TW Business Magazine July 2025

Dee Airey and her CPR team reveal why and how they are revolutionising the recruitment of construction professionals in this specialist industry sector - one hire at a time

BUSINESS

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

DESIGN MANAGER

Jason Stubbs

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Robin Singer

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

George Percy

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Richard Moore

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Nick Moore

Dee Airey is the true definition of an entrepreneur. Not only does she run multiple businesses, she is also a published author, podcaster, mentor, and is always seeking out the next thing she can turn her hand to. Lately, that’s been the creation of a specialist recruitment agency for professionals in the construction industry. But she hasn’t just plucked the idea out of the sky – the new venture is a result of Dee’s decades in this particular sector. And, like any good entrepreneur, the business came about after she saw a gap in the market and decided to fill it. Launched only in September last year, Construction Professionals HR & Recruitment has already proved to be a huge success. Turn to page 22 to discover why…

Elsewhere in your July edition, we talk to a number of other pioneering and inspiring business entrepreneurs. They include Darren Austin of Synergee Accountants, Matthew Hill of PMI Health Insurance, and architects Supervene and Studio Sett, who have joined forces to collaborate and enhance their dual offering.

We also have all the best pictures from the month’s coolest parties and charity events, plus the

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lowdown on who won what at the second TN card Tonbridge Business Awards last month.

Other interviews include a fascinating chat with local marketing supremo Andrew Metcalf about how he’s celebrating 30 years of running Maxim PR, and a catch-up with Lynne Meek, who tells us why she decided to launch her successful online shop

The Meek Boutique, which now boasts not only a national audience but a global one too.

Add to the mix a look at Trinity Theatre’s impressive comedy lineup, a peek behind the scenes of the new Anne Boleyn production coming to Hever Castle this August, and the best places to drink and dine alfresco, and you have the perfect selection of summertime reading to get stuck into.

Enjoy the edition, Eileen

Find us at: www.twbusinessmagazine.com @twbusiness_magazine @TWBizMag

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experts across the board...

Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is proud to have so many of our talented entrepreneurs and inspiring CEOs writing for the title. Whether it’s advice on accounting or property, information on current legal issues or HR legislation you will find all the expert industry guidance you need within these pages. This month our experts include the following...

Dee Airey Photographer & Visibility Strategist

Simeon Blewett Associate Solicitor Berry & Lamberts

Nick Brandon Director, Tecwork

Gary Brindley Founder, Step3

Nick Bryant Founder & Managing Director, Brilliant Businesses

Gemma Farina Managing Director, GFHR Consulting

Ruth Ferreira Success Coach

Sophie Forrest-Lavery Founder The Forrest Group

Jess Gibson Founder, The TN card

Alex Green CEO, RTW Together

Matthew Hill Founder, Private Medical Insurance Brokers

Shaun Joubert Senior Partner, NFU Mutual

Clare Lush-Mansell Founder, My Tunbridge Wells

Iain ParkerStrak Chief Marketing Officer, Iglu Tech Group

Becky Moran CEO, TN Lettings and TN Sales

Sarah Raine Director, Colley Raine & Associates

James Rees Managing Director, Razorthorn

Deborah Richards Founder, Maddisons Residential

Richard Shearing Senior Partner, Head of Private Client, JE Bennett Law

Neil Simmons ManagingDirector, TN Recruits

Gary Valentine

Managing Funeral Director & LAFD President

MP petitions Parliament to make local rail station accessible to all

BY JASMIN JOHNSON

Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, has launched a petition, urging the Government to upgrade High Brooms Station to make it accessible to all.

Currently, the only way to enter and exit Platform 2 at High Broom station is through a set of steep stairs.

The Tunbridge Wells MP’s comments come following a commitment to upgrade rail infrastructure in the recent Spending Review.

Plans to upgrade the station have already been fully drawn up and designed under the previous Government's Access for All (AfA) scheme. These features include three new lifts and a footbridge.

However, many of the AfA projects have been thrown into doubt after it was revealed by Network Rail last year that the previous Conservative Government hadn’t awarded the £350 million allocated to the AfA schemes between 2019 and 2024.

It is understood that the Department for Transport was considering stopping the scheme until plans and designs for all candidate stations had been carried out.

The Tunbridge Wells MP has warned this could lead to ‘years of delays at High Brooms’ and cause a ‘huge glut of projects’ at the same time. Instead, he proposed to proceed with construction, stating that ‘the plans are ready to go. All that’s missing is the funding.’

In a letter addressed to the Minister for Rail, Mike Martin called on the Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill to ‘reassure the public’ of the Labour Government’s commitment to accessibility and to confirm its commitment to transform High Brooms Station.

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In response, the Minister told Mike Martin MP that ‘an announcement on next steps for the AfA programme will be made after completion of the Spending Review’.

He also added that, relative to other selected stations, the High Brooms AfA project is at a significantly advanced stage’.

Following the Spending Review on Wednesday June 11th, Mike Martin has launched a petition urging the Government to allocate the necessary funding to improve accessibility at High Brooms Station.

Inaccessible: The steep entrance to High Brooms station which is the subject of a petition by Mike Martin MP (inset)

It’s a Royal fail

Tunbridge Wells residents lodge numerous complaints to Royal Mail and local MPs complain to Ofcom after delivery postal pilot scheme proves to be problematic.

In April of this year the Royal Mail began trialling a new delivery service in the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks. But a plan that was aimed to ease the workload on postmen and women and postal delivery services in general, seems to have backfired, resulting in post not arriving until days – sometimes weeks – later or not at all.

The TN postcode area has seen 67 per cent of first class Royal Mail deliveries delivered on time, a figure that is far below the 95 per cent target.

As a result, this puts the area among the worst on-time delivery rates in the country.

Changes include non-first class mail being delivered every other weekday, rather than six days a week and Royal Mail staff working on a different shift patterns.

“Many Tunbridge Wells residents report waiting over two weeks for important letters, including medical appointments, legal documents, and financial statements”

Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin and Tonbridge’s MP Tom Tugendhat MP have called for Ofcom to find out how the situation can be remedied.

In a co-signed letter to Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, they said: "Over the last few months, we have received a growing number of complaints from constituents who have told us that problems with their mail have become even worse since the pilot began in April."

The letter continued: “Many report waiting over two weeks for important letters, including medical appointments, legal documents, and financial statements. On the occasion that deliveries do occur, constituents are flooded with loads of letters at once. This is a clear indication that the piloted model is not working for TN residents."

Royal Mail said in a recent statement that it took the complaint seriously and was ‘recruiting to strengthen our delivery teams in the area.’

New planning law - and policy

By Oliver Bussell, Planning Partner, CooperBurnett LLP

The emerging Planning and Infrastructure Bill aims to deliver 1.5 million homes in five years.  Perhaps its best proposal is its simplest: allowing councils to set their own application fees to reflect the costs of processing and determining applications. Despite horror stories of waste at local authorities, the fact is that planning departments are woefully underfunded. It is difficult to imagine recruiting, training or retaining planning officers of sufficient quality if they are not even being paid properly!

Away from legislation, equally significant changes are being made to planning through the green belt.

The green belt was created in 1947 to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the countryside: it’s generally regarded as a success. But development in the green belt is notoriously difficult to achieve because it requires ‘very special circumstances’ - a test that often can’t be met. As demand for housing grows, this sterilising effect can have perverse consequences. Land having negative landscape value or which hosts defunct industrial uses sits anomalously – neither beautiful nor productive.

Meanwhile, demand for housing continues to spiral. In this context, policy guidance is a powerful tool. The latest rewrite of the National Planning Policy Framework introduces the concept of ‘grey belt’. Not a belt, in fact – just the name given to sites within the green belt that make no special contribution to the green belt – to be treated accordingly.

Tunbridge Wells lies at one of the southernmost extremities of England’s green belt. There are many sites within that area which may, as a result of ‘grey belt’, emerge as likely development sites.

With expertise in commercial property, planning law and construction law, CooperBurnett are experts in legal aspects of redevelopment and can assist landowners and developers with their projects.

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

Temporary traffic lights tsar appointed

As Reform cancel KCC’s Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee meetings indefinitely, Mike Martin MP announces a solution to the ongoing traffic chaos

Mike Martin MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, has appointed Cllr Martin Brice, Kent County Councillor for Tunbridge Wells South, to tackle poorly co-ordinated roadworks in the town.

Mike Martin MP and Cllr Martin Brice will begin coordinating future roadworks with utility companies directly after Reform cancelled Kent County Council’s Environment and Transport Cabinet

“Reform has cancelled all KCC transport meetings so we will now tackle roadworks directly”

Committee meetings indefinitely.

Scrutinising the planning and implementation of roadworks in Kent is supposed to be one of the committee’s functions.

Reform has cancelled them altogether.”

The Tunbridge Wells Joint Transport Board was also set up to give Tunbridge Wells Borough Councillors a voice in local transport concerns. However, under the previous Conservative KCC administration, meetings were often non-quorate,

because Conservative County Councillors wouldn’t attend, and Borough Councillors were kept out of the decision-making of non-emergency roadwork planning.

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Mike Martin MP said: “Under the last County administration, the Tories ran the transport meetings but didn’t show up. Now

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“I’m therefore really pleased to announce Cllr Martin Brice as the new Roadworks tsar for Tunbridge Wells to tackle and organise planned roadworks directly with utility companies and do what KCC won’t.”

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UNEXPECTED DETOUR: Mike Martin MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, pictured with Cllr Martin Brice who will help tackle poorly coordinated roadworks in the town

David Lloyd premium gym and wellness centre planned for Tunbridge Wells

BY JASMIN JOHNSON

David Lloyd Leisure is looking to launch a new state-of-theart premium health and wellness club in Colebrooke Park, Tunbridge Wells.

The development will ‘breathe new life’ into Colebrooke House, a 19th-century mansion positioned near the A21 with connections to local footpaths and nearby cycle parks connecting Pembury, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

The leading health, fitness and wellness group already has 134 clubs across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe.

The site was previously identified within the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Draft Local Plan for employment use, despite being designated as Green Belt land. In light of this, the club’s design will focus on sustainability and integration in the local landscape, including the regeneration of the historic house.

The development will have a minimum environmental footprint in compliance with the club’s commitment to achieving Carbon Net Zero by 2030.

In response to the proposed changes in the area, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council has described the development as a “very well-located opportunity for employment-generating development and in particular for David Lloyd Leisure’s plans to create a bespoke facility designed to make the most of the parkland setting of Colebrooke House and its grounds”.

This is just one of several recent developments in the area and is expected to create over 100 new job opportunities and boost the local economy.

Facilities will include a state-of-the-art gym, an outdoor and indoor swimming pool and bespoke group-exercise studios. The will development also provide spaces to work, relax and socialise, reflecting the club’s goal to create a community-focused space.

Plans have been warmly received by locals, with over 500 registrations of support by residents.

No official opening date has been confirmed by the David Lloyd group yet.

Veteran broadcaster Sandy Gall dies

Tunbridge Wells resident and respected TV broadcaster and journalist Sandy Gall has died aged 97, his family has confirmed. Gall became one of the most familiar faces in the country, firstly as a foreign correspondent for ITN, before becoming copresenter of News at Ten.

His family revealed he died at home on June 29. They paid tribute to him, saying: “His was a great life, generously and courageously lived."

Business legacy

The tragic tale of a company unravelling after its founder’s death

What would happen to your business if you were to die unexpectedly, without a Will in place? Richard Shearing, head of the Private Client team at JE Bennett Law, shares a salutary tale.

Our client was a young, successful business owner. Tragically, she died suddenly, without a Will. As the sole business owner, everything related to it therefore passed down in accordance with intestacy rules. Unfortunately, her next of kin had no experience of, or interest in, running her company.

Our client’s legacy was thrown into disarray. The employees endured the strain of losing clients and turnover, before redundancies and the business being sold at a significant loss.

As a business owner, what would happen to your company in similar circumstances? Does your next of kin have the ability to run your business successfully, or would this be an additional – and unwelcome - strain? Could it create tensions within your family? Do you have sufficient other assets to provide for your loved ones’ needs if they were not able to realise a competitive value for your business?

An effective Will can ensure business continuity through smooth succession planning and help reduce Inheritance Tax liability by maximising eligibility for Business Relief and avoiding inadvertently triggering tax liabilities (for example by leaving business assets to non-qualifying beneficiaries). It can also be used to bequeath shares - to family, to reward employees, or to balance control and income – and provide for the sale of shares, with the proceeds going to your estate. An experienced Private Client lawyer will also ensure it is aligned with any articles of association or partnership agreements, which would operate outside of the terms of a Will.

If you’ve worked hard to build a successful business, ensuring it continues to work hard for those you care about after you pass is a legacy you’ll want to protect.

At JE Bennett Law we are specialists in drafting Wills to ensure your wishes are respected.

JE Bennett Law is an industry-leading firm based in Tunbridge Wells built on a DNA of caring and empowering our clients. These values underpin our growing Private Client work, which has developed from our core expertise in Court of Protection, supporting people who find themselves in vulnerable circumstances.

Richard Shearing

State-of-the-art scanner improves patient wait times

BY FREYA HODGE

Benenden Hospital has opened a new MRI Suite, worth over £1.4m, to help improve wait times and identify health issues more effectively.

Located near Cranbrook, Benenden Hospital held an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday July 1 to celebrate their scanning expansion, complete with a new £1m MRI scanner.

GB athletes, Mensah Elliott and Joe Appiah, had the honour of cutting the ribbon at the ceremony as they are both former diagnostic patients.

This high-tech scanner will provide improved image quality and faster appointment times, allowing the hospital to see more patients and provide efficient diagnoses.

Emma Masters, Imaging Manager at Benenden Hospital, said: “As an imaging department, we feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to be a part of this MRI replacement project and introduce exciting new technology at the forefront of medical imaging.”

The refurbished MRI suite includes landscape photography of the local Wealden countryside and ambient

lighting, to help with patient comfort.

The new scanner also has a wider chamber to improve feelings of claustrophobia experienced by some patients.

Claire Harley, Hospital Director, said: “This significant investment underscores our hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, advanced diagnostic care to patients in the South East and beyond.”

MRI scanners provide detailed images of soft tissues, such as the brain and muscles, they are very useful for diagnosing a range of health issues, including tumours.

Help save the Spa Valley Railway

The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells has launched a summer events programme to attract more passengers and help it cope with the huge rise in operational costs.

The railway’s difficulties include increases in essential utility bills, the rising cost of maintaining its fleet of magnificent historic steam locomotives, as well as station and railway line infrastructure.

The heritage railway is also raising £300k to replace an essential bridge along its line, which has now reached the end of its life.

Visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk for more information or to donate.

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Million-pound economic boost for TMBC borough

Tonbridge and Malling’s local economy is set to benefit from a £1 million cash injection following approval of a scheme to help deliver a raft of investments.

TMBC Borough Council’s cabinet gave the green light to funding projects that will see support for small businesses,

“Investment in boosting the local economy is one of the council’s four strategic priorities”

town centre regeneration, tourism, and technology to cut carbon emissions on June 30.

Investment in boosting the local economy is one of the council’s four strategic priorities, along with delivering effective services, improving housing, and safeguarding the environment.

The Shared Growth Fund, which is

expected to total around £1.125 million by the end of 2025/26, will be used to ensure the future of ongoing projects plus a range of new initiatives. These include green business grants, plans for the regeneration of Tonbridge town, and tourism promotion.

The funding has been allocated to Tonbridge and Malling via a Kent-wide scheme which sees a portion of business

Vision revealed for housing, health and leisure in Tonbridge

Ambitious plans to redevelop an area of Tonbridge town centre have recently been unveiled.

A masterplan for the area around the Sainsbury’s store and Angel Centre east of the High Street sets out a vision for providing new homes, a replacement leisure centre, a GP practice, improved walking routes, and a hotel.

The proposals for council-owned land, at present mainly used as car parks, have been drawn up by urban planning specialists who say the scheme has the potential to deliver ‘thoughtfully designed homes… helping to energise the high street and to rediscover the relationship between the town, the river, and its open spaces’.

Key aspects of the multi-million-pound scheme include 122 new homes at Sovereign Way North car park featuring flood-resilient design, a replacement

“Key aspects of the multi-millionpound scheme include 122 new homes at Sovereign Way North car park, a replacement leisure centre, a modern GP practice and hotel”

leisure centre at Sovereign Way Mid car park, a modern GP practice and hotel, as well as a riverside park area to make more of the tributary which forms part of the site.

The Sainsbury’s-operated Angel East car park, off Avenue De Puy, is not included in the plans and would be retained for parking, providing a combined total of 591 spaces.

A public engagement exercise will go ahead this summer to obtain views from residents and businesses.

rates income shared among councils to invest locally.

Matt Boughton, Leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: “A thriving local economy is crucial to the overall success of our borough as a great place to live and work. That’s why we’ve put supporting business, creating opportunities, and investing in technology at the heart of our priorities.”

Silver status marks pledge to armed forces

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) has awarded silver status to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council for its commitment to supporting armed forces personnel.

The council already holds the bronze award and is one of just 33 organisations in the South East to achieve silver this year. The accreditation is a promise to support military veterans, armed services personnel and their families with a range of jobs, training and flexible help.

The ways in which the council demonstrates its commitment includes flexible support for reservists, veteran recruitment which actively supports the recruitment of veterans, the assistance for military families and working with the RBLI (Royal British Legion Industries) who care for those veterans in need.

Local charity celebrates share of donation fund

Safe Anaesthesia Worldwide in Tonbridge has received a £1,000 funding boost as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards to support its vital work.

For the seventh year running, Benefact Group is giving away more than £1 million to charities across the country. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with more than 7,800 Kent residents taking the time to put forward charities they care about.

More charities chosen for support will be revealed later in the year, and Kent residents are encouraged to keep nominating by visiting movementforgood.com.

MATT BOUGHTON

Business to Business Debt Collection

Recovering a debt from someone who owes you money can be frustrating and challenging. The steps taken in the debt collection process depend on the type of debt. For the purposes of this article, we are focussing on business debt.

Business to business debt collection

The first stage is to have your solicitor send a Letter before Action to the debtor advising that unless the debt is settled, court proceedings will be raised. Letter before Action

The Letter before Action should include:

• The amount of the debt and the date it was due

• The sender's name and address

• Copies of relevant documents

• A summary of the facts

• A clear explanation of the position and legal basis of the claim

• A time limit for the recipient to comply with the request

• Details of the steps the recipient must take to avoid legal action

The debtor should be afforded a period of 14 days in which to respond and settle the debt. If the debtor fails to respond positively to make arrangements for payment or fails to pay the debt on the expiry of 14 days, the next stage is to issue court proceedings.

Court proceedings

The proceedings for debt collection should include:

• A Claim form: A form that includes details of the debt

• A Response pack: A pack that includes forms to allow the debtor to respond to the claim

If the debtor fails to file a defence within 14 days, you can then seek a judgement against the debtor. Should the debtor defend the proceedings, a hearing will be required to resolve matters before any judgement can be issued.

Enforcing the judgement

Enforcement action can take the form of one or more of the following actions until the debt is settled:

• Arrangements for instalment payments

• Sending the Bailiffs or High Court Enforcement Officers (depending on the value of the debt)

• Serving a Charging Order

• Attaching earnings

• Seeking a third party debt order

• Bankruptcy/winding up proceedings

The debt collection process must be observed to ensure you stand the best chance of recovering the debt. Should you fail to follow the procedure prior to issuing proceedings, your claim will fail and you will be unlikely to receive judgement.

Fixed

cost debt recovery scheme

Berry & Lamberts provide a fixed cost scheme for the collection of undisputed debts. We have procedures in place to ensure that contact is made with the debtor as soon as possible to attempt to recover the amount owed. If payment is not forthcoming within the timetable that we set out in our initial letter, we can issue proceedings online so there are no delays with the paperwork being held up at the Court.

Our team have over 25 years’ experience in finding bespoke insurance solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries throughout the UK. We will work with you to understand the cover needs for your business, and will be there to support you should you need to make a claim.

Lorenzo Colangelo, The Gallery

I firstly took out home and contents insurance and was instantly put at ease by the friendly, no pressure approach and we discussed my business insurance . A year down the line true to their word they provided a personalised and comprehensive service and I feel again at ease that my business is covered fully.

Next year we will move to buildings insurance for my other property business. A great approach and hopefully a longlasting business partner to us. Thanks Oliver and Acer.

Support if you need to make a claim

9:00am - 5:30pm Monday to Friday

GFHR marks 15 years of success

GGFHR’s clients and supporters gathered at Club Quantum on June 18 to celebrate the human resources and mentoring business’s 15th anniversary.

The HR company’s founder and Managing Director, Gemma Farina, welcomed 60 plus guests to the special event which reflected on both the triumphs and challenges the business has faced over the past 15 years. Gemma talked about GFHR’s growth, and how the firm navigated seismic changes such as the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, and how it dealt with the fallout from Brexit.

GFHR’s 15th year has seen Gemma named Tunbridge Wells Businessperson of the Year, and the launch of new company branding, a revamped website and an innovative ‘service stack’ of products.

At the GFHR celebration associates were in agreement that the Company’s values have remained the same over the past 15 years. These values are demonstrated by the fact that they care about their client’s businesses as much as their own, and work with them to find the best outcome for all.

Gemma told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine: “It is a privilege to be part of so many local business journeys and I am excited for what comes next for all of us.” gfhr.co.uk

Photography: Russell Harper

With over 280 agency offices across the UK, NFU Mutual are never too far away.

From florists and farm shops to milliners and manufacturers, NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell understand what a local business needs, because we’re one too.

Want to learn more? Get in touch at: Flimwell_agency@nfumutual.co.uk

Or pop by for a face-to-face chat.

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Park life

The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre recently hosted its Picnic in the Park fundraiser in Calverley Grounds. Here we discover how the event went – and how much was raised for this popular local charity...

The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre headed to Calverley Grounds on June 21 for its most recent fundraiser.

The event took place on the longest –and hottest – day of the year so far, and managed to raise a fantastic £669.37 for the charity’s Key to the Door campaign which will help fund its new larger premises later this year.

The charity, which turns 21 in November, offered a delicious bowl of strawberries as part of the ticket price and many visitors enjoyed these with a glass of Pimms, while catching up with friends and family.

According to a spokesperson for the

Photography by David Bartholomew

charity, Pickering Picnic in the Park was a hugely successful event.

“We had so many people telling us what a lovely afternoon they’d had and how hard the volunteers had worked. Everyone enjoyed it. Lots of our Pickering family were there and made the most of the beautiful weather and great company.”

The money raised will go towards the Pickering Key to the Door Fundraising Campaign – launched in order to raise £150,000 to help the charity move into a new and bigger centre in Tunbridge Wells.

Last year around 2,500 people turned to The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre for help and support with therapists providing 1,000 treatments.

Caroline McGibney, Centre Manager of the Pickering Drop-In Cancer Centre, added: “We love our current home but, over these past few years, we have really outgrown it.

“It would be wonderful to have more space for our visitors and dedicated offices for our team, as well as additional – and more accessible – therapy rooms, so we can offer a wider variety of free treatments.”

Please support the Pickering Key to the Door Fundraising Campaign:  www.justgiving.com/campaign/keytothedoor

Ten out of ten

TeamCB completes ten marathons in a single day and raises £20,000 for children’s bereavement charity Jigsaw South East

The Tunbridge Wells-based law firm, CooperBurnett LLP, has smashed its latest colossal charity challenge of walking ten marathons in a single day. The leading law firm’s Charity Coastal Challenge also met its goal of raising £10,000 for the children’s bereavement charity Jigsaw South East, a figure that has been poundmatched by CooperBurnett’s equity partners – resulting in a grand total of £20,000 heading to the charity!

The CB Charity Coastal Challenge took place on Saturday June 14 and saw 27 walkers complete ten marathons between them along part of the King Charles III England Coast Path - from Woolwich in London, all the way round to Brighton.

This incredible charity challenge raised funds for CooperBurnett’s current chosen charity, Jigsaw South East, an exceptional organisation that supports children and young people through the death of a loved one in Kent, Surrey and East and West Sussex.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with what TeamCB achieved - walking ten marathons and covering an incredible 262 miles,” said Sally Ross, Fundraising Manager at Jigsaw South East.

