TW Business Magazine October 24

BUSINESS TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Revolutionary

approach

Why Dr Kiran Shah is the go-to specialist in Tunbridge Wells for cosmetic dentistry

DESIGN FOR LIFE

We meet the female founders of Atelier de Linde Architects

PURE GEMS

Gavin and Lorraine Marsh of The Diamond Setter on the sparkling success of their jewellery business

TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

Discover TNI’s adventurous new seasonal menu and the story behind their rebrand

Being entrusted with people's smiles is a privilege

“ “

CYBER SECURITY

Expert advice on protecting your business

HARD LESSONS

The implications of the proposed VAT raid on private schools

GREEN LIGHT

How amplifi can help companies become leaner and greener

OCTOBER 2024

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

DESIGN MANAGER

Jason Stubbs

PHOTOGRAPHY

John Knight

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Robin Singer

COMMERCIAL PARTNER

Coco Piesse Turner

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

George Percy

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Richard Moore

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Nick Moore

Welcome

This month we are delighted to bring you the story of our cover star Dr Kiran Shah of Kalon Dental.

Based in Molyneux Park Road, his dental practice is probably one of the most stunning and stylish ones I have ever stepped foot in – and believe me as both a dental hygiene aficionado and journalist I have seen a lot of the good, bad and the ugly! What sets Dr Kiran Shah apart is not only the beautiful and relaxing space he has created for carrying out all his regular dentistry work, but the skills he has acquired along the way which have made him the area’s leading cosmetic dentist. Whether you want teeth whitening, to embark on an Invisalign journey or invest in composite bonding for an enhanced picture-perfect smile, he can meet your needs. But Kiran believes that getting that Hollywood smile shouldn’t mean it comes with a Hollywood price tag – in fact just the opposite. That’s why Kiran is so transparent about costs and ethics with his clients. Turn to page 28 to find out more…

Elsewhere we have plenty of great content to bring you including some fabulous social scene pages documenting all the best local events that have taken place over the past month. Whether it’s interiors guru Laurence LlewelynBowen (who we exclusively interviewed last month) hosting the South East Property Show, the launch of the TN Card Business Awards (who we are media

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

sponsors for) or the gala opening of Club Quantum private members club (oh what a night that was!) we have the low down on all that’s been happening after the working day is done.

But back to business and we have plenty to inform and inspire you this issue. As it’s Cyber Security Awareness Month we have a couple of expert pieces on how you can protect your business – and insure yourself – against the ever-growing threat of being hacked. We hear from both Nick Brandon of tecwork and Shaun Joubert of NFU Mutual on this hot topic.

We also bring you news of how local businesses The Diamond Setter, Atelier de Linde architects and Go Goosey are effectively growing their brands while Neil Simmons of TN Recruits shares his advice on how to attract Gen Z employees – and keep them.

As always, we have our great mix of lifestyle features and interviews in our After Hours section for you to enjoy as you hunker down into autumn and enjoy the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness…

Until next time,

Eileen Leahy

Find us at:

www.twbusinessmagazine.com @twbusiness_magazine @TWBizMag © Copyright 2024. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine and JJL Media & Marketing Ltd are fully protected by copyright; no part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors and omissions. We can under no circumstance be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the website or magazine. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials or photography or any other such material supplied by a third party. The views and opinions expressed within our publications are not necessarily those of the publisher or Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine or any featured parties.

Printed by:

Business news: What’s happening in our commercial community.

County News: A look at what’s happening in the Kent business community

Fantastic Feedback:

We hear what you love most about TWBM

Social scene: A round-up of the month’s best parties and networking events

Smiles ahead: Dr Kiran Shah talks general dentistry and groundbreaking cosmetic work

Social network:

Lucy Ames of RTW Media Group shares her top tips for maximising LinkedIn

Cyber security:

Nick Brandon of tecwork on protecting your business online

Green party: How amplifi can help you be leaner and greener – and save you money

Best in show:

Nick Brant from Brilliant Businesses on his forthcoming business expo

Generating Gen Z: Neil Simmons of TN Recruits reveals how you can attract them

Designer goods: We meet the founders or Atelier de Linde architects

Legal news: A round-up of what’s happening in our legal landscape

Child’s play: Go Goosey founder Karen Burke on her revolutionary business for kids

All that glitters: Meet Gavin and Lorraine of The Diamond Setter

Savour the flavour: Don’t miss our special food and drink section

Hit reset: Lucy Parker of Flow Tunbridge Wells helps with a seasonal adjustment

Homes & Interiors: How Jules Haines is saving the planet, one fabric bolt at a time

Travel: Join our columnists from Simply Luxury Escapes on a global adventure

Pitch perfect: TWRFU celebrates a decade of women in rugby at the club

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

Mark Hill Antiques Expert

Sarah Raine Director, Colley Raine & Associates

Dee Airey Photographer & Visibility Strategist

Darren Austin Director, Synergee

Darryl Coombes

Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Sophie Forrest-Lavery Founder, The Forrest Group

Jess Gibson Managing Director, The TN Card

Alex Green CEO, RTW Together

Matthew Hill Founder, Private Medical Insurance Brokers

Simon Howson-Green Technology Expert

Clare Lush-Mansell Founder, My Tunbridge Wells

Gavin Marsh Master Jeweller & Diamond Setter, Director Osmium Institute UK

Becky Moran CEO, TN Lettings

Gillian Palmer Founder, The Finance Hub

Deborah Richards Founder, Maddisons Residential

Neil Simmons ManagingDirector, TN Recruits

Rosemary Shrager Chef, TV personality & Author

Siobhan Stirling Managing Director, Sharp Minds

Jon Traquair Founder, Fixio

Helen Williams Mindset & Business coach

Community and education hub recognised   for ‘ambitious work’ with young and old alike

By Richard Moore

The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells has won a prestigious award for ‘fast becoming the cultural beating heart of the local community’.

The Borough Council’s multi-purpose cultural centre, renovated at a cost of £21millon, is to receive a Sandford Award from the Heritage Education Trust for excellence in heritage education–learning programmes.

Amelia Scott joins a number of worldfamous heritage sites receiving the award this year including Bletchley Park, SS Great Britain Trust and All England Lawn Tennis Club & Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development said: “The award means that the learning programme created for our youngest residents has been assessed as being of the very highest quality. The report is glowing! Warmest congratulations to the Amelia Scott team and thank you for your fantastic work.”

The Amelia has a full schools’ education programme rooted in the National Curriculum, which aims to connect the materials used in its education programme and the stories told at the Amelia. The hub has strong links with local schools, many of which are frequent visitors.

Outreach sessions are also offered to schools who are not able to visit, as well as loan boxes for teachers to use in their classrooms.

Informal learning at the Amelia extends to families, outreach, community groups, youth engagement, wellbeing, pottery,

“It is abundantly clear that the Amelia Scott is fast becoming the cultural beating heart of the local community”

silversmithing and volunteering as well as inspiring study spaces and talks throughout the year.

The Sandford Award panel said: “It is abundantly clear that the Amelia Scott in its ambitious role as a community and education hub in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, is fast becoming the cultural beating heart of the local community.

“It is not only a truly inclusive, accessible,

Fenwick looks for new boss after fallout from Harrods controversy

One of the town’s flagship department stores, Fenwick, is once again on the hunt for a new CEO to lead the nationwide chain.

As we reported in this magazine during the summer, retail industry veteran Nigel Blow was due to take over this month (October) but he has been caught up in the ongoing debate over the former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.

Mr Blow joined Harrods as a merchandise controller in 1992, rising to chief merchant of the store, with a seat on the board, in 2003.

According to the BBC there were media reports of Al Fayed's alleged abuse of women during this period - a profile in Vanity Fair in 1995 alleged sexual misconduct against staff, then a

documentary in 1997 and a book in 1998 alleged sexual assaults.

Al Fayed died last year aged 94.

Mr Blow left Harrods in 2007 to join the Irish retailer Brown Thomas.

A BBC documentary last month was based on the accounts of more than 20 women who said they had been sexually assaulted or raped by Al Fayed while working at Harrods.

The BBC has stated that Fenwick was contacted to ask if it had any comment to make about the documentary and Mr Blow's long-standing links with Harrods.  Fenwick later told the BBC: "Nigel Blow has informed us that he will no longer be taking up this position."

No reason for the decision was given.

uplifting, positive environment in which to learn, but also offers a multitude of bespoke, educational opportunities. These are delivered by a small, expert team for young and old learners alike in an innovative way to the highest standard.

“The emphasis on local history in both the education programme and the public galleries anchors the Amelia in its people, giving its audience the chance to learn about the past, be active and creative in the present, while importantly looking to the future with its high-tech bespoke learning spaces. The Amelia responds, adapts, and gives of the highest quality in terms of both personnel and its offer to diverse audiences.”

Awards will be presented at an event hosted by Historic Royal Palaces at Kensington Palace in December.

Fenwick has eight stores around the UK including the one in Royal Victoria Place shopping centre. It closed its branch on Bond Street in London earlier this year.

At the time of going to press there was another twist to the story Nigel Blow who claimed he in fact was ‘fired’ by Fenwick.

“Fenwick terminated my employment on a Teams call,” he told the Daily Mail.

Across at the Telegraph he said he had ‘absolutely no knowledge of anything’ related to abuse.

PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS FROM THE IMPACT OF CYBER ATTACKS

In today’s digital world, cybercrime is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. If you handle customer or employee data, use networks or systems for trading, or manage online payments or bookings, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.

Sadly, cyber-attacks have evolved and are occurring more frequently. According to the 2024 UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey, half of businesses (50%), and around a third of charities (32%) report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months.

If a cyber-attack occurs, it could cause disruption to your systems and impact your ability to trade.

Furthermore, with the laws in place around data security, you could find that the attack has a financial, legal, and reputational impact on your business.

At NFU Mutual through carefully chosen products provided by our expert partners, we can provide cover, support, and help you put plans in place to protect you and your business should the worst happen.

Full details of the cover available, including any limits and exclusions that may apply will be explained to help you choose the right cover for you.

For more information call NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell agency on 01892 337488 or pop in to see us at 55 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XU to discuss protecting your business from the impact of cyber-attacks.

Golds galore for RTW in Bloom

It was a golden year for Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom at the 2024 South and South East in Bloom awards ceremony.

A spokesperson told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine that the event, which was held at RHS Wisley on September 20, saw that the group gathered even more gold awards than last year.

“Last year we had seven Gold and one Silver Gilt. This year however we received is eight Gold for all the sites we entered.

Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom was a Gold medallist and winner of both the Small City category and the Wildlife Gardening Award, and had the honour of receiving the S&SEIB Chairman’s Award.

Pamela Wilkinson, the Council’s

Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure & Health said: “Well done to Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom in Bloom for another hugely successful year. What a fantastic number of Gold medals! My congratulations, and thanks for all their hard work, goes to the community groups, Friends and volunteers all of whom contributed to the outstanding results while ensuring the town , parks and green spaces look beautiful for all to enjoy.”

In 2025 Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom will be celebrating 15 years since the group was relaunched in the town.

To read Pamela Wilkinson’s column turn to page 49

Tonbridge MP loses Tory Leadership Race

At the time of this magazine going to press it was announced that Tonbridge & Malling MP Tom Tungendhat was the first of the four contenders vying to become the new leader of the Conservative party to be knocked out of the race. Mr Tugendhat was up against rivals James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick. On October 9 James Cleverly was also eliminated from the contest.

Taking to social media to thank his supporters Mr Tugendhat, who is also Shadow Minister for Security said: "Your energy, your ideas and your support have shown a vision of what our party could become," he said.

"Our campaign has ended but our commitment to our country continues."

The new Tory leader will be announced on November 2.

Hard lessons ahead in fallout from the tax on school fees

By Simon Howson-Green

The Government’s plan to raise more than one billion pounds a year through VAT on private education looks doomed to backfire… thanks to what some are calling the ‘Tunbridge Wells effect’.

According to property market analysts, estate agents, parents and schools, the 20 percent VAT levy on private education is having a ripple effect across the region including Tunbridge Wells – hitting property prices, school places and educational services in the private sector.

On top of this… it is the Treasury which could feel the real pinch.

VAT is usually seen as a ‘regressive’ tax which hits the less well-off sectors of society. However, the government has labelled its VAT levy on private school fees as ‘progressive’ - arguing it would ‘means test’ the wealthy through their ability to cover the inevitable rise in fees.

The levy was one of the first policy actions to be taken by the Treasury when the new Labour government took power in the summer.

However, scepticism is growing which suggests the Treasury is going to end up being substantially short-changed.

The Tunbridge Wells effect goes a long way to explain this as it mirrors a national trend.

There are more than one hundred schools in the Tunbridge Wells region ranging from nurseries to sixth form colleges. Forty-two are secondary schools and eleven are private - all of which are seen as among the country’s top performers. Their success is drawing interest in both private and state schools not only from other parts of the UK but from places as far away as Hong Kong, China and India.

The new tax is pushing private education beyond the reach of some families and making it harder for others to keep their children in fee-paying schools.

This is sparking a greater interest in parents wanting to send their children to the very best state and grammar schools in the UK. Tunbridge Wells has many of the most outstanding state schools in the country.

“This is starting to push demand and consequently prices for homes in the catchment areas of the best grammar schools and comprehensives,” said Christopher Weller, Director at Charles Century Estate Agents in the town.

“This desire for good schools will also push prices up in the surrounding villages.”

According to Weller there is another

factor which is impacting demand for families determined to privately educate their children: the school bus.

“We are seeing that private schools are laying on school buses which will pick pupils up irrespective of how remote their homes are. This service comes at a price but that is being offset by parents because it’s a cheaper option than moving home.”

The school bus is one private school service which is helping them maintain pupil numbers despite the enforced rise in fees they are passing on to parents.

We spoke to one head teacher at a fee-paying school who told us that most private schools are being forced to cut other services and costs in order to pass those savings on to its customers – i.e. its pupils and parents.

“Bursaries, which should benefit those who cannot naturally afford school fees will have to go,’ she said. “We are looking at renting out some of our sporting facilities to raise revenue.

“This is a tough move to make but it will ensure some of our parents, who might struggle to meet the higher fees, are spared having to pull their children out of the private system.”

Becky Moran from TN Lettings in Tunbridge Wells said the rental market is also going to be skewed in the fallout from the tax.

“Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax could be in the firing line during Chancellor Rachel Reeves budget at the end of October. Those changes will be part of a plan to fill a £22bn gap in the public finances. The housing market has sped up since the summer in anticipation of these changes. This is beginning to hike prices,’ said Moran.

But it is the rental market which is going to feel the greatest turbulence towards the end of the year, she adds. And that’s mainly because the Tunbridge Wells area still offers the 11+ exam (Kent Test) to pupils chasing a place at grammar school. The exam was introduced in 1944 and phased out across most of the country forty years ago. But Tunbridge Wells clings on to it.

“Anyone can take the Tunbridge Wells 11+ exam, anywhere in the world. If you pass and you are of Grammar school age, provided you can demonstrate you are resident in the area by the first Thursday in December you are eligible for a place at a top state school here,” explains Moran. Hence, an influx of outsiders renting properties in the area.

“The problem is that places are limited, and this exam is adding to a huge oversubscription to these schools,” added Moran.

“People from as far away as Hong Kong

Continued on p12

How much do I need to save for retirement?

If you’re approaching retirement, one of your biggest questions is likely to be, “Have I saved enough?”

There’s no golden rule for how much money you’ll need in retirement, as this depends on various factors such as your retirement age, plans, and how long you live. However, having a rough idea of how much income the average retiree needs and how to generate it, is a good place to start.

What do I need for a ‘comfortable’ retirement?

Research by the Pensions ansd Lifetime Savings Association suggests that to fund a ‘comfortable’ retirement, the average single person would need £43,100 a year and the average couple would need £59,000 a year (after tax)1. This equates to an approximate gross income of £51,000 for a single person or £67,600 for a couple.

Our own research found that a 66-year-old retiree with a £1m pension using income drawdown could withdraw £51,000 a year (gross) until age 94. This assumes 5% annual investment growth after fees and income increasing with 2% inflation.

For a pension worth £500,000, the withdrawals would only last until age 77.

How much income would an annuity provide?

As an alternative, someone buying an annuity at 66 could expect up to £60,000 gross annual retirement income from a £1m pension fund or around £30,000 a year from a £500,000 fund2.

Annuity income is guaranteed for life, providing the same annual income regardless of longevity. In contrast, income drawdown involves investment risk – your fund could fall in value, and you risk running out of money if you live longer than expected. However, drawdown enables you to vary your income.

You could take a ‘mix-and-match’ approach, for example buying an annuity to generate some secure income, while using income drawdown for discretionary spending.

Think beyond your pension

Retirement income can come from sources besides just your pension.

ISAs do not benefit from tax relief on contributions. However, withdrawals are completely free from tax. ISAs can allow you to leave your pension untouched for your first years of retirement.

Other income sources to consider include cash savings accounts, shares, bonds, and property income, as well as the state pension, which is £221.20 per week for those who qualify for the full rate (2024/25 tax year).

Next steps

Determining how much money you need for retirement is no easy feat. A financial adviser can explain how to make up a shortfall, and advise on the most suitable strategy for you, based on your individual circumstances.

Taking some financial advice will help you feel confident you’re on track for a more secure financial future.

1 https://www.retirementlivingstandards.org.uk/

2 Annuity assumptions: single life, monthly in advance, no guarantee period, 2% indexation, non-smoker, standard (healthy) rates, payable for life. Quotes obtained from Iress on 30 April 2024.

I live and work local to you. I would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.

Paul Cannons

Senior Investment Manager

E: paul.cannons@brewin.co.uk

T: 01892 739580

RBC Brewin Dolphin, 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1NU

W: www.brewin.co.uk/royal-tunbridge-wells

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. Forecasts are not a reliable indicator of future performance.

are renting homes in state catchment areas just to get their kids into the schools. This is not affecting prices for rentals yet – and they are already forty percent higher than in pre-Covid days – but they will by the end of the year.”

A nationwide survey by Savills showed properties in soughtafter school catchment areas can command significant premiums, sometimes up to twenty per cent or more.

The research indicates that the desire to secure a spot in a topperforming state school is a key driver of local property prices.

Other reports from Nationwide, The Telegraph and Guardian newspapers and the regular update from the Department of Education all highlight these links.

“The

scramble for school places having a marked effect on the housing

market is nothing new. However, the Labour Party’s VAT raid has clearly added an extra volatility to the mix.”

So, the scramble for school places having a marked effect on the housing market is nothing new. However, the Labour Party’s VAT raid has clearly added an extra volatility to the mix.

The Tunbridge Wells effect is a clear signal of a new nationwide trend. Not only the move towards quality state education and away from private schooling but the upshot of this is almost certainly a significant shortfall in the Treasury’s coffers.

Some analysts have predicted that gap could be as much as half what the government is expecting as private schools find ways to circumnavigate the tax.

Kent brewer sees little to cheer about in new plans for workers

By Richard Moore

Government plans to overhaul laws in the work place could lead to ‘higher costs of employment and logistics’.

That’s the warning from Britain’s oldest brewer, the Favershambased Shepherd and Neame which was founded in 1698.

Labour is looking at scraping zero-hours contracts and allowing people to claim unfair dismissal from the first day of their employment. Ideas that have unsettled business leaders.

Shepherd Neame, which owns more than 300 pubs across the South East, said in a statement: “In the short-term we are concerned by proposed labour market regulation and anticipated higher costs of employment and logistics.

“Some of the proposals from Government may drive up costs and reduce flexibility.”

The brewer produces 50m pints a year and exports to more than 35 countries and has pubs in Tunbridge Wells including The Bull in Frant, The Black Horse on Camden Road in Tunbridge Wells and The Camden Arms in Pembury.

s106 agreements – issues for developers to consider

By Oliver Bussell, Partner, Planning at CooperBurnett LLP

Following Labour’s general election victory in July, mandatory housing targets are being reintroduced for England and a re-evaluation of the green belt was started. Change is afoot!

But what often goes unremarked is the importance of s106 agreements in fostering development.

An agreement under s106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 is made between a landowner and a council. It provides infrastructure, mandates works or commits money to public purposes, ensuring that the disbenefits of development are mitigated by the development rather than the taxpayer.

There are risks for both parties here. The council risks not securing full mitigation.  The developer risks contributions which make the development unviable.  So, what is justifiable? Ultimately it’s a matter for negotiation: councils have standard requirements for everything from affordable housing to provision of green space and bike racks! Also relevant is the type of development and how important it is to the economy. Fortunately there are also legal tests which circumscribe what councils can seek.

Many developers complain of the delays that accompany s106 negotiations. These usually occur because of uncertainty about what is justifiable; also the sheer number of parties who end up needing to covenant: landowner, mortgagee, developer, district council, county council - each with their own lawyer and comments on a draft. Increasingly the district council will take a lead on the negotiation, even leaving the county council out sometimes. That kind of pragmatism is very helpful.

My advice to landowners and developers would be:

• Accept that some form of s106 contribution is probably due, albeit this increases the costs of the project.

• Involve your solicitor early on in scrutinising the council’s s106 requirements and being ready to push back on anything that is not legally defensible.

• Keep in touch with the planning officer so that your team is speaking with one voice to the council at all times.

If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Oliver Bussell on email: OPB@cooperburnett.com or tel: 01892 515022. www.cooperburnett.com

This blog is not intended as legal advice that can be relied upon and CooperBurnett LLP does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of its contents.

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

Investments create exciting vision for the future

Kent continues to welcome significant investment. 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 Tunbridge Wells, takes a look at what’s happening around the county this month…

Channelling investment

The Port of Dover is Britain’s busiest port. It’s a critical gateway for trade across the English Channel to the UK, and an important part of the Kent economy. The good news is that it’s got an exciting vision for the future.

It has announced its ambition to become the UK’s most seamless, sustainable, and tech-enabled port. The aim is to better manage its traffic by enhancing the safety, security and efficiency of its operations, while at the same time looking at its power supply and the decarbonisation of maritime transport and road haulage.

“The port’s plans are designed to enhance trade and support local communities through new jobs and future skills, improve environmental sustainability, and drive innovation

”This is part of its vision – Port of Dover 2050: Empower Exchange – which outlines how it’s going to unlock its full potential. If all goes according to plan, Dover will be able to increase the amount of trade it handles by up to £173bn a year, an

increase of 20% on current capacity.

The port’s plans are designed to enhance trade and support local communities through new jobs and future skills, improve environmental sustainability, and drive innovation. However, the port recognises it can’t achieve its vision alone and has called on the Government to help foster a supportive policy environment that enables major capital investment, technological advancements, and infrastructure upgrades.

A vintage investment

Less than a decade ago Taittinger became the first French champagne house to invest in the UK with the ambition to produce a top-quality sparkling wine.

The Taittinger family has had a longstanding passion for the UK, especially Kent. Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger started his career in the UK and his father, Jean Taittinger, twinned Canterbury with Reims more than 45 years ago when he was Mayor of Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne region.

In Kent, Taittinger and its UK partner, Hatch Mansfield, created Domaine Evremond on 125 hectares, with vineyards in Chilham, near Canterbury. The site was purchased in 2015 with the aim of planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, the same vines as in Champagne – and on similar soils.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, recently opened the state-of-the-art winery and

presented the first edition of Domaine Evremond’s Classic Cuvee at the event. The wine will be sold in spring next year, when the Cellar Door opens to the public. Let’s raise a glass to their success.

