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EDITOR
Eileen Leahy
DESIGN MANAGER
Jason Stubbs
PHOTOGRAPHY
David Bartholomew
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Courtney Smith
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Robin Singer
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
George Percy
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Richard Moore
CHEIF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Nick Moore
Here we are in February and I don’t know about you but I feel like 2025 is whizzing by already! In just a few weeks’ time it will be the start of spring and I for one cannot wait for the warmer weather, the longer, lighter days and that palpable sense of renewal and excitement that all the new season brings.
But before I get carried away thinking about all that, let me tell you about what we have for you to enjoy in this edition - our tenth one in fact!
Our cover interview is with lawyer Jane Bennett and some of her talented team at J E Bennett Law who tell us all about their specialist work in the area of court protection. This highly sensitive and nuanced area of the law sees Jane and her colleagues working with some of the country’s most vulnerable individuals. But they certainly know what they are doing, as since launching 12 years ago, the firm has gone from strength to strength. Not only has it grown in size and the number of cases it handles, but it is now also branching into other areas of the law, most notably that of Private Client services. It’s a fascinating read and one that I hope you will enjoy. Turn to page 26 to discover more about this law firm, based at the end of The Pantiles, which puts empathy and its clients at the heart of everything they do.
Elsewhere we have a number
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
of interviews with entrepreneurs who are ploughing their own paths in the business world.
From Abode Well Design’s stunning alfresco kitchens, swimming pools and saunas made from shipping containers to OsteoStrong’s clever biohacking health business that promises no pain but all the gains there’s plenty to enjoy in this issue.
We also meet Daniel Hatton of Hattons Events who tells us why he is buoyant about his business empire - which includes his eponymously named cafe on The Pantiles, The Deer Park cafe in Eridge and his private catering business. All of which are about to become even more successful thanks to a new production operation at Mark Cross which will see the brand eventually shipping their goods nationwide.
With pictures from all the latest social events and business gatherings, plus plenty of ideas on how to spend the rest of February and early March, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Eileen
Find us at: www.twbusinessmagazine.com @twbusiness_magazine @TWBizMag
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© 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.
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
Jess Gibson Founder, The TN card
Gillian Palmer Founder, The Finance Hub
Dee Airey Photographer & Visibility Strategist
Ryan Ashford-Smit
Owner, OsteoStrong Tunbridge Wells
Darren Austin Director, Synergee
Gemma Farina Managing Director, GFHR Consulting
Matthew Forbes Dip PFS, Director, Forbes Financial Ltd
Jesse Fuller Slimming World Consultant & Team Developer
Alex Green CEO, RTW Together
Mark Hill Antiques Expert
Matthew Hill Founder, Private Medical Insurance Brokers
Clare Lush-Mansell Founder, My Tunbridge Wells
Nick Marks Director, Baldwins Travel
Becky Moran CEO, TN Lettings
Sarah Raine Director, Colley Raine & Associates
Deborah Richards Founder, Maddisons Residential
Greg Shakhanov Director, Shagral video productions
Neil Simmons ManagingDirector, TN Recruits
Jon Traquair Founder, Fixio
Gary Valentine Managing Funeral Director & LAFD President
By Jonathan Banks
Five local community groups have been handed a total of £30,000 by the London Gatwick Foundation Fund.
Paddock Wood Community Advice Centre along with Tunbridge Wells and District Volunteer Bureau/Community Car Service each received £10,000 with Sevenoaks Samaritans receiving £5,000, Tonbridge Baptist Church £3,000 for day coach trips and Tonbridge Lions Club £2,000 to spend on supermarket food vouchers for local families.
The fund was set up in 2016 to help groups that ‘work to fight social isolation and tackle disadvantage, raise aspirations and develop skills, improve health and wellbeing, and support children and young people’.
Alison Addy, Head of External Engagement at London Gatwick, said: “The fund has helped hundreds of groups since it was founded.”
Lorraine Ash, regional manager at The Tunbridge Wells and District Volunteer Bureau said: “We fully rely on securing independent funding from various sources to continue to serve the community.
“The funds will be used towards the cost
of providing an office and all the utilities needed to keep the door open and continue to serve our community.
“The main service that our charity provides is safe, reliable, affordable transport for vulnerable, disabled and elderly people.”
Jane Rigney, service director at Sevenoaks Samaritans, said: “This grant will allow us to spend more time growing and supporting our team of volunteers, ensuring that we can uphold our commitment to being there for everyone who needs us, whenever they need us. We couldn’t do this without you.”
The London Gatwick Foundation has so far handed out £1.7m in donations and is managed on behalf of London Gatwick in Kent by the Kent Community Foundation.
Each year, there are three rounds of grants, which are split equally between Kent, Sussex, Surrey.
Businesses can now benefit from a powerful new collaboration between JJL Media, publishers of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine - renowned for its wide reach and reputation - and Boostkit, a powerful all-in-one marketing and business management platform. This alliance streamlines marketing across digital and offline channels saving you time, money, and hassle.
Three Reasons This Matters for Your Business:
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Tackle digital ads, social media campaigns, print promotions, and customer relationship management (CRM) through one cohesive strategy. From crafting compelling brand stories to executing targeted campaigns, JJL and Boostkit handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on your core business.
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Gone are the days of guessing what works. Our approach uses real-time data to improve results, so you can see a clear return on your marketing spend. Whether you’re launching a new product,
rebranding, or simply looking to boost sales, our combined expertise helps you make smarter decisions.
With our roots firmly in Tunbridge Wells, we understand the community’s unique market and know how to reach its audiences. We blend regional knowledge with the latest digital and print marketing/ sales techniques to ensure your message resonates and drives tangible results.
What
James Easter, MD and Co-owner of Everett Tiles, shares how this partnership has transformed his business:
“Over the past few months, the team supported us at every step—from rebranding and launching our new ecommerce website to automating sales processes. We’re seeing the real impact on our bottom line.”
To celebrate, we’re offering five businesses a free marketing audit consultation—a two-hour, in-person discovery session leading to a custom five-point plan to improve your ROI. It’s
Borough Council lives on after Kent misses out on devolution
County Council elections are set to take place in May as normal after Kent lost out in its bid to become part of the fast track Government devolution plan.
Inclusion in the plan would have seen all 14 councils across Kent abolished including Tunbridge Wells and the KCC elections cancelled. The councils would have been replaced with a large unitary authority with the possibility of a directly elected mayor.
There will be bitter disappointment at county hall at not being included.
KCC Leader Roger Gough had previously said the plan ‘represents a once in a generation opportunity to radically reshape local government and local public service delivery for the benefit of residents and businesses.’
East and West Sussex, along with Brighton and Hove, have been included in devolution plans.
Matt West Boostkit Founder
an opportunity to see firsthand how an integrated, multi-platform approach can revitalize your marketing.
Don’t miss out. Book your audit today and discover how JJL and Boostkit can help your business grow faster and more affordably than ever before.
For more information, visit www.jjlmedia.co.uk
On Wednesday January 29 amplifi welcomed over 70 people to a free film screening of ‘Responsible’ at the Town Hall in Tunbridge Wells.
The non-profit organisation helps to unify businesses around climate and the community.
Following a networking reception with sustainably-sourced drinks from Charlie’s Angels Kitchens and popcorn from Candy Kent, guests had the opportunity to get an exclusive, private screening of this powerful new film directed by Tristan Lochon.
‘Responsible’ challenges business action through a compelling lens, spotlighting the transformative stories of visionaries like Patagonia, Tony’s Chocolonely, and Wholegrain Digital. This was cinema with purpose: a profound exploration of how business can be reimagined, which made it the perfect centrepiece for amplifi’s
private screening. Meaningful interviews blended with case studies of success stories, with the former CEO of Unilever stating that “If you don’t move your business as usual to business unusual, we won’t get there”.
Following the film, guests formed small discussion groups to help solidify their insights and ideate changes for our own organisations. The amplifi team also unveiled plans for the year ahead, and the event marked the launch of the New Educational Programme for 2025, which aims to showcase how SMEs can practically embed environmentally conscious business into their daily operations, and support the wider community of Tunbridge Wells.
The inaugural online event to kickstart the programme will be delivered by WholeGrain Digital and will take place on February 18 with a focus on digital sustainability : cutting carbon emissions through conscious tech practices.
Pete Kenyon, Co-Founder of amplifi and Partner at Cripps LLP commented: “The event gave guests a chance to connect with fellow amplifi members, spark crosssector collaborations, and share ideas that move the needle. As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect moment for us all to reflect on our sustainability journey, get inspired, get energised, and set the tone for real action in the year ahead. amplifi is an open tent, and we warmly welcome more new members, ultimately we know that if we all work together to achieve net zero, we will get there faster.”
To find out more visit www.amplifi.tw
Award-winning, ethical marketing agency, Colley Raine & Associates, has announced the arrival of a new associate, Nick Fletcher, who is the twelfth associate to join the team of hugely-experienced marketing professionals.
Sarah Raine, Founder and Managing Director comments; “We are delighted to bring Nick on board with his wealth of strategic knowledge in advertising and communications. Nick has worked for 30 years as a strategist in advertising and customer communications. He has worked across B2B and B2C sectors in both large and small agencies, and his experience includes creative and brand development, direct marketing, loyalty, facilitation and training. He now focuses on solving customer communication and customer experience challenges. Through research and facilitated workshops, Nick helps businesses gain deeper insights into their customers, enabling the development of more effective and impactful communication strategies. In addition to work, Nick is following up his post-grad certificate by studying for a Master’s degree in Systems Thinking.”
By John Spence, Partner & Head of Property Litigation
The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to come into force within a matter of months. The Bill will, amongst many other major reforms, abolish fixed term Assured Shorthold Tenancies and no-faults Section 21 evictions.
Private residential landlords and their letting agents must be ready for the imminent changes.
The key takeaways from the Renters’ Rights Bill are as follows:
• All existing private Assured Shorthold Tenancies are to be converted automatically into rolling monthly Assured Periodic Tenancies, with fixed term tenancies abolished.
Colley Raine & Associates operates a little differently to traditional marketing agencies. As an ethical agency, they operate a transparent billing system, their clients pay what they pay with no mark ups, they operate as freelancers who dedicate time to specific clients to keep their running costs down, they never insist on expensive retainers, and they only ever bill for the hours they use. They are also committed to a minimum of 30% of their time being spent supporting the not-for-profit sector, reflected by their recent award win at the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards for Community Business of the Year.
By Richard Moore Tenterden-based winemaker
Chapel Down has been celebrating after Christmas sales saw more drinkers switching from Champagne to their sparkling wine.
Sales of its bottles, magnums and cases were seven per cent up on the previous year helping it recover from a slump in supermarket purchases earlier in the year.
The Kent vineyard is the largest producer of English wine with more than 950 acres under the vine and a capacity for producing 2.4million bottles per annum.
Chapel Down took itself off the market after a strategic review of its business was launched in June.
The start of this month (February) saw the newly appointed Chief Executive James Pennefather take up his post. He joined from the whisky firm The Lakes Distillery and replaced Andrew Carter.
Before his departure Andrew Carter said: "The growth of English sparkling wine is very strong. Even in the tougher times people still want to celebrate and enjoy themselves".
• ‘Section 21’ no-faults based two months’ eviction notices abolished. To recover possession, landlords will have to establish one or more of an expanded range of ‘Section 8’ statutory grounds for possession before commencing County Court action.
• One new ground of possession (requiring the giving of four months’ notice) is if a landlord intends to sell a freehold or leasehold property, but this ground cannot be used in the first 12 months of a new tenancy.
• The most commonly used existing Section 8 ground for possession for significant rent arrears can still be used but only if there are arrears of three months (for monthly rent), whereas previously only two months’ rent arrears was needed, and now four weeks’ notice will be required instead of the current two weeks’ notice.
• Landlords will be required to register with a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman dispute resolution service. Failure to do so will put the landlord and his agent at risk of fines from £7,000 up to £40,000.
• All landlords will also be required to register with a private rented database failing which they will be barred from recovering possession of their property, and at risk of fines from £7,000 up to £40,000.
• Rent increases will only be permitted once a year and two months’ statutory notice required before any increase.
If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact John Spence by email: js@cooperburnett.com or tel: 01892 515022
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.
BY RICHARD MOORE
The £73million retirement community being built in the town centre will ‘act as an anchor for business and services and in turn drive economic growth.’
That’s the view of Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin who recently visited Paramount Place being built on the old ABC cinema site.
The development, by the Retirement Villages Group (RVG), is on track for opening next year and will provide 167 apartments plus shops and a restaurant.
MP Mike Martin said: “Such significant investment in Tunbridge Wells is a message of confidence for our town centre.
“This development also means more people living in our town centre which acts as an anchor for businesses and services, and in turn drives economic growth.
“We all want a town centre that we can be proud of, and I'll continue to champion Tunbridge Wells.”
A new ownership structure will enable residents to benefit from heavily subsidised ongoing management fees, which can be stopped two months after the resident vacates along with all other
ongoing liabilities, which currently fall on the homeowner, their families, or their estates.
RVG’s CEO Tim Seddon said; "In New Zealand, Australia, and America, living in a retirement community is an established and popular choice for older people seeking independent, community focused living.
“We are pioneering a similar shift in the UK, ensuring people have better choices about how and where they live in later
...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.
life. Communities like Paramount Place are central to this —purposefully located in, or near town centres, we create vibrant and well-connected places to live while offering high quality facilities as part of a supportive community.”
PRIMARK UPDATE...
Work is also moving at pace up the road at the Primark site on the pedestrian precinct. One unconfirmed suggestion is that it could open in June. Primark itself does not comment on speculation.
Investment in infrastructure is at the heart of every successful economy. Andrew Metcalf, Managing Director of Maxim, a leading regional PR, marketing and public affairs agency based in Tunbridge Wells, and Vice-Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, looks at how recent Government announcements could transform the county
Few people will have missed Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement backing a third runway at Heathrow, which will inevitably lead to a lengthy national debate over its environmental and economic impact. However, many may have been surprised there wasn’t more than a passing reference to the expansion of Gatwick Airport as a deliverer of growth and improved connectivity, especially after she advocated for London Luton Airport’s expansion, and the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Thankfully there was progress on the £9bn Lower Thames Crossing. The Chancellor announced the Government is exploring its delivery via private financing, with the planning application, called a Development Consent Order, due to be determined by May 23.
Having advocated hard for the Lower Thames Crossing for more than a decade, Kent Invicta Chamber sees it as a vital piece of infrastructure to unlock growth for Kent, Medway and Essex and significantly enhance the area’s connectivity to the rest of the UK and overseas markets.
Linking Gravesham and Tilbury, the Lower Thames Crossing will alleviate congestion on the Dartford Crossing, reduce journey times for businesses and commuters, and unlock new economic opportunities. The project's advancement is a significant step towards addressing longstanding transportation challenges and promoting regional development.
“Let’s hope there’s now a road map to growth, with companies across the whole of Kent set to benefit
And on-going infrastructure investment has given Royal British Legion Industries, the national charity that supports Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities, confidence in its future.
The charity, based at Aylesford, has unveiled ambitious plans for a new
factory, which produces track, road and commercial signs for many of the country’s biggest names, such as Network Rail, National Highways and Barratt Redrow. It would also produce high quality point of sale signage for retail, and carry out engineering, assembly, printing, mailing and distribution.
The charity is looking to raise £12.5m to replace its outdated factory, home to its Kent social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), which employs veterans overcoming lifechanging injuries, and its award-winning Lifeworks team, which get veterans across the UK back into employment.
In addition to the 68,000 square foot purpose-built facility, the proposals would build a training and conference centre, a hands-on skills academy for veterans, and replace the charity’s existing 1970s offices.
The plans will go in front of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, and if approved the new buildings would enable RBLI to recruit a further 80 staff, adding to the 158 already employed. The new buildings would be developed on RBLI land next to the M20, adjacent to the current factory and head office.
And finally… we all know that when it comes to development and infrastructure in the UK nothing happens quickly.
However, let’s hope there’s now a road map to growth, with companies across the whole of Kent set to benefit from.
Basil café chain owner Peter ChaningCotter and his team met with the MP for Tunbridge Wells Mike Martin recently in order to express their concern at the Government’s plan to increase National Insurance contributions, National Minimum Wage rates and Additional Business rates.
“Outwardly our meeting was helpful in understanding what little regard the Government has towards those affected by its Budget’s triple tax increaseespecially for the SME and hospitality sectors,” Mr Chaning-Cotter exclusively revealed to Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine earlier this month.
“Mike Martin explained that the most effective use of his time is ongoing lobbying regarding Business Rate Reform and that he is willing to support and represent us on that matter,” he added.
The MP met Mr Chaning-Cotter and his family members at Basil’s St John’s Café.
“His opinion was the Government is bound to be pushing ahead as to back down would be ‘political suicide’,” added Mr Chaning-Cotter.
“Mr Chaning-Cotter said that Mr Martin had demonstrated ‘understanding and support’ for Basil’s concerns”
Mr Chaning-Cotter said that Mr Martin had demonstrated ‘understanding and support’ for Basil’s concerns ‘with both words and action.’
One question that Mr Martin was unable to answer during their discussion was whether the Treasury undertook an ‘impact assessment’ ahead of their triple tax announcements last October.
“He did however agree to put that in a Parliamentary question and report back with an answer.”
Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter) later that day Mr Martin commented: "Great to catch up with Peter, Kate and Edward at the lovely Basil cafe. Not so great to hear about the effect of the budget on their business and I look forward to representing their concerns in the ongoing business rates consultation. Something has to give for hospitality."
By Richard Moore
The plight of High Street shops has been highlighted by the closure this month (February) of a local store that opened its doors in 1919.
Heathfield Ironmongers sold everything for the home and garden and had a loyal customer base. Among those customers was the journalist Dominic Lawson who lives in the market town just outside Tunbridge Wells.
He is the elder son of former Tory Chancellor Nigel Lawson and brother of TV chef Nigella Lawson.
Dominic Lawson used his regular column in the Daily Mail (January 27) to express his feelings under a headline that included the words: ‘Labour’s staggering betrayal of the High Street’.
He and his family have shopped at the ironmongers for 25 years.
“My wife asked the current manager why they were closing, and was told that while the loss of banks in the East Sussex town, and Covid, had been a factor, the ‘final nail’ in their coffin had been
Labour’s decision to reduce business rates relief for retailers and to raise employers’ National Insurance.”
He went on to point out that the store is far from the only independent on the
“Deputy
Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s planned reforms to increase employees’ rights will actually punish independent High Street retailers”
‘small High Street’ to recently shut up shop. “Others included Wanted on Voyage, which sold travel items from suitcases to board games ... Kiln Home, where we shopped for Christmas presents... and the hairdressers opposite Sainsburys’- which has warned it would be shedding 3,000 jobs nationally”, he wrote.
He added that during the general election campaign the Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy, our communities and our High Streets. Our Plan for Change will drive economic growth across the country so small businesses can thrive.”
Dominic Lawson warned that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s planned ‘reforms to increase employees’ rights will actually punish independent High Street retailers’.
He concluded: “Anyway, I mourn the closure of Heathfield Ironmongers, opened in 1919 by ‘three like-minded men... to serve the community’ - and finished off by three like-minded politicians: Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves (Chancellor) and Keir Starmer”.
Have a real conversation about your insurance
Having a local office means we’re never far away if you need us. Give us a call or pop into:
NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells 55 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1XU 01892 337488
Over the past 15 years Forbes Financial has steadily grown to become one of the area’s most successful businesses specialising in - as its name suggests - financial planning. Here its founder Matthew Forbes tells Eileen Leahy more about the bespoke services the firm offers for individuals, families, entrepreneurs and companies…
Located in the charmingly named Leap House on Frog Lane in Tunbridge Wells is the smart HQ of Forbes Financial. The name of the company, founded by Matthew Forbes, might not immediately sound familiar to you but there’s a reason for that…
“We've been in Tunbridge Wells for around 15 years but during that time we have been pretty much off the radar, keeping our heads down and growing our client base,” he explains when we begin our interview.
“And now with our new branding in place we feel it’s time to tell everyone about what we do and what makes us different as financial advisors.”
From the start Forbes Financial works to create a bespoke offering for every client
The new branding Matthew is referring to replaces the original double FF logo which Forbes Financial had when it first launched.
“At the time it felt completely right as the fonts we used were a blend of the traditional and more contemporary and it also reflected our approach of bringing the two together. But as we headed into 2025 my team and I felt we needed a bit of a refresh.
“I wanted the brand to be a little bit more modern and in line with the way we're now building the business but to also reflect the kind of top-end technology we’re using. And to also say we are very approachable.
“The mountain landscape we have is an analogy for our clients. We are saying
you can take the journey the easy way or the hard way. Climbing Mount Everest for example is dauting but there are other routes. And if you have to take a different approach then that’s fine.
“We want people to know that our door is always open. And another key thing to point out is that we are different because we are unique at what we do. A lot of companies out there just say ‘this is what you need’ and take your money. At Forbes Financial we assess each set of circumstances – whether that’s for a business, a family or an individual – and we build relationships from there. We will ask people what are their values? What does wealth mean to them? Where would they like to be in ten years’ time? There is no blueprint. From the start Forbes Financial works to create a bespoke offering for every client.”
Matthew, who has been in the industry for 30 years, reveals that the firm receives many referrals from people who have come from other financial organisations but have not been happy with how they have been served.
“In the world of finance there are a lot of companies who will take your money if you tell them you have some to invest but they won’t hold their hand like we do. We want to know what’s important to every one of our clients. We want to see what the baseline looks like and take things from there – and we look at everything as a whole picture, and never look in isolation.”
Matthew adds that the company has recently invested in some very sophisticated software which has made what they do even more special.
“It allows us to properly map things out in front of a client and visually speaking this gives a really clear picture of things they can easily understand. They literally get a picture of what life is like now and how it might look in years to come.”
Matthew says he has coined the phrase ‘real financial planner’ for what Forbes Financial does because put simply that's what real planning is about.
“In brief it’s discovering somebody's values, their objectives and then aligning the planning to what they tell you is important to them. We deal with a lot of different people. From wealthy individuals
who are time poor, to individuals who need advice on their pension, to support for entrepreneurs and professionals, plus guidance for many generations of families.
But Forbes Financial’s clients aren’t just from Tunbridge Wells, Matthew says they have plenty of regional and national ones too.
“We have clients who live in London, Dorset, Manchester, Cornwall and elsewhere. With each one we do the three Ds: We have three meetings where we design, we demonstrate and we deliver.
The aim is for them to leave the third meeting feeling confident that we can meet their financial planning needs.
“I always say that we take clients on a financial evolution. Our work is multigenerational as we work with those just starting out, those planning for their families and those looking at retirement options. Essentially, whatever stage in life you are at we want to add value and give our clients peace of mind.”
Get in touch with Forbes Financial: Forbes Financial Ltd
Leap House Frog Lane
Tunbridge Wells
TN1 1YT
Website: forbesfinancial.co.uk
Call: 01892 527 494
Maybe they are under contract (or they aren’t sure) or they are too scared to take the leap of faith.
It’s often pretty easy to move providers. Even when under contract you can ‘get your ducks in a row’ early so you can benefit from a new provider and a smooth transition. Here is what you shouldn’t put up with. Suppliers that:
1. Take several hours (or in some cases days/weeks!) to resolve your problems
2. Take huge amounts of time to respond to queries
3. Don’t have a proper ticketing system to manage your day-to-day issues
4. Have not invested in Remote Monitoring and Maintenance which will provide alerts on things that have gone wrong or are about to
5. Pick and choose what is included in their support
6. Never keep in touch with you (until they suspect you are looking elsewhere) , just taking the money and not being proactive with regular review meetings to discuss their service and how things can be improved with your technology
7. Sign you up for long term contracts with unfair auto-renewal clauses
If this is your organisation and you are fed up with your service provider and you want the WOW FACTOR, please get in touch.
There are over 70 customer testimonials on our web site – just Google ‘tecwork testimonials’
Cubit Consulting are a wellestablished firm of Chartered Building Surveyors located in the heart of Shoreditch, London EC2A.