“Their determination, energy and heart have not only raised vital funds but also hope for the families we support at

South East. The impact of their efforts will be felt far beyond the finish line, helping us continue our essential work with children and young people facing bereavement. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

Every day in the UK, 127 children suffer the bereavement of a parent and Jigsaw South East wants to ensure that the families it supports locally receive the best possible support at the darkest time of their lives. No child or young person should have to face bereavement alone.   £20,000 would allow the charity to run ten of its flagship Jigsaw South East Bereavement Support Group Programmes over a year, supporting over 200 children, young people and families.

“I could not be prouder of TeamCB –walking just over 26 miles takes resilience and determination and they all had it in spades,” commented Partner, Victoria

Sampson, who was also one of the walkers.

“Knowing that the funds raised will be supporting bereaved children in our area kept us all going – through floods, wind, fields of cows and up endless hills. Thank you so much for everyone who sponsored us!”

CooperBurnett Partner, Joseph Oates added: “Our charity challenges have become legendary over the years and we couldn’t have done this one without our amazing Charity Committee which included Katie Hilsdon, Lisa Connolly and Ayla Clissold as well as so many others getting up early to drive walkers to their starting points across Kent, Sussex and London. It was, indeed, a marathon effort.”

CooperBurnett’s fundraising link is still live: www.justgiving.com/page/ cooperburnett-llp-coastalchallenge

Jigsaw

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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

Change of guard for businesswomen’s networking event

The Managing Director of Sharp Minds Communications, Siobhan Stirling, chaired her last Make It Your Business event for female business owners in June, handing over the role of Tunbridge Wells champion of the national organisation to Debbie Waite, founder of Stronger Inside and Out.

Siobhan has chaired 16 events and interviewed more than 60 leading Tunbridge Wells businesswomen since being asked to launch Make It Your Business in the town in 2019 by the founder, Alison Cork, who received an MBE for her services to women in business.

"It's been a privilege to get to know such dynamic business leaders," commented Siobhan, "and incredibly rewarding seeing how inspired the audience is from hearing their business stories.

"With the enthusiastic organisation of our Operations Manager, Alison Dry, we've grown Make It Your Business Tunbridge Wells to three events a year, often with a waiting list.

"But with the opportunities presented by our new, bigger venue at The Town Hall powered by TownSq, it seemed the

perfect time to hand over to someone who can bring fresh energy to take the events to a new level – and I know that Debbie, with her infectious energy, humour, drive and strategic vision is the right person.”

"There’s something truly powerful that happens when women come together to support, inspire, and empower one another,” said Debbie. “We can move forward in business AND life, achieving bigger and better things – together.

“That’s why I’m beyond excited to be involved with Make it Your Business (MIYB), a community where successful women share their journeys in a safe, supportive space. Whether you’re just starting out, scaling up, or contemplating stepping out on your own, MIYB offers a judgment-free zone: with no egos, no competition, and no expectations.

“This is where the true power lies. This is where women become stronger on the inside and out.”

More than 40 female entrepreneurs and women wanting to set up their own businesses came to hear the speakers share their business stories at the meeting on 25th of June.

The dominant themes to emerge from the panellists’ business stories were the importance of positive cultures and aligned values, as well as a willingness to think and do things differently.

Keynote speaker Victoria Symons, Head of corporate law at Cripps, shared how at every stage of her life she has listened to the advice of others – but trodden her own path when the counsel she received was not the right advice for her. She encouraged the audience to listen to their own inner voices.

Jessica Bunce, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Sapio Research, a multi award-winning, full-service market research agency that numbers Visa, Mailchimp and Cisco among its clients, recalled how she left a steady job while pregnant to found her own business because the culture of her previous company no longer aligned with her values following a takeover.

Leanne Terry, co-founder of Clic Accounting, revealed that she turned down partnership to become her own boss because she was convinced there were alternative ways to run a successful accountancy practise that would create more opportunities for staff and a better experience for clients. She explained that

Clic’s flexible employment terms, including no annual leave limit, had enabled her and her cofounders to build a loyal, reliable team.

Katie Whittingham explained how her role as Chief Executive Officer of The Glasshouse, a charity which provides training and employment for women in prison, brought together all her previous experiences in alignment with her personal motivations and values.

She shared a moving story of an abused, illiterate woman from the travellers’ community, who had previously never had a job or lived anywhere other than a caravan, who had had several spells in prison. Supported by The Glasshouse, she has learnt to read and write, and grown in personal confidence and interpersonal skills as she has trained to become a plant technician. After leaving prison recently, she was able to move into her first ever apartment with the security of her new job maintaining plants in offices across London for The Glasshouse’s corporate clients.

A prize draw was held for local mental health and wellbeing charity, West Kent Mind, which raised £185 – which will be doubled to £370 through the Big Give philanthropic scheme.

The next Make It Your Business Tunbridge Wells will be on 7 November, 10.30am – 12.30pm, at The Town Hall powered by TownSq. Free tickets will be available through Eventbrite.

Siobhan Stirling and Debbie Waite

Embracing a new era in professional construction recruitment

Entrepreneur extraordinaire Dee Airey tells Eileen Leahy about the launch of her specialist business, Construction Professionals HR & Recruitment. In our exclusive interview, she reveals how her four decades-plus experience in this industry has helped her new business to connect top-tier talent with leading businesses in the sector – and the key ways in which it has helped shaped her career…

Just when I thought I knew pretty much everything about Dee Airey, the prolific local business entrepreneur reveals yet another string to her bow: she has now launched a specialist recruitment company for professionals in the construction industry.

Already an established and highly successful portrait photographer, global business coach, published author and podcaster, Dee tells me that all of the above has only been possible to achieve thanks to her four decades plus in the construction industry.

“I know this sector inside out and since the late 1980s it has given me the opportunity to hone both my human resources and management skills too,” she explains when we meet.

“While many know me primarily as a photographer, a profession I am passionate about, my roots are firmly in HR, recruitment and people development. Acquiring these key skills over the years

“

I know the construction industry inside out and for the past four decades it has given me the opportunity to hone both my human resources and management skills too

has also given me the foundation for going into the coaching work I do.”

We’re meeting to talk about Construction Professionals HR & Recruitment (CPR), Dee’s latest business venture which she launched in September last year. Its head office is based here in Tunbridge Wells and in just ten months she and her team have achieved a hugely impressive turnover so far.

“We understand that the foundation of every successful construction project lies in the skills and dedication of its workforce. Our team’s background in business management and human resources equips us with unique insights into both the technical and interpersonal

nuances of recruitment in this specialised field.

“CPR’s mission is simple: to bridge the gap between exceptional construction professionals and the businesses that require their skills.”

Dee tells me that she started out as a secretary back in the late 80s and since then she has worked extremely hard in order to get to where she is now.

“All that dedication and effort has given me the opportunity – and confidence - to launch so many other businesses because I am all about people and ensuring they achieve their potential – and more,” she continues.

Dee is excited to tell me that she has also recently been shortlisted in the Construction & Engineering Awards, which take place in August, for

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS: Entrepreneur Dee Airey with two of her CPR colleagues Niall and Alex

her Contribution to Gender Diversity. Reflecting on this incredible achievement she says: “Of all the awards I’ve been nominated for, this one means the most. Whether I win or not, it’s an honour to be recognised for work that truly matters.”

So far, so impressive…but before we get on to what makes CPR different to other firms in this particular sector, let’s rewind to how Dee got into the construction industry in the first place.

“I started out in 1985 as a secretary in London earning six and half thousand pounds. The next job interview I went for, with another construction company in 1989, the salary was paying eight and a half thousand pounds but I knew I was worth more than that. So I went along and said I wanted them to pay me eleven thousand pounds - but I caveated that with what I would bring to the table.

“From a very young age I knew I didn’t want to have to wait for someone to say to me ‘ooh you’re quite good’. I believe you have to be good from the get-go So I went into that new job and thought ‘right, now it’s time to practice what you preach’ and I was promoted very quickly to Senior Secretary – over all the women who had been at the firm for years.”

Soon Dee was making big changes. “One of the first things I did was get the secretarial team to take on all of the administrative jobs that were taking up fee earners’ time. That really revolutionised things because they didn’t have to think about any of that peripheral stuff. They could simply go out and earn their fees.”

Dee tells me that when she started out in the construction industry there were no women in professional or managerial roles.

“We were all in admin, I knew only one woman who was a building surveyor. Now women are everywhere, visible and rising. Over the decades, I’ve witnessed huge changes in the industry: especially in diversity and the presence of women.”

CONSTRUCTION

PROFESSIONALS HR & RECRUITMENT (CPR)

SPECIALIST SECTORS:

• ARCHITECTURAL

• BUILT ENVIRONMENT

• CONSTRUCTION

• CONSULTING

• HEAD HUNTING

• SOCIAL HOUSING

REGIONS CPR COVERS:

• SOUTH EAST

• SOUTH WEST

• LONDON

• EAST MIDLANDS

• WEST MIDLANDS

“Construction is not off limits to women. Nowadays they are everywhere, visible and rising. I’ve witnessed huge changes in the industry: especially in diversity and the presence of women

It was when her then boss, and now husband, Peter decided during the middle of a recession in1994 to set up a small consultancy that Dee took the risk of leaving with him.

Together, along with another colleague, they co-founded Airey Miller and the beginnings were, it’s fair to say, very humble with Peter setting up the business from the dining room in his house.

“He couldn’t really afford to take me on as a full-time secretary so I suggested that I go self-employed in order to freelance in other small construction offices. It was a way of earning more money but also a great way of having an opportunity to see what was going on with competitors. And to be honest with you that was the start of my entrepreneurialism.”

Dee freely admits that it has taken a very long time to build up Airey Miller into a multi-million pound multidisciplinary consultancy business, that now boasts 120 staff and numerous offices dotted around the country. But those good old fashioned values of working hard, dedication, sacrifice and seizing opportunities over the past four decades

have certainly paid off.

“The jobs started to trickle in and by 1995 we were able to move into a small office I’d found on Beckenham High Street. As we grew we then opened little satellite offices but the biggest move was in 2017 when we took on a big space in Sevenoaks which is where the Airey Miller Head Office is. There is now also an office in central London, one in High Wycombe, and another in Bristol.”

Over that time Dee has worked her way up from Secretary, to Associate right up to Co-Owner/Director at Airey Miller, eventually heading up all HR and overseeing general business management. But, ever the serial entrepreneur, she eventually spotted the opportunity for another business.

“I guess it was about three years ago when I started making noises about some of the questionable tactics used by some recruitment agencies - and the huge amount of money we were spending on recruitment at Airey Miller.

“And so we all agreed around the boardroom table that we would do the recruitment ourselves but nothing actually happened. So last year I asked our finance manager about the figures we’d been spending on recruitment companies. I was shocked when I discovered it had gone up to £300 thousand pounds in the last year.

“That was the catalyst for me deciding that I would create Construction Professionals HR & Recruitment. The firm specialises in the recruitment of a wide range of construction professionals including building surveyors, quantity surveyors, cost consultants, design managers, employer’s agents, and project managers, from graduate to director levels. And all of this comes with the

Photography by Jen West

added bonus of HR and management training. CPR is an agency built on integrity, honesty, and real industry knowledge. My experience hasn’t come by accident: I’ve lived it, led it, and grown with the industry,” states Dee.

CPR’s HQ is located in Dee’s premises on The Pantiles and there are currently four people in the team.

“I knew if I was going to do this that I wanted to hit the ground running. So I invested heavily by hiring the right expertise into the business - not just people with recruiter experience but who also had business management and tech skills.

“I wanted to get results straight away. Whether you are seeking to advance your career in construction or you are a business aiming to enhance your team’s capabilities, CPR is your trusted partner in building a future defined by excellence.”

Despite the initial success of the business, Dee says there have still been learning curves along the way but overall she is very pleased with the direction CPR is heading.

“I had a coffee with a colleague,

DEE AIREY’S KEY CPR GOALS:

• To encourage more women to be less afraid to enter and thrive in the construction sector

• To provide a professional, grounded recruitment service rooted in deep industry knowledge and understanding

• To champion diversity through real action, not just words

who is also in this particular area of recruitment, and he said to me ‘what you have achieved in the first few months of your business is unheard of.’ But like anything I do, I do it with passion and always put people first. Over the years I’ve worn many hats, but they’ve all had one common thread: serving people.”

As previously mentioned, a key USP of CPR is that Dee also provides an HR division and management training.

“I have a staff retention programme. It is a unique scheme and is all about an individual leading their career. I give candidates feedback and most of them tell me they haven’t ever received any mentoring like that before. For most recruitment agencies it’s all about making placements and moving onto the next one but I want our candidates to be promoted. So I encourage them to speak to their line manager if they have any issues at work, or help motivate them to feel confident going forward for new roles. It’s about owning the trajectory of your job and turning it into a career.”

Dee adds that she also offers management training too. “Sometimes

Construction Professionals HR & Recruitment is an agency built on integrity, honesty, and real industry knowledge “

companies can fall down because they don’t know how to interview so I give training on that, as well as how to do an induction process properly, so that it’s successful for everyone. Management training is also about understanding the dynamics of your team and all of that results in better staff retention.

My particular approach helps both individuals and businesses grow. And having been so integral at Airey Miller, and now CPR, I have the benefit of seeing scenarios from both sides.

“Very few firms specialise in just professional construction recruitment but to my knowledge no one does the HR angle, or offers staff retention and training – that is unique about our offering.”

Another impressive point of difference is CPR’s GradPoint™-  its soon-to-be annual event for consultancies hiring graduate surveyors.

This, says Dee, is an idea that was first conceived during her time at Airey Miller.

“We would hire a conference facility in London and invite around 20 graduates along for day of networking and real life job scenarios courtesy of two Airey Miller associate building surveyors. The graduates then had the opportunity to network with the employed graduates and they got careers advice from me and from the two associate building surveyors who were present.

“That was so good at Airey Miller that I

PRINCIPLE AIMS OF CPR’S  GRADPOINT™

This is the recruitment firm’s flagship event for consultancies hiring graduate surveyors:

• We invite 20 high-potential graduates to a day of career advice, skills testing, and knowledge sharing

• Clients attend and get to assess and hire a handful of graduates, some of whom get a foot in the door and network with people already established in the industry

• We believe this is a win-win for the future of the profession

thought I am going to do this at CPR – and our first one takes place this September.”

Although Dee admits she is not working on CPR full-time she still ensures that the firm possesses all her core professional and personal values. That she adds means ensuring people make the best of themselves.

And like Dee’s other business ventures, such as professional coaching, CPR isn’t just rooted locally. It recruits nationally too.

“At the moment there is a lot of work germinating in the north due to various projects and we cover a lot of London, as well as the Midlands and the South West.”

At the top of our conversation Dee mentioned that when she started out there were pretty much no women in the professional realm of construction but thankfully this has changed immeasurably over the years.

“The construction industry needs women. They are by no means excluded from this sector – far from it as having females in the mix helps as a whole.

From being present as architects and quantity surveyors at site visits, to taking their place around the boardroom table. Women’s contribution to construction is invaluable.

“During my time at Airey Miller, and now CPR, many women have told me they were inspired to see me at the top table. But that’s not through tokenism, I got to where I am because of my hard work, skills, ability to seize opportunities and make a difference where possible.

“Just by showing there are women who run businesses in this industry, hopefully proves that it’s not just a man’s world. Future female employees can be inspired by those of us who are already here and visible.

“My time at Airey Miller taught me how to help people rise to their potential and I now lead CPR with that same intention.”

In addition to seeing more women access the construction industry, Dee adds that she would like to see a higher proportion of applicants from other countries landing good jobs.

“We have many people from other countries who are so highly skilled and have worked so hard to get where they are, so I want to encourage employers not to be blinkered. It’s a case of just wanting businesses to widen the net and see what you get as the talent and knowledge possessed by people from elsewhere is sometimes more than that of those who are born and bred in this country.

“The world is so evolutionary and you have access to these high end courses from all over the world and I think someone who might not have been in

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“

A key USP of Construction Professionals HR & Recruitment

is that Dee also provides an HR division, management training and also a graduate scheme

the country but has the qualifications and therefore ace the job should be considered.”

She tells me that creating CPR has been her way of continuing to serve the industry that shaped her.

“I’m proud to have been one of very few black female co-owners of a successful construction consultancy in the UK, and

even prouder that we organically built one of the most diverse firms in the sector for its size. There was no box ticking or tokenism - just good old fashioned hiring the right person for the job.”

Some of the valuable feedback Dee has so far received from CPR candidates truly matters to her and validates what she is aiming to achieve she says.

“I’ve had emails and messages saying things like ‘When I researched the company before my interview and saw you were a director, I knew anything was possible for a black woman in construction.’ Or statements such as ‘You inspired me to get my skates on and go as far as I can in this industry.’ And finally this: ‘Your words have really hit a spot with me to make a career and not just have a job. Thank you so much.’

“And that’s why I do it. If I’ve inspired even a few women, then I know I’m on the right path.”

GET IN TOUCH:

www.constructionprofessionals.co.uk hello@constructionprofessionals.co.uk 0330 133 0 331

From commuting to community

With flexible working now the norm for many professionals, the demand for coworking spaces in Tunbridge Wells continues to grow. From solo entrepreneurs to scaling startups, there's now a wealth of places offering dynamic, design-led workspaces. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine spoke to three key players about the benefits of working this way...

DeskRenter

DeskRenter established the town’s first coworking space in 2015 and has since grown to operate seven different locations—five in central Tunbridge Wells, including Monson Road, Mount Pleasant and Lonsdale Gardens, as well as two additional spaces in Tonbridge’s Barden Road and Castle Street.

“We’re committed to building communities—both inside and outside our spaces”

“Like others, we offer the full range of services—from meeting rooms and hot desks to full-time desks in shared spaces and private offices,” says Simon McArdle of DeskRenter Ltd.

“What sets us apart is that, as residents of the town, we’re fully committed to building communities both inside our spaces and within the wider towns. We work closely with our members to bring them together to share knowledge, experience, and collaborate,” he adds.

“We’re proud that over the last 10 years, we’ve delivered free mentoring programmes, helped members secure

UBC at Pantiles

Chambers

“Why local businesses are choosing flexible office space”

As the way we work continues to evolve, more businesses in Tunbridge Wells are choosing flexible office solutions over traditional leases—and it’s easy to see why.

Located in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, UBC at Pantiles Chambers offers more than just office space. Whether you’re a freelancer, a startup, or a growing company, the need for flexible, professional environments has never been greater.

With private offices for teams of all sizes, coworking memberships, and meeting rooms available on demand, UBC provides the agility today’s businesses need. Virtual office services are also available, giving businesses a prestigious address without the cost of a permanent space.

But it’s not just the physical space that

over £200,000 in grant funding, and collaborated with Economic Development teams at Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling, and Kent Councils.”

Simon explains that, beyond offering practical workspaces, DeskRenter aims to foster knowledge-sharing among its members by regularly hosting business development sessions.

“These are free to attend and typically held outside of traditional office hours,” he says. “Members receive invitations to talks from specialists covering everything

from online security to tax efficiency. There are also informal gatherings where members can meet others working across the various DeskRenter buildings.”

Get in touch: www.deskrenter.co.uk 01892 322711 here@deskrenter.co.uk

sets UBC apart—it’s the exceptional service. A dedicated on-site team ensures clients are warmly welcomed, calls are professionally handled, and day-to-day support is always available.

UBC clients benefit from a simple, transparent approach: no long leases, no hidden fees—just quality workspace designed to help your business thrive.

Find out more: 01892 506960

www.ubcuk.com

UBC Tunbridge Wells, Pantiles Chambers, 85 High St, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XP

Lonsdale Gate

“The modern workplace is undergoing a quiet transformation. While square footage and desk capacity once topped the priority list, today’s businesses are seeking something more meaningful: community. That’s why we’ve created a five-star workspace designed around people, not just desks,” says the team at Lonsdale Gate.

“We’ve created a five-star workspace designed around people—not just desks”

Situated in the heart of Tunbridge Wells town centre, Lonsdale Gate accommodates businesses ranging from solo entrepreneurs to teams of up to 15 people. The building features spacious meeting rooms, boardrooms, and lounges throughout.

Wellbeing is a key priority. All offices are bathed in natural light and complemented by a communal breakout area where tenants can relax or enjoy free baristaquality coffee. An onsite gym—open 24/7 and complete with shower facilities— further supports both physical and mental wellness.

As a family-run independent business, Lonsdale Gate also partners with local enterprises—such as coffee shops and

farm shops—offering tenants exclusive discounts on the best local produce.

“We support a wide range of businesses—from growing startups to established companies. Our office spaces are fully serviced and flexible, from private one-desk offices to larger spaces, all at affordable, transparent rates starting from £350 + VAT. Utilities, highspeed internet, gym access, and more are included.”

“Our goal is to provide a professional, welcoming environment where every business—regardless of size—can thrive.” Get in touch:

www.lonsdalegate.co.uk 01892 354090 enquiries@penhurst.co.uk

Nourish hosts inaugural Business Supporters’ Club Launch

Nourish Community Foodbank collaborated with Mike Martin MP to host a Business Networking Breakfast on Friday July 4. Thirty local businesspeople came to find out how the foodbank charity Nourish works, discover the current issues it is facing, and to hear about a new Business Supporters’ Club. The club enables businesses to give a regular monthly donation to help Nourish support more people in food poverty.

“The Business Supporters’ Club will enable us to buy in bulk with guaranteed income, which means we can support more people

The charity welcomed Henry Paul Funerals as the first club member. Cripps LLP also confirmed their membership, with Associate, Jade Hallam, announcing Nourish as their local charity partner for the next 18 months.

Maslins Chartered Tax Advisors, Town & Country Housing and Nails by Erin also joined. It was particularly poignant to welcome Erin Etsy, owner of Nails by Erin, who was supported by Nourish years ago, and is now a successful business owner.

Connor Jeffery, Funeral Director from Henry Paul Funerals said: “We are delighted to be the first business to sign up to the Nourish Business Supporters’ Club. We are committed to supporting our local community and proud that our monthly donation will enable people

to receive food parcels from Nourish at a difficult time in their lives. A regular monthly gift is an easy way to spread our support across the year. I recommend other businesses consider getting involved.”

Dawn Stanford, Operations Director at Nourish added: “This is the first time in the charity’s history where we have faced such huge drops in monetary and food donations. The Business Supporters’

Lawyers’ leap of faith

Five solicitors at leading Kent and London law firm Thackray Williams have raised over £3,000 for Guide Dogs UK through a sponsored skydive.

The Thackray Williams staff were joined by the Specsavers Sevenoaks skydive team.

“Having wanted to skydive for a very long time, it was everything I hoped it would be and more – an unreal sensory overload and I definitely want to do it again. I’m thrilled for my colleagues and very proud to have been able to raise money with them for such a great cause,” said Thackray Williams’ Head of Family Law team Stuart Ruff. Each participant completed tandem

jumps from 12,000 feet with GoSkydive in Headcorn on June 8.

“The jump was amazing – totally exhilarating and I want to do it all again!  I am really proud of myself and my fearless colleagues for doing it and for raising such a terrific amount for the charity,” shared Nicki Rundle, Real Estate Senior Associate Solicitor.

Pictured from left are: Stuart Ruff (Head of the Family Law team), Nicki Rundle (Real Estate Senior Associate Solicitor), Anjuma Mukith (Trainee Litigation Solicitor), Lydia Button (Employment Solicitor) and Megan Ohara (Employment Law Partner)

Club will enable us to buy in bulk with guaranteed income, which means we can support more people.

“We would like to thank these first members for their generosity and look forward to working with them in the future, alongside other businesses we hope will join the club in the coming months. My heartfelt thanks to Mike Martin MP for generously giving his time and energy to support Nourish.”

To find out more about our Business Supporters Club, please visit www.nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk/ business-partners/

A trusted name for over 30 years

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Stephen and the team are here for you

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www.stephentesterifd.co.uk Beacon House Crowborough TN6 2QX

How Synergee’s Sat Nav for Business drives tangible growth

Synergee’s Director, Darren Austin, sits down with Eileen Leahy at the chartered accountancy and business specialists’ central Tunbridge Wells headquarters to explain more about the firm’s pioneering financial advisory services

Synergee was established in 2007 with the aim of helping everyone from sole traders and private clients to limited companies achieve better financial stability.