Well-grounded investment

As a coffee lover, this investment by a Kent family business in helping recycle some of the 250,000 tonnes of used coffee grounds the UK produces every year, appeals to me.

Launched in Canterbury by Countrystyle Recycling, the countywide waste

management operator, the service will see a weekly collection of used coffee grounds from independent cafés and restaurants, as well as retail chains, hotels and visitor attractions.

Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients and can be used as fertilisers. The used coffee grounds are taken to one of Countrystyle’s sites to be processed and turned into coffee pellets. The aim is to sell the pellets through garden centres and to horticulturalists.

Currently a large proportion of the coffee grounds produced by the leisure and hospitality industry are collected in general waste and go to landfill, with a portion collected as food waste for composting or taken to anaerobic digestion plants.

With the ambition to take the service countywide, it seems Tunbridge Wells could shortly see the arrival of the Countrystyle coffee grounds recycling service.

Stress Relief via Budgets

by Darren Austin at Synergee

Running a business can be stressful for a whole variety of reasons. Having up to date and accurate financial records, including budgets, can assist in reducing stress.

Financial Control: Preparing budgets require you to consider all aspects of your income and expenditure, helping you control your finances. This control allows you to allocate resources efficiently and avoid unnecessary expenditure.

Goal Setting: With a budget, you can set realistic financial goals and track your progress. Whether it’s expanding your business, investing in new technology, or increasing your marketing efforts, a budget helps you to define objectives.

Monitoring Progress: Having a budget that is integrated into your accounting software allows you to report on actual vs budget at the end of each reporting period (typically monthly or quarterly). Once your period end closedown procedures (for example, bank reconciliation, stock adjustments, depreciation, prepayments/ accruals, etc.) have been completed, you can not only produce your Profit and Loss account for the period, but you can also run a comparison between actual and budget.

The variances can highlight issues in either the budget numbers, actual performance or both. This allows for remedial action in a timely manner.

Team Involvement: Sharing some or all the budget with your team and involving them in the financial planning process can foster a sense of shared responsibility and reduce the burden on you.

Accounting programs such as QuickBooks Online and Xero have built in budgeting functionalities. These tools simplify the budgeting process, allowing you to create, manage, and adjust your budget with ease. They do not allow a full 3-way forecast, which would include the Profit & Loss, Cashflow and Balance Sheet, but are a great starting point for building a Profit & Loss budget (or several if you have differing scenarios to consider).

By implementing a thoughtful budgeting strategy, small business owners can gain control over their finances, leading to reduced stress and a more stable business environment.

If you would like more information on creating and reporting with budgets, please contact us.

What makes a great brand reputation?

Having a strong reputation can help you access new markets, acquire more valuable clients and increase the net worth of your business. The Managing Director of Sharp Minds Communications, Siobhan Stirling, outlines key strategies for building a great reputation.

Lego has won the accolade of the most reputable company in the world for the second year in a row, according to Global RepTrak 100’s 2024 rankings, which assesses brand reputations on a variety of criteria, including leadership, branding, workplace fairness and ESG. So how can you be more like Lego and get a name for being a great business?

Retain customer trust

In our data-driven world, consumer confidence has never been more important for reputation; 57% of consumers say their favourite brand uses their data in a way that makes them feel comfortable, according to the Marigold 2024 report, Relationship Marketing Trends. Trust is won by honesty, authenticity and

integrity – delivering transparently on your promises at all times.

Open communications

True reputation leaders authentically and frequently communicate about their activities in the reputation areas that their stakeholders care about most. Companies that act proactively in a crisis position themselves as reputation leaders.

Be socially responsible

As more consumers and businesses place value on ethics and social responsibility, it is important to create a culture which critically reviews business decisions and opportunities through a socially conscious lens.

RepTrak’s top ten brands all score highly on ESG commitments. Key

Darren Austin is a director of Synergee Limited, a firm of Chartered Accountants & business advisers based in Tunbridge Wells.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask Darren he can be contacted on 01892 772960 www.synergee.org.uk

to Lego’s success is its initiative to replace plastic products with sustainable materials.

Innovate

It’s no longer enough to meet customer expectations; leading brands need to exceed increasingly elevated consumer demands. And that means innovating to add value, surprise and define.

Happy employees

Happy employees can be the strongest champions of your business. Investing in individual growth, recognising achievements and supporting the mental and physical health and wellbeing of your staff will strengthen your employer brand – and hence your business’s wider reputation.

sharpminds.agency

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.

The Social Network

Once again we must thank you all for the incredible feedback we’ve received after our latest edition of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

We love seeing – and sharing – your wonderful posts so feel free to tag us in online if you like something.

Here are just some of the brilliant comments we’re delighted to share with you this month…

Chloe from Dance 4 Kidz

“Well, I've just returned from Kent College Pembury after talking all morning to year 10, 11 and 13 Business Studies students about becoming an entrepreneur - all thanks to your write up! The tutor loved it so much, they want me to return as a paid speaker as part of their Business Studies course next year.”

CooperBurnett LLP

“Thanks so much to Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine for sharing the news about Joshua Hayes being offered a training contract with us and his journey to that point via the M-Law paralegal scheme”

Club Quantum

“Melissa lit up the club with this gorgeous front cover. Tunbridge Wells Business

Magazine we had you shining brightly, as you always do”

Neil Simmons, TN Recruits

“I’ve been delighted with the response from my articles so far in the magazine. It’s great when people read your article and immediately get in touch”

Helen Williams, Hey Helen Williams

PMI 130x90 advert - chosen 05.24.qxp_Layout 1 29/05/2024 14:36 Page 1

“I attend the quarterly networking meetings with TWBM magazine and love that I get the opportunity to network in our local community which has a whole load of

benefits…”

Ghislayne Perez-Duran, Virtual Assistant

“Loved the TN Card’s piece on Dodomi Kitchen – great article and great food”

Pam Lyddon, Founder of Bright Star

Digital PR

“Great to unwind and read the latest edition of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine”

GET IN TOUCH:

Email: hello@twbusinessmagazine.com

LinkedIn @ tunbridgewellsbusinessmagazine Instagram @twbusiness_magazine X @TWBizMag

Toasting success

Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine hosted its second networking event last month. This time the TWBM team invited advertisers and supporters to the newly opened Club Quantum on The Pantiles.

Guests in attendance for the networking afternoon at the private members club included Neil Simmons of TN Recruits, business growth coach Helen Williams, Gillian Palmer from The Finance Hub, antiques expert Alexander Pushkin, Matthew Hill, founder of PMI brokers and social media manager Deeps Motley.

"We were delighted to welcome all our guests to another fantastic networking opportunity," said Nick Moore, TWBM's Managing Director. "It's wonderful to connect with businesses of all sizes from so many sectors and make meaningful connections. Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate our ongoing success."

Cyber Threats… tecwork are making a real impact for local businesses and organisations.

It seems that every day, a news item is released covering the latest organisation to fall foul of a cyber attack.

The truth is that, whilst many attacks are specifically targeted, many are not. Which means that all sizes and types of businesses and organisations are indiscriminately targeted.

Amazingly, only roughly 15% of organisations are aware of the UK Government’s cyber protection scheme, Cyber Essentials. Cyber Essentials is a best practice benchmark scheme which helps organisations protect themselves, their staff, customers and suppliers.

tecwork can help your organisation by assessing and auditing your whole tech set up and provide advice and guidance on how to reduce vulnerabilities. Using state of the art tools, like Guardz, we can identify what needs to be done and implement the changes for you.

We are offering all organisations a free report at The Tunbridge Wells Business Show on the 7th November at Salomons Centre in Tunbridge

Send us your details and come and see us on our stand and we can discuss the findings of the report with you!

Team Spirit

Business forum for Tunbridge Wells, enTWine (co-founded by Pam Loch from Loch Associates, Victoria Sampson from CooperBurnett LLP and Lynne Gadsden from Eight Wealth Management) held a sell-out session at The Amelia Scott on September 19, which featured a panel session expertly chaired by Nick Moore from the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

On the panel were William Benson, Chief Executive of TWBC; Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Deputy Leader of the Council; and Alex Green, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together BID.

Various challenges facing the town, such as traffic and the need for affordable housing were discussed but there was plenty to celebrate too - including the Subbuteo FISTF World Cup 2024 ‘coming home’ to Tunbridge Wells, the forthcoming launch of a new app for the town “RTW Love Local” (listing events and a business directory) and news of Primark and Nando’s arriving.

In their summaries, Justine said she was ‘cautiously optimistic’ about the future of Tunbridge Wells, while William said he ‘couldn’t be prouder of Tunbridge Wells’ and appreciated the fact that business owners had turned up to the session, meaning they really care about the town. Alex added that he felt the town was going from ‘strength to strength.’

HANDING OVER HISTORY

During the enTWine discussion last month the organisation’s founders Pam Loch, Victoria Sampson and Lynne Gadsden – all former Presidents of the West Kent Chamber of Commerce and Industry – handed over the organisation’s official chain of office to Dr Ian Beavis at The Amelia Scott for

safe keeping. The chamber ceased trading during the pandemic, after 162 years of supporting business owners in Tunbridge Wells and West Kent. Lynne was its final President.

(left to right: Pam Loch, Lynne Gadsden, Dr Ian Beavis and Victoria Sampson).

“We're transforming the entire fragrance retail experience”

Tunbridge Wells resident Ben Janoušek is CEO of Kaorium a very unique and innovative Japanese company which is making groundbreaking advances in the fragrance world. Eileen Leahy discovers how it is using sophisticated AI and computer software to help you discover your perfect perfume…

So Ben, let’s start at the beginning. When and why did you get involved with Kaorium?

I’ve worked in the fragrance industry since the late 1990s, eventually running The Perfume Studio in Tunbridge Wells. Unfortunately, Covid-19 impacted the business, leading me to explore new opportunities. Earlier this year, I was approached by Scentmatic, a Japanese company that had developed an innovative fragrance selection technology but wanted help expanding into the European market. I couldn’t resist the chance to return to the perfume world, but with a focus on a groundbreaking new approach.

Can you briefly explain what the brand is all about?

Imagine finding your perfect fragrance without the usual guesswork and confusion. That’s what Kaorium is all about. We’re not a perfume brand; we’re transforming the entire fragrance retail experience. By leveraging cutting-edge AI, hardware, and software, Kaorium helps consumers articulate their preferences and discover scents they truly love. For retailers, Kaorium provides valuable insights into customer preferences, facilitating personalised recommendations and increased customer satisfaction.

Talk us through the Kaorium personalised sensory fragrance journey…

It begins with a simple invitation: select a mood or need that resonates with you. Then, guided by the Kaorium device, you’ll experience a curated selection of fragrance samples, each one possessing a potential key to unlocking your olfactory desires. Kaorium goes beyond simply smelling; it invites you to express your perception of each scent through words selected from a curated list of evocative descriptors. This interplay of scent and language creates a personalised tapestry of your fragrance preferences.

And how does all of this work behind the scenes?

some fantastic brands and retailers across the UK to bring our unique fragrance discovery experience to life. In the coming months, you’ll be able to find Kaorium in selected stores, ready to guide you on your personalised scent journey. In the meantime, keep an eye out for 4160 Tuesdays, a wonderful niche perfume brand that’s been instrumental in helping us test and refine Kaorium in the UK. We’re thrilled to be partnering with such innovative brands and can’t wait to share the full Kaorium experience with you very soon. Stay tuned for updates on our website and social media channels – your personalised fragrance adventure awaits…

Fragrance is such a highly personal and unique experience. How does your model differ?

Even for seasoned fragrance enthusiasts, navigating the vast sea of scents, deciphering complex descriptions, and articulating personal preferences can be a challenge so finding your perfect match feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. Kaorium changes all that. Our unique AI-driven technology empowers you to explore fragrances on your own terms, translating your individual preferences into personalised recommendations. It’s a truly transformative experience that removes the guesswork and unlocks a world of olfactory delights.

Our sophisticated AI technology analyses your selections, drawing upon thousands of data points and interpretations to decipher your unique olfactory language. The result? A curated fragrance recommendation tailored precisely to your individual taste, accompanied by an AI-generated poetry phrase that beautifully captures the essence of your chosen scent. With Kaorium, fragrance discovery is transformed into an unforgettable experience, a delightful fusion of technology, art, and personal expression.

If you live in the UK how can you currently access all that Kaorium has to offer?

Exciting things are happening at Kaorium! We’re currently working with

If you’re looking for a unique gift for Christmas or a birthday why would Kaorium be a good choice?

Approximately 50% of perfumes purchased in the UK are for gifting. The personalised touch makes Kaorium the perfect gifting tool. Imagine presenting a loved one with a fragrance, accompanied by a printed summary of their sensory journey and a unique poetic tribute to their personal taste. To further enhance the experience, we generate a QR code that unlocks a wealth of information on your smartphone, allowing for immediate review or deeper exploration at your leisure. We are continually improving Kaorium to ensure that this time next year, we’ll be the perfect solution for all your olfactory Christmas shopping!

www.kaorium.com

uk.linkedin.com/company/kaorium-ltd

Ben Janoušek

Community business awards launched for town

On September 26, two months prior to the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards at Trinity Theatre, Jess Gibson of the TN card invited award sponsors and judges to join her at Hotel du Vin for a special drinks reception and an opportunity to meet the three charities benefitting from this year’s ceremony.

The evening was generously hosted by Eryn Dawe and the team at Hotel du Vin, who as partners of the TN card were keen to support the awards. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine attended as Press Sponsor, joining Headline Sponsor CooperBurnett Solicitors, Trophy Sponsor Inkerman London, Film Sponsor RTW Together and Podcast Sponsor GM Valentine Family Funeral Directors. On the evening it was announced that CooperBurnett’s Victoria Samson will co-

host the awards ceremony with Jess. Category sponsors in attendance included Eight Wealth Management, Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, Big Orange Media, Charles Stanley, Chilliapple, NetVector IT Services, NFU Mutual and Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce. Alex Green, Dawn Blee, Lynne Gadsden, Nick Bryant were invited as judges. TWBC were represented by Council Leader, Ben Chapelard and Economic Development and Deputy Leader, Justine Rutland.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors in supporting the awards, the TN card will be donating £30 from each £36 awards ticket to three local charities, West Kent Mind, Trinity and amplifi.

Entries to the TWBAs are currently open, closing on 9th October. Entry forms are available at tunbridgewellsbusinessawards.uk

by Russell Harper Photography

Images

At Charles Stanley your dedicated investment manager will build a portfolio designed and managed around you.

With a presence in Tunbridge Wells since 2001, we build long-lasting relationships with our clients, offering them a truly personalised service.

Scan the QR code to make an enquiry today.

A night to remember

On Friday October 4 Club Quantum hosted a very special evening to officially open the doors to its stunning private members club.

Co-founders Dani Čolić. and Liam Hopper welcomed a wealth of special guests to their glamorous black-tie event which saw all of the town's influential people out in force and dressed in their sartorial finery to help celebrate.

Delicious canapes, flutes of fizz, brilliant live music and plenty of formidable company were the hallmarks of this incredible event which confirms Club Quantum's arrival on the social scene. Dani and Liam said: "What an incredible night! Thank you to everyone for attending and supporting Club Quantum."

Images: Charlotte Taylor Photography

Protecting your employees from sexual harassment.

As of this month, a new legal duty comes into force placing new responsibilities on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment against their employees.

The new changes have come in to strengthen the existing protection for workers against sexual harassment. The new legislation is a positive step towards creating a safer working environment.

But what does “reasonable” steps actually mean?

Reasonable will vary from business to business, the importance lies in being able to evidence the processes you put in place to help mitigate the risks. This is also not just in relation to harassment committed by another worker but also third parties. Many businesses will potentially need to overhaul their current processes in order to comply with the new legal duty, or potentially

face legal and financial penalties.

To do this, we strongly advise you take the following steps:

Review your policies: Ensure your anti-bullying and harassment policy is up to date and reflects the new obligations on employers.

Invest in training: Training is crucial to ensure that staff have the knowledge of what sexual harassment is, and what to do if they experience or witness it.

Risk assessments: Reviewing what risks there are in the workplace of potential harassment occurring and putting actions in place to mitigate this.

The team at Forrest Group will be offering free

reviews of current policy wording to ensure appropriate practices are in place. We will also be offering a variety of training options to suit businesses of different sizes. For support and guidance get in touch with us today.

www.TheForrestGroup.co.uk 01892 726060

Guiding you to your

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.

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?”

Face value

Last month Aesthetics Retreat hosted a special Beyond The Face event at The Finance Hub.

Maryna Cole, Aesthetics Retreat’s founder, was joined on the night by facial plastic surgeon and creator of the Apex Facelift, Darryl Coombes and Dr Shameema Damree, Medical Director of Medical Aesthetics and Wellness UK. The trio regularly work together and at the event each took a turn to explain more about their work and how they collaborate with one another.

After each presentation there was a brief Q&A for invited audience members to pose questions about Maryna’s expertise in Vivace skin treatments, Darryl’s revolutionary Apex facelift and Dr Shameema’s inspiring work with exosomes.

After the event Maryna said: “We were delighted by the success of our Beyond The Face event. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to such an engaging and informative evening. We look forward to welcoming you to future events as we continue to explore innovations in facial aesthetics.”

To book your own event with Maryna Cole or to arrange a free skin consultation, please contact Maryna directly on: 07717 633418 or email clinic@aesthetics-retreat.com

Images: Charlotte Taylor Photography

From stage fright to spotlight –be a more confident presenter at work

A lack of confidence or a poor slide deck (if you use one) can mean you fail to engage your audience or meet your objectives when presenting at work.

Tunbridge Wells-based Hendrix Training uses communication experts and professional actors to help individuals and teams of employees become more confident presenters.

The interactive coaching is ideal for companies of any size and covers:

• Preparation and understanding your audience. Who is in the room?

• Are you in the right mindset to present?

• Why are you doing the presentation?

• What is your story and how do you make it engaging?

• How to calm your nerves before and during a presentation

• How to be aware of body language and the signals it sends out to your audience

• How to use your voice effectively to ensure your messages land and you take the audience with you

• How to deal with difficult questions during the Q&A section

• PowerPoint clinic Hendrix Training works with clients in the UK and internationally across the private, public and third sectors.

Co-founder and creative director Lucy Morgans, a professional TV and theatre actor, says: “Our coaching suits anyone, from ambitious junior staff to senior managers who want help with public speaking. There is practical advice that ends with learners being able to deliver a more confident and engaging presentation.”

To find out more, and to view some of Hendrix Training’s other soft skills courses, please visit www.hendrixtraining.com

Email director Steve Hemsley steve@hendrixtraining.com or call him personally on 07816329970

Lucy Morgans

“We treat each patient as an individual”

KCosmetic

dentist Dr Kiran Shah invites Eileen Leahy to his Molyneux Park Road practice to tell her about the specialist work

he does for both his general dentistry patients and for those seeking a transformative same-day smile…

alon Dental, which is located in the quiet leafy enclave of Molyneux Park Road, in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, could, quite possibly, be the smartest and most stylish practice I have ever set foot in. At the heart of it is some pretty impressive state-of-the-art dental equipment including an Itero 5D scanner and a KaVo X Ray system, as well as a variety of the latest innovative digital tech to enhance a patient’s experience – whether they are having a regular check-up or undergoing cosmetic treatment.

But in contrast to all the gleaming white specialist equipment the space is actually incredibly welcoming – and dare I say it for a dentist’s surprisingly relaxing. That’s certainly helped by the attention to detail that’s been put into the décor. A magnificent potted orchid takes centre stage in the seating area while the walls are adorned with beautiful mirrors and some stunning artwork. Then there’s the marble splashbacks, glossy cabinetry and a funky wooden slatted feature wall which boasts the Kalon logo. “We are very proud of how the practice looks,” smiles its owner Dr Kiran Shah who qualified as a dentist 13 years ago. Since then Kiran has trained alongside world-renowned clinicians and local practices and gained multiple qualifications to advance his dentistry skills.

“During my time I have worked in a

number of different places, so when I was looking for premises of my own I knew this space, although fairly small, was just right. ”Kiran adds that it has always been his ambition to work for himself and have

“Kiran is very excited to be one of the pioneering dentists at the forefront of the shift towards more cosmetic procedures

”the opportunity to pursue his speciality of composite bonding, composite veneers, Invisalign, edge bonding, teeth whitening and general cosmetic dental work.

“Cosmetic dentistry is now becoming enormously popular but there aren’t too many dentists in Tunbridge Wells or the surrounding area who specialise in this like I do,” explains Kiran. “There are lots of traditional practices but very few carry out

the cosmetic work I do which means I get clients coming from further afield. ”Kiran adds that the ‘Hollywood smile’ effect is something that more and more people are now looking for. And by opting for either composite bonding, which corrects spaces, fractures and discolouration, or going for composite veneers which is when the whole tooth is covered, that mega-watt smile is an achievable goal. You can opt to have the upper teeth and/ or lower teeth done. And the average time is around three hours for each.

But before we get into more detail Kiran says that he’s very keen to dispel some of the myths that surround these procedures. “You don’t need to spend a fortune, you don’t need to go abroad and it’s definitely not a case of one size fits all. Here we are very much about working with each individual client in a more prescriptive and holistic way in order to achieve transformative results for them.”

Kiran says he is very much driven by educating his clients – even the youngest ones. “I’ve done a lot of work in schools and it’s something I would like to continue to do because great teeth starts with great hygiene.”He adds that word of mouth is a big driver to growing his patients list. “There’s been a huge rise in dental aesthetics so if people have faith in what you are doing, despite it being relatively new, then they will tell others.” And in truth someone’s gorgeous and natural

by David Bartholomew

Photography

looking new smile will speak volumes for the skilled work Kiran is able to do. It’s almost a calling card if you like…

“Yes that is key,” he responds. “And I think that given the fact so many of my patients, and staff, have travelled around with me from different places I’ve worked says a lot about their loyalty to me. I must be doing something right,” Kiran laughs revealing his own picture-perfect smile.

“Our staff here share the same vision and long-term plans for growth as me.” His team includes practice manager Donna and dental assistants Monica and Lula.

Despite his numerous qualifications and skills, Kiran is very down to earth which must put his patients at ease when they are in the chair. “Yes I think a lot of people see me as relatable. Some practices are very target driven but I’m not. I think being transparent and honest with my clients and giving them the opportunity to choose what they want without the hard sell has really paid off. In addition to working in corporate dentistry I also did seven years working in the NHS, and that was very formative and really helped me to develop my skill set, but even in that environment, there were targets to achieve. I’m very much a strong believer that healthcare shouldn’t be like that. It should always be aimed towards patient-centred choices. We have a duty to be empathetic. ”Kiran and his small team have been at the Molyneux Park Road practice since May

“

My patients are like family to me, they trust me and know they will get the best job possible without the hard sell

”

2023 and in that time they have seen their client list grow exponentially. This, says Kiran is mainly through word of mouth as discussed earlier but also because he is very keen on promoting his business through social media as well as more traditional advertising. “I had a lady call me the other day saying she’d seen my ad in the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine so that works! And our Instagram account has been instrumental in attracting new clients – including influencers and footballers too. That’s given me a lot of confidence that we’re doing the right thing here. Having people like that come and put their faith in me and have

WHAT ARE COMPOSITE VENEERS?