Cubit Consulting provides professional services and expert advice to commercial and domestic clients across the UK. Known for its strong market presence, the firm of Chartered Surveyors specialises in Building Surveying (MRICS) and offers a comprehensive range of services. Cubit Consulting prides itself on understanding client requirements and delivering a high quality service, supported by ongoing training and professional development to enhance the quality of its personnel.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
Building Surveying
Get in touch with our team of professional experts to discuss your next project.
and
On January, 21st Small Business Talks by the TN card returned to Old Auction House. A sell-out event brought together 80 business owners for four short talks from Anna Youngson, Merchandising Expert and Owner of Majury Merchandising, Lucy Ames, LinkedIn Consultant and Owner of Smartist Social Media, Tim Green, Website Developer and Co-Owner of Greenbird Web Design, and Stevie Rice, CEO of West Kent Mind.
Small Business Talks is the free, quarterly workshop series for TN card members and TN card directory businesses. Hosted by Jess Gibson, evenings give a platform to experts from the TN card’s growing professional services directory, whilst providing an invaluable opportunity to network, learn, build community and be inspired.
The next Small Business Talks is on 23rd April.
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
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
RTW Together BID hosted the first in a series of new BID Networking events last month. The inaugural one was hosted at Cote Restaurant on January 22. It saw over 60 people from local businesses enjoy a delightful a la carte breakfast and gave the BID an opportunity to ask their members to feedback on the BID’s journey so far and what it might focus on in the future.
There were short talks from Brilliant Businesses about their upcoming Business Show and a free podcasting opportunity, an exciting announcement from Demelza about the forthcoming Trail with a Tale landing in Tunbridge Wells this summer and an update from Colley Raine & Associates about forthcoming campaigns BID members can get involved in.
Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID commented: “The enthusiasm and commitment for ensuring Tunbridge Wells remains a great place to live, work and play was phenomenal. We are very grateful for everyone’s time discussing, debating and generating some great ideas for RTW Together to follow up which will enable us to continue to improve the town for our businesses, residents and visitors. We are already looking forward to our next event on April 2 at the Old Auction House.”
...to be working hard for you, today, tomorrow and in the years ahead, so start your financial future here.
Today is the first day of your financial future. By tomorrow, that future will be well underway. At Forbes Financial, we help you plan well ahead for the financial future you’re searching for – because the best time to begin planning is right now. After all, your loved ones, your business life and your security really matter, and your financial future is a great deal closer than you might think.
We’re passionate about what we do, and about delivering great outcomes for clients. However, our results will only ever be as good as the work we put into understanding our clients’ goals, aspirations and what you desire for the future.
We therefore take the time to understand all this before aligning our planning to what you say is important to you. You will be introduced to our three stage process that delivers REAL financial planning.
Our team are ready to help you plan your financial future. Please get in touch with us and arrange a friendly no-obligation meeting to talk about your goals and find out if we can help.
forbesfinancial@sjpp.co.uk
Leap House, Frog Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1YT
www.forbesfinancial.co.uk
At January's Make It Your Business Tunbridge Wells local businesswomen came together to network, share experiences and be inspired.
Led by Siobhan Stirling, Managing Director of award-winning marketing and PR agency Sharp Minds Communications, the event at The Finance Hub featured five entrepreneurial businesswomen who each offered their unique perspective on overcoming challenges in life and business.
Keynote speaker Julia Elliot Brown of Enter the Arena, which offers board advisory, business growth support and fundraising guidance for ambitious female founders, shared her experience of growing stronger from failure.
Jodie Claridge, founder of Dentalbox in Southborough recounted her journey from a difficult upbringing to launching a thriving business.
While Danielle Friend and Jane Hodge of Create Balance stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive team.
Nell Mellerick of Arty Farty Retreat highlighted how creativity and community go hand in hand. Passionate about making art accessible to everyone, Nell
has built a brand that not only inspires self-expression but also strengthens local connections through a variety of events in the Tunbridge Wells area.
“Once again, this event was an inspirational one, reinforcing the fact that embracing setbacks, remaining curious, building the right team and engaging with the community are essential for entrepreneurial success,” commented Siobhan Stirling.
by Darren Austin at Synergee
No one likes tax or Tax Returns (except accountants as we are paid to complete them), so I can see why 31 January can become a target rather than a deadline. There are, however, good reasons for completing your tax return earlier rather than later in the 10-month filing window. Let’s start with payments on account. Your overall tax liability is based on your profit in a tax year, which ends on 5 April, with payment due by the following 31 January. As this is 10 months after the year end, in most circumstances, HMRC require payments on account based on your prior year’s liability. Your first payment on account for your 24/25 liability was due 31/1/25 with the second equal payment becoming due 31/7/25. Your 24/25 liability is not yet known (the year hasn’t finished) and the payments on account will each be 50% of your 23/24 liability. If your 24/25 income has reduced, completing your tax return by 31/7/25 will allow you to reduce your second payment on account and
improve cash flow.
If you are employed, and your tax liability is below £3,000, submitting your Return online by 30 December (31 October for paper submissions) will allow you the option of requesting HMRC to collect the tax via PAYE.
The due date for paying any tax liability does not accelerate if you file your Return before the deadline. Preparing and submitting earlier gives you more time to save if you have an unexpectedly high liability. This is particularly pertinent for startups or growing businesses that are moving into the payments on account regime for the first time as the liability due 31 January could be 100% of the liability for the prior year plus 50% for the current year.
Finally, if you engage an accountant to prepare your Return and they highlight tax saving opportunities, the earlier you know about these the sooner you can take advantage.
If you have any questions you'd like to ask Darren he can be contacted on 01892 772960
www.synergee.org.uk
Solving problems. Championing ambitions.
Cripps is proud to support TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells*, a platform that brings fresh ideas to our community. TEDxRTW sparks thought-provoking conversations, igniting innovation and creating lasting change.
By partnering with TEDxRTW, we’re celebrating Tunbridge Wells as a place where bold thinking fuels growth, strengthens connections, and shapes a vibrant future for us all.
Join us on Sunday 16 March. Book your tickets for just £18 with code: CRIPPS
*TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells is an independent event organised under a TED license
We partner subject matter experts to help monitor and manage energy usage and costs, develop practical carbon reduction strategies and reduce your environmental footprint. Hello! Welcome to Cohesion Consulting, your local education procurement specialist. Schools are challenging businesses to run. We get it.
Over-stretched resources and budgets, complex contracts, and regulation can make the management of soft services a constant uphill struggle. At Cohesion we do all the heavy-lifting for you. Taking the hard work off your shoulders, we’ll make sure you get the best service for your staff and pupils as well as saving you time, hassle and money.
We work with schools to provide cost effective service design, procurement and contract performance management in soft services including Catering, Cleaning, IT Services, Waste Management, M&E and Facilities Management.
Our dedicated team of 6 specialists will support you manage compliant tenders and procurement through approved frameworks.
Please do get in touch with us to see how we can help you.
info@cohesionconsulting.co.uk 01892 251001
The team at Visit Tunbridge Wells was delighted to see the latest information published by Visit Kent which shows continued growth in the tourism sector in Tunbridge Wells. They told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine a bit more about what the figures say
With so many fun and vibrant things to do in Tunbridge Wells, plus its natural beauty, history and heritage, it comes as no shock to those of us who live and work in the borough that tourists love to visit. And the latest tourism statistics published by Visit Kent show just that.
Levels of tourism in Tunbridge Wells have continued to grow since the last study conducted post-pandemic in 2021. According to the report, 4.7 million people chose to visit the borough in 2023 which equates to 31% growth versus trips taken in 2021. And these trips generated a total of £289 million in revenue, showcasing just how important tourism is to the borough’s local economy.
And it’s not just UK domestic visitors choosing Tunbridge Wells as their holiday destination. There was a total of 60,400 overseas trips made in 2023, 89% of prepandemic levels. This recovery reflects the continued appeal to international visitors and the successful efforts to rebuild global connectivity through air and rail links as well as promotional campaigns from Visit Kent, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Improvement District and Visit Tunbridge Wells. It’s thanks to the varied landscape of the borough that tourists flock here throughout the seasons. Vibrant Tunbridge Wells offers a range of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes whilst the wider borough boasts charming countryside, rural villages and some of
the best scenery from tourist favourites like Bedgebury Pinetum, Bewl Water and Scotney Castle. Just 45 minutes from London and coastal Hastings, there’s plenty of reasons to visit this corner of Kent.
When it comes to volume of visits, it’s day trips that amount to the largest driver of tourism with 4.4 million trips taking place in 2023 with a total revenue of £176 million across businesses including hospitality and retail. The strong day trip markets reflects how well-known and well-loved Tunbridge Wells remains with
residents of neighbouring boroughs and counties.
Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development said: ‘We know that Tunbridge Wells is a great place to visit and it’s therefore gratifying to see it recognised in the 2023 tourism figures for the area. Tourism is very important to the local economy in terms of both jobs and revenue and the Council is committed to supporting and growing the sector.’
Tourism also continues to boost local employment, supporting 5,109 jobs across Tunbridge Wells, representing 10% of total employment within the borough. These figures underscore the industry’s importance not just as a driver of economic recovery but also as a cornerstone of local employment.
Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Visit Kent commissioned the study which uses the industry-respected Cambridge Economic Impact Model to measure the volume and value of tourism within a destination, as well as the effect of visits and visitor expenditure on the local economy.
For more information on how Visit Tunbridge Wells and the Economic Development Team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can support your business and to take advantage of tourism opportunities contact business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Also from the Economic Development Team, don’t miss the FREE West Kent Business Expo ’25. Find out more at westkentbusiness.com/expo25
We’re excited to introduce our Events & Space Hire service, offering stylish and flexible solutions for work and social gatherings. Whether you need a productive workspace, a professional meeting venue, or a setting for a special event, The Finance Hub has you covered. From sleek glass offices and a private Zoom room to a spacious open-plan venue for up to 70 guests, we’ve designed every detail for an inspiring experience.
Our space blends functionality with elegance, featuring modern interiors, ample natural light, and a large screen with surround sound. For an extra special touch, our outdoor terrace overlooking The Pantiles provides the perfect backdrop for memorable events.
With high-speed Wi-Fi, top-tier audiovisual equipment, and flexible layouts, our venue is ideal for meetings, workshops, networking events, and celebrations. Our team ensures everything runs smoothly, creating a welcoming and exclusive atmosphere tailored to your needs.
At The Finance Hub, we believe great spaces inspire great ideas. Whether you need the space for an hour, a day, or longer, we’re here to make your event seamless and exceptional. Visit our website to book or drop by for a coffee—we look forward to welcoming you!
On March 16 TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells returns to the town after a five year hiatus. As its official media partner we take a look at what’s on the bill for the ‘Next Steps’ themed event taking place at Trinity Theatre…
As the only magazine in the town written by business people, for business people, we are thrilled to announce that we are the official media partner for TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells 2025, which will be held at Trinity Theatre on 16th March 2025.
This partnership brings together our vibrant local business community with the inspiring ideas that TEDx is known for.
By teaming up with TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells, we’re helping to spread the message that ideas change everything. The event returns after a five-year hiatus and will be sponsored once again by Cripps, a top 100 UK law firm based in Tunbridge Wells.
From global challenges to local innovations, the event will showcase thought-provoking ideas that spark conversations, inspire action, and drive change. Together, we’re excited to bring these transformative ideas to the forefront, inspiring our town and beyond. It’s a perfect alignment of innovation, inspiration, and the local entrepreneurial spirit. Here’s a look at just some of the speakers who will be participating on March 16…
THIS IS US DANCE
This Is Us Dance, based in Tunbridge Wells, offers accessible, sensory-based dance classes for children and adults with additional needs. Their inclusive approach celebrates every movement, no matter how small, helping participants build confidence, social connections, and cognitive skills. Having previously performed with TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells in 2019, they return to the stage to treat us to a powerful performance that showcases the transformative power of movement. Their work aligns perfectly with the event’s theme, ‘Next Steps’, demonstrating how creativity and inclusion can open new possibilities for personal growth and empowerment.
BOB VARNEY
Join Bob Varney for a powerful talk about how community and collaboration can shape our future. As we explore global ideas and local transformations, Bob’s insight into bringing communities together through the love of Subbuteo will leave you with a fresh perspective on how we can all play our part
TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells will showcase thoughtprovoking ideas that spark conversations, inspire action, and drive change “ ”
in moving forward.
Joining the Board of the English Subbuteo Association (ESA) during lockdown, Bob quickly became a driving force behind the successful bid to host the Subbuteo World Cup in 2024 here in Tunbridge Wells. Bob is now serving as Head of Team England, guiding the team toward the 2026 World Cup in Paris. His talk at TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells will explore how Subbuteo’s history (born in Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, in 1946) offers insights into the power of community, collaboration, and moving forward together.
Dr Julian Abel spent his clinical life as a palliative care specialist doctor. He has developed a special interest in compassionate communities, initially as part of supporting people undergoing experiences of death, dying, loss and care giving.
Since 2016 he has worked with Frome Medical Practice applying the compassionate community approach to healthcare in general, with some startling results. He is Director of Compassionate Communities UK, a charity which aims to share the lessons learnt in both palliative care and primary care more broadly. Here he shares why he is excited to be a part of this year’s TEDxRoyal Tunbridge Wells line up:
“Many of us were taught at school that the driving force for evolutionary biology
was survival of the fittest. It turns out that this could not be further from the truth.
Survival of the kindest is a much better description of human evolution and when the evidence of this is sought out, it can be seen everywhere.”
“No longer does winner take all, rather, we are all in this together. There are no winners or losers, just simply the survival of the planet. When these principles are applied, the results are transformative.”
Sally Henderson is a successful entrepreneur and High-Stakes Leadership Mentor with over 25 years of experience working with C-suite leaders at global brands including Coca-Cola, NatWest, Nestlé and Saatchi & Saatchi. She works with senior executives to transform ambition into meaningful results, cutting through overthinking and jargon to provide clarity and direction.
“My talk, Why Purpose Isn’t Enough (And What to Do About It), is for those unsure of their next steps and ambitious individuals ready to align purpose with tangible action,” explains Sally.
“I’ll share practical strategies to move forward with clarity, confidence, and momentum, turning purpose into meaningful progress and real-world results.
“If one person leaves inspired to take meaningful action and achieve what matters most to them, it will have made all the difference.”
Stalls have now all sold out and there are only a few tickets remaining.
As a special offer for readers of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, use promo code TWBM to get your ticket for just £18 (normally £25)
Book here:
Investing on behalf of your children or grandchildren could help them graduate debt free, get a foot onto the property ladder, or benefit from an additional income stream.
There are several options to consider, including Junior ISAs, junior pensions, certain types of trust and, for older children, Lifetime ISAs. The right solution for you will depend on your family’s needs.
All the below options come with tax implications for the donor, so it’s important to seek financial advice.
The Junior ISA must be opened by the child’s parent or legal guardian, but anyone can contribute up to £9,000 per tax year.
Investments inside a Junior ISA are free from income tax and capital gains tax (CGT).
A junior pension must be opened by the child’s parent or legal guardian, but anyone can contribute up to £2,880 (net) per tax year. Contributions benefit from 20% income tax relief.
A bare trust is a useful option for those wishing to retain some control over how the funds are used.
Unlike a Junior ISA or pension, there is no limit on the amount of money that can be invested in a bare trust each year.
A discretionary trust can offer greater flexibility and control, as trustees have discretion over how and when the funds are paid out. Discretionary trusts are more complex from a tax perspective, with potential charges on trust income and gifts to the trust.
For older children, a Lifetime ISA can help provide for their first home or retirement. The account holder must be between 18 and 39 years old and can pay in up to £4,000 a year until age 50. The government will add a 25% bonus.
The account holder can withdraw money from age 60 or to buy their first home. If withdrawals are made for any other reason, a 25% charge will apply.
Choosing between these options isn’t easy, and that’s where getting some financial advice comes in. By understanding you and what you want to achieve, we can recommend an investment solution that’s right for you and your family.
We live and work local to you. We would be delighted to help you and your family achieve financial clarity and stability.
Graeme Hayden Investment Manager Divisional Director E: graeme.hayden@brewin.co.uk
Evelyn Iriajen Financial Planner Assistant Director E: evelyn.iriajen@brewin.co.uk
RBC Brewin Dolphin, 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1NU T: 01892 739580 W: 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. 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.
RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
“We make a real difference for our clients”
by David Bartholomew
JE Bennett Law is an industry-leading firm based in Tunbridge Wells which specialises in Court of Protection cases but is also growing exponentially into other areas of the law, specifically those involving related private client services.’. Eileen Leahy talks to its co-founder and Managing Partner Jane Bennett and some of her senior team about this unique legal business and why supporting and empowering their clients is at the heart of everything they do…
“
Where would you like me to stand – on the step or not? Should I take off my sunglasses for this shot? Do you want me to move that chair so you get a better angle?”
These are just a few of the questions politely asked as the senior team at JE Bennett Law relax into our photoshoot. Chatting, laughing and posing for our photographer David while he clicks away on his camera, you would never believe that this fun and friendly group of experienced lawyers have to deal with some of the country’s most complex, niche and emotive legal cases on a daily basis. Since the specialist independent law firm was co-founded in 2012 by Jane Bennett and her husband Tom Beaufoy in a small office in Sevenoaks, JE Bennett Law has been on a mission to make a genuine
difference. And for this family-run, independent firm the clients always come first above anything else.
The firm specialises in Court of Protection Law, Power of Attorney, Personal Injury Trusts and Wills and Probate, representing people who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances. This could be after a catastrophic road accident, a brain haemorrhage or the loss of capacity due to advanced dementia.
Since launching with just a handful of staff 13 years ago, JE Bennett Law has expanded exponentially and is now considered to be one of the country’s leading experts in Court of Protection (COP) Law. It currently has around 300 clients on its books - for COP alone - and has seen huge growth in its team, which now totals 40-plus and resulted in the business moving to a smart three-storey
office building at the bottom of The Pantiles three years ago.
During this period there has also been much organic development into other areas of the law – the Private Client side most notably, which has seen an impressive 75% rise in cases.
Jane is the firm’s Managing Partner and also Head of its Brain Injury and Expert Witness team.
She is one of only 34 lawyers nationally to make Chambers and Partners ranking for Court of Protection: Property & Affairs (UK-wide), and one of only six nationally to make the Legal 500 Hall of Fame for Court of Protection. The firm is also Lexcel accredited, The Law Society’s legal practice quality mark - Lexcel, stands for excellence in client care, compliance, and practice management.
Deepening the firm’s referrer network and a 78% increase in its core business of Deputyships, over the last 3 years has also helped propel JE Bennett Law’s success further.
Since the specialist independent law firm was co-founded in 2012, JE Bennett Law has been on a mission to make a genuine difference. And the clients always come first
For those not familiar with the role of a Professional Deputy, it’s when, after a person loses capacity, the Court of Protection appoints someone to help them. This can be in relation to financial decision making, or decision making in relation to the person’s health and welfare. A deputy is appointed to support them with making as many of their own decisions as they can and to stand in their shoes, making decisions that they are unable to make themselves.
As we sit down to chat Jane reveals that her particular specialism is in acting as an expert witness in high value and catastrophic personal injury litigation claims.
“Working with personal injury lawyers is a mutually beneficial relationship. By referring to us, our personal injury associates have peace of mind that their clients are being looked after by industry
leading experts who will tenaciously ensure the best long-term outcomes for their clients over the years – and decades – to come,” she explains.
Jane is talking to me alongside some of her colleagues who have been instrumental in JE Bennett Law’s success. They are Richard Shearing (Senior Partner and Head of JE Bennett Law’s Private Client Division), Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby (Partner) and Abbie Maynard (Paralegal Senior Team Leader).
Jane says that Court of Protection Law requires a wide breadth of knowledge and understanding of many diverse areas including financial protection, health and welfare, care in the community as well as safeguarding the vulnerable – both children and adults.
The team work alongside a number of different professionals - including employment specialists, criminal lawyers, independent financial advisors and solicitors - as they have to understand every aspect of a person’s life if they have lost capacity to make decisions for themselves.
“There are so many different aspects we have to address. Many of our clients have suffered life-changing injuries through
accidents or ill health, but we also have an ever increasing amount of elderly client related work where we have people who need assistance with their finances and future planning. This, in turn, creates demand for services from our Private Client Department,” continues Jane.
This growing department looks after Wills and Probate, Estate Administration, Tax Planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA).
“The Private Client side of the business is something that has evolved naturally,” says Richard Shearing. “This could be as a result of of dealing with clients who have passed on, or their family members might come to us for their own advice and guidance.
“They trust us and that is vital. People see us as a pair of helping hands. There are a lot of parallels between COP work and the
Client side as we are still supporting people, whether that’s making a Will or an LPA. It can be a very emotionally challenging thing to do as people have to think about their own mortality, or that they may at some point be unable to manage things themselves.
“You really have to know your client and that’s what we are very good at here. We ensure we always go above and beyond in order to support them.”
The growth in demand for Wills and Probate and Tax Advice has created a solid platform for further strategic growth, which Jane and her team tell me they would like more local people to know about.
“We have a very good reputation for the Court of Protection work we do, but we want the people of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas to know we can help them with their general personal and financial needs too.”
She goes on to say that she is in no way trying to poach work from other established firms in the town. Quite the contrary in fact…
“We are delighted to be in such esteemed legal company here in the town. There are some really formidable firms out there who are exceptional at what they do. There is more than enough work to go round and we find ourselves collaborating more and more with many as a result. Fees wise I would say we are on a par with the majority of them.”
The significant rise in both the firm’s
Court of Protection and its Private Client work is due to a number of factors. Firstly it is down to JE Bennett Law’s unrivalled reputation, commitment and expertise in these areas, but it’s also due to factors such as the elderly living longer, and increasingly sophisticated medical treatment and equipment which is prolonging the lives of people who have survived horrific injuries.
“It’s certainly a massively growing area of legal work,” states JE Bennett Law Partner Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby, who has been with Jane from the start. “You have to have the necessary mechanisms around all those scenarios to then support the people who are vulnerable and lacking the capacity to manage their own affairs.”
“And if you are not someone who has had the foresight to think ‘let me make an LPA so I can decide what I want to happen should something terrible occur, well then what?”
Richard intervenes saying that there’s a ‘huge amount of misunderstanding’
around LPAs in terms of where they apply and where they don’t.
“This is particularly evident in the banking sector, where things have become very complicated. A few years ago you could go and see your local bank manager, but now there is a wall of bureaucracy and you have to have the right information otherwise you don’t stand a chance of talking to someone. So again we can help and guide people through that process because as specialist lawyers we have to deal with all that on
Over the last 3 years:
• The firm has seen revenue increase by 75%
• JE Bennett’s core business of ‘Deputyships’ has increased by 78% as a result of extending and deepening the firm’s referrer network.
• The firm has seen significant increase in all private client work
• The practice has increased its headcount by 61%.
• It now has eight partners and two solicitors; a team of 15 paralegals; a trainee and administration support staff
• The firm represents clients across the UK as well as locally
• The firm has recently been recognised by Chambers, the renowned industry ranking organisation, for its Court of Protection work.
• The firm is also ranked by The Legal 500, and has Law Society (Lexcel) accreditation for practice management.
a daily basis. And that’s where we bring value as we know how to navigate these particular areas.”
Richard explains that JE Bennett Law’s expert team will always work very closely with their clients. It is very much a bespoke approach as many of them have disabilities or have lost capacity, so this is an essential part of the job. They will handpick the relevant people they are working with too - such as solicitors, care workers and medical specialists - and always visit clients.
And that, I am told by Abbie Maynard, who is currently a paralegal and has been
It’s emotionally driven work and you can become quite upset at some of the cases, but your job is ultimately to help clients any way you can “ ”
with the firm for two years, is an element of the job that is so special for her.
“All of the team go out to clients to visit them at the start of each application to get to know them and understand their circumstances. We look at where they are living and if their care needs are being addressed. We regularly check on them to verify all is as it should be. If anything further is needed then we will ensure that we support that.”
After only an hour or so in their company, it is obvious that Jane and her team have created a law firm that is driven by genuine empathy for its clients and their needs. But that doesn’t mean they
are a soft touch – far from it, they tell me. They will fight tooth and nail for people and for justice to prevail.
Having worked for two prestigious London practices for several years, Jane says that the reason she decided to establish her own firm was so she could focus on making a real difference on certain areas of the legal system.
