses, so in 2020 we created the Titanium Circle. The Titanium Circle helps to support businesses that want to donate to TMD through a tiered rewards programme, giving back to the people that make a magical difference whilst meeting their CSR, ESG or B-Corp commitments.
There are four tiers in the Titanium Circle: Titanium (£500 per month), Orichalcum (£250 per month), Argentum (£150 per month) and Palladium (£50 per month).
When you join, you will receive a personalised members’ pack that includes a Titanium Circle (TC) pin, certificate and plaque to display your wonderful support. Each tier also has its own benefits, with items such as a monthly update to understand what difference your
donations make; tickets for TMD events and invites to TC events, which includes a lunch with our patron John Bishop.
When you become a Titanium Circle member, you’re joining an elite group of dream-makers that are committed to supporting families in your community.
“We are a local company with 9 employees, so we wanted to make sure our charitable support helped people in the community we live and work in. Becoming a member of the Titanium Circle has given us so much – it meets all our CSR goals, given us an opportunity to meet other businesses and be promoted on Taylor-Made Dreams’ social media platforms. More importantly, it makes us feel incredibly proud to be supporting local families at such a difficult time.” - Studio44
All of the businesses that make up the Titanium Circle, help to fund the services we provide at TMD. Whether you come on board as a Palladium member or a
Titanium member, you help to support wishes like Lily’s…
“A big thank you from Lily and I! We had a lovely afternoon at the spa. All the
“
The Titanium Circle helps to support businesses that want to donate to TMD through a tiered rewards programme, giving back to the people that make a magical difference while meeting their CSR, ESG or B-Corp commitments
”
staff were very welcoming and gave Lily a lovely welcome gift bag when we arrived.
The weather was on our side which meant we could spend time also relaxing in the garden and in the yurt which was really tranquil.
“Lily said her massage was amazing, as was mine. We also had time to float around in the pool. Following the treatment we had a meal in the hotel restaurant. A truly lovely afternoon that was really appreciated and very much enjoyed.”
For a full breakdown of all rewards for each tier, head to our website taylormadedreams.org.uk/ corporate-giving or email us at hello@ taylormadedreams.org.uk to find out more.
TV star John Bishop is Taylor-Made Dreams’ Patron (pictured at last year’s Titanium Circle lunch and below with TMD CEO Suzi Mitchell)
One of Lily’s bucket list dreams was to enjoy a trip to a spa and this was made possible by Titanium Circle members
Glass act
In his column this month renowned antiques expert Mark Hill discusses the timeless appeal of Lalique glass…
“Fashion changes, but style endures”, said Coco Chanel. And she was right. Add a heavy dose of quality and the mix is perfect. Art Deco glass designed by René Lalique has been the height of style for nearly a century, and this looks set to continue with desirability and prices – and the business he founded - as strong as ever. In 2012, a unique vase found in an attic sold at auction for £280,000, but you can get in on the game for a couple of hundred pounds.
So who was René Lalique? Born in France in 1860, he grew up amidst the French countryside that was inspire him throughout his career. A talented artist from an early age, he began his career in 1876 aged 16 as an apprentice to the goldsmith Louis Aucoc, whilst also studying at the École des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. By his early 20s, he was designing jewellery for the likes of Cartier and Boucheron, and he opened his own jewellery business in Paris in 1885. It was in jewellery that he began experimenting with glassthe material that would soon bring him global renown.
In 1907, he forged a partnership with the perfumer Francois Coty to produce highly decorative perfume bottles for their
famous range of perfumes.
His journey in glass had begun in earnest. As he quickly became better known for glass than for jewellery, he took the decision to open a new glass factory at Wingen-SurModer in Alsace in 1922.
Ever the style maven, Lalique switched from the previously dominant Art Nouveau style to the increasingly popular Art Deco style during the 1920s – but nature was still his core inspiration. His increasingly numerous designs mushroomed and bloomed, and were included in the famous Paris exhibition in 1925 that propelled the ‘Art Deco’ name and movement across the globe. He also designed glass for top projects of the day, including for the first-class dining room of the luxurious Normandie cruise liner, and the Pullman Express trains. Lalique’s glass has always been the epitome of high style, and sold to those with a truly discerning eye.
A 1930s Lalique ‘Chrysis’ glass car mascot, designed in 1931.(above)
A 1930s Lalique ‘Sophora’ vase, designed in 1926. (left)
What marked Lalique’s elegant designs out from his competitors was not only the quality and strength of his designs, but the quality of the glass itself. He really understood how to make the medium work, and quality control was extremely high.
He’s best known for his glowing pearlescent glass that not only matched, but also defined, the style of the Art Deco movement, but he also used vibrant colours, like rich reds and deep blues, that one would expect from the ‘Jazz Age’.
Most designs included heavy stylisation – a stunningly modern simplification of natural forms such as leaves and flowers, but also animals and people. Carefully applied stains defined the detail. Designs that are as popular today as they were nearly a hundred years ago include Tourbillons, Pierrefonds, Ceylon, Bacchantes, and Sophora (shown here). Lalique was also inspired by Japanese art and decorative arts, which give his designs rich visual interest in three dimensions, all around
A 1930s Lalique ‘Tulipes’ blue stained vase, designed in 1927
“ ”
Ever the style maven, Lalique switched from the previously dominant Art Nouveau style to the increasingly popular Art Deco style during the 1920s
the body of the piece. They are also as eminently beautiful and decorative as they are functional.
By the time he died in 1945, he had produced many hundreds of designs and his name was known internationally. The business and brand he founded still command reverence today. As a mark of respect to the great man, after his death, the ‘R’ initial of his first name was dropped from the company’s mark, leaving just his all-important surname.