Kiran says: “They offer a minimally invasive way to improve the balance and harmony of your smile. They require no teeth alteration or reduction and for that reason they are our go to treatment of choice. If a composite veneer chips or cracks, it can often be repaired quickly in a single visit, without the need to replace the entire veneer.”

BENEFITS OF COMPOSITE BONDING:

• Natural enhancements

• Clean & fresh results

• Colour boost

• Same day, pain free smile glow up

• Finance options available

• Free consultations

their treatment kind of legitimises me in the eyes of those who are following them on social media or are their fans.

”Eventually Kiran has plans to expand further and move to a bigger premises to carry out what he calls his ‘same day smile’ treatments but he says that there is something special about the Molyneux Park Road practice.

“Having this single surgery set-up has given me a really lovely location where people can walk to from town or find a free parking space. If I was more central to Tunbridge Wells then I don’t think I would have had any of those bonuses. Kiran says that the cosmetic side of his dentistry makes up for around 50% or so of his workload with regular check-ups, crowns, cavities and hygiene work making up the rest. And although he still greatly enjoys the latter, Kiran admits that he is very excited to be one of the pioneering

dentists at the forefront of this shift towards more cosmetic procedures. “As with everything we are probably five years or so behind the Americans but the pursuit of that Hollywood smile is definitely high on the list for a lot of people here in the UK. And with the advances in dental materials, technology and bonding agents we are able to carry out very impressive work – which doesn’t come with a Hollywood price tag any longer. “I think it was cost prohibitive for many which is why you saw an increase in teeth tourism with people going to Turkey but thankfully now people are able to look for this specialist work closer to home thanks to the advances in digital dentistry as a whole as well as the techniques we use. ”Kiran says he is always looking at how to improve his technique and knowledge in order to enhance his skills and what he has learned after graduating from his five-year dental degree. He adds that this applies to general dental work as well as his growing interest in cosmetic

“

What

I offer here at Kalon is fairly unique – not a lot of other practices in the area are doing this kind of cosmetic work

SMILES AHEAD: Dr Kiran Shah with his practice manager Donna, and above from clockwise, Kiran at work, a patient's transformative results and Kiran's two daughters who helped inspire him in naming his practice Kalon

WHAT IS INVISALIGN?

Kiran says: “Since its introduction in 1997, Invisalign has treated over 12 million people worldwide and is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional orthodontics when it comes to correcting the teeth’s appearance.

“Invisalign offers a highly effective and cosmetically appealing option for those seeking orthodontic treatment. However patient compliance is essential to achieve the best results!”

dentistry. “I was kind of doing it already given that I was working on patients who had developmental defects on their teeth so I would do build-ups for them but it was my nurse at the time who said ‘what you are doing is very similar to this new trend of composite bonded teeth.’ So she showed me these perfect smiles on social media and I was like ‘oh wow, so these dentists are doing what I am but just in a more cosmetic context.“Back then I was working in another practice locally but again I was a bit disillusioned with the whole target driven structure that was in place there so I just thought ‘right, I am going to give his a go.’ As I mentioned, I

”

had been dabbling in it in a natural way to help people improve their teeth and their quality of life but not in the same sort of aesthetically focused way. So I enrolled on some courses and invested in Invisalign training with the intent of focusing on it as a niche offering and it really just snowballed from there.”

That was just over four years ago and since then Kiran has branched out on his own, launching Kalon last year. I ask him what the significance of the name is and he tells me it is a Greek word which reflects the ideal of beauty, especially in the context of moral goodness or nobility. The word also possesses the initials of

Kiran’s two young daughters.

Talking of family, Kiran says that his patients are just like that to him and his staff, which is another driver for being totally transparent with them re pricing and offering the best value for money. “We've always been really competitively priced and one of the first things we introduced was free consultations for our cosmetic work. This gives us the opportunity to assess a patient’s teeth, talk about the treatment options they would like and their outcomes – and how realistic they are. I will give a patient my opinion on this and we will then go through the pros and cons and create a treatment plan that they can then

“

I love learning and am always looking to enhance my skill set

”

take home with them to study in more detail.” But, Kiran states, if someone comes to see him and it is clear they don’t need composite bonding or Invisalign treatment then he will tell them so. Again, transparency is key at Kalon.

For those opting for any of Kiran’s specialist treatments he says there's never a one-size-fits-all all policy with each client receiving a totally bespoke service. “We’ve also recently introduced finance for the work we carry out as we realised that cost is a barrier to some patients. And now they can opt for interest free payments for the first 12 months. There are other options too and again they are all competitively priced.”And on the subject of price how much are we looking at for a basic composite bonding job? “We have tried to be in the middle of the price spectrum so classically composite prices can range from between £200 to £400 per tooth so currently we are pitched at £250 for each one. All clients will know how much their treatment will cost so there is no ‘ouch’ moment at the end.”Post treatment, patients will return to Kiran for a check-up to ensure all is well and he encourages those who have had cosmetic work – whether that be composite bonding, Invisalign, or teeth whitening to have at least an annual check-up. “I would

always encourage patients to pop in – it’s a bit like having an annual MOT.” Because so much time and care is taken in getting the right shape and colouring for each client’s new teeth the process culminates with what Kiran calls ‘a big reveal’ which is when the patients sees their new teeth in the mirror for the first time.

“Sometimes we get tears – of joy – and others are totally ecstatic! People see what a difference it makes and although they need a bit of time to adapt to the change every single client I have worked with has loved the results.”

Kiran says the composite bonding service option he offers, which takes around three hours with no need for an anaesthetic, is less costly than fitting traditional porcelain teeth and comes with less risk to the original teeth being damaged. “We’ve literally had people fall asleep in the chair while I am doing their teeth,” he laughs.

The average longevity for composite bonding is around four to eight years while for porcelain it's approximately 10 – although Kiran says dentists will never guarantee that as some might last longer – or indeed shorter – than that and then there’s the teeth’s infrastructure to consider. By that he means the state of the gums, grinding, social factors like smoking and the natural receding that takes place as we age. “Any dentist should be offering a one-year warranty on whatever work you have done.”

And would Kiran ever consider further enhancing his medical skills? “I’m quite interested in facial aesthetics given I have a decent awareness of the head and neck anatomy and I am always looking to upskill but for now I am very happy doing this.”

Before I leave Kiran recounts one of his favourite moments since running Kalon and that’s when one patient returned to see him for a check-up after she’d had composite bonding done.

“She looked really great so I asked her if she had done anything in particular and she replied that her teeth treatment had been so transformative for her that she had started going to the gym again and dressing up more. She told me she felt so much more confident and that’s really inspiring to hear. Selfcare is such an important part of life so being entrusted with people’s smiles is a blessing and being able to give someone something that empowers them is priceless.”

GET IN TOUCH:

KALON DENTAL

DR Kiran Shah

5a Molyneux Park Road

Tunbridge Wells

Email: info@kalondental.co.uk

“My tips for networking on LinkedIn”

RTW Media Group is a local networking group for those working in advertising, PR, TV, radio and social and digital media. In its new monthly column we hear from one of its members, Lucy Ames, about how you can effectively leverage LinkedIn for business networking in Tunbridge Wells

With 1 billion users worldwide, LinkedIn is the optimum networking platform for business owners. If you're not using it yet, I hope you’ll be signing up by the time you’ve read this.

Arguably the most valuable feature is that you can search for people by name, company, job title, location - or all of these. So, if you’re a builder and you want to get to know surveyors in Tonbridge you can easily find them with a quick search. LinkedIn not only returns their name but a profile that tells you more about them making it easier to find synergies between you. Very useful for that first request to connect…

Anyone who simply broadcasts information and doesn’t engage with others will have limited success on LinkedIn

by

You can reach out directly with a personalised request rather than a bland ‘I’d like to connect’. I would always recommend you avoid being salesy. You might simply say, ‘I see we both work in construction, and both spent time at Wates.’ Connection messages are free, or a subscription enables you to message people directly using InMail.

Now, activate ‘engagement mode’… Anyone who simply broadcasts information and doesn’t engage with others will have limited success on LinkedIn. You’re the person at the party who turned up, didn’t talk to anyone then wondered why they weren’t invited to the next one. By ‘engagement’ I mean liking, commenting and reposting the posts of others. Engagement makes you visible.

It pays to think laterally about who to connect with. You can find local contacts who will host a podcast about your business or journalists looking for content. You can create trusted referral partners from connections to people with the same role as you but with a different audience. There are often opportunities for joint ventures with new connections. For example, I wrote a LinkedIn article with a local solicitor and my builder client on dilapidation contracts – a niche topic but a search term for landlords needing that service and both parties got to showcase their expertise.

Posts about local events you have

been to that tag other attendees usually generate interest. We all love to see and be seen. I also recommend content that demonstrates your specialist knowledge. Unique thought pieces are valued by LinkedIn and your followers. They can lead to speaking opportunities or being sought after for media quotes. You may even get the opportunity to write an article for an esteemed local magazine!

Lucy Ames is Founder of Smartist Social Media specialising in social media for local property and people clients.

@smartist.socialmedia

For more information on RTW Media Group visit www.rtwmg.com

Photo

John Knight

Photography

Online security risks and how to reduce them

Nick Brandon from tecwork explains the impact of cyber threats and how local firms can benefit from his business’s help…

How serious a problem are Cyber threats for a typical small business or organisation?

Unfortunately, very serious. Most cyber criminals are indiscriminate. They don’t care how big or small you are or what type of organisation you are. If a vulnerability is found, it can be exploited and this can have very serious consequences – in some cases it has been the end of that business or organisation. In most cases it isn’t of course but it can still be expensive and disruptive. What is often worrying is what we see on a daily basis when dealing with new customers for the first time.

can become a vulnerability - remember the NHS and their Windows XP problems?

What types of things can be done to minimise the threats of cyber attacks?

One of the best things an organisation can do is to register for Cyber Essentials - this is the UK Government’s benchmark accreditation

Tell us about typical threats and how they manifest themselves?

There are lots of different threats unfortunately. The most common threat is through emails where a criminal will send an email containing links which, once clicked, will infect a computer device with a virus or ransomware software which can delete data, or collect usernames and passwords. There are others of course, like routers, firewalls, servers and even website URLs with weak login and password information. Also, using old and supported software in the organisation

One of the best things is for an organisation to register for Cyber Essentials. In its standard form this is the UK Government’s benchmark accreditation and comes in the form of a self-assessment which asks lots of questions about the technical set up in the organisation. For some time now, we have been doing these assessments for customers and highlighting any ‘gaps’ or action points so the necessary actions can be taken to pass the accreditation. Then our tech team will fill the gaps and the accreditation is gained.

Can you tell us more about the Cyber Essentials software?

Amazingly, only around 15% of organisations know about it but essentially it is a Cyber Security MOT. It is something that needs to be renewed every year. Like an MOT, throughout the year, any changes to your IT set up should be made in line with Cyber Essentials. An advanced Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation can be attained for those organisations that want more advanced assessment (often to qualify for government contracts or to qualify for business insurance).

What about Virus and Malware detection software – isn’t that supposed to protect people?

Yes it does but it only goes so far. Using tools like Guardz we can very quickly uncover areas for improvement using AI. We can generate a Risk Assessment report, on a domain for example, which can highlight problem areas and even monetises the ‘potential loss’.

Several tools including Guardz, for example, can also be installed into the organisation to help protect all aspects of an organisation’s technology on an ongoing basis from a single viewpoint.

If someone reading this wants more information or help, what is their next step?

We will be at the Tunbridge Wells Business Show on November 7 at Salomons Estate, from 10am to 3pm.

For anyone attending our stand at the show, we can run a free Risk Report, on their domain, for example, which is a good starting point. The reports can take several hours so we are asking people to contact us in advance with their details so we can have the report ready at the show to discuss. We will also be demonstrating some of the clever features available from tools like Guardz as well as other tech. Contact tecwork in advance by emailing helpme@tecwork.co.uk or calling 01892 578666. Or visit www.tecwork.co.uk

The French Connection

Last month, representatives from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Visit Tunbridge Wells initiative crossed the Channel in order to attend the International & French Travel Market (IFTM) event in Paris. The yearly exhibition, which helps to promote tourism in different countries around the globe took place over September 17-19. Dubbed as ‘the meeting place for tourism professionals’ team members from Visit Tunbridge Wells were there in partnership with Visit Kent in order to promote Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas as a tourist destination.

Work out a greener solution to doing business

Dave Carter is a consultant at Auditel and runs his own business called This Is Zero, focusing on helping small and medium-sized enterprises run more efficiently by reducing costs, boosting profits, and helping to minimise their environmental impact. He is also a member of amplifi, a local initiative aiming to promote a more green-conscious business and community landscape. . Here Dave tells us about the work he is currently doing – and how you as a business can benefit…

If you haven’t heard of it yet, amplifi is a Tunbridge Wells-based initiative aimed at helping local businesses recognise and reduce their environmental impact.

As it approaches its first anniversary, amplifi, which was co-founded by Yoyo’s Jenny Kitchen and Pete Kenyon of Cripps, has faced the typical challenges of any new venture, but by all measures, it’s proving to be a success.

Having been involved since the early days, I’ve seen a notable shift in focus over the past few months. Initially, amplifi centered around helping larger businesses in the borough measure their carbon emissions, an essential step in addressing climate concerns.

However, we’ve since broadened our approach, turning our attention to smaller

businesses—charities, restaurants, retailers, and hospitality venues—showing them how they too can make a difference with simple, cost-effective changes.

One of our key strategies is to raise awareness about how these businesses can simultaneously reduce costs and cut

their environmental footprint. A prime example of this is waste management. Every business with a physical presence generates waste, and while the amount may vary, one thing remains consistent— waste contracts often go unreviewed for long periods. As consumers, we

routinely compare deals when renewing personal contracts, like phone or insurance plans, but businesses often let service agreements, including waste management, roll over. This means they may be paying more than necessary, receiving services that no longer meet their needs, or missing out on improved service levels.

To illustrate what’s possible, I recently worked with two local businesses, Fuggles Beer Café and Cripps, to assess their waste management contracts. By reviewing their usage, pricing, and terms, we quickly identified opportunities for significant savings. Both businesses were able to cut costs by switching to a new supplier, reducing expenses by 20% and 30%, respectively. On top of that, the new provider takes food waste and converts it into renewable gas, sends no waste to landfill, and achieves a recycling rate of around 98%.

But waste management is just the beginning. I am now also supporting in other areas, including energy contracts, merchant payment services, fuel cards, and more—all aimed at reducing costs while benefiting the environment.

For most of my career, I’ve worked in consulting; primarily helping leadership teams in financial services and tech companies operate more effectively. However, in 2023, I decided to take a new direction and launched my own business,

JOINT EFFORT: amplifi's Dave Carter with Fuggles' Alex Greig who he's helped to be more eco and economically efficient

“I recently worked with two local businesses, Fuggles Beer Café and Cripps, to assess their waste management contracts. By reviewing their usage, pricing, and terms, we quickly identified opportunities for significant savings

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.

This is Zero, which focuses on helping small and medium-sized enterprises. It’s been a rewarding shift, and I’m passionate about supporting smaller businesses in achieving both financial and sustainability goals. If you’re a business owner and reading this, consider this an open invitation to get in touch. Whether or not you’re currently part of amplifi, I can help you streamline your operations, reduce costs, and improve your bottom line— all while doing your part for the planet. If you’d like a chat about whether I can save you money too, you can contact me on dave. carter@this-is-zero.co.uk or through the website this-is-zero.co.uk www.amplifi.tw

WHAT IS AMPLIFI?

An initiative that launched last year in order to unite businesses for climate and the general community of Tunbridge Wells. Co-founders Jenny Kitchen and Pete Kenyon want to amplify the environmentally- conscious in order to reduce the noise and confusion around 'sustainability' and facilitate ways to learn from and support one another. "We believe that by tapping into our collective knowledge and expertise, we can ignite real change and share practical ways to make impactful difference."

“It’s

sizes prioritise cyber protection”

As it’s currently cyber security awareness month Shaun Joubert, Senior Agent at NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell agency, reveals why it’s so important to protect your business from attacks courtesy of the right type of insurance policies…

According to research by Aviva in 2023 cyber attacks are more likely to happen to a business than a fire. And as digital operations continue to grow, cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making cybersecurity a necessary consideration. Yet, it’s alarming how many businesses still believe they won’t be targeted.

would be if you lost access to your computers, systems and data.

I’m constantly surprised by the number of companies who assume they’re safe because they store data in the cloud or think cybercriminals only target large corporations. In reality, smaller businesses are at even greater risk due to often having less robust cybersecurity defences.

Therefore I am using this opportunity to ask business owners to seriously consider what the financial or reputational impact

The fallout from such an event could be devastating, potentially bringing your operations to a standstill, damaging your brand, and leading to financial losses.

I believe that it is crucial that businesses of all sizes prioritise cyber protection and fully protect themselves against these risks.

Cyber insurance isn’t a one-size fits all scenario, there are different levels of cover and the good news is our teams at NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells & Flimwell

are available to support specific business requirements.

Our expert NFU Mutual Agents will take the time to get to know you and your business and can arrange cover through a panel of expert insurance providers depending on your individual needs…

businesses, we’ve made supporting local more rewarding than ever before.

We are a Social Enterprise, putting community before profit. www.thetncard.com info@thetncard.com The must-have app for Tunbridge Wells locals

winning, RIBA chartered architectural practice based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent and Mayfair, London.

The Benefits of Cyber Insurance:

A cyber insurance policy doesn’t just cover financial losses after a cyber attack. It has lots of benefits. Here are five of them:

1. Protects what’s of value to your business – cyber cover protects your access to systems, intellectual property, employee data, and customer data. What’s more, to minimise reputational damage, PR specialists can help manage messaging and reduce business impact internally and externally.

2. Minimises financial impacts –for medium and large businesses without cyber insurance, the average cost of a cyber-attack is £10,830*. However, cyber cover can help recover some of your finances, particularly if an attack disrupts critical systems that your business relies on.

3. Specialist IT support – breach response teams will respond immediately to cyber-attacks; specialist IT Forensic teams will provide investigation, resolution and support where needed. Expert situation analysis and guidance is available from specialists if you’ve suffered a cyber-attack and are being asked to pay a ransom.

4. Access to forensic and legal specialists – in addition to coverage for regulatory and third-party legal actions, notification costs, and data restoration, you’ll have peace of mind knowing specialists are handling your case. You’ll also have access to a solicitor to present your case to the Information Commissioner’s Office, build a defence if prosecuted, and advise on notifying customers and regulatory bodies.

5. Judgement-free support – a cyber-attack can happen to anyone and any business, even the savviest of companies or those you might think wouldn’t, such as anti-virus software companies could experience one. You can rest assured that you’ll be treated with empathy and understanding, rather than judgement and blame. Our specialists will give you advice on how to tighten up your cyber security to minimise the chance of it happening again.

*(Source: Cyber Security Breach Survey 2024, gov.uk)

WHO ARE NFU MUTUAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND FLIMWELL AGENCY, AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

Located on the high street in Tunbridge Wells, we are dedicated to providing tailored insurance and financial solutions with a personal touch. Led by Shaun Joubert alongside Patrick Bowring, they manage both the Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell offices with a skilled team of 25 staff. As self-employed appointed representatives of NFU Mutual, they offer a comprehensive range of insurance policies, including motor, home, and business insurance, as well as risk management services, investments, and pensions. They pride themselves on delivering exceptional customer service, whether clients drop by our high street office to discuss claims and policy changes or we visit them at their home or business to help them to reduce risks and protect their assets.

CONTACT:

Find your local NFU Mutual agency at: 55 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1XU 1 Clarks Yard, Flimwell, East Sussex, TN5 7NG Phone: 01892337488  Website: nfumutual.co.uk/Flimwell

P G Bowring & S Joubert is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. And an introducer to NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited, a member of the NFU Mutual group of companies.

Money matters

The Finance Hub promises holistic solutions and shared values - all under one roof. Here its founder Gillian Palmer tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine more about the company’s unique offering…

Gillian Palmer’s innovative vision for addressing complex financial challenges came to life in 2022 with the launch of The Finance Hub. Created to tackle the frequent issue of clients receiving fragmented advice from multiple financial experts, The Hub was designed to provide a comprehensive, unified approach.

Before its establishment, many individuals and businesses found themselves left with disjointed financial advice that failed to integrate effectively across their personal and professional goals, often leaving them confused and disappointed.

In the aftermath of a difficult financial period for many across the UK, it became apparent that a fresh approach was needed says Gillian.

“I realised that people needed a more unified, educational, and client-centric approach to finance where clients could gain not only financial guidance but also the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.

“The Finance Hub provides exactly this: an accessible, all-encompassing environment where clients can explore a variety of financial services, with the reassurance that their best interests are at the heart of every conversation.”

With this client-centred philosophy and a focus on collaboration, The Finance Hub unites experts from a range of financial sectors, ensuring collaboration between professionals to offer personally tailored solutions.

“Whether for personal finances or business interests The Finance Hub provides integrated advice designed to

“I

realised people needed a more unified, educational, and clientcentric approach to finance

”meet the individual needs of each client,” continues Gillian.

And now, nearly three years on since it first launched, The Finance Hub, which is situated in the historic Pantiles, has become a recognised and respected name in the local business community.

“Our growth has been organic, expanding to a network of over 25 long-standing and trusted partners. These affiliates offer expert advice across a broad range of financial services, all from a single, wellconnected location,” explains Gillian.

The Hub’s team has also grown, and today clients are warmly welcomed by Gillian, Kate, and Angela, who form a dynamic and approachable trio.

“From sole traders to established enterprises, and first-time homebuyers to those planning for retirement, The

Finance Hub serves a diverse clientele,” explains Gillian.

The entrepreneur’s vision is revolutionary in its simplicity; creating a space where clients can easily access professional advice on lending, insurance, investments, mortgages, equity release, foreign exchange, wills, trusts, pensions, and more.

“In addition to offering financial services, The Finance Hub has become a key venue for local events, thanks to its prime location next to the iconic Pantiles. It has hosted a variety of successful gatherings and is now available to hire, providing local professionals and businesses with access to office space, coworking areas, and boardrooms.

“Remember The Finance Hub is here to help. So let’s talk—it costs nothing!”

Photograph: David Bartholomew

Best in show

Next month local entrepreneur and podcaster Nick Bryant will host the first Brilliant Businesses of Tunbridge Wells event which will see 46 companies taking part. Eileen Leahy discovers more about this new show and how you can get involved…

So Nick, when did you have the idea to create the Brilliant Businesses of TW Show?

Ever since I started Brilliant Businesses I’ve always wanted to put on a show as it really suits the brand which promotes and showcases businesses in the Tunbridge Wells area. In the last five years I’ve spoken with over 500 different business owners via the interviews I do and the filmed podcasts, so it just made sense to get as many of them together as I could for a one-day event.

Why do you think it was important to bring this type of event to the town?

The Tunbridge Wells business community is very supportive of one another. Even if you are a new business to the area you are always welcomed and taken seriously. I attend a lot of networking events in the area and businesses and their owners are always keen to be among their contemporaries: learning from them, using their products and services - and also socialising with them. The Tunbridge Wells Business Show is already sold out – so we’re now getting bookings for 2025…

How has the show been received by the business community?

We launched the show last September and there was no hesitation from those who signed up. We have a wealth of businesses taking part from all types of different sectors. They include those who specialise in law, recruitment, IT, gifts, property and wine to media, accounting, copywriting, speaking, printing, HR, marketing, business coaching, pest control, health and wellbeing and insurance.