“Having been a Private Client solicitor for several years, I felt the need not only to specialise but to help people who could no longer help themselves,” she reveals.
That’s certainly what attracted Lorna to the firm when it was first set up.
“I did psychology before I studied and qualified in Criminal Law. I worked for several years at the Transition Unit at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, which provides specialist care and therapies for people with a range of neurological conditions and brain injuries - experience which has certainly helped the type of Court of Protection work I do now.
JE BENNETT LAW’S KEY AIMS:
To be the go-to UK provider of legal services that empower and protect clients who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances
Empower, develop and reward its people and build a continually evolving, industry leading environment
Actively seek out and explore new opportunities which align with the aspirations of the business
“I specialise in brain injuries and hope that my previous knowledge and background – which is not really the traditional route into law – allows me to be more understanding of people who have been affected in this way.
“I went to a conference recently and there was a lady and her daughter there and the mother said: ‘You may understand, but you will never feel it.’ And that really stuck with me and I absolutely agree with that. No, we can’t feel it, but we can do our best to try and understand.
“We deal with people of all ages – from babies to the elderly – who come from all around the country. And yes, we have to be mindful of supporting, not just our client, but the family and wider network going through the journey with them.”
So how does the team deal with the emotional impact of the job – especially those fairly new to it, like Abbie?
“It’s emotionally driven work and you can become quite upset at some of the cases, but your job is ultimately to help clients any way you can,” she comments.
“Being in a firm that actively promotes an ethical environment and also helps the vulnerable was exactly what I wanted to be involved in.
“The fact that I managed to join at a
We are acutely conscious that we are only as good as the people around us and we have all made a conscious decision to do things differently here “ ”
time where the practice was growing at the speed I also wanted to grow has worked well. No case is the same and you are exposed to so much. I feel that I am learning a great deal, it is fascinating.”
At this point Jane announces that the firm is still looking to recruit further in order to ensure it can absorb the amount of new cases it is taking on.
She points out that JE Bennett Law is very progressive as an employer, ensuring that democracy and equal opportunities run through every fibre of the firm, with things like a career structure and flexible working as and when needed being actively encouraged.
“The latter is something I never got when I was working in London and so I am passionate about employees being able to take time to work from home if they have to,” she explains.
Jane and her team are equally passionate about affording opportunities to those who merit them – even if they haven’t come via the traditional law degree route.
“Over the past couple of years we have grown our team of paralegals, taking on average around six a year. We do take
CASE STUDY 1:
PROTECTING
JE Bennett Law is currently representing Client 1, whose attorney used her funds to invest in what turned out to be a scam, putting the attorney in breach of her fiduciary duty.
A partner in JE Bennett Law was appointed as Deputy to see what funds could be recouped – both from the attorney and the banks. We gathered the remaining funds from Client 1 and are using them to pay off her significant debt, which the attorney had neglected, while also ensuring she receives adequate care.
CASE STUDY 2 :
HELPING A CLIENT REGAIN INDEPENDENCE AFTER LIFECHANGING INJURIES DUE TO CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE
For the last six years JE Bennett Law have represented Client 2, a young woman who suffered life-changing injuries, including a severe brain injury, following clinical negligence. Jane Bennett acts as her deputy for property and affairs, with several other members of the team working on her case. Through sheer grit and determination, Client 2 has overcome many different types of obstacles, including those presented by care providers, statutory bodies, family members, and naysayers.
JE Bennett Law have worked with Client 2 to help her move into her own adapted home, and to work towards the recovery of her mental capacity to manage her own property and affairs, with input from a neuropsychologist, and a framework to enable her to increase her decision-making capabilities. This is entirely to her credit and demonstrates Client 2’s own commitment to self-betterment. It has been an absolute honour to accompany her on her journey thus far.
CASE STUDY 3 :
PROTECTING CLIENTS FROM FINANCIAL ABUSE AND FRAUD BY FAMILY MEMBERS
Client 3 is a young man who lost capacity due to a brain tumour. His wife became his attorney and, while acting in this role, she allowed his mother to live rent-free in his home while they fraudulently claimed Housing Benefit and Universal Credit. Client 3’s wife also used a substantial proportion of his remaining funds to finance a family member’s online casino business. As deputies, the partners in JE Bennett Law faced the unenviable task of untangling this complex situation, including dealing with joint benefits claims, significant mortgage arrears, and potential homelessness for both Client 3 and his elderly mother.
on graduates – but not all of them have done law degrees. A lot of them are doing conversion degrees or are training on the job like Abbie. She is the first person here to undertake the CILEX Professional Qualification (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives), which she started in September. Abbie is someone whose progress has accelerated and she is now a Senior Team Leader in the paralegal team of 15 people.”
Richard, who also retrained as a lawyer after a long professional career in the care sector and has been with the firm for six and a half years, says they collectively want to see the staff ‘progress and flourish’.
“We are lucky because we have some really talented people working here, from all different types of backgrounds. Yes some might not know the legal side to start off with, but you see something in them at the interview stage and you instantly know if they have that purpose and drive. It’s about having a collective vision that’s aligned.”
“Something we have identified as a business is that to attract and retain good people we need to be able to invest in
them, their progression and ultimately their future. And given that some people have come from totally different professional backgrounds there is real synergy here,” confirms Jane.
Richard adds: “The way I think about it is that we have a ‘notional hierarchy’ but we are acutely conscious that we are only as good as the people around us. It’s worth pointing out that we have a very good staff retention rate. We have all made a conscious decision to do things differently and therefore there is a good support network here.”
When Lorna first joined the firm in its infancy, Jane told her the reason she started JE Bennett Law was because she wanted to get away from the idea of running a ‘conveyor belt’ system and prioritise the needs of clients and their families.
“What has been so wonderful is that our ethos has always remained the same, despite our huge growth,” smiles Lorna. “It sounds like a real cliché to say ‘we are here to help people’ but these catastrophic events are going to happen to people whether one likes it or not.
“All we can do is be here to support them through the worst time in their lives. And everyone that’s coming on board at JE Bennett Law has the same respect for that ethos and it’s lovely.”
Jane discloses that there aren’t many firms who only do this type of Court of Protection work – and even fewer who do
a combination of Court of Protection and Private Client work.
“Protecting the vulnerable is what we do and the work that involves is very much vocational. It requires mediation skills in highly complex family dynamics to try to unravel deep-seated difficulties. Our clients and their families need to know we are 100% committed to them and fighting their corner.
“Richard won’t blow his own trumpet but he is very good in Court of Protection and Private Client affairs and it’s that combination that we want to let local people know about.”
I comment that it must be fairly rare in the legal sector to have care, transparency and passion as the key driving forces behind the firm’s work.
“I think that we attract people for that
very reason,” states Richard.
“We haven’t just got ambitious people here – we also have people who are absolutely driven to make a difference to our clients’ lives,” adds Jane. “There are five individuals in this firm who are partners who also act as deputies and that makes us a pretty big force to be reckoned with. And when you add all that together that is a phenomenal and extremely powerful concoction - and that’s what has driven our success.”
JE BENNETT LAW CONTACT INFO:
Address: Eridge House, 1 Linden Close, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8HH
Website: www.jebennettlaw.co.uk
Tel: 01892 487 746
But jewellery needs care and love. Look after your jewellery and it will sparkle for years to come.
The best pieces of jewellery can bring a lifetime of pleasure - often more, as precious pieces are passed from one generation to the next.
But as it is often delicate and handmade, jewellery requires love and care to keep its lustre. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
1.Avoid excessive light and heat
Over time, too much direct sunlight and heat can fade gemstones such as amethyst or topaz. Delicate materials such as pearls will bleach under too much light. On the contrary, gems such as amber can darken over time with extreme exposure to light.
2.Clean regularly
You can have a professional clean your jewellery, or do so yourself, as long as you follow expert advice.
3.Avoid wear and tear
Take off your jewellery and put it somewhere safe when doing any tasks that could scratch or damage it, or it involves using strong chemicals. That might include day-to-day jobs such as cooking, cleaning or gardening.
4.Store carefully
Always take care when storing jewellery – even diamonds can get scratched.
If you still have the original box or pouch that the piece came in, then it remains the perfect place to store it. Jewellery boxes with individually padded sections are also ideal. Pearls in particular should be kept separately as they are easily scratched by hard gemstones.
5.Avoid lotions and potions
Take off your jewellery when putting on any scent or lotions - even when simply showering. It can help to get in the habit of always putting
your jewellery on last when you get dressed.
Chlorine is particularly damaging to jewellery, so always take it off before heading to the pool or spa and keep it in a safe place.
6.Check for problems or weaknesses
It’s wise to have your pieces inspected for problems regularly, and then repaired when required.
But in the meantime, be on the lookout for warning signs such as damaged or missing claws on rings, or you risk losing stones. The same goes for loose catches and clasps, and rough links on chains or bracelets.
7.Wear it
Pearls react well to the natural oils in your skin and silver is less likely to tarnish if regularly worn.
So, sometimes, the best way to care for your jewellery is simply to wear it.
To see how NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance can help protect your jewellery contact NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell at Tunbridge_Wells@nfumutual.co.uk, or call us on 01892 337488
Tunbridge Wells resident Mark Leeds runs his own editorial design studio c-ll-ct-v-ly and is a member of RTW Media Group. He has enjoyed a highly successful career in the media industry, working for prestigious publications and broadcasters including the Financial Times, the Guardian, CNN and Bloomberg. Mark’s most recent commission saw him heading to New York to work on the redesign of the iconic music magazine Rolling Stone. Here the talented creative tells Eileen Leahy more about his professional vision and pioneering work
So Mark, firstly tell us about what your c-ll-ct-v-ly studio offers…
It’s a small design studio that offers two key services. Firstly, for editorial and creative teams we provide specialist help in rethinking and redesigning large media brands. We spend time understanding their readers/users/viewers and their culture. Crucially, we have first-hand knowledge of designing in fast-paced news environments so we can deliver ideas backed by experience.
Secondly, as a traditional design studio, we work with clients from concept to completion. We are often used at the ideation stage for either editorial or commercial brands to help them explore what the future looks like.
We lead or support a creative vision, develop a strategy for deployment, build teams and integrate with existing employees. Visible outputs include logos, an approach to images, typography, colours, and their layout. Increasingly motion and sound are part of this tool kit we deliver as part of a ‘design system’. It's an exhilarating challenge.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I’d say simply the sheer variety of projects, people and subjects that I have encountered. The more eclectic the better. An example that comes to mind was a photoshoot for FT Weekend Magazine at the Natural History Museum. Behind the scenes, with photographer Thom Atkinson we recorded some of its unique artefacts. Holding Moon Rock and moving the ‘priceless’ Archaeopteryx fossil into position (with the curator looking on) was a privilege - and a responsibility!
How did you start off in the design world?
I began working in the Guardian and the Observer’s Development department. It produced all the extra projects outside
of the regular newspapers and their sections. From fashion to TV and micro sites to Olympics specials. It was playful, exciting, full of smart people exploring new ideas and right at the start of the digital era. It was a great foundation for my career. A particular highlight was commissioning Banksy for The Observer’s Crime Uncovered magazine.
I enjoy the challenge of conveying complex stories and playing a role in shaping an understanding of the world “
”Where else have you enjoyed working?
I’ve been fortunate to work at titles such as the Financial Times, as well as Bloomberg, CNN, Vice News and most recently Rolling Stone. I enjoy the challenge of conveying complex stories, to a wide audience, and in playing a role in shaping that understanding of the world. What seismic changes have you seen in your industry over the past few years?
For larger media, it’s the acceleration of tools and software that automate their production processes. Their output is often a mix of motion, sound, digital, print, events, emails etc - utilising a patchwork of technologies. Our role is in part to recognise where these are useful and where they are not, helping template ‘good’ design - with the aim of freeing creative teams to put their time into storytelling rather than production.
WORK IN PROGRESS: Throughout his career Mark has helped define the visual aesthetic of many prestigious publications including the FT and the Observer. His studio also produces collectable micro-edition 'zines'
Also, post Covid, a fixed geographic base has become less important to clients and therefore more opportunities are now possible in a global marketplace.
How did the Rolling Stone magazine commission come about?
My friend and ex-colleague Richard Turley was asked to help rethink Rolling Stone magazine, which is based in New York. We’ve worked together previously on the redesigns for the Guardian and Bloomberg Businessweek and know each other well.
Broadly speaking Richard set the creative vision - which we then shaped together - and I built the design system, which we developed together. It's a very collaborative process with a lot of overlap, and it requires trust. There’s moments of breakthrough, dead ends, quick pivots adapting to new requestsand some robust challenges to existing thinking. We created the new look in close collaboration with the title’s editorial and creative team.
What are you currently working on at the moment?
Right now I’m working with creative consultant Lisa Rahman on a redesign of a publication that is part of the LVMH group. It's close to the deadline so a bit frantic! We have a great relationship and shared respect, having worked together
We created Rolling Stone’s new look in close collaboration with the title’s editorial and creative teams
on a number of projects together.
I’d love to get my teeth into another news brand, particularly one looking to embrace stories on social media. That might sound like a contradiction after my print eulogy, however, reaching audiences where they are is what I enjoy. And once they are hooked they can enjoy the print version too.
In the studio I produce a micro-edition zine (100 edition) about the 'unseen' work of people in the creative industries. It's a labour of love, but an opportunity to showcase their work or collections - and ask a few questions. It's also a sandpit for me to test ideas. Another project I’m working on is Trove. We create short-run books for people or companies capturing their lives, passions or collections, and we’re looking for a case study!
What do you enjoy about being based here in Tunbridge Wells?
It's a great mix, big enough to have its own cultural scene, a great place to raise a family and small enough to be part of a community, with plenty of friendly faces. I can quickly get out into the countryside or into London. It suits my work pattern well, fast - slow- and when the sun’s out it's a beautiful place to be.
Find out more about Mark and his work at:
This February marks an exciting milestone for The Finance Hub: we’re turning three! Since our journey began, we’ve been dedicated to providing exceptional financial services and fostering meaningful connections with our clients and partners. Now, as we celebrate this special occasion, we’re delighted to unveil some exciting developments that mark the beginning of an even brighter chapter.
To mark the occasion, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brandnew website. Designed with our clients in mind, the new site offers a seamless and intuitive user experience, making it easier than ever to explore our services, stay informed, book in to our educational events and connect with us.
But that’s not all! We’re proud to introduce our new Events & Space Hire service. Our modern and stylish venue is now available for hire, whether you’re looking for a productive space to work, a professional setting for an important meeting, or an elegant location for a private event. With sophisticated interiors, excellent amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, our space is perfect for making any occasion truly memorable.
As we blow out the candles on our third birthday cake, we’re also celebrating a significant expansion. The Finance Hub is now reaching new heights with the launch of two additional locations in Canterbury and London! This exciting growth allows us to extend our services to a much larger community, offering our expertise and support to clients from a
broader geographic area.
Whether you’re a business owner seeking strategic financial advice, an individual in need of tailored guidance, or simply someone who values working with a team that genuinely cares about your success, we’re here for you—now in more places than ever before.
The past three years have been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and collaboration, and we couldn’t have done it without you—our clients, partners, supporters and wider community. As we continue to evolve, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide exceptional service, foster meaningful relationships, and create spaces that inspire productivity and connection.
Here’s to three amazing years—and many more to come. Thank you for being part of our journey! For more details about our new services, locations, or to book our space, visit our brand-new website or get in touch with us today.
Let’s celebrate success together.
01892 280000
hello@thefinancehub.money www.thefinancehub.money
RTW Together BID is excited to launch a digital town hub and bespoke local app for Royal Tunbridge Wells!
This
App for the town is
onestop-shop for residents and visitors to access the latest offers, events, newsfeeds, travel updates and scroll the business directory.
“We don’t
Sammy Forway of Abode Well Design and Build tells Eileen Leahy about his bespoke building business which creates the most stunning, sustainable and aestheticallydriven outdoor spaces, which include alfresco kitchens, gyms, pergolas, swimming pools and spas…
Since Covid, our outdoor spaces have become somewhere so much more than just a garden.
For many they are now a place to seek relaxation, to entertain friends and where we can also help reset both our physical and mental wellbeing.
And there’s one local company who has tapped into this mindset and is now creating the most aesthetically pleasing yet functional buildings to enhance not only our gardens but our sense of self too.
I’m talking about Abode Well Design and Build which is the brainchild of Tunbridge Wells resident Sammy Forway. For the past year he and his team have been crafting the most stunning spaces made out of sustainable materials that harmonise with their outdoor surroundings.
This could be an alfresco kitchen, a state-of-the-art sauna or a custom-built bar using elements of your choice such as shipping containers, Scandinavian wood and Deponti glass to name but a few. The team will also source and supply all the relevant elements such as state-of-the-art cooking equipment, heating and lighting.
“At Abode Well, we blend timeless design with modern innovation to create environments where style meets purpose and enriches the way people connect with
chic look of the place and that really piqued my interest in how I could develop this concept further,” explains Sammy.
“I’ve always been interested in the outdoor lifestyle – I love cooking and BBQing – but I could also see there was an emerging trend for wellness post the pandemic too. More people were either investing in or visiting retreats with ice baths, outdoor showers and saunas so I thought ‘why don’t I see if I can do those myself’.”
nature,” Sammy tells me over a coffee on The Pantiles.
Sammy’s background has been in hospitality and the creative arts for many years but he has always strived to do things differently.
“I had a restaurant, gallery and gig venue called The Underdog near London Bridge for 16 years and then went on to run a pop-up restaurant in Essex which was built out of reconditioned shipping containers. Everyone loved the industrial
We artfully blend modern sophistication with natural, rustic elements and can transform outdoor areas into year-round extensions of the home
“ ”
But Sammy’s flow of ideas didn’t just stop there: “When we were building the restaurant, the summer was absolutely scorching, and it didn’t rain for over 8 weeks, that’s when we had the idea to cut off thew roof of the container and fill with water, so we could cool down. That’s where the idea was born.”
The bespoke CUBE pools, which only take a day to install, have proved to be enormously popular, and like the other outdoor buildings Sammy and his team specialise in, they are constructed and customised to your personal taste.
Sammy adds, that even if you don’t have acres of land they will still be able to create something for you – whatever the size of your space. And the containers themselves can be adapted to whatever your needs are.
“We design from the ground up and can make garden offices, lodges, gyms or
our special Qube and QUBit saunas for example. Our USP is that we artfully blend modern sophistication with natural, rustic elements. We can transform and elevate outdoor areas into year-round extensions of the home, combining state-of-the-art cooking utilities, thoughtfully curated furniture, and wellbeing features.”
The team offers a free consultation to talk about plans and then if they get the green light from a new client they will use their highly sophisticated Augmented Reality technology to show them how their project will develop and eventually look like.
And Sammy says they will also work in any setting. “We’ve done builds in urban areas but also in period farmhouses and each one looks magnificent.”
There are just four in the Abode Well Design team but that number obviously expands when they commission experienced contractors and skilled tradespeople for their builds. Sammy says they are bracing themselves for a busy period heading towards the summer and if people are interested then they should get involved sooner rather than later.
ABODE WELL DESIGN SPECIALISES IN:
• Bespoke outdoor kitchens
• Cube swimming pools
• Pergolas & verandas
• Qube Saunas & showers
• Self-contained Qube ‘Sky’ kitchens
Ultimately Sammy wants a dedicated space where he can showcase all Abode Well’s offerings and to also move into the corporate area building for golf clubs and hotels. Given Sammy’s palpable passion for what he does I have every faith he will achieve this.
Before we wind up our conversation I
ask him what he enjoys most about his job. Sammy is quick to respond: “The process of the whole design and of making something that people actually want and are going to use. At Abode Well, we don’t just create spaces; we create experiences.”
Website: abodewelldesignandbuild.com
Tel: 01892 328122
Email: info@abodewelldesignandbuild.com
In order to meet increasing client demand, award-winning local law firm, Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, has expanded its Dispute Resolution team with the appointment of Solicitor, Louise Mackay. Louise has worked on a range of commercial and civil disputes during her legal career. She also volunteered for three years with Victim Support, a charity that assists victims of crime and provides support as they undergo the difficult criminal legal process.
Louise aims to look at disputes in a pragmatic way and problem solve for clients as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. She takes pride in giving clients the best possible service and to keep them updated throughout the litigation process as she is fully aware of how stressful the process can be.
Louise says: “I was drawn to Berry & Lamberts as they are the exactly the type of law firm I want to be a part of - friendly and approachable. The dispute team are strong and focused and the company has
a long, established history. As a newlyqualified solicitor, this is exactly what I was looking for, as I want to develop and learn from great lawyers in a recognised firm with strong roots in the local community.”
The Dispute Resolution team cover all areas of dispute and litigation including property, landlord and tenant, contracts, shareholder disputes, possession proceedings, neighbour disputes, commercial disputes and contentious probate.
www.berryandlamberts.co.uk
Ayla Clissold and Katie Hancock have both been promoted to Senior Associate level at Tunbridge Wells-based CooperBurnett LLP from 1 January this year. Katie joined the Private Client team in 2018. As part of that team, she deals with all aspects of Private Client work, including the preparation of Wills, probate, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and deputyship applications to the Court of Protection, where a relative has lost the capacity to manage their own affairs.
A client said recently: “Katie, you’re always helpful, always reply promptly and you’ve taken a lot of the stress out of this process.”
Over recent times, she’s helped to organise CooperBurnett’s popular myth busting lunches and also given up her time to support the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Dementia Friendly Communities.
Ayla Clissold joined the firm’s busy Residential Property team in January 2022. She thrives on regular contact with clients and finding solutions to any challenges.
As one client said recently: “Ayla is, quite simply, incredible! Her work ethic
is on another level and we will be forever grateful for her help and support. She is one in a million. Professional, efficient and all done with a great sense of humour.”
Ayla joined CooperBurnett’s Charity Committee recently and is always first to sign up to one of the firm’s challenges –completing the Walk Tonbridge Marathon a number of times and conquering an incredible 100km in a single day as part of the Race to the King team!
“I think our clients sum up perfectly what makes Katie and Ayla so special,” says Partner, Joseph Oates. “They thoroughly deserve these promotions and we are proud to have them as part of TeamCB.” www.cooperburnett.com
TSP advises JR Pet Products on its sale
AlphaPet Ventures (AlphaPet), the digital brand platform for premium pet food in Europe, has acquired JR Pet Products (JR), the leading premium dog treat brand in the UK. Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore (TSP) advised the shareholders of JR on the transaction.
Jason Varney, Partner in the TSP Corporate department, led the transaction team at and was supported by Joseph Hartland and Rachel Macmillan in the Corporate team.
“It is always rewarding to work on transactions were there are so many clear synergies between the parties”
“Due to the nature of the transaction, the deal necessitated a multidisciplinary project team, which included Ben Stepney in the Employment team and Alisa Sweeney and Sunjay Issur in the Real Estate team,” a spokesperson for TSP told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.
Jason Varney noted: “This deal shows the breadth and strength of not only our core Corporate M&A team but also our wider commercial group; as well as our expertise in PE backed, international transactions. It is always rewarding to work on transactions were there are so many clear synergies between the parties. We wish JR all the very best and have no doubt the business will continue to thrive as part of AlphaPet.”
AlphaPet is digitising the pet market and successfully building and distributing premium brands across Europe. Its portfolio includes premium brands such as Wolfsblut, Wildes Land, Arden Grange, and Herrmann’s Manufaktur. AlphaPet’s strategy focuses on multi-channel distribution, emphasising direct-toconsumer (D2C) sales through its own platforms. This is complemented by a highly customer-centric approach and strong B2B partnerships with retailers. www.ts-p.co.uk
Thackray Williams has been named as a finalist in the British Conveyancing Awards 2025. The Head of Employment, Corporate and Commercial has also been shortlisted for the Growth category of the Kent Women in Business Awards.
The firm, which has offices in Sevenoaks, Bromley, the City of London and West Wickham, has made the shortlist for the title of Conveyancing Firm of the Year, South.
Thackray Williams’ conveyancing team last year recorded 18% growth, surpassing £2 million in turnover, with an expanded geographic reach into East Kent, Southeast London, City of London and Berkshire to support everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned developers and investors.
Its leasehold enfranchisement team, which provides expert advice to clients navigating this complex area, is now one of the largest outside of London, growing by 20% in 2024.