Offering a trio of chartered accountancy services - compliance, business advisory and tax planning - the firm has gained a solid reputation for providing a wealth of guidance to further financial success.

“The majority of what we do here at Synergee is B2B, but we do have some private clients on our books too,” states Darren Austin, the firm’s Director.

“Most of our private clients are individuals who still have a requirement for a tax return. They may be retired, receiving pensions or have investments in property. So they might not ostensibly still have a business, but they will have UK tax return requirements, and we help them with those. Some are still based here, but others have emigrated to Europe or America,” explains Darren, who has worked in the finance sector since 1981.

“At Synergee we do exactly what our strapline says: we provide clarity through accounting. What I mean by that is whatever level a client is at, I want to make sure the service we provide gives them a clear understanding of their position and the information they need to make strategic business decisions.”

Darren and his team, which totals six, are based in the smart serviced Regus offices at Pluto House on Vale Road. Many of the firm’s clients are local to Tunbridge Wells, London and the South East, but thanks to ever-evolving technology, they can work with anyone, anywhere in the country.

Synergee’s services all complement one another progressively. Compliance covers the essentials such as tax returns, VAT and company accounts. Its financial advisory offering builds on that; supporting clients with management insight such as monthly profits and performance drivers. Strategic advisory, which Darren tells me is his favourite part of the job, advances Synergee’s offering further…

“It’s about setting goals, building forecasts and creating actionable plans. This is what we call our Sat Nav for Business. Showing clients how to move forward and working with them to achieve this is so fulfilling.”

Sat Nav for Business, explains Darren,

At Synergee we do exactly what our strapline says: we provide clarity through accounting “

imagines your business as being on a car journey.

“To reach your destination efficiently and effectively, you need a clear plan. The Sat Nav for Business model is your roadmap, guiding you through a structured process to achieve your goals. I help my clients break down this journey into simple, actionable steps using this approach.”

Darren says: “It’s very flexible, so businesses of all sizes and ages can use it. You can meet me every month to discuss where you are and where you are going, or simply see me for a one-off appointment.”

Obviously, every business varies in size, specialisms and strategies, but Darren believes there are what he calls ‘core concepts’ applicable to each one.

“The Sat Nav analogy works because if you’re thinking about planning a journey, you need to know where you are now: what your turnover and profitability are, and which elements of your business are driving it. And most importantly, where

you are going next and how you’re going to get there.”

This pioneering model helps clients break down their business journey into manageable steps across finance, operations, marketing and HR. Darren helps map their current position, define their destination, and navigate obstacles along the way.

Darren shares with me that he met a client on the morning of this interview

who was very passionate about his successful new venture but lacked financial confidence.

“We sat down, and I went through the ways in which Synergee can help and the tools we can use to do that. I mean, I could almost see the weight lifting from his shoulders! It’s always exciting to be part of building that journey for a business.

“The acceleration of technology in this industry is incredible. My first job was working in London in 1981, and we did everything by hand. Clients wouldn’t know if they had made a profit until they saw the accounts we prepared after the year end.” says Darren, who currently supports at least 400 businesses and handles a similar number of tax returns.

“The key criteria for me is to make someone’s life a lot easier by providing the information they need, when they need it, to make informed business decisions.”

synergee.org.uk

Two architect firms with one common purpose

Two local architectural firms, Supervene and Studio Sett, are now not only sharing an office in Tunbridge Wells but also collaborating. Here, Michael Westlake and Alex Taylor of Supervene, and Ed Sutcliff of Studio Sett, speak to Eileen Leahy about their respective specialities and how their combined expertise is benefiting both businesses and their clients...

Supervene Architects is an independent architectural practice that specialises in large and innovative builds. Established six years ago by Michael Westlake, its portfolio spans myriad sectors including commercial, sports, residential, infrastructure, and cultural projects, in both urban and rural contexts. Michael’s co-director is Alex Taylor who joined the firm at the start of this year.

He and Michael each have 20 plus years’ worth of experience in the industry, having worked together at the prestigious Broadway Malyan firm in London before Michael moved to New York to work for Populous and Alex took a Director role at tp bennett.

And here they are, many years later, working together again on Supervene, an independent RIBA Chartered architectural practice with sustainability, creativity and transparency high up on its agenda.

“Michael quite rightly describes us a London-style firm that’s based locally and he has worked really hard into establishing Supervene into what it is today,” Alex says.

The firm is currently working on projects such as the development of Sugar House Island in London to repurposing the old Tetley Brewery HQ in Leeds.

For our interview, the pair have brought along their colleague and collaborator Ed Sutcliff of Studio Sett, who has joined Michael and Alex in their Chapel Place office in order to run his RIBA accredited residential practice. While Supervene focuses on large-scale projects, Studio Sett works directly with private clients on everything from extensions to full renovations.

“We take a no-nonsense but highly skilled approach to our work and eliminate the need for people to go to London-based firms,” states Ed.

So what brings the talented trio together?

Ed tells me that he moved down from London with the idea of starting his own practice. He’d had some experience in residential and smaller projects and so he contacted Michael, who by then had established Supervene, to see if they could meet.

“

When you work with us, you’re

getting architects who are highly qualified and experienced across all types of projects

“At that time I didn’t need anyone but I never say no to making a connection that might one day be valuable,” reveals Michael, who originally hails from Pembury.

Sometime later Michael did need someone who was working in the domestic domain and so he got back in touch with Ed.

“It made sense for Ed to join us in the Supervene office as one of the benefits of having him with us is that we can share our individual knowledge, connections and resources. Meaningful design emerges from diverse perspectives,” he explains.

Reflecting on the benefits of working at Supervene after leaving his London firm, Alex says that although the architectural practice is relatively still young, it is a ‘small but mighty’ one.

The firm has extensive experience delivering large, complex projects as part of multidisciplinary teams.

“From masterplanning to detailed building delivery, every design stage matters to us,” adds Michael.

Collaboration with clients, users, consultants, and contractors underpins every stage of a Supervene project - from first ideas to completion on site.

And this, says Ed is very much like what Studio Sett does too: “We try to forge as many connections and contacts as we can. That network of people is very important and the aim is to continue to grow it.”

Recently, the three of them teamed up with local domestic firm FJR Studio to host a ‘Meet the Architect’ event at Office Tribe. The idea was to offer free advice and support to local residents and businesses interested in building projects.

“We want to collaborate, not compete,” confirms Alex.

With their combined knowledge, Michael and Alex have encountered just about every architectural scenario imaginable.

“When you work with us, you’re getting people who are highly qualified and experienced across all types of projects. We carefully consider both the brief and budget from the outset. Budget transparency is key to understanding

Alex Taylor and Michael Westlake

Ed Sutcliff

what’s achievable,” declares Michael. Alex agrees and highlights the importance of hiring an architectregardless of the size or scale of a build.

“There’s real value in engaging an architect. That’s something both our industry bodies RIBA and ARB promote.

It’s an elevated service,” he says.

And because Supervene and Studio Sett are small, boutique firms, clients will always get to talk to them directly says Michael.

“We’re good at managing client expectations and nurturing relationships,”

says Michael. “Our tagline is ‘Better Practice,’ and that’s what we aim to deliver. The planning process is complex, whether commercial or residential, but we know how to navigate it effectively and efficiently.”

Ed adds that one of the key skills required by architects is about knowing where to find the right information. “You have to be a bit of an encyclopaedia,” he says with a smile.

“There’s a real benefit in having Ed here with us,” Alex concludes. “One of us might be talking through a job and another will say, ‘I know how to solve that.’ It just makes everything easier and it builds great camaraderie too.”

GET IN TOUCH:

Supervene

Website: www.supervenearchitects.com

Call: 01892 341 899

Email: office@supervenearchitects.com

Studio Sett

Website: www.studiosett.co.uk

Call: 01892 179 264

Email: ed@studiosett.co.uk

COLLABORATION IS KEY: Supervene's Chapel Place office where Studio Sett are also based

Celebrating 30 years of Maxim PR

A lot has changed in the 30 years since Maxim set up its first office in Tunbridge Wells. The PR and public affairs agency’s Managing Director, Andrew Metcalf, takes a look at some of its key milestones and how the county has changed...

Back in 1995, the Channel Tunnel had been open just a year and there was a sense of optimism for the county’s economic future when we opened our doors.

Before setting up Maxim, with former Kent & Sussex Courier journalist Philip Jones, I was in the Economic Development Department of Kent County Council (KCC). Over a beer or three we decided to set up our own business and play to our strengths, which was probably the bravest and best decision we ever made.

We hired a small office in Upper Grosvenor Road, armed ourselves with two Apple Macs, a laser printer and a fax machine, and immediately secured some major clients.

Jump forward 30 years and we’re now in our fourth Tunbridge Wells office, relocating around the town to balance the needs of our workforce with the changing property landscape. With each move we’d review the options and discuss the merits of out of town or other towns, but the pull of Tunbridge Wells has always kept us in the centre. In particular the lively community (business and social), good choice of restaurants and proximity to London and Sussex have proved appealing.

Going back to the beginning of our story and the other benefit of the Channel Tunnel giving Kent a fixed link to mainland Europe meant the county benefitted from access to EU Interreg funding. As a

Our combined 30 years of knowledge of Kent and the South East is invaluable for our clients

result, Maxim organised and managed Transchannel ’95, a cross-channel trade exhibition for 160 companies in Kent, Nord-Pas de Calais, Flanders and Wallonia, on behalf of KCC. The event coincided with the first day of work for our first employee.

Shortly afterwards we were appointed by Kings Hill, the mixed-used development on the site of the former RAF West Malling airfield. Thirty years later and we’re still working with the team at what remains one of the county’s most prestigious business locations and residential community.

Our combined 30 years of knowledge of Kent and the South East is invaluable for our clients. We’ve been involved in helping

to bring forward major investments whether it’s a power station, wind farms both on- and offshore, or new housing developments, business and science parks. This requires an understanding of the development and planning process and property market, and also how to engage with politicians, businesses and importantly the public at large – especially in today’s world of the keyboard warriors. We’ve also supported the county’s tourism industry, for example launching Garden of England-themed tours and campaigns, and promoting the second visit to Kent of the world’s largest annual sporting event – the Tour de France. During this we showcased the county as a business location while acting for Locate in Kent, the county’s inward investment agency.

Since our inception we have employed people with a range of skills, enabling us to offer our clients a wide range of services – Philip was a journalist while I had more of a business background. Rachel’s background is in PR, while Erica is a former sub-editor so her obsession with the written word is second to none.

Philip Jones and Andrew Metcalf at Maxim’s first ever event, Transchannel ’95, a cross-channel trade exhibition

In 2021, as we emerged from Covid, we changed our structure. I bought Philip out and he now works part-time from sunny Spain supporting on a wide range of clients and planning-related projects. Rachel and Erica were both given a shareholding in the company and we look after our clients with support from a trusted cohort of other expertise we can call upon as needed.

While we’ve evolved as an agency, we’ve consistently focused on media relations and connecting organisations to the most

“All good relations are built upon trust, transparency and honesty – and the ability to sometimes give difficult advice

appropriate stakeholders. One example is the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards, which we established 11 years ago. The not-for-profit scheme is supported by many leading Kent-based organisations. It’s an excellent way to maintain relations with the local media while also linking up with a range of businesses through sponsorship agreements.

Sharing knowledge, and offering to help important projects, is also key. Recently,

has been providing pro bono support to the Leas Lift at Folkestone and has become a Trustee of the charity. You can often find us out and about at events or launches – I regularly speak at the Kent Construction Focus Group, giving a frank and irreverent update on the county’s economy in my capacity as Vice Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. All good relations are built upon trust, transparency and honesty – and the ability to sometimes give difficult advice. As PR and comms people you’ve got to have the bedside manner of a doctor, empathy of

From private to public: What increased disclosure means for small companies

by Darren Austin at Synergee

From 1 April 2027, significant changes to UK company law will come into effect, changing how small and micro-entity companies file their annual accounts with Companies House. These reforms, introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, are designed to enhance corporate transparency and improve the integrity of the public register

What’s Changing?

For the first time, small and micro-entity companies will be required to file a profit and loss account as part of their annual accounts. This means that key financial information including turnover, a summary of expenses, and pre- and post-tax profits will become publicly accessible. Businesses will not need to submit the detailed version typically appended to the full statutory accounts.

Additionally, from April 2027, all accounts must be filed digitally using commercial software. Paper and web-based filing routes will be closed for accounts submissions, although they will remain available for other statutory filings

Why These Changes Matter

One of the core advantages of operating

as a limited company is the limited liability protection it offers to directors and shareholders. However, this protection is balanced by the requirement to disclose certain financial information, enabling creditors and other stakeholders to assess risk appropriately. Over time, reduced disclosure has diminished this transparency, and the upcoming changes aim to restore that balance.

Considering Your Options

For business owners who are concerned about making financial information publicly available, one alternative is to re-register as an unlimited company. Unlimited companies are not required to file accounts, but this comes with a significant trade-off: directors and shareholders become personally liable for the company’s debts in the event of insolvency. This is a serious decision and should be approached with caution and professional advice.

How We Can Help

If you’d like to discuss how the new requirements might affect your company, or explore your options, we’re here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a meeting.

a nurse, be a fire-fighter when needed – and an ability to pull things out of the hat like a magician. You’ve also got to be good at reading people, and occasionally massaging sensitive egos.

This combination of diplomacy, experience and connections has enabled Maxim to flourish during the past 30 years, and we’re all looking forward to seeing where the next 30 years take us.

maxim-pr.co.uk

Rachel

Maxim enjoyed showcasing Kent as a business location while promoting the second visit to the county of the Tour de France.

“Your personal health is my priority”

Imeet Matthew Hill one sunny Thursday afternoon on the terrace of the Old Auction House near The Pantiles. When he arrives he is beaming from ear to ear as he has just found out that both he and his company Private Medical Insurance Brokers (PMI) have been nominated for a trio of awards.

“I’m pretty happy as it’s for the annual Health & Protection Awards which is quite a big deal in the health insurance industry,” he smiles adding that the ceremony takes place in October this year.

“I'm up for Best Health Insurance Advisor of the year, while the company has been made the shortlist for Best Individual Health Advice Firm and Best Small Health Advice Firm. I’m very proud to be recognised,” Matthew continues.

And so he should be given that PMI isn’t even two years old yet: “I formed the company in September 2023 and since then things have grown exponentially. I’m very happy with the trajectory of how things are going,” he tells me.

“I’ve been in the health insurance industry for more than 15 years so I have a lot of experience but I am really pleased to have this recognised so early on with PMI.”

So what does Matthew believe makes PMI so different compared to all the other specialist health insurance brokers out there?

“Essentially I think it’s because I offer a very bespoke and personal approach. I've got a big focus on customer care and service, and yes, I know every company says that, but it really is about ensuring that everyone I'm speaking to and dealing with gets a tailored service.

“I have a clear inbox policy so come the end of the day, if someone has asked a question, they will get a response that same day. And I think things like prompt answers and keeping clients in the loop makes a huge difference.”

Matthew also tells me that he is a ‘wholeof-market broker’ – and not tied to just

I pride myself on being transparent and finding the right policy that suits clients and their needs “

a couple of insurers, as such he reviews the whole market for his clients annually, without charging a fee.

“I pride myself on being transparent for clients and finding the right policy that suits them and their needs. After 15-plus years in the industry I totally understand that your health is a priority, and I therefore strive to simplify the process of securing private medical insurance.

PMI recognises that every individual, family, and company have unique health and financial considerations.

“From explaining policy details, to helping you make informed decisions, to assisting with claims, administration, and reviewing the policy at every renewal.

Your peace of mind is a key priority.”

PMI’s offices are located at Regus’s Pluto House on Vale Avenue, and the business boasts an impressive portfolio of both local and national clients. As

a result of the growing number of people Matthew is working with he says he is now in a position to appoint an administrative assistant.

“I’ve just agreed the employment contract with Gemma Farina at GFHR for that role but I would also like to take on a part-time broker in the coming months too - with the intention of taking someone on full-time by the end of the year.”

So now we have established some background on PMI I ask Matthew about the type of work he carries out for his clients.

“Essentially we are your dedicated partners in safeguarding your health and financial well-being. We deal with both private and corporate clients – and not just locally but nationally and globally too. Although I do really enjoy working with local businesses.”

And does Matthew have a five – or even ten – year plan for PMI?

“My intention between the next five to ten years, is to get to ten brokers working with me and that will also include employing some administrative staff too. But in all honestly I have no intention of growing the company larger than that because when firms get to 40-plus employees it becomes a very different beast.”

Another key point of difference with PMI is that Matthew deals directly with all of his clients.

“I think doing this is relatively unique, but when I take on another broker their clients will be theirs exclusively. It’s about building a long-lasting relationship with people. At PMI people are not going to get passed over to someone else.”

Web: www.pmibrokers.com

Call: 01892251274

Email: info@pmibrokers.com

MATTHEW HILL

One of our most popular services we provide our customers is helping them get (and stay) protected from Cyber attacks.

We take customers through Cyber Essentials which is a government backed scheme and ensures that an organisation’s technology set up has best practice measures and security controls in place.

We also offer Cyber Essentials Plus which is a more robust level and includes an audit by external cyber security experts to check that measures have been implemented properly.

Cyber Essentials Accreditation also provides some free cyber insurance as well as use of the Cyber Essentials logo which can help organisations show their customers that they take Cyber Security seriously and can help them win business by differentiating themselves from their competitors.

We can also offer advanced measures where a customer deems it appropriate. Lastly, we offer training solutions to help train staff on how to avoid ‘clicking something they shouldn’t’ and reveals which of their staff require the most training and guidance.

It’s definitely worth having a chat about so we encourage all organisations to look into this properly – give us a call for an initial chat with no obligation.

Render, refine and revolutionise

Steve Palin of Revolution Rendering tells Eileen Leahy about his new business which works with high-end home owners to ensure their renovations and new build projects boast the best possible finishing touches courtesy of Steve and his team’s exterior expertise

“One of the most high profile jobs I have worked on was a multi-million pound property just down from the late Sir Bruce Forsythe’s home on the Wentworth Estate,” says Steve Palin of Revolution Rendering when we meet for a coffee at the Cake Shed on The Pantiles.

Well now, with that as an opening gambit I have to say I am pretty impressed but then as I quickly discover, Steve really doesn’t do things by halves, such is his passion for his profession.

We are sitting down to talk about his company Revolution Rendering – which by all accounts does exactly what you would expect - putting incredible smooth finishes on both high-end renovation projects and state-of-the-art new builds. The company also specialises in sophisticated external wall insulation.

“Revolution Rendering has very high quality clients including stunning multi-million pound seaside homes, New Englandstyle clapperboard mansions and super stylish new builds

One look at the Revolution Rendering website will show you the calibre of stunning projects Steve and his small team have worked on recently. They include multi-million pound seaside homes (which are particularly affected by the natural elements given their location and exposure to them), as well as New England-style clapperboard mansions and super stylish new builds that wouldn’t look out of place on an episode of Grand Designs.

“We are definitely aimed at the higher end of the rendering market,” explains

Over the past 17 years he has honed his specialist craft, firstly freelancing as a plasterer and then eventually rendering for different companies, before launching his first business. That ran for a good number of years until Steve saw the opportunity to downsize from having 15 employees to just a handful courtesy of establishing Revolution Rendering.

“I believe in quality and not quantity, and I am a very hands on person. The mantra ‘do it once, do it right’ is always in my head,” he smiles.

Steve adds that he specialises in a number of different render finishes which include through coloured rendered systems, insulated render systems, brick slip systems and liquid flow screeds.

Revolution Rendering has just started taking on some property maintenance too, Steve says, doing things like building patios but another area he and his team want to get into is working with premium property developers and architects.

“That’s what we are working on behind the scenes. Those jobs amount to four to five months at a time so it makes sense to focus on getting those.”

And what are the main benefits of rendering a property?

“Well once the render is on, it’s on for life. And to be honest it not only looks much nicer it will add real aesthetic and financial value to a property.”

He adds that Revolution Rendering will always give ten-year warranties with their work and that the business has very good relationships with its various suppliers, therefore ensuring the quality and price is very competitive for each client. Steve has also invested in the latest tech to get the best finish possible for his numerous clients who are based all over the country.

“We do a bit of artisan work by hand but we have also invested in very sophisticated machinery, worth thousands of pounds, to ensure the best results.”

“We also do liquid flow screed for flooring which means it goes off in just a few hours, instead of weeks, so developers really like that as it has revolutionised things. Yes, it is expensive but if we get bigger volume projects we can look at reducing the price.”

Revolution Rendering do a few commercial projects too, working on big retail park projects all over the UK.

“What we do is very niche. Not everyone can do it – although a lot of people say they can and as a result some developers are going in for the cheapest quote. But that often ends up not being the job that was promised so the rendering has to be remedied and that ends up being non cost effective in the long run. Again, it goes back to doing it once and doing it right…”

Website: www.revolutionrendering.co.uk

Email: info@revolutionrendering.co.uk

Call: O7890 261 346

Steve who tells me that he has worked in the building industry since 2008.

Employment Law Changes – Are You Ready?

In this, the first of my new monthly columns for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, as CEO and Founder of Forrest Group, I’d like to highlight some of the forthcoming developments in the Employment Rights Bill along with key dates for the changes which the Government have recently confirmed.

One of the more surprising elements is that changes to zerohour contracts and the introduction of ‘day one’ unfair dismissal rights now appear unlikely to take effect until sometime in 2027.

Key dates for changes likely to impact your business:

April 2026:

• ‘Day 1’ paternity and unpaid parental leave

• Enhanced whistleblower protections

• Establishment of a Fair Work Agency

• Statutory Sick Pay improvements (removal of lowerearnings limit and 3 days waiting period)

• Simplified trade union recognition and digital/workplace balloting systems

October 2026:

• Ban on fire-and-rehire

• Stronger tipping laws

• Further Employer duties to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment

• Expanded trade union rights and protections for those taking industrial action

• Stricter employment tribunal limits 2027:

• ‘Day 1’ unfair dismissal rights

• Mandatory gender pay gap and menopause action plans (voluntary from April 2026)

• New rights for pregnant workers

• Bereavement leave entitlements

• Protections against zero-hour contract abuse and right to guaranteed hours

• Umbrella company regulation

You should understand how these changes impact your company and consider what aspects of your business need reviewing, and update your policies, procedures, practices and contracts of employment accordingly.

If you would like a completely free initial conversation with me, to answers any questions on the above or help you navigate the changes in employment law, please contact me directly on

A night of local pride and celebration

The second Tonbridge Business Awards took place at the EM Forster theatre last month. Here we reflect on a brilliant night that saw so many fantastic local independent businesses acknowledged and honoured...

On Thursday June 26, the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School glowed with pride, laughter and applause as the Tonbridge Business Awards 2025 brought together the town’s most inspiring local businesses, entrepreneurs and community champions.

Organised with dedication and passion by Jess Gibson of the TN card, who cohosted the ceremony alongside Nick Moore of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, the evening was far more than an awards event - it was a celebration of the independent spirit that makes Tonbridge shine.

The awards ceremony began with a warm welcome from Tom Tugendhat MP, setting the tone for an evening filled with community pride and local ambition. Guests were then treated to a special film, sponsored by Berry & Lamberts, featuring heartfelt messages from the awards’ sponsors and the charities benefiting from the night’s generosity.

The atmosphere was alive from the start - the drinks reception showcased delicious food from Havet Tonbridge, while live music from finalist MusicStation filled the room with joyful energy, reminding everyone just how rich Tonbridge’s creative talent truly is.

Supported by headline sponsor Charity Bank, and generously backed by a host of local sponsors, the awards night raised an incredible £2,700 for three wonderful Tonbridge charities: Babons Cancer Support, FEAST and West Kent Mind - a

powerful reminder that local business success and community kindness go hand in hand.

From new businesses and creative enterprises to health and wellbeing specialists, retailers, changemakers and inspiring individuals, the awards spanned a diverse range of categories. Each finalist brought their own story of resilience, creativity and local impact, showing how vibrant, caring and entrepreneurial the Tonbridge community is.