“

The Tunbridge Wells business community is very supportive of one another –so it’s no surprise this new show has sold out!

”What were the challenges in pulling the show together and what lessons did you learn?

I’ve been lucky enough to partner with Mike Monk who is an expert in putting on business shows. He has been very successful with the Brighton & Hove Business Show so it’s been really valuable having him on my side; making sure we have all eventualities covered. Putting on an event like this takes a lot of organisation and can be challenging at times but it’s also very rewarding. I’ve learned so much more about events and am now looking to launch business shows in other areas.

What are you enjoying most about seeing all that hard work come together?

I think the real enjoyment is going to be the day after the show as I can then relax for a bit and start working on the 2025 event! I’m confident that all the exhibitors and visitors will make the most of the day. It’s all about building relationships, creating conversations, meeting potential clients, partners and industry influencers

face-to-face. Ultimately it’s a great opportunity to build on connections, explore collaborations, and expand your network.

The event is now sold out - how quickly did this happen?

We sold out at the end of August, which was nearly three months before the show! This just confirms the need for a local event like this and further demonstrates its popularity amongst the business community. We currently have over 175 pre-registered visitors with more people registering every day. It’s been so popular that we have to do a 2025 show which I think will be an even bigger event.

Loch Associates are your headline sponsor. What would you like to say to them?

We can’t thank them enough for their support. They are not just sponsors though, they will be speaking at the show in one of the seminars on how the UK’s Employment Law is changing. This will be a great opportunity for attendees to make sure they’re prepared. We’d also like to thank all our sponsors who have made the Brilliant Businesses event free to attend.

The Tunbridge Wells Business show takes place on 7th November 2024 at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells. There will be a networking breakfast from 8am to 9.30am (Tickets available via the brilliant businesses website) with the show commencing at 10am until 3pm. Book your FREE place via brilliantbusinesses.biz/tunbridge-wellsbusiness-show-exhibition/registrationvisitor/ today.

WHO IS NICK BRYANT OF BRILLIANT BUSINESSES OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Nick has interviewed over 500 businesses and business owners in the Tunbridge Wells area with his promotional platform Brilliant Businesses of Tunbridge Wells. Since launching, it has grown into a thriving business with filmed podcasts and specialist shows dedicated to supporting and promoting companies in and around Tunbridge Wells. It focuses on the people behind the brand with written stories about their journeys, now with the added value of promoting the businesses and their people with filmed podcasts and interviews, discussing each business’s triumphs and challenges.

?

“Gen Z values purpose-driven work”

In his monthly column, Neil Simmons of TN Recruits, discusses the issue of Gen Z in the workplace and offers his tips on how to adapt recruitment strategies for the next generation

For the first time at TN Recruits we have five generations within the workplace - which makes for an interesting and diverse workforce. But that scenario is fairly unusual and one challenge a number of our clients are facing in terms of attracting potential Generation Z employees.

Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is entering the workforce with distinct expectations, values, and work styles. As digital natives, they’ve grown up in a world of instant communication, social media, and a fast-paced technological landscape. To attract them, businesses must adapt their recruitment strategies to align with what Gen Z values most.

EXPECTATIONS AND VALUES

Gen Z seeks more than just salary—they value purpose-driven work. They want to work for companies that align with their personal values, such as sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility. Transparency, inclusivity, and ethical practices are key factors when Gen Z evaluates potential employers. They also prioritise work-life balance and expect flexibility, such as the option for remote

“Gen Z thrives in environments that offer autonomy and opportunities for personal growth”

work or hybrid models.

Financial security is another crucial factor. While Gen Z values job satisfaction, they are pragmatic about money. Competitive compensation and clear opportunities for career advancement are essential to attracting them.

WORK STYLES

Gen Z thrives in environments that offer autonomy and opportunities for personal growth. They appreciate feedback, especially real-time constructive criticism that helps them improve. They are also highly collaborative but appreciate tools and platforms that support seamless communication and project management.

ADAPTING RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES

To attract Gen Z talent, businesses should:

Leverage Social Media: Gen Z frequently uses platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn for job hunting. Creative, authentic content can help engage them.

Highlight Purpose and Values: Showcase your company’s commitment to social impact, diversity, and employee well-being.

Offer Flexible Work Options: Promote remote work, flexible hours, and strong work-life balance policies.

Emphasise Career Growth: Clearly define opportunities for development, mentorship, and advancement.

Focus on Technology: Invest in modern, efficient tools that streamline communication and project work.

By aligning recruitment strategies with the values and expectations of Gen Z, businesses can successfully attract and retain this tech-savvy, purpose-driven generation.

For all your recruitment needs, contact TN Recruits 01892 571105 info@ tnrecruits.com

Embracing Autumn - Shine a Light on Employee Wellbeing as Daylight Fades

Henry Adekoya

As October arrives and the clocks go back, the shorter days and darker evenings can impact employee wellbeing, with some experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This makes it a crucial time for companies to focus on fostering a supportive and uplifting workplace culture.

One effective approach is to embrace the season’s natural beauty. Organising outdoor team activities amidst autumn’s vibrant colours can counteract the reduced daylight by encouraging time outside. Exposure to natural light during the workday helps alleviate symptoms of SAD while providing employees with a mental and physical boost. These shared

activities also strengthen team connections and reduce stress.

With the changing season comes an opportunity to address mental health in the workplace. Encouraging open lines of discussion about the effects of SAD and offering wellness resources can foster a culture of support. Companies can introduce small but impactful initiatives like flexible hours, brightening workspaces, or scheduling wellness breaks to combat the dip in mood and energy often felt during this period.

Creating a culture that acknowledges the challenges of Autumn, while offering ways to support employees, is key to enhancing wellbeing and productivity. By focusing on community and work-life balance during this seasonal transition, businesses can “ shine a light “ on employee wellbeing helping

employees feel supported and energised. And as the daylight fades, employees can be ready to tackle the final stretch of the year.

Revive Health Fitness – Specialised

Employees Wellness Days  www.revivehealthfitness.co.uk

Designs on success

Atelier de Linde is an award-winning RIBA-chartered practice which specialises in bespoke residential, commercial, educational and sustainable developments of all sizes. Eileen Leahy meets one of its co-founders Angie Pool to discover more about this female-led firm...

It’s a grey, rainy Monday autumnal afternoon when I meet Angie Pool, co-founder of Atelier de Linde Architects at the firm’s temporary HQ on St John’s Road.

But the inclement weather is soon a distant memory as I step inside the firm’s welcoming offices. Angie greets me like an old friend, offers me coffee and tells me she has just returned from a long weekend of exhibiting at the ExCel Homebuilding and Renovating show.

“It’s been wonderful to meet so many people but it has also been exhausting,” laughs Angie – not looking tired in the slightest.

Angie says that while she was at ExCel she spoke to a potential client about their project.

“I talked to her about what she was trying to achieve from the space and how it would work with her lifestyle and environment. Some architects design buildings that function but we also think about a client’s lifestyle. That is something that continually drives all of our designs –and where we differ from others.”

Angie explains that every time she and her co-founder Tara de Linde get a new client they sit down and brainstorm ideas and work out their feasibility.

“It’s about mapping out clients’ lifestyles and listening to them. You have to remember it is their money and a huge investment.”

I am here to discover what Atelier de Linde has been up to over the past year or so after relocating to Tunbridge Wells.

And although its St John’s Road offices are only a stop-gap while the team looks for its ideal premises – preferably customer-facing on the High Street or The Pantiles Angie tells me – the small but growing Atelier de Linde team are very happy to be ensconced in Tunbridge Wells.

The boutique practice was established just over two years ago and the firm is committed to delivering projects that are not only environmentally friendly and energy efficient but beautifully designed too.

“Sustainability at the core of what we do.

“

It’s

about mapping out clients’ lifestyles and listening to them. You have to remember with a design project it is a huge investment

It has never been a tick box for us.”

”

Since it was established in 2022 Atelier de Linde has a 97% success rate in planning applications and also won a number of awards for its high quality, inclusive and eco-driven design.

It has just completed an impressive development of boarding accommodation at a school in Battle and one of its most recent projects, Great Hall Bayhall Barn near Pembury, recently won a prestigious BUILD Architecture Award.

“We were recognised in the Most Innovative High-End Architectural Practice in the South East category,” Angie reveals, adding that since that particular project began, the firm have taken on at least five more barn conversions.

“We do seem to be gaining momentum and becoming known as a specialist of Class Q and barn conversions in conjunction with our affiliated planning consultants and projects of that nature. At the recent ExCel exhibition lots of people were asking us about the conversion of

and selling off land for development. There’s so much interest for that too at the moment.”

Despite being a relatively young practice both Tara and Angie have worked in architecture for years both here in the UK, Europe and also Angie’s native South Africa. Both women are regularly asked to be judges at industry awards too. Currently most of its clients are local but they also stretch out to Surrey, Sussex and London and would eventually like to do more global work such

as hotels.

But now being based in Tunbridge Wells means they like to collaborate with local firms wherever possible. These include SJD Land and Development, engineers and surveyors CALtech, property finder Fiona Penny, photographer Dee Airey and Loch Associates who do all Atelier de Linde’s HR.

Another key thing both she and Tara are determined to do is give back a little by supporting other women in business.

“We want to create a quarterly meeting where we can talk openly about various challenges, share knowledge and mentor.”

In terms of the way the partners carve up their work Tara usually does all the design and planning while Angie focuses on the details and delivery. In addition to the growing design team, which now includes a core team of seven (excluding freelancers) Angie’s sister Dominika manages the practice.

“We’re still working round the clock and wearing a lot of hats but we are moving forward,” smiles Angie. “We never want to be the practice that just does the planning and says we’ll hand it over to someone else now. We want to get clients the whole way through and exceed their expectations.”

Contact Atelier de Linde: Website: www.atelierdelinde.co.uk Instagram: @atelierdelinde

TARA DE LINDE & ANGIE POOL - FOUNDING PARTNERS & DIRECTORS

Founders: Tara De Linde and Angie Pool

Joseph Oates, Head of the Contentious department at CooperBurnett LLP, is currently celebrating his 25th anniversary there this October.

He became a Partner in 2002 and, since 2003 when he joined the Management Board, has led the firm, most recently alongside Victoria Sampson and Jennifer Irving.

Tunbridge Wells lawyer and partner marks 25 years at leading solicitors “

“While 25 years is quite a significant chunk of time, the last five years stand out to me as my most enjoyable,” says Joseph. “I think that’s really fulfilled the aspirations I had of a non-legal nature and fed the entrepreneur in me. I’ve thrived on what Victoria describes as ‘working on the business’ rather than ‘working in the business’.”

Prior to joining CooperBurnett, Joseph had qualified the previous year with a firm in Brighton. He was told about an opening at CooperBurnett by a former colleague, who had already made the move to Tunbridge Wells.

“I could see a real opportunity and recognised CooperBurnett would give me the chance to fulfil my career aspirations and to develop my own client base,” says Joseph. “When I arrived, the partners here were always approachable and we’ve continued that culture to this day. We’ve developed a business model which is non-

“Achieving

TClients really appreciate longevity, it builds trust and gives them added reassurance

hierarchical, and we’ve dispensed with the title of Senior Partner – as I firmly believe we don’t need it here.”

Over the years, Joseph has got involved with many of CooperBurnett’s charity challenges – including taking part in the Walk Tonbridge Marathon (completing another one last month), cycling from London to Paris in 24 hours, walking an ultra-marathon distance of 50km as part of The Race To The King challenge and completing the Three Peaks in 24 hours. Joseph’s commitment to the local

community has been further highlighted over recent times, with his appointment to the board of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District (RTW Together BID), a role he is sharing with Victoria Sampson.

Joseph’s interest in history led to him studying it at university, after which he headed to Greece to teach English for a year. He returned to study for a Masters in Politics at the London School of Economics (LSE). Joseph then almost headed into a political career but turned to law and was drawn to litigation.

“I’ve always regarded law as ultimately a contest, in which points of law are tested and it’s that I enjoy with litigation,” says Joseph. “However, while I might like the ‘cut and thrust’ of a courtroom, I appreciate many clients don’t want that exposure.”

The past couple of years have seen some exciting developments at CooperBurnett, including growing and strengthening the team – and also rebranding.

“I am so pleased with how it’s all come together and, most importantly, how our team and clients have taken it onboard so positively,” says Joseph.

Reflecting his 25 years, he adds: “Clients really appreciate longevity; they know who they are talking to, it builds trust and gives them added reassurance.”

gender parity remains a pressing issue”

unbridge Wells law firm Cripps has published a new report which focuses on gender bias in the workplace. It was a survey based on 101 female C-suites and founders and featured perspectives from successful women in business.

“Shockingly, 100% of respondents said they have experienced gender bias in the workplace, with 95% saying it has affected their careers,” a spokesperson for the law firm, based on Mount Ephraim, told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

They added that many female leaders, including those interviewed as part of the report, flagged access to childcare being a key barrier to pursuing or being successful in their ambitions.

Victoria Symons, a partner at Cripps, believes that ‘all businesses should be family businesses’ and a supportive environment that welcomes flexibility.

“In today's business landscape, achieving gender parity remains a pressing issue.

Female leaders and entrepreneurs

face unique challenges, from funding disparities to male-dominated networks and juggling the competing demands of work and life,” she says.

“By addressing these challenges, we can create a more equitable environment that allows businesses to thrive, benefitting

everyone regardless of gender. We hope this report takes a crucial step towards understanding these issues and implementing meaningful solutions.”

To see the full findings, visit www.cripps.co.uk

Property and conveyancing teams at top local law firm announce new appointments

Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has added to its wellrespected Residential Property & Conveyancing team, with the appointment of Chiamaka Okeke as Senior Associate and Cristiana Ion Popescu as a Solicitor.

Chiamaka brings over twenty-three years’ legal experience in residential property, covering all aspects of conveyancing, sales, purchases, lease extensions, enfranchisements, rural

“ ”

Excellent client service and particular expertise in advising on high value, complex transactions across the South East

properties and Sharia mortgages. She joins from Wellers Law Group, having previously worked at PCB Lawyers and Thackray Williams.

Cristiana joins from Judge & Priestley,

where she has spent the last five years gaining experience in all aspects of residential property and conveyancing.

Led by Rebecca Swain, Thomson Snell & Passmore’s Residential Property & Conveyancing team has a reputation for delivering excellent client service, and particular expertise in advising on high value, complex transactions across the South East, London and nationally.

Rebecca Swain, Head of Residential Property & Conveyancing at Thomson Snell & Passmore commented: “It’s great to be growing our already strong team with two new appointments. Chiamaka and Cristiana are going to be wonderful additions to the department and I am looking forward to working with them and to introducing them to clients and our network of agents in due course.”

Why Having the Right Mindset Is Crucial to Success in Your Business

For women in our local town aspiring to become financially independent through their own small businesses, the right mindset is more than just beneficial - it's crucial. As a business coach and Mentor dedicated to helping creative people grow and scale their businesses online, I've seen firsthand how a positive mindset can transform entrepreneurial journeys.

A growth mindset fosters resilience, which is essential for navigating the ups and downs of running a business. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, people with a growth mindset see them as learning opportunities. This perspective allows them to recover from challenges quickly and move forward with renewed energy and insight.

In addition, the right mindset fuels motivation and consistency. Running a business demands relentless effort and perseverance. By maintaining a positive, proactive attitude, you can sustain your drive even when faced with obstacles or routine tasks. Focusing on your long-term goals and celebrating small victories along the way helps keep your momentum strong.

Confidence is another critical aspect of mindset. Believing in your abilities empowers you to take risks, make bold decisions, and present yourself authentically to clients and future clients. This self-assurance not only boosts your performance but also attracts potential customers and collaboration opportunities.

If you're ready to take your business to the next level, cultivating the right mindset is essential. As a local business coach, I'm here to help you build resilience, motivation, and confidence as well as introducing proven strategies to grow your business in a way that fits uniquely to you and your values.

Book a free introductory call with me today to see how we can work together to grow your business and leverage your social media presence. The QR Code above will take you to my Instagram account. DM me there to book your call!

Working things out

In his regular column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID tells us about the BID’s latest project to develop a local recruitment website.

We are incredibly proud of the wide range of businesses that have made Tunbridge Wells their home, and we are committed to supporting businesses relocating to the area, increasing employment opportunities and ensuring staff retention.

One of the projects we have been developing is a town-focused recruitment website. Feedback from our BID members and local residents has suggested that recruitment website advertising costs are too high and that the job search facilities on some of the big platforms aren’t producing the most relevant matches.

“By delivering a useful new recruitment platform, we hope it will encourage more people to choose to live and work in Tunbridge Wells

”As part of our TW Works campaign, we are launching a dedicated Tunbridge Wells recruitment website, which will complement the services of our local recruitment agencies. It has been designed to be relevant to all levels of roles and all types of business from retail to hospitality, education to professional services.

This will give potential employees a free platform to search for local jobs, and our business community to have an affordable channel on which to advertise (BID members will have free access to the platform). In addition, we are delighted to be partnering with our friends at Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine to offer print advertising packages to accompany the digital platform.

The Office of National Statistics (2022) reports that the town is made up of a brilliant blend of over 6,500 active businesses consisting of over 4,890 entrepreneurs, 500 small businesses, 80 medium and 15 large companies. With an 82.9% employment rate (well above the UK 76.8% average), it’s no surprise it is a bustling commercial town.

Town working offers flexibility too, with 70% of people working in full time roles (31+ hours per week) and 30% in parttime roles (less than 30 hours per week). Employees in Tunbridge Wells gave their happiness rating as 7.4/10 and their life satisfaction as 7.7/10, above the national average of 7.5/10.

We were interested to discover that Tunbridge Wells has a diverse business community including 19% in wholesale/ retail, 15% in human health/social work, 9.7% in professional, science and technology, 8.7% in education, 7.7% in hospitality, 7% in finance and insurance and 4% in information and communications. This last sector has grown the fastest, seeing a 29% increase year on year between 2021 and 2022. By delivering a useful recruitment platform, we hope that it will encourage more people to choose to live and work here. Tunbridge Wells was recently voted the best place to live in Kent by the luxury lifestyle website Muddy Stilettoes with The Pantiles, the ease of travel to London, and its ‘growing foodie scene’ being mentioned. The parks, independent shops, galleries and bars were also

highlighted as great things about Royal Tunbridge Wells along with the ‘exceptional schools, including many prestigious grammars.’ The recruitment website will launch in November 2024. Businesses interested in finding out more or registering their interest in using the platform can contact RTW Together BID at projectofficer@ rtwtogether.com

Tunbridge Wells has a wide range of big brand and niche recruitment agencies including:

TN Recruits www.tnrecruits.com

Blue Pelican Recruitment www.bluepelican.com

DSR Global www.dsr-global.com

Gerrard White Recruitment www.gerrardwhite.com

Hobson Prior International Recruitment www.hobsonprior.com

Interquest Group Recruitment www.interquestgroup.com

Office Angels Recruitment www.office-angels.com

Floral tribute

Councillor Pamela Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure & Health tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine about her role in Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and how business can play a part in her ambitions for the town…

The rich array of parks and open spaces are cited by estate agents and residents as one of the main attractions of Tunbridge Wells, and as Cabinet member for sports, leisure, health and parks I am committed to improving and indeed protecting these services.

No-one will be surprised to learn that government funding for council services has been cut in recent years. As a result, support from and co-operation with local businesses is more welcome than ever. There are opportunities for corporate volunteer days in our parks which not only allow businesses to demonstrate their commitment to the local community but contribute hugely to the physical and mental wellbeing of employees. Donating a tree or a shrub(s) is another lovely way to have a lasting presence in one of the parks.

You may be aware that once again Royal Tunbridge Wells has recently celebrated wonderful results in the prestigious South and South East in Bloom competition. Next year, Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom will celebrate its 15th anniversary and it would be wonderful to see as many local businesses as possible get involved in the local competition.

This could be direct involvement in entering one of the local competition categories for businesses – there’s more than one to choose from, or supporting

“Next year, Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom will celebrate its 15th anniversary and it would be wonderful to see as many local businesses as possible get involved in the local competition

”employee engagement with the competition. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and if this is something your organisation would like to know more about please either contact me or the Parks team parks@tunbridgewells. gov.uk

The council’s Draft Strategic Plan says we will work with local clubs to invest in and improve sports facilities and playing fields. I am currently liaising with a number of the amazing (and often volunteerled) sports clubs to explore how we can improve their facilities. I’m keen to invite local businesses to help where they can, to fund equipment, coaching or facility upgrades – a win-win for business and the community.

The Amelia Scott in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells is an important leisure venue and I hope you’re already familiar with this fantastic facility but if not please go and visit. There are already wellestablished links with local businesses and it’s a great place to hold your meeting or host your event.

If you are a local business that shares my commitment to ensuring Tunbridge Wells is a healthy and attractive town in which to live, I’d love to hear from you pamela.wilkinson@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

Healing spirit

Deborah, can tell us about what The Spring Rooms offers?

We offer a unique space where you can relax and leave the world outside and go on a journey of well-being. Our space is focused on all the senses: we believe in not just about touch but sound and smell. We have ambient music playing throughout as well as our scented rooms, organic oils and a calming palette courtesy of our own unique branded marble canvases. The scent and sound create a sense of comfort to help you relax, feel safe and prepare you for your time with us.

We offer a unique space where you can relax and leave the world outside and go on a journey of well-being

“

What treatments do you specialise in?

It is a mix of traditional and pioneering treatments to help you manage your stresses, pain and discomfort all provided by our professional practioners. This isn’t always physical as it can also be emotional or mental pain too. However the symptoms manifest themselves we aim to get to the root cause of the problem, helping to restore and promote ongoing good health and well-being. We can treat all sorts of conditions including back problems, muscle and joint pain, sports injuries and headaches. We also enjoy helping new mothers through pregnancy and post birth and also offer hypnotherapy, NLP and counselling and also facials and massages. We ensure we have something unique for everyone.

What is your business background?

I originally worked for a design agency in London prior, but after having my son I didn’t want to go back to the stress and demands of commuting. I initially practiced in Wadhurst Physiotherapy Sports Injury Clinic for seven years followed by Neals Yard Therapy Rooms in Tunbridge Wells for five years, until it closed in 2019. I met some great therapists and clients, so I wanted to continue to work independently to maintain my client base. After looking around I eventually found a space

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 TN card partner Deborah Borfecchia, Owner of The Spring Rooms, tucked behind The Pantiles on Sussex Mews…

on The Pantiles. I wanted to create something unique where therapists could work well and clients could leave the outside world behind.

The Spring Rooms was ready to open in March 2020 but Covid closed that opportunity. However this gave me time to refine my offering and really build the business. We finally opened under strict guidance in July 2020 and from day one we were able to help and treat people.

What makes The Spring Rooms special?

We feel it is all about the people. We believe in all our therapists, and we love our clients, and we all work together and support each other to deliver the best solutions for the issues raised. We want clients to return and benefit from our expertise, there is nothing more rewarding than helping people back to good health and being part of their journey. Ensuring we can deliver the right treatments in a relaxing, calming and warm environment is so rewarding.

Do you provide rooms for therapists to hire?

Yes, we provide a space for independent therapists like psychotherapists counsellors, nutritionists, coaches, acupuncturists and osteopaths to hire but every therapist is interviewed and trade tested (where applicable) to ensure that there is a fit within The Spring Rooms and something that would complement the current offer or something that is new that can be a benefit to our clients.