Thackray Williams was also shortlisted for its inclusive employee support, including a strong emphasis on training, mental health and wellbeing, and career progression; its accessibility for a diverse client base; its investment in technology
to support clients and staff; and its involvement in its local communities.
“Making the finals of these prestigious, national awards is testimony to the expertise and dedication to an excellent client experience of all the staff, from the partners to our rising star solicitors and the all-important support staff who keep the wheels turning on projects to ensure that people can realise their property dreams,” said Vikki Herbert, Head of Real Estate.
The winners of the British Conveyancing Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in London on Thursday 13 March.
Emma Thompson, who heads Thackray Williams’ Commercial Group (Education, Employment, Corporate & Commercial, Litigation), has been named as a finalist for the Growth category of the Kent Women in Business Awards 2025.
The Commercial Group recorded 46% year-on-year growth for the first
six months of this year, accelerating the 82% growth achieved over the previous three years. The Group now contributes 26% of the firm’s revenue.
As a member of the Management Board, Emma Thompson has also helped steer the firm through an unrivalled period of growth.
The last financial results showed a 9.1% increase in revenues compared to the previous year, with a two-point increase in net profit. Across the firm, Thackray Williams increased headcount by 25 in 2024.
“It’s an honour to have made the finals, and a reflection of the hard work and collective vision of the other members of the Partnership, as well as all the staff who are accompanying and supporting Thackray Williams on our exciting growth journey,” said Emma Thompson.
The winners of the Kent Women in Business Awards will be announced at a black-tie event in Ashford on 7 March. www.thackraywilliams.com
Ryan Ashford-Smit and his wife Victoria opened the UK’s first Osteostrong here in Tunbridge Wells. Ryan reveals more about their biohacking business is revolutionising natural bone health.
In the heart of Tunbridge Wells, OsteoStrong is revolutionising bone health with a simple yet powerful approach. It is the is the UK’s first OsteoStrong centre, offering a unique, science-backed system designed to improve bone density, strength, balance, and overall skeletal health -all in just one 20-minute session per week.
“OsteoStrong is not a gym or a traditional workout,” explains Ryan. “It’s a high-tech system that stimulates the body’s natural ability to strengthen bones safely and effectively. This method, known as osteogenic loading, has been proven to increase bone density, enhance muscle strength, and improve balance and posture -all without drugs, invasive treatments or heavy lifting.”
A LIFE-CHANGING DISCOVERY
They discovered OsteoStrong while visiting friends in the United States. Their friends had experienced remarkable improvements in their bone health through the program, prompting the couple to investigate further.
“When I learned that 1 in 2 women and 2 in 5 men in the UK will suffer an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime, I knew we had to bring this to our community,” says Ryan. Seeing the potential to make a meaningful impact, they invested in the global OsteoStrong franchise, which now boasts over 200
centres worldwide, and opened their flagship location in Tunbridge Wells.
WHY TUNBRIDGE
The decision to launch OsteoStrong here was a natural one. “Tunbridge Wells has a strong sense of community and a population that values health and wellness,” Ryan explains. “From older adults looking to maintain their strength, to busy professionals and athletes aiming to improve performance, our services cater to a wide range of people.”
The support from the local community has been great. Many clients have seen significant improvements in their bone density, while others have even reversed conditions like osteoporosis. “It’s incredibly rewarding to witness these lifechanging transformations,” Ryan adds.
WHAT DOES AN OSTEOSTRONG SESSION ENTAIL?
Each OsteoStrong session is a quick and efficient 20-minute appointment tailored to individual needs. Clients engage in four specialised robotic machines designed to apply precise resistance to the body, triggering the natural process of osteogenic loading. This stimulates bone growth and strengthens muscles without strain or fatigue. Sessions are supervised by qualified coaches, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
We are also proud to have been runnersup in the recent Tunbridge Wells Business Awards new business category.
Beyond its core service, the OsteoStrong wellness centre also offers cutting-edge recovery and healing therapies, including Red Light Therapy, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy, and Compression Boot Therapy. These additional services complement the OsteoStrong program, promoting overall well-being and recovery.
As they continue their mission to help as many people as possible, Ryan and Victoria have exciting plans for the new year. “We’re offering free ultrasound heel bone scans to the first 50 people who sign up,” Ryan shares. “It’s a
1. Postmenopausal Women: Women looking to prevent or reverse bone density loss (osteopenia or osteoporosis) naturally
2. Older Adults: Individuals aiming to become pain-free, improve balance, reduce fall risk, and enhance overall strength
It is a privilege to be able to offer OsteoStrong to our local community and deliver transformative results
3. Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts: Those seeking to improve strength, endurance, and performance while reducing injury risk.
4. People with Joint or Musculoskeletal Issues: Clients managing arthritis, back pain, or joint discomfort, looking for non-invasive, low-impact solutions.
great opportunity for the community to understand their bone health and take proactive steps toward a stronger future.”
The best way to experience OsteoStrong is to try it for yourself. Book a free ultrasound heel bone density scan and consultation to discover how this groundbreaking technology can transform your bone health and overall well-being.
Visit OsteoStrong Tunbridge Wells on the High Street or reach out to us to book a demonstration.
OsteoStrong Tunbridge Wells
26 High Street Tunbridge Wells Phone: 020 3978 8875
Email:
tunbridgewells@osteostrongsouth.co.uk
Web: osteostrong.me
5. Busy Professionals: Individuals who want to maximise health benefits in a short, most efficient weekly session.
6. Wellness Enthusiasts and Biohackers : People who prioritise cutting-edge, science-backed methods to optimise their health and longevity.
Councillor Matt Lowe, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning, explains the goals of the government’s newly updated ‘pro-growth’ National Planning Policy Framework and what it means for both residents and businesses…
In the middle of December last year, the government published a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). It provides rules and guidance for Council officers and, for me as Cabinet Member for Planning, as to how the (often thorny) subject of development is to be managed in the coming years.
The NPPF is billed as the most important planning rule book, but previous revisions have often slipped into the world unannounced. This one was different. Trumpeted by the government as ‘progrowth’, it now has targets for home building which are mandatory, and in some cases – such as Tunbridge Wells – increased dramatically on previous levels. It creates grey belt (sub-standard green belt, suitable for building on) and it removes measures considered ‘blockers’ for housing development.
But, while much of the NPPF is about growth being enabled through housebuilding, it is also intended directly to support businesses, and boost the economy.
One of the primary goals of the revised NPPF is to simplify the planning process, to make it more predictable and less timeconsuming for businesses which want to set up new operations or to develop or expand their existing locations.
The thinking is that by providing clearer guidance to local authorities, the NPPF
“By working together more closely we can create a more prosperous and inclusive future for Tunbridge Wells
helps businesses to secure planning permissions with fewer delays. The framework’s clarity and consistency are intended to encourage smoother, more transparent decision-making to make it easier for businesses to grow, short and longer term. In Tunbridge Wells we are fortunate in already having a very efficient planning team and system in place, and I am sure that they will be making good use of these rule changes.
And there are further measures to
come which are also intended to support business, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, due early this year. Briefings and rumours suggest that, amongst other things, the bill will make it significantly easier for areas around public transport access (railway stations mainly) to be developed for business and housing. Whether we will have suitable spaces available that lie conveniently near current public transport infrastructure in our borough is something we will be looking at, while considering the measures in the bill and the expectations of the new NPPF.
The government expects more homes to be delivered and the logical benefits for companies, here in Tunbridge Wells, of having a planning framework which is supportive of business and which encourages house-building are clear. Apart from anything else, workers need homes to live in, and businesses need customers.
It is also clear that this is something that will need careful management which the planning department and I will be working to achieve in the coming months and years. Much of this will be at strategic level and we will be conducting consultations as part of this.
Therefore I would encourage local businesses to get involved in this process to express their needs and wants from the strategic plans as we all push for growth in our area.
In
Over the
Quality
Helping
In his regular column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID talks about how important collaboration is in the town
There are many projects that we are excited to work on at the BID to help support the businesses of Royal Tunbridge Wells, but the ones where we can often have the most significant impact on, is where we work together with partners.
We are able to leverage our impact by working closely, and in tandem with, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and it’s a particular pleasure to work with the Economic Development team led by Hilary Smith on larger public realm projects like our upcoming High Street upgrade. Similarly our partnership and co-ordination with the Visit Tunbridge Wells team, which allows us to maximise our promotional efforts by holistically promoting the town such as the exciting joint campaign to support the Subbuteo world cup that took place in RTW last year. We are also pleased to work with smaller entities like the Civic Society, where we are jointly putting up new heritage plaques. Also with Refresh Tunbridge Wells, who we have worked with to decorate utility boxes in the town, and local landlords Targetfollow to install new festoon lighting for the town.
These projects have been delivered by working together, but we also recognise that sometimes we can leverage our impact even further, and be most effective, by directly supporting another entity. To that end, we are specifically supporting our BID members by helping the following three organisations:
Sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint is something we all need to commit to, and we are proud to be a key supporter of amplifi. This brilliant local initiative, the brainchild of Pete Kenyon at Cripps and Jen Kitchen at Yoyo Design, brings together businesses to work collectively to get to net zero faster. Our collaboration and financial support has helped launch the first year of action which has seen 210 people, from over 180 businesses, commit to making a sustainable difference.
We have collaborated with, and helped fund, Creative TW, a cultural compact part-funded by Arts Council England. Tunbridge Wells has a vibrant community of artists, entrepreneurs, and creative
professionals. Our collaboration will help galvanise the Creative and Cultural employment sectors, thereby supporting employment and growth, as well as helping to sustain the events activity, within the town. We are also aware that supporting our brilliant festivals and events will bring increased visitor footfall and economic value to the town, and make Tunbridge Wells an attractive destination, not only for tourists but also potential new investors, business relocations and residents.
Recognising the success of the existing local loyalty card scheme, we have been proud to support and fund The TN Card, which encourages local residents to support local and frequent the town more, thanks to the discounts and promotion of the great local attractions it offers.
We are always looking for collaboration opportunities that will benefit our BID members, their staff and customers. Please get in touch if you have an idea that might help achieve this at biddirector@rtwtogether.com
There are many projects that we are excited to work on at the BID to help support the businesses of Royal Tunbridge Wells
“YouTube viewers are looking for authenticity and value”
YouTube is a powerful tool for corporate branding and marketing, yet many companies fail to leverage its full potential. The key reason? A lack of understanding about what makes a successful YouTube channel.
It’s not about hosting your corporate videos; it’s about creating engaging, consistent content that aligns with your brand values AND resonates with your audience. Quite a bit easier said than done. Many companies start a YouTube channel because they see successful examples from competitors and other industries. The potential dividends are enticing: rising sales, media exposure for key speakers, a stronger employer brand, and much more. However, the vast majority of businesses abandon their YouTube channels within the first few months due to not seeing a return on investment, which can be substantial. Several factors are at play here:
Anna Shaverdashvili and Greg Shakhanov are co-founders of SHAGRAL Video and Film Production. Anna is the firm’s Executive Producer while Greg is its Director and Cinematographer. Here the media experts, who are also members of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group, discuss why most corporate YouTube channels fail. Read on to find out why… Companies should aim to create content that educates, entertains, and informs, rather than merely pushing products
• Lack of sustainable processes for planned content production, leading to burnout.
The truth is, a YouTube channel is not just an extra responsibility you can lay upon an in-house marketing specialist. It’s not advertising that you can simply buy. What we are talking about is creating a media startup within your company. A YouTube channel is a business within
“ ”
Anna Shaverdashvili
Greg Shakhanov
culture, tutorials related to your industry, or interviews with industry experts.
• Unrealistic expectations in terms of recoupment time frames.
• Underestimation of costs (including time and labor resources, production costs).
• Underestimation of the personal involvement of key decision-makers (primarily in small and medium-sized businesses).
• Excessive focus on the planning and results of the first few videos (usually quite disappointing).
a business, and as such, it must have its own leader, its own strategy, budget, and staff. Otherwise, it risks becoming a very expensive pet project.
Too often, businesses treat their YouTube channel as a mere extension of their website, focusing on self-promotion rather than meaningful interaction. Viewers are looking for authenticity and value, not just advertisements. Companies should aim to create content that educates, entertains, and informs, rather than merely pushing products. This might include behind-the-scenes looks at company
The aim is to deliver value to your audience first, then think about how to integrate the brand. In most successful cases, the promotional aspect becomes almost ambient. It helps to have a consistent host for the channel, because people form relationships with people, not companies. Like any relationship, building trust takes time, but audiences never fail to reward valuable content with loyalty and consistent viewership.
Ultimately, the goal is to build a vibrant community around your brand, not just to accumulate views. By focusing on creating valuable, consistent content and engaging with viewers, businesses can transform a YouTube channel into a powerful marketing tool.
For more information on SHAGRAL visit: www.shagral.com
To discover more about RTWMG visit: www.rtwmg.com
Matthew
Forbes, Director of Forbes Financial
The start of any year is a popular time for us to review our plans and finances. People set New years resolutions but its also the most popular time to seek financial advice, and make investment decisions. But how are people choosing to make those decisions and who is helping them.
We are in a society today where consumers are bombarded by thousands of pieces of information on a daily basis. Legislation changes, movements in financial markets fiscal changes, its constant and life is not going to slow down, as a result it makes for a confusing environment especially when it comes to financial planning and making the right decisions for your future.
I always remind people, “the most expensive thing people are paying for right now is the information they don’t know” and in this fast moving environment, taking real financial advice has never been more important, making an ill informed decision can be costly.
So our top tips to add value for 2025
• Spring clean your spending - work out what you are spending and where. All real financial planning starts by understanding what comes in and what goes out. Understanding exactly where it goes and what is driving your lifestyle choices, is part of the process. Knowing this we can align planning to your cashflow needs and what you say is important to you.
• Assess debt position -you should understand the type of debt you have and have a strategy to try and pay it off. Many people are facing coming off very cheap lending rates onto double this. This can be crippling if you are not prepared. There are strategies and guidance we can give to help with the pain of this transition. Issues like these will not solve themselves, they need to be discussed which will often
have a positive affect on immediate cashflow now and in the future.
Subscriptions – Technology its so easy to download an app but then forget that it renews. We highly recommend a phone cleanse. Doing this each January or every quarter should save you some money and stop you paying money for things you don’t need.
Make the most of allowances
• Do you know how many tax allowances you’re entitled to – Many of us remember to top up our ISAs as much as possible before tax year-end, but there are other, often overlooked allowances and ‘carry forwards’ that can save you money.
• Did you know, for example, that in addition to the £60,000 annual pension allowances (or 100% of your earnings, whichever is lower) on pension payments, HMRC will let you carry forward any unused allowances from the previous three tax years?
• Or that you could gift £3,000 tax free in a single tax year? Or individual tax free gifts up to £250 each too. Any gifts of this nature won’t be counted as part of your estate thus savings valuable IHT.
Check in with a financial adviser -
Checking in with a financial adviser on a regular basis to update them on your situation and also monitor if you are on track, will be hugely beneficial for your long term financial health.
92% of those taking financial advice or guidance said it had improved their mental and financial wellbeing.*
The value of an investment with St. James's Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.
Savings accounts are not available through St. James's Place.
P2 Collective Run Club is an initiative that started courtesy of the Camden Road-based barbers
P2 Salon business in order to build community through connection, cause and running…
The P2 Collective Run Club was founded by Sam Punyer, coowner of P2 Salon and born out of a desire to break the cycle of the ‘typical client-barber relationship’.
By combining the shared interest of running with the chance to create deeper connections, the club has now become a thriving community where clients, friends, and even newcomers can bond over a common goal.
Sam tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine how the club has benefited clients and the Tunbridge Wells community…
“Since last year, the P2 Collective Run Club has welcomed beginners and seasoned runners alike, creating a supportive space where everyone feels part of a team. It’s been amazing to see clients connect in and out of the salon. It pushes people to achieve goals they never thought possible.”
The local business chose to support Movember when they did a run at the end of last year. Here Sam explains the thinking behind this…
“Men’s mental health is a cause close to many of us. A client suggested it, and we were all in. Raising £2,744 has been incredible, knowing we’re helping make a difference for such an important issue.”
Sam hopes to grow the club, collaborate with others, and even tackle events like marathons. “We’re open to working with anyone who wants to join us or support a cause. The possibilities are endless!”
The P2 Collective Run Club proves that running is about more than fitness - it’s about connection, community, and making a difference.
• We hold a WhatsApp group chat to post any news/confirm timings for the set run. Please message our Instagram page to be added in, or simply ask whilst in the salon
• Our runs are always held on the last Sunday of the month and distances can vary depending on what the group wants
• All abilities are welcome: we run in a group and encourage everyone together
• We like to chat and form new friendships
• We also have P2 Run Collective tops in which are available on a made to order basis
CONTACT INFO:
Website: www.thep2collective.co.uk
Instagram: @thep2collective
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Jack Sales isn’t your typical accountant. Tear him away from his daily taxing job and you might find him buckling up to race in his Caterham sports car. Nicola Withers caught up with the entrepreneur to find out more...
Jack, no offence to you and your fellow accountants, but isn’t Caterham racing a bit risky?
That is true, but in my case the racing came first! It started when I was 11, with kart racing. My dad did it when he was younger and now owns a garage, so I grew up surrounded by all things motor and mechanical. As soon as I showed an interest in karts, that was it.
Tell us about your racing history
I started racing in local kart race meetings, then between 13 – 17 years old, I went up to national and international level. I took a couple of years out to do my A-levels but the racing bug hadn’t left me. So when I was 19, I took out a loan and ordered a Caterham – as you do! I knew people who raced Caterhams and thought I’d give it a go. I had a ready-made and keen mechanic in my dad and we raced for 5 years until 2017.
I competed in various categories, winning the Caterham RoadSport Championship in 2014. The top category for my type of Caterham is the 310R but before I got there, in 2018 I did something very grown up and started my own business. I had to park the racing for a few years.
Starting your own business is also not risk-averse. How did you get to that point?
Like many 18 year-olds, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I did my first qualification (the ATT), thinking
At the age of 25, I took the plunge and set up TN Accountancy but a lifelong passion for me has been racing cars. I’ve met some incredible people in both spheres
that might buy me time to pin down a career. It didn’t, so I carried on down the accountancy route. I’m pleased to say it got more interesting the more I learnt! Seven years passed at three different accounting firms in London and Tunbridge Wells. I became Chartered and couldn’t help feeling that I could run a practice better myself (it’s easier from the outside looking in!).
So, at the tender age of 25, I took the
plunge and set up TN Accountancy. It felt like the right time. I was still living at home with few outgoings and I was Chartered, so if it all went wrong…
And things seem to have worked out for you…
Fortunately! I admit I didn’t really have a plan to begin with. I thought I could run some ads and would get enquiries; that I could go networking and get clients etc. Then a strategic plan came together. We’ve grown and are now a team of four, all Chartered and experienced, with a great client base. We have a good mix of private client and personal tax work, mixed with businesses where we’ve become trusted advisors.
Is there time for Caterham racing between empire building?
I got back in to racing and did full seasons in 2022 and 2023, winning the 2023 Caterham 310R championship. I only did a couple of races in 2024 due to getting married, and have recently sold the Caterham as my wife and I are expecting a baby very soon!
Have the racing and accounting works ever collided?
I’ve met some incredible people in both spheres. Racing attracts people from all walks of life and I’ve made some great friends. It’s also been a top source of clients – my car is covered by TN Accountancy logos so I’m hard to miss!
The TN card is the reward scheme that saves locals money at 1000 independents across Tunbridge Wells and the TN postcodes. This month founder Jess Gibson speaks to Ruth Campbell at Aspens Charities about their Pembury site and Bluebell Café, where members receive a complimentary hot drink when spending £5 on food, as a thank you for visiting…
Ruth, Bluebell Café sits at the heart of your Pembury site. Can you tell us more about it?
Yes, The Bluebell Café has been the hub of our beautiful Cornford Lane site for over twenty years. We’re set in idyllic countryside and provide a warm and welcoming place for the people we support, our staff and the community to socialise and connect. We’re open from Monday to Friday and often at weekends over the summer months – and in December when we sell our Christmas trees.
What other events or activities do you put on for friends and visitors?
Aspens’ Bluebell Café runs a range of family-friendly, free or low-cost activities throughout the year during the school holidays - from adventure trails to arts and crafts. The site also has an animal farm, with guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets in our Small Animal Barn and larger animals such as alpacas, donkeys, pigs, ponies, emus and goats in the outside enclosures.
Is everyone welcome to visit?
Yes of course. We encourage people to explore our beautiful, spacious grounds, and we have a buggy-friendly circular woodland walk (in spring the bluebells the café is named after are amazing!) featuring giant musical instruments and our peaceful children’s playground set in the middle of the woods. If you’ve still got energy to burn, there is also an outside gym on site.
Aspens is a charity that provides high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities. Our fantastic Bluebell Café helps support our work
And now can you tell us what does Aspens do?
Aspens is a charity that provides highquality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East. We support children, families and adults across Kent and beyond. Aspens provides over 890,000 hours of support to over 3,000 children, young people, adults and families every year. Providing this vital support costs £58,000 every day. With our funding impacted by rising costs and financial pressures on local authorities, we need support now more than ever. Support provided at our Cornford Lane site includes residential and supported living houses and our Acorns Day Opportunities Centre, where those
attending can take part in a wide range of activities such as art, pottery, cookery, animal care and horticulture.
How can businesses support you?
There is a lot the businesses community can do to support us. You can join our recently launched Corporate Partnership Scheme, enabling your business to directly contribute to our work, while offering exclusive benefits and experiences for your staff and clients to engage with our mission. There are four partnership levels available, each offering a range of opportunities and benefits. We will work closely with you to tailor a package that aligns with your commercial, social and charitable objectives. Aspens partnership opportunities are limited and offer exclusivity within business sectors. Find out more on our website or email us at fundraising@aspens.org.uk
You can visit our Cornford Site and The Bluebell Café throughout the year, and we have donation boxes on site and in the Café, with donations helping us to maintain and care for the site and the animals. We also have a collection point at Cornford Lane for preloved items for our shops and eBay site, and would love clothing, books, toys and homewares which we sell at our charitiy shops and on our eBay and Etsy stores. www.aspens.org.uk
Jess Gibson
For this month’s Community Heroes feature, Sarah Raine talks with Dave Barnett, Founder of Tunbridge Wells Events. Here he reveals why he considers this labour of love his gift to the town…
For those who don’t know you, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I have lived in Tunbridge Wells with my wife Elaine since 1973. We have three children who are now grown up and I worked for the National Provident Institution (NPI), a life assurance and pensions company, which at the time was one of the town’s biggest employers, for 30 years. In 2003 I decided to run my own business as a web developer and database specialist.
Dave, tell us about how you went on to create Tunbridge Wells Events?
It all started on a Wednesday morning in September 2009. I was part of ‘Twuttle’ - a local community group of creative, techy types with the aim of collaborating and sharing ideas. We met every Wednesday and, amongst other things, discussed the emerging worlds of websites, Twitter and other social media platforms. We were discussing how hard it was to find out what was going on in Tunbridge Wells, by the next day I had registered a domain name, created a website with a few key events listed and I haven’t stopped since!
Fast forward to 2025, and you list thousands of events. How did you grow the website and social media platforms?
I think the success of the website is down to the fact I knew it had to constantly evolve. I built it using a mySQL database in PHP, and I still make changes as needed or if a new idea comes up. In 2012 I created a function where every entry had to have either a logo or photo accompanying it. It has become more intuitive, you can now search by date, event type and venue and even filter for town centre only.
Twitter (now X) was a huge growth area for the business and for several
“Over the past two years, I have also been a collaborative partner with RTW Together BID, supplying the events data for the quarterly RTW Guides, which has been a real pleasure
Why do you think Tunbridge Wells Events has been so popular?
As someone who worked in a customerfacing world, I have tried to ensure that the look, tone and feel of the website and social media is open and friendly. I have always actively engaged with people that interact with Tunbridge Wells Events.
Many people won’t know that you have done this for the community, free of charge, for 15 years - did ever consider making it a profitable business?
years I had the biggest Twitter account in Tunbridge Wells, with over 12,000 followers. Some of my long-standing supporters would also say my passionespecially my ongoing love of a Tunbridge Wells Events T-shirt - has probably helped brand recognition too!