Here at The Pantiles Arcade, we offer a wide selection of pieces, from vases to dishes to his famous car mascots. Also, next time you’re in the loft and come across a glass vase, look on the base for his name as you could be sitting on a treasure that Mark Hill Auctions can help you sell!
One thing is for sure, you could be in for a surprise – Lalique’s style doesn’t just endure, it is eternal.
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.
Home from home
Club Quantum is the brainchild of local entrepreneurs Liam Hopper and Dani Čolić. The idea to create a private members’ club with a difference was conceived a couple of years ago and since then the pair have worked tirelessly on creating this unique creative space where you can work, rest and play in the heart of The Pantiles
How would describe the essence of Club Quantum?
Liam: The club, which is located in The Potteries building in The Pantiles, embodies many attributes that resonate deeply with both Dani and I. We wanted to create a multi-use space where people can grow and forge a community. Whether you want morning coffee and pastry or a botanical cocktail or a boardroom meeting, we can deliver it.
Dani: We want this place to be a sanctuary and somewhere people can connect with like-minded others. It’s about nourishing your body, mind and soul.
Who is your core clientele?
Liam: Club Quantum invites fellow professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who share our common drive and hunger for success. In addition to all we offer here in terms of hospitality and networking and co-working space with different breakout areas, we also want to include an exclusive concierge service for members too.
Dani: We want people to work, socialise and also feel that this place is uniquely for them. Whether it’s the secure WiFi, the security access into the rear part of the club, the amazing décor or the special events we offer: it is all about exclusivity while being inclusive.
Do you have to be a member to access all that Club Quantum offers?
Dani: Not at all. We have a great split space which comprises a public bar and café to the front area plus a fantastic outdoor space which can cater for up to 50 people. Between the three areas this probably seats around 165 people. At the moment we are just serving drinks and snacks but the idea is to offer acacia bowls, soul food, Lebanese tapas and Buddha bowls. I love foraging so we are also going to be bringing our clients things like nettle teas and botanical cocktails. It’s about delivering something different. We really have thought about everything –even the little things such as scenting the whole space and ensuring the music is at the right level to relax you.
How would you describe the aesthetics of Club Quantum?
Dani: we have put so much work into this. We have been able to source so much through our passions and contacts.
Good examples would be our 200-year-old Arabic doors which close off the public space into our private members’ club. We wanted it to feel like clients were going into Narnia…Other aesthetic nods go to classic British style with our Herringbone flooring, Italy with our Venetian plastering and Asia with our Chinese tea chests. I would describe it as bijou, boho and eclectic.
Club Quantum is a place to work, join, and be part of a community that shares similar experiences ” “
This has been a long time coming so what challenges have you faced along the way?
Liam: I speak for both Dani and myself when I say that this project has been one of, if not the hardest, accomplishments of our lives. We have overcome licensing permissions and restrictions, navigated unforeseen setbacks in the build such as aircon routing, and endured the impact of rising inflation rates. Each challenge demanded our blood, sweat, and tears.
Did you ever feel like giving up?
Liam: This was never an option for us; we simply aren’t wired that way. It’s not in an entrepreneur’s nature to give up but to adapt, re-visualise, and change strategy before trying again. Dani and I are resilient in the face of failure, supporting each other’s vision and beliefs for Club Quantum. We even welcome failure as it won’t stop us—it’s just success turned inside out.
Have you worked with any other local businesses to bring Club Quantum to life?
Liam: Yes absolutely. Masters of Malt (Atom) along with Majestic have been brilliant. Fluent Technology have been instrumental in helping IT security, door access, to telecoms and more. Brittens
Music have been great helping us source our beautiful piano which is the centrepiece of our members’ area.
Dani: We’ve also worked with lots of people locally on our incredible interiors. These include Castle Fine Art who are showcasing some amazing collections, YiJu Antiques, Tunbridge Wells Interiors and Pushkin Antiques among many others including our amazing antiques expert Lizzie. Kingdom in Penshurst has kindly offered us our boardroom table which has been carved out of wood from fallen trees from the 1987 storm.
What would you say is Club Quantum’s secret ingredient?
Liam: Mental health is a significant concern for professionals. Many won’t admit it, but for me when you run many companies you learn to live with it but turn it into a strength. When you face your hardest challenges, that’s when you must not quit. Club Quantum is a place to work, join, and be part of a community that shares similar experiences. We provide unity and sanctuary for like-minded individuals—the true visionaries, risktakers, and go-getters.
Dani: We want to create a space which is aesthetically rich and inspiring but will also connect people on a day-to-day basis. Eventually, we want to be able to host sociable soirees where friends and similar people can gather together and enjoy all Club Quantum has to offer.
Club Quantum is open from Monday to Saturday. It boasts various membership packages, details of which can be found at www.clubsquantum. com or by heading to @club_quantum_ on Instagram
Dani & Liam
Thackeray's Restaurant in Royal Tunbridge Wells offers an excellent setting for business lunches and corporate meetings. Located in a historic building that once belonged to the author William Makepeace Thackeray, the restaurant provides a unique and elegant atmosphere that is well-suited for professional gatherings.
For larger business groups we have private rooms that can accommodate parties of 8 to 18 diners without any additional room hire charge. These rooms offer a private and refined environment for business meetings and corporate events. In addition to its excellent food and service, Thackeray's commitment to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal location for corporate functions and client entertaining.
With menus starting from £28 per person up to our indulgent Chef’s tasting menu we are confident we have the right offering whatever the occasion. We are also happy to offer delegate rates for Breakfast meetings or all-day meeting packages.
For all enquiries or to make a reservation please contact one of our team :