Why did you join the TN card and how do you thank members for supporting local?

We believe in community, the stronger we are together the better we can deliver for our community and support each other. TN card members receive 10% discount on 55-minute treatments from massage to reflexology, and we encourage people to sign up and benefit from the hundreds of rewards the card provides, not just at the Spring Rooms but all over Tunbridge Wells.

Jess Gibson

Recruitment Consultant, Reduced Hours

Tunbridge Wells

£28-32,000 pro rata plus commission

Current Vacancies

Experienced Recruitment Consultant

(2+ years experience)

Tunbridge Wells

Part time- may suit working parent. Free parking, healthcare, hybrid working. Previous recruitment or sales experience essential. Applications: neil@tnrecruits.com

Private Client Solicitor

Tunbridge Wells

Generous salary + bonus paid monthly and benefits: onsite parking, hybrid working Leading firm, significant accreditations and industry recognised for excellence.

Private Client solicitor vacancy in a growing department to take on a full caseload of general private client work which is generated organically. Applications: emma@tnrecruits.com

Part-Time Accountant

Near Tunbridge Wells

£45,000 FTE

Working for a small, friendly firm of Accountants based in a stunning location near Tunbridge Wells. Work with a varied client based, preparing year end accounts and tax returns. Flexible hours to suit you On-site parking Applications: rachel@tnrecruits.com

IT Helpdesk

Tonbridge

£25,000

Excellent entry level IT role

Lots of progression

Hybrid working Applications: jo@tnrecruits.com

£28,000 - £32,000 + Uncapped Commission

4-day working week, free parking, healthcare, regular social events. Applications: ellie@tnrecruits.com

Finance Administrator

Kings Hill

£24,000

Hybrid after probation

25 days holiday + all bank holidays

On-site parking Applications: ben@merecruits.com

Customer Service/Case manager

Maternity Cover

Tonbridge

£28,000

Dynamic and supportive environment, interviewing now! Applications: Melissa@tnrecruits.com

Italian Marketing Executive

Tunbridge Wells

£28,000

European Exhibition company established offering a native speaking Italian to join a friendly marketing team.

Native speaking you will have experience or a passion for marketing. Applications: helen@merecruits.com

Fusing tradition and innovation

Gavin and Lorraine Marsh co-founders of The Diamond Setter tell Eileen Leahy how their Pantilesbased jewellery store, which opened earlier this year, has proved to be such a success and why they’re delighted to become the UK’s first official ambassadors for crystalline osmium…

With its gleaming custommade glass cabinets boasting unique glittering gems of all shapes, styles and sizes, two exclusive consulting spaces and busy atelier workshop, which is run by master jeweller Gavin Marsh and sits discreetly behind the public-facing area, The Diamond Setter’s luxury doublefronted shop, located in the heart of the historic Pantiles is certainly impressive.

As you’d expect, you have to be buzzed into this treasure trove of some of the finest handcrafted jewellery. But despite the obvious security required, once inside this stunning high-end boutique, The Diamond Setter’s co-founders Gavin and his wife Lorraine are only too happy to talk to customers about their exquisite collections and bespoke services.

In fact, creating an open and

With its gleaming custommade glass cabinets boasting glittering gems of all shapes, styles and sizes The Diamond Setter’s luxury Pantiles premises are seriously impressive ”

unintimidating ambience has always been the couple’s goal when it comes to working with their clients. Whether that’s sitting and working through the various options for transforming an heirloom piece of jewellery into something more contemporary, designing a timeless engagement ring or consulting on special gifts for a loved one.

Gavin and Lorraine took possession of their smart new premises at the end of last year and officially launched at the end of February. During that time the pair have worked tirelessly to ensure the shop, located in a gorgeous period building complete with stained glass windows, looked as good as its fine jewels on display. It’s certainly had a glow-up from the couple’s first out-of-town workshop.

“We’ve had a number of our clients follow us here but we have also had so many new ones too,” explains Gavin who trained as a jeweller, goldsmith and stone setter over 20 years ago and is now carving a niche for himself thanks to his impressive artisan skills.

Lorraine adds that sourcing and working locally, ethically and sustainably is the hallmark of The Diamond Setter business

along with creating unique pieces from heritage jewellery.

“That could be making a ring out of a pair of earrings or using a specific inherited stone as part of a necklace. We understand how important these pieces which have been handed down in families, so people can rest assured their jewels will be in very safe hands with us,” she says.

Thanks to Gavin’s craftsmanship skills, he helps other jewellers, both locally and around the country help set stones due to his extensive bench experience and exceptional talent. And although he boasts all the latest tech to assist him with designing and creating, Gavin is still very much an advocate of using traditional tools to help achieve the required intricate results.

This also puts The Diamond Setter way ahead of the game when it comes to designing unique engagement rings as the store boasts a clever system where you can play around with different diamond cuts and sizes, and mix-and-match them with a variety of settings to suit your personal preferences. “The opportunities are endless,” says Gavin.

The store also sells enduring classic pieces such as diamond stud earrings and tennis bracelets and is also one of the sole UK stockists of the Italian high-end Annamaria Cammilli jewellery brand.

But one of the biggest things Lorraine and Gavin are most proud about since they launched is the fact they are now the UK’s only and official ambassador for Osmium. Never heard of it? Well neither had I until I chatted to the couple and asked them to explain a little more…

“Osmium is one of the rarest and purest metals on earth,” states Gavin. “It has been used in a lot of artwork and things like decorative fountain pens but we are now using it more and more in jewellery.”

Lorraine explains that unlike diamonds osmium is flat but the sparkle appeal is huge – greater than that of diamonds and rarer than gold, silver or platinum. Pale blue in colour, Gavin can make all sorts of jewellery using it such as rings, pendants and earrings.

“We recently attended the Jewellery Show UK at Olympia and had a chance to showcase and talk about our affiliation with osmium,” smiles Lorraine who says she is really excited to be involved with this project and wants other jewellers to get on board with it.

“It’s really changing the world of jewellery and it’s very exciting for us to be pioneering it,” says Gavin.

Contact The Diamond Setter: Website: www.thediamondsetter.co.uk Instagram: @the_diamond_setter

Boost Your Advertising ROI: Three Reasons to Partner with Boostkit

Matt West, Tech Entrepreneur and Boostkit founder shares a few creative insights into making your advertising work harder

As a local business owner, you understand the power of advertising in our beloved Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. But what if I told you there's a way to supercharge your ad's effectiveness and track its success with pinpoint accuracy? Enter Boostkit, your all-in-one digital marketing solution designed to complement and enhance your print advertising efforts. Here are three things you can do by connecting your ads with Boostkit:

1. Create Custom QR Codes: Bridge the Gap Between Print and Digital

In today's digital age, QR codes have become a game-changer for businesses looking to connect their print and online presence. With Boostkit, you can easily generate custom QR codes in your colours and with your logo for your TWBM ads, opening up a world of possibilities:

• Direct readers to special landing pages, promotional offers, or your website

• Track scan rates to measure your ad's effectiveness

• Provide instant access to additional information, menus, or product catalogues

Studies show that QR codes can increase ad engagement by up to 35%*. By incorporating these scannable codes into your magazine ads, you're not just placing an advertisement – you're creating an interactive experience that can significantly boost your click-through rates and overall ROI.

The best idea is to incentivise prospects to scan the QR code - this could be to enter their details into a competition form, you get their details and they have the possibility to win something!

2. Streamline Your Social Media Management

In addition to print advertising, maintaining a strong social media presence is crucial for local businesses. Boostkit offers powerful social media management tools that allow you to:

• Schedule and publish posts across multiple platforms from one dashboard

• Monitor engagement and respond to comments efficiently

• Analyze your social media performance with detailed insights

By combining your magazine advertising with a robust social media strategy, you create a cohesive brand message that reaches your audience through multiple touchpoints. Boostkit makes this process seamless, saving you time and ensuring your online presence aligns perfectly with your print campaigns.

3. Capture and Nurture Leads with Automation

Every ad in our magazine is an opportunity to generate leads for your business. Boostkit takes this a step further by providing advanced lead capture and nurturing tools:

• Create custom landing pages that match your magazine ads

• Set up automated email or SMS sequences to follow up with interested prospects

• Track and manage leads through an intuitive CRM system

Imagine a potential customer sees your ad, scans the QR code, and visits your landing page. With Boostkit, you can automatically capture their information and begin a personalised follow-up sequence. This ensures that no lead falls through the cracks, maximising the value of every ad placement.

By partnering with Boostkit, you're not just advertising in a magazine – you're creating a marketing ecosystem that bridges the gap between print and digital, streamlines your social media efforts, and nurtures leads automatically. It's time to take your advertising to the next level and see the results for yourself.

Ready to boost your business? Contact us today for a free demonstration of how Boostkit can transform your marketing efforts.

Visit the special landing page for the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine partners - boostkit.io/twbm and use the code TWBM30 to get £30 off your first month of Boostkit

*Source: QR Code Statistics 2023, QR Tiger

MATT WEST

Going swimmingly

Karen Burke, who recently appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Side Hustles talking about her small business, tells Eileen Leahy all about Go Goosey which specialises in children’s post-swim gear – and how she juggles running it with her daytime job working as a recruiter for Jump IT

Ideas for businesses can spring up from the most unlikely sources and for Karen Burke the catalyst for hers was as a result of taking her daughter swimming for the first time…

“About nine years ago I took my adopted daughter swimming. I was excited to see how much she enjoyed it and while the swimming part was fun, when we got to the changing rooms things suddenly turned sour. She was cold and wet - and so was I! She started crying as I battled to get her dried and then dressed. Clothes were sticking to her, she was wriggling and getting more and more upset. What otherwise would have been a nice day out had turned into a nightmare and I thought surely there must be an easier way.”

That experience led to Karen coming up with the idea of creating a throw-on microfleece that could dry in record time. But, as she tells me, things didn’t happen overnight…

“It took me around six years to source the right fabric and then find a local fashion student to put together a design before getting a protype manufactured. I also procrastinated a lot as I thought, how could I as a single mum, with no fashion or retail experience, start my own brand?”

Luckily Karen didn’t doubt herself for long as in September 2021 she was finally able to launch the first Go Goosey unisex onesie.

“It can be put on after swimming or any water activity and it not only dries your child but it does so in record time thanks to the revolutionary fabric used. So there’s no need to dry them first, you just pop it on after swimming and go home.

“The onesies will not only keep children warm but they’re also great for in-between splashes in the sea or when coming out of the bath or shower. We now have two unisex colours, purple and sky blue and aqua and light grey, which come in five different

“My dream is to see the brand being worn at the Olympics and Paralympics in 2028 by the Team GB swim and dive team to wear in between races and dives

”sizes from 2-11 years. I wanted unisex colourways so they can be passed on to siblings or friends.”

I ask Karen about what inspired the name to which she responds: “Well Goosey’s feathers – like our material – is water repellent and all you and your children want to do once you get to those changing rooms or at the end of the day from the beach is go - hence the name Go Goosey.”

Karen says that she hopes to diversify into an adult range soon as she’s had a lot of interest about doing so.

“I’ve had requests from lots of people including swimming teachers, open water swimmers, surfers and paddleboarders who like the idea of putting on the onesie and you can just go home. My dream is to see the brand being worn at the Olympics and Paralympics in 2028 by the Team GB swim and dive team to wear in between races and dives.”

Now she’s been trading successfully for three years I ask Karen if she has come across any challenges.

“Well with a product-based business you are constantly looking to pay for the next order so making a profit is proving slower than I thought but I have learned this is normal. Marketing is also a challenge as it is difficult to see specifically how your efforts are making a difference but I know it is essentially about getting my brand out to the wider audience.”

Karen adds that she has learned a lot from business mentors who have helped her tackle certain challenges and that she has been lucky to access that help through local Government-run schemes. Customers’ feedback is really important too.

Talking of which, where do the majority of them come from? “It’s a combination of word of mouth, social media, Google searches and you can also order through Amazon. I recently appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Side Hustles programme and as a result have had record sales.”

Karen doesn’t employ any additional team members just yet: “It’s just me at the moment juggling running the business alongside my main job as an IT Recruitment Consultant for Tunbridge Wells company called Jump IT. Luckily I have a very understanding and flexible boss!”

And finally what are her plans for the business as we head towards a new year?

“I want to grow it further whether that is through wholesale to large retailers or collaborating with someone who can help me take the brand forward, but sales are growing and I am looking forward to what opportunities come our way in 2025.”

Find out more:

Web: gogoosey.co.uk

Instagram: @gogooseyuk

Also available from Amazon

Join our club

Mimi Van Praagh, photographer, and Nicola Withers, copywriter, have teamed up to show us a different side to some of the people behind Tunbridge Wells businesses. Here’s an introduction from both of them before they kick off their occasional column – the first of which starts with a very special Christmas guest next month

About Nicola:

Hello. I’m Nicola, a copywriter in Tunbridge Wells with my own business, The Writers’ Studio. It’s my job to get businesses seen online and in print by the right people for the right reasons. Part of that is talking to individuals and finding out what makes them tick. That’s an essential part of the copywriting process and it lets me uncover their story: both business-related and delving behind the scenes too.

I’m a keen networker as working alone at home can be very solitary. And networking is where Mimi and I met. We

“A

person’s story reveals a more human insight into their business persona

”both happened across a BNI networking group and haven’t looked back. Six years on, apart from our friendship (which has included a memorable round trip to Crufts and a 125-mile charity bike ride), the group has been fantastic in terms of support, referring work, accountability, learning and the odd bit of socialising (we are consummate professionals at the latter)!

Words are my superpower: reading them, writing them and speaking them. Telling a person’s story brings a new, more human insight into their business persona. And having Mimi capture them in her stunning photos brings an extra dimension.

That’s what led us here as the more people we meet and talk to, the more interesting facts are unearthed. We

have a rich seam of businesses and the people behind them are fascinating and incredible. People’s interests outside of work are sometimes unexpected, sometimes challenge our preconceptions, or are sometimes just fabulous. So Mimi and I will be using our words and photos to show the human side of some of our town’s business folk. We have a few up our sleeves but if you know anyone whose alter ego needs to be introduced to the world, do let us know…

About Mimi:

And now let me introduce myself…my name is Mimi from Mimi VP photography and I shoot people for a living, at your place of work, at the studio in Tunbridge Wells and I have even been known to shoot people out on Ashdown forest. I first saw Nicola across a crowded networking room in Tunbridge Wells…and gravitated towards her…she is so easy to talk to, and a brilliant copywriter. She has an incredible knack of being able to write in her client’s voice – it’s actually a little bit scary if I’m honest!

THE PIANO

We’ve worked together on a few projects, the most memorable one was documenting Crufts, mainly because it involved a three-hour road trip to Birmingham…after that I don’t think there is much we don’t know about each other… Nicola and I hadn’t worked together for a while, but this year like most years I set myself three goals.

My first one was to work with dream clients, and as a headshot and branding photographer my dream came true and I recently worked on two incredible projects.

One was taking the team shots for legal firm Thackray Williams and the other a fantastic branding shoot with three of the trainers at Underground Gym. Both of those shoots were absolutely fantastic - if I do say so myself.

My second goal was a little bit more ambitions. That was to hit 3000 followers on Instagram. At the time of deciding to do so I had 700 but after three months of posting a reel a day I hit the jackpot…13,000 followers, almost overnight. I still have to pinch myself.

My third and final goal was to contribute to a prestigious local magazine, so you can imagine my surprise that just by chance Eileen Leahy got in touch with Nicola and I to contribute a series based on one of my LinkedIn posts.

To be able to work alongside Nicola, is a dream come true...and I cannot wait to see what we do.

For more information:

Nicola Withers writersstudio.co.uk

Mimi Van Praagh www.mimivp.com

MIMI

NICOLA

Community Heroes – Meet Chris Murphy

In the second feature of the series, Sarah Raine spent a Saturday morning with Chris Murphy, Founder of the Tunbridge Wells Repair Café. Chris is also Director of The Speaking Mentor and a weekly Presenter on West Kent Radio.

Chris Murphy set up the Tunbridge Wells Repair Café in March 2020 and with a brief pause during Covid, the team has run a monthly café ever since (taking August and December off). Repair cafes are free meeting places where people can be an active part in getting their things repaired. There are boxes of specialist tools and materials to help fix a huge range of items and you’ll also find expert volunteers, with repair skills in all kinds of fields.

The Repair Café initiative was created by Martine Postma in Amsterdam in 2009. To encourage others to create their own cafes, Martine created the Repair Café International Foundation in 2011. The non-profit organisation has helped support the launch of over 2,500 repair cafes worldwide to date.

Chris, tell us why you decided to set up a Repair Café in Tunbridge Wells?

I have always lived quite an upcycle life, growing up my Dad was a bit of a mender and I have always been interested in protecting our environment (I was the kid who used to pick up everyone else’s litter at school!) When I heard about the Repair Café initiative, it spoke to my values and brought together all the things I feel most passionately about; community, solving problems, sustainability, celebrating the skills of local people and the circular economy.

How have the last four years been running the Repair Café (Covid closure aside)?

It has been exhausting and exhilarating at the same time! We have 75 volunteers making all this happen behind the scenes and it takes around 40 to run one café. We are quite a big group with an average of 28 repair stations completing over 100 repairs each session which makes us the largest repair cafe in the South East. We are fortunate to have an incredible team of volunteers; the front of house bookings team, our talented repair specialists, as well as ‘Assistants’ who are mentored

and work alongside the specialists to learn their craft. We also couldn’t survive without our ‘fifth emergency service’, the volunteers who provide cuppas and cakes throughout the morning for our repairers.

How does the Repair Café cover the costs of its operation?

Our services are free but, as a community group, we do ask for donations if people are able. I think the average donation works out at around £5. We are incredibly lucky to be given the space at Trinity Theatre for free. Our revenue is spent on purchasing parts and the kit our repairers need, and any excess monies are given to charitable causes, to date we have supported: West Kent Mind, RNLI, Kent & Sussex Air Ambulance, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Taylor Made Dreams and purchased tables for Trinity that we use for the café.

How do people book into the repair café and what repairs can they receive help with?

On arrival a visitor registers their item(s) and gets allocated to a specialist. To save time on the day we ask people to preregister their repair via the link on our website. If it’s busy they then wait for their number to be called (you will see many people socialising, coffee in hand, having a chat with other visitors). When we first started the Café everything was paperbased and it was chaos! We are fortunate to have a very talented volunteer, Matt Barber, who wrote a web-based booking system for us on Python, which other repair cafes are also now using, and

that has made things a lot easier! Our repairers have skills in repairing electrical items, computers, mechanical things, toys, jewellery, clothes, wooden items, ceramics and small furniture pieces.

Having seen the queue to get in this morning and the buzz in the café, it would appear that the Repair Café is both a repair service and a social community service, would you agree?

Yes, I think it’s wonderful that the café provides both. We have a number of people who come to every café – some just observe repairs going on around them, others come for a natter. Mark, one of our repairers, said to me the other day that the Repair Café is the most rewarding voluntary work he does. Not just because he loves repairing things, but because the contact he has with the community makes him feel he is a part of the social fabric of Tunbridge Wells. I don’t think I could sum it up better than that really!

For fun, can you tell us about a few of the most obscure items the team have repaired?

Aah, there have been some wonderful pieces! A visitor brought in a stunning Metal horse and carriage set she was given as a young girl when she watched the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, and we repaired it so her granddaughter could use it for a school project for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. One gent brought in a mechanical watch winder which was new to our repairers. We have the odd laugh too! There was the old cine camera we repaired and on running the film, revealed an ‘adult’ 1920s film. Our favourite was the broken dancing Santa who, once repaired, danced beautifully again, albeit with his trousers falling down repeatedly!

Visit tunbridgewellsrepaircafe.co.uk or email twellsrepaircafe@gmail.com to find out more.

How Visible Are You to Your Ideal Client?

As an entrepreneur, establishing a robust online presence is crucial, but the ultimate success lies in attracting the right kind of attention. It's not just about being visible; it's about being visible to the right people. This means not only boosting your presence but also ensuring your messages resonate with the specific needs of your ideal client.

The first step is a deep understanding of your ideal client. Who are they? What challenges do they face daily? What specific solutions might they be searching for online? Recognising their habits and preferences helps you determine where to focus your efforts. Whether it’s on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, or niche forums related to your industry, your presence must be targeted and intentional.

Messaging is vital. Being in the right places is just the beginning; what you say and how you say it can make all the difference. Your content should speak directly to the needs, goals, and aspirations of your ideal client. Craft engaging, insightful posts that not only draw them in but also encourage them to interact and take action. Show how your services provide the perfect solution

to their problems, using case studies or testimonials for added impact.

Using high-quality visuals is another powerful strategy to enhance your visibility. High-resolution images, engaging videos, and compelling graphics not only capture attention but also help build your brand’s identity. Choose visuals that reflect your brand’s ethos and appeal directly to the aesthetic preferences of your target audience. Remember, your visuals are often the first thing a potential client notices, so make them count.

Don't overlook the power of analytics. By monitoring which platforms deliver the best engagement and how your content performs, you can continually refine your strategy. This data is invaluable, allowing you to adjust your efforts to better meet the needs of your audience. Pay attention to what resonates with them and use these insights to tailor your approach further.

Finally, community engagement is crucial. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and actively engage with your audience. This not only increases your visibility but also builds trust and loyalty, showing that you are an active and responsive figure within your industry. Visibility is about more than just showing

up; it's about making a memorable impression. By strategically positioning yourself and carefully crafting your message, you ensure that your ideal clients not only notice you but are also compelled to connect and engage. It's about creating a presence that feels almost tailor-made for them, encouraging trust, conversation, and ultimately, business growth.

Join me next month where we look specifically at your messaging.

www.brandphotographybydeeairey.co.uk

Technology - Who needs it? Get ready for the big meltdown

Apparently, we’ve ‘never had it so good’. At least where technology is concerned. Mind you, we’ve been told this for years. But in the era of iPhone upgrades, laser eye surgery, lab grown fillet steak and artificial intelligence… is any of this ‘advance’ real? Simon Howson-Green looks at the myth of tech progress and explains why every advance comes at a price…

PM Macmillan most famously said we’d ‘never had it so good’ - whilst failing to notice his minister of war was sharing a mistress with a Russian spy. And the empire which had mollycoddled his class for half a millennium was spiralling down the waste disposal unit of history - like a left-over roast potato.

But fear not. The remnants of the master race had already figured out a neat sleight of hand. In fact, the past few King Henries had also worked it out. When the going gets tough and your throne is under threat – build a new war machine, start a war and recapture the credibility you lost pre-war in the aftermath of peace. The art of the post-war boon is to be enjoyed by anyone left standing.

The Americans did it after the Civil War

homes, more white teeth and less liceBUT are we better off?

“

Once a notorious early adopter of technology I now yearn for a life less connected

”

with the railroad, telegraph, telephone and internal combustion engine. The Brits made similar attempts – but mainly with nationalisation, Butlins holidays for the workers and Watneys Red Barrel… Harold Wilson called all this progress the ‘white heat of technology’. Admittedly that was sixty years ago but his cry was a recognition that the best way to rally the people was by getting them behind the tide of technological advance.