Over the past two years, I have also been a collaborative partner with RTW Together BID, supplying the events data for the quarterly RTW Guides, which has been a real pleasure. The new RTW Love Local App was also kickstarted with data I provided, and now the venues are uploading their own events and offers which is fantastic.
I always say about Tunbridge Wells Events that “I do the search so you don’t have to”.
I never had an expectation that it would be profitable, this was very much a hobby, albeit a time-consuming one! I made sure the direct costs were covered through a limited use of adverts, because who wants to look at adverts. Colleagues suggested I should franchise the technology to other towns, but whilst the digital offering was sound, the site’s success relied on a constant feed of content, which would cost significant money in work hours, and what sort of idiot would volunteer to do it (apart from me!)
In all seriousness, I work on this most days, it may only be for an hour or two, but it keeps me mentally active and I love the programming side of it.
I genuinely see Tunbridge Wells Events as my gift back to the town. I have made great connections within our events community, and am in admiration of the quality of the performances they all deliver.
MORE INFO ON TUNBRIDGE WELLS EVENTS:
Web: www.tunbridgewellsevents.co.uk
Socials: @tunbridgewellsevents on Instagram or @tw_events on X
As small business owners and entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves caught in the grind. Early mornings, late nights, endless to-do lists – all in pursuit of achieving our goals and earning the money we need to live the life we desire. Somewhere along the way, a toxic belief has crept into the mindset of so many: the idea that we must suffer to succeed.
Let me be very clear – money is not an exchange for suffering. Success doesn’t have to be about pain, sacrifice, or endlessly pushing yourself beyond the limits of what’s healthy. In fact, the most sustainable success is built on a foundation of joy, balance, and selffulfilment.
Yet, many of us buy into the myth that struggle equals worthiness. We wear exhaustion like a badge of honour, equating busyness with importance. But the truth is, this mindset only serves to burn us out, robbing us of the happiness we deserve – the very happiness we’re working so hard to create.
stop waiting for happiness to arrive when you hit the next milestone
The idea that you must suffer in order to earn money or achieve your goals is rooted in fear. Fear of not being good enough, fear of being judged, fear of failure. But when you step back and look at your journey, ask yourself: “Am I building a business that adds to my happiness or drains it? Am I creating a life that feels good or one that just looks good on paper?”
What if, instead, you gave yourself permission to be happy now? What if you allowed yourself to enjoy the process of building your dream without constantly sacrificing your peace of mind? Happiness doesn’t have to come at the end of the road – it can and should be part of the journey.
Start by rethinking your relationship with money. Money is a tool, a resource that helps you create opportunities, security, and freedom. It’s not a measure
of your worth, nor does it require you to pay for it with suffering. You can build wealth without compromising your joy, health, or personal values.
Take a moment to reflect on what truly makes you happy in your business. Maybe it’s connecting with your clients, working on creative projects, or having the flexibility to spend time with your family. Make space for those moments and let them remind you why you started this journey in the first place. Success doesn’t just mean reaching financial goals; it means feeling fulfilled while doing it.
Giving yourself permission to be happy isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When you prioritise your happiness, you’ll not only perform better in your business, but you’ll also inspire those around you to
do the same. A thriving business built on a foundation of happiness is far more rewarding than one built on burnout. So, to my fellow business owners and entrepreneurs: stop waiting for happiness to arrive when you hit the next milestone. Choose it now. Give yourself permission to enjoy the ride. After all, isn’t that why we started in the first place?
jemma@jemcoaching.com
https://www.jem-coaching.thementalwellbeingcompany.com
27th February 2025 10.00am - 2.00pm Town Hall, Civic Way, TN1 1AL
Rachel Bailey, Headmistress
of the renowned girls-only Benenden School, argues that single sex schools are vital for the UK education system
While coeducational schools are becoming more common - and, I would argue this is largely for economic reasons - here in Kent we are fortunate to have a good choice of excellent single sex schools available to us, both in the independent and state sector. A good deal of research highlights that single sex education for girls is particularly beneficial on a wide range of measures.
“Girls’
independent schools buck the national trend for teenage girls dropping out of sport and this is largely due to the supportive community that all-girls' schools offer without gender-based barriers”
It's proven that students in all-girls schools achieve higher academic results compared to their peers in co-educational schools and that girls in single sex schools are more likely to take advanced courses in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) - for example, they are as much as three times as likely to take Further Maths.
We know too that girls in single sex environments are also more likely to
speak up in class and participate in discussions during lessons, take risks in their learning and develop strong public speaking skills. Without the social pressure that sometimes exists in co-educational settings where boys typically dominate teachers’ attention, they feel more comfortable to express themselves without fear of judgement and set themselves more ambitious goals for their future.
In girls’ schools the leadership opportunities and number of female role models are enormous, empowering young women to go out into the world expecting to be heard and knowing they have every right to become leaders. They are free of the gender stereotypes that can influence academic and cocurricular choices and studies show they are more likely to pursue careers in male-
dominated fields like finance, engineering and technology.
Indeed girls’ independent schools buck the national trend for teenage girls dropping out of sport and this is largely due to the supportive community that allgirls' schools offer without gender-based barriers which often lead to heightened self-consciousness and reduced selfbelief.
And the idea that girls at single sex schools don't know how to interact with the opposite sex is laughable! In reality there are plenty of opportunities to interact with boys - through continual academic, co-curricular and social events (at Benenden we work with Tonbridge School on an almost weekly basis where many of our pupils’ brothers are educated) and of course, simply existing in the real world. If anything they often develop stronger communication skills because their environment has encouraged them to speak up and lead without hesitation. So please be reassured that single sex schools are here to stay!
Mike Martin MP, Headteachers and Detective Inspector Chris Mayers have come together in a new partnership to enhance community ties and continue fostering a safe environment for Tunbridge Wells.
A number of schools are involved in this initiative including St Gregory’s Catholic School, The Skinners’ School, Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School, Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Skinners’ Kent Academy, Two Bridges and Meadows School.
The school, in its mission to ensure that ‘every pupil is known and loved’, has created a warm and welcoming environment... Teachers get to know pupils well, and they have high ambitions for their success.
Ofsted 2024
An inclusive and caring co-educational school, St Gregory’s welcomes families from all faiths and none.
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Ranked as one of the top non-selective schools in Kent, our unwavering expectations for excellence creates an environment where all students can flourish and excel.
v
Our commitment to truly knowing and loving every child means, right across the ability range, all students are motivated to strive and to succeed.
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An inclusive programme of enrichment ensures students have the opportunities they need to become well-rounded individuals and the very best version of themselves.
Digital entrepreneur Helen Williams reveals more about her new online courses designed to help you show up, stand out and sell…
Are you putting in the effort on social media but not seeing results? Struggling to attract the right clients, grow your audience, or turn your content into sales?
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For women in our local town aspiring to become financially independent through their own small businesses, the right than just beneficial - it's crucial. As a business coach and Mentor dedicated to helping creative people grow and scale online, I've seen firsthand how a positive mindset can transform entrepreneurial journeys.
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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.
A growth mindset fosters resilience, which is essential for navigating the ups running a business. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, people with a growth them as learning opportunities. This perspective allows them to recover from quickly and move forward with renewed energy and insight.
addition, the right mindset fuels motivation and consistency. Running a business demands elentless 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.
In addition, the right mindset fuels motivation and consistency. Running a business relentless effort and perseverance. By maintaining a positive, proactive attitude, sustain your drive even when faced with obstacles or routine tasks. Focusing goals and celebrating small victories along the way helps keep your momentum
onfidence 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.
Confidence is another critical aspect of mindset. Believing in your abilities empowers take risks, make bold decisions, and present yourself authentically to clients This self-assurance not only boosts your performance but also attracts potential collaboration opportunities.
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, cultivating the right mindset is essential. s 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
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. will take you to my Instagram account. DM me there to book your call!
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, cultivating the right mindset s a local business coach, I'm here to help you build resilience, motivation, well as introducing proven strategies to grow your business in a way that fits your values.
Book a free introductory call with me today to see how we can work together business and leverage your social media presence.
The QR Code above will take you to my Instagram account. DM me there to
“We believe great recruitment is a collaboration”
In his
column
this month Neil Simmons of TN Recruits advises you
how to get the best out of
the recruitment consultant you partner with
Partnering with a recruitment consultancy can be a gamechanger for your business, saving you time and money, reducing hiring risks, and connecting you with top talent. But to truly maximise the value of this partnership, it’s important to approach it strategically. Here’s how to get the best out of your recruitment consultant:
1. Be Clear About Your Requirements
The more specific you are about the role, the better the outcome. Share details about the job responsibilities, required skills, company culture, and even the type of personality that would thrive in your team. This helps the agency target candidates who aren’t just qualified on paper but are a strong cultural fit.
2. Treat Your Recruiter as a Partner, Not Just a Supplier
Everyone negotiates for the best deal with suppliers—we do too. However, squeezing your recruitment consultant to lower their rate may offer a short-term win but can hurt in the long run. Consultants juggle multiple clients, prioritising those who show commitment and offer fair compensation. A strong recruitment partnership relies on open communication and trust. Keep your recruiter informed about any
A strong recruitment partnership relies on open communication and trust
changes to the role or hiring process and provide timely feedback on CVs and interviews. This helps them refine their search and deliver better candidates, faster.
3. Be Transparent About Salary and Benefits
In today’s competitive job market, transparency around salary expectations, benefits, and career progression opportunities helps attract the right candidates. Your recruiter can guide you on market rates to ensure your offer is competitive.
4. Act Quickly When You See Talent
Top candidates are often off the market within days. If your recruiter presents someone who ticks all the boxes, move quickly with interviews and decisions to secure them before your competitors do.
5. Provide Constructive Feedback
Whether a candidate is successful or not, detailed feedback helps your recruiter understand your preferences better. This continuous learning loop improves the quality of candidates over time.
6. Build a Long-Term Relationship
The best results come from recruitment consultants that truly understand your business. By developing an ongoing partnership, your recruiter becomes an extension of your brand, representing you authentically in the talent market.
At TN Recruits, we believe great recruitment is a collaboration. By working closely with your recruiter, you’ll not only fill roles more effectively but also find talent that drives long-term business growth.
GET IN TOUCH WITH TN RECRUITS: Call: 01892 571105
Email: info@tnrecruits.com Website: www.tnrecruits.com
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By managing supply and employer administration, we free your business to focus on core operations while ensuring staffing needs are efficiently handled.
TRIAL FOR PERMANENT ROLES
Temporary staffing offers a “try-beforeyou-buy” opportunity, helping businesses assess skills and cultural fit before making permanent hires.
We can supply suitable candidates swiftly, minimizing disruption to operations during urgent staffing needs.
SUPPORT DURING CHANGE
Temporary staff provide agility during restructuring, mergers, or expansions, ensuring smooth transitions without overburdening existing teams.
Temporary staffing isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s a strategic tool for flexibility, cost savings, and access to top talent. Let us help your business focus on what it does best while expertly managing your workforce needs.
BUT, DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...
In the words of a recent client : Using you temporary service has been a gamechanger for our business. This is what they said “ your ability to provide skilled, pre-vetted temporary staff at short notice has been invaluable during our busiest periods. The candidates supplied are professional, adaptable, and seamlessly integrate with our team. The hasslefree service, from sourcing to payroll management, has saved us both time and money. Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to maintain operations without disruption and even identified exceptional talent for permanent roles. I couldn’t recommend you more highly!"
Tel: 01892 611811 (24 Hours) information@testerandjones.co.uk | www.testerandjones.co.uk
Tel: 01892 611811 (24 Hours)
information@testerandjones.co.uk | www.testerandjones.co.uk
• Your local independent funeral director – Supporting families in Crowborough and its surrounding villages for 20 years.
• Your local independent funeral director – Supporting families in Crowborough and its surrounding villages for 20 years.
• We are proud and active members of SAIF, the association for independent funeral directors.
• We are proud and active members of SAIF, the association for independent funeral directors.
• We can take your call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From the first phone call to after the funeral service, we will be by your side.
• We can take your call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From the first phone call to after the funeral service, we will be by your side.
• We offer funerals to suit every budget including direct cremations.
• We offer funerals to suit every budget including direct cremations.
• We adhere to SAIF’s strict Code of Practice – so you can always be sure of our care and professionalism.
• We adhere to SAIF’s strict Code of Practice – so you can always be sure of our care and professionalism.
• After a funeral has taken place, our families benefit from our friendly and dedicated Bereavement Group, and free bereavement support through SAIF Care if required.
• After a funeral has taken place, our families benefit from our friendly and dedicated Bereavement Group, and free bereavement support through SAIF Care if required.
Tester & Jones, London Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TT
Tester & Jones, London Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TT
Tel: 01892 611811 (24 Hours)
information@testerandjones.co.uk | www.testerandjones.co.uk
• Your local independent funeral director – Supporting families in Crowborough and its surrounding villages for 20 years.
• We are proud and active members of SAIF, the association for independent funeral directors.
• We can take your call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From the first phone call to after the funeral service, we will be by your side.
• We offer funerals to suit every budget including direct cremations.
• We adhere to SAIF’s strict Code of Practice – so you can always be sure of our care and professionalism.
• After a funeral has taken place, our families benefit from our friendly and dedicated Bereavement Group, and free bereavement support through SAIF Care if required.
& Jones, London Road, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2TT
Founder of TN Lettings, Becky Moran, offers her thoughts on the emerging stronger market for luxury properties in Tunbridge Wells - and advises how a letting agent can help
High-end lettings are larger, luxurious homes with superior features, such as a pool, gym or outdoor kitchen for entertaining family and guests.
Tunbridge Wells and the local area has a high number of these top-specification homes, which appear on the rental market for many reasons.
Whatever the circumstances, two things are certain: demand for top-spec rental homes in and around Tunbridge Wells continues to grow, and the needs of landlords emphasises the value of using an experienced local letting agent.
For homeowners who are looking to rent, here’s a roundup of the benefits of using a local letting agent for high-end properties:
Letting agents bring a wealth of professional expertise. High-end properties require a nuanced understanding of the luxury market, including tenant expectations, property presentation, and pricing. Experienced agents provide accurate market appraisals, so a property is competitively priced, attracting the right tenants while maximising income.
From professional photography and video tours to compelling property descriptions, letting agents are skilled in marketing high-end homes, showcasing a property’s unique features to discerning tenants.
Managing a high-end home can be timeintensive. From marketing and viewings to tenant communication and maintenance coordination, the demands on a landlord quickly grow. A letting agent frees up the landlord’s time.
A letting agent can access their extensive network of potential tenants. They also have relationships with relocation companies, corporate clients, and international networks, ensuring your property is exposed to a global audience.
Letting agents stay up to date with the latest legislation, making sure your property complies with all legal obligations. They prepare comprehensive
tenancy agreements, safeguarding your interests and minimising the risk of disputes. By trusting these responsibilities to a professional, landlords avoid costly mistakes.
Finding the right quality tenant is critical, especially in the high-end market. Letting agents conduct rigorous screening to ensure tenants are reliable, financially stable, and respectful of the property. This process includes credit checks, employment and income verification, and references from previous landlords. High-end letting agents also have the experience and insight to identify the most appropriate tenant.
Growing demand for high-end rental properties in Tunbridge Wells
Whether you’re letting your high-end property in Tunbridge Wells for the first time, or looking to optimise your current rental strategy, a local independent letting agent can provide the support and guidance you need to succeed.
www.tnlettings.co.uk
At Abode Well, we specialise in crafting bespoke outdoor spaces that elevate your lifestyle. From luxurious container pools and stylish pergolas to our Qube saunas and custom outdoor kitchens, we bring modern sophistication and sustainable innovation to every project. Whether you’re entertaining guests or seeking a serene retreat, we turn your outdoor vision into reality with unmatched attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Our bespoke outdoor kitchens, thoughtfully designed spaces, and elegant pergolas are crafted to elevate every aspect of outdoor living. Whether you’re creating a sleek entertaining hub or a tranquil retreat, our designs seamlessly blend style and functionality to suit your needs.
From state-of-the-art cooking utilities and durable finishes in our kitchens to the shaded sophistication of our pergolas, every element is tailored to enhance your lifestyle. Together, they transform your garden into a versatile space for dining, relaxing, and entertaining— all with the timeless charm and quality that Abode Well is known for.
Our CUBE pools, QUBE & QUBit saunas are standout features that can transform any outdoor space into a luxurious haven. The CUBE pools, upcycled from 1 trip shipping containers, offer sleek, modern design with integrated heating, lighting, and filtration systems for year-round enjoyment. Meanwhile, our QUBE saunas provide a spa-like experience, combining premium materials with customisable, energy-efficient options. Whether enjoyed individually or together, these innovations bring a perfect balance of relaxation, style, and ecoconscious design to your garden.
In her column for this month Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential explains how you can lure the lucrative London buyer to consider buying your home…
Tunbridge Wells has for some time now been a popular destination for the London buyer, seeking a balance between suburban tranquillity and easy access to the capital in more affordable homes.
The reasons for its popularity are plentiful. There are excellent transport links, with direct trains to London, the wider road network and the M25 close at hand, and the continent within easy striking distance. Its primary and secondary school provision is first class, with a coveted grammar school system and other popular state and independent options.
“A London buyer will only commit once they have completed extensive research to understand the local market”
making a large purchase decision, a London buyer will only commit once they have completed extensive research to understand the local market. Equally, they tend to be drawn to certain areas of the town, only moving to the more affordable but arguably better value areas once they have lived in the town for a few years, and want the practicalities of offroad parking and a larger garden.
We sell many, many properties to London buyers, helped through our affiliation with The Mayfair Office. So if your house could attract these buyers, how do you maximise its appeal?
Firstly, make sure that the décor is very much ‘on trend’, and that the accommodation ticks their important boxes, with a large entertaining kitchen and a strong master bedroom suite.
The leafy parks such as The Grove, Dunorlan Park and Calverley Grounds, offer green spaces where families can relax in truly beautiful surroundings. Additionally, the town’s proximity to the countryside and areas of outstanding natural beauty, like the High Weald, as well as the coast, provide a perfect backdrop for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. The architecture is gorgeous, with
Georgian and Victorian buildings, picturesque streets, and independent boutiques creating a village-like community. Cultural amenities such as theatres and galleries, with their varied programme of events, create a strong sense of community.
So understandably, many sellers hope that their house will attract a London buyer, in the belief that this coveted purchaser will sell their small flat in the capital and arrive with armfuls of cash ready to splurge on their new home.
Our town certainly presents better value than the capital, but just like anyone
Chose an agent who will be able to guide your potential purchaser on where to head for the best coffee, explain the local schooling system, and reassure them on the pricing of your property.
London buyers predominately find their next home on Rightmove and the other property portals, so make sure the photography to showcase your house is first class, and the words target the search needs of this group. With the right agent and a product that appeals, you too could attract a London buyer, just as I was many years ago.
www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk
The spring property market is traditionally one of the busiest of the year. With Stamp Duty Land Tax due to go up in April, there will be an extra impetus this year to complete deals before this deadline. As head of Thackray Williams' Real Estate sector, Vikki Herbert explores what impact this is likely to have on the property market of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas.
What are the tax changes?
From 1 April 2025, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) rates will undergo significant changes. The nil-rate threshold will decrease from £250,000 to its previous level of £125,000, with a new rate of 2% being payable on that part of the purchase price that is between £125,001 and £250,000. If you are buying a second dwelling the rate will be even higher.
For first-time buyers, the threshold for relief will drop from £425,000 to £300,000. These changes could result in substantial increases in SDLT, particularly for highervalue properties and first-time buyers.
Can you realistically expect to beat the SDLT increase?
To beat the SDLT increase, transactions should ideally be underway already. If you're just entering the market or beginning your property search, you'll need to move swiftly and remain flexible. For instance, if you're selling a property and want to secure a buyer who may struggle to pay the price you are looking for after the SDLT increase comes into effect, you might want to consider moving into rented accommodation to finalise the deal in time.
How to be as prepared as possible
You should instruct your solicitor as early as possible once your property is on the market or you are looking to buy, so that the initial paperwork can be prepared in good time.
If you are a buyer: Ensure you have all the documentation you need, such as source of funds information, identification papers, mortgage offer and any gift information.
If you are a seller: Ensure that you have completed all property information forms, obtained a freeholder management pack (if necessary) and, if your property is a flat
MEET THE EXPERT:
Vikki Herbert is an
Equity Partner and Board Member at Thackray Williams,
overseeing the firm's Real Estate departments, and is a recognised expert in enfranchisement and leasehold
in a building over 5 storeys, that you have served a leaseholder certificate on your freeholder.
It’s also important to note that the longer your property chain, the more complex the process becomes, reducing the likelihood of completing ahead of 1 April. The logistics of waiting for searches, mortgage offers, and other due diligence when buying or selling your largest asset means that, despite the best intentions, few new deals will complete before the deadline.
What impact will this have on the Tunbridge Wells property market?
The spring property market, which now begins in January, always sees increased activity. We anticipate this will be heightened this year by buyers keen to take advantage of the narrow window before the SDLT increase. However, due to the complexities involved in property transactions, many deals may not complete in time.
The question then becomes whether these deals will fall apart if they haven't completed by the April deadline?
The good news is that this is
law. With over a decade of experience, she has been instrumental in driving the team's growth and success, as reflected in the firm's prestigious rankings in Chambers and Legal 500.
unlikely. The Tunbridge Wells property market is robust and exists in its own micro-economic bubble. The town's attractiveness and excellent schools ensure strong demand for property, even when it's waning elsewhere.
We may see some harder bargaining on the peripheries, such as stronger negotiations over reductions for necessary remedial works. This could help buyers who are already stretched to secure their desired home and prevent complicated chains from unravelling. However, given the strong demand and competitive nature of the Tunbridge Wells market, we don't expect a cascade of deals falling apart if they aren't completed by 1 April.
In conclusion, while there may be strong pressure from buyers to complete before facing a higher tax bill, if you're selling your property, you should remain confident. The robust Tunbridge Wells market means you're unlikely to lose your sale if it's not possible to finalise all aspects by the deadline. The town's enduring appeal and competitive property landscape should provide reassurance to both buyers and sellers navigating these changes in the coming months.
Scan the QR Code to visit the Thackray Williams Website.
From a sustainability perspective, the house works like a dream. Earth is a good insulator. The array of solar panels doubles up as a canopy preventing summer overheating and the winter gardens facilitate the flow of natural air through the building.
In our profession much is made of loud signature buildings that cry out for attention but I would like to raise the flag for quietude. Architecture that does not clamour for attention but rather sits quietly and anonymously in its setting, respecting nature and in harmony with the environment.
Tara de Linde is Director at Atelier de Linde Ltd. Here the talented
and highly experienced architect reflects on a recent project that set her and her team an unusual yet enjoyable challenge to create a home hidden from view – but one that boasted the most fantastic vistas
On rare occasions in an architect’s career, one receives that most paradoxical of commissions: to design a building that cannot be seen. Whilst this may sound like a nonstarter, in practice it presents a golden opportunity.
The first such commission I undertook was just outside Bath. At the time, I was working as an architectural assistant for a small practice in Bristol and our clients, Prior Park College, were seeking an architect who could respond to a rather peculiar brief.
Prior Park is a magnificent Grade I, listed Neo-Palladian villa perched on the crest of 28 acres of National Trust park land with magnificent views across the city of Bath below. The parkland, designed by the poet Alexander Pope, drops down steeply from the villa into a broad scoop of a valley and is peppered with ‘folly’ features such as the acclaimed Palladian Bridge, a Gothic temple and a grotto.
The Villa – now a private college – was expanding and needed a new day house but one that would not detract from the C18th stage set. The obvious solution therefore was to embed it into the steep
A bird’s eye view would give more away, revealing three long rectangular lightwells which upon closer inspection are flanked by a series of internal openable glass screens.
Though hidden underground, every room in the house opens to the outside, fresh air and light ” “
hillside, out of sight. It sits there today, quietly and unassumingly, nestled among series of terraces.