A special podcast recording from Brilliant Businesses captured all excitement and reflections of winners as they came off stage, and can be listened to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Congratulations to all the winners, runners-up and finalists of the Tonbridge Business Awards 2025:

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.

SPONSOR: CHS NETWORKS IT SUPPORT

WINNER

The Market House

RUNNERS-UP

Grainne Dunne Virtual Assistant

The Pup Cup

FINALISTS

The BBQ Hub

Concept Beauty

Nutley’s Barbers

Rootes Wealth Management

Tonbridge Property

FOOD AND DRINK AWARD. SPONSOR: CONNECTAGROUP

WINNER

Ben’s Kitchen

RUNNERS-UP

The Leicester Arms

Masala Pantry

FINALISTS

The George and Dragon

The Market House Opulence

Tonbridge Brewery

Maybe in your back, neck, shoulder, hip or knee?

And despite all of your efforts, nothing can seem to fix it? Have you ever been told to strengthen your glutes and tighten your abs? Don’t worry the key to success is easier than you think. I want you to forget everything you’ve been told about strengthening your core or glutes because in my experience this could be making things worse – that’s right, no more struggling to work on these areas with no results. I’m Ismini, founder of Ismini Studios,

RETAIL AWARD.

SPONSOR: CLARKE WILLIAMS

WINNER

Karen Alexandra Beauty & Well-being

RUNNERS-UP

Grace Fashion Accessories

Mr Simms Sweet Shop

FINALISTS

The BBQ Hub Cycle-Ops

Fred. Olsen Travel

Zilch Zero Waste

Wilkinson Eyewear Studio

Are you or someone you know struggling with chronic pain from an injury or a neurological condition? For more details please visit my website: www.isministudios.com and follow me on Instagram @ismini_studios and facebook @IsminiStudios. Email: info@isministudios.com, Tel: 07399 303480 or 07711 906750

a multi award winning movement & rehab specialist with over 18 years of experience and winner of the Tonbridge Business Health & Wellbeing Award 2025! I have had incredible results freeing people from their pain and transforming their lives by guiding them through intuitive moves. I can transform yours too using my own unique methodology with The Feldenkrais Method® to rewire, reprogramme and create new neurological pathways to release you from pain and Pilates to keep you mobile, flexible and strong. All you need to do is join me face to face, online or on demand for life changing classes in The Feldenkrais and Pilates Methods. You may also like to join me for my Feldenkrais & Pilates Retreat Holiday next May, 2026, in Cyprus.

CREATIVE BUSINESS AWARD.

SPONSOR: RANKFRESH

WINNER

Imogen Partridge Illustration and Design

RUNNERS-UP

MusicStation

The Oast Theatre

FINALISTS

Delilah and Herb

Razzamataz Theatre School

Sarah Hart Photography

The Soldersmith

Where’s My Experience?

HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARD.

SPONSOR: BENENDEN HOSPITAL

WINNER

Ismini Studios

RUNNERS-UP

Anatomy Gyms

Miles Martial Arts

FINALISTS

Consultus Care and Nursing

Foundations

Susie Wanford Osteopathy

Tonbridge Counselling Service

Walk Tonbridge

HAIR AND BEAUTY AWARD.

SPONSOR: ANDREW HOUSE DENTAL PRACTICE

WINNER

Laserday

RUNNERS-UP

Nirvana Beauty

Nutley's Barbers

FINALISTS

Bambino’s

Concept Beauty

Stradbrook Skin Clinic

Tanbridge

The Traditional Barber Shop

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.

SPONSOR: ABMV CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

WINNER

Tonbridge Garage

RUNNERS-UP

Ridings

The Traditional Barber Shop

FINALISTS

GFHR Consulting

Karen Alexandra Beauty & Well-being

MusicStation

Princess and the Pea Events

Zilch Zero Waste

LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.

SPONSOR: COOPERBURNETT SOLICITORS

WINNER

CHS Networks Limited

RUNNERS-UP

Foundations

Tonbridge Golf Centre

FINALISTS

Fred. Olsen Travel

Hyllden Heights

Riverside House

Stradbrook Dental & Implant Clinic

EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR.

SPONSOR: GF HR CONSULTING

WINNER

Consultus Care and Nursing

RUNNERS-UP

DMD Restaurants

Tonbridge Golf Centre

FINALISTS

CHS Networks Limited

Hyllden Heights Care Home

Miles Martial Arts

DGC Security

BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR.

SPONSOR: DMD RESTAURANTS

WINNER

Diana Goldsmith

RUNNERS-UP

Emma Broom

David Coleman FINALISTS

Craig Alexander

Jack Nutley

Suzanne Rice

Wendy Ross

Lauren Young

Natural and Organic Skincare, Makeup and Well Being

With over 30 years in the beauty industry—including 20 focused on natural and organic skincare and makeup—I’ve seen the power of nature in creating healthy, radiant skin.

I work with premium, award-winning brands like Éminence Organic Skin Care, INIKA Organic Makeup, and Lily Lolo Mineral Makeup—rich in natural, skin-loving ingredients. These products are free from harsh chemicals and full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support skin health.

Whether you want a fresh, natural glow, a simple skincare routine that works, or makeup that’s kind to your skin and the planet, I’ll help you find the perfect fit.

I also stock eco-conscious British brands such as The Sedbergh Soap Co, Tonbridge Pure Peace Candles, and The Proper Tea Company from East Sussex—with more to come.

Proud winner of the 2025 Tonbridge Business Awards – Retail.

SPONSOR:

Fuggles

Step3

Delilah and Herb Foundations

Walk Tonbridge

Zilch Zero Waste MEMBERS'

Fuggles

The Market House

Tonbridge River Trips

Upz and Downz

Zilch Zero Waste

Watt’s your game?

Jake Spiller runs Spiller Electrical Services and is also a co-partner in solar panel installers, Solar Serve. When he’s not making sparks fly, you can find Jake pitching up at Tonbridge Baseball. Nicola Withers caught him between bases for a catch up...

Jake, tell us when you set up Spiller Electrical Services?

In 2012, I finished my electrician apprenticeship, but when that didn’t turn into full-time work, my wife Bex convinced me to go solo. So I did, in January 2013. The first jobs were for family and friends, then I started calling round for work and helping other electricians. Eventually, I got busy enough to hire people to help with the workload.

And you’ve just grown from there?

Yes, with ups and downs, I grew it to three employees and things were settling. We were booked two to three months ahead, Bex and I bought our first house in Feb 2020 … and then Covid hit. Business stopped overnight. We were allowed to do emergency work in people’s homes but that was it. I furloughed myself but kept the team busy – they were too new to qualify for furlough.

Then, as DIY exploded, so did the demand for electricians to fix it! We could also work in empty schools – and probably did two a week for months. When the first ‘break’ came, we were back in demand. I had to hire two more staff to keep up. Then I had to keep that level of work coming in, so in April 2021 I joined a BNI group, A21 Connect, and they were brilliant at getting my name out there and finding work.

How did you get involved in a solar business?

I was originally asked to be an electrician for Solar Serve but wanted more. So together with Danny Pugh, one of the other electricians involved, we bought out

“Covid hit us hard but in 2021 I joined a BNI group and they were brilliant at getting my name out there and finding work

the other partners. I now run it alongside Spiller Electrical Services (SES). It’s a perfect fit.

Across SES and Solar Serve we have a top team and work in the residential and commercial sectors. We get great feedback, people trust us to be in their homes, and we’re super clean and tidy. Henry the Hoover is on the payroll. We work on projects of all size, from rewiring the Foreign Secretary’s country residence, Chevening House, to changing a light fitting!

So. Why baseball. It’s not huge in the UK is it?

It’s not. There are only around 2000 players registered in the UK. After the pandemic, I wanted to get out and do something and saw an ad on Instagram from Tonbridge Baseball. Again, Bex encouraged me to go and eventually I did, along with 30 other newbies. I’d never played before but I loved it from the off.

That first year I won Rookie of the Year, then Players’ Player and Slugger of the Year. I’ve also won Base Thief, Most Valuable Player, and Golden Glove. It’s a technical, tactical game and I love it. Now both SES & Solar Serve are team sponsors. We’re in a league across the South East

and in 2023 we won that, and had to face London for the national playoffs. I don’t know what they feed them in London but it didn’t end well. But it’s not about that. It’s about the brilliant team vibe; it’s family-friendly, mixed age and gender, and everyone’s welcome.

You sound like a busy man! How do you manage to juggle your professional and personal lives?

Life is good. Things got busier in November 2023 when our daughter, Evelyn, arrived. She’s completely changed my outlook, brought much needed balance and makes me go home on time. Being a dad is hands down the best job in the world.

GET IN TOUCH:

Contact Jake for all your electrical (and solar) needs, big and small, at Jacob@spillerelectricalservices.co.uk. And check out Tonbridge Baseball at tonbridgebaseball.com

Why arts and heritage mean business

As it celebrates welcoming its one millionth visitor, Jeremy Kimmel, Arts, Heritage and Engagement Director, at The Amelia Scott reflects on the key reasons why this multi-faceted centre, which opened in 2022, has become so much more than a cultural cornerstone of our town and borough...

There’s a long-standing idea that arts and heritage are enriching, but not essential -culture is often deemed as a ‘nice to have’, rather than something with teeth.

At The Amelia Scott, however we’ve set out to challenge that assumption. What we’ve found, and what the data now confirms, is that when you run cultural services with the same rigour, ambition and creativity as any growth sector, they don’t just chase profits, they generate real value.

Since opening in April 2022, The Amelia Scott has become a cornerstone of life in the borough. Over 23,000 schoolchildren have visited for immersive learning experiences. We've curated 11 exhibitions, hosted over 900 events, and welcomed a growing number of visitors every year, with footfall growing 10% year on year.

We’ve fielded over half a million borough council customer service calls (yes, The Amelia Scott does that too) and saved nearly 770,000 litres of water through our rainwater harvesting system. The building might house a library, museum, and gallery, but behind the scenes, it's an engine of economic and social impact. In 2024/25, an Economic Impact Assessment from Arts Council England revealed that The Amelia Scott contributed £6.6 million in gross economic impact to Tunbridge Wells - a figure that has grown more than 5% year on year

When culture is seen not as window dressing but as infrastructure, it boosts investor confidence, attracts footfall, and helps a town punch above its weight

since we opened. This includes spending by visitors in the local economy, jobs supported through our operations, and the added draw The Amelia Scott brings to the wider town centre.

We’re also proud of our £1.5 million social value contribution, calculated via the Local Government Association’s Social Value Portal. That figure captures the outcomes that don't show up on a balance sheet: improved wellbeing, reduced social isolation, greater educational access, and skills development.

This value is hard-won. It doesn’t come from simply maintaining services, but from constantly looking for smarter, more joined-up ways of delivering them. We’ve moved beyond the idea of a museum or

library as a static institution. The Amelia is a living, evolving civic space. Our services are integrated, not only with each other but with the town. When we host a school visit, it’s not just about cultural education, it’s about nurturing curiosity, improving language skills, and giving families a reason to engage with their community’s story.

We’re often asked how we’ve achieved this. The answer lies in our model: one that prioritises efficiency, but not at the expense of ambition. Our approach blends sound financial management with a commitment to innovation, commercial awareness and civic responsibility. We generate income through venue hire, service agreement, rents, grants, commercial service work and sponsorship, and we also invest in programming that strengthens the borough’s resilience. Take, for example, our nationally recognised creative health programme. At face value, it’s about community wellbeing. But dig deeper, and its economic relevance becomes clear. Projects that reduce isolation and support mental health aren’t just ‘nice’. They prevent downstream costs to the NHS, social care, and education services, and they keep people socially and economically active and speed up recovery times. In business terms, that’s

JEREMY KIMMEL

workforce retention. That’s productivity. That’s reducing pressure on stretched public services.

One of our most impactful programmes, Millie’s Journey which we pioneered in 2024, supports children who are not emotionally or developmentally ready to start school yet are expected to do so because of their age. Through sensory storytelling and family participation, we help children gain confidence and social skills while empowering parents to support them better. A programme like this might seem far removed from traditional economic development but when children start school more prepared, the demand on teachers, learning support and specialist intervention drops. The long-term financial benefit is significant.

This is the Bilbao Effect in actionnot with a Frank Gehry museum, but through strategic, integrated cultural investment. When culture is seen not as window dressing but as infrastructure, it transforms perceptions of place. It boosts investor confidence, attracts footfall, and helps a town punch above its weight. The effect being named after the noticeable

What we want to say to the business community is this: the arts are not a luxury, and heritage is not a hobby. They are powerful, proven tools for growth “

changes in Bilbao, Spain after the opening of the new Guggenheim Museum.

The Amelia Scott is not a silo. Our team includes curators, librarians, educators, dedicated front of house teams, designers, call centre staff and programmers — working together toward shared goals. We break down barriers between services to make sure a visit to the museum, the library, or a Council appointment becomes part of a richer civic experience.

This collaboration extends beyond our walls. We partner with universities to explore the impact of culture on public health. We welcome NHS social prescribers into our spaces. We act as a delivery partner for early years and adult learning programmes. The point isn’t just to run great events, it’s to weave culture into the fabric of civic life.

What also sets The Amelia Scott apart is the way we’ve integrated front-line service delivery. Our front-of-house team doesn’t just greet visitors, help you find books and answer museum queries, they also handle a wide range of Council enquiries.

From taking borough-wide customer service calls to helping residents access vital services in person, they play a critical role in ensuring people get the support they need, when they need it most. It’s smarter, more human and more responsive, and it reflects our belief that

culture and public service can, and should, work hand in hand.

We’re also beginning to explore how our programming can support local skills development through digital storytelling, volunteering pathways, and cross-sector learning opportunities. Increasingly, we’re part of conversations around regeneration, placemaking and local resilience. The economic value we provide is direct, but also acts as a catalyst helping to build the kinds of communities where people want to live, work and invest.

That takes trust, and it takes evidence. That’s why we take time to study and share our impact. Because when we can demonstrate that every pound invested in The Amelia Scott returns multiple pounds in public value, we earn the right to do more. Not just more events, but more strategic work that aligns with the borough’s wider goals for wellbeing, regeneration and growth.

It also changes who wants to work with us. Increasingly, local organisations see The Amelia Scott as a platform, a place where they can reach audiences, test ideas, or support local initiatives that align with their brand. Because cultural value and commercial value aren’t opposites. When done right, they amplify one another.

What we want to say to the business community is this: the arts are not a luxury, and heritage is not a hobby. They are powerful, proven tools for growth. They draw people in. They support mental health and community cohesion. They help a place compete, not just economically, but in terms of quality of life.

As the borough continues to grow and evolve, we want our cultural institutions to be part of that conversation - not as a cost centre, but as a partner in regeneration, community development, and civic pride.

In short, arts and heritage do mean business. And in Tunbridge Wells, we’re just getting started.

MORE INFO HERE:

Web: www.theamelia.co.uk

Email:  info@theamelia.co.uk

Socials: theamelia_tw

Why accessibility for all means smart business

In his column for this month, Gary Brindley of Step3 reveals the importance of having technical accessibility for smaller businesses...

In today’s digital world, accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have that gives a sense of moral high ground. It’s essential. While larger companies often have accessibility at the top of their mind, small businesses tend to overlook it. The truth is, making your website accessible isn’t just about compliance; it’s about delivering a better experience for everyone, and that’s something that can really benefit your business.

Website accessibility means designing your site so everyone can use it, whether they have a disability or not. It’s about making sure people with visual, auditory,

When you make your site accessible, you’re enhancing its overall usability but it also sends a powerful message, showing your business is committed to inclusivity

motor, or cognitive impairments can easily navigate your site and access your content. Clear fonts, easy navigation, and good colour contrast don’t just help users with impairments - they make the site better for all users, whether they’re on a tiny mobile screen, in bright sunlight, or just in a rush. Accessibility and good design go hand in hand. When you make your site accessible, you’re enhancing its overall usability.

For small businesses, the reasons to prioritise accessibility are clear. First, it’s simply good for business. If your site isn’t accessible, you’re potentially missing out on a huge customer base. An accessible site improves user engagement, encourages conversions, and leads to higher customer satisfaction - all benefits

that translate directly into sales.

Then there’s SEO. Accessible websites are more search engine-friendly. Search engines favour sites that are easy to navigate, and that’s exactly what accessibility helps with. Features like alt text, clear headings, and keyboard navigation are great for both Google and your users, helping drive more organic traffic to your business.

Plus, accessibility is a legal requirement. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 mandates that businesses make their websites accessible. Non-compliance can lead to legal headaches - businesses may face discrimination claims, and regulatory bodies like the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have the authority to take legal action against companies with inaccessible websites.

Finally, an accessible website sends a powerful message. It shows your business is committed to inclusivity and cares about all of its customers. This builds trust and loyalty, giving your brand a positive,

long-lasting reputation.

Incorporating accessibility into your site doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. By following basic accessibility guidelines (WCAG) and using simple testing tools, you’ll ensure your website serves everyone. Accessible websites aren’t just an obligation - they’re a smart, forwardthinking way to set your business up for success.

If you would like help with testing and improving the accessibility of your website, there are many local website specialists who can help.

Contact info:

Gary Brindley, Step3 Digital

e: gary.brindley@step3.digital

w: step3.digital

t: 01732 445688

ONE INCIDENT AWAY: THE CONSEQUENCES

OF UNDERINSURANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

ONE INCIDENT AWAY: THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNDERINSURANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Running a business requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing market conditions. However, one sometimes overlooked area can have disastrous consequences for business owners: underinsurance

Running a business requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing market conditions. However, one sometimes overlooked area can have disastrous consequences for business owners: underinsurance

Many businesses, regardless of size, can assume that having basic insurance coverage is enough to protect them from unexpected incidents. Unfortunately, insufficient coverage can leave your business exposed to significant financial loss. Whether it’s property damage, a legal claim, or a cyberattack, the costs of being underinsured could put what you’ve worked so hard for at financial risk.

Many businesses, regardless of size, can assume that having basic insurance coverage is enough to protect them from unexpected incidents. Unfortunately, insufficient coverage can leave your business exposed to significant financial loss. Whether it’s property damage, a legal claim, or a cyberattack, the costs of being underinsured could put what you’ve worked so hard for at financial risk.

At NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell, we understand how critical it is to ensure your business is properly protected. We can help you identify gaps in your cover and provide tailored insurance solutions to help keep your business safe from the unexpected.

At NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell, we understand how critical it is to ensure your business is properly protected. We can help you identify gaps in your cover and provide tailored insurance solutions to help keep your business safe from the unexpected.

The consequences of underinsurance

The consequences of underinsurance

Underinsurance occurs when your business’s insurance cover doesn’t fully meet the cost of potential claims.

Underinsurance occurs when your business’s insurance cover doesn’t fully meet the cost of potential claims.

Here are some of the main risks businesses face when they’re underinsured:

Here are some of the main risks businesses face when they’re underinsured:

• Property Damage: If your property or equipment is damaged, underinsurance may leave you unable to fully replace or repair it, leading to costly gaps.

• Property Damage: If your property or equipment is damaged, underinsurance may leave you unable to fully replace or repair it, leading to costly gaps.

• Business Interruption: In the event of a disruption, underinsurance may result in inadequate compensation for lost income, impacting your cash flow.

• Business Interruption: In the event of a disruption, underinsurance may result in inadequate compensation for lost income, impacting your cash flow.

• Liability Risks: Insufficient liability cover could leave you exposed to significant legal fees and compensation costs following claims for injury or negligence.

• Liability Risks: Insufficient liability cover could leave you exposed to significant legal fees and compensation costs following claims for injury or negligence.

How NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell can help protect your business

How NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell can help protect your business

At NFU Mutual, we specialise in helping to provide businesses with the right level of insurance to protect them. We understand that business needs change over time, which is why we offer a flexible approach to insurance, so you can adapt your policy as your business grows.

At NFU Mutual, we specialise in helping to provide businesses with the right level of insurance to protect them. We understand that business needs change over time, which is why we offer a flexible approach to insurance, so you can adapt your policy as your business grows.

Here’s how we can help:

Here’s how we can help:

• Tailored Insurance Solutions: We get to know your business and its risks, reviewing your cover to help you ensure it protects what matters — from property and stock to liability and future growth.

• Tailored Insurance Solutions: We get to know your business and its risks, reviewing your cover to help you ensure it protects what matters — from property and stock to liability and future growth.

• Ongoing Support and Reviews: Your business changes and your insurance should too. We offer regular reviews to help you keep your cover up to date, reflecting your current needs and growth.

• Ongoing Support and Reviews: Your business changes and your insurance should too. We offer regular reviews to help you keep your cover up to date, reflecting your current needs and growth.

Being underinsured can expose your business to significant financial risk. NFU Mutual is here to help ensure that your business is fully protected against the unexpected. Don’t wait until it’s too late contact Shaun Joubert at NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell on 01892 337488 tunbridge_wells@nfumutual.co.uk.

Being underinsured can expose your business to significant financial risk. NFU Mutual is here to help ensure that your business is fully protected against the unexpected. Don’t wait until it’s too late contact Shaun Joubert at NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell on 01892 337488 tunbridge_wells@nfumutual.co.uk.

S Joubert & P G Bowring is an appointed representative of

How to simplify your staff leave this summer

WGemma Farina, founder of the award-winning independent human resources agency GFHR Consulting, advises businesses to stop wasting time on holiday admin this summer. Read on to discover why...

e’re now in the thick of the summer holiday season, and businesses across the UK are feeling the pressure. With annual leave requests coming in thick and fast - and many employees juggling childcare with workit’s a challenging time to keep operations running smoothly.

If you’re still managing holiday requests through spreadsheets, emails or informal chats, this time of the year might be particularly challenging for you. The real cost of manual holiday management hits harder than most realise:

• Hours wasted approving requests one by one

• Team clashes when the wrong people are off together

• Projects derailed because nobody handled handovers

• Compliance problems when you lose track of entitlements

• This is where a simple HR system can make all the difference.

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.

Get in touch with our team of professional experts to discuss your next project.

“

A dedicated HR platform takes the headache out of managing annual leave. Employees can request time off in just a few clicks, and managers are instantly notified

A dedicated HR platform takes the headache out of managing annual leave. Employees can request time off in just a few clicks, and managers are instantly notified. Real-time calendars update automatically, making it easy to see who’s off and when so there’s less risk of clashes or understaffed days.

Having holidays tracked in one place also helps manage that tricky situation when two people from the same team want the same time off. A good HR system gives you a clear overview to make fair,

consistent decisions based on business needs. Many systems even allow you to set rules to avoid overlapping absences in key teams . For small businesses, this kind of visibility is vital. It not only prevents last-minute firefighting but also helps build trust and transparency within the team.

The best part? These systems aren’t just for big companies. There are plenty of affordable, easy-to-use options designed specifically for small businesses with as little as two employees.

We’re offering a few free 30-minute sessions to help businesses like yours to sort this common problem once and for all. If you’d like to see how a simple HR System could help you with managing holidays, drop us an email at Info@ gfhr,co.uk quoting ‘HOLIDAY’ and we’ll get you booked in for a demo.

Here's to a summer with less admin and more business growth!

Financial gains for Lending Made Simple

Lending Made Simple strengthens corporate lending

FFor almost a decade Lending Made Simple has been helping SMEs unlock funding for cash flow and growth. With a consultative, solution-led approach we continue to grow its reach and expertise by welcoming seasoned finance professional John Brooks to the team. Now offering business finance right from the high street banks, structured lenders, debt funding/business loans, a wide variety of cashflow facilities and commercial property funding, the business can help companies at every stage of their journey.

From a one-man band taking on their first employee, to more established firms with multi-million-pound turnovers, Lending Made Simple is there. Its clients range from start-ups to a recent success story with a company turning over £25 million – and everything in between. This growth in client demand, particularly for more complex, corporatestyle funding structures, has led Lending Made Simple’s Director Gillian Palmer

capability with Senior Appointment in banking, alternative lending, and business finance broking.

“At Lending Made Simple, our focus has always been on helping clients grow their businesses,” says Gillian. “As the scale and structure of the funding we arrange becomes more sophisticated, it became vital to bring in someone with John’s depth of experience. His insight into structured finance, corporate banking and relationship-led funding is invaluable and I’m absolutely thrilled to have him on board.”