And Harold’s white hot techno marvel rages on…it’s hooked us all. We are all addicted and dependent and, of course, healthier and richer than our grandparents. We have better food, nicer

I suspect our enthusiasm of this neverending advance is cooling. Admittedly the fervour remains strong among those Apple-addicted Troglodytes who queue outside the Steve Jobs Church of the Asinine Saints in Regent Street for the latest iPhone. But most of us are starting to wise up…

In 1976 I was 15. My Great Grandmother was sitting in my grandfather’s conservatory about to cut a cake to celebrate her century on this earth. “I remember the time of horses where there were no cars on the street, before television, before the wireless and before airplanes,” she told us.

She also spoke of a time when she could send a telegram to her own mother over breakfast, and it would be on her doormat thirty miles away across the other side of London by 10am. Brilliant and back then at least what you sent was what you actually wrote. Now my WhatsApp texts are finished for me!

I have been at the sharp end of technological change since my first Atari at the age of thirteen. From there I moved on to be the first TV reporter to use an ENG (Electronic News Gathering) video camera to file a report. Analogue tape was finally seeing off celluloid film. That was during the coal crisis in the mid-80s. I got some great interviews but ironically, they couldn’t be broadcast because the unions hadn’t agreed the use of the new technology. Less than a decade on I was helping to spearhead the switch

from analogue to digital news at News Corporation and launch the world’s first live news website on the World Wide Thingy.

Once a notorious early adopter, I now yearn for a life less connected. I personally think we have peaked. And now it’s all going kaput! The Horizon scandal, the CrowdStrike catastrophe, God-knows-what- legacy systems causing data spaghetti in the banking world or worse still our NHS… lives ruined, confidence shattered beyond repair and a litany of lies from the big corporations and gatekeepers.

But they get away with it. Why? Because we are all in love with the internet and worse still our little pocket companions. It’s an abusive relationship but we keep coming back for more.

We are bombarded online with talk of the end of days. Pandemic, War, Plague, Pestilence… but I believe it will be the internet which proves to be our nemesis.

It’s about to fall over. It’s held together with a piece of tin foil some paper clips, a few buildings with servers in them the size of council houses and a couple of ropey old cables swashing about on the bottom of the Atlantic... they are all at boiling point, and what with all those dodgy crypto creeps mining for code and turning it into virtual gold the whole kit and caboodle is overheating and about to go pop.

Trust what we used to call the information superhighway to save civilisation from catastrophe - or even a wrongly imposed speeding fine - and we are doomed…

One thing a lot of landlords worry about is the condition of their property. We’ve certainly all heard horror stories about tenants leaving properties in disgusting conditions! However, these instances are very rare, and there’s often more to the story.

Home Goals “

This month Becky Moran of TN Lettings explains ways in which you can ensure any tenants you have treat your property as they would their own…

Choosing

If you present your property well and respect your tenants, the chances are they’ll do the same in return. It’s the simple ‘treat people how you want to be treated’ mantra. So, let’s take a look at the steps you can take to make sure tenants treat your property like their own…

Be clear about what you expect from your tenants

The first thing you should do is make your expectations clear. It may sound obvious, but simply outlining your expectations in your contract is the perfect place to start. This makes sure there’s no grey area. You should take photographs of your property and maintain an inventory. This keeps everyone accountable.

Make sure you present your property nicely to begin with

Think about it: if your tenants move in and your property is spotless and in immaculate condition, your tenants are going to be much more likely to

a good letting agency is essential to ensure your property is wellmaintained

keep it this way. On the flip side, if your property is dirty and not kept very well, your tenants may assume you don’t care too much, so why should they? First impressions are everything, after all!

Prioritise dealing with repairs quickly and efficiently

Next, it’s important to deal with repairs as efficiently as possible. This is especially the case for repairs that can impact your tenant’s quality of life, such as a broken boiler. Of course, there are already legal requirements in place. Nevertheless, by repairing property issues as quickly as possible, you tell your tenants two things. First, you care about their living conditions. Second, you care about your property. This is something they’ll greatly appreciate, and they’ll care for your property in return.

Use a good letting agency that can manage your property for you

Choosing a good letting agency is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your property is wellmaintained. A reputable letting agency will care about your property, you as a landlord, and your tenants. It’s their goal to make sure everyone is happy. No matter how many properties you have in your portfolio, a good letting agency will ensure that reputable tenants are chosen to begin with and that any property issues are rectified as soon as possible, keeping both you and the tenant satisfied.

Ensure tenants treat your property as they would their own

So there you have it; critical steps landlords can take to make sure their rental properties are well maintained. In a competitive rental market, having good tenants can make all of the difference. It can give you great peace of mind knowing that you’ve got tenants who love your property as much as you do, and by following the advice above, you can make sure this is the case.

For more info visit: Website: www.tnlettings.co.uk Instagram: @tnlettings

Picture: Mollie Manning

House Proud

Record visitors took advantage of the expertise on hand at the biggest ever South-East Property Expo organised by leading Kent law firm, Thackray Williams.

Industry heavyweights, led by interior designer and TV personality Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, shared their tips for successful property investment at the event which took place on September 23 at the Knole Academy in Sevenoaks.

The South East Property Expo connects anyone with a property interest – from first-time buyers to seasoned developers – with trusted suppliers and advisors under one roof.

The expert panel included writer and broadcaster, Kunle Barker; multi-awardwinning surveyor, Colin Horton; local architect and PassivHaus specialist, James Galpin from Hazle McCormack Young LLP; and the creators of award-winning local Sevenoaks co-working space, Limetree Workshop, Sandie Johnston and Cathy Emmins.

“We had to move to a new location this year to accommodate the growing popularity of The South East Property Expo, and we were thrilled with the turnout,” commented Vikki Herbert, Head of Real Estate at Thackray Williams. “The

feedback from visitors was fantastic and is testimony to the expertise and connections of our growing real estate legal team, which span all aspects of property investment and development.”

Visitors were able to get advice from mortgage advisors, accountants, interior designers, house stagers, auctioneers, insurance providers, fencing companies, stainless steel suppliers, fire safety specialists and environmental surveyors.

Find your home in Crowborough

“A market of two halves”

This month Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential ponders why some properties sell quicker than others..

For anyone who loves a browse on Rightmove (and who doesn’t?!) you have probably noticed that properties either find a buyer quickly, or linger on the market for some time. Put simply, they either fly off the shelf - or are left on the shelf. So, what is driving the popularity of some properties and not others?

The biggest factor in this buyer’s market is price, and the old adage of location, location, location, should be changed to price, price, price! Property has been the gift that keeps on giving, with prices generally rising. It can therefore be difficult for sellers to understand that the value of their house can reduce, more recently caused by a price correction following the pandemic. When you add on the interesting Rightmove research fact that 78% of sellers think that their property is the best on the road (statistically impossible!) you have a perfect storm of over-inflated prices.

Buyers on the other hand feel they have the upper hand, having endured increased mortgage rates, escalating

inflation and continual negative media commentary, and as a result will refuse to pay what they perceive to be an unrealistic price. Sellers frequently cite to me that they “need to achieve a certain figure”, or that they will “wait for the right

The biggest factor in this buyer’s market is price, and the old adage of location, location, location

buyer to come along” but buyers have no interest in what a seller paid for a property, what they have invested in it, what they “need” to achieve because they have a tax bill to pay / want to help their children get on the housing ladder / want to afford their next purchase, or what the seller’s friends from the pub think their house is worth. All buyers care about is

sits in the great school catchment, or ticks the boxes of their target buyer’s needs, or is presented so beautifully that every buyer through the door is seduced. In these scenarios, the property will attract multiple interest and fly off the shelf. But equally so will the more average property that is simply realistically priced. A good agent knows when to push the price and when to exercise caution.

And so we have a market of two halves. Any seller needs to ask themselves how motivated they to sell, and how receptive will they be to buyer and market feedback on what their house is worth. If they can

statistics don’t lie 100% success rate in selling properties that other agents have not sold. 96% the percentage of people that would recommend us. 98% of offers successfully negotiated. 93% of offers successfully managed to exchange.

Cross in Hand, Heathfield, East Sussex

Internal viewing is essential to appreciate this stunning four bedroom Victorian semi-detached property arranged over four floors and with the benefit of breathtaking views across the South Downs to the rear. Situated in a village location, the property retains many character features coupled with more modern benefits to include wonderful fireplaces in many of the rooms, high level skirting and various stained glass panelling throughout alongside a modern kitchen/ breakfast room, double glazing and gas-fired central heating. The property also enjoys a single garage, off-road parking for three vehicles and a private garden with a large decked seating terrace.

EPC Rating: C | Council Tax Band: E | Tenure: Freehold Offers in excess of £595,000

27 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8JR Tel: 01435 862211 Email: heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk

After Hours

Material girl

Meet Jules Haines whose fabric business is aiming to stop the waste in the interiors industry

Raising a glass

Our wine editor James Viner talks to the co-founders of Oxney Organic vineyard

Gourmet goods

Ann Morris tells us about her successful foodie gifting company It’s Gin O’Chock

Go with the flow

Lucy Parker of Flow yoga and wellbeing on how to get yourself set for autumn/winter

Planning

ahead

Simply Luxury Escapes help you find your dream holiday destination for next summer

Where to wind down in the Wells

Go on a culinary adventure

Eileen Leahy samples a taste of the new menu at TN1 and discovers the story behind its fascinating rebrand which takes inspiration from its historic past…

It’s a Sunday evening when my husband and I head out for dinner to TNI Bar and Kitchen which is located right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells on Monson Road.

You’d think, given the time of the week, the restaurant wouldn’t be that busy – but not so! It is positively buzzing. There are groups of happy, chatty diners lingering after a long, leisurely roast, and people like ourselves who are clearly keen to sample a taste of TN1’s new menu.

Well known for its welcoming, relaxed ambience, owners Tess Kerslake and Murat Askin come to say hello to us and invite us for a pre-dinner drink at the bar.

“We’ve recently revamped this area,” explains Tess. And it certainly shows. It now looks like something out of a cool speakeasy thanks to its rows and rows of colourful glass spirit bottles, intimate lighting and funky stools.

We are handed our menus by Murat who tells us the culinary offerings on it are both a reflection of the couple’s love for travel and for that of seasonal ingredients.

Perusing the menu it’s clear every corner of the globe is represented. You can head East by sampling fried gyozas (£8) and panfried Vietnamese baby squid (£13), travel to the Americas courtesy of the T-bone and Flat Iron steaks on offer (priced £34 and £14 each) or hop over the Channel to treat your taste buds to a bowl of classic Belgian moules mariniere (£12). There’s also treacle cured pork belly (£19) on offer if you fancy staying closer to home.

And that’s just the dinner menu as TN1 also specialises in breakfast, brunch,

lunch, and roasts. There’s also a solid offering of vegetarian and vegan dishes and younger diners are catered for courtesy of the kids’ menu.

After finishing our drinks – a Turkish Effes lager for my husband Steve and a delicate Italian pinot blush rose for me – we head to our table. Traversing the restaurant we spot this has also had a fabulous makeover with floral decorative touches everywhere – think pretty potted flowers and sculptural olive trees.

Murat tells us the new décor has been inspired by the Victorian building’s history as a one-time florist.

“We know that 33 Monson Road was built circa 1870, and Joseph Haffenden, a talented florist, took over the building in 1893. Over the years the building became known locally as the ‘old flower house’. Although Joseph died in 1942, the florists continued under the name Joseph Haffenden Ltd until 1982,” explains Murat.

He adds that TN1’s restaurant will now be known as The Flower House: “We pride ourselves on being a friendly, family-run business and feel the floral menu reflects our approach. The new menu artwork has been designed by local artist Belle Raine.

But back to the food…after much deliberation we decide on our starters and mains. As well as boasting a taste of world cuisine, and local provenance, the menu has a strong emphasis on fish too. I can’t resist the sound of the Scottish scallops (£15) which are served with a pea puree, chargrilled chorizo and a sprinkling of apple. And when the dish arrives at

The

menu is a taste trip around the globe with portions plentiful and each dish expertly cooked

” “

the table it is generous in size but doesn’t last long thanks to the incredible taste triumph of the trio of diverse flavours. My husband orders the soft shell crab which is served with chilli, spring onion and an avocado salsa (£15). The batter enveloping the fresh crab is light and golden and perfect for mopping up any morsels of leftover salsa.

For our mains it’s another fish feast. I choose the king prawn, squid and fish Thai curry which is accompanied by mussels and jasmine rice (£24), while my husband Steve goes for the pan-fried Monkfish with mint, peas, asparagus, sauteed potatoes and a side order of Scottish mussels cooked in an indulgent white wine and cream sauce.

Again, the portions are plentiful with each fish dish expertly cooked. My curry is aromatic and comforting – ideal food for a Sunday night and Steve declares the Monkfish is the best he’s ever eaten.

Tess and Murat, who also run The Pantiles Café and host live music nights at TN1, kindly offer a pudding. By now my appetite is very happily sated but Steve decides to round off our exceptional dinner with a drowned affagato –believing that the combination of a cold coffee brew, shot of rum and scoop of delicious vanilla ice cream all presented in a fancy cocktail glass will tick all the post-dinner boxes. It does and we leave happy and excited about returning here very soon… www.tn1barkitchen.co.uk

The Pantiles Café will be hosting an exhibition of David Bowie pictures by Pat Pope so follow @thepantilescafe for more details

X 2 x Fish & Chips, 1 Bottle Wine Every Friday Just £40 X Burger & A Pint £15 Every Tuesday

X Sundays - Whole Roast Chicken With All The Trimmings To Share For Only £32!

X 4 For 3 On All Abergavenny Style Tapas Dishes (Monday - Saturday All Day) X Ribs & Wings night - first Thursday of each month £25 for a platter for two

Come and Spend Christmas at The Abergavenny Arms! Enjoy A Beer Or A Glass Of Mulled Wine. Try Something From Our delicious Tapas Menu, Or Treat Yourself To A Proper Home Cooked Meal Whilst Sitting By One Of Our Roaring Open Fires. Pub Classics & Weekly Specials Also Available. A Warm Welcome Awaits You In Our Cosy 15th Century Inn Open 7 Days A Week, Serving Food All Day.

Taste and terroir…

Award-winning winery Squerryes announces expansion and appoints new winemaker

As Squerryes continues to win awards for its sparkling wines, including a Silver and Gold in this year’s International Wine Challenge Awards and 93 points for two of their wines in the Decanter awards in 2024, the family-owned vineyard in Westerham goes from strength to strength.

Exciting expansion plans were recently announced, including the appointment of experienced and passionate winemaker Tom Jones, who has just joined the team at Squerryes.

I could tell Squerryes was a business filled with positive, valued, ambitious people and I couldn't help but want to be a part of its journey

Born in New Zealand, Tom has gained 13 years of experience in the wine industry providing expertise at vineyards around the world.  He will be taking up his new role at Squerryes having previously been winemaker at the Gusbourne Wine Estate.

Tom says: “From the first time I visited, I could tell Squerryes was a business filled with positive, valued, ambitious people and I couldn't help but want to be a part of its journey.  My aim is to ensure Squerryes consistently produce wines that best reflect its terroir, and to ensure the vineyard can continue to develop its wines going forward. Not to step away from the

successes achieved in the past, but to simply build on them for the future.”

As part of the Vineyard’s expansion, a winery has also been built on the Estate this year and will be open in time for this year’s grape harvest.

The 2024 vintage is expected to be the first to be released from the winery in 2028. On the main visitor site, a new Tasting Bar has also been created to provide additional space for visitors to enjoy Squerryes’ wine and small plates.

Squerryes’s Henry Warde said: “We are looking forward to producing our first vintage in the new winery and also working with Tom as our business grows.

We produce around 75-85k bottles of sparkling wine each year and we expect this to increase with the new winery which will help meet the ever-growing demand.

“As the vineyard enters a new exciting chapter in its expansion, this is the first time wine production has taken place on the Estate and marks a significant milestone for us.”

The new Tasting Bar, which opened

at the end of last month, is located downstairs from the restaurant, and boasts countryside views across the summer terrace to the Rosé vineyard.

Visitors are invited to spend a few hours throughout the day or evening enjoying Squerryes, with small plates from the two AA Rosette award-winning kitchen. Diners in the restaurant are welcome to book for an aperitif.

To find out more or to book visit:  www.squerryes.co.uk/summer-toursand-tastings

TOM JONES

Come Relax, Restore, Rejuvenate…

Knowle Grange is the perfect retreat right on your doorstep. Set in beautiful Victorian country gardens on the Kent and Sussex border between Tunbridge Wells and Wadhurst. Boasting a range of indulgent spa and beauty treatments, a delightful Café and ample free parking, Knowle Grange is tailored for anyone looking to trade a busy life for unadulterated bliss.

Spa Days, Spa and Beauty Treatments, Café and Fitness Classes are available to visitors. We offer a comprehensive range of Spa Treatments from luxurious massages to invigorating facials. Our experienced therapists provide that extra personal touch catering to your every need.

FREE PARKING | VISITORS WELCOME | OPENING HOURS ARE: 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday | 9.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US ON Tel. 01892 750055 E. enquiries@knowlegrange

It’s Gin O’Chock time

Local entrepreneur Ann Morris tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine why she decided to launch It’s Gin O’Chock, a gifting brand that fuses two of her loves – gin and chocolate – and how you can get involved in one of her fun pairing experiences…

I’m a single mum to a daughter aged 11, Essex born but a Kentish lady at heart as I have lived here for 22 years. I have always loved the Kent countryside and am a huge advocate for supporting small businesses and the abundant local produce. As a longstanding small business owner with Bookmania, I know all about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

From the numerous hats I wear I’ve been privileged to meet so many talented people through networking and the local community encompassing independent crafters, designers, restaurateurs, coaches, artists - the list is endless. I am grateful for the life-long friendships and connections this has awarded me.

In 2021 I supported the first Tunbridge Wells Fringe festival with my book business: Bookmania and ran story and craft sessions at Goupie chocolate

house. It was here that I first tasted the deliciously moreish handcrafted local chocolate - I had never tasted anything like it and was blown away when cafe owner Grace told me everything was vegan, gluten and dairy free, which still surprises my customers!

After books, two of my other loves are gin and chocolate. At an Empowering Women Christmas event, I was thrilled to discover that my book stall was next to a gin one! I was immediately intrigued by the stylish pink and white bottles – and of course it would have been rude not to sample it.

As a gin enthusiast, I’ve always loved the phrase ‘it’s Gin O’ Clock’ but it doesn’t encompass chocolate. A brainstorming session later - with Cantium gin and Goupie chocolate as the muses - ‘It’s Gin O’Chock’ was born! I launched my first event in Sevenoaks in April 2022.

I pride myself on 5-star customer service, providing a hassle-free, one-stop experience for fans of these two indulgent

“

I pride myself on 5-star customer service, providing a hassle-free, one-stop experience for fans of locally produced gin and chocolate treats

”

treats. All products are also certified vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free without compensating on flavour.

I enjoy supporting and collaborating with creative local businesses who share the same ethics as me and are passionate about reducing their carbon footprintwithout compromising on flavour.

My brand is a unique collaboration of the world’s first Cantium gin in a reusable and thermal flask paired with awardwinning, handcrafted Goupie chocolate, making it a perfect gift for any occasion or a special treat for yourself. Customers can purchase gifts all year round including my bestselling Gin and chocolate hampers and be assured of brand quality, ethical produce made in South East England.

This autumn I am excited to be launching the first ever Kent Gin and Chocolate pairing experience. It’s an exclusive evening for all food and drink lovers to enjoy new flavour pairings to enhance their palate. These events are suitable for private and professional

AdasGold Brand Photography

celebrations and I’m looking forward to bringing a new offering to corporate companies for team building, community and social events.

Earlier this year, I piloted my first experience with my flagship products for Tunbridge Wells Women’s Institute and received positive feedback. I am thrilled to already have bookings for 2025.

Looking ahead, I already have some exciting plans in the pipeline for 2025. As well as continuing to grow, source and work alongside new talented food and drink crafters, my goal is to offer customers the opportunity to indulge in their own Gin and Chocolate pairing experience at home.  There has been talk of Tick Tock It’s Gin O’Chock merchandise too! Plus next year I am delighted to be celebrating three years in business so keep your eyes peeled for an exciting birthday bonanza!

AVAILABLE NOW:

Book your exclusive tickets for Kent's first Gin and Chocolate pairing experience on November 1. Scan QR code today or visit my website www.itsginochock.co.uk

GET IN TOUCH:

Shop online at www.itsginochock. co.uk any questions hit the chat button and I am happy to help.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @itsGinochock

Linked in: www.linkedin.com/in/annmorris-itsginochock

Interested in partnering contact me via email ann@itsginochock.co.uk

Turning up the heat

Our resident chef Rosemary Shrager shares two of her favourite autumnal recipes which not only taste great but will provide necessary culinary comfort over the coming months…

Oh, what a glorious October it’s been so far! With the cooler weather setting in, now is the perfect time to indulge in comforting dishes that warm the heart as well as the soul.

I’ve spent a fair bit of time this month travelling across the country, and let me tell you, the one thing that’s consistently blown me away is the quality of our homegrown cheeses. From the rolling hills of Kent to the lush pastures of Sussex, the cheese-making prowess of our nation is unparalleled.

A dish I’ve been indulging in is a Daube Provençale, a rich, slow-cooked beef stew that is perfect for the colder months. I love it and the key ingredients include tender beef, red wine, and a medley of Provençal herbs. This dish not only fills the kitchen with the most wonderful aromas but also tastes even better when made in advance and frozen…

You’ll need:

½ kg of chuck beef, cut into 2 ½ cm. cubes

1 onions, sliced

200 g. smoked bacon in a piece

500 g. tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 bay leaf

Chopped rosemary

1 sprig thyme

Zest of ½ orange

60 g. black olives, pitted cut in half 100 g. fresh mushrooms

This tart is a delightful combination of rich, nutty flavours and the gentle sweetness of prunes. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a warming cup of tea or even as a dessert after a Sunday roast.

You’ll need:

100g unsalted butter

60g sifted icing sugar

1 egg yolk

200g plain flour

1 tablespoon cold water

For the filling:

10 ready-to-eat prunes, finely chopped (or 100g)

50g flaked almonds

50g unsalted butter, softened

80g golden caster sugar

50g ground almonds

25g plain flour

3 eggs, beaten

I’ve especially enjoyed the offerings from High Weald Dairy and the Traditional Cheese Dairy in East Sussex – their blue cheese and goat varieties are simply divine! But enough about cheese for now, let me share with you two of my favourite autumnal recipes that are perfect for this time of year.

So, with the autumn leaves falling, these recipes are my go-to for a bit of comfort and warmth. Give them a try, and don’t forget to grab a slice of local cheese while you’re at it! Happy cooking!

Daube Provençale

For the marinade :

500 ml. red wine

2 carrots

1 onion

1 stick celery

4 cloves

2 bay leaves

1 sprig of thyme

20 ml. olive oil

Prune and Almond Tart

60g golden syrup

Zest of 2 oranges

200ml double cream

Start by making the pastry. In your food processor, add the butter, icing sugar, and flour, and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and cold water, and process until it forms a dough. If it’s a bit too soft, pop it into the fridge for 30 minutes. Then roll it out to about 3mm thickness and line your tart tin, making sure to press the pastry into the corners. Refrigerate it for an hour.

Now, preheat your oven to 160°C. Blind bake the tart for 20 minutes (that’s with some greaseproof paper and baking beans on top), then remove the paper and beans, and bake for another 5 minutes. Let the pastry cool.