Fast forward a couple of decades and flutter over to East Sussex, settling over an inconspicuous parcel of land just west of Wadhurst. An abandoned tennis court sits in the twilight zone between the last house along Mayfield Road and an ancient woodland. This time, the brief for a hidden gem was determined not so much by the client but rather by planning policy. Excitedly, I started scribbling ideas down on the back of an envelope to create Westerleigh, an expansive family home entirely hidden from view. Emerging through a cluster of trees onto the new site, there is little to see. Visible in the distance, a low lying bank of solar panels reflects the sky above and on either side of the clearing the ground imperceptibly folds away into the earth. A series of glass balustrades (Building Control compliance) though betrays a more sophisticated intervention.
And here begins the magic of unravelling the paradox. Though hidden underground, every room in the house opens to the outside, fresh air and light. Four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, give onto the private winter garden, whilst the triple-aspect kitchen/ dining area is flanked by views out to the north/west and to the more social winter garden to the south. In summer glass doors to the inner gardens can be opened dissolving the inside/outside thresholds. From a sustainability perspective, the house works like a dream. Earth is a good insulator. The array of solar panels doubles up as a canopy preventing summer overheating and the winter gardens facilitate the flow of natural air through the building.
In our profession much is made of loud signature buildings that cry out for attention but I would like to raise the flag for quietude. Architecture that does not clamour for kudos but rather sits quietly and anonymously in its setting, respecting nature and in harmony with the environment. Diana’s Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park epitomises such an ethos. One stumbles upon the feature as it glides playfully through the trees. People interact with it as naturally as one would with a stream. Topography, scale, materials and sound all converse as the water ebbs and flows across different textures. It is fun, peaceful, beautiful. A still small voice of calm.
Atelier de Linde Ltd
78 St John’s Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9PH
Website: www.atelierdelinde.co.uk
Email: tara@atelierdelinde.com
Tel: 07973 628 095
Why chef and entrepreneur Daniel Hatton is so buoyant about his business
Escape to the country
Events expert Samantha Gourd tells us about her new Country Space venture
Face value
Aesthetician Maryna Cole reveals details of her new clinic in Tunbridge Wells Noble endeavour
How a charity climb up Mount Kilimanjaro launched a special gift company
TN1 Bar & Kitchen is situated in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, and is a very popular modern, spacious restaurant with a lively bar. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine catches up with Murat, Tess and Lukas, owners of this award-winning, family-run restaurant as they celebrate entering their fifth year of trading.
In a nutshell, why do you think TN1 Bar & Kitchen has been so successful?
Tess: TN1 Bar & Kitchen pride ourselves on our friendly welcome, independent vibe and our diverse menu, we try to cater for all tastes. We know customers love our Sunday roasts, our weekly specials and our breakfasts, lunch and dinner menus are all very popular. Our customers are great which makes our job a lot easier, we have lots of repeat guests, as well as tourists and theatre goers. We made the decision to open seven days a week because we wanted our customers to know we are always available – whether it’s for a quick coffee stop or a special celebration. We have also become renowned for our live music; every week Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and we like to think we get the balance right between a relaxed, music ambience and not drowning out people’s conversations.
Customer service is critical to a successful restaurant, what is the magic formula?
Murat: I think a lot of our success is down to our personal service, we get directly involved in the operation of the restaurant, we don’t just leave it to the team. The conversations we have with customers are one of the most important ways we get feedback. It is lovely to hear how the surprise birthday cake we arranged, the warm welcome we give returning customers or how we catered for an unexpected dietary issue can make a difference to our customers’ experience.
What I love is the diversity we have achieved on our menu. The team are true foodies and we strive for the very best “ ”
You will often see Tess and I as part of the front of house team and Lukas oversees the kitchen team. Receiving both a Diner’s Choice award from Open Table and a Recommended award from Restaurant Guru in 2024, as well as being a finalist in the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards, gives us so much pride in what we have achieved.
Lukas, as Executive Chef, which one dish would you recommend on the menu?
Lukas: There isn’t one specific dish that I could pick! What I love is the diversity we have achieved on our menu. The team are true foodies, we strive for the very best in what we produce and we all love travelling and visiting other restaurants to find new ideas. With eight different chefs all bringing their own twist to specific dishes, I love that our menu represents different cultures. We work hard to source ingredients from the very best local suppliers, and whilst the increase in food costs have had an impact on us, we try to ensure we still give great value for money in our menu choices.
You have built a reputation as being dog friendly, with Dave often the star of the restaurant. What else would you say is special about TN1 Bar & Kitchen?
Tess: Dave is a huge hit with our customers, I think for some he is the
reason they visit so regularly! We wanted to be completely accessible to all, so as well as being dog friendly, we designed the restaurant to be wheelchair accessible and buggy friendly. We try not to hurry people, we try not to flip tables as we want our customers to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried experience.
I think we are really flexible too, we work with the local theatres to provide pre- and post-performance drinks and dinners, we welcome people to plug in their laptops and work over a coffee or lunch, and we host regular groups including the U3A, church groups, mum and baby groups and book clubs.
We are also mindful of the current climate limiting household spend for a lot of people, and so we offer affordable deals throughout the week so people can still take that much needed time out with friends or family.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting up a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells?
Murat: My biggest advice is to make sure you know what you stand for from the beginning. We knew, before we opened the doors, the type of restaurant we wanted to be and the values we want to adhere to. You are never the finished article, so take the constructive feedback with the praise, we personally respond to constructive feedback and learn from it.
Also, don’t be afraid to grow and change. A couple of years ago the opportunity came up for us to join forces with Lukas and run The Pantiles Bar & Café, it’s a different space, located in the heart of the historical centre of Tunbridge Wells, with a huge tourist market.
To book a table or find out more, please call 01892 513900 or visit www.tn1barkitchen.co.uk
“We’re really passionate about what we do”
Since Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a raft of new taxes for the hospitality industry at her first budget last October it’s fair to say the majority of businesses in this sector have been highly critical. Higher National Insurance contributions, increased National Minimum Wages and additional Business Rates have left many restaurateurs, café owners and publicans reeling.
And while the news is obviously negative for the industry, Daniel Hatton, proprietor of three local hospitality ventures: Hattons on The Pantiles, The Deer Park café in Eridge and Hattons Events, remains very upbeat.
“What I have always said is let’s not try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to doing what we do. Just cook good food and give people what they want,” he states when we meet for coffee at Hattons – which I am pleased to report is buzzing with customers on a chilly winter’s morning.
“I love running cafés. Whether you are serving a bacon sandwich or a slice of cake if you do it properly then you’ll succeed. We have all types of clients coming both here and to The Deer Park in Eridge. We’re constantly busy because we have the formula right for what we’re doing.”
That, Daniel explains, is to provide customers with the best quality seasonal produce at a price that is affordable.
“We’re in a good place right now,” he continues. “As a company we are reinvesting again and we’re negotiating on another ten-year lease for Hattons so we’re really looking forward to another decade here on The Pantiles.
“The Deer Park is going from strength to strength and last month we officially opened our new production kitchen in Mark Cross which is going to be a game changer as it’s where we will be able to produce all the food for both our cafés
Chef and hospitality entrepreneur Daniel Hatton sits down with Eileen Leahy to tell her why he’s so positive about where his business, which includes his eponymously named Pantiles café, a private dining operation and The Deer Park in Eridge is heading right now…
and also for our private dining business Hattons Events.”
The latter is where it all started for Daniel after he swapped long and stressful hours (and a Michelin star) for a more relaxed pace of business after the birth of his son Elliott.
The private dining events he puts on with his team along with his wife Lisa, who is an integral part of the business, have proved to be an enormously successful.
“Hattons Events is what drives all the other areas of our business. We can do private suppers, weddings and big birthdays. This runs through the veins of everything else we do. It is a real honour to be in people’s homes and cater for them. And we always create a bespoke menu too – there’s never a Menu A, B or C.”
Most recently Hattons has become one of the exclusive catering partners at LIMEKILN, a chic, newly established private events space in Eridge.
“That’s very exciting as it will open up a whole new audience for us. We are committed to LIMEKILN and their stunning operation but not committed to doing an event each week. We are passionate about each event but will not take on more than we can comfortably handle.”
The new unit at Mark Cross will help with this new partnership given the amount of space Daniel and team now
by
have to play with.
“The new unit has got big walk-in fridges, ovens and a dedicated bakery which will also allow us to bring a lot more products in-house. So we’re really excited about that. It’s going to be epic and shows us that the industry is not dead yet.”
Dan then adds that he couldn’t be prouder of the Hattons team, which totals 34 now.
“We have some amazing chefs who are cooking some really incredible food –most of which is sourced locally. I think the customer wants good service and confidence when they go out to eat and it has to be good value – whether that’s a £2 croissant or a £20 lunch.”
As well as all of the above, Daniel tells me that their specially themed Supper Clubs are going from strength to strength as our the meal boxes they launched during lockdown.
“We are now looking at going nationwide in the near future with our Hattons meal boxes thanks to our new Mark Cross operation.”
“
With our new production site opening in Mark Cross that gives us a lot more scope to do more. We’ll have a dedicated bakery and the opportunity to roll out our Hattons Boxes nationwide
”
Daniel adds that courtesy of the new production site opening, it gives the team lot more scope to do more. “We have done Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s over the past few years but that is going to grow. We’re now looking to offer breakfast, Easter and Mother’s Day boxes as well as special brownie and macaron ones too. The aim is to ship
them all over the UK.
“We are still such a young, passionate company and have a desire to do more. We want to have more sites and are looking to expand further towards Sussex and the coast. I’m pleased to say that it’s all looking massively positive from our point of view.”
GET IN TOUCH:
Website: www.hattonsrtwstore.co.uk
Instagram: @hattonsofroyaltunbridgewells @thedeerparkcafeeridge @hattonsevents
In a wine rut? Then it’s time to reboot and think outside the (wine) box, says Drinks Editor James Viner. Give these six joyful offerings from uncommon grape varieties a try…
Last month I felt a surge of adventure and decided to step away from my usual favourites, like Cabernet Sauvignon—the world’s most widely cultivated red wine grape – and Pinot Noir. Press tastings got underway speedily and I came across six swiggable and affordable red wines made from lesser-known, oddball, autochthonous varieties in more esoteric wine regions.
Off-piste wine drinking has never been easier with a noticeable ongoing fashion for indigenous grape varieties (hello specialist premium Greek produce importer Maltby & Greek). This month I’ve chosen six quirky charmers that will excite any palate. And the best part? Four can be snagged on the high street for under £9! Try these…
1. 2022 BODACIOUS TEJO, Portugal (£7.47, Asda, 13%)
Punching above its weight, this dynamic blend comes from central-southern Portugal, just inland from Lisbon. Mostly Aragonez (Tempranillo) and Castelão, with a good dollop of Petit Verdot and Touriga Nacional, it oozes fat, bold red fruit with a satisfyingly long finish, all underpinned by a fine gauze of ripe tannins and a kiss of oak. Fruit quality is exemplary—a bargainous high-street cracker.
2. 2023 M&S FOUND REFOSCO, DOMUS VINI, Veneto, Italy (£8, Marks & Spencer & Ocado, 13%)
Marks & Spencer’s successful ‘Found’ range showcases unique native grape varieties and unusual regions at very reasonable prices. There are many gems. One standout is this tangy, crunchy, unoaked, refreshing Refosco from northeastern Italy, with scents of herbs, red fruits and undergrowth. Terrific value.
3. 2022 JOÃO PORTUGAL RAMOS ALICANTE BOUSCHET, Alentejo, Portugal (£8.95, Co-op, 13%)
Deliciously fruity, unoaked red from southern Portugal’s Alentejo, bursting with crowd-pleasing bright, strawberry, cassis and hint of aged balsamic vinegar, made from 85% Alicante Bouschet – a French red-fleshed ‘teinturier’ or ‘dyer’ French cross – and 15% Alfrocheiro. The juicy finish is the perfect cherry on the top.
2 3 4 5 6
Off-piste wine drinking has never been easier with a noticeable ongoing fashion for indigenous grape varieties
4. 2023 Calmel & Joseph, Loved & Found Piquepoul Noir, Vin de France (£8.99, Waitrose, 12.5%)
Like M&S, Waitrose has an intriguing range of wines made from lesser-known grapes called ‘Loved & Found.’ Seek them out, especially this easy-drinking, fleshy, gluggable, Piquepoul Noir, an ancient grape variety from the Vaucluse department in Provence, with lots of appealing cassis and summer pizzazz. It’s a delicious experience lightly chilled.
5. 2023 TBILVINO SAPERAVI, Kakheti, Georgia (£11.99 mix 6, Majestic, 13%)
Majestic Wine had its ‘best-ever’ Christmas with soaring Greek, Lebanese and Georgian wine sales. Wine is completely embedded in Georgia’s culture and religion with a tradition stretching back around 8000 years. The country has around 500 indigenous grape varieties (and clones), including ancient, distinctive, trendy Saperavi (you’ll find one listed at Lemons Bar on the Pantiles) – one of just a handful of grapes in the world with red pulp – from the southwest of the country, which producer Tbilvino refers to as the ‘new Malbec.’ This sappy, top-selling, textbook example presents a wide array of wild berry, inky black plum, cherry and
Pay attention grape explorers and prepare to kick-start your winter tastebuds, this is liquid joy from a star winemaker! Like Italy and Portugal, Greece is a treasure trove of unique wines made from established local vine varieties. This medium-bodied, deftly oak-aged red, comes from an outstanding producer specialising in terroir-driven, organically-farmed Xinomavro (which translates as ‘acid black’), Greece’s most esteemed indigenous black grape variety. Riffs on plums, dried tomato, herbs, olives, tea and red cherries. Recalling the celebrated Nebbiolo grape of Italy’s Barolo, it’s soulful, grainy-textured and quite pale with a lovely acid line, great vitality and an impression of exquisite purity throughout. Apostolos Thymiopoulos continues to polish his skills in the hills of Macedonia. Memorable drinking. #TryFebruary #WineNot Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines 1
blackberry flavours, plus subtle liquorice and sandalwood notes. Good gear.
6. 2021 THE SOCIETY’S EXHIBITION NAOUSSA XINOMAVRO, THYMIOPOULOS, Macedonia, Greece (£14.95, The Wine Society, 13%)
We’re delighted to welcome Jo Ginn of Wine Garden of England as one of our new columnists. Here she tells us all about the concept behind this collective which boasts some of our most popular local vineyards and aims to increase growing awareness around the booming local wine scene. So fill up your glass and read on to find out more and how you can be part of its popular Summer Celebration happening in June
If you’ve ever visited a vineyard either here or overseas, you will understand the joy of strolling through the perfectly straight rows of vines, seeing behind the scenes of winemaking, and spending time with loved ones in beautiful surroundings with a glass of something delicious.
There was a time when you’d have to travel at least to France, Spain or Italy - or maybe even to the Southern Hemisphere – to experience this. But now, English sparkling wine has a reputation to rival Champagne, and the estates are developing into unique places to visit.
The focus of the Wine Garden of England is to promote the Kent wine trail, establishing wine tourism as a major attraction for local and international visitors
Our county of Kent is leading the way in wine tourism. Why? Because some of the longer established vineyards are here and Kent is sunnier than any other county. The chalky soil is perfect for growing the grapes used for sparkling wine, and we attract the best winemakers too.
In 2017, the largest of the Kent wineries decided to work together to promote our county as a wine tourism destination. Using an age-old pseudonym, the Wine Garden of England, was formed, linking together seven wineries whose owners
quickly became friends. Since then, two more wineries have joined, and now the nine members are:
Squerryes (Westerham)
Balfour Winery (Staplehurst)
Chapel Down (Tenterden)
Simpsons Wine Estate (Canterbury)
Yotes Court (Mereworth)
Westwell Wine Estate (Charing)
Biddenden Vineyard (Biddenden)
Gusbourne (Appledore)
Domaine Evremond (Chilham)
The focus of the group is to promote the Kent wine trail, establishing wine tourism as a major Kent attraction for local and international visitors.
Each estate has a unique offering, and across the group you can experience the height of luxury through to experimental and downright cool. Every experience is welcoming, educational and funwhichever estate you choose.
Once a year, all the estates come together to produce a festival of wine tasting, food and live music. This year, the Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration takes place on June 7th at Chilham Castle, just a few minutes’ walk from Chilham Station, which is accessible from London Bridge, Ashford
International and the coast.
Ticketholders receive tasting vouchers for each winery, a free Riedel tasting glass, a special Wine Garden of England handbook with guides to wine tourism in Kent, and a tote bag. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the people behind the wines, taste your way through Kent, and spend time in a beautiful estate that is not generally open to the public. Tickets are on sale now, through the website, www.winegardenofengland.co.uk
So who makes all this run smoothly? Well, that’ll be me. I’m Jo Ginn, I live in Tunbridge Wells with my three grown up children who are often seen helping me at the Wine Garden of England Summer Celebration. I am a huge advocate of English wine, and also run tastings throughout Kent and London. I’m delighted to be this magazine’s new columnist for all things Kent wine related. I think we’re all going to have a great time together!
To find out more take a look at: www.winegardenofengland.co.uk @winegardenofengland
At the George & Dragon we have several rooms available for all your event needs. Whether they be small intimate dinners or a business lunch in the Buttery to larger parties and weddings in the Great Hall, we can cater for you from 6 to 60 guests. With a seasonal three course choice menu from just £42pp and an extensive hand picked wine and drinks list, our experienced team will look after your every need. For events enquiries please contact: bookings@ganddspeldhurst.com
Jemma Graffin runs Jem Coaching, a mental health training and coaching business and is also a brand partner of The Mental Wellbeing Company. Here she tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine more about her business and why she’s on a mission to improve employees’ emotional wellbeing and create supportive work environments
So Jemma, let's start at the beginning: when and why did you set up Jem Coaching?
I set up Jem Coaching in September 2023 in response to the growing mental health crisis affecting both individuals and businesses. With mental health challenges costing businesses billions each year and research showing that 1 in 6 workers experience mental health issues weekly, I knew there was a pressing need for better support.
Can you briefly explain what it is you do and how you can help people?
I provide CPD-accredited training workshops for businesses, focusing on emotional wellbeing, mental health awareness, and creating supportive work environments. My workshops equip teams with the knowledge and tools they need to spot early signs of distress, support colleagues, and promote a healthier, more empathetic workplace. In addition to training, I also offer trauma-informed coaching to individuals, helping them to build emotional resilience and overcome challenges stemming from past adversity or trauma. My goal is to empower both employees and businesses to address mental wellbeing in a proactive, meaningful way.
What would you say makes your business unique?
Jem Coaching stands out because of its deep commitment to addressing mental health as a priority, not just a ‘tick-box’ exercise. My CPD-accredited workshops are specifically designed to provide practical, actionable steps that go beyond awareness and encourage real, lasting change in the workplace. I also work as a trauma-informed coach, which allows me to support individuals who have experienced significant adversity in their personal lives. This holistic approach to both individual coaching and workplace wellbeing helps organisations creates environments where people can thrive, not just survive.
Are the majority of your clients from Tunbridge Wells - or do you have others from elsewhere?
While I am based in Tunbridge Wells, the majority of my clients come from
businesses across the UK, as well as some international clients. The rise of remote working and virtual sessions has made it easier to offer my services to companies and individuals regardless of location. The need for mental health and wellbeing training is universal, and I’m proud to work with businesses of all sizes and sectors.
“My goal is to empower both employees and businesses to address mental wellbeing in a proactive, meaningful way
”
Do you offer virtual coaching sessions or is it just in person?
I offer both in-person and virtual coaching and training, as well as virtual workshops. The flexibility to offer virtual training means I can support organisations nationwide, regardless of where they’re based. In fact, the virtual format has been incredibly popular, allowing businesses to provide training to multiple locations and teams without logistical challenges. Whether it’s virtual or in-person, the quality and impact of the sessions remain the same.
Tell us about your connection with The Mental Wellbeing Company?
In 2024, I became a Brand Partner for them and this has allowed me to broaden the services I offer and collaborate with a like-minded team dedicated to improving mental health in the workplace. Through this partnership, I’m able to deliver CPD-accredited (Continuing Professional Development) workshops and coaching
that empower businesses to prioritise their employees' emotional wellbeing and create healthier, more supportive work environments.
What do you enjoy most about your line of work?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the positive change in workplace cultures and in individuals. When businesses genuinely invest in the wellbeing of their teams, the impact is tangible - not only in terms of employee satisfaction and retention but also in productivity and overall company performance. It’s inspiring to see organisations recognise that mental health training is not just a compliance requirement, but an essential part of promoting a healthy, productive environment. And when I work with individuals, I see them transform into more resilient, confident people who are better equipped to navigate challenges in their personal and professional lives.
Do you have any special plans for Jem Coaching in 2025?
In 2025, I’m excited to have just launched two new workshops - Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Awareness. These workshops are crucial for all workplaces and just as important as physical first aid training. They equip employees with the knowledge and skills to spot the signs of mental distress, offer initial support, and guide individuals to the appropriate resources. As mental health challenges continue to rise, having a trained Mental Health First Aider in every workplace is becoming essential for creating a supportive and proactive work environment. These new offerings are a key part of my mission to help businesses address mental wellbeing and foster a culture where employees feel safe and supported.
I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and all the amazing opportunities to continue making a difference in workplaces and individuals’ lives. There’s so much potential to create lasting change, and I’m excited to be a part of it!
CONTACT DETAILS:
Website: jem-coaching. thementalwellbeingcompany.com
purchase price that is between £125,001 and £250,000. If you are buying a second dwelling the rate will be even higher.
For first-time buyers, the threshold for relief will drop from £425,000 to £300,000. These changes could result in substantial increases in SDLT, particularly for highervalue properties and first-time buyers.
Can you realistically expect to beat the
To beat the SDLT increase, transactions should ideally be underway already. If you're just entering the market or beginning your property search, you'll need to move swiftly and remain flexible. For instance, if you're selling a property and want to secure a buyer who may struggle to pay the price you are looking for after the SDLT increase comes into effect, you might want to consider moving into rented accommodation to finalise the deal in time.
in a building over 5 storeys, that you have served a leaseholder certificate on your
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How to be as prepared as possible
It’s also important to note that the longer your property chain, the more complex the process becomes, reducing the likelihood of completing ahead of 1 April. The logistics of waiting for searches, mortgage offers, and other due diligence when buying or selling your largest asset means that, despite the best intentions, few new deals will complete before the deadline.
You should instruct your solicitor as early as possible once your property is on the market or you are looking to buy, so that the initial paperwork can be prepared in good time.
What impact will this have on the Tunbridge Wells property market?
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We may see some harder bargaining on the peripheries, such as stronger negotiations over reductions for necessary remedial works. This could help buyers who are already stretched to secure their desired home and prevent complicated chains from unravelling. However, given the strong demand and competitive nature of the Tunbridge Wells market, we don't expect a cascade of deals falling apart if they aren't completed by 1 April.
If you are a buyer: Ensure you have all the documentation you need, such as source of funds information, identification papers, mortgage offer and any gift information.
All our therapists and instructors are qualified, experienced and motivating. With ample free parking and personalised service, each visit makes you look forward to the next.
If you are a seller: Ensure that you have completed all property information forms, obtained a freeholder management pack (if necessary) and, if your property is a flat
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The spring property market, which now begins in January, always sees increased activity. We anticipate this will be heightened this year by buyers keen to take advantage of the narrow window before the SDLT increase. However, due to the complexities involved in property transactions, many deals may not complete in time.
A personal and welcoming environment, our facilities include private spa treatment facilities, an airy excercise studio and a lovely café waiting to refresh you after a fitness class!
The question then becomes whether these deals will fall apart if they haven't completed by the April deadline?
The good news is that this is
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In conclusion, while there may be strong pressure from buyers to complete before facing a higher tax bill, if you're selling your property, you should remain confident. The robust Tunbridge Wells market means you're unlikely to lose your sale if it's not possible to finalise all aspects by the deadline. The town's enduring appeal and competitive property landscape should provide reassurance to both buyers and sellers navigating these changes in the coming months.
Enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, followed by a luxurious back exfoliation, a soothing hot stone back massage and an exquisite Caudalie facial. Complete your experience with a delightful afternoon high tea, adding that extra touch of indulgence for someone truly special.
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Samantha Gourd runs Country Space, a private events company which works with land owners, farmers and local suppliers to provide her clients with the most beautiful and memorable of settings for their special day – whether that’s a wedding, birthday or team building day. It’s an inspiring business model that also aims to put affordability, sustainability and eco-friendly ethics at its heart…
So let’s start at the beginning... when was Country Space established?