I

am thrilled to have joined Lending Made Simple

to further strengthen the team to take the company to the next tier in business lending. Recognising the increasing complexity of funding requirements and the need for deeper expertise, she has brought on board John Brooks, a respected figure in the finance world with over 40 years’ experience

John Brooks has spent his entire professional career – which now spans over four decades – in the banking and finance industry.

“I am thrilled to have joined Lending Made Simple and I am so looking forward to working with Gillian and her team,” John says. “Funny she always said that one day, I would be working with her and now it has happened!”

Find out more www.lendingmadesimple.co.uk

JOHN BROOKS & GILLIAN PALMER

Taming technology courtesy of pioneering new toolkit

Cripps launches AI Governance Toolkit to help businesses adopt AI responsibly

Cripps has launched its AI Governance Toolkit – a practical, forward-looking solution designed to help organisations adopt artificial intelligence in a safe, structured and responsible way. As AI continues to transform the way we work, businesses are under growing pressure to ensure their use of the technology is ethical, well-governed and aligned with emerging guidance. With no comprehensive UK regulation in place

“As businesses come under increasing pressure to act responsibly, our toolkit provides a clear framework for adopting AI with confidence”

yet, many organisations are navigating uncharted territory. Cripps' toolkit offers the clarity and structure they need. The toolkit provides a suite of policies, frameworks and hands-on tools to support every stage of AI adoption. It draws on Cripps’ direct involvement

in AI governance initiatives – including consultations on the AIME tool, work with the ICO on generative AI and privacy, and ongoing discussions around intellectual property reform – ensuring the guidance reflects both current expectations and what’s coming next.

Pete Kenyon, partner at Cripps, said: “As businesses come under increasing pressure to act responsibly, our toolkit provides a clear framework for adopting AI with confidence. In a largely unregulated space, it helps build

trust, manage risk and unlock new opportunities through well-governed, ethical AI.”

Elliot Fry, managing associate at Cripps, added: “We’ve designed the toolkit to be flexible and practical – it’s available in a range of packages, from essential policy templates to full implementation support, audits and EU AI Act alignment. It’s about helping organisations put good governance at the heart of their AI strategy, whatever stage they’re at.” cripps.co.uk

Thousands raised by Berry & Lamberts

on the mighty LawNet Challenge

Members of Berry & Lamberts Solicitors firm raise thousands in trekking charity fundraiser

On one of the warmest weekends this year so far, three members of the team at local law firm, Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, donned their walking boots and completed a 20km walk through the Yorkshire Dales on the annual LawNet Challenge, all in the name of charity.

Partners Darren Forrester and Emma Houghton and Associate Solicitor, Simeon Blewett, set off with colleagues from across the LawNet network, on the walk along Fremington Edge, taking in spectacular views across the Dales.

As well as providing an excellent opportunity for team-building and networking, the walkers raised thousands of pounds for charity, including Berry & Lamberts’ charity of the year for 2025, Last Chance Animal Rescue.

“The climb up the ridge in the scorching sun was not easy-going, and included a tense walk across a field with a good number of cows and one aggressive looking bull, but the views were well worth it! All in all the trek lasted about seven hours

“As well as providing an excellent opportunity for teambuilding and networking, Berry & Lamberts raised funds for its charity of the year for 2025, Last Chance Animal Rescue”

including a break by the river for lunch.

“The Dales are a beautiful and tranquil part of the country and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to explore them, and all for a good cause as well. We are very grateful to all who donated and motivated us to push ourselves. Perhaps we’ll be back again next year… watch this space,” says Simeon Blewett.

berryandlamberts.co.uk

Darren Forrester, Simeon Blewett & Emma Houghton of Berry & Lamberts Solicitors

ELLIOT FRY

PETE KENYON

Legal excellence recognised for successful law firm

Leading Kent and London law firm Thackray Williams are celebrating making the shortlists of seven prestigious industry awards

The Private Client team has made the finals of four categories of the Private Client Modern Law Awards. The Leasehold Team has had its expertise recognised in three categories in the Apartment Advisor Awards.

Collectively, the Private Client team has been shortlisted for both the Wills & Probate (16+ solicitors) and the Tax

“We are incredibly proud of the depth of expertise and consistent commitment to excellent customer experiences of the entire team”

& Trusts categories of the Private Client Modern Law Awards. Nima Stepney is a finalist for Lawyer of the Year, Tax & Trusts, while Katie Martin has been shortlisted for Best Paralegal.

The Leasehold Team is celebrating making the shortcut for both Solicitors Firm of the Year and Conveyancing Firm of the Year in the Apartment Advisor Awards. Jimmy Griffin is through to the

finals in the Rising Star category.

“I am incredibly proud of the depth of expertise and consistent commitment to excellent customer experiences of the entire team, which has been recognised by the judges of the Private Client Modern Law Awards,” commented Partner Elliot Lewis, who heads the Private Client team. “To have two individual colleagues shortlisted is a just reflection of Nima and Katie’s dedication

to ensuring the best advice and service for our clients.

“Their success follows Nicola Huseyin being named Best Private Client Legal Assistant at the British Wills & Probate Awards 2024 for her inspiring leadership of the seven legal assistants in the department.”

“Thackray Williams has considerable expertise in Leasehold law, and it’s an honour to have this recognised by the judges of the Apartment Advisor Awards,” said Managing Partner and Head of Real Estate, Vikki Herbert. “Being shortlisted for Solicitors Firm of the Year and Conveyancing Firm of the Year demonstrates both the breadth and depth of our proficiency in this complex area.

“I am particularly thrilled that Jimmy’s positive impact since he joined us 18 months ago has rightly seen him named as a Rising Star.”

The winners of the Apartment Advisor Awards will be announced in London, while the Private Client Modern Law Awards will be staged in Liverpool. thackraywilliams.com

Local firm expands Private Client team to serve growing demand

JE Bennett Law has bolstered its Private Client team to help support its growing client base.

Rob Sullivan has joined as Senior Associate, Samantha Watson as a Senior Paralegal and Talia Higgins has joined the team internally as Junior Paralegal.

Rob has worked in Private Client law for over 10 years and has particular experience in Trusts and Tax. He has worked with clients from all backgrounds and walks of life and enjoys the variety in individual circumstances for everyone he represents.

As a senior paralegal in the private client team, Samantha brings 3 years’ experience in wills, trusts and probate – always aiming to make complex matters feel simple and manageable for her clients.

“We’re delighted to be expanding our Private Client team so we can help even more people have peace of mind by ensuring their interests, and those of their loved ones, are protected,” comments Senior Partner, Richard Shearing, who

leads the private client team.

“JE Bennett Law has grown from a central ethos of supporting and empowering people in vulnerable circumstances to ensure they can enjoy the best possible quality of life. It is always a joy to recruit new staff whose values align with ours. This enables us to continue to provide the highest possible quality of support and expertise to our expanding client base,” comments founder and Managing Partner, Jane Bennett.

For the new joiners, JE Bennett Law’s core culture of championing their clients

was key to their decision to come on board.

“I feel lucky to be part of such an exciting growth period for the firm and I’m enjoying helping clients with the knowledge and experience I have built up over the years,” says Rob.

“I am really passionate about helping people plan for the future with clarity, care and confidence and the JE Bennett Law culture is something I really identify with,” agrees Sam.

JE Bennett Law is a leading firm in its core expertise of Court of Protection, Power of Attorney and Personal Injury Trusts, with its national reputation for supporting people in vulnerable circumstances leading to an organic growth in Private Client work. Last year the firm reported a 75% increase in revenue since 2020-21.

jebennettlaw.co.uk

Rob Sullivan, Samantha Watson & Talia Higgins

Thackray Williams’ Conveyancing team

“Technology

Councillor Mark Ellis, Borough Council Cabinet Member for Innovation & Transformation and Kent County Councillor discusses why local councils need to get smarter about technology...

When Sarah needed planning permission for her bakery extension, she spent three months in contact with different departments. Her experience shows exactly why councils need to get smarter about using technology – but without losing the human element that makes local government actually work.

should make staff better at their jobs, not replace them” “

Sarah's frustration isn't unique. Lots of us have been there – caught between the borough council's planning team, the county's highways department, and whoever else needs to have their say. Different systems, different processes, different timescales – it’s all a bureaucratic nightmare!

I'm approached all too often by frustrated residents who feel the council is distant, bureaucratic and slow to respond. After seven years in this role and now as a newly elected County Councillor, I've learned that far from this being the reality, the real issue is that for far too long councils have been underfunded, with fewer staff than years ago and without the investment needed to maintain the services residents rightly expect.

It's not just annoying; it's costing us all money. When businesses can't expand quickly and residents can't get simple things sorted, everyone loses out. Why Size Matters for Smart Solutions

Here's the thing about modern council technology: it's expensive. The really good stuff, systems that can make planning applications smooth and straightforward, costs serious money upfront. For smaller councils serving maybe 100,000 people, that's a tough sell to councillors trying to balance their budgets.

But if local government reorganisation happens, creating unitary authorities of 500,000 residents or more, suddenly those costs become manageable. More importantly, technology becomes

When it comes to deciding whether a controversial extension should get approval that needs someone who understands the local area, the planning rules, and can weigh up all the factors – AI can’t do that

essential for delivering the savings that would justify such big changes in the first place.

The maths is simple: spread the cost of decent technology across half a million people, and you've got something that pays for itself pretty quickly.

Keeping Humans in Charge

But here's where I think many councils get it wrong. Technology should make staff better at their jobs, not replace them. Yes, AI can check planning applications for basic errors and route them to the right department automatically. But when it comes to deciding whether that controversial extension should get approval? That needs someone who understands the local area, knows the planning rules, and can weigh up all the factors that matter to real people.

When Margaret calls up about her council tax, she doesn't want endless automated menus. She wants to speak to someone who can help and councils should remember that not everyone is happy online. Good technology should mean that she can speak to someone who has her information ready and can sort things out quickly.

What Good Looks Like

Imagine the bakery application done differently, with joined-up technology. One online form that automatically

coordinates all the relevant departments. AI flagging potential issues early so human experts can give helpful advice upfront. Regular updates on progress, but real people available when Sarah needs to discuss something specific.

The technology makes everything faster and more efficient. But people remain in control of the important decisions and available when residents need genuine help.

If local government reorganisation happens, technology will be crucial for making it work. Without smart systems to handle the complexity of serving larger populations, we risk ending up with bigger bureaucracies rather than better services. But that technology must be designed around human expertise and genuine service improvement. It should make council staff more effective, not redundant. It should protect personal data, not put it at risk. And it should enhance the personal service that makes local government worth having.

The real test isn't whether reorganised councils can implement fancy technology. It's whether they can use that technology to deliver genuinely better services while keeping the human contact that residents actually want.

Done right, technology could transform how councils work. Done wrong, and we'll just have more expensive ways of frustrating people.

HAVE YOUR SAY:

Some parts of Tunbridge Wells don’t have a parish or town council. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is reviewing this and asking if there should be an administrative organisation like this for the six unparished areas of the borough.

The unparished areas are the borough wards of: Culverden, Pantiles, Park, Sherwood, St James’ and St John’s.

A parish or town council would mean some services currently delivered by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council would transfer to a new council.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is gathering feedback through an online consultation survey until 3 August. For more information about what having a parish or town council would mean and to complete the consultation survey go online to tunbridgewells.gov.uk/cgr.

How to rise above competition in a saturated market

Market saturation. It is a phrase that can make any business owner pause.

The idea that there are too many people offering similar services can create panic. But saturation does not have to signal the end. For those willing to get clear, strategic, and courageous, it can be the beginning of real growth.

Competition is not the problem. The true issue lies in confusion and complacency. Many businesses struggle because they are unsure of what makes them different or who they are meant to serve. They sit in the middle ground, trying to appeal to everyone, and often end up blending into the background. This is not a strategy for standing out. It is a recipe for burnout.

The way through is clarity. A clear brand identity, a defined niche, and a deep understanding of the ideal client are essential. These are not just nice extras. They are business essentials. When you understand exactly who you are speaking to and what makes your offer valuable to them, you can rise above the noise.

Consider two businesses offering similar services on the same street. One has a clearly defined brand, speaks directly to a

specific audience, and is consistent in its message. The other tries to be all things to all people. Which one are customers more likely to connect with? The answer is obvious.

Customers do not simply choose based on price. They choose based on trust and relevance. They are looking for someone who understands them. When your message speaks directly to their needs, they take notice. When you understand your client better than your competition does, you win every time.

Branding is more than a logo or a colour scheme. It is the voice, tone, and personality of your business. It is how people feel when they interact with you. It includes everything from your website and social media to the way you respond to emails. And it should always reflect your values and your purpose.

Cutting prices might seem like a fast way to compete. But what it often does is weaken your brand. Clients associate lower prices with lower quality. When you hold your value and elevate your service, you attract clients who are happy to pay for what you truly offer.

Even in uncertain economies, people are

still spending. But they are more intentional about who they buy from. They are looking for connection, credibility, and consistency. They want businesses that stand for something and show up with confidence.

Now is not the time to shrink.

Now is the time to refine your message, deepen your understanding of your market, and show up with strength. In a crowded space, the businesses that rise are not the loudest. They are the clearest. They know who they are. They know who they serve. And they communicate it with conviction.

Read our exclusive interview with Dee about her new recruitment business on page 22 www.deeairey.com

The science of selling: how to ensure success

Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group member, and owner of Sales Geek West Kent, Simon LeRoux, shares his key tips about the power of strategic selling...

Sales is one of the misunderstood professions and full of misconceptions. Many people think of sales as a high-pressure, aggressive process, but it can be quite the opposite. The process of selling should be about understanding the needs of your customers and providing solutions that genuinely help them, building solid relationships and delivering exceptional value, rather than being seen as a pushy or intrusive process.

Everyone can remember a bad sales experience but few of us can remember a good one because it never really felt as if we were being sold to. It’s not a skill we are taught, even in most business schools, and there are few formal qualifications on offer making sales a highly unregulated market. And let’s face it, Hollywood is not going to sell many tickets for a film about hard working, diligent sales people embracing their craft and delighting their customers with great service.

Sales people are generally regarded as having a special talent or ‘the gift of the gab’ but the reality is very different. Truly great sales people understand that there is an element of neuroscience involved and they are always looking for ways of improving their skills. They know how to build rapport, practice advanced questioning and listening techniques, understand how to deliver value, negotiate and close deals. Most of these attributes are not instinctive but learned behaviours gained through rigorous training and experience.

It's therefore no surprise that sales is one of the hardest roles to recruit for. Many companies hire on a purely ‘sink or swim’ basis and provide little or no sales training which leads to a high degree of staff turnover, cost, disruption and customer dissatisfaction. Solid sales training leads to greater job satisfaction, happier teams, improves productivity, growth and staff retention. Well-trained sales teams are more confident, efficient, and effective in their roles. They can better understand customer needs, close deals faster, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the business.

Likewise, less than 10% of small business owners have a background in sales which makes it incredibly hard for them to identify the right skills and attributes to hire for. Even the business owners who

“

Changing

the way sales is perceived and redefining it as a positive and essential part of any business leads to greater customer satisfaction

recognise that there is a gap will often try to elevate or hire a sales director and the results can be disastrous. There’s no guarantee that a good sales person will make a good manager and most businesses cannot attract or afford the talents of an experienced sales director.

The 20% of startups which make it to five years or more recognise the need to bring in specialist skills and work with experts to implement the processes and industry best practices which will enable them to succeed. Many businesses may not need a full-time sales director or even realise that it is possible to benefit from expert sales leadership on a part time basis without the commitment and risk of hiring of a full time equivalent.

Changing the way that sales is perceived and redefining it as a positive and essential part of any business leads to greater customer satisfaction and will

make them much more likely to refer or recommend. Businesses which embrace the science of sales, continuous training and the adoption of industry tested frameworks and methodologies grow faster and are more resilient.

HERE ARE FIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE SALES EFFECTIVENESS:

• Understand what has made you successful and, crucially, which areas need improvement

• Invest in continuous training, both as a business leader and for your sales team

• Spend more time listening to your customers than talking to them

• Sell value rather than features

• Persistence and curiosity are your superpowers.

Simon Le Roux is a member of the RTW Media Group and Lead Sales Geek West Kent. He isa seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in sales and sales leadership roles and may be able to help your business.

For more information visit: Website: www.salesgeek.co.uk

Email : simon.leroux@salesgeek.co.uk

Tel: 07771 890909 www.rtwmg.com

Building business through connection

In his column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine this month, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID discusses the benefits of networking and why the BID has developed a go to guide for businesses…

Business ‘networking’ is a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot. It’s an essential tool for career success and finding job opportunities, with the old adage that it’s not what you know, but who you know often proving true.

Networking certainly offers numerous advantages for individuals and organisations, including increased visibility of a brand, access to new opportunities, and the development of potential collaborations, referral pathways and partnerships. It can also lead to knowledge exchange, career advancement, and improved confidence.

Perhaps, as importantly, it can provide people with a feeling of being part of a community, of belonging. Especially for the 5,000+ Startups, Sole Traders and Entrepreneurial businesses (0-4 employees) registered in Tunbridge Wells. These businesses represent 76% of our total business community, and whilst as a town, we are proud to be home to such entrepreneurial spirit, networking spaces are critical to enable them to flourish.

Whilst there are a number of different networking styles, from structured referral groups like BNI, to more informal, community-focused groups, one of the things we hear from BID members on a frequent basis is they don’t know all the options available.

As part of our TW Works project, to sit alongside the recently launched TW Jobs and TW Volunteering, we have researched some of the most prominent networking groups across the town, and wider

“Networking offers numerous advantages for individuals and organisations, including increased visibility of a brand, access to new opportunities, potential collaborations and partnerships

borough. This go-to guide, details times, days and types of networking groups. All local groups are welcome to contact us to have their group and their events listed so maximise the publicity of opportunities to anyone locally.

The BID runs its own very successful quarterly networking events for BID members, and are soon to launch a specific networking group for their young up and coming members of staff. An opportunity to nominate potential future leaders and managers, who can have a dedicated space to talk about the issues they face and make connections with fellow peers. Anyone interested in joining our existing networking events, or wanting

to nominate team members for the Future leaders networking, please contact Grace at projectofficer@rtwtogether.com

Within the wide range of town networks are brilliant examples of sector specific communities, from professional services groups to women leaders, hospitality workers to sustainability advocates. One of the most prevalent is Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group (www.rtwmg.com) which was founded in 2013 by Andy Evans, Pete Wootton and Farzad Jamal. The group has 500+ members and connects media people living in or near Tunbridge Wells.

Andy Evans, co-Founder comments: “We are incredibly fortunate to have such a proactive group of media professionals in Tunbridge Wells. In addition to our regular networking drinks in person and our legendary Christmas Party, the group also harnesses WhatsApp as a tool for communicating within the network. Using over 20 sub-groups, members can select to join skill-based communities including writers, AI and film & video as well as groups with common interests like local music, walking and co-working collaborations.”

To find out about networking events and communities in the area, please visit tunbridgewells.works/networking/

WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH A MAJOR PROJECT!

We must replace the old steel Broom Lane Bridge between High Rocks and Groombridge, and we need your help raising £300,000 to do so!

Broom Lane Bridge, built in the 1890s, has corrosion on the primary girder flanges, particularly on the web flange angles, which is not unexpected due to its age, but it presents a problem.

To ensure we can continue taking you along the Spa Valley Railway, the bridge is regularly inspected, a speed restriction has been imposed, it is subject to an enhanced monitoring regime, and it has recently undergone load testing to demonstrate its continued availability for rail traffic.

There are three phases to the replacement of Broom Lane Bridge: Phase 1, a certified replacement bridge design, will cost around £30,000; thanks to our savings, we have engaged a company specialising in bridge design, construction, and installation to start work immediately. We aim to have this completed in the first quarter of 2025.

Phase 2 involves constructing and painting a new bridge, estimated to cost around £70,000. We aim to start this as soon as the design is certified.

Finally, phase 3 involves removing the old bridge and installing the new one, estimated to cost upwards of £200,000.

We won’t be able to do it without your support, and we are appealing to anyone who could help ensure we can complete this enormous project and replace the bridge in 2025.

We know a bridge isn’t glamorous, but without it, we

might be unable to run trains over the entire length of our railway. We would be extremely grateful to anyone who can donate to our appeal or participate in our fundraising activities.

Please donate now to our Broom Lane Bridge appeal and keep the Spa Valley Railways’ trains running for you and future generations to enjoy!

£300,000

Trinity Theatre has established itself as the local go-to comedy venue, hosting some of the best UK comics right here in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Read on to discover more about why they are, quite literally, having the last laugh...

Trinity Theatre comedy tickets are a big deal in this town. The line up constantly includes some of the UK’s biggest comedy names who, after performing at the venue, ask to return, enabling the local community to have the opportunity to experience the best in comedy up close and personal.

All set in the heart of the town at the 279 seater setting of the Trinity auditorium with accessible ticket pricing and watched with a drink in hand from the venue’s well stocked café and bar, it’s no wonder that the majority of comedy events sell out.

In 2024, Trinity hosted 22 comedy events including much loved comedians such as Ruby Wax, Alfie Moore, Griff Rhys Jones, Lucy Porter, Miles Jupp and even Basil Brush doing an adult comedy show!

Why Trinity’s comedy scene is booming “

This year, Trinity has increased the number of comedy events programmed in response to audience demand and in turn helped place the cultural centre as the go-

The average price for a comedy ticket at Trinity this year is £19.64 – and yes, you do get change from twenty quid

to comedy venue in the area. With over 30 comedy events already in the bag this year, the positive trajectory continues with ticket sales already 11% up on last year’s sales.

Trinity is the perfect size venue to accommodate leading comedians who need to test their tour material as part of their pre-show warm up. This in turn enables local audiences to experience comedy at a lower ticket price compared to heading up to London to watch tours at bigger venues. The average price for a comedy ticket at Trinity this year is £19.64 – and yes, you do get change from twenty quid! Sell out events so far this year include Jack Dee, Maisie Adam, Nick Mohammed, Josh Widdicombe, Rich Hall and Dylan Moran to name a few.

“The quality of our comedy is testament to the attraction that our venue has, the intimacy it provides both the audience and the artist and how at home everyone is made to feel,” says Jason Lower, Trinity’s Creative Director.

“We hope to start welcoming in more some more comedy acts that don’t quite fit the traditional stand-up model, or see works-in-progress from some nationally known names.”

You have to be fast to get a ticket. Trinity operates a ‘Friends First’ benefit for its members which is a sure way to be first in line to access tickets. For comedy fans, becoming a member for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a month has got to be money well spent.

Audience demographics remain varied with comedy as a genre continuing to appeal to a wide age range. To expand on this, Trinity has developed its comedy programming into new audience demographics with two events making their Tunbridge Wells debut this year. They are the Comedy Club 4 Kids and Bring Your Own Baby Comedy.

Introducing children to the simple pleasure of an hour of stand-up comedy is now a regular event on the Trinity stage

with Comedy Club 4 Kids taking place regularly into 2026.

Bring your Own Baby Comedy first visited Tunbridge Wells in mid-June and is now booked to return every quarter to Trinity. Who doesn’t need a laugh at 1pm when on maternity or paternity leave?

Trinity has a long history of stand-ups performing at Trinity, with nationally recognised names treading the boards earlier in their career. So why not come and see someone you already know, or take a chance on someone who might be the Next Big Thing?

In 2026 Trinity Theatre has already announced and put on sale tickets for Justin Moorhouse, Mark Simmons, Pete Firman, Tom Lucy, Ian Stone and Tom Stade.