Whilst the oven is warming to around 170c, first prepare the marinade. Dice the carrots, slice the onion and chop the celery then soften them in 20 ml olive oil. Add the wine together with the cloves, bay leaves, orange zest and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes then remove from the heat and cool thoroughly before adding the meat. Leave overnight. The next day, drain the meat, reserving the marinade. Put the meat, onions and bacon, in a heavy casserole and add the tomatoes, herbs, orange peel and garlic. Cover with the strained marinade and season to taste. Cover and put into the oven at 170c for 3 hours; after 2 ½ hours add the black olives and the fresh mushrooms. Put back into the oven for a further one hour, or until the meat is really tender. Serve with pasta and parmesan or grated gruyere and chard.

For the filling, mix the chopped prunes and nuts, and scatter them over the base of the tart. In the same bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the ground almonds, flour, eggs, golden syrup, and orange zest, and mix well. Fold in the cream, and pour this rich, golden mixture into your tart case. Scatter a handful of flaked almonds on the top and bake it for around 40 minutes until it’s set and slightly golden on top. Then finish with a light dusting of icing sugar, delicious!

Local Hero Spotlight on Oxney organic wine estate

This month our Drinks Editor James Viner meets Kristin Syltevik, co-owner of Oxney Organic Estate located on the Sussex-Kent border, to savour a sip of their award-winning wines and discover the secrets of their success…

Kristin and her partner Paul Dobson farm organically, making award-winning organic wines on their farm on the Sussex-Kent border near Rye, 25 miles southeast of Tunbridge Wells. Here Kristin shares her business journey and discusses the challenges and rewards of organic viticulture, wine tourism and future initiatives…

Can you share details about the organic credentials of your awardwinning wines?

We planted the vineyard into organic soil in 2012 and are certified by the Soil Association. The vineyard is looked after without a chemical regime (the normal approach by conventional vineyards). One must be ultra-observant and act when needed. You’re farming with nature without harming the world. The soil is the basis for our organic vineyard – vines permitted to mature slowly, growing in wonderful soil, can deal with disease pressure. Inputs are low, with just farmyard manures and compost, in addition to the clover and herb leys. Wildlife, from microbial life to frogs, hares, badgers and foxes, roam the vineyard and our wines are made with an ultra-low intervention approach.

Tell us about Oxney Organic Estate…

We’ve nearly 14ha of vineyards (the farm is over 300ha) and are also focused on growing organic wheat and other arable crops. We have a busy sideline in accommodation on the farm for guests visiting for a few days to enjoy the vineyard and this beautiful area. The number of British organic and biodynamic vineyards is growing, and it’s encouraging to see conventional vineyards adopting more sustainable practices. I am sometimes worried, however, that there’s some greenwashing in this sector (as elsewhere). Words like ‘sustainability,’ ‘regenerative’ and ‘natural wine’ are often used with little foundation.

When and why did you choose to practice organic viticulture?

We wouldn’t have started farming had we not been able to do it organically. Our motivation was the environment –agriculture (including viticulture) is behind a huge deterioration of soil, water and air. It’s a huge consumer of fossil fuels, an unsustainable approach which needs to be addressed urgently. The government has launched the ‘Sustainable Farming Incentive’ designed to encourage every farmer to manage the land in a way that protects the environment.

GOOD WITH… SEASONAL NATIVE OYSTERS & SHELLFISH

The native oyster season began on 1 September, making it the perfect time to grab a bottle of Picpoul, Languedoc’s take on Muscadet. Nab Ormarine’s 2023 Cuvée Estela (£11.99, mix 6, Majestic) for a treat –it’s dry, crisp, and brimming with sea spray, nectarine, and samphire notes. Bonjour

briny bivalves and creamy fish pies! For oyster-slurping Muscadet fans, Domaine Huchet’s 2022 ‘Chemin des Prières’ (£12.50, The Wine Society) is a zippy, salineetched, organic, irresistible delight. Also consider Chablis, English Bacchus, Sauternes and Manzanilla... Cheers!

Do you offer visitor experiences?

We’re open Tuesday-Sunday (10 am – 4 pm; closed Sundays Oct-Apr), offering wine flights, charcuterie and cheeseboards. On Saturdays, we have bookable tours and tastings. Accommodation for 1-28 people includes shepherd’s huts, converted barns, and an old farmhouse. Our mid-week stay and tour package is very popular.

Tell us about your team…

From the start, we’ve surrounded ourselves with experts. With advice from Stephen Skelton MW, pruning lessons from Marco Simonetti, and our winemakers perfecting our signature style, it’s been a true team effort where everyone shines. We’re only 12 years into the project (for a vineyard, not even out of the start phase) and have much to learn and do. We’ve been hugely encouraged by comments from wine experts, amazing medals at international competitions, and top scores from Jancis Robinson MW. But the happy smile and comment from a customer sipping a glass of wine at the vineyard is unquestionably the best testament that we’re working in the right direction.

Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines

Edney & Edney 2024 Showcase

02-11-24

Back by popular demand, Edney & Edney opticians are thrilled to announce our 2024 exclusive showcase of a brand new collection, to celebrate our exciting new collaboration with AKONI eyewear.

Swiss Precision, Japanese Artistry.

Great design has no need to clamor for attention. AKONI never shouts, instead opting for a quiet insistence on the perfection of every element, even the smallest.

There will be opportunity to explore the range in its entirety with expert advice from AKONI representatives for one day, 9:30-17:00 on

Saturday 2nd November 2024

No need to book - all are welcome!

Seasonal change

Lucy Parker, is the founder of Flow, the town’s most established yoga and wellbeing studio, which she runs with her husband Ben. Here she explains how you can pull yourself out of that post summer slump and embrace all autumn has to offer…

Your alarm goes off, and rather than a bright new day greeting you, it’s dark outside. You’ve been here before, you know the drill, and yet that annual sinking feeling creeps in. Here we go again, you think, short dark days till the return of spring. So what can be done?

Well, here’s a suggestion: how about you begin to notice more about why you feel this way? What part of you feels glum about the dark mornings, and when did you begin to have this attitude towards autumn? If you’re able to learn more about the sadness, you’ll also have a better chance to access the parts of you that relish the shorter days and changes in season.

Once you’ve begun to acknowledge more accurately what’s going on for you, you can start to support these various parts to feel better about the situation. It’s important to recognise the needs that each of these parts fear is lost to

the darker days and help them through. Maybe a part fears being cold or alone, or perhaps you’re already anticipating the ‘never-ending’ winter months and long wait till warmer days. We know it’s inevitable, and we’re intellectually aware that the consistency of the change of seasons is one change we can rely on. However, our intellect is only one aspect of us, and we’re so much more complex than our brains would like us to think.

If you’re bemoaning the darker days, may I suggest you take a warm cup of tea and sit down with a notebook to jot down all the things you like about autumn? Perhaps the cool, crisp, bright days, the beauty of the changing colour leaves or the comfort

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of that blanket you rest over your legs in the evening. Jot them all down, the small and seemingly insignificant details that give you a secret smile and soft hug of contentment. It’s these details that make a difference, and often, they go unnoticed until you stop and acknowledge the importance of them.

HERE'S SOME IDEAS TO TRY:

• Step outside as soon as the dawn breaks and stop to smell, hear and see the brand-new day.

• Stretch and move your body; book into one of our early morning yoga classes to feel connected to a community and move in unison (Wednesday at 7 am or Saturday at 8 am).

• Take time to rest and embrace the opportunity of an earlier bedtime, the creature comforts of bedtime tea, and cosy evenings in.

• Reach out to a friend and make plans to meet up and connect.

• Take up a new hobby, just for the fun of it and with no particular aim in sight.

• Get creative. Write, draw, scribble, and doodle to allow those trapped inner thoughts and feelings an outlet and space to be both seen and heard.

NEED HELP NOW?

If you’d like support and advice regarding your mental health, please visit your GP or find a therapist through the Counselling Directory or IFS UK. Call the Samaritans on 116 123 or the Mental Health Matters Helpline: 0800 107 0160.  For non-emergency medical advice call 111. If you’re worried about immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 999, or visit your local A&E where you will be speaking to a healthcare professional with mental health training and expertise.  www.flowtunbridgewells.com Lucy@flowtunbridgewells.com 07300 854328

GOING WITH THE FLOW

Lucy Parker was born and raised in Tunbridge Wells and runs Flow, the town’s most established yoga and wellbeing studio, with her husband Ben. Flow opened its doors in 2015 and looks forward to its 10th birthday celebrations next year.

Lucy has many strings to her bow, including her established reputation as a senior yoga and meditation teacher since 2010. More recently, she added Counselling & Coaching qualifications to her skill set, including in-depth training in IFS, Internal Family Systems Therapy, a fast-growing psychotherapy

modality that recognises our inherent multidimensionality and Self leadership.

Together, her knowledge, experience, and understanding of the body and mind offer clients a fully rounded 360-degree approach to their health, healing and happiness. Lucy offers Somatically informed IFS Counselling & Coaching sessions within Flows’ comfortable therapy rooms in Tunbridge Wells and Groombridge. She also offers private yoga sessions and weekly group yoga classes, held at Flow Tunbridge Wells.

buy one oyster, just like this one, and get another completely free

“This is a night of celebration”

Next month, on November 14, TWODS present Encore! Here the theatre troupe’s Anna Dunbar tells us more about this night celebrating audiences’ favourite show tunes at the Assembly Hall and how local businesses can help support them so they can continue doing what they love…

If you love belting out some of theatre’s best musical bangers then TWODS have a sonic treat in store for you.

Taking place on November 14 at the Assembly Hall the popular group will host a cabaret-style gala evening entitled Encore! TWODS spokesperson Anna Dunbar told the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine that it will feature a ‘high-energy musical-megamix with an enormous cast of singers and dancers, supported by a live 10-piece band.’

She went on to say that the thoughtfully curated programme includes numbers its members have performed from muchloved shows throughout its history, as well as teasers of shows it will perform in 2025 and beyond including Annie, CATS and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory.

“This is a night of celebration – a fabulous opportunity to relive many of our magical musical moments whilst thanking our audiences and supporters

“

This will be a glamourous and joyous occasion for those on stage, behind the scenes - and everyone in the audience

which were popular when TWODS first formed back in 1889, as well as enduring favourites such Guys & Dolls and Oklahoma which have been performed by TWODS Musicals many times - and recently returned to the West End stage.

TWODS is one of the oldest amateur theatre groups in the UK and much-loved for its top-quality live performances.

“All of our members perform for the love of theatre and receive no pay,” explains Anna. “However the cost of productions – theatre hire, orchestras, lighting, sound, set, costumes – has an increasing strain on our finances.

(or non-alcoholic alternative) and canapes. During the show they will be able to order drinks to their tables and will enjoy surprise interactive moments with the cast. Standard seating remains in the tiers and circle and all audience members are invited to ‘dress to impress’ for the special occasion.

A limited number of tickets for the VIP table seating are available to book at £45 per person. Tickets for the tiers and circle cost £25 per person. To book tickets please visit www.twods.org or call the box office on 01892 530613.

- and showcasing what we have in the wings for them going forwards,” adds TWODS Musicals chair, June Fuller.

“It will be a glamourous and joyous occasion for those on stage, behind the scenes - and everyone who enjoys being entertained by TWODS Musicals. Every ticket sold will help to secure the future of local arts in our community and one of the oldest amateur musical theatre groups in the UK.”

Songs from over 30 shows will feature, including Anything Goes, Oliver, Hello Dolly and Fiddler on the Roof as well as highlights from more recent shows including Sister Act, Joseph, Shrek and Grease.

The line-up pays homage to the more traditional Gilbert and Sullivan operettas

“Given there is a cost-of-living crisis we cannot simply raise ticket prices to cover this so we are asking companies and organisations in the local area to help to secure the future of local arts in our community by sponsoring us.”

TWODS always ensure they help others too with collections happening at every single one of their performances. Over the years they have supported many charitable causes including Tree of Hope, MS Society, Kent Young Carers, SANDS and The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, and raising thousands of pounds as a result.

TICKET INFO:

The Assembly Hall Theatre will be transformed for the glitzy gala evening, with cabaret-style tables replacing the usual stalls seating. Guests with tickets for this VIP area will be invited to an exclusive pre-show drinks reception with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine

Businesses can find out how they can support TWODS by emailing: steve. sanson@twods.org

Follow TWODS on social media:

Facebook: @twodsmusicals

Twitter: @TWODSmusicals

Instagram: twodsmusicals

Thursday 5th, 12th, & 19th

Includes

There is a place like home...

At La Spiga, we take pride in crafting fresh, in-house pasta and pizzas using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Our recipes are rooted in Italian tradition, ensuring that each dish captures the true essence of Italy. From our hand-made pasta to our perfectly baked pizzas, every item on our menu is prepared with love and care, just as we would for our own family. www.laspigarestaurant.com 01892327461 laspigarestaurant@gmail.com 3B Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1LS

Festival fever

Suzy Phillips and organisers of the Art of the Pantiles Festival celebrate a successful launch event

Anew cultural festival took place on The Pantiles over the weekend September 21-22 and saw hundreds of visitors enjoy the creative arts in all its forms against the artisan backdrop of The Pantiles.

The brainchild of Suzy Phillips, local Artist and Chair of The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society, the Art of The Pantiles is a free-to-attend to attend event was run by a small group of local businesses and volunteers. It received financial support from RTW Together BID, Visit Tunbridge Wells and Club Quantum. The collective also benefited from creative support given by local agencies Cheeky Communications and Colley Raine & Associates.

“The Art on The Pantiles event opened on the Friday evening with visitors taken by

“We are incredibly proud of the breadth of creativity in our town

”the judges, led by John Killins - Chair of the Wapping Art Group alongside Claire Thompson from Cheeky Communications and Philip Bret-Day, owner of the Pantiles Spa Gallery,” continued the event’s spokesperson.

“The festival was also an opportunity for

surprise by a performance on the balcony overlooking Bath Square,” explains a spokesperson for the new event.

“The official opening speech was delivered by antiques expert, TV celebrity and local auctioneer, Mark Hill followed by a stunning performance by local professionals, opera singer Kathryn Hannah and accomplished musician, Julian Black on keyboard,” they added.

Fully booked workshops showcased the art of jewellery, poetry, wood repair and restoration, picture framing, patchwork, stained glass art, water colours and creating collage paintings. Talks were held on a diverse range of subjects: vintage toys, the art of the circus and even on the esteemed French fashion designer Coco Chanel.

“The very first ‘Pantiles Artist of the Year Competition’ proved popular, with Angie Smith securing first place from

the local artisan shops on The Pantiles to get involved and it was fantastic to see so many people dropping in to find out more about Catherine Hills Jewellery, Pincushion, YiJu Oriental Antiques, Mottram’s, Pantiles Oriental Carpets, The Spa Gallery, Pantiles Camera Shop and Fairfax Gallery.

Suzy Phillips, Director of the Festival, commented: “We were thrilled with the support from residents and tourists alike for our inaugural Art of the Pantiles Festival. It was wonderful to see everyone, of all ages, enjoying art in all its spectacular disciplines.

“We had young children dancing to opera music and friends and families coming together to relax in deckchairs to the sounds of classical piano and cello music. The feedback has been tremendously supportive, with people saying how lovely it was having something different going on. They also remarked on the quality of stall-holders art and craft work on the Lower Walk, and the range of work on show by members of the Art Society.

“We are incredibly proud of the breadth of creativity in our town and this festival gave us the opportunity to celebrate the diversity the community has to offer.”

Winner of the Pantiles Artist of the Year competition, Angie Smith, with her winning entry

Arts appreciation society: Suzy Phillips (second left) with fellow organisers

The Little Vic theatre comes to RVP

The Assembly Hall is collaborating with Royal Victoria Place to build a new 90-seat festive theatre. Named ‘The Little Vic’ it will host The Fearless Fox as this year’s seasonal production. Here we look at how this exciting initiative illustrates how retail and cultural events can work in harmony, delivering new and unique experiences for the public…

In 2023, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council bought the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in a bid to secure its long-term future, viewing the deal as a ‘commitment by the Council to the town centre and its future prosperity’.

With footfall already increasing in the shopping centre the theatre project is a nod to the Council’s desire to bring in new uses – moving towards a greater leisure offer and complementing events and activities taking place across the town.

Lee Colyer, Director of Finance, Policy and Development at TWBC said: “By responding positively to the changing retail sector, Royal Victoria Place is seeing an increase in footfall and increased vibrancy which is good for retailers and visitors alike. The Little Vic will give people yet another reason to visit the centre.”

Nicky Blanchard, Royal Victoria Place Centre Manager added: “The emergence of the Fearless Fox production coming to Royal Victoria Place has been as a result of the Council, since acquiring the centre,

making a targeted effort to bring various local uses into the scheme and to ensure that these parties co-ordinated effectively for the betterment of the town.

Supported by a generous award from Arts Council England, the Little Vic Theatre is situated next to HMV and opens to the public on December 4 with the magical multi-media show for children, Fearless Fox and the Christmas Star. The show runs until December 29 and is expected to be a success with nurseries, primary schools and family audiences alike. The

show has also received support from Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, Royal Victoria Place, Visit Tunbridge Wells and Brewers Decorator Centres, all of whom fully support the forward-thinking nature of blending retail with culture and helping make the arts as accessible as possible.

The Assembly Hall Theatre and new role-play venue Kidsbury located in Royal Victoria Place will be working together to build a joint promotional offer that will benefit both business and customers alike.

Kidsbury CEO Sean Turner said: “As a business that, above all, champions creativity in children, aligning with the Assembly Hall Theatre team on Fearless Fox seemed like a natural fit. We’re as passionate about access to high quality arts as they are and we are delighted to be able to support each other this Christmas.”

Further information at FestiveTW.com

“We’re pioneering a

Jules Haines launched her eponymously named company in 2020 with the aim of stemming the colossal amount of wasted fabric in the interiors industry and repurposing it in myriad ways. Here she tells Eileen Leahy more about her interiors business and how it has flourished

So Jules, when and why did you launch Haines?

Previously I worked for a textile designer in Singapore and learned firsthand about the huge volumes of waste in the interiors industry. I also experienced that it can be very frustrating for a business not to know how to rehome its surplus responsibly.

The idea really solidified after a chance meeting on Camden Road. I came across an upholsterer and curtain maker who had a pop-up shop to sell off their fabric offcuts and roll ends leftover from projects. Chatting to him helped me understand that it was costing businesses money to store their surplus, and arranging a sale took up precious time and often they barely broke even. He was my first supplier! I started a beautiful resale platform that would save brands time and money as well as helping to reduce the chances of homeware and textiles ending up in landfill.

new path…”

As well as being kind to the planet, the beauty of buying second-hand fabrics and accessories is that they are like new and around half the usual retail price! It's a winwin for all!

What does Haines do and how it has evolved over the years?

Haines is an award-winning platform selling surplus interiors stock that would otherwise go to waste. We source and salvage designer fabrics and home accessories, ready to be rehomed and repurposed by design lovers! As well as being kind to the planet, the beauty

of buying second-hand fabrics and accessories is that they are like new and around half the usual retail price! It's a win-win for all!

We started off simply reselling textiles, but we have now expanded into wallpaper, lights, rugs, furniture and accessories. I also teach people how to upcycle a small piece of fabric into a lampshade, these workshops are so much fun. I now do them for brands like Neptune, who have ex-display fabrics that need to be reused, so invite their customers to turn them into beautiful lampshades with me.

How big a problem is waste in the interiors industry?

It’s a huge problem that mostly goes unnoticed. Many people know that 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the fashion and textiles industry. But the textiles part covers the textiles in our home and considering that 42% of textiles waste in UK landfill* is from homeware,

Photography: Mark Anthony Fox.

Which brands do you work with?

We work with over 100 brands - textile and wallpaper designers, manufacturers as well as interior designers, upholsterers and soft furnishings makers. Brands include Sanderson, Romo, Fermoie, Pierre Frey and GP & J Baker.

How long has it taken you to grow your business?

After the official launch in 2020 it was just over a year before we took on our first office in Groombridge. We were there

for three and a half years and are so thrilled to have recently moved into The Town Hall in central Tunbridge Wells. I live in Tunbridge Wells so walking five minutes to work is the dream!

You’ve received some fantastic coverage and awards. Can you tell us a little bit about this?

Yes, absolutely. A recent piece in the Financial Times featuring us and addressing a subject we approached them to tackle, really made people wake up and listen about the vast amount of waste in our industry. Last year we won a

House and Garden Award for Responsible Design, and this year a Homes and Gardens award - it raises awareness of what we are doing and builds brand trust. We are pioneering a new path - it’s not easy, so it can take a while for people to understand why it’s so important that we do what we do. We are regulars on Instagram, but awards and articles really help people find us - as soon as they do they love us!

What are your immediate plans and how can our readers get involved?

They can head to our website hainescollection.co.uk where they can browse all of our stock. We have over 3000 products that are looking for a new home - all still beautiful and mostly new! We are looking for a new location for our lampshade workshops in Tunbridge Wells, when we find one we will start offering places again. People love our workshops, and a couple of hours of craft is so good for relaxation and mindfulness.

I’m off to America at the end of the month to talk on a panel at a huge home furnishings show, which is exciting. The US as a whole is not as into sustainability as we are so it could be interesting!

GET IN CONTACT: jules@hainescollection.co.uk hainescollection.co.uk

*Source: wrap.org.uk

Plan ahead for summer 2025

The team at Simply Luxury Escapes, who are located at 7 London Road, offer their expert advice on how to plan ahead for your summer holiday to ensure your 2025 break offers everything you need…

Sure, spontaneity can be exciting; a last-minute city break always has its charm. But when it comes to planning your summer getaway, there are some real advantages to booking early, especially for a luxury escape. By locking in your trip ahead of time, you get peace of mind and access to some exclusive perks, from prime seats on your flight to your ideal accommodation. Plus, you’ll have more time to perfect every detail, ensuring your holiday is exactly what you want. Here’s why booking early is a smart choice:

No Pressure, Just Perfection

We all know that last-minute rush when trying to piece together a holiday. Booking early takes the pressure off, giving you the luxury of time to plan everything - where you’ll stay, what you’ll do, and all those little touches that make your trip extra special. And, as many of our clients have found, with airlines now using dynamic pricing, the closer you get to your travel dates, the higher those flight prices can climb. Booking early helps you avoid that stress and the price tag that comes with a last-minute booking!

Exclusive Access to the Best of Everything

The earlier you book, the more choices you’ll have. Whether it's securing the most coveted suites, booking those unique experiences, or reserving tables at the finest restaurants, early booking ensures you're first in line. And since early 2024, even business-class seats often come with

an extra charge to pick your preferred spot—booking early means you can grab the seats you need, hassle-free.

Special Offers for Families

Planning a family trip? Booking early comes with a fantastic perk— complimentary child places at select destinations. These offers are always in high demand, and hotels often cap the number of free places available, so booking ahead helps you snag that bonus and save on your holiday costs.

Flexible Payment Options

Need more time to sort out your budget? Early booking allows you to spread the cost with flexible payment

plans. With low deposit options, you can reserve your luxury holiday now and pay the rest later making it easier to manage your finances without missing out on the trip you deserve.

The Joy of Anticipation

Let’s face it the sooner you book, the longer you get to enjoy that exciting lead-up to your holiday. Research the top restaurants, plan your perfect holiday wardrobe, and get everyone hyped up in the group chat. That anticipation is all part of the fun!

We’re always here to offer friendly advice, so don’t hesitate to pop in for a chat or give us a call. We’d love to help you plan your perfect holiday!

Simply Luxury Escapes’ top picks for Summer 2025

Greece:

Greece’s popularity continues to rise, thanks to its wide variety of accommodations, from luxury all-inclusive resorts to charming, white-washed villas, and even fantastic sailing holidays. Greece offers exceptional value for money, with an abundance of fresh, local cuisine at affordable prices. Whether you're looking to relax in luxury or explore the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, Greece is the perfect destination for an unforgettable summer getaway.

Italy:

Italy is a top summer destination, offering everything from luxurious seaside resorts to charming villas and vibrant city escapes. With its

rich history, world-class cuisine, and stunning landscapes, Italy promises an unforgettable holiday. For a perfect twincentre getaway, combine a cultural break in Florence with a few relaxing days on the beautiful Tuscan coast—a seamless blend of city life and seaside relaxation.

The Caribbean:

Some may be surprised, but the Caribbean is an amazing summer destination. With great weather lasting until around the third week of August and excellent prices, especially for families, it offers the perfect combination of sun, relaxation, and value. Whether you're seeking pristine beaches or vibrant culture, the Caribbean is an ideal summer escape.

WHO ARE SIMPLY LUXURY ESCAPES?

We are passionate about creating unforgettable, stress-free holidays. For the past 17 years, we have built exceptional relationships with hotel partners, tourist boards, and destination management companies to ensure every holiday is perfectly tailored to you. Our dedicated team, which since September 2023 has been based in Tunbridge Wells at our shop at 7 London Road, collaborates closely with our partners to meticulously arrange even the smallest details, ensuring your holiday is truly extraordinary.

You might think we only offer expensive holidays to exclusive destinations, but to us, 'luxury' is not about cost. Luxury means exceptional experiences, outstanding service, and meeting your specific needs. We tailor-make every aspect of your trip from start to finish, including unique experiences and hidden gem hotels that you may not have discovered otherwise.

My Tunbridge Wells, Your Tunbridge Wells

Clare Lush-Mansell from My Tunbridge Wells is your expert guide to all the fantastic events happening in and around the town every month. Read on to discover her top pics for the rest of the month and into October…

Spooktacular fun

Chartwell Halloween Pumpkin Party –Saturday 19th October to Sunday 3rd November

Everyone is invited to Jock’s, the resident cat, Halloween pumpkin party this October half term at Chartwell. But wait, he’s lost his pumpkins! Grab a map and follow the family activity trail to help him find them. Come dressed in your paw-some Halloween costumes too. Event runs 10am to 5pm, £3 with admission (includes small prize).

Eat, drink and be merry

Adults, it’s time to dust off your lederhosen because Oktoberfest is coming to Dunorlan Park on October 18 and 19. Expect plenty of Bavarian revelry with beer galore, bratwurst from the swinging grill, live music, and DJs to keep the party going. More information here: www.oktoberfesttunbridgewells.co.uk

A family affair

Get ready to dance your skeletons off at The Family Rave at The Manor House Tunbridge Wells. Perfect for all ages, this spellbinding event features a live DJ spinning the best 90’s and noughties club classics, along with some spooky anthems to take you back to your clubbing days. No need for a babysitter as you can bring the whole family for a hauntingly good time.

Halloween spirit

The lovely people at Sussex Country Gardener are hosting some fun Halloween events and invite you to meet the Mark Cross Witch! From Saturday October 26 to Sunday November 3, have a spooky Halloween breakfast and meet the witch herself. There’s also a pumpkin-painting workshop, spooky cupcake and biscuit decorating, spooky spoons to make and lanterns or magnets to design. Book ahead: www.sussexcountrygardener.co.uk

Spellbinding events

Join in the spook-tacular fun at Royal Victoria Place with free, family-friendly activities taking place from Monday October 28 to Friday November 1. Highlights include the magical ‘Hocus Pocus’ live show on Monday and Wednesday, art workshops with Jacque Rickard on Tuesday, and a retro gaming party, Pixel Bash, on Thursday and Friday. These free events sound like a lot of fun with a mix of creativity, magic, and gaming nostalgia. Some activities require booking, so visit royalvictoriaplace.co.uk for details.

Get ready to rumble

Wrestling fans, get ready for some action! All-Star Wrestling’s American Superslam is coming to the Assembly Hall on Tuesday October 29. It’s set to be a thrilling night of high-energy matches for friends, families, and wrestling lovers alike. For more info visit: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Simply Childs play

We visited Kidsbury, the brand new children’s roleplay centre in Tunbridge Wells recently and had the loveliest time! This place offers a unique, safe, and stimulating environment where children (from 1 to 7 years old) can immerse themselves in diverse role-playing scenarios designed to simulate real-world experiences. Kidsbury is bound to book up fast, so make sure you plan ahead and buy your tickets in advance: www.kidsburyplay.co.uk

Ready, steady, cook, Nourish!

This is an exciting fundraising event - taking place on Monday November 4, at The Old Auction House on The Pantiles. Six top local chefs will compete to create nutritious meals using only the ingredients from a typical food parcel provided by Nourish Community Foodbank. The chefs, including Rosemary Shrager, Patrick Hill, and Scott Goss, will cook against the clock with just one pan and basic utensils. VIP guests will taste and judge the dishes, with the audience voting for the winner using apple cards. Tickets are £15, with all proceeds supporting Nourish’s efforts to help people in food poverty. www. nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk

Photograph: Mollie Manning

Clare Lush-Mansell

A spectacular display

Dunorlan Park’s fireworks display is a hugely popular event, so be sure to book your tickets early. This year’s show takes place on Saturday November 2, set against the stunning backdrop of Dunorlan Park. Spectators can enjoy breathtaking views from the hill opposite the launch area, with the fireworks beautifully reflected in the lake. Gates open at 5:30pm, with a variety of food and drink vendors offering craft beers, ciders, wine, soft drinks, and hot drinks. The fireworks will light up the sky at 7:00pm. Tickets can be ordered here in advance: www.dunorlanfireworks.co.uk

On track for Santa

The Polar Express experience returns to Spa Valley Railway for 2024, with its first magical journey to the ‘North Pole’ departing on Saturday November

DONT MISS THIS!

Make Good: The Post Office Scandal is a new musical uncovering the untold stories behind one of the UK's largest miscarriages of justice. It will be performed for one night only at Southborough's Unity Hall on Friday, October 25. Drawing from real conversations with sub-postmasters wrongfully convicted of theft due to a Post Office computer error, the

production highlights the emotional and legal turmoil experienced by nearly 900 innocent individuals. This unique musical blends heartfelt songs with moments of humour to bring the scandal to life. Presented by Applause, Pentabus Theatre, and New Perspectives, the show is part of a nationwide tour. Tickets are £12 and available via the Applause website.

9. As the train arrives, guests in their pyjamas will be warmly welcomed by cheerful chefs and the conductor before boarding for a cosy, festive ride. Along the way, singing and dancing chefs will serve hot chocolate and delicious cookies, enhancing the holiday spirit. Keep an eye out for Santa, who will board to hand out sleigh bells to every passenger, ensuring an unforgettable journey filled with Christmas magic.

Half term Halloween

Looking for a rainy day activity? Check out the Halloween movies at Tunbridge Wells Odeon. There is a new Beetlejuice film out (rated 12a) and 200% Wolf for younger audiences. They normally show some spooky classics too. More details at www.odeon.co.uk

Curtains, soft furnishings, blinds and re-upholstery.

The Black & White Shop, Groombridge Appointments call 07957 811589

Girl power

Dan Nobbs reveals how Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club’s women’s teams are going from strength to strength and how they’re celebrating their tenth anniversary playing for the club

On a cold, wet Wednesday autumnal night, a collection of under-16s, under-18s and the Ladies’ first team all gathered in the fading light. Each squad, comprised entirely of women, ran drills and practiced set plays at St. Marks Recreation Ground in Tunbridge Wells. It was a training session for the girls and ladies of Tunbridge Wells Rugby Club like any other - but set against an impressive milestone for the team.

The Tunbridge Wells Rugby Football Club (TWRFC) is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of the genesis of its Ladies’ teams this season. What was once just a handful of girls and women of mixed ages has now grown to six teams and well over 100 players, extending into the younger age groups, with girls playing alongside boys in the minis from age five and separately from boys from as young as under-10s. After that there are teams of U12, U14, U16, U18 up to the senior ladies’ teams – with players ages ranging from five to over 50. The coaching staff is led by a number of experienced coaches, including Tammy Samuel, an ex-England and Saracens player. All have decades of coaching and playing experience between them.

Ten years on, full compliments of the junior teams and first team laughed and joked at their evening training session while caked in mud, smashing into scrum machines and running complex drills and

“

The TWRFC teams have also become a hotbed for women’s rugby talent, with ladies going on to play for professional rugby teams like Saracens and Harlequins

”phases devised by their coaches. These were the training sessions of a genuine squad, working hard, running hard and hitting hard.

Women’s and girl’s rugby has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with the TWRFC club drawing new girls of all ages. At the training session I attended, one girl I spoke to had been playing at the club since she was six years old; another was attending just her second training session. Both, however, laughed and joked with their teammates. Many of the girls present at the training session were different physically, but all found a role to play on the rugby pitch and discovered plenty of friends off it. The social aspect of the rugby club is what many of the girls and women mentioned as their primary motivation for joining, along with, among others, empowerment through playing and excelling at what is still perceived

largely as a man’s game, and relieving stress by smashing into scrums and tackles.

The TWRFC teams have also become a hotbed for women’s rugby talent, with ladies going on to play for professional rugby teams like Saracens, Harlequins, Ealing Trailfinders and Loughborough Lightning, as well as many going onto to play for university teams - and some girls even playing for England Under20s. Tunbridge Wells has had multiple girls enter the England Pathway playing for national development teams, and regularly have girls playing for the Kent county team. The club aims to consistently have girls entering the England pathway going forward as it expands.

The 10th anniversary isn’t just being celebrated by a drizzly training session though. The milestone was marked by a special decade dinner, as well as a trip to Twickenham to watch the England Red Roses play out a nail-biting defeat

to New Zealand, a trip attended by over 120 of the club’s girls and ladies section and supporters. There are also a number of other events planned over the course of the season. And with every year that passes, the social calendar also expands with more playing tours and events for multiple age groups.

Despite the success of the last ten years, the rugby club remains committed to expanding their ladies’ teams in the next five years. They hope to increase their numbers to over 200, including expanding into a Ladies’ development squad to support the Ladies 1st team squad.

With the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup on the horizon and set to be played in England, along with the RFU pledging to get 100,000 girls into rugby in the next three years, Tunbridge Wells has created a social and welcoming environment for newcomers and experienced players alike. If you wish to join TWRFC’s girls or ladies’ teams, contact them at admin@twrfc.com, or come and watch their 1st team play, with details all available at twrfc.com

TWRFC U16 players pictured with three of England’s Red Roses

Image by Bruce Elliott

“This car offers an enthralling driving experience”

The all-new BMW M5 Touring the third Touring variant in the history of the BMW M5, builds on both past and current successes. BMW M GmbH first introduced a Touring variant back in 1992 alongside the second generation of the BMW M5 Saloon. In 2007, the fourth generation of the high-performance saloon also gained a BMW M5 Touring sibling. And now the new edition ensures customers will be able to choose from two body variants of the BMW M5 for the third

With its fresh take on the traditional BMW M design playbook, the new BMW M5 Touring brings its racing-car-inspired character to the fore. Its M-specific design cues are focused on fulfilling their functional brief when it comes to cooling and aerodynamic balance. The pronounced roof spoiler and heavily raked, slim D-pillar underscore the car’s dynamic lines.

As such, the all-new BMW M5 Touring satisfies the wish list of demanding enthusiasts who value the hallmark dynamic prowess of an M machine and the refined performance of a BMW M5, but do not want to forego the additional load space, practicality and long-distance comfort of a Touring model. In fact, the new BMW M5 Touring has up to 1,630 litres of flexible load-carrying capacity for leisure activities and trips away.

A high proportion of surfaces painted in body colour offer visual purity and references to the high-performance sports car’s top-class dynamics, while prominently flared wheel arches, side skirts and the M-specific design of the front and rear aprons distinguish the BMW M5 Touring clearly from the BMW 5 Series Touring. The overall concept of the new BMW M5 Touring enables it to deliver an enthralling driving experience on the track as well as in everyday use and longer journeys. Alongside its long wheelbase, wide tracks, a low centre of gravity and almost perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the new BMW M5 Touring features a body with improved rigidity and enhanced aerodynamics, as well as chassis technology in a model-specific configuration that has been carefully tuned for the M HYBRID drive system.

As in the BMW M5

the BMW M5 Touring’s M HYBRID system produces a maximum output of 727 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm to deliver intoxicating performance on road and track alike.

Viewed from the side, the distinctive character of the new BMW M5 Touring is accentuated by the elegantly stretched roofline and a model-specific roof spoiler. The whole side frame of the body has been redesigned for the highperformance model with a confident, sporting aesthetic as the aim. This new M5 Touring cuts a muscular and visually striking figure at the rear. As at the front of the car, generously sized surfaces create a monolithic appearance and confidently showcase the expressive rear end. The flared rear wheel arches team up with the slim rear lights extending into the sides of the car and the vertical reflectors at the far outer edges of the rear to accentuate its width and powerful stature.

The third Touring variant in the history of the BMW M5, the new BMW M5 Touring now comes with an electrified drive system for the first time. The model-specific version of the M HYBRID system brings together a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The combustion engine and electric motor generate a combined output of 727 hp and peak torque of 1,000 Nm.

The new BMW M5 Touring will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing alongside the new BMW M5 Saloon starting in November, with first UK customer deliveries from early 2025. Discover more of the new BMW M5 Touring at Arden Tunbridge Wells BMW 01892 349650.

Saloon,

Arden BMW specialists in Tunbridge Wells tell us about the amazing new BMW M5 Touring model…

How we support siblings

This month the team at Taylor Made Dreams tells us about its Sibling Support Service which offers the brothers and sisters of those children who are receiving support the chance to have some rest and fun…

At Taylor-Made Dreams we offer multiple services for the families we support, alongside the bucket list wishes we provide for the children with life-limiting illnesses. One of the other services we offer is our Sibling Support Service. This provides days out for the siblings of the unwell children we support. The service offers a day out to meet with other children who are in a similar situation, to get involved in some fun activities and for siblings to have the space to enjoy a small slice of normality.

Last month we held another of our Sibling Support Service activity and feedback days as it has now been two years since this service began. Since it started in 2022, the service has tripled in size! Because of this growth we have a new minibus in the wings, as we continue to improve the offering. We are able to continue growing our Sibling Support Service thanks to our amazing community, who have helped us to provide days out like this for even more siblings.

Every month we take our group out to try something new. In March we headed off to Warner Bros. Studio where siblings had a magical time exploring the Harry Potter sets and costumes; finding out how some of the magic was done behind the scenes - and of course trying the food on offer!

April’s activities took us to Willows and their birds of prey and wildlife trail, as well as a day experiencing what the firefighters do at Crowborough Community Fire Station. Our siblings got to dress up as firefighters and ride in the fire engine! We’ve also had puppy yoga, go-karting, rage rooms, Back to the Future: the Musical, our yearly camping

“

” Sibling Support Group is fun and exciting, and we always get to do amazing stuff and try new things

trip, terrarium building, lots of eating and so much more!

The service has helped to create so many smiling faces and wonderful memories, at a time when it can be hard to create happy memories of their own.

Kate, a TMD family member comments: "TaylorMade Dreams is an amazing organisation, and its kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity is constantly astonishing. We are so grateful for the ongoing support through the Sibling Support Group. There is so much care and attention put into each outing and ensuring the group has a

fantastic time.

“The little extra treats make our daughter feel special and spoilt, and she looks forward to the trips and experiences. In difficult times it is comforting for her to be part of a group which gives her the safety of peers and the support of understanding adults."

Elsa, a TMD sibling support member adds: “Sibling Support Group is fun and exciting, and we always get to do amazing stuff and try new things. We get given presents on our birthdays and we get souvenirs from our trips sometimes. My favourite trips were the Christmas pantomime in London, the climbing walls, and the day at Harry Potter World. I don't like the reason I am part of the group, but I am glad that I am.”

Expressions of the soul

In his column for this month our resident antiques expert and TV presenter Mark Hill reveals his love for the artwork of Nadira Azzouz

There’s a rule in my business that you should only ever buy something because you love it. Several years ago, I liked and bought a 1960s abstract picture at auction, hoping that it was by an artist I was collecting. When I got the picture, I realised that it wasn’t as I discovered a signature in Persian. But it didn’t matter - I loved it. After a friend translated it for me as ‘Naderah’, I wrote a blog post about the life of a female Persian modern artist in the 1960s, and hung it on our stairwell so I would see it often. I still love it. Fast forward a few years and I received a random email from an Iraqi journalist who had read my blog post and identified the artist as Nadira Azzouz. I updated my blog post and, a few days later, I received a phone call from her son. He was moving to Thailand with his partner, and sadly needed to sell the contents of his late mother’s studio - over 300 hundred paintings. Within a few days, I began the job of cataloguing and photographing to prepare them for sale with my new auction house in The Pantiles.

From 1944, she studied at the School of Domestic Fine Arts in Baghdad and graduated in 1949. She went to London in 1957 to study at the Central School of Art and Design where she was awarded a BA in Painting in 1960, and she also studied Still Life & Freehand Drawing in Cambridge. A great education, and a great start.

‘Tribal Dance’, 2002, mixed media on hardboard.

“ “

For me, it’s the inherent beauty, vibrancy, and energy that also makes Nadira Azzouz’s work so special

She is considered one of the pioneers of Iraqi abstract art during the 1950s & 60s and had her first solo exhibition at the Headquarters of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society in Baghdad in 1960. Following this, she joined the newly founded Iraqi Plastic Artists Society and took part in all their international exhibitions during the 1960s, including exhibitions at the Al-Wasiti Art Gallery in Baghdad, at the Woodstock Gallery in London, and at the Gulbenkian Foundation in Baghdad.

textures is a joy to behold. This is made even more remarkable because, although there’s a sprinkling of work from the 1960s-90s, much of the work going under the gavel dates from the 2000s, when the artist was in her 70s and 80s.

Nadira Azzouz (1927-2020) was an Iraqi female contemporary artist. Born in Mosul, Iraq, she was the eldest of eleven children and began painting aged six.

She married in 1946, and in 1970 she moved with her husband to Beirut, Lebanon where she painted and exhibited, including solo exhibitions at Gallery One, Beirut in 1965 and 1974. In 1980, she moved to London, with her work being included in the influential ‘Arab Women Artists in the UK’ exhibition held by the Kufa Gallery in 1988. She continued to work and frequently exhibit across the world until her death in 2020.

Her work is collected by private collectors across the world, and several paintings selected by Sultan Al Qassemi are in the collection of The Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in the Ibrahimi Collection in Baghdad and Amman, and in the Associazione Genesi Collection in Milan, Italy.

Although inspired by the many international modern art movements she experienced living and working in the West, her work is still strongly Middle Eastern, with inspirations drawn from ancient Arab illuminated manuscripts, Arab verses, Sumerian and Assyrian architecture and art, and daily life, people and landscapes in her homeland.

But, for me, it’s the inherent beauty, vibrancy, and energy that also makes her work special. The combination of a passionate need to express her soul in thought-provoking colours, forms and

We’re in the middle of a much-needed and much-delayed international reappraisal of our understanding of global art. Middle Eastern art - and art produced by women - are big parts of that. Museums, galleries and collectors across the world are choosing to focus on these areas to readdress the balance that was in favour of Western art produced by men. We’re at the start of something big. Nadira’s background and the instant eye-appeal of her work that suits so many homes truly put her in a great place for the future. Auction estimates range from £30 to £1,000. Come and find something that you love too - I guarantee you will!

‘Expressions of the Soul: The Studio of Nadira Azzouz’ auction in late Octoberwww.markhillauctions.com

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.

‘Three Ideas’, 2014, acrylic on canvas.

Facing facts

We sit down with Tunbridge Wells-based award-winning and world-renowned Facial Plastic Surgeon Mr Darryl Coombes to discuss his innovative and revolutionary facelift procedure, the Apex Facelift….

Tell us a little about your background?

I qualified in both dentistry and medicine at King’s College, University of London in 1993 and 2000 respectively and then obtained my specialist training in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery at major UK NHS centres throughout England, including the world-famous Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. I was appointed as a Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon at the Queen Victoria Hospital in 2008. In 2011, I was lucky enough to have received a prestigious Knighthood of the

And while the ageing process is normal, you don’t have to accept it. Instead, I have developed an innovative local anaesthetic facelift procedure called Apex Facelift, that’s suitable for women and men who choose to reverse the signs of ageing in a less invasive way.

What does the Apex Facelift procedure involve?

Order of St John in Malta – which affords me the title Chevalier for the groundbreaking operations I performed on the Mediterranean island - surgeries from which many other European doctors had shied away. In 2018 after 10 years as a Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, I decided to dedicate my time to private practice, with my interest in aesthetic facial surgery. Which is also when I began to develop the Apex Facelift.

Who should consider a facelift?

If you are constantly pulling your skin back towards your ears when you look in the mirror, you are probably ready for a facelift. The passing years, sun exposure and stress, can cause your skin to lose its firmness and shows laxity, jowls set in and become increasingly prominent. Nothing matches the ability of a facelift to make you look more youthful and refreshed.

It is designed to reduce sagging in the lower face and neck and regain a more natural, rejuvenated appearance. The procedure differs from a traditional facelift as you will experience minimal bruising and swelling and a significantly quicker recovery period. A key benefit of the Apex Facelift is that there is minimal scarring as the incisions are easily concealed within your natural facial contours and hairline. I am meticulous with my incision design. This procedure is developed for the patient that may not be sure about going under a general anaesthetic as it is performed under local anaesthetic which dramatically reduces the risks and eliminates the groggy disorientation associated with a traditional facelift.

And what is your ultimate goal with this type of facelift?

With the Apex Facelift, my goal is to refresh your facial features, firming up muscle tone, smoothing the skin, and restoring your attractive facial contour. Facelift surgery is not designed to make you look like someone else, but to make you look and feel years younger. In most cases, this procedure can be performed in 90 – 120 minutes.

What is the recovery time?

You are able to go home and rest straight after your procedure. There may be minimal swelling, bruising, tenderness and most people feel comfortable getting back to work within a week. If you have

“I qualified in both dentistry and medicine at King’s College, and then obtained my specialist training in Oral & Maxillofacial surgery at major UK NHS centres, including the worldfamous Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead

”had liposuction carried out as part of the neck lift procedure, the recovery process will normally take longer than average. Although the Apex Facelift surgery is less invasive than a traditional facelift, the results are just as effective to give you the self-confidence about your appearance and can make a tremendous difference in your quality of life.

How much does the Apex Facelift cost? It starts at £3,995 depending on which clinic you choose to book into. Currently I operate out of three clinics in Worthing, Tunbridge Wells and London and I’m happy to see clients at any of these locations.

For more information regarding the Apex Facelift or to book an initial consultation please email info@darrylcoombes.com or visit www.darrylcoombes.com

Consultant Facial Plastic Surgeon, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital Kingswood Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 4UL Tel: 01892 356901

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