I established Country Space back at the end of 2023. I’d I left my 18-year career in hospitality after seeing a gap in the market. Following many years working in events, I could see following the pandemic, that minimum spends and hire fees were beyond affordable. Not only that, but many of our produce suppliers, especially British farms, were suffering.
What were your goals for Country Space?
I wanted to drive additional revenue to farms, lower hire fees for event bookers, create more intimate events that were ecofriendly and also sustainable and uplift and support local event suppliers. That could be anything from caterers and florists to accommodation specialists.
What types of events do you host and which ones tend to be the most popular?
We host all manner of events - from supper clubs, to teambuilding sessions, client entertaining, bridal and baby showers to weddings. We are seeing a lot more corporate events coming to us too as we are much more affordable compared to the established venue model.
Tell us what you love about working in the hospitality sector?
I’m very proud of my career. Previously I was Head of Sales & Events for a number of high-end restaurant chains and I also worked with a number of celebrity chefs; helping to drive events, footfall and customer loyalty throughout the UK. I love to follow trends, spot gaps in the market and get the best out of my team members. I don’t believe in management, I believe in leadership and ensuring the people that work with me get the best out of their days and utilise their skill set by doing the things they love.
Are most of your clients local or do you work with people from all over the South East and further afield?
We mainly work with local businesses on smaller scale events, however we have a presence in the London market for away
days and teambuilding. Our low hire fees mean that more companies can create strategy days for their team in order to build that all-important morale or take their clients out for the day. The local, smaller businesses, are starting to see how affordable events can be again thanks to our vision here at Country Space.
Tell us about some of the brilliant local suppliers and venues you work with... We work with a number of spaces in Kent and Sussex including Caracol Glamping which is based in Groombridge. We also work with lots of vineyards and wellbeing spaces across the region. Our event suppliers are local to each space and tailor menus and event necessities according to each client’s needs while also helping to maximise budgets. We handpick all our suppliers, based on our clients’ requirements and try to match them to our spaces to ensure we are playing a part in the community, uplifting local businesses and giving access to local produce.
“
We are seeing many more corporates coming to us for events as we are far more affordable compared to the established venue model and we also actively support sustainability
What do you enjoy most about your work and how many is in the Country Space team?
We commission many freelancers as we find this helps more people show off their portfolio of work to a wider audience. It allows for flexibility for them to grow themselves in a very demanding and competitive market. But on a day-to-day basis of running Country Space it’s little old me that holds the fort.
Can you reveal a few of your plans for 2025?
We are hosting a Country Space Showcase on Wednesday April 23 from 1-3pm. We have caterers, team building activities, a guided meditation over Caracol’s breathtaking views and a few surprises too! It’s a great opportunity to
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:
Country Space will be hosting a special showcase event at Caracol Glamping on April 23 from 1-3pm. To book your space visit www.country-space.co.uk or visit @countryspaceuk
see how Country Space is becoming the go-to option for all kinds of events.
Why should people book with Country Space for their special event?
Firstly we are helping to save our British farms by affording them an event revenue stream but also, it’s important that corporates have a responsibility to be ecofriendly and sustainable. And thanks to what we do we can provide this is as an event solution for them. By booking with us they will help to uplift smaller businesses, rebuild communities and save hugely on hire fees.
And finally, anything else we should know about Country Space?
Yes! All our spaces offer an impressive setting with breathtaking views, lakes, waterfalls and tranquil woodlands which are sure to impress your guests.
It might be an arts and craft workshop space you need, or an afternoon tea on a hill top with friends, a countryside wedding or a large pastoral space for a corporate away day. If so, then Country Space can provide whatever you need. It’s time to get back into nature and out of the office and get involved in your communities.
GET IN TOUCH: CALL: 07821234955
EMAIL: s.gourd@country-space.co.uk
VISIT: www.country-space.co.uk
FOLLOW: @countryspaceuk
In 2023 seven women from Tunbridge Wells embarked upon an epic charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for Breast Cancer Kent. Not only did they smash their original target, some of them came up with the idea of launching a new business, A Noble Gift, which benefits myriad charities. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine discovers more about it…
ANoble Gift launched last year on the back of a group of friends climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and raising £154,000 for Breast Cancer Kent in 2023.
Each one of the women had been affected by cancer in some way and were joined on their climb by Dame Tracey Crouch DBE, who had also undergone her own cancer experience.
The initial aim was to raise money for Breast Cancer Kent in order to buy a Faxitron scanner for the breast department at The Maidstone and TW hospital trust. But due to the generous donations, the group far surpassed their target.
The majority of the money raised came from unused corporate gifts and experiences, which were donated by brands and philanthropic individuals and then auctioned off.
That gave the group of four friends the idea of creating a business that bridged the gap in the retail market of connecting brands with charities.
“The idea was simple,” says one of A Noble Gift’s co-founders Georgina Hammond. “People suddenly had access to these exclusive gifts and experiences - but
Who’s Who at A Noble Gift?
FOUNDING FORCE: A Noble Gift’s founders are Georgiana Hammond, Sarah Howick, Tina Little and Nicola Wilkes
Georgina Hammond – Chief Commercial Officer at A Noble Gift, responsible for all the relationships with Brands and Charities
Sarah Howick – Chief Marketing Officer at A Noble Gift, responsible for social media, marketing and PR
Tina Little – Barrister at Law who is CEO and Head of Legal at A Noble Gift
Nicola Wilkes – Chief Operations Officer at A Noble Gift, responsible for all the important day to day operations
with the added benefit of the money going to charity. Hence our name A Noble Gift!”
Georgina explains that the platform is designed for people to purchase gifts and experiences donated by renowned brands and benevolent individuals who generously donate to support worthy causes.
“These Money Can’t Buy Experiences can be bid on or there is an immediate ‘buy it now’ option. Both ensure that 100% of the winning bid goes to the brand’s chosen charity.”
“A Noble Gift then market these gifts to raise as much money as possible for
Gifts that have been auctioned so far include hospitality experiences to the sold out Super Bowl, Oasis tickets, premium Cirque du Soleil tickets and super yacht hospitality at the Monaco Grand Prix
the chosen charity. We charge a small platform fee that the successful bidder pays which is how we run as a business, as we are not a charity ourselves,” reveals Georgina.
“But we aim to leverage our platform to raise millions for charity. A Noble Gift promotes ethical, transparent and sustainable gifting, whilst facilitating the redistribution of unused gifts and experiences across many global industries, empowering brands to give with greater transparency.”
Some examples of the gifts that have been auctioned so far include hospitality experiences to the sold out Super Bowl, Oasis tickets, premium Cirque du Soleil tickets with a meet and greet with the cast, super yacht hospitality at the Monaco Grand Prix and offering the chance to be a Chelsea Mascot, which normally has a seven year waiting
list. The group also received generous donations for its Kilimanjaro expedition from G Collins & Sons and Ross Davies at Knight Frank estate agents.
Charities A Noble Gift has worked with so far include Breast Cancer Kent, Cardiac Risk in the Young, It Gets Better UK, ParalympicsGB, Race Against Dementia, One Drop, War Child, Wings for Life, Youth Music, Chelsea Foundation and 2wish.
“The charities are chosen by the brands who donate the gift and it is so inspiring hearing the ethos behind the chosen charity and the amazing work they do. The best part of A Noble Gift from the charity’s perspective is that it costs them nothing at all to be on the platform and it is huge exposure for them with an additional stream of income they never had before.”
Georgina says that in addition to the high end retailers the founders are currently talking to, they would also love to hear from any local businesses and charities that might like to get involved.
“We would absolutely love to hear from all local brands or charities that want to get involved. This all started in Tunbridge Wells and whilst we already have some incredible global brands on board, we would absolutely love to work with as many local enterprises as we can and support our local community.
“No two days are the same at A Noble Gift and the business evolves every day. We are aiming to raise over a million pounds for different charities this year.”
For more information and to sign up for updates visit anoblegift.com or follow their Instagram account at @anoblegiftuk
Throughout this year, Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is delighted to be the media partner of Demelza for their Trail with a Tail event this summer. Here we discover more about the charity’s partnership with Yoyo Design who are also building them a new website
Demelza charity delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children who are facing serious or lifelimiting conditions in the Tunbridge Wells area as well as the rest of Kent, East Sussex and South East London.
Each month we’ll be bringing you the latest news from the charity, focusing on a different aspect of their work in each edition.
This month, we’re pleased to announce the charity’s partnership with Tunbridge Wells-based web agency Yoyo Design, which will be building Demelza a brand new website.
After a significant rebrand in March 2023, designed to help Demelza tackle misconceptions surrounding children’s hospice care, the charity is now ready to invest in the development of a new website. After a stringent tendering process, Yoyo was appointed late last year.
Yoyo’s aim is to build a dynamic and user-friendly digital experience which will improve user experience by ensuring all content is accessible, friendly, engaging and easy to navigate, while also strengthening Demelza’s brand presence online and streamlining internal processes to reduce admin.
A big focus will be on optimising the overall experience to keep people informed and browsing for longer, as well as ensuring the site is future-proof so it’s straightforward to keep relevant
“Yoyo’s aim was to build Demelza a dynamic and user-friendly digital experience which improves user experience by ensuring all content is accessible, friendly, engaging and easy to navigate
for years to come.
It is hoped these changes will result in an increase in referrals from prospective families and healthcare professionals, increased engagement from new and prospective donors and support the recruitment of staff and volunteers as well as encouraging public engagement in Demelza events and fundraising.
Yoyo CEO, Jenny Kitchen, comments: “We know just how important Demelza’s role is in our local community – so much incredible work is done to support
children and their families through the most difficult of times.
“The digital experience is critical to provide the right information to those families, at the right time, with simplicity and clarity.
“Working alongside the Demelza team to deliver that platform is a job we take very seriously and we’ve very much looking forward to being part of their journey.”
Yoyo Client Partner Daniel Barron adds:
“It’s not often you come across a team as clear and driven as Demelza’s.
“They have made it clear how important data-led decisions and transparency are to them. It’s a refreshing approach and has really set the tone for how we’ve been working together.
“What also stood out is their commitment to making sure all voices are heard.”
With two residential hospices in Kent and South East London, a community hub in East Sussex and community care teams providing services in the family home, Demelza’s nursing team also has a presence on the paediatric ward at Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Pembury, working with families of children with complex needs and identifying those who would benefit from a referral to Demelza.
The charity offers support as unique as every family it works with; from symptom management, day care and short breaks, to practical and emotional support for families and siblings, creative therapies, memory making, end of life care and bereavement support. Support services are provided in family homes and online, allowing families the ability to access help where best suits them. Families can also make use of fully accessible facilities across the hospice sites, including sensory rooms, soft play and a large hydro pool at Demelza’s Kent site.
This summer, Demelza’s Trail with a Tale will see beautifully illustrated large sculptures and smaller animal sculptures dotted all around Tunbridge Wells to form a unique, family-friendly outdoor trail for all ages to enjoy. The larger sculptures will be designed and decorated by artists, while local schools and community groups have also been invited to get involved by signing up to design their own smaller sculptures.
Our regular spotlight on our local galleries showcases the types of artwork they have available to buy. This month we talk to Amber Pollard-Rea gallery manager at Castle Fine Art about some of the current pieces you can invest in… 3
Framed size: 32.0in x 32.0in | 81.3cm x 81.3cm - £595
A still of possibly the greatest dance scene of all time at Jack Rabbit Slim's in iconic 1994 film Pulp Fiction. This forms part of a collection entitled 'Silver Screen'.
Painted in a black and white palette using a technique called Chiaroscuro, where artists create high contracts between light and shadow originally developed during the Renaissance. Jon Jones paints portraits and scenes where the narrative and the characters take centre stage with the stark contrast of light and shadow, a nod to the film noir style, emphasizing the raw emotions and expressions of the actors.
The artwork serves as a bridge between the silver screen and our own memories, transforming a simple scene into a deeply personal experience, inviting us to reminisce about the first time we encountered these iconic movie scenes.
“By just using several marks I can construct a face and make someone instantly recognisable. The looseness of my work is my way of taking a risk,” says Jon.
Framed size: 43.3in x 43.3in | 110.0cm x 110.0cm - £2,950
A stunning example of an original oil painting by French Artist Pascale Taurua. A loving embrace captured beautifully in bold orange and reds against a moody backdrop.
Pascale creates powerful and sensual
artworks that celebrate the beauty of fashion as a form of self-expression. Her earlier career, heavily focused on the fashion industry, introduced Pascale to the idea of painting her memories and exploring the multitude of influences of the fashion world and how clothing has such a strong impact on how they make people feel. The art is a combination of those influences with more focus on the celebration of confident female figures. Mainly inspired by strong female characters, the artworks are bold statements in celebration of being happy in your own skin and to demonstrate the female strength and power.
3. GONE, HUNDRED ACRE
(LIMITED EDITION OF 195)WHATSHISNAME (AKA SEBASTIAN BURDON)
Framed size: 35.0in x 35.8in | 89.0cm x 91.0cm - £695
A must have for me, our gallery is but a stone’s throw from Ashdown Forest, the birthplace of Winnie the Pooh. A character who will always remain close to my heart. The iconic British character was created by A.A. Milne who lived on the edge of the Forest and conjured stories inspired by explorations with his young son, Christopher Robin.
“So, they went off together. But wherever they go, and whatever happens to them on the way, in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest, a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.”
Unapologetically provocative, Whatshisname (aka Sebastian Burdon) fuses themes of childhood nostalgia and pop culture to create artworks that inspire
happy and joyful feelings. “Our childhood heroes are reaching out to us with an extended hand and saying, ‘Hello, I’m still here, do you remember me?’ or if those are fading memories, they are saying goodbye.”- Whatshisname.
4. NEW YORK ABSTRACT (LIMITED EDITION OF 195) - PAUL KENTON
Framed size: 42.0in x 42.0in | 106.7cm x 106.7cm - £1,495
The energy is palpable, a busy city, exciting sounds, smells and atmosphere. Rich colours and gestural lines form this snapshot of New York.
Paul’s paintings aim to transport the viewer, giving them a sense of the distinctive mood, pace and light of a scene, through layers of bold colour, dripped lines and gestural paint marks. Paul is one of the leading city scape painters with a huge online presence, know doubt many
will have seen his process videos where he begins by physically throwing paint at a huge canvas then slowly adding in detail until suddenly, a scene emerges as if by magic!
Framed size: 25.6in x 33.7in | 65.0cm x 85.5cm - £1,250
This piece sees Billy looking back at his schooldays. “It reminds me of a music teacher I used to have called Miss Silver,” he explains. “When I was about 13 or 14, she had musical appreciation days where she would play music and you would have to say what you thought of it. And she played us the Scottish song Mairi’s Wedding. ‘Step we gaily/On we go/Heel for heel and toe for toe/ Arm in arm and row on row/All for Mairi’s wedding’. “He’s doing the perfect move for stepping gaily. You can imagine him in little hall in the Highlands, dancing with a few others.
The energy is palpable, a busy city, exciting sounds, smells and atmosphere. Rich colours and gestural lines form this snapshot of New York.
Paul’s paintings aim to transport the viewer, giving them a sense of the distinctive mood, pace and light of a scene, through layers of bold colour, dripped lines and gestural paint marks. Paul is one of the leading city scape painters with a huge online presence, know doubt many will have seen his process videos where he begins by physically throwing paint at a huge canvas then slowly adding in detail until suddenly, a scene emerges as if by magic!
Castle Fine Art is the UK's leading limited edition print and original art retailer with international delivery and galleries across the UK. For more information visit castlefineart.com or visit the Tunbridge Wells store on the High Street.
“Appearance is so important to one’s self-confidence”
Maryna Cole is launching her new skincare clinic next month – and can now also exclusively reveal the new name and branding for it…
As any entrepreneur will know you never actually stop thinking about your business and ways in which to improve it. And aesthetician Maryna Cole is no exception.
Since she launched her own company, just over three years ago, she has consistently strived to ensure it is at the top of its game. From attending cosmeceutical conferences all over the world in order to improve her knowledge of certain pioneering skincare ingredients, to offering an array of exclusive treatments which can’t be found anywhere else locally, Maryna rarely sits still.
Over the past couple of years she has also cleverly diversified too, working with leading maxillofacial surgeon Dr Darryl Coombes, to support his post-operative patients both here in Tunbridge Wells and at his Harley Street Clinic.
When I arrive at Hattons café for our interview the talented aesthetician is positively beaming from ear to ear.
“I am so pleased to be able to let you into my secret Eileen,” she smiles as we sit and sip coffee. “I am just a few weeks away from opening my first customerfacing beauty clinic and I can now also exclusively reveal the name of it.”
She then tells me that she is opening a new state-of-the-art clinic on Vale Road in March and rebranding her business from Aesthetics Retreat to Beyond the Face.
“The name says it all. It’s transformative, and is so much more than just your skin looking good. I know what women want and it’s to feel confident in themselvesand the types of treatments I provide will give you long lasting results.”
If you are not familiar with Maryna’s professional background, then here’s a quick recap…
Having worked in the global beauty industry for many years - 15 of which saw her managing local spas in and around Tunbridge Wells - Maryna launched her own business, Aesthetics Retreat, just a little over three years ago. It offers exclusive groundbreaking regenerative cosmeceutical treatments, including the Vivace facial which uses a special microneedling machine to gain the best results, quickly and effectively.
“With this treatment I work with the wonder ingredient Exosomes. These have been dubbed the ‘next generation
Maryna is highly skilled and educated in aesthetics, having trained with some of the world’s leading experts, and looks forward to opening her new Beyond the Face clinic next month
aesthetics’ and help to not only chronologically slow down ageing but biologically reverse it thanks to using regenerative therapeutics and aesthetics.”
Maryna is highly skilled and educated in this particular area of aesthetics, having trained with some of the world’s leading experts including internationally renowned Exosomes expert Dr Shameema Damree.
Maryna tells me that unlike most beauty salons where you have let’s say a facial or peel and then walk away, at Beyond The Face clients will have the opportunity to avail of the relationship Maryna has forged with the Clarins team at Hoopers.
“The idea is that during, or after, your course of skincare treatments when your
complexion is starting to really improve we will be able to advise you on skincare and make-up routines too.
“All of this enhances one’s sense of wellbeing and confidence. What I offer is so much more than just a facial, it’s promoting a way of being.
“Having the new Beyond the Face clinic will hopefully ensure that more people here in Tunbridge Wells learn about my work. What we are offering is non-invasive skin regeneration, with longevity and long lasting results. If you have experienced skin damage due to common aggressors such as pollutants and sun damage or suffered with conditions like acne or rosacea then we can help. Or if you want to simply help your skin age better then we can help.”
Maryna offers a varied programme of procedures offering the latest innovations in regenerative skin and hair care and also body contouring and will continue to do so at the new Beyond the Face clinic.
“Did you know we start the ageing process from around the age of 20? That’s why we should all be looking after our skin. The groundbreaking Exosomes we use in the Vivace facials carry powerful anti-inflammatory properties so that is why they are so effective at helping to slow down the anti-aging process and aid with skin repair and rejuvenation – with no pain or downtime.”
The new Beyond The Face space opens in March and will be open Monday to Friday by appointment only. Treatments will be bespoke for each individual –female or male – and Maryna will advise how many are needed. There will be a series of taster sessions happening next month so keep an eye on the Beyond the Face socials and website.
“Appearance is so important to one’s self-confidence and mental health. I have seen first-hand how a patient changes after treatment; their confidence just shines through.
“I give more than just a treatment – I give confidence, happiness and advice. It’s not just a cosmetic improvement – it is a life enhancing one.”
To celebrate the launch of the new salon Beyond the Face are offering the chance for one lucky reader to win a free treatment worth £750. For further details got to www.beyondtheface.co.uk or @beyondthefaceuk
“We’re
Finally the centre of Tunbridge Wells has an amazing health, beauty and wellness centre opening this spring courtesy of the Spa Hotel. We discover more about what will be on offer…
The Spa Hotel announced last month that it will open a brand new, state of the art spa and wellness suite in the spring of 2025.
The near seven figure expansion project will see the popular Tunbridge Wells hotel upgrade its spa facilities, with the creation of an additional new wellness space.
“It will be an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation,” a spokesperson for The Spa Hotel told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.
“The Wellness Suite will offer residents, visitors and members an unparalleled luxury spa experience. As the only venue offering these facilities on this scale within easy reach of Tunbridge Wells, this is something the local area, people and hotel guests want and need.”
Located in the left wing of the hotel, The Wellness Suite will combine indulgent treatments, cutting-edge facilities and luxurious day and overnight packages. Entry to this exclusive area will be
available as an upgrade option to the current facilities in the Spa Health Club.
“Work has already begun, with an aim to open the new facilities in April 2025,” confirmed The Spa Hotel’s spokesperson. Facilities will include a sauna, steam room, ice fountain, hydro pool, cold plunge pool, hot spa, thermo showers, a drench bucket, relax room and a drinks station.
The Spa Hotel’s Managing Director Anthony Scragg added: “Royal Tunbridge Wells has a long history as a tourist
destination and one thing lacking in the town is access to luxury spa facilities.
“Our vision is to provide a sanctuary where guests can truly unwind and escape from the busy day-to-day life. There is huge demand for a hotel offering these kind of facilities and we have always wanted to expand on our current health offering. An opportunity to refurbish a large function space arose and it seemed like the perfect time to take the plunge.”
www.spahotel.co.uk
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
Lara Husband of Skin Therapy, The Pantiles, a specialist skincare clinic located on the famous historic walkway in Tunbridge Wells, reveals her ultimate bridal skincare timeline – and it all starts with prep and planning…
Your wedding day glow up
Of course you want your wedding day to be perfect, and that includes having glowing skin! Achieving your ideal complexion doesn’t happen overnight, it requires the right guidance, treatments, planning and commitment. But where do you start? At Skin Therapy, The Pantiles, we’re here to guide you every step of the way to ensure you look and feel your best for your big day…
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
This is the time to lay the foundation for your skincare journey, particularly if you have specific concerns you want to address or have any active inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
Start with a thorough consultation at our clinic, where we will thoroughly analyse your skin and create a personalised treatment plan taking you right up to your wedding day. We may change or add to your homecare regime, incorporating medical-grade skincare products. Starting a new skincare routine this far in advance will ensure your skin is well adapted to the new products and you will be reaping the benefits in time for your big day; any inflammatory skin conditions such as acne or rosacea will be managed, your skin will be strong, resilient and healthy. If advanced treatments like microneedling or deeper peels are required, then this is the ideal time to begin. Microneedling promotes collagen production, improves scaring, and reduces fine lines, but it often requires multiple sessions spaced weeks apart, and it can take up to six months for full benefits to be visible.
6 Months Before the Wedding
In this ‘fine tuning’ stage regular facials every 4-6 weeks at our clinic help maintain your skin’s progress, we can introduce treatments to further refine and rejuvenate your skin such as chemical
After a thorough consultation at our clinic we will analyse your skin and create a personalised treatment plan taking you right up to your wedding day
peels or LED Light Therapy.
If you’re planning bridal showers or hen parties abroad, we’ll help you schedule treatments to ensure your skin has ample time to recover before major events.
Consistency is key as your big day approaches. Continue with your maintenance treatments, keeping on top of things such as extractions to limit any chance of new breakouts forming. We recommend adding massage into your facials, such as our lifting and sculpting facial massage, this not only helps to sculpt and contour but also can help to relax and de-stress as the big day approaches.
1-2 weeks Before the Wedding
Schedule your pre-wedding facial 10 to 3 days before your big day. This facial will focus on gentle refinement and incorporate hydrating and brightening ingredients to maximise plumping and glow. Resist the temptation to try any new products during this time, as your
skin could react negatively - especially when stress levels are higher than usual. Instead, trust your established routine. A sulphur or clay-based mask can also be helpful prevent stress-related breakouts.
The night before your wedding, treat yourself to a targeted face mask to boost hydration, brighten, or clarify. At Skin Therapy, The Pantiles, I provide all my brides with a carefully selected mask targeted specifically for their skin’s needs, ensuring they wake up looking refreshed and radiant.
On the morning of your wedding, stick to your regular skincare routine. If you use an exfoliator, use it that morning to create the perfect base for your makeup. To help plump and rejuvenate tired eyes, I also provide my brides with hydrating eye masks that can be applied while they’re getting ready.
At Skin Therapy, The Pantiles, we’re honoured to be part of your wedding day. Every bride deserves to feel confident in her own skin on her wedding day. Let us help you achieve your wedding skin goals. Consultations start from £50 with other treatments starting from £100. TN card members can benefit from a 10% discount. See www.skintherapythepantiles.com for more details.
CONTACT DETAILS:
12-16 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells Website: skintherapythepantiles.com Socials: @skintherapy_thepantiles
WEDNESDAY
High Brooms
St Luke’s Church Hall
Tunbridge Wells, TN4 9JH 5.30pm & 7pm Call: Jesse 07710549334
*When
*When
SATURDAY
Tunbridge Wells NEW TIMES FOR 2025
St Barnabas Primary School Quarry Road, TN1 2EY 7am, 8.30am, 10am Call: Jesse 07710549334
CAREER
We currently have opportunities for consultants to join our team. Contact Jesse to find out more about these exciting opportunities 07710 549334
Japan Holidays promise a unique and dynamic culture that effortlessly combines ultra-modern with deep tradition…
On the streets of innovative, futuristic cities glass towers and tranquil temples stand side by side, whilst picturesque old towns, and gorgeous landscapes are an easy bullet train ride away. Mix these spectacular sights with welcoming people, delicious cuisine and rich culture and you've got yourself a holiday to remember.
Japan’s historic isolation has produced a unique culture that flourishes to this day. Distinctive traditions are still honoured from the reflective beauty of intricate tea ceremonies and Zen garden design to the raucous spectacle of sumo wrestling. Grand castles are spectacular reminders of the country’s feudal past and ancient temples also bear witness to Japan’s deep spiritual connections.
It’s not all about man-made delights though by a long chalk. Japan also delivers scenic beauty by the bucketload, from the perfect symmetry of Mount Fuji’s iconic cone to the coastal beauty of Matsushima Bay that has inspired poets and writers for centuries.
The wildlife may not be the first reason you visit but it may well leave a lasting impression. Bears can be seen foraging in the forests of Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu, you can see cranes dance in the winter snows of Hokkaido, and perhaps most adorable of all are the Japanese
Japan’s historic isolation has produced a unique culture that flourishes to this day “ ”
macaques, or ‘snow monkeys’, which can be seen bathing in the steaming hot springs of the gorgeous Japanese Alps.
In the springtime the trees in Japan burst into life covering the nation in swathes of pastel-pink cherry blossom, also known as ‘sakura’. The cherry blossom in Japan is quite the spectacle attracting millions of visitors each year, all eager to admire the beautiful blooms and join in with the local festivities.
For those wanting to avoid the crowds, exploring Japan in autumn is as visually rewarding as the spring, with the leaves of the deciduous trees turning riotous shades of red, orange and gold. Lasting for around two months (far less fleeting than the cherry blossom), the autumn leaves season bring a vivid display of colour to the parks and gardens of Japan making them all the more spectacular.
Japan Uncovered
17 day fully inclusive tour from £6,790pp Includes return flights, all hotels, all meals, expert guide, all sightseeing & entrance fees, all transport in destination: Osaka – Hiroshima – Kyoto – Kanazawa –Takayama – Nagano – Mount Fuji - Tokyo
Contact Baldwins Travel on 01892 511999 or visit baldwinstravel.com
Find inspiration for your next holiday at the Tunbridge
Meet the experts and discover incredible holiday and cruise destinations from around the globe! Enjoy inspiring presentations and get the chance to win fantastic prizes in our FREE prize draw. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to plan your next adventure!
Sunday 16th March 2025 10.30am - 2.30pm
the last couple of years of high fuel prices at home.
It’s worth noting that the key to being a digital nomad is to live like a local - and in the Canaries that means mixing selfcatering with eating out, so our first stop was a budget supermarket to do our weekly shop. We were surprised to find that the bill came in at about two thirds of the price of our comparative shop in the UK.
Local writer Vikki Rimmer explored working from a different location this winter - one where the waves could be heard lapping on the beach and where she and her family enjoyed the frequent sunshine that was on tap. Oh, and they also managed to save money too…
Every year when winter rolls around and the daily temperature in Tunbridge Wells starts to slide, I start to fantasise about living and working abroad during these notoriously dark and difficult months.
Why? Because I have seen that plenty of people have been able to make it happen. Many pack up their laptops come autumn and take cheap flights to far sunnier climes as part of a ‘workcation’.
Personally for me – as is the case for a lot of parents with children still at school – I wouldn’t be able to work away any longer than a fortnight due to term time. But with a two-week school break last October, my partner, daughter and I decided to join other so called ‘digital nomads’ on a sunny sabbatical from the British winter. The catalyst was when we found out we could book return flights to Lanzarote for as little as £138.
With our own home’s smart reader telling us that our average spend on electric and gas tops £70 a week at this time of year, these flights were coming in at around the same price as our fortnightly energy bill.
And so when my partner and I floated the idea of remote working abroad to our respective clients and employer there were no objections at all.
So why did we choose Lanzarote? Well it is a great place for a workcation as the island is served well by broadband and there are plenty of communal spaces to work. Plus, the cost of living is a bargain compared to the UK.
We found our accommodations via ‘Simply Owners’, thereby avoiding the charges levied by the more popular B&B and agency booking sites. Even during ‘peak time’, we were able to secure a two-bedroom house, with a hot tub and sea view for just over £600 in the fishing village of Punta Mujeres, located in the north of the island.
Setting off from Gatwick, on a cold misty day, it felt almost surreal to be putting our laptops through the airport scanners.
Touching down later that afternoon in Arrecife, we collected our hire car from CICAR, a Canarian company that doesn’t charge excess and offers a good recovery service.
Filling up at the pumps cost just 97p a litre - which felt like a real bargain after
We drove twenty minutes out of the city, passing the larger tourist conurbations and
The first morning of digital nomad working went well.
The sunrise woke me at 8am and I enjoyed my coffee on the terrace before joining my first Teams call at 9am
headed for the peaceful fishing villages of the north where, during the pandemic, lots of digital nomads set up home.
The first morning of work went well. The sunrise woke me at 8am and I enjoyed my coffee on the terrace before joining my first Teams call at 9am.
The broadband was as quick as our home fibre one, and the sound clarity was almost too good given that my clients could hear the lapping of the waves on the nearby beach.
The day sped by and then at 5pm, I shut my laptop and made plans with the family
to walk to a nearby fish restaurant for dinner. It’s not something we’d usually do on a regular Monday evening, but when you’re in Lanzarote it’s a sin not to sample the freshly caught fish.
A three course meal, with beer, tasted wonderful and came in at around £50 for all of us. The view of the sun setting over the island of La Graciosa was the cherry on the ‘Bienmesabe’ - a traditional Canarian dessert.
On the second morning, I’d set myself the work task of exploring the mountains above Famara where rare agaves and succulents grow. Anyone who has visited Tom Hart Dyke’s World Garden at Lullingstone can attest to his wonderful collection of Canarian plants that thrive
• Make sure your employer is happy for you to work from abroad. There may be countries that they won’t allow you to work from
• Make sure you pack the cables, chargers and adapters you need for your laptop and phone
• Ensure that the property you’re hiring has good broadband speed and somewhere separate to set up your office. You may need to take a laptop stand to ensure good posture.
in his fantastic garden even during the coldest of weather.
While up in the mountains I was unable to pass the little town of Haria without stopping to enjoy a strong Spanish coffee and watch the world go by and answer a few emails.
I spent a fantastic afternoon clambering across the moonscape landscape of the mountains and stayed for the sunset.
During our fortnight as digital nomads, my partner remained in the accommodation beside the sea, working and chatting to his colleagues in the City of London, while my daughter made her way through her suitcase of books.
We were able to reward ourselves with three-day weekends which we filled with
• Set aside time to enjoy your surroundings: Get up a little earlier than usual to extend your day and welcome in the sunrise, and take a pre-work dip in the pool
• Watch your budget but try to live like a local. That means supporting the businesses where you are staying. They survive due to tourism so it’s important to spend your spare cash at the family restaurants in the smaller villages and towns
Located in the centre of Tunbridge Wells, TN1 Bar & Kitchen combines a modern, spacious restaurant with a lively bar. This family-owned, award winning, restaurant offers a friendly welcome, fresh food cooked to order, and a wide range of cocktails and drinks.
Whether you’re catching up with friends, fuelling up after the school run, or kicking off a work meeting, it’s the perfect way to start your morning. Offer available 9am - midday.
more time at the beach and dips in the sea pools that proliferate around the north of the island.
The only grumble we had was the comfort of the kitchen chairs, they weren’t good enough to sit at for extended periods. But essentially, they’re not supposed to be used as office chairs!
Seven sunsets were documented on film and time sheets were completed way too quickly - evidence that workcations speed by.
Lanzarote Retreats (lanzarote.retreats. com) has a plethora of fantastic selfcatering accommodation in the quieter parts of the island. Family-run by Michelle, Tila and son Josh, the team have welcomed lots of digital nomads over the years and are well set up to help you create - your own home office while also helping you out with surfing lessons! Why not give it a try?
Visit: lanzaroteretreats.com
We are open 7 days a week 9am - midnight Monday to Saturday 9am - 9pm on Sunday
Join us on Sunday, 30th March, for a celebration filled with delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Treat the special woman in your life to a memorable experience and create lasting memories in the perfect setting!
Snowdrop season is now in full swing at Hever Castle. Vikki Rimmer reports on what an enchanting time of year this offers nature lovers thanks to the 150,000 plus different variety of bulbs that are sown for your enjoyment
Hever Castle & Gardens, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, has awoken from its seasonal slumber and is now welcoming visitors to celebrate the start of spring with the return of its highly anticipated Snowdrop Walk, which showcases around 150,000 snowdrop bulbs across the estate.
In addition to enjoying the visual beauty of the snowdrops, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the Galanthus plant. And although snowdrops are often thought to have been brought to Britain by the Normans, they were first cultivated in England during Tudor times and officially recorded in 1598, under the reign of Anne Boleyn's daughter, Queen Elizabeth I.
Snowdrops have long been associated with religious traditions, commonly grown in churchyards to coincide with Candlemas Day on February 2nd. They also possess medicinal properties, used to alleviate headaches by rubbing the bulb on the temples. These delicate flowers herald the final days of winter and bring the promise of spring, which will arrive in March.
Hever Castle & Garden’s Snowdrop Walk takes visitors on a self-guided tour through some of the estate's most beautiful areas, including the Outer Moat, Winter Gardens, Sunday Walk, and Church Gill.
Along the way, visitors will experience
We have been planting and collecting different snowdrops at Hever for over a decade, and we now have some unusual cultivars in the Winter Garden, such as Green Brush, Colossus, and Wendy’s Gold
breathtaking views of frosted topiary, Early Sensation daffodils and a vibrant array of winter plants, including flamecoloured dogwoods, hellebores and heathers.
For the adventurous, a walk around the 38-acre lake is recommended. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and enjoy the beauty of the season on this scenic snowdrop trail.
for the annual event:
“We have been planting and collecting different snowdrops at Hever for over a decade, and we now have some unusual cultivars in the Winter Garden, such as ‘Green Brush,’ ‘Colossus,’ and ‘Wendy’s Gold.’ There are tens of thousands of the more common varieties planted in drifts throughout the garden and woodland.”
At the Outer Moat, thousands of Galanthus nivalis bloom under the watchful eye of Hever's resident swans, while on Sunday Walk, visitors will find a range of snowdrop varieties leading to Church Gill, where rare cultivars have been planted in a developing section of the garden.
Don’t miss this year’s Snowdrop Walk at Hever Castle, a serene and inspiring experience to welcome the new season.
CONTACT INFO: www.hevercastle.co.uk
01732 865 224
“Lara has completely revolutionised my skin, I have had zero acne since seeing her”
“I have confidence again and rarely wear make-up, I don’t know what I would do without Lara in my life”
“My skin is stronger, healthier and calmer than it has been in years, I’m hooked!”
At Skin Therapy, The Pantiles, every treatment is carefully tailored to your skin and its unique needs.
Our passion is helping others achieve their skin goals, from consultations through to advanced treatments our focus is making you feel confident within your own skin.
Clare Lush-Mansell from My Tunbridge Wells is your expert guide to all the fantastic events happening from now until midMarch in and around Tunbridge Wells
Treat the kids to a spectacular show! Circus Zyair is back at The Hop Farm from 14th to 23rd February. Expect a ragtag band of clowns, acrobats and jugglers whilst fearless daredevils brave the high wire and wheel of death. Tickets on sale now from www.thehopfarm.co.uk
Gather the girls together for a gorgeous Valentine's Afternoon Tea available at The Earl Grey Tea Rooms in Southborough on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of February. Enjoy a choice of freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, chocolate covered strawberries, a slice of Valentine's celebration cake and a strawberry & lime mojito mocktail. £25pp. Booking is essential. www.theearlgreytearooms.co.uk
Indulge in the ultimate Valentine's romantic experience with your loved ones at King Charles the Martyr church on London Road. Enjoy an extraordinary evening of classical music by candlelight on Saturday 15th of February from 6pm. All proceeds go towards charity Music in Action which helps disadvantaged children and the King Charles the Martyr community hall appeal.
Did you know that Tunbridge Wells has its very own cinema right in the heart of town? Trinity Theatre boasts an exciting lineup of screenings, including Conclave (12th Feb), Wicked (13th Feb), a special Wicked Singalong (20th Feb) and RB&O Swan Lake (2nd March). Why not make a night of it? Enjoy a drink from the bar before the film or explore one of the many fantastic restaurants nearby. More information at www.trinitytheatre.net
This February half-term, step into a world of enchantment at The Royal Sweethearts Ball on Sunday 16th of February at The Royal Wells Hotel. Enjoy this day full of wonder with; four fairytale princesses, a mini fairytale-themed performance, build-your-own teddy with a naming certificate to take home, decorate
your own sparkling tiara, meet-and-greet with the princesses - plus games, dancing and themed activities! Hosted by the amazing Once Upon a Wish Events. Make sure you book your tickets in advance at www.royalwell.co.uk
Step into the enchanting world of the Sweetheart Tea Shop at Trinity Theatre with Tweethearts on Friday 21st February. Enjoy a heartwarming interactive adventure filled with live music, charming bird puppets, and a cosy tea shop setting. Join Wren and Sparrow as they take over the café, creating baking chaos and hilarity while dealing with some very disgruntled customers. Perfect for little ones, this relaxed show is a magical introduction to theatre. To book visit www.trinitytheatre.net
Arty Farty are on a mission to prove that EVERYONE can be creative! Don't miss their "I'm Not Creative Workshops" on Sundays from 23rd February ‘til 23rd of March from 10am to 1pm. In these threehour monthly workshops, you'll discover your hidden skills as you go back to basics with handy tips and tricks on how to draw and paint a variety of styles. £30pp each class or join all 3 for £80.
Hop aboard for magical fun at the Assembly Hall Theatre with Room on the Broom, showing from 25th to the 27th of February. Join the witch, her cat, and a cast of lovable characters in this enchanting adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture book. Perfect for kids aged 3 and up, this Olivier Award-nominated show by Tall Stories promises laughs, adventure, and spellbinding storytelling for the whole family. Head to www.assemblyhalltheatre. co.uk to book tickets
Discover a night of magic and mystery at Club Quantum's Clairvoyant Night on Thursday 27 February. Starting at 7pm, immerse yourself in an evening of intuition, exploration, and meaningful connections. Experience a vibrant atmosphere, tap into your inner mystic, and embrace infinite possibilities. Go on, let the universe guide you. See www. clubsquantum.com
Comedy fans are in for a treat as John Bishop headlines a special one-night-only event, John Bishop and Friends Comedy Night, in aid of Taylor Made Dreams (TMD) at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells on Monday 3rd March. TMD is a charity dedicated to making dreams come true for children with life-limiting illnesses by creating personalised ‘bucket lists’ tailored to their unique wishes. This unforgettable evening will see Bishop joined by a stellar line-up of comedians, promising plenty of laughter while raising funds for a truly meaningful cause. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
With spring in full swing, why not step outside, breathe in the scent of beautiful daffodils, and pair it with a visit to your favourite café? Calverley Grounds is a wonderful spot to admire the latest blooms, and there are plenty of fantastic independent cafés nearby. Enjoy a coffee at the park café, grab a speciality brew from Fine Grind at The Amelia, or head down the hill to Momentum. If you have little ones in tow, don’t miss Calverley Adventure Grounds, or take a stroll over to the playground at Grove Park for even more outdoor fun!
For more information visit www.mytunbridgewells.com
This month the team behind our chosen charity Taylor Made Dreams reveals why spending time with their warriors' family members is so important
Alongside enabling bucket list wishes for children with life-limiting illnesses, at Taylor Made Dreams (TMD) we also offer multiple services that aim to support the whole family. One of these is creating beautiful lasting memories, at a time when it is hard to do so.
Memory keepsakes are one way in which TMD families are enabled to create a personalised keepsake that has the memory of their loved one weaved through it.
The memory keepsake service began as one of our first services, all the way back in 2014. The idea was to offer a memory pendant in the shape of a dragonfly with the TMD warrior’s name engraved on the back, to all our families. The service aims to be a reminder of the experiences and memories the family have created with us, bringing joy in an unimaginably dark time. Thanks to the wonderful support from individuals and businesses, we have been able to expand this service from dragonfly pendants to hand casts, hair and ashes jewellery, fingerprint jewellery and Memory teddy bears. Memory keepsakes are so personal, that we wanted to be able to provide multiple options for our families, to allow them to choose how they want those memories to be represented. TMD services must grow and adapt to fulfil the needs of the families we support, to help make each day brighter when it seems difficult to do so.
This past month we have had multiple families, as well as some of our sibling support service, attend jewellery workshops with local jewellery maker Wendy Kemp. Wendy goes above and beyond for the families she works with, creating beautifully bespoke pieces that the families help to create. For the most
At TMD we offer multiple services that aim to support the whole family. One of these is creating beautiful lasting memories, at a time when it is hard to do so
recent jewellery made, Wendy visited one of our TMD warriors in the hospital who was unable to travel to her workshop.
We never want any TMD family not to be able to create their memory keepsake because of travel limitations. Creating memories like this should be accessible, which is why we are so grateful to be working with keepsake creators like Wendy.
“For many years I have been providing a
One way to support services like our memory keepsake workshops, is through Taylor-Made Dreams events. If you’re looking to get involved, our next one is just around the corner! Tickets are now on sale for our annual Celebration of Women’s Afternoon Tea on Sunday 23 March, at the Limekiln in Crowborough. We had an amazing time at our last
event, meeting with so many wonderful members of the community present - as well as some fantastic speeches from inspirational women. Join us for this year’s event which includes afternoon tea, engaging speakers, music, fizz and more, to support the services we provide for TMD families.
Tickets are sold as tables of ten,
bespoke service for TMD which is outside of my memorial jewellery business. The process for TMD involves pressing a TMD warrior’s finger into silver clay which is then fired in a kiln and turns to pure silver. The fingerprint remains on the surface and the pieces are made into pendants and key rings for the family,” explains Wendy.
“The essence of the child comes through with the form it has created. Although difficult at the time, I know these pieces provide such a lot of comfort once the child has passed. I am incredibly honoured to help TMD provide these meaningful pieces of jewellery for their families.”
CONTACT INFO:
For more information on Taylor Made Dreams visit: www.taylormadedreams.org.uk
To discover more about Wendy Kemp, TMD memory keepsake creator’s work visit www.wendykempjewellery.co.uk
with tickets costing £60 per person. If interested, please email: hello@taylormadedreams.org.uk for tickets and more information.
Antiques expert and TV presenter Mark Hill, who also runs his eponymous boutique in the Pantiles Arcade, tells us about his passion for the work of Antoine-Louis Barye, one of the 18th century’s most prominent animalier sculptors…
One of the greatest joys of my job is when I get the chance to make a tangible difference to someone’s life. Last November, a lady struggled into Mark Hill Auctions in the Pantiles Arcade, just about managing to carry a couple of heavy French animalier bronze sculptures. Collected and loved by her father, she was hoping to sell them to raise money for new carpets and curtains for her home. Little did she know, having lived with them for most of her life, that she was in for quite a surprise! Among the bronzes, one particular sculpture caught my eye – the form and signature indicated that it was designed by the legendary Antoine-Louis Barye (1795–1875).
Barye was one of the foremost animalier sculptors of the 19th century, known for his dynamic and incredibly lifelike animal figures. Born in Paris, he started his career as a goldsmith, giving him experience with the medium of metal, before dedicating himself to sculpture. His deep understanding of animals came from hours of observation in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, as well as extensive study and reading. His breakthrough moment came in 1831 with his Tiger Devouring a Gavial bronze sculpture which propelled him to fame. Examples are now housed in the Louvre, Paris, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and a host of other venerable public and private collections.
making authentication a critical process.
Reproductions can fetch a couple of hundred pounds - or less – but it’s quite a different story for authentic, period bronze castings.
Like many such pieces, the base of our sculpture was covered with a plaster panel and modern green baize. As well as the exact size, detail of the casting and the patina, the base, and the inside of the base, can tell us a lot about authenticity. Sensing the potential for a major discovery, we sought permission from the owner to carefully remove the covering and inspect the interior. What we found was thrilling! The interior of the base showed all the right signs of age and patina, allowing us to confidently attribute it to the period the master himself lived in, the late 19th century.
The revelation of this sculpture’s origins had a dramatic effect on its value. Following authentication, we were delighted to inform the owner that the estimate could be set at £7,000–£10,000. I had the pleasure of making that phone call, and I could feel the sheer excitement in her voice when she realised this unexpected windfall, together with the other pieces she brought in, would more than cover the cost of her hoped-for renovations. At the time of writing it was scheduled to go under the hammer at auction so make sure you pick up next month’s magazine to find out how well
Cheval Turc No. 2 fared…
Mark Hill Auctions is actively taking consignments for our
However, his fame and the desirability of his work for well over a century have led to the production of copies and reproductions of his work. Produced across the last century, these can vary greatly in quality (and indeed material),
The piece in question, Cheval Turc No. 2 (Turkish Horse No. 2), is an outstanding example of Barye’s artistry and is hotly sought-after. Inspired by the bold Romanticist works of the artists Delacroix and Géricault, this rearing horse also beautifully fuses Classical Antique and Renaissance equestrian influences with the great drama and movement.
Barye was renowned for his meticulous attention to anatomy, and this particular work showcases his expertise with remarkable precision. As noted in the 1844 Besse catalogue of Barye’s works, “the only feeling that one can experience upon seeing it is a deep admiration both for one of nature’s most noble creatures and the talent of its delineator.” His design was cast in numerous variations - on rectangular or oval bases, and with the right or left leg raised. The patina also comes into play, and this example boasts an interesting and unusual almost ‘oily’ appearance.
next antiques, ceramics, glass and sale, Eclectica II, set to take place in early April. We also have our second ‘20th Century Lots’ auction of rock, pop and film memorabilia, posters and toys scheduled for mid-March.
If you have something you think we may be interested in, get in touch as valuations are free.
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.
For valuations or to consign items for auction, email mark@ markhillauctions.com or call 01892 574 310 to set up a free appointment.
To book simply scan the QR code, email or call us. We look forward to seeing you!
Watch the tournament live on our big screens . Free entry but table reservations advised
Saturday 22nd February, 9th & 15th March
A mystical night filled with insights and connections as Psychic Carla Smith showcases her clairvoyant abilities
Tickets £12 pp
Thursday 27th February , 7pm till late
Enjoy our endless brunch sharing boards and bottomless Prosecco as you relax and listen to our live set by Mint DJ playing chilled dance and jazz tunes
Only £39 pp
Live
28th February, 15th and 22nd March from 6pm
Free entry but table reservations advised
Saturday 1st and 15th March Reservations available at midday and 2pm
Unlock your inner magic at our immersive day retreat set to awaken your intuition, confidence and creative power. Including Cacao ceremony, Breathwork, sound bath, inspirational talks and celebrity make up artist tutorial
7th March 10am - 4pm
Tickets: £120 including a gift bag