For more details on the Trinity Membership go to: trinitytheatre.net/support/membership

With special thanks to Knight Frank for their continued support as the Trinity Comedy Sponsor.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Comedy at Trinity from July to November

Sat 26 July: Lou Sanders & Other Comedians

Fri 12 Sep: John Finnemore: Among Other

Thu 25 Sept: Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking

Fri 26 Sept: Simon Evans & Other Comedians

Sat 27 Sept: Catch Your Breathe: The Secret Life of a Sleepless Anaesthetist

Thu 2 Oct: Stories from Stage and Screen with Rosie Holt, Stuart Laws, Matt Green and Joe Bor

Thu 9 Oct: Ed Byrne & Other Comedians

Thu 16 Oct: Andy Parsons: Please #@!$ off to Mars

Sat 18 Oct: Glenn Moore: Please Sir, Glenn I have Some Moore

Fri 14 Nov: Cally Beaton: Namaste Motherf*ckers

Sat 15 Nov: Adam Kay & Other Comedians

Thu 20 Nov: Horatio Gould: Return of the Space Cowboy

Fri 21 Nov: Hal Cruttenden: Can Dish It Out But Can’t Take It

Sat 22 Nov: Rosie Jones: I Can’t Tell What She’s Saying

Lodge - Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.pdf

JUST FOR LAUGHS: (from left to right): Lou Sanders, John Finnemore, Ed Byrne and Rosie Jones.

“We provide tailored and trusted aesthetic skincare”

The TN card is the loyalty card that rewards our community for supporting local at 1000 independents across Tunbridge Wells and the TN postcodes. Founder Jess Gibson talks to Samantha Clarke, Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, and Owner of No. 6 Clinic as she and her team prepare to celebrate twenty years in Tunbridge Wells.

Sam, congratulations on reaching nearly 20 years at No.6 Clinic. What was your original vision back in 2006, and how has the business evolved?

We've always stayed true to our original vision and that’s to offer personalised skin treatments and injectables that help our patients maintain a naturally refreshed, youthful appearance. Over time, we've found that many of the women we care for are navigating significant life transitions - whether it's starting a family, experiencing peri-menopause or menopause, going through a divorce, or coping with loss. These moments can be incredibly challenging, and it's a privilege to support our patients in looking and feeling their best through them.

How has being part of the local business community shaped your journey?

The business landscape in Tunbridge Wells has evolved over the past few years. We’ve seen new and exciting opportunities emerge - particularly in freelancing, remote work, and the rise of social media.

These changes have positively shaped our journey as a clinic. With more people working flexibly and placing greater importance on self-care, we’ve found that patients now have more freedom to attend appointments at times that truly work for them.

Can you tell us about your team?

I have worked alongside independent Cosmetic Doctor Natasha Gilani for 18 years and independent Aesthetician Carly Wopling for over a decade. While we each run our own independent businesses, No.6 Clinic acts as a shared hub; a central space where we collaborate and support

We combine innovation, personalised care, and convenience to help our patients look and feel their very best

one another. Our approach works beautifully because our skills complement each other so well. Dr Natasha focuses on injectable treatments, Carly specialises in advanced facials and IPL, and I create tailored skincare regimes. We genuinely love what we do and are committed to delivering the highest standard of care. I believe that this mutual dedication is felt by our patients - it’s what makes No.6 Clinic such a friendly, welcoming, and trusted place to visit.

You’re known for championing a clinical-meets-holistic approach to skincare. What makes the No.6 experience so different?

What truly sets us apart from standard clinics is the personal, holistic approach we take with every patient. While many clinics may focus solely on treatments, at No.6 Clinic, we prioritise building genuine relationships and understanding the whole person, not just their skin concerns. Dr Natasha is a true expert in aesthetic medicine, specialising in achieving naturally youthful results. She takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and works gradually over time to enhance their appearance subtly and beautifully.

Carly and I design our bespoke facials

ourselves, drawing on our extensive experience with leading medical skincare brands like DermaQuest, Obagi, and ZO. This allows us to tailor every facial precisely to each patient’s skin concerns.

You recently joined the TN card – what inspired you to get involved?

We’re really proud to have joined the TN card. It has done an amazing job supporting and championing small independent businesses here in Tunbridge Wells, and that kind of encouragement means so much to businesses like No.6 Clinic. That’s why we’re delighted to offer members a continuous 10% discount on all our treatments. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to support independents and for helping to keep the local business spirit alive.

With your 20th anniversary celebrations on the horizon, what’s next for No.6 Clinic?

We’re introducing some innovative new treatments, including Polynucleotides and the Vampire Facelift, alongside a brandnew microneedling facial that Carly and I are developing together. These additions reflect our commitment to staying at the forefront of advanced skincare and delivering the best possible results for our patients.

And can you tell us a little about your sister business Skinaddict?

We’re expanding the SkinAddict brand by introducing new trusted lines like Dr Levy, Epionce, Alumier, and more. This growth allows us to offer No.6 patients even more in-depth skincare consultations, whether that’s in person or virtually.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come and energised by what’s next. Our goal remains to combine innovation, personalised care, and convenience to help our patients look and feel their very best; now and for many years to come… www.thetncard.com/no-6-clinic

Jess Gibson

From Left to Right: Samantha Clarke, Carly Wopling, Dr. Natasha Gilani

Creating a benchmark for positive social interaction

For this month’s Community Heroes feature, Sarah Raine spent time with Seth Hunter, Founder of buddi bench™ to discover what the benefits of his unique friendship initiative are...

What is the concept behind the buddi bench™ Seth?

Friendship benches are not a new thing, many primary schools have introduced them to give pupils a safe space to sit and flag that they would like some company. buddi bench™ is a grown-ups bench in a safe space within a park, that gives adults permission to chat with each other. This busy world we live in can feel hostile and lonely, so having an opportunity to chat to somebody can be life changing. The bench gives people a space to have a friendly, brief interaction with someone: it makes them feel like they are part of a community, and not just passing through it.

Seth, when and why did you set up the organisation?

I worked in the care sector on and off for 25 years, from supporting homeless young people with addiction to working with mental health issues. The two things that cut through with the different groups I supported were creativity and connection. And I personally experienced social isolation, having moved to Tunbridge Wells six months before the pandemic lockdown. I hadn’t had the opportunity to establish friendships by then, and so found myself lonely and isolated. I was out walking my puppy May, when I noticed that brief conversations I had with strangers lifted my mood and it was then I realised that even the most introverted people need interaction.

What would you say gives the buddi bench™ its USP?

It’s a choice; there is no one individual trying to fix everyone, no awkward feeling of being ‘stuck’ with someone for hours. It’s simply two people meeting as equals to have a brief 10 minute chat. There are also digital resources you can use too, including a YouTube channel & virtuallyseth.ai.

Why is it so important to have this platform to help prevent social isolation?

There is a mental health crisis in the UK and early intervention solutions can make a huge difference, although they do not replace the need for counsellors or psychotherapists.

However, my offering is not just about benches. I recently ran the buddi bench™ Bash, the UK’s friendliest spring picnic in Calverley Grounds, a safe space for adults to meet new people. And I’m also planning a

“People have commented that a buddi bench™ gives them a feeling of fulfilment, being connected and feeling good

‘Social Sparks’ event in the coming months, which is effectively a friendship style speeddating event.

What outcomes and changes do you see in the people you have supported?

People have commented on a ‘feeling of fulfilment, being heard, being connected, feeling good about doing good for someone else’.

People like Deirdre told me: “I sat on buddi bench™ in a park in Tunbridge Wells and had a really good chat with a lovely woman who also sat down for a little while. We both talked about our dogs and our recent holidays and I left the bench with a spring in my step. I have read that little connections like this with others have been scientifically proven to make us happier.”

Do you think we need more volunteers to support people in our community? In short, yes! I think people feel overwhelmed by their busy lives, feel

pressured with work prospects, the planet, the economy … but I know firsthand that it feels good to do good! I often liken the benefits of buddi bench™ to the way Redwood trees grow. Given their great height, they would literally fall over if it wasn’t for spreading their roots out wide, and interlinking with other tree’s roots, supporting each other, creating an anchor.

What’s next for buddi bench™?

We successfully launched a bench recently in Red Cross Gardens, near London Bridge. This was special to me as it was in memory of Sarah Wheeler, my mentor, friend, and founder of the Dragon Café. Everything Sarah stood for was around the ethos of bringing people together, hence the very reason for the bench. In the first month, over 1,000 people googled the location of the bench. My vision is to install more benches, Edinburgh would be good. I like the idea of ‘twinning’ benches, maybe Central Park in New York could be next! I also want people to know about the option to pay for a plaque to turn an existing bench into a buddi bench™, a very fitting legacy to remember a loved one.

Find out more:

Discover additional information on buddi bench™, how to purchase your own bench, a plaque or merchandise or simply make a donation by visiting www.buddibench.org or by following @buddibench on socials.

Sales Administrator

£28k + free parking Award wining co!

Progressive environment

Great Clients

Interviewing Now

Part-Qualified Accountant

£28,000-£35,000

Tunbridge Wells

Be part of a friendly and down-to-earth firm of Chartered Accountants and excel your career

Probate Paralegal

Up to £30,000 DOE

Tunbridge Wells

Step into a fantastic opportunity with a national firm’s renowned Private Client team. Work from modern offices in a great location with flexible hybrid working. Perfect for experienced paralegals ready to advance their career or law graduates eager to get their foot in the door of probate law. Join a forward-thinking team and make an impact!

Receptionist

Tunbridge Wells – great pay rate

Lond term assignment, meeting room coordination, dealing with visitors. Lovely booking!

Japanese Speaking Co-Ordinator

To £35k

Fab role, working with international clients Rarely available!

Senior Bookkeeper

£30,000-£35,000

Ashford

Join an expanding, training-oriented and welcoming company in a newly created position!

Salaried Partner / Head of Residential Conveyancing

£80,000 base + performance bonus (total package £100k)

Tonbridge

An exciting, rare leadership role awaits at a respected regional firm. Take charge of the Residential Conveyancing department, drive growth, and shape the team’s future. This salaried partner position offers an attractive package and the potential for equity partnership for the right candidate.

Customer Services Administrator

Immediately available, could go perm if you do well. Reliability and good time keeping a must. Great Local Pay rate

Marketing Assistant Circa £28k

Lovely company – lovley team, busy and varied. Opportunity to learn and develop

Tax Manager

Up to £60,000

Maidstone

Level-up your client base with an excellent and well-established firm with genuine career progression!

Residential Conveyancing Legal Secretary

Up to £28,000 DOE Gravesend

Join a well-established and highly regarded Kent firm in a warm, supportive environment. This role offers an excellent chance for a conveyancing secretary to be part of a modern, professional team with a rich history. Enjoy a positive workplace culture and the opportunity to develop your skills and progress your career in a thriving practice.

Legal Secretary

Lovely firm, lovely boss! Admin support and getting involved. Long term booking. Great pay!

HR Advisor

£45k +benefits

Tunbridge Wells co. Lovely team, full role, report to HR Director. Corporate environment.

£32,000 - £40,000

Tenterden

Develop and enhance your tax expertise in an interesting and varied role, with an excellent company!

Family Solicitor / Legal Executive DOE

Gillingham (Kent)

Join a prestigious Legal 500-recognised firm’s Family Department and work on a broad range of cases, including divorce, finance, children law, and domestic abuse injunctions. We welcome applicants at all levels-from NQ to partner. Embrace variety, challenge, and professional growth in a friendly environment.

Distribution Support

An extra pair of hands for a busy company, dealing with picking, packing and despatch. Great pay rate. Could go perm.

Our vacancies and temp bookings change daily, please call now to discuss how we might be able to help you...

15% discount for groups of 4+ on quoting "TWBIZ"

Swift support and seamless results

TN Recruits Temps can dynamically deliver when it matters most says TN Recruits’ Melissa Staveley

Many businesses haven’t yet explored the benefits of temporary recruitment, often unaware just how streamlined and impactful it can be. At TN Recruits, we’re showing what’s possible when it’s done right - especially when time is tight and expectations are high.

As specialists in temporary recruitment in Tunbridge Wells, we recently partnered with a well-known financial institution that faced an urgent challenge. Due to a sudden software change, their call volumes spiked from 300 to over 1,200 per day, threatening to overwhelm their existing customer service team.

With just days’ notice, the client needed a rapid solution - a fully compliant, efficient temporary staffing solution that would enable their team to maintain service levels without disrupting day-to-day operations.

A Fast, Frictionless Response

Within 48 hours, our TN Recruits temp desk, led by Melissa Staveley, Temp Recruitment Consultant, placed 16 temporary staff, all fully vetted,

DBS, credit checks, and right to work verification. Not only did we manage the full recruitment process, but we also handled all payroll responsibilitiesmeaning zero admin burden for the client. This allowed their internal teams to continue business as usual, without resorting to overtime, diverting team members, or compromising service standards.

What That Meant for the Business

By acting quickly and managing every element - from compliance to onboarding - we provided much more than just people:

• Preserved team productivity by relieving pressure from core staff

• Ensured full legal compliance through rigorous candidate checks

• Reduced internal workload by managing payroll through our systems

• Minimised risk with experienced temps who were ready to deliver

Most importantly, the client avoided operational delays, staff burnout, and service dips - and successfully completed

a high-demand project on time. The experience highlighted how effective temporary staffing can be when delivered quickly and professionally, changing the way many businesses view the value of flexible workforce solutions.

Why It Matters for You

Temporary recruitment isn’t just a fallback - it’s a strategic asset. Whether you’re managing seasonal peaks, staff absence, project surges or new systems, working with a trusted temp partner like TN Recruits can give your business the agility and peace of mind it needs. We’re proud to support companies across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and beyond with fast, professional, and fully-managed temporary staffing solutions.

Need flexible staffing at speed?

Contact Melissa Staveley today at Melissa@tnrecruits.com or call 01892 571105.

Or visit www.tnrecruits.com/ temporary-recruitment”

Life-changing support brings joy

Being diagnosed with a serious or life-limiting illness is lifechanging, but it doesn’t mean you need to lose who you are.

Hospice in the Weald provides free care and support, so adults and children can live well, find joy in ordinary moments, and celebrate what makes them unique.

Four-year-old Ophelia loves being outside, playing with helium balloons, and particularly loves interacting with others.

She has a special bond with the expert team from Hospice in the Weald for Children who visit her at home. For Ophelia, their visits mean she is in store for lots of fun, play and laughter. Using sensory toys, music, and arts and crafts, the specially trained team tailors their support to Ophelia’s social, developmental and medical needs. For mum Emma, it means the world to know that Ophelia is in safe hands.

“It’s changed our lives, having this support,” said Emma. “It’s not just about me being able to have a break, it’s about Ophelia being able to spend time with people she trusts and enjoy herself. That’s the main thing; she just gets to have fun.”

Emma and Ophelia also enjoy the events for children and their families organised by the Hospice, from Easter egg hunts to

coffee mornings. “It’s good for us to mix with other families and children with a diverse range of needs.”

Reflecting on the support the Hospice provides, Emma said: “It gives you a break, because as a parent, and for parent carers especially, I guess the mental load is very high. It’s not just looking after your child, it’s all the appointments and scheduling meetings. Sometimes I just sit and have a

PODCAST POWER:

coffee and some peace for half an hour, which is nice because it’s quite full on. Support from the team also gives me time to get my head back in the game. It’s nice to have the support of people you trust.” www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk

It’s changed our lives, having this support.

I’m Still Me...

We support adults and children with life-limiting conditions to live well and celebrate what makes them unique.

After Hours

Where to wind down in the Wells

STEP BACK IN TIME

Discover the early life of Anne Boleyn courtesy of an exciting new production at Hever Castle

ALFRESCO APPEAL

We shine a light on some of our favourite spots to sit, sip, savour and enjoy the sun this summer

The Spotted Dog’s new custodians reveal their adventurous plans for this historic hostelry

THE GREAT DEBATE

Benenden School’s Rachel Bailey discusses the importance of debate, discussion and dialogue

PASSION FOR FASHION

Lynne Meek on how she swapped her corporate career to create an independent fashion brand

A fresh take on tradition

Once a legendary local haunt, The Spotted Dog in Penshurst is enjoying a bold new chapter under the stewardship of Laurence Bowes. Eileen Leahy meets the hospitality entrepreneur to discover how he is breathing new life into this historic hostelry...

Back in the late 1980s and 1990s, The Spotted Dog pub, located in picturesque Penshurst, was the place to go for a pleasant lunch or a great night out. It had it all: local real ales, historic charm, decent pub grub, roaring fires in the winter, and one of the best alfresco beer gardens with panoramic views of the glorious Kentish countryside for summertime sipping. But over the years, as so often happens in hospitality, its popularity ebbed and flowed, until it was eventually sold in January of this year.

The buyer was Laurence Bowes, of Bowes Hospitality, which also owns The Rock in Chiddingstone and The Royal Oak in Hawkhurst. Both are successful local pubs, so hopes are high for what Laurence and his team can bring to The Spotted Dog.

We meet on the hottest day of the year so far. The pub is filling up nicely and the sun is beating down, making it the perfect excuse

We are actively doing something different at The Spotted Dog, while still respecting the pub’s historic heritage

to sit outside with a cool drink on the new decking that Laurence has installed.

“This is what people come here for,” says Laurence, pointing to the beautiful bucolic vista straight ahead. And to be honest, on a day like today, it really does feel like the only place you want to be - especially as the sizzling Americana-inspired menu seems to complement the clement weather perfectly.

“We took a left turn when curating this menu,” smiles Laurence, who has worked in hospitality for decades. “What I mean by that is, there are a good number of very decent, high-quality pubs in the local area all doing classic pub food - fish and chips, burgers, pies - and they do it well.

So that’s why we wanted something just a little bit different here.”

The menu is full of low-and-slow delicious delights such as short rib beef, pulled pork, cowboy beans, smoked sausage, and hot wings.

So far, so smokehouse but what inspired Laurence’s choice of epicurean theme?

“I started my career in hospitality in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina 25 years ago and fell for the bold flavours and warm hospitality of American barbecues.”

It’s worth noting that although the food may have its roots in the U.S., the ingredients used are all sourced locally and seasonally.

Looking around the historic pub - with its thoughtfully refreshed interiors, super-smart new alfresco areas, and adventurous new menu - it’s remarkable to think that Laurence and his team had just two weeks to turn things around before reopening.

“Although we bought the pub in January, we only got the keys in early May, so we literally had a very short amount of time before officially reopening on May 23. But the good news is we’ve already seen a solid improvement in footfall and food sales.

The pub’s staff, who we inherited with the sale, have told us it’s noticeably busier.

“Our aim is to bring The Spotted Dog back to its original heyday, when people from Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and even London would make the effort to come here and enjoy everything this incredible 505-year-old building has to offer, come rain or shine.”

www.spotteddogpenshurst.com

Photography: Key & Quill

Time for tea on Tea Garden Lane

The Beacon, located on Tea Garden Lane in Tunbridge Wells, has just launched its new afternoon tea menu, available every Wednesday to Friday. Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine pulls up a chair to savour the flavours crafted by Executive Chef Scott Goss and discovers the establishment’s fascinating connection to this timeless tradition...

This isn’t just an afternoon indulgence, it’s a revival,”

quipped Scott Goss, Executive Chef at The Beacon, when he hosted a recent press afternoon tea at the venue, which is aptly located on Tea Garden Lane.

“We’re bringing a beloved tradition full circle to its spiritual and historical home.”

He went on to say that Tea Garden Lane holds a particularly special place in the narrative of afternoon tea.

“The lane on which The Beacon sits owes its name to the Tea Rooms and Pleasure Gardens established there in 1820 by the visionary Sir Walter Harris, who was later Lord Mayor of London. It was within these enchanting gardens that Victorians came to partake in the then-flourishing ritual of afternoon tea.

“

The Beacon’s Scott Goss had one aim when curating the new afternoon tea menu, and that was to fuse the past with the present on a plate, affording guests the opportunity to sample a very special epicurean experience

“Sir Walter Harris later built the grand Rusthall Beacon in 1895 on the site of these original tea gardens, eventually becoming the renowned Beacon Hotel in 1950,” added Scott.

So, as you’d expect, the return of afternoon tea to this exact spot is much more than just an add-on to the establishment’s menu offerings; it's a poignant homage to a bygone era, allowing guests to quite literally step into the footsteps of those who first savoured this delightful tradition here many years ago.

So, what’s on the 21st-century menu? Well, Scott Goss’s aim was to fuse the past with the present on a plate, affording guests the opportunity to sample a very special epicurean experience. The teas will be served on the venue’s secondfloor terrace every Wednesday to Friday between 12 and 3pm and then, as the winter approaches, diners can enjoy feasting on sweet and savoury treats in the upstairs restaurant.

Scott’s expertly curated menu showcases

a selection of delicate bites that take their culinary cue from tradition – but also boast a contemporary flourish.

The experience begins with a serving of ripe, plump British strawberries, paired with a rich chocolate brandy sauce. You can choose to kick things off with a glass of Rathfinny sparkling wine, The Beacon’s official English wine partner, for an additional supplement, or simply sip on a refreshing selection of Mr. Ames teas.

Next up are the sandwiches, which come

beautifully presented and include the following:

cucumber, spring chive, and crème fraîche with notes of fig vinegar; black caviar and cheese cream with smoked salmon; and succulent aromatic ham hock.

These are followed by some warm, freshly baked scones, crafted in-house by The Beacon’s pastry chefs using the finest locally sourced ingredients, and served with house-made clotted cream and jams.

The final flourish is a trio of exquisite desserts – if you have room! If not, you can ask them to box them up, but our advice is to take your time, order a glass of Rathfinny, and soak up the stunning panoramic views that The Beacon’s terraces afford. Sit back and devour the delicate choux pastry filled with rich chocolate pâtissière cream, finished with a silky Belgian chocolate ganache, alongside the light mango parfait, complemented by the tartness of passion fruit and the crunch of a golden almond biscuit. The last hurrah is a pistachio sponge cake, artfully layered with tangy raspberry yogurt cream. And as you’d expect with The Beacon, everything is beautifully presented, with exceptional service.

Afternoon Tea is priced at £45 per person (excluding service charge)

A Sparkling Afternoon Tea costs £55 per person (excluding service charge)

@thebeacon_tw

Photography by Lottie Topping

Essence sizzles this summer

Bibi Roy, Events & Marketing manager at Essence at the Pantiles, tells Tunbridge Wells Business all about what Atul Kochhar’s incredible restaurant has in store for its discerning diners this summer..

June and July have been busy months at Essence by Atul Kochhar. We introduced our new 'Light Bites', menu, available on our terrace and in our bar area. These are tapas-style dishes enabling guests to have smaller taste of their favourite signature Essence dishes.

These include delicious salads, toasties with our unique spicing and seasonal fruit desserts. Tapas style dishes enabling guests to have smaller versions of their favourite signatures, delicious salads, toasties with our unique spicing and seasonal fruit desserts. Be it vegetarian, seafood, fish, or meat, we have addressed all palates, so if you fancy a long leisurely

“Events, wine dinners and supper clubs are big for us at Essence. The very first Live at The Pantiles Bollywood Night, sponsored by Essence, went down a treat with patrons

lunch or a quick stop, we’ve got you covered.

Right now is the time for mangoes, Alfonso and Kesar being King and Queen of this divine fruit family. Our desserts reflect this fruit’s refreshing appeal, but you will also find it in our curried prawns and kimchi salad – both real winners.

Given that we’ve been enjoying some very delightful weather, we have found our current menu pairs brilliantly with cocktails like the Berry Bliss, Tropical Spritz and Cucumber and Mint Fusion. Try the sweeter ones with spicy plates, and the citrus ones with fish and seafood: they work so well. You'll be pleased to hear we have also dropped the prices on these, along with our Mai-Tastic and Frozen Verde Melon.

Events, wine dinners and supper clubs

are big for us at Essence. The very first Live at The Pantiles Bollywood Night, sponsored by Essence, went down a treat with patrons visiting from far and wide to join in an unforgettable celebration of Indian dance to famous film tunes, dhol drumming and a stellar menu from chef Kuldeep. South India was the next in our regional supper club series with chef Atul hosting and more eclectic dishes from Kuldeep, showing our true knowledge of Pan-Indian cuisine. The series has been very popular, selling out in days, so watch out for the next one in August where we take a journey to North India… See you there?

For our event diary be sure to go to our website and view under our 'What's On" section, or visit the RTW app and Visit Tunbridge Wells website. We can't wait to host you!

Get in touch:

Website: www.essencerestaurants.co.uk

Socials: @essence.pantiles

Photography Steve Golley

THE SECRET GARDEN AT The Abergavenny Arms

Nestled at the rear of the pub is a secluded and private area. The top decking hosts private events up to 65 people or larger tables up to 32 people. Umbrellas provide shade for those really sunny days! There is the option of having a private bar and BBQ - perfect for special occasions!

Late evening dining

Even after sundown the decking is still bright and inviting. Warm lighting gently illuminates the area to provide a relaxed enviroment.

Booking an outside table

Outdoor tables can be reserved when booking online or by phone, just specify whether you would like a table in the sun or shade when booking. If you would just like a drink then just pop in and find a table!

The great outdoors

When the sun’s shining, there’s nothing nicer than sitting outside a country pub or local restaurant, enjoying a cold drink and some delicious seasonal, locally sourced food. So in honour of the summer, we’re shining a spotlight on two of our favourite destinations which have genuine alfresco appeal...

This 15th century former coaching innturned-country pub is well worth a visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Tunbridge Wells.

Last year it underwent an extensive refurbishment which has enhanced its period features alongside those modern day must-haves such as a smart new exterior deck, which is the perfect spot for sundowners, and a tempting cocktail and adventurous food menu.

Here you can, quite literally, sit back, relax and drink in all those stunning countryside views and really feel relaxed – but still be only be a few minutes’ drive from Tunbridge Wells. It really is a winwin…

Oh, and did we mention that is one of the only local hostelries that serves Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone lager and cider?

So for that alone, we’re raising a glass to The Abergavenny Arms and all it offers for locals and passing by customers from Tunbridge Wells and beyond. Cheers! www.abergavennyarms.co.uk

Located on the edge of Tunbridge Wells Common, The Mount Edgcumbe is the perfect spot to hook up with friends, eat –and even sleep – thanks to its impressive offering of fantastic food, drink and hospitality.

This Grade II listed family-run hotel, restaurant and bar - which even boasts its own cave – is the perfect place for a first time date or a celebratory family get together.

As it’s the summer right now any visitors should take full advantage of The Mount Edgcumbe’s impressively revamped alfresco space which overlooks parts of the Common and the distinctive sandstone rocks that make this area of the High Weald such a draw for visitors. And the dining experience here is a real treat. It’s wonderfully relaxed and welcoming and the food served on the menu is delicious and as you would expect is locally sourced and takes its culinary cues from the seasons.

The other good news is there is something for everybody, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a kids’ menu.

See you there…? www.themountedgecumbe.com

of having a private bar and BBQ - perfect for special occasions!

The Abergavenny Arms, Frant

The Mount Edgcumbe, Tunbridge Wells

Tucked away in the heart of Tunbridge Wells and just a short 10-minute stroll from the train station, The Mount Edgcumbe is a true local treasure. Set amidst the picturesque common, this historic Georgian pub and restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed experience, blending heritage charm with modern hospitality.

Built around a 6th-century sandstone cave, the building’s storied past adds depth and character to every visit. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual drink or settling down for a long lunch with friends, The Mount Edgcumbe delivers a memorable setting paired with quality food and drink.

With the arrival of summer, the orangery-style conservatory becomes a highlight. Framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, this airy space seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors—offering a unique dining atmosphere that captures the beauty of its natural surroundings. The newly launched summer menu, featuring inventive takes on classic dishes, is perfectly complemented by an impressive selection of local ales and English wines.

For those looking to make the most of the sunshine, the rear terrace and expansive beer garden provide idyllic spaces to unwind from midday to sunset. Whether you’re enjoying a light bite or a full meal, every corner of The Mount Edgcumbe invites you to relax and savor.

A beloved hub for locals and visitors alike; including four-legged companions, The Mount Edgcumbe is more than just a pub; it’s a place to eat, drink, stay, and truly enjoy.

For bookings please call, email, or book through their website.

Please note that their outside tables operate under first come, first served so cannot be reserved. You can simply grab a table and pop inside to order your food and drinks at the bar with one of their friendly team members.

The Mount Edgcumbe, The common, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3GH 01892 618854 hello@themountedgcumbe.com

www.themountedgcumbe.com

Instagram: @themountedgcumbe Facebook: facebook.com/MountEdgcumbeTWells

Irresistible rosés for summer

It’s midsummer so the prime time for pink wine! Don’t settle for wishy-washy, dodgy rosés, says our Drinks Editor James Viner. Go for these eight expressive still and fortified bottles that bring real depth and value instead...

one in every ten bottles of wine consumed globally is pink 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

What Makes Rosé Pink?

The colour of rosé wines falls between red and white. They are crafted mainly in two ways: direct pressing or short maceration. The latter technique is preferred. Here, dark-coloured grapes (often made from relatively light-pigmented grapes like Grenache and Cinsault) are crushed, and the juice sits with the skins just long enough to absorb the desired blush of colour. Once the right hue is reached, the juice is drained or pressed off the skins, then fermented like a white wine.

Rosé by Numbers

Around one in every ten bottles of wine consumed globally is pink (the French, in particular, are devoted fans). Oak-aged rosé remains a rarity; Château d’Esclans’ Garrus sets the gold standard at around £100 a bottle. For something more walletfriendly, here are seven exceptional still and sparkling rosés— plus a fantastic pink (fortified) vermouth—to chill when the heat returns. Try these...

Sparkling rosé:

1. Bouvet Ladubay Saumur Rosé Brut NV, Loire, France £12 mix 6, Majestic (12.5%)

Seek out this stylish pink Cabernet Franc-based bubbly from the Loire, which is made the same way as champagne but doesn’t have the hefty price tag. It marries expressive red fruit and peach flavours with dancing acidity and has a zesty, tastebud-tingling finish. A fine aperitif that complements both salads and fish.

2. Tesco Finest English Sparkling Rosé Brut NV, Balfour Winery, Kent £22, Tesco (11.5%)

Pinglish anyone? I love this delicious local wine: think of an alluring nosegay

of summer fruits, with a suggestion of brioche. Made by Balfour Winery at Hush Heath Estate, a homegrown hero and key member of the Wine Garden of England collective of nine producers. 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Pinot Meunier. Perfect with seafood, sushi and fish and chips.

Still picks:

3. 2024 Toro Loco Superior Bobal Rosé, Utiel-Requena, Spain £5.49, Aldi (11.5%)

Don’t be sniffy about this fun, quaffable, light-bodied, unoaked, all-Bobal rosado from high-altitude vineyards (600900m) in the hills inland of Valencia, southeastern Spain, that tastes like ripe cherries and juicy wild strawberries, with a hint of citrus, and is excellent at the price. Ideal with barbecued fish, seafood and summery salads.

4. 2024 Rosé Duo des Plages, Pays d’Oc, France £7.95; £21 (2.25L bag in box), The Wine Society (12%)

Terrific value for a charming, dangerously drinkable Cinsault-forward pale, dry Languedoc pink, a fridge door must-have with an herbaceous edge, hints of red fruits, and spice. Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, salads and chicken tikka masala.

5. 2024 Romain Leroy, Waitrose Loved & Found Caladoc Rosé, Pays d’Oc, France £9.25, Waitrose (12.5%)

Caladoc is a dark-skinned crossing of late-ripening Grenache and Malbec created in 1958 to grow in southern France to resist coulure (poor fruit set, which reduces yields). This silken rosé has appetising notes of spice, herbs, blackberries and red fruit. Made for summer salads, mild curries and grilled salmon.

Around

6. 2024 Miraval Studio Rosé, IGP Méditerranée, France £10-£12, Co-op, Tesco, Sainsbury’s (12.5%)

My kind of pale, peachy, blood orange and grapefruit-licked, sushi-loving rosé made from Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle and Tibouren. Produced by Famille Perrin at legendary Château Miraval—yes, where Pink Floyd recorded. Ideal for Mediterranean fare and park picnics.

7. 2024 Berry Bros. & Rudd Provence Rosé by Château la Mascaronne, Côtes de Provence, France £16.50, Berry Bros & Rudd (13%)

Around 90 per cent of Provence’s wine is pink. This classy, gossamer-fine, capsulefree, bestselling house label for Britain’s oldest wine merchant is fashionably pale and fuses Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Vermentino. Bursting with wild strawberry and garrigue herb charm, it’s the archetypal kind of food-friendly, vivacious, organic Provençal pink for midsummer. Pour with salade niçoise, vitello tonnato or prawns with aioli. A Provençal classic –bullseye brilliance.

Fortified fun:

8. Lustau Vermut Rosé, Jerez, Spain £13.00 (on offer until 29 July) Waitrose (15%) 50cl

Lockdown turned aromatised and fortified boomerang vermouth into a home-bar hero. Sales at Waitrose are booming. This delectable, rare pink Spanish offering from a top sherry house shines in a Martini or spritz and is a winner over ice with a slice of pink grapefruit. Aperitivo o’clock? Always. ¡Chinchín!

Follow James on Twitter: @QuixoticWines

JAMES VINER

Please enquire online or scan here

There is a place like home...

At La Spiga, we take pride in crafting fresh, in-house pasta and pizzas using only the finest, freshest ingredients. Our recipes are rooted in Italian tradition, ensuring that each dish captures the true essence of Italy. From our hand-made pasta to our perfectly baked pizzas, every item on our menu is prepared with love and care, just as we would for our own family.

www.laspigarestaurant.com 01892327461 laspigarestaurant@gmail.com 3B Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1LS

Cheers to a corking celebration of Kentish wines

Jo Ginn of Wine Garden of England, a collective of nine Kent vineyards, tells us all about the success of its recent Summer Celebration and this month shines a spotlight on glorious Gusbourne, producer of some of the industry’s best sparkling and still wines...

Summer in Kent is turning out to be rather fabulous this year. The vines have finished flowering, and the story is set for this season. In our cool climate, we hold our breath for good weather during this time because in the cold, the flowers fail to pollenate, and the crop is much smaller. This year, we were mostly basking in warm sunshine, so it looks like we will have plenty of fruit, as long as it is allowed to ripen during August and September.

We all had a fantastic time at this year’s Summer Celebration, and I can’t wait to announce next year’s plans

There was of course one rogue weekend where the heavens opened, and that was the day of the Summer Celebration at Chilham Castle. The week leading up to it was nerve wracking, due to apocalyptic forecasts of storms and hurricanes. This event relies entirely on marquees that look magical on a sunny afternoon, but sadly cannot cope with high winds. We were facing the prospect of a complete washout, but as Brits so often do, we got on with it and for the most part, it was a dry day, until the rain came later when noone cared anyway! We all had a fantastic time, and I can’t wait to announce next year’s plans.

Glorious Gusbourne

Jo Ginn celebrates the great wines from one of Kent's best vineyards

We have plenty of summer left and one more vineyard to talk about.

Just eight miles from the south coast, Gusbourne is a short drive from Rye, and only 20 minutes by taxi from Ashford International. A consistent medal winner, Gusbourne is often the critics’ choice for estate grown sparkling wines, and still wines that rival the greats from Burgundy. Visiting the estate is a real treat; the team ensures that your experience reflects the quality of the wine. The choice of experiences ranges from a full day with tour, tasting and leisurely lunch to popping in for a tasting flight and a chat with the cellar door hosts. They’ve just opened their restaurant on Friday to Sunday too, so there’s even more reason to visit.

Once you visit one Kent vineyard, you’ll want to see some more. The diversity on offer is remarkable - from sheer luxury to edgy and experimental, you’ll enjoy discovering them all.

If you’ve been inspired to try some near you this summer, you could join the Wine Garden of England Members’ Club which gives you a free tasting experience at

Looking for authentic Mediterranean flavours in the heart of Tunbridge Wells? Join us at Zorba Meze Grill for a dining experience full of fresh meze, sizzling grills, and vibrant atmosphere

• Perfect for date nights, family dinners & celebrations

• Wide selection of wines & cocktails

• live music nights & cultural events

• book your table NOW - weekends fill up fast!

each of our nine vineyards, discounted tickets to the next Summer Celebration, and access to members-only events. It’s a great way to explore the world’s most exciting new wine region. Go to winegardenofengland.co.uk/membersclub for more information.

Next month I’ll be looking at how our vineyards can cater for your next corporate event. Until then, have a great summer!

Get ready for a night of MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC with:

• Traditional Turkish & Greek dishes

• Belly Dancers

• Plate Smashing & Dancing All Night!

Last Friday of each month

£45 per headIncludes 3-Course Set Menu BOOK NOW -

Pathways to peace

Our regular gardening columnist Tim Sykes of Gardenproud sets off on a short break to Portugal and discovers a glorious garden festival right on his doorstep...

Who would have thought that one of the oldest towns in Portugal would become the setting for an international garden festival?

Well Ponte de Lima is just the place. The town is situated in beautiful countryside in Northern Portugal about 85 Km north of the Douro Valley and Porto airport. This is a return visit for us as we first came to the International Garden Festival in 2016 on a holiday with our great friends from Panama who were in Europe at the time. Little did we imagine that nearly 10 years later they would be setting up home in the hills just outside Ponte de Lima. They naturally invited us over to see their new home. So here we are again soaking up the sun, enjoying their company and making a bee line for this incredible horticultural event.

“

The gardens of this incredible festival in Portugal reflect designs from all over Europe and the world and have inspired my own work

The festival runs from June to October and attracts both local and international designers to create gardens. The gardens tend to be of a similar size to those we enjoy at The Hampton Court Flower Show. To help concentrate the mind, the organisers set a theme each year to give entrants a focus for their exhibits and an overall message for the event. 2025 is all about Peace – which given the global turmoil we are currently enjoying, couldn’t be more appropriate.

The site for the festival is on the northern banks of the river Lima and for most access on foot is via the famous Ponte de Lima bridge, which dates back to the 14th Century.

The day we went along it was a blistering hot day. So carrying water bottles and wearing factor 50 was essential to enjoy the show.

If you are looking for inspiration for

The gardens reflect designs from all over Europe and the world. Some of our favourites included:

1. THE PATHS OF PEACE – PORTUGAL

Designed by Amadeu Felix, Pedro Queiros and Sandra Batista the garden seeks to take you along a series of pathways that symbolise life and achieve this in a peaceful manner. With a combination of features and planting and places to appreciate the calm. Plants that featured in the garden included the following: Begonia Semperflorens, Gaillardia Aristata, Gardenia Jasminoides, Phyllostachys Aurea, Nigra and Zinnia Elegans

2. FOLDING PEACE – A DESIGN TEAM FROM EUROPE

A pretty and tranquil garden, nicely planted to give a soft wilding effect against the structure of the corten steel sculpture, was created by a team of designers from Austria, Slovakia and The Netherlands. The hard landscaping was given a further touch of peace using origami. Both the sculpture and other objects were adorned with 1000 white birds lovingly created by the team. Some key plants in the garden included: Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’, Hakonechloa Macra, Pennisetum Alopecuroides, Salvia, Stipa Tenuissima and Verbena Bonariensis

3. THE GARDEN TO HONOUR THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE - MEXICO

This garden was designed by Izasi Zunzunegul and inspired by Rigoberta Menchu Tum, an indigenous woman

leader of Mayan descent. She was winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992, a victim of armed conflict between an oppressive government and the indigenous peoples. The textiles and colourful designs in the garden illustrate the cultural richness of the communities. And the planting in which species such as Salvia Microphylia stand out to serve as food for the hummingbirds, which the Mexica culture believe to symbolise reincarnation of warriors fallen in battle to return as spreaders of good will. Other key plants include: Allium Schoenoprasum, Echinacea Purpurea, Lavandula Angustifolia, Miscanthus, Stipa Tenuissima and Verbena Bonariensis

4. RE-IMAGINING PEACE – DESIGNED BY A TEAM FROM FLORIDA USA

Designed by student Audrey Foster and her professor Kevin Thompson from the Department of Landscape Architecture –University of Florida, this garden features a series of gates along a pathway where visitors can stop and reflect. The gates are adorned in white fabric and the surrounding fields planted in red flowers (to me symbolising war, or conflict, the path providing a safe and calm transition through the fields). Anyway a simple, but thoughtful and effective design. Key plants included: Petunia sp, Relva Grass, Olea Europaea, Nymphoea sp

For further information about Ponte de Lima and the Festival of Gardens, see www.festivaldejardins.cm-pontedelima.pt or www.visitepontedelima.pt 1 3 4 2

“Landlords should always draw boundaries”

This month Becky Moran of TN Lettings focuses on what property owners need to know when it comes to assisting tenants with basic needs. Read on to discover whether they need to change a lightbulb or tighten a screw – or not...

Landlords, here’s how to handle tenant requests fairly and clearly. Know what’s worth your attention and what tenants should be doing themselves.

Firstly, let’s look at managing tenant expectations and decide what’s reasonable and what’s not…

Being a landlord today means juggling quite a bit! One of the trickiest parts is knowing when a tenant request genuinely needs your attention, and when it's something they could (and probably should) handle themselves.

We’re seeing more and more examples of tenants asking for help with tasks like tightening a screw or replacing a light bulb. That’s not what most landlords sign up for, and it’s worth drawing some boundaries, kindly but clearly.

SO, WHAT SHOULD A LANDLORD ACTUALLY DEAL WITH?

You’re legally responsible for a safe, secure, and well-maintained property. That includes things like:

• Repairs to the structure and exterior

• Heating, hot water and electrical systems

• Plumbing issues

• White goods provided with the tenancy (if they break)

If something serious goes wrong, like a leak, boiler failure or faulty wiring, it’s clearly on you to sort it. There is no grey area about this.

But what about the smaller stuff? Well, this is where it can get blurry when it comes to buy-to-let properties – especially if expectations haven’t been properly set from the start.

ASK YOURSELF:

Is it a basic household task?

If it’s changing a lightbulb, wiping a mark off a wall, or tightening a cupboard handle, that’s standard upkeep. A tenant should be handling that.

Could it be part of a bigger problem?

A screw coming loose once is probably just wear and tear. But if it keeps happening, or it's linked to something structural, like a door not closing properly, it might need checking out. Is it affecting the tenant’s safety or

“Being a landlord today means juggling quite a bit. One of the trickiest parts is knowing when a tenant request genuinely needs your attention

ability to live in the property?

If yes, it’s worth looking into. If not, it can usually wait or be handled by the tenant.

This kind of quick filtering can help you figure out if it’s worth sending someone out or if it’s something the tenant can manage themselves.

Now let’s talk about setting expectations from day one. So, when is the best time to address all this? Well, in my opinion it is right at the start of the tenancy.

MAKE SURE TENANTS UNDERSTAND:

• What you’re responsible for

• What they’re expected to do themselves

• How to report issues (and when it’s appropriate to do so)

Even something as simple as a one-page ‘who does what’ guide can make a big difference. This helps keep things friendly, but firm.

Most tenants aren’t trying to be difficult; they might just be unsure. If someone reports a loose screw or a scuffed wall, use it as an opportunity to gently educate them.

You could, for example, reply with something like this: “Thanks for letting me know. This kind of thing is usually the tenant’s responsibility, but if anything changes or it seems like part of a bigger issue, definitely keep me posted.”

Sending a response like this keeps the conversation open, but puts the responsibility in the right place. Believe me, a bit of clarity goes a long way.

Being clear about what falls on you and what doesn’t protects your time and helps tenants become more confident in managing small things themselves. It also means you’re free to focus on the things that actually need your attention.

In short? Not every issue needs a callout. Remember that a little guidance early on can save everyone a lot of backand-forth later…

Please feel free to get in touch:

Email: info@tnlettings.co.uk

Call: 01892 249 070

Visit: www.tnlettings.co.uk

Supervene Architects

Supervene Architects is an independent architectural practice with deep technical expertise. We challenge tradition to create better futurescreatively, technically, and materially. Not different for its own sake, but for the benefit of our clients, collaborators, and the planet. We apply creative thinking and analytical insight to real-world challenges. Based in the UK, we work internationally.

Expertise

We have extensive experience delivering large, complex projects as part of multidisciplinary teams. From masterplanning to detailed building delivery, every design stage matters to us. If it’s interesting, and it usually is, we want to work on it. Our portfolio

Sett

Studio Sett are a small, energetic, RIBA Chartered architectural practice based on Chapel Place in the centre of Tunbridge Wells. The practice was formed of a desire to bring no-nonsense, approachable, and high-quality architectural services to clients. They’re passionate that excellence can be delivered in the South East, without needing to employ a London based firm.

Their expertise is in designing and delivering residential extensions, improvements, and refurbishments. Particular focus is placed on design excellence, controlling the budget, and working with the end user. They have a wide range of experience, from the super-prime townhouses of central London to small extensions in the countryside.

spans sectors including commercial, sports, residential, infrastructure, and cultural projects, in both urban and rural contexts.

Analytical insight

Strong projects begin with robust data. We use a range of technologies to thoroughly research project conditions and rigorously test our design solutions throughout the process. Analysis is fundamental to how we work.

Creative thought

We value what already works while questioning convention where necessary. Our approach is shaped by the climate and biodiversity emergencies, and we are committed to reducing carbon emissions through

both our design processes and the buildings we deliver.

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We thrive on working with others and believe meaningful design emerges from diverse perspectives. Collaboration with clients, users, consultants, and contractors underpins every stage of a project — from first ideas to completion on site.

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Reflecting on a bright spring property market

While the number of properties available for sale might suggest a sluggish housing market, the country actually had its most active spring selling season in four years, and Tunbridge Wells was no exception says Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential...

There is a general feeling in the air that the property market is tough and sticky, with many homes taking a long time to sell and the market awash with stock.

This is in part true, but certainly is not the whole story. Indeed, the property market in and around Tunbridge Wells showed a refreshing level of activity over the spring selling season (which runs from mid-January to mid-July), with sales running at the fastest rate seen in the past four years. Although there is indeed a significant boost in the number of homes coming onto the market, there was also a noticeable uptick in buyer interest, as many buyers, who placed their plans on ice throughout 2023 and 2024, pressed forward with their next home move.

Nationally, UK house price growth over the last year sits at a modest 1.4%. The increase in supply, which is up 14%, gave buyers more choice and played a key role in cooling price increases. So too did the uncertainty of the wider economic stage, as mortgage rates did not fall as quickly as many expected due to a stubbornly higher than desired inflation level.

However, in terms of value growth, the south-east fared slightly worse. The highest value appreciations were seen in more affordable regions, where first-time buyers and secondsteppers remained active. In contrast,

The local property market showed a refreshing level of activity over the spring selling season, with sales running at the fastest rate seen in the past four years “

more premium markets, including areas where average values exceeded £500,000, there were modest price falls. This included some parts of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding countryside, where aspirational pricing without buyer interest led to an adjustment in seller expectations.

The average time to secure a sale remained steady at 45 days, mirroring figures from June 2024, and well within the expectations of a healthy market. However not all homes sold quickly. Around 20% of properties lingered on the market for over six months without finding their buyer, underlining the importance of a well-judged asking price and a proactively managed sale.

For sellers in Tunbridge Wells, the message is clear: presenting your property to its very best and setting the right price at the start remains crucial. With more choice available to buyers, overpricing and poor presentation can lead to missed opportunities. On the flip side, beautiful and realistically priced homes are attracting attention and multiple offers - often swiftly.

With its blend of town and country, excellent schools, and strong transport links, Tunbridge Wells remains a popular location for buyers. And with a more dynamic market offering increased selection and realistic pricing, now is an excellent time for both buyers and sellers to make their move.

www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Retaining the lost art of debating in a polarised world

Rachel

Bailey, Headmistress of the renowned Benenden School near Cranbrook, insists that debating is a vital life skill for today’s

generation

In an age of social media soundbites, divisive politics and growing societal polarisation, the art of debating - measured, respectful, evidencebased discourse - is in danger of being lost. And yet, never has it been more important to revive and retain this essential life skill.

Social media platforms have reshaped the way young people communicate. Algorithms reward speed, emotion and brevity over reflection, balance and substance. The result is a culture in which opinions are broadcast and not explored; where disagreement is too often seen as disrespect. Amid this digital din, the subtlety of true debate - listening carefully, considering opposing views, and countering them with evidence and logicrisks being drowned out.

Politics, too, has become increasingly binary. The nuances that once characterised thoughtful discussion are frequently replaced with slogans and tribalism. Complex issues are simplified into ‘us’ versus ‘them’ narratives, discouraging compromise and vilifying dissent. In such an environment, it becomes harder for young people to practise the invaluable skill of disagreeing well.

Debating should not be seen as only an academic exercise but a vital preparation for life. It teaches confidence without arrogance, sharpens critical thinking, and builds resilience. Most importantly, it fosters empathy: to argue well, one must first understand the opposing viewpoint. Debating also instils a respect for facts.

In a world where misinformation spreads rapidly, especially online, the ability to discern evidence from opinion is crucial. Now more than ever, schools have a duty to encourage their students to interrogate sources, to challenge assumptions and to argue not from a place of emotion alone, but with well-researched facts and reasoned judgement. This is particularly relevant in public discourse today, where emotional rhetoric often trumps factual accuracy.

Moreover, learning to lose gracefully and win graciously in a debate is a valuable lesson in humility and sportsmanshipqualities that are transferable to every aspect of adult life, from boardrooms to relationships.

“

Learning to lose – and win - gracefully in a debate is a valuable lesson in humility and sportsmanship and also qualities that are transferable to every aspect of adult life

Our school has long championed the value of oracy. Whether through formal debating societies, informal lunchtime discussions or inter-school competitions, we provide frequent opportunities for students to practise the art of argument. But beyond technique, we emphasise tone: how we say something is as important as what we say. Civility, respect, and genuine curiosity should guide all our conversations, especially when we disagree.

I firmly believe that if we want to nurture thoughtful, open-minded and compassionate citizens who will shape and lead the next generation, we must place a renewed focus on debate. Debate should not be a combative sport but a bridge across difference. We must teach our young people that disagreement is not a threat, but an opportunity to grow. Benenden School is a leading girls’ school near Cranbrook in Kent.  www.benenden.school

Students take centre stage courtesy of new cultural collaboration

St Gregory’s embarks on a creative journey with Rust & Stardust theatre company as part of its exciting Performing Arts expansion

Over the last two months, a talented group of Year 7 and 8 students from St Gregory's Catholic School in Tunbridge Wells have embarked on an inspiring artistic journey, taking part in a series of creative workshops led by the professional theatre company Rust & Stardust.

The weekly workshops, which featured puppet-making, acting, music, dance and choreography, were a hive of creativity, leading to intensive rehearsals before a special live performance at the school on Tuesday July 1.

During the spectacular final show, the young students confidently took to the stage alongside the Rust & Stardust performers, showcasing their new creative skills. A particular highlight was an exhilarating scene where students brought to life a giant flying horse puppet which they had built in an early workshop session under guidance from the skilled actors and puppeteers.

“It was a truly magical evening and a celebration of creativity which showcased the extraordinary potential of the young performers,” a spokesperson for St Gregory’s told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

“We were very excited to work with professional actors and work as part of a team to bring the flying horse puppet to life on stage. It was great to develop our acting and public speaking skills,” added Year 7 performers Esme and Mohammed.

As the only school in the area selected for this unique opportunity, St Gregory’s is delighted that it was able to be part of this dynamic project which explored the fascinating life of Ada Lovelace: a feminist icon, daughter of Lord Byron, and widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer.

Commenting after the show, St Gregory’s Creative Arts Lead, Miss

Emma Shoreland stated: “I am incredibly proud of our students who developed performance skills, building confidence, teamwork, unlocking their imagination to play active roles in shaping every part of the production.

“Our collaboration with Rust & Stardust marks an exciting start to our Artsmark journey. Over the next two years, we’ll expand access to the Performing Arts at St Gregory’s through new cultural partnerships, enriched extra-curricular and performance opportunities for our students. We’re also thrilled to be enhancing our facilities with a new dance studio and state-of-the-art recording studio.”

Founded in 2015 by Eleanor Conlon and Katie Sommers, Rust & Stardust is a nationally recognised theatre company whose work has been featured on the BBC and BBC Radio. The company is known for producing original scripts and creating all of its own costumes, puppets, sets, and props sustainably.

Miss Shoreland added: “I would like to thank Rust & Stardust for their work with St Gregory’s on this exciting collaboration. It has been an unforgettable experience for our young performers – one that will continue to inspire long after the final curtain falls.”

For further information, please contact Mrs Shoreland: office@sgschool.org.uk

Photography by Chris Pope - www.chrispopephotography.com

Style Queen

Lynne Meek tells Eileen Leahy how she traded in her corporate career for one in the world of fashion, eventually establishing The Meek Boutique, a successful family-run online business which now has a global reach...

Despite having worked in the corporate world for 30 years, Lynne Meek has always had a passion for fashion. Her inherent sense of style and love of clothes initially led her to work in a pre-loved boutique for a couple of years after she decided to switch careers. Then, in 2012, at the age of 50, she launched her own personal styling business.

Her venture Styling Matters saw Lynne conducting wardrobe edits, colour and style analysis and personal shopping. She quickly built a large client base and an impressive online following. Thanks to the success of her first business, Lynne eventually gained the confidence to launch her own retail brand, The Meek Boutique, in 2018.

Lynne admits that her background in styling gave her a fantastic platform from which to launch the boutique.

“I had so many clients from all over the South East on my books and a solid following on social media, so I pretty much had a captive audience right from the start.”

We’re meeting at The Meek Boutique headquarters – a two-storey building tucked down a pretty mews just off The Pantiles.

It’s very much a family affair, with both Lynne’s husband Russell and one of her sons, Tom, involved in the business. When I arrive at HQ, Russell is busy packaging

The

“

Meek Boutique is very much a family affair, with both Lynne’s husband Russell and one of her sons, Tom, involved in the fashion business

up parcels to send to customers, while Tom is upstairs working at his computer overseeing all the business’s marketing and branding.

Lynne gives me a quick tour of the building, which houses all the current stock – think rails of silky boho-style kimonos, colourful embroidered summer dresses and crochet tops alongside shelves filled with neatly folded cool camo joggers, cropped denim jeans and bright fine knits – all ready to ship to her loyal clientele, both here in the UK and also the world.

“Russell looks after all the stock – he’s very organised,” she laughs, as we head upstairs to the main Meek Boutique office and a beautifully styled showroom, complete with an oversized mirror, a vintage room divider, which doubles

up as a changing area, a plush sofa and monogrammed TMB cushions.

“I wanted a welcoming space for clients who like to pop in by appointment and try things on,” says Lynne – and she has certainly achieved that.

“When I ran my styling business, my philosophy was always to put people at ease so I could discover who they are and what they should be looking for in terms of clothes.”

At the beginning of Styling Matters this was relatively easy to do she says but as the business grew and the choice of clothes for women of a certain age started to dwindle Lynne started to think outside the sartorial box.

“Suddenly even everyday basics like jeans and a well-cut blazer were becoming harder to find for women of a certain age. My clients didn’t want to dress like their daughters – but they didn’t want to dress like their mums either. I thought, there has to be something in the middle.

“That’s what planted the seed in my mind. I thought, if I can’t find the pieces I know women – mainly those in mid-life –are looking for, maybe I should start my own shop. Confidence in how you look is so important for your self-esteem,” she smiles.

That was seven years ago, and around the same time, Russell decided to step away from the chauffeuring business he had been running.

“I thought, if we can create an additional income stream, that would be great, as I had no intention of giving up styling completely at that point. We started running The Meek Boutique from the loft of our house in Langton, and it just took off straight away.”

Lynne explains that Instagram influencers were becoming a major force at the time – and she was one of them, with over 10,000 followers.

“Despite that, we didn’t do a big build-up to the launch. I just posted a picture of me standing in a field of yellow flowers with the caption: ‘I have some news… I’ve launched an online boutique’ – and it just went bonkers from there!”

Two years later, in 2020, their son Tom officially joined the team.

“He’d been furloughed due to Covid, so he came to help us out because we were so busy. He has a background in sales, marketing, and branding, so he’s really moved the business on.”

And the family involvement doesn’t stop there. Lynne tells me that their eldest son, Dan, a front-end web developer, was also instrumental in getting things off the ground.

“

The Meek Boutique’s HQ is filled with rails of silky bohostyle kimonos and colourful embroidered summer dresses, cool camo joggers, cropped denim jeans and bright fine knits

“Dan organised all our IT, including setting up Shopify and our stock inventory. So between the four of us, we have everything covered – and honestly, that’s probably my favourite thing about the business.”

From the outset, Lynne had a clear vision. She wanted to offer wardrobe staples – like flattering jeans and joggers – that people actually liked and fitted in with their lifestyle and complemented

their body shape. Comfort was key, and remains so today.

by Russell Harper

“We rarely sell anything that doesn’t have some stretch,” notes Lynne who is also the face of The Meek Boutique brand, appearing in all the fashion shots both on the website and her Instagram account.

So, where does Lynne source all of her stylish stock?

“At first, I had to do a lot of research –nothing is really made in the UK anymore. So we source our clothes from Europe, mainly France, Denmark, and Italy. We never wanted to be the cheapest or use sweatshops or inferior products – that’s not our market.”

“Unlike many retailers, we don’t buy stock a year in advance. We buy and sell almost within 48 hours, which means we can react quickly to trends, economic shifts – even the weather. It keeps us agile, which is so important for a small business.”

Today, The Meek Boutique boasts a customer database of around 50,000 people.

“We always say we’re a national and international business but we just happen to be based in Tunbridge Wells. Some of our customers live in Hong Kong, France, Australia, and New Zealand, and when some of them come back to the UK to visit family, they’ll often schedule a visit to see me – usually with an empty suitcase!”

So, what does Lynne think is the secret to the boutique’s continued success –which also includes costume jewellery and seasonal accessories?

“I think women feel understood and listened to. I engage with them a lot. I’m often approached by followers when I’m out and about, even on holiday! I think they know that I am genuine.”

GET IN TOUCH:

Website: www.themeekboutique.co.uk

Email: hello@themeekboutique.co.uk

Instagram: @themeekboutiqueuk

FLOWER POWER: The image Lynne posted to announce the launch of The Meek Boutique

Photography

Local dance club celebrates 20th anniversary in business

Chloë

Simmons, founder of Do4Kidz Danceworks

reflects on

two

decades of teaching children how to dance - and

"This year, Do4Kidz Danceworks is thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone: 20 years in business! For two decades, we’ve had the privilege of serving local primary schools with our vibrant, engaging, and fun dance classes designed specifically for young children.

Our mission has always been simple: to build confidence and co-ordination while having fun! Since opening our doors in 2005, Do4Kidz Danceworks has created a space where children can express themselves through dance in a supportive and encouraging environment. We believe in making dance accessible, exciting, and, most importantly, fun. Our classes are tailored to suit children of all skill levels, providing a positive outlet for energy while promoting teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.

Over the years, we’ve built lasting relationships with schools, teachers, and, of course, the students who’ve danced their way through our programmes.

have fun

Our mission has always been simple: to build confidence and co-ordination while having fun

Watching children grow in their dance skills and self-esteem has been the most rewarding part of our journey.

As we celebrate 20 years, we’re excited to continue to expand our offerings, bringing fresh, exciting dance routines to even more kids in the local community. Here’s to another 20 years of fun, creativity, and unforgettable dance experiences! Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of the Do4Kidz Danceworks family—you’ve made this journey so special!"

The power of three and beyond…

Mum’s The Word co-founders, and sisters, Laura Swann and Natalie McIlveen joined forces with Life Coach

Emma Jefferys - AKA Action Woman - to host the inaugural You 3.0 – a morning of midlife reconnection at the Royal Wells Hotel. Here they explain more about the event...

Let’s be honest; midlife for many women can feel like a blur. Between careers, caregiving, and the general chaos of modern life, many women are left wondering: What about me?

That question was at the heart of the recent ‘You 3.0’ event, a beautifully curated event hosted last month by Mum’s the Word, in collaboration with life coach Emma Jefferys, aka @action___woman.

Set in the calming surrounds of the Royal Wells Hotel, the morning offered a rare and welcome opportunity for women to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves.

Emma led the group through

powerful exercises and a soul-stirring visualisation, designed to help attendees map out their next chapter; whether that means big life changes or simply remembering what lights them up.

It was an honest, uplifting, and refreshingly real event - reminding everyone in attendance that rediscovery doesn’t require reinvention, just reconnection.

Keep an eye on Mum’s the Word socials for more inspiring events, including the upcoming Scummy Mummies comedy show at the EM Forster Theatre, in Tonbridge on 20th September.

Find out more by following @mumsthewordevents

10% off ALL shows with code TWBM25

Three is the magic number: Laura Swann, Emma Jefferys and Natalie McIlveen

My Tunbridge Wells, Your Tunbridge Wells

Clare Lush-Mansell from My Tunbridge Wells is your expert guide to all the fantastic events happening from now until mid-August in and around Tunbridge Wells...

HOP TO IT

Running throughout July until September 8 is Demelza’s Trail with a Tale. It aims to bring joy and raise vital funds for the children’s charity. Look out for 10 giant sculptures hidden around the town in this free art trail by Demelza Hospice Care for Children. www.demelza.org.uk

SUMMER FUN

Enjoy a fun-filled summer at Penshurst Place with falconry shows, interactive Alice in Wonderland storytelling, kids’ crafts, and outdoor adventures every week including archery, axe-throwing and laser clay shooting. From 19 July to 31 August –perfect for a family day out! www.penshurstplace.com

NATIONAL TREASURE

From July 19 to August 31 Scotney Castle’s Summer of Play promises to be bigger and better than ever with family-friendly trails and games. Plus natural play area, den-building woods, picturesque gardens, historic house, castle and acres of stunning estate land. www.nationaltrust.org

CHILD’S PLAY

Spot’s Birthday Party takes place on July 16 and 17 at the EM Forster Theatre in Tonbridge. Meet everyone’s favourite puppy for an interactive show for ages 2+, packed with catchy songs, dancing, Makaton signing and party games. www.emftheatre.com

FULL STEAM AHEAD

The Kent Evening Cheese Train steams into Spa Valley Railway for a scenic summer night of local cheese, wine and countryside views on July 19. Enjoy four artisan cheeses from The Cheese Shop Tunbridge Wells, paired with chutneys, crackers, nibbles and a drink of your choice during a relaxing round trip to Eridge. Book tickets at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

OH WHAT A CIRCUS

Roll up, roll up for Cirque: The Greatest Show on July 31! This spellbinding new production fuses West End hits with circus magic, featuring aerialists, fire breathers, illusionists and more. One night only at Assembly Hall Theatre. www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

BROUGHT TO BOOKS

Pop into The Amelia Scott to join the Summer Reading Challenge and don’t miss a visit to Magic Place (open until September 1), the interactive exhibition designed especially for young imaginations. Fancy doing something outdoors? Dr Ian Beavis (Research Curator at The Amelia) will be leading Park Safaris (bug hunts) throughout the school summer holidays too. www.theamelia.co.uk

BRILLIANT BEATRIX

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck comes to life on August 2 in a charming openair performance set at Knole Park in Sevenoaks. Gates open at 6pm for picnics, with the show starting at 6.30pm. So bring your own chairs and blankets, and dress for the weather as the performance will go ahead rain or shine. www.nationaltrust.org

Photograph:

Mollie Manning

IN POLE POSITION

The Royal Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring revs up on the iconic Pantiles on August 2-3, celebrating 130 years since the town hosted Britain’s very first motor show in October 1895. Enjoy a spectacular showcase of vehicles, from Edwardian horseless carriages to today’s modern marvels, presented by ten specialist exhibitors. All proceeds benefit local charity TaylorMade Dreams. www.rtwmotorfest.com

VIVA ABBA

August 8 sees Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again hitting the big screen for a feelgood outdoor cinema night at Tonbridge School. Bring your blankets, chairs and a picnic to enjoy this singalong sequel under the stars. Entry from 8pm, and the film starts at 9pm. www.allevents.in

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

On August 9 and 10 Head to Leeds Castle for Motors by the Moat, a fun-filled weekend showcasing vintage, classic and high-performance cars in a stunning historic setting. While you’re there, explore the brand-new Woodland Trail, relax on the beach, and let the kids go wild in the adventure playgrounds. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect summer day out for the whole family. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Art, community and compassion

As proud media partners of Demelza’s Trail with a Tale, Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is excited to announce more details about this summer’s highly anticipated sculpture trail. Running from July 11 to September 8, the event will feature over 30 stunning animal sculptures, bringing together acclaimed artists and community spirit to support children with serious or life-limiting conditions...

Throughout this year, Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine has been delighted to be the media partner of Demelza for their Trail with a Tail event this summer. The charity delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions in the Tunbridge Wells area as well as the rest of Kent, South East London and East Sussex.

Each month we’ve been bringing you news, information and history about the charity and focusing on a different aspect of their work in each edition.

This month, we’re pleased to be announcing more details about the Trail, which is coming to Tunbridge Wells from Friday July 11 to Monday September 8. Working with Wild in Art, the trail will see 10 beautifully illustrated large sculptures and more than 20 smaller animal sculptures dotted all around the town to form a unique, family-friendly outdoor trail for everyone to enjoy. The locations of the sculptures will be revealed once the trail is live, with families able to purchase maps of the route for a small donation.

Maps can be obtained from three key sites across the town: Ruby’s of London on Monson Road, Kidsbury Roleplay Village in Royal Victoria Place and The Lodge Coffee House, Kitchen & Bar on The High Street. The charity welcomes donations for each map collected, and there is a tap to donate portal at each location.

Kent-based Elaine Gill painted our first large hare last year, with a beautifully intricate design depicting all things Tunbridge Wells. We are now excited to announce that international abstract artist Tom Payne is also on board.

Tom has signed up to design one of our gazing hare sculptures, which he’ll be painting in his unique, bold, dramatic style. He’s been published for the past five years and has built up a strong collector base, having been commissioned to create paintings in the Dubai desert where he used sand to build texture. He has also had work exhibited in Montmartre, Paris, which is famous for its rich artistic history.

Tom has painted everything from

About Demelza

With two residential hospices in Kent and South East London, a community hospice 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 they work 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 beautifully designed sculpture will find its forever home with the raffle winner

“Kent-based artist Elaine Gill painted Demelza’s first large hare last year, with a beautifully intricate design depicting all things Tunbridge Wells to support the charity

boats to custom snowboards, taking his inspiration from nature and space and blending this with influences from his local Warwickshire countryside and the Devon coast.

We’re also delighted to reveal that local artist Kerrie Kent has signed up to design a sculpture. Kerrie was born with congenital heart disease and has undergone seven open-heart surgeries in her lifetime. For Trail with a Tale, Kerrie will be painting one of our 3ft stargazing hare sculptures. Her sculpture will be raffled during the trail, with all proceeds supporting Demelza.

Together, Tom and Kerrie represent the heart of what Trail with a Tale is all about art, story, and community coming together for a good cause. Their sculptures will be on public display throughout the trail, and we can’t wait for you to experience them up close.

www.demelza.org.uk

Flying High

From thrilling skydives to fun football matches, there are so many ways you can help to fundraise for Taylor-Made Dreams

Whether you’re fundraising solo, as a group, through your school or your business, community fundraising makes an incredible difference for Taylor-Made Dreams (TMD) families. Joining a TMD event or hosting your own, however you join, your participation helps us to raise awareness for new families to discover our services, whilst also keeping our 10 services going through your incredible fundraising efforts.

Over the past month we have had such outstanding support from members of the community, getting involved any way they can with fundraising. We kicked off TMD’s summer events with our TMD Dragonflyers taking to the skies for the 2025 skydive. Nine jumpers this year

“

Over

the past month we have had such outstanding support from members of the community including a TMD skydive which raised a massive £9,257!

completed the event, including TMD Office Manager Becca and Sibling Support Service member Luke! Not an easy challenge to take on, but our Dragonflyers were ready and have been working so incredibly hard to fundraise, raising a massive ... £9,257!

Whilst our skydive was taking place, head of our Community Fundraising Committee Barrie Williams, kicked off his second annual charity football match. Each year, Team Luke and Team Jack battle it out to win the TMD cup. With the help of volunteers and the crowd, another great game was had, ending 6-2 for team Jack and raising £1,480.

Fundraising as an individual or as a business, you can make a real difference; this month we had both! Rob Stevens (of local Tunbridge Wells Business Target Ink) took on the impressive London to Brighton bike ride raising £712, whilst another local Tunbridge Wells business, Groombridge Farm Shop, held an auction fun day with hoopla and magic raising £1,200!

Community fundraisers come in so many different styles. Whether you take on a physical challenge or host an event, your fundraising makes a magical difference. If you’ve been inspired by any

of our recent fundraisers, please do get in touch with any fundraisers you’d like to host, as our TMD fundraisers can help you with tips and tricks for running an event. Or maybe you’re looking to get involved with a TMD event this summer? You’re in luck, as we are back for this year’s dragon boat race at Bewl Water on Saturday 30 August. We have multiple boats this year, with spaces going fast, so please do get in touch if you would like to take on a challenge and join team TMD this August: hello@taylormadedreams.org.uk

Stay up to date with all the latest TMD events on our website: www.taylormadedreams.org.uk/news

Making history as Anne Boleyn returns to Hever Castle

Eliane Astor and Simon De Merode of Historalia Productions will be putting on the world premiere of Anne Boleyn: The Musical at Hever Castle from August 2 to 30. Read on to discover how this groundbreaking production will shine a light on the early life of Anne Boleyn - and how it shaped her future as Queen when she married Henry VIII...

This summer, Anne Boleyn: The Musical will play in a specially constructed 1,800-seat covered auditorium in the grounds of Hever Castle from August 2 to 30. It will be the UK’s first-ever outdoor production featuring binaural sound, designed by the Ringham Brothers.

Emily Lane will play Anne Boleyn, with Mark Goldthorp as Henry VIII. A professional company of musical theatre performers will take to the stage alongside a 35-strong community cast from Kent, who will act, dance, and sing. The specially constructed auditorium will also form part of the set, with cast members entering and exiting from the castle itself.

The story begins with Anne bidding farewell to her family as she embarks on a life-changing journey to the royal courts of Flanders and France. Though her goodbyes are heartfelt, Anne’s adventure will shape not only her destiny but also the future of England…

Anne Boleyn: The Musical explores her transformation from a young girl leaving England into a woman who returns to

That this remarkable work should be performed at Anne Boleyn’s childhood home at Hever Castle is especially powerful and fitting

Hever Castle - destined to attract a king; and that was King Henry VIII. The rise and fall of their relationship would go on to alter the course of history forever.

Celebrated as one of history’s most intriguing and influential women, Anne's true nature, her ambitions, and her generosity will finally be revealed - within the very walls where her mind was shaped and her legacy forged.

Director Roxana Silbert comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to be directing this epic show in the stunning surroundings of Hever Castle. Anne Boleyn has so often been portrayed as just a manipulative flirt. Rebecca has thrown new light on this brilliant, headstrong, charismatic woman who brought very radical and progressive ideas with her from Europe, drove social change, and ultimately laid the way for her daughter Elizabeth to become Queen.

“The production’s atmospheric orchestral music, epic design, and stunning choreography are all firmly rooted in historically accurate Tudor

sensibility, but with a contemporary twist."

Owen Emmerson, historian and Assistant Curator at Hever Castle, said:

“Rebecca Night’s gifted script for Anne Boleyn: The Musical is a unique triumph; bold, intelligent, and profoundly moving. It offers us a rare and enriching window into one of the murkiest aspects of Anne Boleyn’s story: her inner world.

That this remarkable work should be performed at her childhood home is especially powerful and fitting. Much of her history played out within Hever’s walls, and this production brings her spirit vividly - and poignantly - to life once more.”

Historalia co-founder Eliane Astor, who is also the future Lady Astor of Hever, adds that it is ‘incredibly important’ that the entire experience feels magical from the moment visitors arrive at Hever Castle.

“Whether you choose to sip your wine by the lake at the Loggia, enjoy a sumptuous two-course meal in the historic Astor Wing, or grab a bite in our bustling main tent, we want everyone to feel welcomed and well looked after.

“This isn’t just a night at the theatre; it’s a full summer’s evening out and we’ve made sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

MORE INFO HERE:

YouTube: Historalia Productions UK

Facebook: Historalia Productions

Instagram: @HistoraliaUK / @HeverCastle / @Historalia

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Whether you’re looking for ideas on growing your money, planning for retirement or leaving a financial legacy for your loved ones, we’ll guide you with personalised financial planning and investment management, so you can look to the future with confidence.

Speak to us to find out how our ideas can help make your ideas a reality.

Contact our Royal Tunbridge Wells office to arrange an introductory meeting with Louise Shaw

Call 01892 739580 or email louise.shaw@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/royal-tunbridge-wells

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested.