TW Business Magazine June 2025

Entrepreneur Oliver Corkery on CorkerBrothers’ successful first year in property development

Welcome

BUSINESS

Building Beyond

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

DESIGN MANAGER

Jason Stubbs

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Robin Singer

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

George Percy

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Richard Moore

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Nick Moore

Ithink this is quite possibly the busiest month I have had to date in terms of meeting so many diverse interviewees. From property entrepreneurs and a global MD based locally, to pioneering designers, retailers and restaurateurs, chatting to all of them has made me realise what a buoyant business community we have here in Tunbridge Wells.

For every single established, fledgling and start-up I truly salute you and your efforts – you are true testament to what you can do if you have passion, commitment and drive.

And all of those attributes can certainly be said of our cover star Oliver Corkery. In this edition we meet the visionary businessman who has helped transform his family firm’s small loads company into the covetable Corker brand – an outdoor landscaping business that has diversified into show gardens worthy of Chelsea, specialist talks and so much more. And now Oliver tells us about another business he is involved with.

CorkerBrothers is the new property and development company he has set up with his brother Harry. They have just sold the final house on their new site in Matfield – and unbelievably the

Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is published by JJL Media & Marketing Ltd, Head Office, High Street, Cross in Hand, East Sussex, TN21 0SR. Registration no: 15546231

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whole process took just 13 months! Turn to page 20 to read more on this inspiring story.

Elsewhere, we have a comment piece about accessibility in the workplace, expert tips on how to prevent your business from a cyberattack, tips on why podcasting is such a powerful medium and a fascinating interview with a Tunbridge Wells resident who has learned to walk again thanks to the incredible biohacking technology at OsteoStrong. Located on Tunbridge Wells High Street, it is the only one of its kind here in the UK and is delivering unbelievable results for so many people.

Add to this rich mix all your regular favourite content including food and drink, interiors, education and gardening, and you have a great read ahead of you for June… Enjoy, Eileen

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

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

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

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

Jess Gibson Founder, The TN card

Alex Green CEO, RTW Together

Becky Moran CEO, TN Lettings and TN Sales

Matthew Hill Founder, Private Medical Insurance Brokers

Gillian Palmer Founder, The Finance Hub

Shaun Joubert Senior Partner, NFU Mutual

Joe de Kwant Stoner Ceo, Big Orange Media

David Lea Partner, Berry & Lamberts.

Clare Lush-Mansell Founder, My Tunbridge Wells

Iain ParkerStrak Chief Marketing Officer, Iglu Tech Group

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

Tunbridge Wells man accused of spying for China

A British man has been arrested for allegedly plotting to smuggle ‘sensitive’ US military technology to Bejing. John Miller, 63, from Tunbridge Wells, was arrested in Serbia in April on the orders of the FBI following a sting operation and is now awaiting extradition to the United States.

He was arrested trying to procure what US officials described as ‘sensitive American technology’ including drones, missiles and air defence radars that could have been illegally exported to China.

In documents seen by the Mail on

Sunday, Mr Miller referred to Chinese leader Xi Jinping as ‘The Boss’ in intercepted phone calls.

According to the newspaper’s exclusive report on June 1 the FBI said this demonstrated his ‘awareness that he was acting at the direction and control of the [Chinese] government.’

The Foreign Office have confirmed they are providing consular assistance to ‘a British national following his arrest in Serbia and are in touch with the local authorities and his family.’

Nikwax named a great place to work by recent Sunday Times poll

Wadhurst-based business Nikwax has been named as one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Work for 2025.

Nikwax is a global leader in sustainable waterproofing and aftercare solutions and boasts a 109-strong workforce.

The recent Sunday Times honour follows an impressive 82% employee engagement score in the national WorkL survey –ranking well above the 70% threshold required for recognition.

The WorkL survey assessed organisations across six key areas: reward and recognition, instilling pride, information sharing, empowerment, wellbeing, and job satisfaction. Nikwax’s strong performance reflects a culture that

puts people and values at the heart of the business.

Founded in 1977, Nikwax transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2022, enshrining its social and environmental ethos into its structure. Every employee, referred to as a ‘Partner’, now shares ownership, a voice in governance, and a stake in the company’s future.

As well as championing ethical business practices, Nikwax provides a comprehensive benefits package, including profit share, paid childcare, enhanced health plans, hybrid working,

and generous annual leave.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this recognition,” said Brian Davidson, CEO of Nikwax.  “It is a testament to our Partners, who not only make Nikwax a great place to work, but also drive our shared commitment to making a real differencesocially, environmentally, and ethically.”

Footballing royalty comes to town for gala fundraiser

Best of British Events have announced that their guest of honour at this year’s event will be the footballing legend Sir Geoff Hurst.

The event, which will take place at midday on October 10 at The Spa Hotel, is sponsored by Loch Associates and supported by a number of other local businesses including TN Recruits and Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

Ryan Heal, Managing Director of Best of British Events, exclusively spoke to this title about the forthcoming fundraiser.

“We’re excited and honoured to have sporting royalty join us in Tunbridge Wells this October. Sir Geoff Hurst is truly iconic on the back of his World Cup winning hattrick in 1966 “and all that…” But he is now sadly the sole survivor of the England team

“We’re excited and honoured to have sporting royalty join us in Tunbridge Wells this October”

who took to the field on that historic day.

“His life stories are as entertaining as his footballing stories. So if you’d like to hear a true living legend share tales of Bobby Moore, Pele, etc… don’t miss out.”

The annual Best of British Lunch will once again take place at The Spa Hotel and is now in its third year, following the inaugural event with boxing legend Frank Bruno back in 2023.

Ryan added: “This year we will be fundraising on the day for The Chailey Heritage Foundation – helping them with the vital work they do locally to support children with severe disabilities.”

Tables of 10 are available to the Tunbridge Wells business community now at just £850 + VAT. To book simply visit www.bestofbritish.org.uk

JOHN MILLER

“I can’t believe we won”

In our first anniversary edition last month we launched a competition for a local company to win a £5,000 website makeover courtesy of our talented colleagues over at JJL Marketing, part of JJL Media who publish this magazine.

After receiving lots of entries, the winner who was plucked from the proverbial hat, was property developer Hestia Home, a relatively young start-up business.

Its founder Harriet Hadley told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine how delighted she was.

“I can’t believe we won this amazing competition. We are really looking forward to working with the JJL team on our new website. I don’t usually enter competitions like this but the quality of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine encouraged me to do so.

“We aim to make home renovations exciting, not overwhelming. After all, buying or renovating a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make so why shouldn’t it be enjoyable?”

Harriet, who co-runs her business with Olly Pay, added: “Traditional marketing for the construction/building industry is always via word of mouth. But it’s getting

more competitive all the time and we are seeing a change in our clients who are now wanting to see more of our transformational work such as ‘Before and Afters’. A new website will really help our business.”

JJL Media’s founder Nick Moore added: “It was great to receive entries from

businesses of all sizes and from many different sectors for the competition.” However, there could be only one winner and we’re delighted it’s Hestia Home.

“We’re really looking forward to working with this relatively new local company, helping them create a stronger and more effective online presence.”

WORTHY WINNERS: Hestia Home’s Harriet Hadley with her business partner Olly Pay who have won our website makeover competition worth 5K

MP calls for betting shop ban

MP tells gambling shop to stay out of Tunbridge Wells as report warns high streets risk becoming ‘ghost towns’

Mike Martin MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, has told gambling shop owner Betfred not to open a new betting shop in the town centre.

He believes it could jeopardise growth in retail and hospitality businesses, as a scathing report reveals the impact of unhealthy amenities on high street decline.

The MP’s comments came after the bookmaker revealed plans to open a betting shop in the former Fiveways Post Office on Grosvenor Road.

The letter has been sent to Betfred as a new report from Health Equity North reveals a 19% rise in bookmakers stores on highstreets in England between 2014-2024.

The Tunbridge Wells MP has warned the bookmaker that opening another gambling shop will risk all of the hard work done by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, which purchased Royal Victoria Place last year and has since seen big retail and hospitality ‘anchors’, such as Primark, Nando’s, Rituals and Pho move into the town centre.

In a speech to Parliament urging the Government to tackle Britian’s ‘broken’ business rate system in February, The Liberal Democrat MP told Parliament that hospitality, retail, and leisure businesses on highstreets ‘act as a glue in our society’.

New TWBC Mayor elected

Councillor David Osborne is the new Mayor of Tunbridge Wells having been elected at the Annual Meeting of the Council on Wednesday May 21.

David represents the Culverden ward. He has sat on a number of Council committees including chairing the Finance, Innovation and Transformation Cabinet Advisory Board. David’s partner Linda Seely will accompany him as Mayoress.

As well as representing the borough of Tunbridge Wells, it is customary for the Mayor to support local charitable causes. David has chosen Royal Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets (TS Brilliant) as the organisation he will fundraise for.

David takes over as Mayor from Councillor Nancy Warne.

Reform make their mark at KCC

Reform-run Kent County Council will not fly a Pride flag this summer and will remove the Ukrainian flag from the chamber, the new council leader, Linden Kemkaran has confirmed.

At the beginning of May, Reform swept to a local elections victory in Kent taking 57 of 81 council seats, wiping out a Conservative majority which had stood for almost 30 years.

Support Pickering’s picnic

Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre is hosting its Picnic in the Park in Calverley Grounds on June 21.

The event is a special fundraiser for the charity’s Key to the Door campaign which is aiming to raise as much money possible to support its move to new premises.

Visitors are asked to pack a picnic – and check the weather. Tickets cost £10 per person and will include live music and a summer raffle. Under 14s go free. To book your spot – or to find out more information visit www.pickeringcancercentre.org

Dying without a valid Will

By Katie Hancock, Senior Associate, Private Client, CooperBurnett LLP

The recent press coverage about a high-profile celebrity, dying suddenly without having made a Will, has highlighted the potentially devastating consequences for loved ones left behind.

In a world where family dynamics are increasingly complex, the importance of a valid Will cannot be understated. Without one, the statutory rules of intestacy come into play, and they simply do not take into account the less-than-straightforward family structures that are so common nowadays.

For example, contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a common law spouse in UK law. If you are in a relationship, but are unmarried, you cannot benefit from your partner’s estate if they die without a Will. The longevity of the relationship makes no difference. If you co-own property as joint tenants, then the property would automatically pass to you. But anything in your partner’s sole name would pass under the rules of intestacy, and unmarried partners are not recognised under those rules.

Although adopted children are now included under the statutory rules, stepchildren are not. Whilst this may be the intended outcome for some people, it will not be desirable in all cases.

Even for married couples, the rules of intestacy will not always provide a satisfactory outcome if one spouse passes away. If the deceased had children, they would take a share of the estate. It would not pass wholly to the surviving spouse. Again, this will not necessarily accord with what the deceased would have wanted and could have adverse tax consequences, as well as create practical issues with regard to the distribution of assets in the estate.

The only way to ensure that your wishes are fully carried out after you have passed away, is to make sure you have a valid and up-to-date Will in place. It really is the most important document you will ever write, and as the saying goes, if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well!

If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Katie Hancock by email: kch@cooperburnett.com or tel: 01892

MIKE MARTIN

Consultation opens on Tonbridge town council

Residents and businesses in Tonbridge are being invited to give their view on whether the area should have a locally elected town council.

A consultation which opened on June 2 aims to gauge interest in a new local body to represent the town, working alongside Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council.

“Tonbridge is the only area of the borough which has neither a parish nor town council”

The results of the six-week survey will feed into a local governance review being conducted by the borough council. It was launched following a vote by councillors and the submission of a public petition. The review can last up to a year with the outcome to be decided by a vote of the full council.

Tonbridge is the only area of the borough which has neither a parish nor town council, with all local services currently provided by the borough and county councils. A new town council, serving around 16,000 households,

could take on responsibilities, such as allotments, open spaces, community schemes and support for tourism. It may also represent the interests of the community on a range of matters.

Members of the town council would be elected by voters in the Tonbridge area. National guidance recommends that for an area the size of Tonbridge the number of town councillors should be between 13 and 27.

Town council services and overheads would be funded via an additional precept on Tonbridge council tax bills.

The Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council website is providing detailed information and access to the online consultation. The deadline for responses is 5pm on Monday 14 July.

Lighting scheme gets Council approval

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is now moving forward with a long-awaited initiative to install lighting along the riverside path in Tonbridge.

Approved by Cabinet on June 3, the scheme will enhance safety along the 380-metre path linking the Town Lock area and the retail parks at Vale Road and Cannon Lane. The route, currently unlit and bordered by trees along the river’s edge, has prompted some members of the public to raise night time safety concerns.

The new lighting will significantly improve visibility and security, supporting the council’s strategy of town centre improvements and promoting sustainable travel.

The estimated cost of the project is £100,000, which will be funded through a combination of external sources. These include support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Business Rates Pool programme, which has allocated funding for improvements in Tonbridge town centre.

Cllr Adem Mehmet, cabinet member for infrastructure and Tonbridge regeneration, said:

“This project is a major step forward in making Tonbridge a safer, more welcoming place for everyone.”

Where to save and invest a lump sum of money

Receiving a lump sum of money – whether it’s from a house sale, business sale, inheritance, or bonus – could create exciting opportunities and long-term financial security for you and your loved ones. However, it can be difficult to know where to put a cash windfall, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

The decision that’s right for you will largely depend on what you want to do with your money, as well as your needs and goals, which we can help you assess. Here are some of the main options to consider.

Cash savings account

A cash savings account is a good choice to fund shortterm goals, such as a holiday or new car. Holding your lump sum in a cash savings account, rather than investing it, ensures it won’t fall in value just when you need it.

If you don’t need your money for several months, consider a notice or fixed-term savings account, as these may offer higher rates.

UK government bonds

If you’re looking to fund a medium-term goal, UK government bonds (‘gilts’) could be a good choice. These secure savings vehicles are guaranteed by the government and listed on the London Stock Exchange. Gilts are free from capital gains tax (CGT), which is particularly useful for higher and additional-rate taxpayers, who would otherwise pay CGT at 24%.

Stock market

For longer-term goals, such as retirement, you could invest some of your lump sum in the stock market. History shows that it tends to outperform cash and bonds over long periods.

To reduce risk, spread your money across different asset classes, such as equities, bonds and cash, as well as across sectors and regions.

Investment ISA

An investment ISA allows you to grow your lump sum while shielding it from CGT and income tax.

The ISA allowance is currently £20,000. It is a ‘use it or

lose it’ allowance, which means you can’t carry it forward from one tax year to the next.

Pension

You can invest up to £60,000 or 100% of your UK relevant earnings (whichever is lower) into pensions each year and benefit from income tax relief, up until age 75. You might be able to ‘carry forward’ unused annual allowances from the previous three tax years, but the rules are complex, so make sure you seek advice. Your pension annual allowance might be lower than £60,000 if you earn a high income or have already flexibly accessed your defined contribution pensions.

Next steps

Making best use of a lump sum of money isn’t always straightforward. At RBC Brewin Dolphin, we’ll help you understand which types of savings and investments suit your individual needs and goals, so you can feel confident you’re making the right decision. Let our ideas help you plan for the future with confidence.

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

Graeme Hayden Director Wealth Manager

E: graeme.hayden@brewin.co.uk

Evelyn Iriajen

Associate Director

Wealth Manager

E: evelyn.iriajen@brewin.co.uk

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

T: 01892 739580

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

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. You should always check the tax implications with an accountant or tax specialist. Investment values may increase or decrease as a result of currency fluctuations. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.

RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Has Kent office culture changed for good?

Andrew Metcalf, Managing Director of Maxim, looks at the ongoing rise of flexible co-working spaces across the county. His business is a case in point as it operates out of two offices at the Regus centre on Vale Avenue. So what are the key benefits?

Councils, such as Tunbridge Wells, have transformed their existing offices or repurposed other buildings for coworking. Medway Council struck a deal with Ascend to take on 14,325 sq ft in the Pentagon Shopping Centre for co-working and private offices, having unlocked £1.7m from the government’s Future High Streets fund.

Island Works, the recently opened coworking space with meeting rooms and a public coffee shop in the former royal dockyard on the Isle of Sheppey, won Building of the Year at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) South East Awards. The Sheerness Dockyard Church has been completely restored by The Sheerness Dockyard Trust at a cost of £9.8m and is now managed by Fruitbowl Media.

“

Only 33.5% of firms believe their existing space can handle full capacity

Kent-based housebuilder Fernham Homes redeveloped Brook House in Swan Street, West Malling, for £2.5m to create The Bank, offering 40 coworking spaces and shared facilities, alongside their own office needs.

All this investment reflects how our dayto-day working lives continue to change. So, what’s driving the office market, and what does it mean for West Kent?

A recent survey by law firm Irwin Mitchell suggests more than four times as many UK businesses (45%) are looking to expand their office space in the next 12-18 months rather than to reduce it (10%). This shift comes as more workers return to the office to work, prompting many companies to reassess their current

working space. Strikingly, 64% of those surveyed admit they overshot their downsizing efforts during COVID-19.

Of those planning to expand, 49% said they would reconfigure their existing premises rather than relocate to entirely new sites (23%). And in a vote for flex, 44% of respondents are considering incorporating flexible workspace options in their property portfolios – perhaps creating breathing space as they adapt to changing work patterns.

In-person office attendance is on the up. The survey suggests nearly half (45%) of businesses now require employees in the office three to four days a week, and 35% have returned to full five-day working. Adapting office environments to encourage employees to return is proving essential. Current office layouts are also putting pressure on firms’ ability to accommodate all their staff in one place. Only 33.5% of firms believe their existing space can handle full capacity, with 53% reporting that if everyone returned to the office, they would fall short. Consequently, many companies are reassessing both the type and amount of space they require moving forward.

Many firms are caught in a ‘Stay versus Go’ decision. With the office market supply

AWARD WINNING: Island Works, the recently opened co-working space in the former royal dockyard on the Isle of Sheppey

tight, more businesses are now considering the least expensive option of looking to rework their existing office property for expansion or the more costly jumping ship to the flexibility of managed workspace.

As a result, once large, single occupancy offices look likely to be split up for smaller occupiers, offering flexible working. It’s already happening across Tunbridge Wells, as firms look to give themselves breathing space to think about where they want to be more permanently. For smaller companies, co-working and managed offices are here to stay.

For more on flexible office solutions see our interview with Penhurst on pages 38-39

“BDHL employees do an amazing job - whether it’s in the office or a remote working day”

As leading employers, including Amazon, the Civil S ervice and Dell, ask staff to return to the office, others, like British Airways and HSBC, continue to champion hybrid working. One local business, Berwick Devoil Healthcare Ltd , promotes the latter and here its Director Caroline Weiss-Jones tells us why ...

“Working in a firm that specialises in employee benefits, I have always been only too aware of what makes for a ‘happy and productive employee’ and the importance of an employee’s wellbeing. This may, on occasion, mean providing staff with a degree of flexibility in the hours they work or working from home. As a small business, channels of communication with our employees have always been fluid and in ‘real time’ even with hybrid working. Our employees do not have management tiers to navigate, as we are all so closely connected. Unlike the large corporations, despite remote working for part of the week, we are in a position to measure performance and act upon shortcomings if required. Equally, we can monitor our employees’ well-being, ensuring no issues slip through the net. With hybrid working it is key that we regularly manage our employees’ mental health but also that we actively measure the fundamentals of their physical wellbeing with desk, chair and screen assessments to meet necessary Health & Safety requirements. And then of course that the image portrayed to our clients is a professional one at all times. Ultimately though it all comes down to trust. We trust our employees, and they do an amazing job whether it’s a day in the office or a remote working day – it would seem senseless to now change something that works well for us.”

Probate misconceptions

What you need to know to protect you and your loved ones

When a loved one passes, misconceptions about Probate can cause unnecessary stress for families. Richard Shearing, head of the Private Client team at JE Bennett Law, unpicks common probate myths.

1. I’ll need to get a grant of probate to access the deceased’s assets – Not necessarily true: When an individual dies, a grant is not automatically required as not all assets are subject to a grant of representation. For example, each bank has their own thresholds on when a grant will be required. Jointly owned assets (including property owned as Joint Tenants) can usually be passed without a grant as it automatically passes to the surviving joint owner.

2. My common law/cohabiting partner has the same legal rights as a spouse or civil partner – Not true: This means that if you die without a Will, your surviving partner does not have an automatic right to inherit from your estate, regardless of the length of your relationship. This is especially concerning if you own a property as Tenants in Common, as your share would pass as per intestacy inheritance rules.

3. My spouse will get everything even if I don’t have a Will – It depends on whether you have children and the value of the estate: If you don’t have children (or grandchildren, if any child/ren is predeceased), then your spouse will inherit the entire estate. If you leave a spouse and children, your spouse will receive all personal possessions and up to £322,000 in assets; any remaining balance is split 50/50 between your spouse and children.

4. Inheritance Tax will be payable – It depends on the value of your estate: IHT is only payable if your net estate value exceeds the applicable allowances. Each person has a nil rate band of £325,000, however your estate could qualify for additional allowances such as the residential nil rate band or any transferrable allowances if you were widowed and inherited everything from your deceased spouse or civil partner.

5. All debts die with the deceased – Not true: Debts must be settled by the estate before any inheritance is distributed. If there aren’t enough funds, the estate is deemed as insolvent.

At JE Bennett Law we are specialists in drafting Wills to ensure your wishes are respected, and advising on and managing Probate.

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.

www.bdhl.co.uk

Richard Shearing

Bright sparks

SPARK Business Networking hosted its monthly event at The Warren in Tunbridge Wells at the end of last month.

Courtesy of its thriving community of SMEs, SPARK also hosts bi-weekly members meetings and also online 'Learning Labs' to train entrepreneurs on a wealth of subjects to help them grow and expand their businesses.

The organisation, founded and run by Jess White, has seen many members gain a huge increase in clients by joining.

'Star Member' photographer Nadia Lavelle brilliantly captured the evening's friendly, warm atmosphere as SPARK members and guests sipped on summer cocktails and enjoyed delicious food.

The event's two key speakers were SPARK Platinum Members and marketing experts Grainne Dunne and Claire Marshall, who spoke about ethical marketing techniques.

For more information on this networking group visit: www.sparkbusinessnetworking.co.uk  www.nadialavellephotography.co.uk

Photography: Nadia Lavelle

Preparation of a Business Lasting Power of Attorney

By David Lea, Partner, Berry & Lamberts Solicitors

We are all familiar with Lasting Powers of Attorney, which allows individuals to appoint an attorney to manage their financial affairs if they cannot do so themselves. A Business Lasting Power of Attorney operates on the same basis. It is a document that appoints an attorney to deal with your business affairs and make decisions if you are incapacitated and can no longer manage the business yourself. That may include decisions about your business finances, operations and legal matters. Why is it essential to have a Business Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Business Lasting Power of Attorney is essential because it ensures business continuity and smooth continued operation should the owner be temporarily or permanently unable to manage the business. It allows decisions to be made, wages processed, and contracts signed or enforced even though the business owner is incapacitated. Who can benefit from a Business Lasting Power of Attorney?

Sole traders and single-director limited companies benefit most from a Business

Lasting Power of Attorney. A partner in a partnership or a director in a limited company (with more than one director) may benefit. However, the terms of the partnership agreement or the articles of association may contain provisions for dealing with the incapacity of a partner or a director, rendering a business Lasting Power of Attorney unnecessary.

David Lea

How does a Business Lasting Power of Attorney differ from a Personal Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Business Lasting Power of Attorney focuses on the donor’s business. These include business continuity, finance management, contract negotiation, completion and enforcement and general business operations. The Business Lasting Power of Attorney can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the donor’s business.

Compliance

with the Mental Incapacity Act 2005

A Business Lasting Power of Attorney must comply with the terms of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which sets out the specifics regarding the donor's capacity.

Communicate the existence of the Business Power of Attorney to Stakeholders It is essential to inform others involved in the business's management about the existence of the Business Lasting Power of Attorney. It may also be advantageous to inform the business’s bank and professional advisers. As a result of the grant of the Business Lasting Power of Attorney, management will be confident of the business's continuity.

Business Lasting Powers of Attorney –take legal advice!

If you are considering drawing up a Business Lasting Power of Attorney, it is critical that you seek legal advice. This will ensure compliance with the most up-todate legislation and that the power of attorney contains provisions tailored to your business and operational needs.

berryandlamberts.co.uk

Ground force

Corker hosted its annual Summer Garden Party on Saturday May 31. Guests included many of the outdoor living business's clients, friends and esteemed garden designers who have worked on Corker's legendary show gardens - something which have set the company apart from its competitors. Corker's Group CEO Oliver Corkery told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine the event, which included a live DJ and delicious drinks and food, was another huge success.

"The party was such a special way to bring together the people we care about most, in a space that so many worked incredibly hard to create. It’s always a joy to connect outside of work as friends, unwind a little, and celebrate what we’ve built together.

We had an amazing evening, full of good vibes, great company, and plenty of moments to remember!"

Read our exclusive interview with Oliver Corkery on page 20.

to achieve Financial Wellbeing

MAKING FINANCIAL PLANNING SIMPLE, ACCESSIBLE, AND STRESS-FREE Never had advice before? Not sure where to start? Money causing you unnecessary stress? You’re not alone.

Matthew Forbes DipPFS Director

Cultural festival celebrates another successful chapter

This year’s Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival, held over one week in May, was the biggest yet and has firmly established it as one of the UK’s best, says event host and interviewer Gaby Huddart...

“Today’s been a tough day,” said Martin Clunes, tears welling up in his eyes. “Sadly, we had to put Laura to sleep this morning as she just couldn’t get up and walk. Her legs had stopped working and she’d come to the end.” As the actor shared sad news of the beloved retired guide dog who inspired his book, Meetings with Remarkable Animals, the 600-strong audience collectively drew in their breath in sympathy, before falling silent and still, as he spoke lovingly of the extraordinary work done by the creature he and his wife had adopted a couple of years ago.

The most poignant of the sessions I hosted at this year’s Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival ran the gamut of other emotions, too, as Clunes revealed improbable stories of rats being trained to sniff out mines, horses who work with young offenders and pigeons who saved wartime soldiers – as well as hilarious anecdotes about other members of his own menagerie, including sheep, cows, cats, hens, horses and numerous canine companions.

A wonderfully responsive audience likewise greeted my other session held at the Assembly Hall Theatre, with actor Rupert Everett talking about his book The American No – peals of laughter and guffaws could be heard in response to his outrageous tales of Hollywood and the

risqué mishaps of his life and career. Meanwhile, a sell-out crowd of enthusiastic gardeners hung on Sarah Raven’s every word as she imparted her expert guidance on creating beautiful floral containers at the Amelia Scott and chatted about her book A Year Full of Pots. And crime fiction lovers were

“This year’s line up included the likes of TV star-turned author Martin Clunes, acting legend Rupert Everett, journalist and broadcaster Louise Minchin and gardening guru Sarah Raven

enthralled as ex-BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin also visited the venue and revealed where she drew inspiration for her first novel, Isolation Island, and how she revelled in the dark storyline and characters.

The liveliness and diversity of the conversations I hosted are typical of an amazing literary festival that has rapidly grown to become one of the UK’s biggest

and best in only four years, attracting some of the country’s greatest names in both fiction and non-fiction, and authors of adults’ and children’s books alike.

Previous years’ stellar highlights have included Sir Michael Palin, Sir Lenny Henry, David Walliams, Sheila Hancock, Jo Brand, Gyles Brandreth, Michael Rosen and David Baddiel. And this year’s impressive line-up boasted Richard Ayoade, Stephen Mangan, Simon Armitage, Alice Roberts, John Suchet, Lucy Worsley and winner of the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize Abi Dare, plus many more.

Indeed, the 2025 festival saw no fewer than 55 separate events take place across the town’s venues – over 20 more than in the first year of the festival in 2022, which nevertheless impressed with its 34 sessions. And with just under 7,000 tickets sold in 2025 – up more than 1,000 on 2024 and over 5,000 more than in 2022 – it’s clear that the festival is becoming increasingly dear to the hearts of the town’s community and is succeeding in drawing visitors from the surrounding area, too. It doesn’t take a mathematical genius to realise the boon this is creating for local tourism and the economy!

Of course, Tunbridge Wells isn’t unique in hosting a book festival – an estimated 600 now take place across the UK each

year. But the town’s event is marked out not only by the rapidity of its expansion but also by the breadth of its content and its inclusivity of local talent. For example, one 2025 innovation, the partnership with Word Up! – an organisation celebrating the spoken word – involved poets from the area sharing their work at the start of many sessions, a move that was warmly received by authors and audiences alike.

Ensuring several of each year’s events are pegged to zeitgeist themes also differentiates this literary festival. In the post Covid era of 2022, wellbeing and kindness was the strong thread, while 2023 picked up on the trends of true crime and the graphic novel, 2024 reflected the growing focus on the environment and sustainability, and

2025 emphasised participation, digital innovation and neurodiversity. As a self-financing festival, not only are strong audience numbers vital but also the generous support of sponsors and Tunbridge Wells is fortunate to have enthusiastic backing from Berry and Lamberts solicitors, MaxiPay Accounting Services, RBC Brewin Dolphin wealth management and Thrive Retirement Living. The local branch of Waterstones

“The 2025 Tunbridge Wells Literary festival saw no fewer than 55 separate events take place across the town’s venues – over 20 more than in the first year of the festival in 2022

bookshop and latterly independent bookseller Station Books are also helping ensure a successful outcome with visitors purchasing from their pop-ups at the various venues.

It's clear outgoing festival director, Carole Winter, could not be leaving it in better shape. “I’m immensely proud to have created a literary festival for the town,” she commented. “If people come away personally uplifted and audiences have been moved, I know we’ve succeeded. Some visitors may go on to be writers, or poets, or illustrators themselves. Some will have made new friends, others have been inspired. That makes it all worthwhile.”

twlitfest.co.uk

PAGE TURNERS: Journalist Gaby Huddart with Martin Clunes at this year's TW Literary Festival

Building on success

Local entrepreneur, Oliver Corkery, tells Eileen Leahy all about the evolution of CorkerBrothers, the property and development business he co-runs with his brother Harry - and why they’re determined to do things differently

I’ve met Oliver Corkery on a number of occasions and every time I come away from our interviews I‘m always impressed - and inspired - by his drive, determination and infectious passion for what he does.

The Managing Director of Corker, the outdoor living specialists, and CoDirector of CorkerBrothers property developments, Oliver is always looking to improve and innovate - and has an inherent ability to think outside the proverbial business box.

Just over a decade ago, he and his brother Harry helped transform the direction of their father Mick’s Small Loads company. This collective vision and ambition saw them transform a regular aggregate, pavers and topsoil delivery

service, which had been established by Mick and his wife Alice back in 2001, into the now hugely successful Corker brand.

Since it was established in 2014, Oliver has poured all his time and effort into creating what is now an inspiring and award-winning alfresco lifestyle and landscaping destination, located on Whetsted Road near Paddock Wood. It supplies both commercial and private clients with the industry’s finest materials so they can create the outdoor space of their dreams – as the business’s 15 on-site stunning show gardens prove. But more on those later…

Oliver readily admits that the pandemic also played a part in accelerating Corker to where it is now thanks to everyone being ‘stuck at home and looking to

improve their garden’.

“That period saw us increase our radius and also double the postcodes we could deliver to, all of which helped us improve the profitability of the business,” says Oliver. “And despite having to navigate some turbulence when the war in Ukraine started, as well as the cost of living crisis, I am pleased to say that Corker continues to grow in profitability year on year.”

In 2017 Corker launched 10 show gardens which really put the business on the map. In 2023 the Corkery family updated the gardens and increased the number to 15 commissioning the likes of Tim Sykes of Gardenproud and Karen McClure, who runs her own eponymous design company to create gardens that wouldn’t look out of place on Chelsea Flower Show’s prestigious Main Avenue. Karen is also responsible for the funky bar area that has been created in the grounds and where many of Corker’s social events take place, as well as specialist talks.

“Oliver Corkery, Managing Director of Corker and Co-Director of CorkerBrothers property developments, is always looking to improve and innovate

But despite all the success achieved so far I am not actually here to talk to Oliver about Corker. Instead he wants to focus on another business he and Harry launched at the end of 2023: CorkerBrothers.

The epiphany for this came after they both enrolled on a six-day online development and property course.

“We dived into it and came out with tons of knowledge so that was the catalyst for us launching CorkerBrothers. We started looking for land to buy and sent letters everywhere. Eventually we managed to get a site in Matfield courtesy of some Corker customers so that level of trust was already established. At the time we didn’t really know how we were going to fund things but we knew getting the Matfield site through planning would cost around 60 to 70K.”

By this time Harry was working in finance full-time after studying during the pandemic, and so the brothers were able to self-fund the initial planning stage of their first development.

However when various issues arose, including problematic access to the site,

Photography by Max Beishon

Oliver and Harry realised they needed some professional advice and guidance. That came from Michael Canham, a seasoned and well-known local property developer who runs Canham Homes.

“He decided to back us in what we were doing and quickly became a mentor to us. We were originally put in touch with him through a family friend called Richard Bass. But he sadly died during Covid and so he never got to see the relationship truly flourish with Michael. And that’s why we named our first development Bass Orchards.”

Once planning was achieved, it took just 13 months to build and sell. The site consists of one five-bedroom house,

houses and two three-bedroom semis. Since then the Corkery brothers’ relationship with Michael has gone on to thrive.

“He has been enormously helpful to us and is a great visionary. Due to his extensive experience he has come across every type of scenario in property and development so there is nothing he doesn’t know.”

Another hugely influential factor to CorkerBrothers’ early success has been the move Oliver took to replicate the slick social media content and clever advertising that Corker is so well known for.

“When promoting Bass Orchards if people signed up they would receive a YouTube update every couple of weeks on how the site was progressing. We were also able to access target data from Right Move which showed us the areas where all the searches were coming from. So instead of advertising with them we just took those postcodes over onto Facebook and started to run targeted ads in all those places – and we doubled the database in seven days.”

In another industry disrupting move, Oliver didn’t put the properties up for sale with Right Move.

“We didn’t need to as we had so much interest via our own direct marketing

route and our socials. We sold the first four plots off-plan and the last one we launched with a brilliant local estate agent called Jack Nutley.”

Oliver explains that he also took a dynamic approach to the design of the Bass Orchards properties whose starting price was £599,999.

“Eventually we want to offer potential clients a totally bespoke and digital approach. That means they can decide on the type of kitchen and layout they want all online. It’s about getting it right and completely bespoke.”

It all sounds pretty revolutionary – as does the new CorkerBrother branding which I get a confidential preview of during out chat.

Oliver tells me that the official ‘big reveal’ is coming in August and that he has put in hours and hours of relentless research.

“I eventually found the most incredible designer who loves all the plans and vision we have. He is not from the property sector so he is able to think outside the box for us. He works with a lot of contemporary, forward-thinking brands and is bringing that aesthetic to CorkerBrothers. I love looking at what’s happening in fashion and interiors as those trends eventually move to the mainstream. The pictures we are using

“

We feel there is a huge gap in the market for doing things really well – and differently. And it all starts with the basics

for this feature are part of the brand’s new direction; it’s about showing a more authentic and reflective image of who we are. We want to take people on our journey via social media, employing clever advertising techniques and really getting to know the industry and potential clients.”

It’s clear that Oliver wants to lead where others will follow, and this is already being evidenced by their style of ad campaign for CorkerBrothers.

“A lot of people in the property and development industries are commenting on our approach and saying how much they like it – some have even started doing similar campaigns,” says Oliver with a wry smile.

One thing he can reveal about the new CorkerBrothers branding is that the logo

reads as one word and not two.

“Corker and Brothers are joined up to reflect us as brothers and also a solid sense of togetherness and community because we are very much focused on that.

“We feel there is a huge gap in the market for doing things really well – and differently. And it all starts with the basics and firstly that means ingratiating ourselves with the existing community where we plan to develop.

“We will be running surveys to get feedback, looking at access issues to the site so as to cause as little disruption as possible. That also includes streamlining all our operations and being considerate.

“Going into a new development there will always be a level of disruption so it is about making sure you communicate that effectively with those who are already living close by. We want to engage with that community and ask for feedback on how the project is performing. We have a reptation to uphold and so we want to do things the right way.”

Oliver says he has started to build a team around him who will help create what he calls ‘land events’.

“The idea is to invite the local community to these so they can see the plans and talk to the architects. We’d like to change the perception of property developers because a lot of the small-to-medium enterprises, such as ourselves, want to provide a quality and transparent service.”

Oliver adds that most developers will take ‘a scatter gun approach’ to sourcing land, sending out letters here, there, and everywhere with no personalisation.

“We will create a bespoke letter to send to potential sellers as part of our new land packs.

“Some people are quite rightly nervous

Flower Show with a client.”

Oliver has also invested in state-of-theart equipment including new cameras and software and there are plans afoot for a new podcast series cleverly titled Building Blocks.

“You will see all of this and more start to build ahead of our brand launch in August,” he says.

Oliver confirms that CorkerBrothers has secured its second site locally, which has room for approximately eight to nine houses. And that they will once again call on the expertise of Michael and his team: “They are now the main contractors. Michael has 160 people working for him

about selling off their land but we want to normalise all of this - it’s about breaking the mould and treating people as you would want to be treated. I guess it’s about creating an aspirational yet community-driven brand.”

I ask him what Harry’s contribution to all this is. “He is very much involved but given he has moved to Dubai to work in finance he is doing more behind the scenes stuff such as overseeing contracts. He is like my second brain and very much the analytical force behind our creative ambitions.”

Oliver is doing pretty much all of the boots on the ground work which includes expanding the team. “Our recent hires have been heavily in marketing as we want to build up brand awareness which will be visionary and focus on a founderled strategy.”

That, as Oliver explains, involves building up his own personal profile. “Every week now on social media we put up a sort of ‘daily blue print’ video which trails me and what I get up to in the job. It could be a site visit followed by a meeting with contractors – or my recent trip to Chelsea

“It took just 13 months from getting the Bass Orchards development through planning to selling the final fifth house

in-house at Canham Homes and has been in the business for the past 50 years. We have learnt so much over the past 12 months working with him. And he enjoys working with us – he likes the fact we are innovative and bring fresh ideas to the industry.”

The plan now is to focus on growing CorkerBrothers over the next three years while still developing all that Corker has to offer. “Ideally we want to want to expand outside our current radius and we have serious plans to open a second site towards Brighton. We definitely want to further our offering in homes, gardens, hospitality and eventually wellness.”

It’s an ambitious vision but one that I think Oliver is more than capable of

WORK IN PROGRESS: Oliver Corkery is developing his new company's branding as well as his own 'founder-led' strategy

achieving given his natural business acumen and pioneering vision.

The first time I met him – in-between the lockdowns of 2020 – he confided that he had been in contact with hospitality entrepreneur extraordinaire Nick Jones of Soho House fame.

A lot of people in the property and development industries are commenting on our approach and saying how much they like it “

At the time our conversation was totally off the record but Oliver says it’s fine for me to share that he did eventually get to present his business plan of creating an aspirational destination, zoned into gardens, hospitality and wellness areas.

“We presented everything to Nick Jones at his HQ in London and he loved it. He told us ‘this can definitely work’ and asked us get in touch once we had found a site so that was pretty exciting!

“I’ve worked hard on all the research I have done for both businesses and know that we can create an incredible eco system around our brands. This may, or may not, eventually come under one

umbrella, we are not sure of that yet. It’s about having the opportunity for our clients to experience the quality and ethos of all that we do.”

It’s amazing to think that the last time we met, Oliver had no real property development experience or contacts and yet now he has overseen the development and build of five luxury homes, is able to source land off-market and about to embark on the next site.

“From watching YouTube tutorials and then exchanging on the final Bass Orchard house this week it’s been a total

From large listed companies to generations of families...

of five years – and we built the houses on the Matfield site in 13 months from start to finish. Michael keeps reminding us how spoilt we have been as the development was fairly stress-free so we still keep our feet on the ground. But we certainly have fire in our belly for any challenges that might come up. We are ready and excited for this new chapter.”

GET IN TOUCH

For more information: Call: 020 8798 0862

Email: info@corkerbrothers.co.uk Follow: @corkerbrothers

...we

have the depth and breath of expertise to help you through every twist and turn in your professional and personal life.

Our award winning, experienced lawyers are... ...with you all the way.

FAMILY AFFAIR: Oliver's family business Corker has grown over the past decade and now hosts various talks and events

“Cyber security is no longer a technical issue - it’s a strategic one”

Given the ongoing cyber-attacks at Marks and Spencer and other major retailers, we have reached out to some of the tech industry’s key specialists for their advice on how local businesses can protect both themselves and their clients online...

James Rees, MD of

Razorthorn Security

Firstly there is no technical tool that is going to be the magic bullet for protecting your organisation. It just doesn’t exist. Real security is grounded in some basic business principles:

1

- Business Security

Basically, what are your critical assets? Digital, people wise, stock logistics, IT and so on. Nobody is going to be able to secure anything unless you actually know what you’re protecting and in a business sense that can incorporate a number of critical assets and activities undertaken in

“Have a proper incident response process to quickly and efficiently recover from a security breach

its average day of trading.

You need to understand the assets in order to carry out a risk assessment. Example: are you securing your email from phishing and malicious activity? No? Well, it’s pretty cost effective these days and far cheaper to procure than wait for a breach which will cost you significantly more. If you get an email from what looks like a customer or a supplier stating they are changing their bank details, call them! Not on the number in the email you received, the one on their website, or even better, speak to a known contact there. Ask if they have sent the email - you would be surprised how many people don’t check and lose £50k+.

2 - Preventative Measures

Basic technical measures can protect you from some of the more unpleasant things like ransomware. They include the following:

• Email security

• Endpoint security (on laptops, for example, don’t rely on Microsoft -

get something else)

• Strong IT support for backups, access control, patching, etc.

• Encryption for data (this will stop hackers releasing your information to the public)

• Multifactor authentication (this is an absolute must these days)

• Security awareness training (it does work) and test your staff with phishing tests

• Penetration testing and continuous threat exposure monitoring (CTEM) – this is essential, especially if you’re a digital business

Larger and more complex organisations will, as expected, have further things to consider.

3 - Crisis Management

At some point, you will have a security breach. But when it does happen, make sure you have a proper incident response process to quickly and efficiently recover from the issue. Make sure your team are trained and tested and have run a few wargame simulations, to test your procedures, decision making, etc. Where issues occur or revisions are needed, do them. Create a playbook and retrain over

time. You should be doing this once a quarter for an hour or two to keep it fresh in the minds of your staff.

4 - Get Security Help

Information and cyber security are complex subjects, so get proper help when you need it. Don't rely solely on your IT company - they're great at IT but aren't necessarily security specialists. For more information visit: www.razorthorn.com

Iain Parker-Strak, Chief Marketing Officer at Iglu Tech Group Ltd

The recent and well publicised cyber-attacks on several of the major high street retailers, have made obvious headlines and caused widespread supply-chain disruption. But if you thought it was just the big names that are prone to attack then think again as the truth is that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro businesses are often at even greater risk. Unlike large corporations, they typically lack the inhouse expertise and resources to detect,

respond to, and recover from cyber threats - making them prime targets for increasingly sophisticated attacks.

At Iglu Tech Group, as a team of career technologists, we understand this, spending many waking hours establishing valid and robust defences for our customers; we work with organisations of all sizes to embed cyber resilience into their operational DNA. Our approach spans five key domains - cloud, network, endpoints, people, and data - delivered through modular, scalable bundles that align with a business’s size, sector, and risk appetite.

“

For businesses without a mature cyber posture, we recommend the journey starts with a strategic risk assessment

For businesses without a mature cyber posture, we recommend the journey starts with a strategic risk assessment, establishing the risks, and gaps that could be exploited to gain access to systems and cause disruption – either through loss of data, denial of service or even ransomware type attacks, where the hacker requests payment before restoring (often very damaged) systems and data to its rightful custodian. Thereafter, our cyber security bundles - including simulated human readiness training, endpoint protection, dark web monitoring, and automated threat response - can be deployed in phases, with full implementation achievable in as little as a matter of weeks.

A relatively new approach for smaller organisations, and something that larger enterprises have been doing for many years is penetration testing. This is where simulated and controlled attacks are coordinated in a safe environment on an organisation’s infrastructure, identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities that can be proactively addressed. A cornerstone

Held

to

BY LILA PERKIN

of the Iglu cyber solution, includes our SME version and the benefits are immediate: improved visibility, regulatory compliance, and a clear, actionable roadmap for remediation—without disrupting operations.

We also provide 24/7 monitoring through our Security Operations Centre, real-time threat intelligence, and regular phishing simulations. These services ensure your business remains agile, informed, and protected.

Cyber security is no longer a technical issue - it’s a strategic one. Whether you're a high-street brand or a two-person startup, resilience is your most valuable asset.

www.iglutech.com

Nick Brandon, Director at tecwork Ltd

Our advice to all organisations is to apply for Cyber Essentials which is a government backed scheme to help them protect themselves from cyber threats.

We get our customers accredited for this scheme ensuring they get ‘best practice’ security measures in place meaning that they are

less vulnerable to attacks.

We handle the whole process for customers for a fixed fee. Often it doesn’t cost that much and can certainly pay for itself many times over compared with being hit by a damaging attack. Sadly, these attacks can destroy the victims or at least create damage and disruption.

There is also an advanced (and more robust) level, Cyber Essentials Plus, which adds a technical audit by external cyber security experts to verify that security controls and measures that have been implemented are done so properly.

Cyber Essentials also comes with free cyber insurance plus the use of the CE Logo which can help our customers win business and differentiate themselves from their competition.

We ensure that 2 Factor Authentication is in place for all critical usernames and passwords which helps to stop hackers taking over customer accounts and assets.

We also offer EXTRA protection where appropriate (two Factor Authentication is by no means a silver bullet as hackers have ways of ‘beating the system’) which

“Our advice is to apply for Cyber Essentials - a government backed scheme

adds even more protection measures. When supporting customers on a daily basis, we work diligently to help keep them within the scope of the scheme so that it is relatively easy and low cost to renew each year.

The last thing to mention here is training. We offer products that help to train our customers’ people on how to avoid clicking on something which could be cleverly designed by hackers. This also reveals which people within an organisation are potentially a higher risk which is very helpful.

www.tecwork.co.uk

ransom: the lowdown on the most recent cyber attacks

On April 22 this year it was announced that Marks and Spencer (M&S) had fallen victim to a severe cyber-attack, in which a significant data breach had occurred, and some customers' information was stolen. At the time of going to press, online and in-store stock checking services at M&S looked likely to be disrupted throughout June and into July. The digital break-in is said to have been carried out by notorious hackers known as ‘Scattered Spider’, who are

allegedly using a ransomware strategy of cyber-crime.

This is a type of malware which prevents a person from accessing data stored

on their device. A criminal group will then demand a ransom in exchange for a return of the data, according to the National Cyber Security Centre.

Other supermarket chains such as Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury's have also been targeted along with most latterly high end jewellery brand Cartier and the North Face fashion retailer.

These attacks have demonstrated that even major businesses with high levels of security and additional protection factors already in place are still very much at risk.

Imagine not having to worry about Cyber Threats!

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.

Guaranteed floor filler

Dave Ryan is one half of Naos Floors, wall and floor specialists in Tonbridge. But he's just as home by the dancefloor, spinning tunes as DJ Davski. Nicola Withers waltzed over to Tonbridge to find out more about the king of floors...

Dave, let's start with Naos Floors. What's the story there?

Naos is a family owned local business. My business partner, Guy Milner, and I, started in May 2005 and now our sons Emiel and Jack work for us too. I'm a carpenter by trade and Guy and I used to work together in a handmade kitchen company. Circumstances led us to set up Naos and we haven't looked back since.

You've managed to stay friends despite working together?

Definitely. We work well side by side. Having our sons working with us is great too. They bring a different dynamic and we can see how the business would continue to thrive in their hands – one day! All four of us work on the sales side, meeting customers, helping them find just the right floor covering or wall tiles. We go out to do site surveys and quotes. It's hands on which shows in our level of care.

Who are your ideal customers?

Anyone who wants new floor or wall coverings! Most of our work is private residential, with occasional commercial jobs. We can cover any wall or floor with carpet, wood flooring, and stone and porcelain tiles, inside and outside the home. We source from across Europe and have an almost unrivalled selection of stone and porcelain in particular.

I feel very lucky to run my own business but still have the opportunity to play music and share songs with my radio listeners

So, onto the other floor… the dance floor. Time to talk to DJ Davski: Music has been a constant in my life. Capital Radio was always on at home, my uncle was in a band and I knew I wanted to share the music I loved with other people. I started listening to internet-

based radio, soul in particular. There was one soul station I liked and I got chatting to the DJ. He invited me to guest DJ on his show so I did that two or three times and that was it. I was hooked. He advised me what I'd need to set up on my own and in summer 2019, I was ready.

Where did you play?

I set up a studio in the loft at Naos. After a few hot months, I recorded a two-hour show and uploaded it to Mixcloud, a streaming service for radio shows and DJ mixes. That attracted a following and I did about 10 shows. Then I got in touch with Soul Central Radio and started there in 2020. Then lockdown landed. I took the studio home and set it up in my bedroom - I have a very patient wife! But I played a set almost every day and it kept me sane during that time.

And since then?

I took a break after lockdown but always had my eye on another internet station, Starpoint Radio. They found me a slot and I ended up doing three shows a week. But that combined with work, going to gigs, having a family… something had to give. After a year off, Starpoint asked me to fill the Monday night slot so that's what I'm doing now. I have a great loyal group of listeners, with lots of interaction – it's a great community.

What do you enjoy most about all of the above?

I feel very lucky to both work in a business I love and to play music in my spare time, uncovering unfamiliar songs from familiar artists and sharing them with my listeners.

You can tune in to DJ Davski on Mondays, 9-11pm on Starpoint Radio (starpointradio.com). And during the day, find Dave at Naos Floors www.naosfloors.com

Image by Mimi Van Praagh

We’re the Which? Insurance Brand of the Year for the third year running

We’re the Which? Insurance Brand of the Year for the third year running

Whether it’s for your car, home, farm or business, for quality insurance you can rely on, join us today.

Whether it’s for your car, home, farm or business, for quality insurance you can rely on, join us today.

Contact NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell at Tunbridge_Wells@nfumutual.co.uk or talk to us

Contact NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell at Tunbridge_Wells@nfumutual.co.uk or talk to us

01892 337488 | 55 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XU 01580 878 105 | Clarks Yard, Flimwell, Kent TN5 7NG

01892 337488 | 55 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XU 01580 878 105 | Clarks Yard, Flimwell, Kent TN5 7NG

Image

by

Mimi

Van Praagh

A creative approach to doing business

Trowbridge sells contemporary and traditional artworks in a variety of styles, finishes and colours, all of which offer bespoke framing options. The company, whose HQ is in Crowborough, supplies some of the world’s finest hotels, residential and commercial spaces. Eileen Leahy meets its Managing Director Nicola Parkhurst to discover more about this creative business...

It's a sunny Monday afternoon when I meet Nikki Parkhurst, MD of Trowbridge at the global company’s headquarters in Crowborough.

The established art business boasts two sites on the Sybron Way industrial estate: a production and distribution unit and a sizable HQ where all the designers, accountants, marketing people are based. Every order the company receives is handmade to order here.

In addition to this, Trowbridge also has an impressive gallery on the Kings Road, which is its official shop window for potential clients.

“Our core business is B2B,” explains Nicola as we head upstairs and past lots of eye-catching framed artwork towards her office.

“We mainly deal with residential, commercial and hospitality projects. We are priced at the higher end of the scale but our quality is unmatched.”

Nicola, who has worked for the company for the past 19 years, has gradually worked her way through the ranks. She started out part-time in the finance department when her children were young and then went full-time a few years later. Having worked hard and taking opportunities when they presented themselves, she eventually gained the coveted role of MD after a restructuring took place following the death of

“We mainly work with residential, commercial and hospitality projects

Trowbridge’s founder Martin Trowbridge in 2022 .

Martin started the company in the 1981 in his parents’ garage and from there steadily grew the business. Since then the company has expanded exponentially and now sells worldwide.

Since taking charge two and a half years ago, Nicola tells me she has made a number of key changes to further enhance the success of the premium artwork business which spans many aesthetic genres.

“One of the first things we implemented when I started my role was to create a Customer Success team. This has been

instrumental in improving our clients’ journey with us and ensuring they receive the level of service we are known for.”

Trowbridge staff are well looked after too with complimentary lunches provided to employees every day.

“After Martin died, his wife Louise made it clear she wanted to continue improving the welfare of the staff,” explains Nicola. “She suggested the free lunches. She expects everyone to come in and work hard, but to also achieve that all-important work/life balance. We also offer complimentary membership to our private medical insurance scheme to all staff. We like to think of ourselves as a family.”

The Trowbridge HQ team also do a four-

day week which Nicola says has been ‘very beneficial for everybody’.

In addition to their main offices and the Kings Road space, Trowbridge also has a12,000 square foot showroom at High Point in North Carolina. This, Nicola tells me, is the largest furniture trade show in the world.

“It is very much a focal point of the business as it is so influential given so many interior designers, retailers and brands visit it.”

The US is by far the company’s biggest market - although it ships globally “

The US is by far the company’s biggest market and although it ships globally, Nicola reveals they are looking to eventually expand into the Middle East, specifically the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dabi and potentially Saudi Arabia.

“There are lots of opportunities there for us.”

Trowbridge ships anything between 200 and 1000 pieces a week from its huge library of works, which includes everything from high quality Picasso prints and gilded chinoiserie, to stunning abstract photos and sophisticated triptychs.

With the TN card from only £2 a month and exclusive savings at 1000 local places and events, we save you

When I ask Nicola how many pieces of artwork are in the Trowbridge collection she says the figure is heading towards 35,000.

She also tells me they are introducing an exciting AI function on their website where clients can upload their mood board.

“The pioneering technology will analyse its colours to match them to specific Trowbridge artworks. This feature is very unique to us and we are due to roll it out shortly. This will help combat one of the main issues that many of our designers face, which is that there is too much choice, so the AI tech will narrow it down and in turn, simplify their job.”

What does Nicola enjoy most about her job?

“The people,” she responds without hesitating. “I am very much a people person and I think that’s why I have been here for nearly two decades. We like our staff – and also our clients – to feel valued.

“We are a company that has been very successful without the use of additional marketing, due to our tenacious team, our High Point showroom and Kings Road Gallery. We always strive to be as personable as possible with our clients and are always looking for ways to improve their relationship with us.”

GET IN TOUCH:

Website: www.trowbridgegallery.com

Socials: @trowbridgeart

“We offer a human approach to finances”

Jane Hodge and Danielle Friend of Create Balance were the first business to feature on our cover when we launched Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine last May. So a year later how has their accountancy firm grown and what are their future plans for it?

Eileen Leahy meets the pioneering duo to find out...

I first met Danielle Friend and Jane Hodge of Create Balance just over a year ago when I interviewed them for the first edition of Tunbridge Wells Business magazine.

At the time, the financial entrepreneurs, who both have over 25 years of professional experience, told me some of their key plans to help develop their innovative accountancy firm. They included recruiting more team members, investing in smart software and growing their reputation via a number of platforms including networking and social media.

“Last year was definitely our year of saying ‘Yes’,” says Danielle as we meet again at their two-storey office building which is located in the picturesque grounds of the Eridge Estate.

“We just said ‘Yes’ to everyone - and everything!” Danielle enthuses.

The qualified accountant and financial specialist founded Create Balance in 2021 but when the original set up changed at the beginning of 2024, Danielle saw this as a perfect

opportunity to do things differently.

“My main aim was to diversify and work with different types of clients and explore more possibilities,” she tells me.

Danielle, who is now Create Balance’s Managing Director, was quick to restructure things with Jane, who she had worked with previously. The two women have since spent the past two years working extremely hard to grow the business exponentially.

The types of services Create Balance provides include help with statutory accounts, payroll, bookkeeping, VAT and tax returns as well as estate planning. But it is the way in which Danielle and Jane do all of this that sets them apart. From developing unique relationships with each client, to using the latest state-ofthe-art technology, the Create Balance team approach finance and figures very dynamically.

“I like to think we offer something different for our clients,” adds Jane who is Create Balance’s Chartered Tax Adviser and Co-Director. She specialises in personal

tax compliance and advisory matters, as well as Trusts and Estates. Part of her role is assisting solicitors with capital gains, estate, and inheritance tax issues, enriching their practices with her expertise.

Danielle works with a number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as not-for-profit organisations. She adds that her approach is characterised by a ‘chameleon-like adaptability’, in order to integrate into her clients' organisations and ‘grasp the unique intricacies’ of each business she serves.

Create Balance’s clients range from the aforementioned law firms, private individuals and SMEs of all types as well as Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, which sees Danielle spending time there every month.

“

Our main aim is to provide a unique and beneficial service for our clients

In order to maximise their relationships with exisiting clients – or pitching for new ones – Danielle has ticked another of her ‘wish list’ boxes by investing in some stateof-the-art AI software.

“Having Microsoft Co-Pilot means we can spend less time on administrative tasks– and frees us up to develop our relationships with clients and work on growing the business,” reveals Danielle.

The pair have also added to their team. “We now have Chloe Costar on board who is our finance trainee, in addition to our long-standing members of staff Becky Pay who is Client Manager and accountant Lisa Lawson.

“We also recruited an old colleague of mine, James Hartley, who was brought on as a Senior Client Manager. He will leave us soon to set up his own practice but I think he will always be part of our story.”

Another former colleague of Danielle’s, Jack Gibbs, will take over James’ role and starts with the business in July.

Danielle, who has just been appointed as a Trustee for The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, is not afraid to tell me that she wants to hit a million pounds turnover by year five of Create Balance.

“We are currently in year two and we’re aiming for 475K this year. I think we can do half a million so we may well hit our target a year early.” she says.

“If 2024 was the year of saying ‘Yes’ then 2025 is all about working out the areas where we can continue to provide a unique and beneficial service for all our clients.”

www.createbalance.uk

hello@createbalance.uk

01892 311890

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

“We do things differently here”

Eileen Leahy meets Rob Wheeler of Eridge Green Kitchens to discover more about this successful business which is dedicated to producing the finest quality work in order to enhance your home...

Located in a grand corner building, a former Barclays bank no less, and situated right in the heart of Crowborough is Eridge Green Kitchen’s HQ.

As showrooms go it is a pretty impressive one. On entering the period building the main space is large, open plan and carved into clever kitchen zones. There’s a sleek and contemporary marble and wood offering, a pretty pink modern country style (complete with a cute built-in dog bed under the island) and a smart contemporary Shaker space with pendant lighting and metallic splashbacks. So far, so very cool but then I spy the bar area –yes you heard correctly – there is also a bar, complete with cocktail mixers, glasses and bottles of spirits.

“We felt that the best way we could show people what we do is by creating this amazing space

Rob tells me that he and his team, which currently totals eight, put in the super chic bar, complete with illuminated arches, faux fur lined stools and a marble counter, when they were designing the space initially as it seemed like the most welcoming thing to do for clients.

“It’s turned out to be enormously successful,” smiles Rob as he continues to show me around. “People instantly migrate towards it and it comes into its own when we’re hosting events here.”

Rob explains that he and the team are

keen to host more networking and sociable events: “That could be anything from floristry classes to dining and wine pairing events. We might even doing wreath making in the lead up to Christmas.”

We continue through the labyrinth-like building to discover another kitchen set up and an amazing vermillion red pantry complete with open shelving, a handmade larder and eye-catching monochrome floor tiles – plus an obligatory wine fridge.

“We felt that the best way we could show people what we do is by creating this space” says Rob who started the company in 2010 and acquired the building in 2023. Hopscotching between various development issues, it took a year to complete and opened to the public in November 2024.

As Rob leads me through to a boot room set up and a smart utility space, we then

head into an out-of-bounds area of the site – the bank’s former walk-in safe - as it is still very much under construction.

“This is where we want to create a client hub where we can go through plans and mood boards in private with our colleagues.”

Rob and his team have ensured this is very much a collaborative endeavour as they are working with many local professionals from the interiors industry.

“We have worked with the guys from Quantum who have run the bar for us here on one occasion – and we are hoping to do more with them. Meanwhile interior designer Joss Miller has helped us on some of our higher-end design packages and Melissa from lumière will be collaborating with us when we revamp the showroom’s lighting.”

Rob tells me that having this showroom is their calling card to the general public and any potential brands they might want to work with.

“People who have already commissioned us to build them a kitchen, a boot room or some bedroom furniture know we are very good at what we do and that we offer exceptional customer service. But we do want to get our name known in Tunbridge Wells. We know there is a lot of competition there already but we do things differently.”

Eridge Green Kitchens is dedicated to the traditional craft of building bespoke kitchens and furniture by hand. The team, which Rob is hoping to expand soon, use traditional methods to manufacture and install bespoke furniture at the highest standard – accentuated by modern

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Eridge Green Kitchens’ Rob Wheeler

Photography: Lila Perkin

components, innovative technology and luxury materials.

“We design our products bespoke to our customers’ needs and desires,” adds Rob. The company works with a number of very well known, high-end designer brands including Bora ovens and hobs, Gaggenau, V-Zug, Quooker and Sub Zero Wolf state-of-the-art appliances.

Customers can ask us to make something from scratch or we can collaborate together. Our talented team offers everything from one-off commissions to full renovations

“We haven’t picked these brands on a whim, we have done our research and picked the ones which would reflect the type of service we want to deliver. They are the best in the business at what they do and have a reputation for excellent customer service.”

Eridge Green Kitchens has two industrial units, also in Crowborough, where they manufacture all manner of kitchen cabinetry, media units, cupboards for utility rooms, larders, bathrooms and bedrooms.

“Customers can ask us to make something from scratch or we can collaborate together – or they can ask for a variation on a theme we already have here on display. From day one of running

this business I have always said ‘if you can draw it, I can make it’,” says Rob who is a trained cabinet maker.

There’s also the opportunity to make oneoff purchases when visiting. “We were keen to have a retail element to us,” Rob adds.

So there are Le Creuset pans and crockery to buy, as well as aromatic candles and reed diffusers.

“Whether you are buying a mug or a kitchen from us we want to help you make your house into a home. No job is too big or niche for us. Thanks to our talented team and full project design, build and management service we can also carry out full home renovations too. I always say that we are small enough to care but big enough to get it done.”

You can book a free consultation with Eridge Green Kitchens by visiting www.eridgegreenkitchens.co.uk

Follow Eridge Green Kitchens on social media: @eridgegreenkitchens

The power of podcasting

Podcasting has become one of the biggest ways to communicate and promote content over the past few years and it is certainly an exceptionally powerful tool for businesses. Here we talk to three local entrepreneurs and part-time podcasters about what they find so useful about getting behind the mike and broadcasting online...

“The long-term benefits of business podcasting are substantial”

Nick Bryant, Founder and Managing Director of Brilliant Businesses

In my opinion, the key benefits of podcasting can be divided into the following areas:

Boosting Visibility and Engagement

Video Podcasting can significantly boost your business’s visibility and engagement. By offering content in a format that combines audio and visual elements, you create a more immersive experience for your audience. Video podcasts are more likely to be shared across social media platforms, increasing your reach and attracting new viewers. This format also allows for more dynamic storytelling, enabling you to showcase your brand’s personality and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Video podcasts can enhance engagement by inviting viewers to comment, ask questions, and share their thoughts, nurturing an interactive community around your brand.

Building Trust and Authority

Video Podcasting is a powerful way to build trust and authority in your industry. When you share your expertise, insights, and experiences through video podcasts, you position yourself as a thought leader. Viewers are more likely to trust a face they see and a voice they hear regularly. This personal connection can be instrumental in fostering long-term relationships. By consistently delivering valuable content, you demonstrate your knowledge and commitment, which can significantly enhance your credibility. Ultimately, video podcasting can help you establish a reputation as a reliable and authoritative source, encouraging viewers to turn to you for insights and solutions.

Establishing A Name Behind Your Business

Putting a name to your business is also a compelling reason to use filmed podcasts. People are more likely to trust you if they can see your face. Before your audience knows what you look like, you

are a mystery to them, operating from the shadows. It isn’t always clear how you help them or even if you have their best interests at heart, once you show your face, you immediately bring them to your side. Audiences can see the passion behind what you do, authenticity, and drive to succeed in your enterprise.

How can companies improve their reach by doing them?

The long-term benefits of business podcasting are substantial. Beyond immediate engagement, podcasts can enhance brand reputation and open doors to new opportunities. Over time, they can become a cornerstone of a company’s content marketing strategy, contributing significantly to its overall success.

Key benefits of long-term podcasting include:

• Sustained brand awareness and visibility

• Increased customer loyalty and trust

• Opportunities for networking and collaborations within the industry

How often should people be putting them out?

Consistency is key; regular episodes keep the audience engaged and coming back for more. Podcasts are a powerful tool for businesses looking to gain new levels of success. They offer a platform to connect with audiences on a deeper level and with Brilliant Businesses they provide unique opportunities for storytelling and engagement. www.brilliantbusinesses.biz

“Every business has a story to tell”

Joe de Kwant Stoner, CEO of Big Orange Media

“Podcasts aren’t just a trend - they’re one of the smartest ways to supercharge your company’s reach. At Big Orange Media we work internationally, and we’ve helped businesses create podcasts that really pack a punch but also focus on the core elements of authenticity and reputation.

Take Hire Grounds, recorded in Amsterdam, and the Cyprus Property Podcast – both brilliant examples of how brands can connect with international audiences, build trust, and show off their expertise in a way no blog post ever could whilst creating ‘long tail’ content that can be used in a number of different ways using a multi-channel approach.

And then there’s Inspired Sounds, the show we created with Rathbones. It didn’t just make a splash, it stormed to #1 on the Apple UK Investing Chart and hit #3 in the overall business category, going headto-head with giants like The Martin Lewis Podcast and Diary of a CEO. That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes smart storytelling, slick production, and a clear sense of what your audience actually cares about.

So, how often should you hit record? Weekly or fortnightly is ideal but whatever you do, stay consistent. A business podcast should never be a boring sales pitch. Keep

it fresh, make it useful, and tell stories that matter. Get it right, and your brand could be the next one climbing the charts. bigorangemedia.co.uk

“My podcast goal was to increase my visibility as a business coach”

Ruth Ferreira, Success Coach and host of Dominate Your Niche podcast

and accelerate their own success. My personal goal was to increase my visibility as a business coach, and reach new audiences.

What benefits does it provide your business?

What other benefits does podcasting give a business?

Content: As a business owner it is essential to be visible on social media, and a podcast is a fantastic tool for re-purposing content to share on my socials. It also invites my audience to spend further time with me listening, rather than just scrolling. I've had feedback that I have had the privilege to 'accompany' my listeners on dog walks, long drives, to the gym, cooking dinner, and even in the shower as they have listened to my podcast.

I am an award-winning business growth strategist working with high-achieving individuals who are looking to maximise their potential and take their business to the next level. My clients range from solopreneurs and startups to multi-million pound law firms. I am also the proud host of the  Dominate Your Niche Podcast, where we chat to some of today's best small business leaders who are shaking up their industry and dominating their niche.

At what point did podcasting become a part of your business?

I began podcasting 11 months ago with the aim to inspire the up-and-coming generation of small business owners. I want to help them to dream bigger

Leveraging the social media audience of my guests to enhance my own reach has certainly been beneficial, but it has in no way been the biggest benefit I have experienced. That’s been the relationships that I have formed with my guests. I have been privileged to interview many outstanding individuals and the learnings have massively up-levelled me as both a coach and as a business owner myself. Even better, many of my guests have joined a business influencer community that I run, and several have even become mastermind clients of mine.

Can you tell us who you have had on your podcasts and why?

Anyone who inspires me or has an interesting business, and will value to share with my audience. Local guests include: Kim Simmonds, Founder of Law 365, Deborah Richards of Maddison Residential, Clare Lush, Founder of My Tunbridge Wells and Clare Burroughs who shared her inspiring journey around growing the well-respected local Ansacom brand, with particular focus on motivating your team.

PODCAST POWER: MARKETING BEYOND THE MIC.

Content

Plus much more...

Credibility: A podcast is a brilliant tool to establish and consolidate your authority as an expert in your subject matter. It builds your credibility, it helps you to rank higher on Google, and it has been key to me becoming even better known as one of the go-to business coaches in the area.

Conversion: Online content is at an alltime high but we need more touch points to establish trust with potential clients before they work with us. Having hours of recorded content that potential clients can dip into (or binge on!) is brilliant for relationship building. I often have people book Discovery Calls with me feeling like they already know me well as a result of the podcast. This helps convert them into clients as the trust and expertise is always established. www.successcoaching.biz

“Lonsdale Gate offers something for every business”

Eileen Leahy meets John Elkington, Group Executive Chairman of Penhurst, his son Jack Elkington, who is its Executive Director and the property business’s new Group Head of Business Centres, Daniel Jenkinson. Here they reveal why their premium serviced offices at Lonsdale Gate in the heart of Tunbridge Wells are flexible, first class options for companies of all sizes...

Boasting 45 offices, a gym, a ‘breakout’ space, an impressive boardroom and super stylish lobby – think vaulted ceiling, marble and metallic detailing and ambient lighting – Lonsdale Gate is certainly proving to be the place to do business.

“We welcome companies of all sizes,” says John Elkington, founder and Group Executive Chairman of Penhurst, a successful property business which was established 38 years ago. The company also boasts Riverside House in Tonbridge and Penhurst House in Battersea, as well as a 300 property portfolio of commercial and residential properties in central London and some of its smartest postcodes including Wimbledon, Balham, Battersea and Wandsworth.

“We are very lucky to have this offering here in Tunbridge Wells,” continues John.

“You have a selection of great office spaces, first class amenities and onsite parking. Lonsdale Gate is also minutes from the train station, which makes it very

Lonsdale Gate has a selection of great office spaces, first class amenities, onsite parking and easy access to Tunbridge Wells train station and all its retail and hospitality hotspots

accessible to London - plus you’re within walking distance of so many of our great retailers and hospitality hotspots.”

We’re chatting in Lonsdale Gate’s aforementioned boardroom. The décor, just like the main lobby area, is stunning – think Herringbone wooden flooring, statement lighting and glossy surfaces against a background of slick, muted greys and taupes with the odd flash of metallic. As meeting rooms go it’s one of the best I have ever been in.

Also present at our interview are John’s son Jack, who is Managing Director of the group’s Business Centres and Daniel Jenkinson who is Penhurst’s Group Head of Business Centres.

John Elkington acquired the freehold of Lonsdale Gate for just over three million

pounds six years ago. He and his team then oversaw a thorough modernisation of the building, which was the former HQ of Thomson Snell and Passmore law firm. As well as installing a new air conditioning system, they carried out a thorough redesign and modernisation of the site.

“We bought the freehold in 2019 and then of course the pandemic hit. But actually we have pretty much maintained 100 percent occupancy since opening,” explains Jack.

Now however, there are a couple of units available to rent, which is why the trio are talking to me about the benefits of basing one’s business in this very smart detached period building which is located on Lonsdale Gardens, just off Mount Pleasant.

A number of high profile companies are now based at Lonsdale Gate.

“As soon as people walk into this building they are wowed,” continues Jack. “We put a lot of time and effort into

AT YOUR SERVICE: (L-R) Jack and John Elkington with Daniel Jenkinson

creating a space that people are proud to come to work in.”

Daniel, who previously worked in TV production before joining Penhurst, says that running all three business centres is a little like his old job.

“You have to manage different types of people and meet their needs, so in a way the two roles are fairly similar.”

One of the big draws he says about renting a space at Lonsdale Gate is having access to all the great facilities on offer –including the stunning boardroom.

“We have it on a first come, first served basis and are also able to hire it out to external businesses if they need it for meetings. Jess Gibson from the TN card and Nick Bryant of Brilliant Businesses both record their podcasts here.”

Daniel says that in addition to all the amazing facilities tenants have access to, another bonus of being based in Lonsdale Gate is that clients have access to their office around the clock.

“So that means if you are working globally, like so many of our businesses do, it doesn’t matter what time zone you are in, you can still work here, whatever time of day or night.”

And although the companies currently in situ at Lonsdale Gate are from a variety of sectors and differ in terms of their numbers, one thing they have in common is community.

“That is key for us,” affirms Jack. “We want people to interact with one another – have those water cooler moments when they stop to make a coffee or take a break. There’s a lot of networking that goes on here.”

He goes on to say that was the thinking behind the cool ‘breakout room’ as the team call it. “Really it’s just a space where people can take time out. We have a TV in there, comfortable seating and even an honesty fridge with cold drinks in it.”

Daniel adds that Penhurst are also pet friendly with around four or five dogs coming to work with their owners.

“I think that’s another thing that gives this place a good USP.”

But Lonsdale Gate is just one element of the group’s property empire. As the blurb on their website states with ‘assets of over £150million’, the business, which John founded in 1987, is now ‘one of the largest private property owners in South London.’

We have a variety of businesses here – from law firms to accountants and media companies to physiotherapists and fashion brands “

John confirms this by telling me the company has also been focused on investing in the residential sector for many decades. “We buy properties, let them and manage them,” he explains. “We currently have over 350 properties including 50 commercial units – and we are still expanding in London.”

But back to Tunbridge Wells and Daniel tells me that despite the look and feel of the Lonsdale Gate building being extremely premium, the packages they offer are very good value.

“Our smallest office space starts at around £360 a month – and that includes all the utilities, security, cleaning, high speed internet, refreshments and access to the boardroom. Parking is a big bonus for us as we have 40 spaces – and not many other serviced offices have this.”

The group’s Riverside House also offers parking, with around 20 spaces available. And there’s a lovely bit of family history attached to this site which overlooks the River Medway in Tonbridge.

“We have some very special connections to the local area,” adds John before telling me that the Riverside House site was where his great, great, great grandfather established and ran a builder’s merchant. Centuries later John bought it and Penhurst did a major redevelopment on it 16 years ago. Like Lonsdale Gate, it has been incredibly popular boasting pretty much 100% occupancy ever since.

But the emotional and personal bonds to the area don’t stop there. As well as being born in Tunbridge Wells, John tells me that there is a special connection with the Lonsdale Gate building too.

“We acquired the freehold from Thomson Snell and Passmore back in 2019 and I realised that the law firm used to act for my grandfather - so there’s a connection to both towns.”

And while John and Jack are mainly based in London it is Daniel who is their ‘man on the ground’ here in Tunbridge Wells. What does Daniel enjoy most about his role?

“The fact that it is different every day. I

like to think I am quite a sociable person so the fact I get to meet such a variety of people is great. From accountants to renovation companies, to physios and Ukrainian refugees who are restarting their business from here. No one day is the same.”

John then tells me that funnily enough Daniel used to work in the building so it’s no wonder he knows the place so well.

“Yes I used to manage office number nine! That’s when I fell in love with the place.”

“He loved it so much he decided to work here!” laughs John.

Proof enough therefore that Lonsdale Gate is a great place to do business –whatever your size or sector… For more information visit www.penhurst.co.uk www.lonsdalegate.co.uk

So spa, so good

Major investment transforms The Spa Hotel into a premier wellness destination

The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells recently unveiled a state-of-the-art spa and wellness following a major investment to upgrade its facilities.

Recognising a gap in the local market for a truly luxurious spa experience, the hotel has undertaken a significant refurbishment, supported by a £750,000 commercial loan from Allica Bank. The funding has allowed the hotel to significantly refurbish its wellness space and spa, enhancing its offering for both hotel guests and local residents.

Set in 14 acres of unspoilt countryside, this four-star hotel began life as a grand country mansion in 1766. With 70 individually designed bedrooms, it retains much of its historic character today and is popular amongst those looking for a real

“Scragg Hotels had a clear ambition to create something truly special for the local area, and it was fantastic to support them in bringing that vision to life

retreat in the Kent countryside.

The expansion includes a hydro pool, cold plunge, hot spa, drench bucket, relaxation room and ice fountain. The new facilities will be available to local residents through a Premium Spa Health

About Allica Bank

Allica is a bank built especially for established businesses with between 5 and 250 employees.

These businesses make up a third of UK employment and turnover, yet they’re overlooked by the big banks with a service that is increasingly impersonal, inconvenient, and poor value.

Allica Bank is on a mission to give established businesses the banking they deserve. That means a current account that rewards business owners for using it, a relationship manager whose name and number they actually know, and powerful tools and technology that make their life easier, not harder.

It’s how business banking used to be,

just better.

It’s proving to be a winning combination. Allica was named the UK’s fastest-growing company in The Sunday Times’ Top 100 in 2024 and was awarded the number two spot in its 100 Tech list in 2025. The firm has also topped Deloitte’s Fast 50for two consecutive years and was ranked by Sifted as the fastest growing start up in Europe. Allica’s annual revenue growth makes it the fastest-growing fintech ever, with it breaking into yearly profitability in 2023 with a substantial balance sheet.

Allica’s ambition is to gain 10% market share by 2027 in order to help change the established SME market for the better.

membership, to hotel guests staying in Feature and Indulgent rooms, and as an upgrade option for all visitors.

Anthony Scragg, Managing Director of Scragg Hotels, which owns The Spa Hotel, said: “Royal Tunbridge Wells has a long history as a tourist destination, and one thing lacking in the town is access to luxury spa facilities. Our vision is to provide a sanctuary where guests can truly unwind and escape from busy dayto-day life.

“There is huge demand for a hotel offering these kinds of facilities, and we have always wanted to expand on our current health offering. An opportunity to refurbish a large function space arose, and it seemed like the perfect time to take the plunge. With the support of Allica Bank we’ve been able to make this vision a reality, and we’re excited to welcome guests to the new space from early May!”

Morgan Keating, Relationship Manager at Allica Bank  – a challenger bank for established businesses – added: “Scragg Hotels had a clear ambition to create something truly special for the local area, and it was fantastic to support them in bringing that vision to life.

“At Allica Bank, we’re committed to helping established businesses like The Spa Hotel access the funding they need to grow. This project is a great example of how the right financial support at the right time can enhance not just a business, but also the experiences of thousands of people for years to come.”

Images by johnknightphotography.co.uk

Access all areas

Stroke survivor

Lisa Beaumont takes a look at just how accessible our local business community is

– and what needs to change in order to improve it for health returners...

It is critical that businesses take steps to be accessible for all in the coming months. Not only to cater for their customers, but to also attract new employees. In Autumn 2025, Sir Charles Mayfield’s independent review of the role of UK employers and government in tackling health related economic inactivity will be published, in response to the government’s ‘Keep Britain working’ white paper.

It states that: There are nearly 800,000, (or 40%), more people of working-age who are economically inactive for health reasons than there were in 2019. The growth in the number who are becoming economically inactive for health reasons is nearly ten times the growth of the working age population.

At the same time of this surge in the number of people with work-limiting health conditions, patients with long-term conditions know that their benefits like PIP (Personal Independent Payments) face the likelihood of cuts. Inevitably, this will lead to a financial imperative for healthreturners to seek work.

Beaumont pictured taking part in a panel discussion at the ‘Health Excellence Through Technology’

“A health-returner is someone who wants to re-enter the job market after a break which has been enforced due to a physical or mental illness. Many of these candidates are very driven, thanks to their resilience and desire to work.

How can your business prepare for taking on a health-returner?

The Guidance from the Employer Scheme for disability confidence is one route to find out more.

Visit www.gov.uk/guidance/disabilityconfident-how-to-sign-up-to-the-employerscheme#why-you-should-become-disabilityconfident

Familiarise yourself with the Access to Work scheme: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ access-to-work-guide-for-employers/accessto-work-factsheet-for-employers

You can also get support from a publicly funded employment support grant to make it easier for you to take on a disabled member of staff. It can provide practical and financial support for people who have a disability or physical or mental health condition.

Finally, you can connect with local disability employment advisers who work for DWP to explain your vacancies to them.

Each member of a workforce brings different skill-sets and experience. A health-returner might offer a different outlook or set of experiences to your business

Each member of a workforce brings different skill-sets and experience and it is worth considering that a health-returner might offer a different outlook or set of experiences to your business, which in turn could make it a better place for your staff and your customers.

For more information about accessibility issues please contact lisa@ lisabeaumontmarketing.co.uk to get a guide to Accessibility created for tunbridgewellstogether.com.

Lisa Beaumont MCIM worked for over 20 years in publishing and advertising. Following her survival from a brain haemorrhage in 2011, she continues to work to improve her health, despite some ongoing disabilities. Lisa runs her own consultancy, and is an associate at Colley Raine & Associates. She is also an Accessibility Advocate for Tunbridge Wells and volunteers as a Publicity Officer for TW& Area Access Group. Lisa uses her lived experience to be a

In addition to support for employers there is support for disabled entrepreneurs.

The Lilac Review

Small business Saturday Britain has led a piece of national research which examines how disabled people experience entrepreneurship. Its findings are in The Lilac Review (the Review’s final report was launched at the House of Lords on May 12, 2025). This event marked the end of 18 months of research and community engagement aimed at identifying and addressing barriers faced by disabled entrepreneurs. A key contributor was Sarah Berthon, who runs a consultancy which advises entrepreneurs and employers on how to improve the work life of those who live with a chronic disability. Employers can find out more information about Sarah’s consultancy here www. excelagainsttheodds.co.uk/employers

The Lilac Review is also available to download here www.lilacreview.com/finalreport.

patient voice for the NHS. In addition, Lisa attended the ‘Health Excellence Through Technology’ Conference 2021, supporting main speaker and founder of Neuro Pro Active, Ian Pearce. Subsequently, Neuro Pro Actives’ health-tech solution, for the self-management of rehabilitation, has been adopted by the NHS in several regions. Lisa was a patient expert contributing to the design of the platform.

About Lisa Beaumont

Lisa

Conference in 2021 at the Excel Centre.

Powerful tools to create a professional online presence

Gary Brindley of Step3 offers his expert advice on how to create an impressive and effective new business website...

When launching a new, small business website, two of the most talkedabout platforms are WordPress and Wix. Both offer powerful tools for creating a professional online presence, but they differ significantly in flexibility, ease of use, and scalability.

Of course, Wix isn’t the only page builder - there are good alternatives out therefor example, Webflow and Squarespace, but for this comparison I’ll stick with Wix and WordPress.

When building a website for a new business choose a platform that’s based on your ambition, not just your current needs

Wix: Simple and All-in-One

Wix is an incredibly popular hosted website builder that shines in its simplicity. Its drag-and-drop editor makes it ideal for non-technical users. You can choose from hundreds of designer-made templates, and hosting, security, and updates are all handled for you, so it’s perfect for small businesses looking for a fast, low-maintenance way to get online.

Pros:

• Easy setup with no coding needed

• All-in-one pricing and support

• Built-in features like booking tools, forms, and eCommerce

Cons:

• Limited design flexibility beyond templates

• Custom functionality can be restricted

• Switching templates or migrating away is difficult

WordPress: Power and Flexibility

WordPress currently powers around half of all websites on the web and offers a fantastic balance of simplicity and customisation. It's open-source, so, whether you build a simple brochure site or a complex online store, the website is yours. However, it requires hosting, security, and maintenance to be managed separately, often through an agency or developer.

For businesses that want control, scalability, and the ability to grow or adapt, WordPress is the clear winner.

Pros:

• Extremely flexible and scalable

• Thousands of plugins for added features

• Strong SEO and performance potential

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve

• Needs ongoing maintenance and security

• Quality varies with themes and plugins

The Verdict:

If you want a simple site you can manage yourself, and your needs are unlikely to change much, Wix is a great choice. But if your business is growing, needs custom features, or you want the ability to scale without limits, WordPress offers far more in the long run.

It’s best to choose based on your ambition, not just your current needs. One suits a DIY mindset; the other, a growth mindset. If you choose to go with WordPress and need a safe pair of hands, please get in touch.

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

Berry & Lamberts solicitors makes two key appointments

Award-winning local law firm, Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, continues to invest in its team by making two key appointments in recent weeks.

Solicitor, Melissa Russell, joins the firm’s property team at a crucial time as the department continues to meet increasing demand on its services. Melissa handles a variety of residential transactions, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, re-mortgages and transfers of equity. She graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with an honours degree in Law before obtaining her master’s in professional Legal Practice at the University of Law in London.

Alongside Melissa, the firm has also appointed Jane Stanton as Family Legal Executive. Jane undertakes a varied caseload in family law, including divorce, resolving financial issues following divorce or separation, children matters,

As demand for our services continues to increase, we are particularly pleased to have appointed two very capable and enthusiastic new members of staff

cohabitation disputes and applications for Occupation and Non-Molestation Orders. Jane is currently studying with Cilex Law School to qualify and specialise in family law.

Managing Partner, Paul Reader, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Melissa and Jane to the Berry & Lamberts team. As

demand for our services continues to increase, we are particularly pleased to have appointed two very capable and enthusiastic new members of staff, to add to the growing Berry & Lamberts family. We wish them both a long and happy career with us.”

www.berryandlamberts.co.uk

New faces at Thackray Williams

Leading Kent and London law firm

Thackray Williams has bolstered its Private Client and Corporate teams to help support its growing client base.

Sam Corse has joined the Private Client team, which saw 14% year-on-year growth in 2024-25, as a Senior Associate. Will King has joined the Corporate & Commercial team, which as part of the wider Commercial sector last year contributed to 25% of turnover, as an Associate.

Sam previously worked with a leading Kent firm for nine years and has particular expertise in tax planning for high-net-worth individuals, Wills, Trusts and estate administration of high-value estates. He has strong experience in the administration of contested estates, having previously spent over two years working in Contentious Trusts and Probate.

Will joins Thackray Williams after more than 10 years with another leading Kent firm and has particular expertise in all corporate and commercial matters, including mergers & acquisitions, corporate restructuring, intellectual property and commercial agreements.

“Strategic recruitment is central to Thackray Williams’ ambitious growth plans, so we are delighted to have Sam and Will join our growing team to enable us to provide holistic legal expertise for our clients across their professional and personal lives,” comments Head of People,

Karen Bateman.

For both new joiners, Thackray Williams’ clear ambitions and people-focused culture were instrumental to them coming on board.

“I am excited by the opportunity to join Thackray Williams on their exciting growth journey and to work with leading lawyers in the corporate & commercial sector. It is clear the firm has a great people-focused culture intent on delivering the best results for its clients,” says Will.

“

Strategic recruitment is central to Thackray Williams’ ambitious growth plans, so we are delighted to have Sam and Will join our growing team

“The plans of Thackray Williams to grow and become a top 200 law firm were very visible. The care and support they have for their staff and clients was also very apparent. The Private Client team has an excellent reputation and is widely accredited as having leading lawyers in the field. I am very excited to have the opportunity to join and work with such lawyers in the team,” agrees Sam.

Thackray Williams is on track to become a top 200 law firm. In April it reported a record 16.5% year-on-year increase in turnover in 2024-25, a transition period as three new Managing Partners Emma Thompson, Vikki Herbert and Anthony Macey – took over the leadership from outgoing Managing Partner, Sean Sanders. The firm is currently rolling out an enhanced wellbeing package to support staff to be the best they can, as well as exploring where it can harness technology to give staff more time to concentrate on the areas where they can really add value to clients www.thackraywilliams.com

WILL KING AND SAM CORSE

MELISSA RUSSELL

JANE STANTON

Thomson Snell & Passmore announces several promotions and appointments

Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore has made 14 promotions and appointments across the firm. These consist of two Equity Partners, two Salaried Partners, one Finance Manager, five Senior Associates, one Associate, one Legal Executive, one Senior Paralegal and one Trainee Paralegal.

Claire Busuttil in the Court of Protection team and Laura Keatley from the Real Estate team have been appointed as Equity Partners. Those promoted to Salaried Partner are Helen MaddisonWhite and Paul Hill, both from the Probate division of the Estates, Tax & Succession department.

The other promotions and appointments come from across the firm’s Corporate & Commercial, Court of Protection, Employment, Real Estate, Real Estate Disputes, Wills, Estate & Tax Planning and Business Services teams.

Joanna Pratt, Senior Partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore comments: “These promotions and appointments are thoroughly deserved and I offer my warmest congratulations to everyone. We are fortunate at Thomson Snell & Passmore to be surrounded by

“Promotions and appointments come from across TSP’s Corporate & Commercial, Court of Protection, Employment, Real Estate, Real Estate Disputes, Wills, Estate & Tax Planning and Business Services teams

Who are you?

by Darren Austin at Synergee

Identity verification will soon be a legal requirement for many involved in running or managing UK companies. It’s designed to prevent misuse of corporate structures for illegal activities and to improve the accuracy and trustworthiness of the Companies House register.

Who Needs to Verify?

If you’re a director, a person with significant control (PSC) or a company secretary, you’ll need to verify your identity. Most people will only need to do this once.

When to Verify

The timing depends on your role and when you started. From autumn 2025, verification will be required for many filings and appointments.

How to Verify

There are three main ways:

• Online via GOV.UK One Login – Free and straightforward if you have a biometric passport, UK photo driving licence, or similar ID. Some may also verify using bank details.

• In person at a Post Office – Only available if online verification isn’t possible.

• Through an Authorised Corporate Service

Provider (ACSP) – Such as an accountant or solicitor registered with a UK anti-money laundering body.

What Happens Next?

Once verified, you’ll receive a unique Companies House personal code. If you’re currently a director, from autumn 2025 you’ll need to provide your personal code as part of your company’s next confirmation statement filing.

If you become a director after autumn 2025, you’ll need to provide it as part of your appointment filing or when you incorporate a company.

If you are a Person with significant control (PSC) you’ll need to provide your personal code to Companies House for your role as a PSC. This requirement also comes into force from autumn 2025.

Why It Matters

Without verification, you won’t be able to file documents or start a company. Failing to comply could result in fines or disqualification.

Identity verification is a key step in making UK business more transparent and secure. It is intended to protect business and the wider economy from fraud and abuse.

exceptional people at all levels. Our Business Services departments are a key part of the firm and so it is wonderful to see a senior promotion in our finance team, alongside the promotions and appointments in our legal departments.

“The hard work and expertise of everyone across the firm is central to our ongoing success and we place huge importance in supporting and developing all our people, as we continue to grow.” www.ts-p.co.uk

If you have any questions you'd like to ask Darren he can be contacted on 01892 772960

www.synergee.org.uk

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

JOANNA PRATT

Celebrating outstanding achievements in business

The Tonbridge Business Awards 2025 take place on June 26. Here’s your opportunity to meet the finalists who will be celebrated at the event which takes place at the EM Forster Theatre at Tonbridge School

The Tonbridge Business Awards, hosted by the TN card’s Jess Gibson, take place this month to celebrate the innovation, passion and excellence of local businesses shaping our community. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on Thursday 26th at the EM Forster Theatre, Tonbridge School. Judges met in May to carefully review entries and select this year’s finalists, representing a vibrant mix of new ventures and established leaders. These outstanding businesses highlight the diverse talent and entrepreneurial spirit powering Tonbridge’s thriving economy.

Congratulations to all the finalists: New Business of the Year. Sponsored by CHS Networks IT Support

• The BBQ Hub

• Concept Beauty

• Grainne Dunne Virtual Assistant

• Nutley’s Barbers

• The Pup Cup

• Rootes Wealth Management

• Tonbridge Property

• The Market House

Food and Drink Award. Sponsored by ConnectaGroup

• Ben’s Kitchen

• The George and Dragon

• The Leicester Arms

• The Market House

• Masala Pantry

• Opulence

• Tonbridge Brewery

Health and Wellbeing Award. Sponsored by Benenden Hospital

• Anatomy Gyms

• Consultus Care and Nursing

• Foundations

• Ismini Studios

• Miles Martial Arts

• Susie Wanford Osteopathy

• Tonbridge Counselling Service

• Walk Tonbridge Hair and Beauty Award. Sponsored by Andrew House Dental Practice

• Bambino’s

• Concept Beauty

• Laserday

• Nirvana

• Nutleys Barbers

• Stradbrook Skin Clinic

• Tanbridge

• The Traditional Barber Shop

Retail Award. Sponsored by Clarke Williams Ltd

• The BBQ Hub

• Cycle-Ops

• Fred. Olsen Travel

• Karen Alexandra Beauty & Well-being

• Mr Simms Sweet Shop

• Grace Fashion Accessories

• Zilch Zero Waste

• Wilkinson Eyewear Studio

Creative Award. Sponsored by RankFresh

• Delilah and Herb

• Imogen Partridge Illustration and Design

• MusicStation

• The Oast Theatre

• Razzamataz Theatre School

• Sarah Hart Photography

• The Soldersmith

• Where’s My Experience?

Small Business of the Year. Sponsored by ABMV Chartered Accountants

• GFHR Consulting

• Karen Alexandra Beauty & Well-being

• MusicStation

• Princess and the Pea Events

• Ridings

• Tonbridge Garage

• The Traditional Barber Shop

• Zilch Zero Waste

Large Business of the Year. Sponsored by CooperBurnett Solicitors

• CHS Networks Limited

• Fred. Olsen Travel

• Foundations Child & Family Therapy

• Hyllden Heights

• Riverside House

• Stradbrook Dental & Implant Clinic

• Tonbridge Golf Centre

Businessperson of the Year. Sponsored by DMD Restaurants

• Craig Alexander

• Emma Broom

• David Coleman

• Diana Goldsmith

• Jack Nutley

• Suzanne Rice

• Wendy Ross

• Lauren Young

Employer of the Year. Sponsored by GFHR Consulting

• CHS Networks Limited

• Consultus Care and Nursing

• DMD Restaurants

• Hyllden Heights Care Home

• Miles Martial Arts

• Tonbridge Golf Centre

• DGC Security

Changemaker Award. Sponsored by Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce

• Delilah and Herb

• Foundations Child & Family Therapy

• Fuggles Beer Cafe

• The Right Tuition Company

• Step3 Digital

• Walk Tonbridge

• Zilch Zero Waste

The Tonbridge Business Awards 2025 are proudly supported by generous sponsors including Charity Bank, Inkerman London, Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, Tonbridge School, Odyssey Events, and Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

Jess Gibson says: “These finalists represent the best of Tonbridge’s entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and community commitment. I can’t wait to celebrate their successes and the Tonbridge business community on the night.”

Tickets close on 20th June: tonbridgebusinessawards.uk

We are privileged to introduce a new funeral service to the community of Crowborough and surrounding villages.

With over 30 years of dedicated experience, Stephen Tester leads our trusted, respectful and caring team. Whether you are arranging a traditional funeral, a personal tribute, a quiet gathering in our private chapel, or a simple farewell, we will help you honour your loved one’s memory with care and compassion.

A capital move for The Finance Hub

Gillian Palmer, founder of The Finance Hub, reveals more about her exciting collaboration with Loch Associates which has seen the two leading businesses launch a new office in London’s Belgravia...

Back in April, Gillian Palmer, the business entrepreneur behind Lending Made Simple and The Finance Hub, announced that she had embarked upon a new collaboration with the Loch Associates Group.

She told us exclusively us that the ‘special new partnership’ which commenced earlier this year, sees The Finance Hub now working alongside one of the area’s leading law and HR firms in London.

“Our two companies aim to bring together exceptional financial, legal, HR and dispute resolution expertise all under one roof to help business owners achieve their growth goals,” she explained.

“This collaboration is about creating a space where business owners can connect with the right advisors, ensuring they get access to the best expertise to allow them to make informed decisions at crucial stages of business development.”

The two businesses will now share office space in London’s Belgravia at 25 Eccleston Place.

“This is a win-win for The Finance Hub as it can now establish its presence in the capital and ensure that clients in and around London have easy access to the same high-quality services we already

Our two companies aim to bring together exceptional financial, legal, HR and dispute resolution expertise all under one roof to help business owners achieve their growth goals

provide for businesses and residents in Tunbridge Wells and at our new office in Canterbury.

“Our new London presence offers a welcoming environment where entrepreneurs can find the support they need, whether they’re securing finance,

managing legal complexities, or growing their teams and need HR support.”

Since the move to their joint offices in the Capital, The Finance Hub and Loch Associates have hosted a series of events with keynote speakers including a property night, a morning event about mergers and acquisitions and a themed event on the rise of AI.

Gillian is key to point out that shetogether with staff and locally based affiliates and partners - will still service their clients here in Tunbridge Wells.

“We are working locally with James Clague Associates, Joanne Bell Accountants, Loch Associates and others to provide services to our clients here. The Finance hub was launched in Tunbridge Wells three and a half years ago and I experienced amazing support from the community. We are very excited for The Finance Hub to be moving on to the next stage and delighted that we still have the support of the Tunbridge Wells community at our beautiful events space.” www.thefinancehub.money

MONEY MATTERS: The new collaboration sees many themed events including property

JOINT EFFORT: Gillian and colleagues at a recent Mergers & Acquisitions event

Caring for the carers: Practical steps for small business employers

In her column for this month, Gemma Farina, founder of the award-winning independent human resources agency GFHR Consulting, reflects on the recent Carers Week and how businesses can best support those in the workplace who are who are juggling caring responsibilities with paid employment

CCarers Week, which ran from June 9 to 15 June, is a national campaign to raise awareness of the challenges faced by unpaid carers. It’s also a timely reminder for small business employers to consider how they can better support carers in the workplace.

With an ageing population and rising care needs, many staff now juggle work with caring for a loved one - be it an elderly parent, a disabled partner, or a dependent child. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, around one in seven employees in the UK is juggling work with unpaid caring responsibilities. That

“

We support small businesses to create carer-friendly policies that are practical, legally compliant, and tailored to your workplace

means in even the smallest teams, there’s a strong chance someone is quietly supporting a loved one with long-term health needs, disabilities, or age-related conditions - often without asking for help or even letting their employer know.

The Carer’s Leave Act, which came into effect in April 2024, gives employees a statutory right to take up to five days of unpaid leave each year to care for a dependant with long term care needs. This entitlement is available from day one of employment and can be taken in half or full days, flexibly across the year. While the leave is unpaid, it offers valuable protection and recognition for those balancing work and care.

But legislation alone isn’t enough.

Many carers still struggle with fatigue, stress, and the fear of being seen as less committed at work. That’s where employers can make a real difference— by creating a carer-aware culture that supports staff and helps them thrive in both their roles.

You don’t need a big HR department or huge budget to make a difference. Here are a few simple but meaningful ways to show that you care about any carers in your workplace:

• Raise awareness: Acknowledging Carers Week or similar initiatives.

• Review your policies: Ensure your team knows about Carer’s Leave and any other family-friendly entitlements you offer, such as flexible working, parental leave, and compassionate leave

• Offer flexibility: Where possible, allow carers to adjust their hours or work remotely. A little flexibility can prevent burnout and reduce absenteeism

• Create a supportive environment: Encourage managers to have open, compassionate conversations and be trained to respond to carers’ needs and signpost support

• Recognise and appreciate carers: A small acknowledgement - whether in person, by email, or during a team meeting - can mean the world

We support small businesses to create carer-friendly policies that are practical, legally compliant, and tailored to your workplace. Whether it’s reviewing your handbook, training line managers, or advising on flexible arrangements, a bit of expert support can make it easier to look after your team -and your business. A few small changes can lead to greater employee loyalty, improved morale, and lower turnover - benefits that are especially valuable in today’s tight labour market.

Why not review your policies and raise awareness in your team? Even small adjustments can make a big difference to your staff’s wellbeing - and your business’s success.

Need help navigating Carer’s Leave and family-friendly policies? Get in touch: info@gfhr.co.uk

Visit www.gfhr.co.uk for more info or email info@gfhr.co.uk

Supporting a new safety initiative for Tunbridge Wells

In his column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine this month, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID, explains why we should all get behind the Safe Havens initiative…

Town safety and crime prevention play a critical role in ensuring we all feel safe to live, work and travel around our town. In addition to the support we already offer to the Town CCTV network, and the Safe Town Partnership, we were recently honoured and delighted to lend our support to a new initiative for Tunbridge Wells.

Under the banner ‘Together As Allies’, the launch event for Safe Havens took place on May 9 at Trinity Theatre. We believe the combination of these schemes helps enhance our town and the local environment, making people feel safer and in turn more likely to come into the town.

“The Safe Haven launch was attended by a broad group of business owners and managers, with great representation from hospitality venues, retailers, public spaces and businesses

The concept behind Safe Havens is the provision of a number of safe spaces residents and visitors can go to if they feel vulnerable or compromised. This could be anything from walking home at night to witnessing aggressive behaviour at a shop to being bullied. The spaces tend to be public facing venues, offering temporary refuge and onward support for anyone feeling unsafe, unwell or vulnerable. The spaces could include libraries, petrol stations, shops, bars, restaurants, community groups, places of worship. There are a number of great initiatives that work alongside the Safe Haven model, including Ask for Angela, Active Bystander and Safe Spaces, and so it is not about us trying to reinvent the wheel. We simply want to ensure that we can join the dots across all these great initiatives

and make sure people know all the support platforms in place to help keep them safe.

The Safe Haven launch was attended by a broad group of business owners and managers, with great representation from hospitality venues, retailers, public spaces and businesses.

The audience heard from an impressive panel of speakers who have all lent their support and been part of committee working with Laura to make this happen. I was honoured to sit on the panel with:

• Mike Martin MP

• Emma Banks, Detective Chief Superintendent Head of Public Protection Command and VAWG lead

• Ian Torpey, Operations Director at Greene King

• Amelia Brooker, Child-Centred Policing Team - Tunbridge Wells District

• Jill Ruddock, Club president of Soroptimists Tunbridge Wells

• Blu Vasquez, Women’s Voices, (lived experience)

The initiative is the brainchild of Laura Toop, who is also a Change Management Strategist and Chair of the Independent Advisory Group to Kent Police: Tunbridge Wells Division.

Laura commented: “Safe Havens isn’t just about offering refuge, it’s about sending a signal. That in this town, you’re not alone. You matter. And your safety matters. In a world that often feels noisy and overwhelming, presence is prevention. It may be rarely used, but it will be widely felt. Because when we show up for each other - with courage, care, and connection - we don’t just make our community safer, we make it stronger.”

To sign up to be a safe haven, or to find out more about the initiative, please visit www.togetherasallies.org/our-projects

LAURA TOOP

“This experience has been life changing”

Lesley Brasier-Bingham has gone from not being able to walk properly due to multiple spinal fractures, to striding up hills and skiing down mountains thanks to the incredible results she has received from using OsteoStrong’s pioneering biohacking equipment. Here, in her own words, she tells us more about her transformation...

“In August last year I discovered that I had six fractured vertebrae due to a long period of undiagnosed osteoporosis. I received the news over the phone in such a brusque manner, it was so cavalier with no empathy.

In 2010 I had a nuclear bone scan which showed evidence of early Osteoporosis. I spent 10 days in hospital allowing the mysterious hip and neck of the femur fractures to heal. I’d had the scan because I was struggling with my left hip – I had a Birmingham hip resurface in March 2002. It is the same hip that Andy Murray had a few years ago.

I retired in 2022 after 44 years as a PE teacher and was preparing to go to Australia for six weeks. I was taking down the gazebo in my garden and felt terrific pain in between my shoulder blades but

LIFE ENHANCING: Lesley with OsteoStrong's Victoria Ashford-Smit

thought I had simply pulled muscles. By the time I returned from Australia I went to the GP and was given some medication and thought ‘oh it will get better’. Which it did to a certain extent.

The following year I was getting ready to return to Australia but on the morning I was leaving, I picked up my suitcase and my back went ‘pop’ – and that’s when T9 and T12 vertebrae went.

I still went to Australia but I had to brace myself with my arm behind my back in order to walk. I started swimming but soon realised that my core had completely collapsed.

On coming home I saw a fantastic osteopath and chiropractor but when he took my blood pressure he noticed it was raised so he advised me to speak to my GP. They in turn diagnosed me with a

hereditary cholesterol problem.

While I was there I said ‘I am not leaving this room until I speak to you about my back. I have been suffering for nearly two years and I have to find out what is going on’.

So the GP booked me in for an MRI scan. I had that in June last year and then in August I was told I had osteoporosis.

Between all of this I was still swimming, going to the gym, and having to brace myself when walking. But in September last year I came across an advert on Facebook for OestoStrong: a unique system for developing skeletal strength based in Tunbridge Wells.

I booked in for a taster session with Ryan Ashford-Smit, who runs the franchise, which first started in America, with his wife Victoria. Their centre is based on the High Street and is the only of its kind in the UK.

We chatted and I explained everything to them. It was so good to feel people were actually listening to me. They carried out some baseline tests, monitoring my balance, grip and overall strength and I loved it so much I immediately booked in for six months.

In my eyes I had nothing to lose as I was in the worst shape I’d ever been.

OsteoStrong is all about improving bone strength and bone density, as well as muscular strength. You’re not pushing weights; it’s forces. You’re working hard each session but you’re not going to

Cubit Consulting are a wellestablished firm of Chartered Building Surveyors located in the heart of Shoreditch, London EC2A.

Cubit Consulting provides professional services and expert advice to commercial and domestic clients across the UK. Known for its strong market presence, the firm of Chartered Surveyors specialises in Building Surveying (MRICS) and offers a comprehensive range of services. Cubit Consulting prides itself on understanding client requirements and delivering a high quality service, supported by ongoing training and professional development to enhance the quality of its personnel.

SERVICES INCLUDE:

OsteoStrong

is all about improving bone strength and bone density, as well as muscular strength – my results have been incredible

overdo it because the machines they have won’t let you.

I visit every Friday morning – you can only do sessions once a week as your body needs six days to see the benefits. Because it is all about increasing bone strength and density as well as muscular

strength, they have to work together. One system cannot be stronger than the other. I have seen such a transformation, not only in my physical health but my mental wellbeing too. It is utterly life changing and has lifted my spirits so much.

When I did eventually get to see a bone specialist she said to me ‘Oh I thought you were going to have a walking frame,’ –that’s because my DEXA scan results had been so poor.

But I explained what I had been doing at OsteoStrong, and that I had always been physically active due to my job, and she said ‘you are making exceptional progress. I wish I could clone you!’

I may have osteoporosis but I am not going to let it define me. You don’t get anywhere in life without a positive attitude - and finding OsteoStrong has increased it. I am indebted to them. Everyone there is so friendly and welcoming: it has given me a real sense of community.

I really look forward to the sessions and intentionally park my car up Mount Pleasant so I can walk up the hill - which I couldn’t have done a few months ago. I see it as a measure of my continuing success. Last September I was totally shattered but now I feel totally reenergised.”

For more information visit osteostrongsouth.co.uk/tunbridge-wells or follow @osteostrongtunbridgewells

Building Surveying

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

How to get your business visible online

This month’s Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group member Emily Barrington, who is the founder of Barrington SEO, reveals some key factors of understanding SEO so your company is easily searchable – and found – on the internet...

When Solar Tuition launched three years ago, they had everything sorted: expert tutors, a professional website, and years of experience. Everything - except customers. Their diary stayed empty whilst weaker competitors were booked solid. This story plays out daily across thousands of businesses. You've got the skills and service, but you're invisible when customers search. With 75% of people never scrolling past Google's first page, that invisibility is costly – but that's where SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) comes in.

In this article, we’ll run through some of the SEO fundamentals and how you can start optimising your website today…

Getting your keywords right

Most businesses get this wrong from the start. They target ‘restaurant’ when they should target ‘Italian restaurant Tunbridge Wells’. The problem with this is that generic keywords attract generic traffic. Someone searching for ‘marketing’ could be conducting research; however, someone searching for ‘B2B marketing consultant’ is more likely to be your ideal client. Here's a simple test: search your keywords in an incognito browser. Are similar businesses and competitors ranking? If yes, you're on the right track. If not, consider getting more specific and seeing the impact that has on the results.

Optimising your site content for users and search engines

Once you know how customers search, your website needs to make it crystal clear what you do and where you do it. Try not to cram everything onto your homepage; instead, create dedicated pages for each main service. If you're an accountant, have separate pages for business accounts, personal tax returns, and bookkeeping services.

Look at what's already ranking well for your keywords. If the top results include customer testimonials, pricing guides, or detailed FAQs, your page should also include these elements. Then ask yourself: what else would genuinely help my customers? Then add this, because your goal should be to create a website that ranks, but also one that offers a great user experience.

Leveraging partnerships to build backlinks

Google treats links from other websites like votes of confidence. The more quality votes you have, the higher you rank. While backlinks can be challenging to obtain, look for natural opportunities, such as local business associations, charity sponsorships, and industry partnerships. This will allow you to build genuine relationships whilst also improving your SEO. It may seem tempting to buy cheap links in bulk online, but these can do more harm than good, so please try to avoid them.

Optimising your local business with Local SEO

If you’re a business that serves the local area, local SEO could be a massive opportunity for you. Start with your Google Business Profile, completing the information, ensuring the categories are relevant and keeping it up to date. Then, think about how you could encourage customers to leave reviews to strengthen trust signals.

It’s important to ensure that your business name, address, and phone number appear consistently across all directories, including Yellow Pages, Yelp, and industry listings. If there is any inconsistency, this can confuse Google and may result in lower rankings.

The fundamentals of SEO are straightforward: understand how your customers search, create content that answers their questions, and make it obvious what you do and where you're based. Provided you follow this framework, you’ll be well on your way to ranking well in the search results.

barringtonseo.co.uk

www.rtwmg.com

A holistic approach to women’s health

The TN card is the loyalty scheme that rewards our community for supporting local at 1000 independents in Tunbridge Wells and the TN postcodes. Founder Jess Gibson talks to Jenny Gilespie at The Mummy Hub on Camden Road, where members receive 10% off Mummy MOT Assessments and Women’s Health Assessments

Jenny what led you to launch The Mummy Hub, a women’s wellness space, in the heart of Tunbridge Wells?

The idea was to have a truly multidisciplinary wellness space. I have run my own pelvic health physiotherapy business, The Mummy Hub, locally for six years and in that time collaborated with and referred my clients to a variety of excellent health and fitness professionals. However, I always wanted to offer all of this in one place. So, when 40a Camden Road became available it offered the perfect opportunity for this.

Health is multifaceted: we can no longer look at just one aspect of health and hope to solve it and at The Mummy Hub we can help women of all ages “

You’ve worked in physiotherapy for over 25 years. How have your experiences shaped the vision behind The Mummy Hub?

Through my work in both the NHS and private practice I have seen firsthand the value in a holistic approach to health care and working closely with other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for the client. As a physiotherapist I place high importance on excellent quality movement for my clients and that is why having an exercise space with experienced instructors was so important to me. The body is so much more than just bones, muscles and joints. It is essential for women to consider other factors such as stress management, hormone balance and nutrition to help the body heal.

Despite the name, The Mummy Hub isn’t just for mums. How do you support women at different stages of life?

I have always treated women of all ages: women living through perimenopause,

menopause and beyond are just as in need of holistic wellness solutions. Personally, as a physiotherapist I support women with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction including incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, digestive function issues, painful sex and pelvic pain. Many of these occur or worsen during the perimenopause and menopause.

Your team includes midwives, physios, nutritionists and more. Why is a joined-up, multidisciplinary approach important?

Health is multifaceted. Your stress levels can affect how your muscles work; your gut heath has an effect on pretty much every function of the body. We can no longer look at just one aspect of health and hope to solve it. A multidisciplinary approach has been shown to be much more successful. Our health needs are often not given the priority they deserve. I hope that by having all the solutions in one place it will remove many of the barriers that women face by making it simple to book an appointment or class and be confident in the quality of the

by:

service you are booking. Also having all of this in one, warm, inviting, familiar space where you can also grab a coffee will help women who maybe feel vulnerable experience this as a safe space to access health care.

Thank you for being a valued partner of the TN card. What made you want to join?

I love the concept of The TN card. It truly does benefit both members and businesses and encourages people to support the local businesses of Tunbridge Wells. The events are a great opportunity to network as a small business owner too. Members enjoy 10% discount on Mummy MOT Assessments and Women’s Health Assessment, and through June members receive a complimentary session in the infra-red sauna with any class or appointment, to celebrate our opening. themummyhub.com

Jess Gibson

Images

Russell Harper Photography

How we’re enhancing the future of Royal Victoria Place...

Justine Rutland is Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and chairs the Investment Advisory Panel, a working group set up to oversee the management of Royal Victoria Place, which the Council purchased in October 2023. Here she reveals the findings of TWBC’s latest engagement exercise with local businesses, residents and visitors which will help shape the future of the shopping centre

On May 2, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) launched an engagement exercise to find out what residents, local businesses and visitors think about Royal Victoria Place (RVP) and how they might like to see it evolve. The results will inform our decision-making regarding how best to revitalise this key asset, and to help create the fun and vibrant town we all want Royal Tunbridge Wells to be.

We were keen to hear the views of local business people and the TWBC engagement team held workshops with key tenants, neighbouring businesses and the BID. More and bigger shops is a key objective of the business plan

People’s views streamed in, with over 2,500 responses to the survey – thank you to everyone who took five minutes to share their views. While waiting for the results, I kept an eye on social media to see how the survey was being received and what suggestions were being made there. Everything from supermarkets, mini shops and fountains to ice cream parlours, cinemas and laser tag were suggested. There was a lot of love for the food court, and the odd suggestion that is

actually illegal - though likely not serious!

We were keen to hear the views of local business people and the engagement team held workshops with key tenants, neighbouring businesses and the BID (Business Improvement District). In addition, there were events for residents across the borough, from Paddock Wood community centre to Hawkhurst Waitrose, including one session with year six pupils at a local primary school. Around half the survey respondents live in the town and over 10% came from outside the borough, and a good mix of age groups were represented.

Reassuringly, some of the things that were mentioned are already underway, including an extensive refurbishment of RVP’s car park (it is due to reopen July 14). When complete, drivers will benefit from wider parking bays, new lighting, improved signage and easier payment methods through new ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras. There will also be redecoration, resurfacing and structural repairs. In addition, we are looking to install solar PV panels to provide electricity for the centre.

Similarly, TWBC has sought to reduce the

costs of RVP tenants. Service charges have been cut by 13.2% and affordable leases for independent businesses are available at Ely Court. Footfall was 9% up in 2024 and continues to rise, so businesses benefit from more people coming through the doors. This is partly down to the brilliant range of events being put on by the RVP centre team, and the improving and growing tenant mix, including most recently opened sweet shop Mr Simms and skincare clinic The Face Workshop.

‘More’ and ‘bigger’ shops is a key objective of the business plan. Even though Primark isn’t yet open, its arrival this winter is encouraging potential new tenants to seek out units, while several existing tenants are looking to upsize. What happens next? The development management team, RivingtonHark, will bring together the engagement results, financial analysis and economic impact assessment to create a feasibility study setting out viable options. TWBC’s crossparty Investment Advisory Panel will then make recommendations that will be scrutinised by councillors before going to a vote at Full Council on July 16. We look forward to sharing these very soon.

Celebrating 26 Years of Local Expertise:

Recruitment Solutions (South East) Ltd - The Trusted Recruitment Partner for Tunbridge Wells Businesses

Since opening its doors in 1999, Recruitment Solutions (South East) Ltd has played a vital role in the professional landscape of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. With a clear focus on quality, trust, and personal service, the firm has spent the last 26 years supporting businesses of all sizes in finding the right talent — and helping local jobseekers secure meaningful employment.

As one of the region’s most established and respected independent recruitment consultancies, Recruitment Solutions continues to offer a service shaped by local knowledge, deep sector expertise, and long-standing relationships within the business community.

Supporting Growth Through Specialist Services

Recruitment Solutions offers a comprehensive range of recruitment services, tailored to meet the needs of the local market:

• Commercial Permanent Recruitment: The team sources high-quality candidates across administration, customer service, marketing, HR, office management, and sales. Each client benefits from a bespoke service built around their business goals and company culture.

• Temporary Recruitment: Whether covering staff absence, supporting peak workloads, or trialling new roles, the agency supplies experienced temporary staff who are fully vetted, available at short notice, and ready to add immediate value.

• Accounts & Finance Recruitment: With a strong track record in this specialist field, Recruitment Solutions supplies finance professionals at all levels — from ledger clerks to qualified accountants — to both practice and industry clients.

• Legal Support Recruitment: Working discreetly with local law firms, the agency also delivers firstrate candidates for legal secretarial, administration, and paralegal roles, offering a reliable service in a sector where trust and confidentiality are essential.

A Human Approach to Recruitment

At the heart of the business is a commitment to personal, relationshipdriven recruitment. Every candidate is personally interviewed and assessed before being introduced to clients — a step that ensures strong alignment on both skills and values. The result? Placements that last, and teams that thrive.

This ethos has helped Recruitment Solutions earn the trust of local employers across industries — many of whom return time and again for a consistent, professional service delivered with care.

Proud to Make a Difference

Over the past 26 years, Recruitment Solutions has helped thousands of people into work — many of whom have used temporary opportunities as a springboard into long-term employment. The team takes pride in contributing to the wider community, supporting local businesses and helping individuals build confidence, identity, and purpose through meaningful work.

Looking to the Future

With its strong roots in Tunbridge Wells and an unwavering focus on quality, Recruitment Solutions is well-placed to support the evolving needs of the local business community. Whether you’re hiring, job seeking, or simply want trusted recruitment advice, their experienced team is ready to help.

To learn more, visit www.recsol.co.uk or contact the team today on 01892 540054 — and discover the difference 26 years of local expertise can make.

“Let

us help you keep your business moving”

Melissa Staveley explains how businesses can benefit courtesy of TN Recruits Temps’ expertise if they want to source the right temporary employee for a limited amount of time...

The summer is coming and with it the challenge of keeping your business running while key staff take well-earned breaks. Whether you're facing seasonal demand spikes, covering annual leave, or launching new projects, securing the right temporary talent is crucial. And that’s where TN Recruits Temps steps in…

Your Trusted Temporary Recruitment Partner

Led by expert recruiter Melissa Staveley, TN Recruits Temps specialises in providing flexible, high-quality staffing solutions to businesses across Kent and Sussex. With over eight years of recruitment experience, Melissa has been at the helm of the Temp Division since 2020, building it into a go-to resource for companies needing fast, reliable temp cover.

“I take pride in matching the right professionals with the right roles, whether it’s for a week, a month, or longer,” says Melissa. “If you're hiring temporary staff or looking for your next role, I’d love to help.”

Why Hire Temporary Staff This Summer?

Temporary recruitment isn’t just about

From administration and customer service to marketing and logistics, TN Recruits Temps delivers talent where and when it’s needed “

plugging short-term gaps. It’s a strategic move that helps businesses stay agile, productive, and ahead of the curve. From administration and customer service to marketing and logistics, TN Recruits Temps delivers talent where and when it’s needed—without the commitment of a permanent hire.

The demand for temporary staffing is

rising: According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), 41% of UK businesses plan to increase their use of temp staff in 2025. This trend is especially visible in the South East as local employers turn to short-term hires to manage workload fluctuations and team absences.

Let’s Talk Temps

Don’t let summer staffing shortages slow you down. Whether you’re looking for temporary admin staff, project support, or seasonal cover, TN Recruits Temps is here to help.

Email Melissa at:

melissa@tnrecruits.com

Call 01892 571105

What Candidates Say About Melissa

Melissa’s personalised approach has earned glowing feedback:

 “Melissa was always extremely friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend!”

 “Melissa persistently rooted for me and put me forward for work, giving me confidence every step of the way.”

Create Balance are a modern and thriving accountancy and tax practice based in Tunbridge Wells but serve clients all over the UK. We provide: X Statutory accounts X

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

“Yes Tunbridge Wells, you CAN make a difference to stop climate change”

For this month’s Community Heroes feature, Sarah Raine spent time talking with Julie Adams, Founder of the TW CAN Fair. Read on to discover more about this new eco organisation

For those who don’t know, can you explain a bit about what Tunbridge Wells CAN is?

TW CAN is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC), set up in January 2025 to deliver the first Tunbridge Wells Climate and Nature Fair on Saturday September 13 in Calverley Grounds. CAN stands for climate and nature, but we also love the call to action – Tunbridge Wells CAN!

Can you tell us about who is behind the initiative apart from yourself?

The CIC has ten Directors, all local residents with different backgrounds, giving their time for free to make a difference. We are also fortunate to have the support of experienced event manager, Faydra Mitchell, who is helping us tackle the trickier challenges that putting on an event of this scale can present.

What made you decide to set up the first CAN event this September?

In 2018 I read the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report predicting a global warming rise of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels by 2030 - only 12 years away! - and potentially catastrophic consequences if we didn’t take action. It was a wakeup call for me. I went from thinking of climate change as a future issue to realising the crisis was here and now. Like many others, I felt compelled to do something. I stopped eating meat, I committed to only flying when I really needed to, I sat in the road on the very first Extinction Rebellion protest in London, but nothing felt like enough. In May 2024, I attended the Sevenoaks Climate Fair, and thought why don’t we do something like this in Tunbridge Wells? I wanted to make it even bigger and more ambitious, so a team of us got together with that aim.

Why is it so important to have this platform to help widen awareness in our community?

It’s hard to make a significant difference individually, but as a community we can be stronger together. The multiplier effect of an event like this will hopefully get more people engaged, who can in turn spread the word. We lead increasingly busy lives, and many of us have our own issues to deal with, particularly with the Cost of Living crisis. Lots of people can’t find the capacity to make it a priority, even though they want to. Research in 2024 showed that 80%* of

“I

went from thinking of climate change as a future issue to realising the crisis was here and now. Like many others, I felt compelled to do something

the population are concerned about climate change, but turning that concern into action can be hard. In addition, some people feel so overwhelmed by the future forecast for our planet that they shutdown, block it out.

Can you tell us more about the benefits of attending the first CAN event on September 13?

The Fair is a way to address everyone. It’s just one day of people’s time, free to attend, and aims to be an enjoyable family event. You can dip into various talks and activities, and chat to environmental organisations. It will provide hope and a sense of community to support anyone feeling alone or overwhelmed by the climate and nature crisis. We want people to leave feeling inspired, informed and wanting to make changes, no matter how small.

What will the event consist of?

Taking place in the beautiful setting of Calverley Grounds from 10am-5pm, it is a day designed for the whole family.

We’ll have an inspiring, educational and fun Speaker Programme. The full line up is yet to be confirmed but we are delighted to announce that much loved BBC Comedian, Actor and Writer, Robin Ince, (well known

as Co-Presenter of the Infinite Monkey Cage with Physicist, Professor Brian Cox), will be part of the line up. We have a great environmentally themed entertainment programme, including live music, poetry, samba drumming and a youth generated eco-fashion show. There will also be interactive activities, competitions, eco crafts and face painting, as well as stalls with environmental products and services, charities, and delicious food and drink.

What do you still need to make the CAN Fair a success?

As you can appreciate, it takes a huge amount of money to put on an event like this. We couldn’t have put this Fair together without the support of TWBC and RTWT BID who have been incredibly generous with grants, marketing support and the loaning of equipment. We were also blown away to receive a generous donation from Journalist and Broadcaster, Louis Theroux. However, we still need more financial support, to cover our costs we are looking for another £10,000.

If anyone reading this works for, or owns, a company with green credentials who may be interested in becoming a sponsor, there are different levels of sponsorship available for all budgets. You can scan the QR code on this page to read more. We also welcome stallholder applications and donations to our crowdfunding page via our website.

Visit www.twcan.org.uk to find out what’s happening at the Fair. You can also follow us on Instagram @ tunbridgewellscan or on Facebook facebook.com/tunbridgewellscan

We are really looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!

*Source: Department for Energy, Security & Net Zero 2024

TEAM WORK: Julie Adams (in blue top) pictured with fellow TW CAN supporters ahead of their event on September 13

Success: It’s not magic - it’s mindset

e say we want success. We say we want to be rich, famous, fit, fulfilled. We look up to legends - Oprah, Beyoncé, Tony Robbins - and wonder what they’ve got that we don’t. But here’s the truth: the difference isn’t just talent or opportunity. It’s mindset. It’s belief. And it’s how far you’re willing to go.

But here’s the catch: not being bothered isn’t always conscious.

None of us sit around thinking, “I can’t be bothered to chase my dreams today.” Instead, we hesitate. We overthink. We stall. And it’s usually fear dressed up as procrastination. Fear of failure. Fear of looking foolish. Fear of what people might think. So we stay comfortable, safe - and stuck.

We quietly abandon our dreams - not with a dramatic decision, but by slowly disconnecting from the fire inside us. We convince ourselves they’re unrealistic, that we’re not ready, or that they weren’t meant for us after all. But confidence doesn’t come first - action does. Confidence is built by doing, not by waiting.

And here’s the truth that might just free you: fewer people are judging you than

you think. Most people are too wrapped up in their own insecurities to be watching yours. And those who do judge? They’re not your people.

The real question is: how badly do you want it?

If you’ve got a dream in your head and a fire in your belly, it isn’t going anywhere. You can suppress it, ignore it, reason it away - but it’ll still be there. Waiting. Pulling at you.

Some people chase dreams with everything they’ve got. They set wildly ambitious goals. They act like the version of themselves who already has what they want. They embody that energy. That belief. That commitment. And others - just don’t.

Want to be slim, fit, and healthy? Think like that person. Eat like they eat. Move like they move. Prioritise like they do. Want to be a millionaire? Think like a millionaire. Set millionaire goals and work like a millionaire.

Success isn’t about luck or magic. It’s about being willing to do the inner work as well as the outer. Facing fear. Choosing courage over comfort. And knowing that if someone else can do it, so can you.

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to be committed.

So - are you? Can you be bothered? Because wishing is easy. Working is hard. But everything you want lives on the other side of deciding that yesyou are bothered. And you’re ready to prove it.

Essence At The Pantiles has the perfect terrace on the colonnades for alfresco dining. Enjoy our delicious new menus whilst listening to a packed program of live music and festival fun.

Email Bibi Roy at marketing@essencerestaurants.co.uk for further details about exclusive use

Fire up your appetite

If you want a true taste of superior Turkish and Mediterranean cooking right on your doorstep then head to Zorba Meze & Grill. You – and your tastebuds – will not be disappointed says Eileen Leahy

The aromatic scent of the mangal grill drifting out of Zorba’s kitchen chimney is enough to get your taste buds salivating but once you’re inside the restaurant, perusing its extensive menu and catching the odd glimpse of colourful and fragrant dishes being served to hungry diners you know you’re in for a real treat.

Ever since it opened its doors in 2017 as Zorba’s Meze Grill, serving Turkish and Mediterranean food, it has established itself as one of Tunbridge Wells’ most successful restaurants. Owned by Sedat Zorba, it has occupied its Upper Grosvenor Road premises since 2009 - it started out as a café.

“With such a variety of delicious dishes to savour and also great value and service, it’s no wonder that Zorba has become such a staple on our local hospitality scene. Be sure to book for its new traditional Turkish and Greek night too!

Photography by Lila Perkin

And whatever time of the day you visit – whether it’s a Monday evening or a Thursday lunchtime - it’s usually busy. People clearly love its selection of perfectly grilled meats, delicious platters of tempting Mediterranean mezze treats and welcoming atmosphere.

I’m dining there one early summer’s evening with my son and niece who have come along with hearty appetites.

The restaurant is stylishly decorated. It boasts a mix of smart mango wood tables, leather banquettes, exposed brick walls, statement lighting and an open kitchen where diners can witness Zorba’s coterie of chefs grilling up a storm on the aforementioned mangal grill.

So far then ten out of ten for ambience – and the service is pretty good to. We are swiftly shown to our seats, presented with menus and asked what we’d like to drink. And despite clearly being very bus,y the waiters are attentive and friendly.

The menu is epic in terms of its offerings. Diners can choose from an array of traditional cold and hot mezze starters – think stuffed vine leaves, taramasalata, garlic buttered king prawns and Turkish sausage – as well as kofte, ribs, shish done on the mangal grill and other tempting delights such as seafood mezze, grilled halloumi or sea bass salads, vegetarian moussaka and a meat-free tagine. There is also a very well-priced set menu available from Monday to Thursday lunchtimes. No one goes hungry here… To kick things off, the three of us decide on a trio of appetisers which include the Turkish spiced sausage but also golden

nuggets of deep fried calamari and a super generous portion of the freshest tzatziki I have tasted outside of Greece. Served on gorgeous glazed crockery of all different sizes, the debut of dishes presents as a colourful smorgasbord of authentic Mediterranean fare - and tastes like it too. We have to stop ourselves from devouring all the warm flat breads as they are so deliciously moreish.

For the main event my niece Lila opts for one of Zorba’s classic mangal dishes: grilled chicken pieces beautifully presented on a bed of yoghurt with tomato sauce and a drizzle of butter. She declares it a taste triumph but the generous size of it defeats her – luckily the staff offer take-out boxes.

Meanwhile my son Alex and I share a platter of chicken and lamb – both cooked on the mangal. The chunks of quality meat are smoky, melt-in-the-mouth tender and perfectly chargrilled and accompanied by garlic sauce, bowls of tasty bulgur rice and fresh salads.

After dining so well, both Lila and I are full to the brim but Alex can’t resist the tempting mango sorbet that’s on the dessert menu. Other choices include a decadent chocolate brownie, a crème brulee and a classic Baklava – an indulgent dessert made with sheets of flaky pastry, soaked in honey and layered with nuts. With such a variety of dishes to savour

here, for all types of tastebuds, and boasting great value and service, it’s no wonder that Zorba has become such a staple on our local hospitality scene.

And now the restaurant has introduced a Turkish and Greek night every last Friday of the month, offering traditional dishes, authentic music, belly dancers and even plate smashing, it’s bound to become even more popular. See you there?

To book a table, or for more information on the Turkish and Greek night, held on the final Friday of every month, (booking is advisable as there is limited availability) visit www.zorbamezegrill.com or follow on social media @zorba_mezegrill

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

Pop the cork for English Wine Week

English Wine Week runs from June 21 to 29. This event provides a great opportunity for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine’s Drinks Editor, James Viner, to celebrate the country’s exceptional wines and vibrant wine scene. So join him as he toasts Britain’s bottled brilliance...

This month, I’m highlighting seven top English wines – five sparkling, two still – that show just how far English wine has come. Kent alone is home to about 1,000 hectares of vineyards, around a quarter of the UK’s total. Today’s exciting English wines are elegant, food-friendly, low in alcohol, and full of cool-climate finesse, making them perfectly suited to modern tastes and ideal for summer.

Originally launched in 2006 by Master Sommelier Laura Rhys, now Global Brand Ambassador for Gusbourne, English Wine Week (EWW) begins on the summer solstice and provides an excellent opportunity to toast our homegrown heroes.

Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB, the national association for the English and Welsh wine industry, says: “England has rightfully earned its reputation as a producer of world-class wines. This year’s EWW is all about embracing our domestic wine industry and making the switch to drink English. There are so many ways to create new traditions with English wine –join us and take part!”

The English wine renaissance is no longer in its infancy—it’s in full bloom. Global warming has proven beneficial for English viticulture. With over 1,000 vineyards, there has never been a better time to celebrate what’s right on our

“England has rightfully earned its reputation as a producer of world-class wines”Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB

doorsteps; just ask the team at Corkk, TW’s buzzing independent English wine specialist

Need help deciding what to pour? Here are 7 top-tier picks to mark the moment… Fizz That Wows:

1. Sainsbury's Ellercombe English Sparkling Wine, Taste the Difference, W. Sussex & Kent. £22, Sainsbury’s, 12% English Fizz may reign supreme, but not all bubbles are created equal. This excellent supermarket bubbly – a blend of 55% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir and 3% Pinot Meunier from Kent and West Sussex – offers a persistent, creamy mousse and a snappy, bright acid line. Made using the meticulous traditional method (à la Champagne), whereby a second fermentation is painstakingly initiated inside each bottle, it was aged for over 4 years on its yeasty lees and delivers enticing green apple, bready notes and citrus zing. Hello fish and chips.

JAMES VINER

2. Balfour '1503' Classic Cuvée Brut NV, Kent. £20 (mix 6), Majestic, 12% Chardonnay, Pinots Noir and Meunier meld in this crisp, appetising, local bubbly, packed with toasty orchard fruit and citrusy flavours. Made by winemakers Owen and Fergus Elias at leading producer Balfour Winery on the picturesque Hush Heath estate, it’s ideal for picnics. Stretch, sip, and enjoy yoga on the estate on July 13 (£50, includes yoga class and wine tasting).

3. Chapel Down English Sparkling Rosé NV, Kent. £25, Tesco, with Clubcard (until 14.07), 12%

This gorgeous sparkling local rosé – a canny blend of Chardonnay, Pinots Noir, Meunier, Blanc and Précoce – overflows with red berries and citrus charm. Pairs wonderfully with an English cheeseboard, fruit puddings, or canapés. Finishes long and fine. Summer in a glass.

4. Nyetimber Sparkling Rosé NV, West Sussex. £34 offer at Waitrose until 1 July, 12%

Made by two talented Canadian winemakers at trailblazing, award-winning Nyetimber Estate, this brilliant pink bubbly dazzles with its impeccable balance, fine-tuned energy and finesse. Red fruits, delicate spice and notes of brioche make it the ideal pour for salmon, guinea fowl,

or served solo as a posh aperitif and special treat. The bend is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a soupçon of Pinot Meunier. Delectable drinking.

5. 2017 Wyfold Vineyard Brut, Oxfordshire. £38 /£30.40 subscription, Laithwaites, 12%

This racy, satisfying and multi-layered traditional-method sparkling wine from a tiny vineyard in Oxfordshire’s Chilterns melds the just-creamy aspect of Chardonnay with notes of patisserie, summer fruits, citrus and peach. An outstanding release aged on lees for five years. Superb.

Two Still Standouts:

6. 2023 Simpsons’ Wine Estate Rabbit Hole Pinot Noir, Kent. £25, The Wine Society / £32, simpsonswine. com, 13%

From Barham in Kent, this classy, wellcrafted, medium-bodied Pinot Noir was matured for six months in old (80%) and new (20%) French (75%) and American oak barrels. Gently spicy, savoury and replete with forest floor and red fruit flavours, it matches mushroom linguine/risotto, salmon and picnic fare. Delicious! Serve slightly chilled.

7. 2022 Danbury Ridge Wine Estate Chardonnay, Essex. £37.99-£40, Grape

Enjoy

Britannia / Berry Bros & Rudd, 13.5%

Seeking an English Chardonnay with flavour, texture and site-driven X-factor? Look no more. This textbook, gastronomic Chardonnay from the country’s top still wine producer in Essex’s warm, dry Crouch Valley, exudes both substance and style and was aged for twelve months on its lees in 228L Burgundian oak barrels. Whilst not cheap,

ZORBA VIP CLUB

HOW

• One stamp per visit (dine-in or takeaway over £20)

• Present card before

•

Follow James on Instagram @quixoticwines 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 7 of the best

it’s exceedingly good, with a long and effusive finish. Seamless in delivery and marvellous for scallops or creamy seafood. Find a vineyard near you:  winegb.co.uk/our-producers

Explore English Wine Week events at:  winegb.co.uk/events/english-wineweek-2025

GREEK NIGHT

Take a walk on the vine side…

Jo Ginn from the Wine Garden of England shares two more of her favourite local vineyards, Biddenden and Westwell, which are also part of this nine-strong collective that promotes local Kent wineries...

We are entering the perfect vineyard season, and the lush Kent vines are growing at a pace, getting ready for flowering at the end of this month. It seems we are having a good summer, so we can dare to hope for successful pollination, leading to a good crop of fruit. Last year we had a cold summer, and the harvest suffered. Hopefully we are due a decent yield this year.

And that can only be a good thing for the Wine Garden of England - a group of nine Kent vineyards that collectively produce about 85% of the county’s wine. We work together to promote tourism, bringing more and more people to our vineyards to try the award winning wine and relax in beautiful surroundings.

The two vineyards I want to focus on this month are the oldest and one of the youngest, but they have a lot in common. Biddenden Vineyard was planted in 1969, and Westwell is less than ten years old.

Biddenden Vineyard is in the village of the same name, served by Headcorn station just 10 minutes away. The Barnes family have farmed this land for three generations, and back in the 60s it was a thriving orchard. Joyce Barnes heard on Women’s Hour that it was more profitable to grow vines than apples, and so she decided to give it a go. In those days, the German varieties with interesting names such as Scheurebe and Reichensteiner were the only grapes that ripened in our northerly climate, so they planted a vast array of them.

The third generation winemaker, Tom Barnes still loves these varieties, and makes extremely drinkable wines from them. I urge you to visit the vineyard;

“

This month I’m focusing on Biddenden Vineyard and Westwell. The former was established in 1969 and the latter is less than ten years oldbut they have a lot in common

you can wander through the vines with a guidebook to tell you everything you need to know, and then enjoy a tasting paired with some delicious local cheeses in their charming courtyard. You won’t forget you’re in a working winery - there’s always something happening around you and it’s easy to while away the hours taking it all in. Towards Ashford, in a little place called Charing, is Westwell. Perched on the Pilgrims Way with sweeping views of the North Downs, you could imagine you are in France. But the wines are very English. Adrian and Galia Pike have brought their

creative music backgrounds to the winery, with a hands-on approach to growing vines, and hands-off in the winery. This means that the fruit is clean and ripe, and the resultant wine is experimental and sometimes rule breaking. Their signature wine is the wonderful sparkling white ‘Pelegrim’, using the old English term for Pilgrim. It is dry, but bursting with generous red fruits, and shows many similar characteristics to Champagne. Like Biddenden one of their favourite grapes is Ortega, one of German descent. It produces a dry white wine but at Westwell the chalky soil gives it a linear, crisp taste and at Biddenden, the clay soils are high in nutrition and produce a rounder, fruitier wine.

If you would like to try these wines and find out more about where they come from, why not pay some of these vineyards a visit? It is the perfect way to spend a sunny day.

Discover more here: biddendenvineyards.com westwellwines.com

Jo Ginn

In the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Laurence Bowes fell for the bold flavours and warm hospitality of the great American barbecue. Bringing that inspiration home to the Spotted Dog, he curated a menu of slow-smoked meats, seasonal specials and Southern-style dishes. American food: made with local ingredients, served with English hospitality.

Become part of the Spotted Dog’s next chapter. Taken over in 2025 by Bowes Hospitality, rennovations have restored this pub’s historic charm to leave a new energy running through every corner.

Try local ales like Larkins Traditional, Harveys Best or even their own White Wolf lager amongst a drinks menu of craft beers, a thoughtful wine list, and great low-alcohol options.

Whether you’re there for a long lunch, a post-walk pint with your dog, or one of their upcoming events: the Spotted Dog is a warm and welcoming place to gather.

To hear what’s coming next, follow us on social media or sign up to our newsletter.

YOUR FREE BOTTLE OF WINE

All Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine customers can get a bottle of wine with dinner by quoting this advert when booking.

Why it’s time to take a professional approach…

Too many new rules in the rental market? Then now is the time for every landlord to hand over the reins to a professional property management service says Becky Moran of TN Lettings

If you're a landlord, you’ve probably felt it: the pressure, the endless stream of updates, new rules, and constant admin that never seems to stop. What used to be a relatively straightforward buy-to-let setup has become something else entirely. And the pace of all this change is only getting faster.

That’s why it’s time to stop trying to do it all yourself. A professional property management service doesn’t just make life easier, it protects your investment and keeps you compliant.

A

professional property management service doesn’t just make life easier, it protects your investment and keeps you compliant

A wave of new legislation has just landed, and missing even one of these changes could cause serious problems. Here’s a check list of the new rules so you don’t get caught out:

Quarterly income submissions

Landlords will now need to report income every three months under Making Tax Digital. This applies to most individual landlords earning over £50,000 from property.

Sanctions checks required

As of 14 May 2025, letting agents are legally required to carry out sanctions checks on all landlords, tenants, and guarantors before a tenancy agreement is finalised. This is to make sure no one involved is flagged under financial sanctions laws.

Renters Reform Bill

This is a big one. No more Section 21 notices, more protection for tenants, and big changes to how you manage your tenancies. If you’re not fully clued up, you could unknowingly breach the rules.

Pets in rental homes

You can’t just say no anymore. Tenants now have the legal right to request a pet, and you’ll need a very solid reason to refuse.

Tax changes

Mortgage relief reductions, capital gains updates, and less generous allowances are all tightening the grip. If you’re not planning ahead, your profits could take a hit.

These aren’t small tweaks to the rental market. They’re shifts that affect how you manage your property on a day-to-day basis.

Why a Letting Agent Makes Sense:

Trying to keep up with all this while also managing tenants, chasing rent, organising repairs, and staying on the right side of the law? That’s a full-time job in itself.

Here’s what a managing agent can take off your plate:

• Legal compliance – They stay up to date, so you don’t have to. You’ll avoid costly mistakes.

• Tenant management – From viewings and referencing to rent collection and disputes, it’s all handled.

• Ongoing maintenance – They’ll coordinate repairs, deal with contractors, and ensure your property stays in great condition.

• Reduced stress – With less on your plate, you’ll have more time, less hassle, and better peace of mind.

It’s about protecting what you’ve built and running your rental property like a business, efficiently and legally.

Time to Switch?

Already with a letting agent but not impressed? Or managing things solo and starting to feel the pressure? Switching is easier than you think. With TN Lettings, there’s no fee to transfer, and you’ll get two months free!

So don’t wait for something to go wrong: if you’ve been thinking about getting help, now’s the time. Not when you’ve got a fine. Not when you’re stuck in a dispute. Now.

It’s your property but let someone else handle the stress.

Please feel free to get in touch: Email: info@tnlettings.co.uk Call: 01892 249 070 Visit: www.tnlettings.co.uk

A NEW TURNKEY SERVICE

Planning a move? Let two seasoned experts take care of everything - from your first instruction to the final sale.

We offer bespoke styling and skilled negotiation, handling every detail from consultations and furniture streamlining to viewings, removals, staging, and professional marketing.

Did you know that staged homes sell 50% faster and 10% more*

*Source - Rightmove 2024

Lyn Parent

Sophie Claret

The power of being prepared

Deborah

Richards of Maddisons Residential offers her advice on how to ensure a swift and stress free sale once you have a buyer in place. Read on to discover the six all-important

In a property market that is currently experiencing a decade high level of available stock, when you find that all important buyer, nerves hang in the balance and fingers are crossed as it is hoped that exchange of contracts will be reached with minimal stress and bumps in the road as possible.

And, time and time again, it is shown that the longer a property transaction takes to reach exchange of contracts, the more chance there is for things to go wrong. One of the most common frustrations when buying or selling a home is the feeling of helplessness - that the process follows its own timeline, completely out of your control. Last month I spoke about the importance of making your property really appeal to buyers when they walk through the door. So once you find that all important buyer, what can you do to help the sale stay on track?

With the average residential sale or purchase now taking 16 to 20 weeks, there’s ample time for issues to arise - whether it’s survey complications, financing delays, or legal holdups. And then there’s life itself, which has a habit of throwing unexpected spanners into the works. If your sale ends up as part of a chain, each link adds another layer of potential disruption.

So making yourself ‘legally prepared’ is a recommendation that I give to all my

‘P words’ in a successful property purchase...

A little timely admin before your property hits the market can save as much as three to four weeks in reaching exchange of contracts “

sellers. A little timely admin before your property hits the market can save as much as three to four weeks in reaching exchange of contracts - weeks that are often the difference between a successful transaction and a failed one.

Being legally prepared means that as well as formally appointing a solicitor and completing their necessary paperwork, you also pull together a time-saving information pack, which could include:

• Key property documents: Land Registry title plan, floor plan, guarantees, and warranties.

• If leasehold, a copy of the lease, details of service charges, ground rent, and any planned maintenance.

• An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

• Local authority searches.

• Relevant permissions and approvals (e.g. planning or building regulations).

• Local area information - energy suppliers, schools, transport links, and healthcare providers.

Compiling this might take a few hours upfront, but it can save weeks down the line - and potentially save your sale, along with time, money, and stress. Remember, these key six ‘P’ prompts when selling a property: Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Property Performance.

www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

“

A personalised approach to property

Lyn Parent of Nest Associates and Sophie Claret of Stage My Property tell Eileen Leahy about their new and unique partnership which is changing the traditional landscape of how luxury homes are marketed and sold...

All I want to do is sell your home for you I’m a very proactive agent.”

That’s what property agent and all-round entrepreneur Lyn Parent of Nest Associates tells me when we meet to discuss the franchise business she runs selling high-end homes in the local area, across Surrey and even in her adopted home of New Zealand – but more on that later…

Lyn has brought along her collaborator Sophie Claret of Stage My Property to our interview as the duo are now working together, fusing their professional skills to ensure the upmarket homes Lyn has in her property portfolio sell fast – and for the desired amount.

“Boards don’t sell houses lifestyles do. People want to see houses at their best

“We have launched a new turnkey service handling every detail from consultations and viewings to staging, removals and marketing,” explains Lyn who has over thirty years of experience in the premium property market.

Estate agency runs in Lyn’s paternal family given that her brother runs the Parent Immobilière estate agency in Paris, where Lyn was born.

She came to the UK as a young girl with her English mother, after she divorced Lyn’s father. The pair lived in Reigate and Lyn went to school with Richard Branson and his two sisters near Guildford, Surrey, before travelling the world in her early twenties.

In 1990 Lyn started working in property, selling houses for the rich and sometimes famous, before she left to set up a new life in New Zealand with her

husband and family.

Then, in 2020, Lyn travelled home to visit her sick mother but due to the pandemic she couldn’t fly home due to the various travel restrictions imposed by lockdowns.

“So I ended up being here for two and a half years.”

During this time Lyn decided to renew her property licence qualification and worked for Fine and Country estate agents for a year, before joining Nest Associates. Their approach is far more innovative and agents like Lyn have full autonomy and accountability. Bespoke selling and marketing strategies are encouraged, as is the use of technology and social media.

It’s a model that works well for Lyn as she can now split her time between New Zealand and England, spending September to February in the former and the rest of her time here.

“Traditionally people buy houses during the spring and summer so I am in each country at the right time. It just works,” she smiles.

I ask her why she started collaborating with Sophie: “Well boards don’t sell houses, lifestyles do,” she responds.

“People want to see properties at their best which is why I asked Sophie to come on board and help me with making them look as desirable as possible.”

“The thinking behind it is people can then imagine themselves living there,” adds Sophie. “A blank space isn’t very inspiring so that’s where I come in; adding character by dressing a room. I also offer a streamlining service for those thinking about putting their house on the market.”

Sophie, who started her interior design company 15 years ago, adds that if clients who are selling get on board with her and Lyn’s aesthetic vision then a swift sale of

their home is pretty much guaranteed.

“Engaging our services is an investment but one that usually pays off -and often results in the property selling for more.”

Lyn tells me that her trademark selling technique is door knocking – something she learnt when she was working in London.

“If a property has been on the market for quite a while I will go and door knock and ask the owners why they think their house hasn’t sold. I usually end up getting the instruction to sell for them.”

The duo’s main shop window is social media – specifically YouTube and Instagram where Lyn posts expertly shot videos and well-written descriptions of each styled up property. It’s a clever way of engaging viewers and getting a true sense of what a home is like, rather than a static picture in an estate agent’s window or on their website.

“I like to think that what I do is very prescriptive to everyone I work with. I pride myself on my ability to understand and visualise my client’s needs, and that makes the difference.”

Lyn Parent

Website: www.nestassociates.co.uk

Socials: @nest.associates_lynparent

Sophie Claret

Website: www.stagemyproperty.co.uk

LYN PARENT SOPHIE CLARET

How school co-curricular experiences will boost business

The skills gained through school co-curricular activities don’t just benefit young people when they reach the workplace – but their employers too, says Benenden School Headmistress Rachel Bailey

Ihave always believed that an education must extend beyond the confines of the classroom. Academic rigour is essential, of course, but it is the richness of a young person’s broader experiences – particularly through cocurricular activities – that truly shapes their character and prepares them to thrive in life beyond school.

I would urge business owners, who are committed to nurturing talent and leadership in the workplace, never to underestimate the personal qualities that are developed through activities like sport, music, drama, community volunteering, outdoor education or enterprise initiatives, to name just a few.

The qualities a leader looks for in their employees – resilience, adaptability, teamwork, initiative – are precisely those that are cultivated through a well-rounded co-curricular programme.

Co-curricular activities are not merely ‘add-ons’ to academic study – they are essential educational experiences that provide young people with opportunities to develop core skills, such as those of leadership, teamwork and resilience.

The best schools develop co-curricular programmes that are designed to stretch students and to take risks in a supportive environment. This might involve leading a team on the sports field, directing a theatre production or founding a new club. Such experiences foster selfbelief and teach the invaluable skill of learning from setbacks – something that will undoubtedly resonate with every successful entrepreneur or leader.

Another key benefit of co-curricular engagement is its role in promoting

“In an evolving economic landscape it is those human skills – collaboration, creativity and communication – that will differentiate tomorrow’s leaders

wellbeing. The teenage years are formative and, at times, turbulent. Activities that allow students to express themselves creatively, physically or in service of others offer essential balance and perspective. In a world that increasingly recognises the importance of mental health, ensuring young people have these outlets is more important than ever.

In addition, through partnerships with local organisations and charities, students gain real-world experiences that help them appreciate the level of responsibility they have to their community and the impact they can make.

In an evolving economic landscape

where automation and AI are transforming the jobs market, it is those human skills – collaboration, creativity and communication, for example – that will differentiate tomorrow’s leaders. These are cultivated not by rote learning, but by participating fully in life: by engaging, leading, reflecting and trying again.

I would encourage business leaders to consider how they can support and champion co-curricular education. Whether through offering mentorship, work experience, sponsorship or collaboration with schools, the involvement of businesses can make a lasting difference.

The best schools prepare pupils not just for exams, but for life. And that preparation will ultimately benefit not just the individual, but also the business they work for and – ultimately – their community.

Benenden School is a leading girls’ school near Cranbrook in Kent.  www.benenden.school

“Learning should feel like playing, not pressure”

Ahead of her new book coming out this month, Tunbridge Wells mother and founder of Little Happy Learners, Sophie David, tells Freya Hodge how fun and accessibility are central to early learning

What was your inspiration behind Little Happy Learners?

Little Happy Learners began as an idea during my time in the classroom, fuelled by my passion for making early learning joyful. I wanted to create a space that supported parents and carers with simple, engaging ways to help little ones grow in confidence. It’s been such a privilege to see that little idea grow into a community that champions learning through play.

How has your experience as a teacher and Early Years Foundation Stage specialist influenced content?

My teaching background, especially in the Early Years Foundation Stage, has given me a deep understanding of how young children learn best.

Every resource I create is grounded in EYFS principles, it’s all about play-based learning and supporting development.

How has being a parent helped with creating resources?

It helped me see things from both sides, the educator and the parent, and that’s been key to making our resources practical and filled with heart. I only create activities I’d happily use at home with my own children.

What are the values that guide Little Happy Learner’s approach?

At the heart of Little Happy Learners is the belief that learning should feel like playing, not pressure. We value

accessibility and inclusivity. Every child deserves to feel confident, and every parent or carer deserves to feel empowered to support their little one.

How does Little Happy Learners support parents and carers without prior teaching knowledge?

Our resources are designed to be easyto-use and reassuring. We guide you every step of the way, with clear instructions and lots of encouragement. Our goal is to make learning at home feel manageable for everyone involved.

One of the main themes of Little Happy Learners is incorporating play into learning. Why is this so effective for early education?

Play is a child’s natural way of making sense of the world. When we tap into that, we’re speaking their language. Learning through play fosters creativity and helps skills stick in a meaningful way. Plus, it’s fun, and fun is what keeps them coming back for more!

Your new book, Read, Write, Play, is being released this June. What can parents and carers hope to learn from it?

Read, Write, Play is a practical guide filled with easy, engaging activities that support early literacy through playful learning. It’s a phonics bible, it aims to demystify phonics and empower every reader to enjoy the process.

The book highlights using just 10 common household items for learning activities. Why is accessibility important for early learning?

Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and that starts with making things accessible for all families. By using items you likely have at home, we’re showing that meaningful learning can happen anywhere, any time.

How does Read, Write, Play cater to different learning styles?

The activities can be tailored to your child’s pace and needs. We’ve made sure the book reflects different learning preferences and abilities because every child deserves to see themselves in their learning journey.

Are there plans for future resources that build on Read, Write, Play?

We already have a range of phonics resources on our website, which have been illustrated by fellow Tunbridge Wells mum Sarah Weston and printed by Print Evolved in Tunbridge Wells; they are products born and bred in TW. There’s so much I’d love to explore, especially around maths and outdoor learning. Read, Write, Play is just the beginning.

What response has Little Happy Learners received, and how have you used the feedback to shape the brand? I take feedback to heart and often tweak or create resources based on what families are looking for. That two-way conversation keeps the brand growing meaningfully.

What do you wish for the future of Little Happy Learners?

My hope is we keep breaking down the barriers to early learning, one playful moment at a time. And, above all, we continue to nurture confident learners who feel excited about the world around them. And world domination, of course!

www.littlehappylearners.co.uk

Home is where the heart is

This month we talk to Rachael Hale, a specialist property, homes and gardens writer and also a qualified interiors designer about her specialist work and why she is excited about joining Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine as a regular contributor...

So Rachael, let's start by you telling us about you and your business. When did you establish yourself as a freelance writer and why?

To be honest, it happened by accident. In 2009 I started writing a blog about Kent’s historical buildings. So many have fascinating - or downright nutty - stories relating to their design and occupation, and I just wanted to share them.

A little while later, Sarah Sturt, the then editor of Kent Life magazine, noticed and in 2011 she asked me to start blogging for Kent Life. She soon commissioned me to write my first article for the magazine, and for the next 10 years, I regularly wrote home and history-related features for her. It seems totally mad when I look back on it, but my entire career has grown from that blog.

Who are some of the clients you've worked with and on what kinds of projects?

I’ve been really lucky to work with some amazing companies, creatives and publications over the years. As well as Kent Life and SO Magazine, I’ve also written buyers' guides for The Independent, promotional features for Habitat and Argos (featured in The Telegraph), product descriptions, guides and emails for Tapi Carpets as well as

“My dream clients are those who are excited about what they do, are open to collaboration and are keen to grow

lots of in-house magazine articles for the Robinson Jackson Estate Agency Group. I’ve also written website copy, advertorials, blog posts, case studies and newsletters for local businesses such as Lettology, Willow & Bert Interiors, Turner & Hoskins Architects, Calibre Developments, artist Louise Dean and Nordhus Furniture.

What do you enjoy most about your line of work?

Without doubt, it’s the people I meet. Hearing how they have built their businesses and witnessing their passion and creativity is always inspiring. I also love the behind-the-scenes aspect: visiting a construction site, seeing mood boards and room schematics, or following a kitchen renovation from ‘before to after’. It’s not just exciting; it gives me the golden nuggets that bring stories to life.

And why specifically property and interiors - what attracted you to this particular sector?

I blame my parents! My childhood home had a demolition order on it when they bought it (they weren’t expecting to have children), so the first 13 years of my life were basically spent on a building site. It was a 17th Century farmer’s cottage, filled with quirky features such as repurposed ship timbers and Victorian newspaper ‘insulation’. I can still remember standing inside what felt like an enormous inglenook chimney to look at the baker’s oven. From that moment, I was hooked on ‘house secrets’. I’m also fascinated by the choices we make when decorating our homes. In 2018, I qualified as an interior designer through City & Guilds to deepen my knowledge. I also relaunched as a specialist

copywriter for the property, construction, garden and home interiors sector. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

How important is social media for your job and which platforms work best for you?

For my clients, who need to offer inspiration, provide expertise and demonstrate visual social proof of their services and products, social media is essential. LinkedIn works brilliantly for me, but where your potential clients are scrolling will determine which one works best for you. That said, all of these

platforms are out of our control, so I always recommend making your website the best promotional and informational hub it can be and then using social media to drive traffic to it.

Are there any dream clients you would like to work with on a project?

Honestly, I love my clients, and no two projects are ever the same. Even when the format is familiar, the businesses, stories and tone of voice make each one unique. My dream clients are those who are excited about what they do, are open to collaboration and are keen to grow.

You’ve just launched a special collaboration with us here at TW Business Magazine

Yes, and I’m so excited. Our ‘Local Visibility Package’ is a great opportunity for property, garden or interior-related businesses who want to showcase their story and services in TW Business Magazine.

Here’s how it works -

• Step 1: Book and pay for a half-page ad through Robin at Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. (£295 plus VAT paid directly to the magazine)

• Step 2: Receive a FREE one-page advertorial space alongside your advert

• Step 3: Commission me, an experienced, local interiors and property copywriter, to craft your story. (Fee: £375.00, no VAT, paid directly to me)

More details about the package and the power and versatility of advertorials can be found on my website.

Get in touch:

You can book a free 30-minute discovery call with Rachael Hale. She says: "I’m always happy to chat through your project, answer questions, and help you explore your options."

www.homeinteriorswriter.com

Instagram: @homeinteriorswriter

LinkedIn: @rachaelhale

Best in show

Our gardening expert Tim Sykes of Gardenproud reflects on the trends and inspirational ideas he discovered at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show 2025

As a designer I need to freshen up my act each year. Fashions change, colours influence, new plant varieties are born, different materials emerge and even clever construction techniques open doors we may not have imagined before.

So our visit to this year’s Chelsea Flower Show included some inspiring ideas from a new line-up of designers and creative thinking from forward-thinking experts. I went along with my wife Sarah and we had the unexpected pleasure of meeting our friends and colleagues from Corker Outdoor Living, Alice and Mick Corkery. We enjoyed a good natter and refreshing glass of Pimm’s at the bandstand.

Next step was a walk down Main Avenue to admire the large show gardens. Favourites for us were of course Monty Don’s Dog garden. If only we’d taken our two Jack-a-Poos! I think both Basil and Lily would have loved the dog arbour and there would have been plenty of sniffing going on! Alas they’ll just have to do with our garden.

Monty’s garden featured some lovely borders full of fennel, opium poppies, oriental grasses, Jerusalem Sage, Lupins, Sanguisorba and bright orange Geums that contrasted so wonderfully. The Geums seemed a pretty popular plant choice at Chelsea this year (note to self: I must get some)!

Then there was Kazuyuki Ishihara’s Japanese Tea Garden. Oh, what a spectacle! This was magnificent and truly

Next stop for us were the dune formations created by Nigel Dunnett in the Hospitalfield Arts Garden which formed the backdrop for some remarkable drought tolerant planting.

Tom Hoblyn’s, Garden of Compassion for Hospice UK was beautifully laid out. For me the star of his creation were the graceful curves of his organic benches, formed from steam bent timbers. These benches blended seamlessly with the planting and rock formations to create a flow leading you through the garden.

“

Jo

Thompson’s Glasshouse Garden was a rich tapestry of colour and you only had to listen to the crowds admiring this to gauge the popularity of her achievement

worthy of all the acclamation it received. As you would expect some beautiful acer palmatums were carefully placed to help lead the eye through this masterpiece of composition, along with rocks and raked gravel spaces and softer planting that all contributed to create a feeling of tranquillity. All to calm the soul before you reached the refreshing form of Kazuyuki Ishihara’s Tea House.

A huge tick went out to Jo Thompson and the absolutely stunning planting in her Glasshouse Garden. It was a rich tapestry of colour and you only had to listen to the crowds admiring this to gauge the popularity of her achievement. The combination of roses, ferns, grasses, foxgloves and birch trees formed a beautiful image and softened the pathways leading to the dramatic glasshouse retreat.

From Main Avenue we made our way to the Small Gardens and it was here that Sarah’s favourite gardens were displayed.

The London Square – Chelsea Pensioners Garden, designed by Dave Green was a real crowd puller. Possibly helped by the presence of three rather dapper pensioners sporting their richly coloured uniforms. They were real sports and were actively engaged with the public. But this disguised the cleverness of the garden’s design with its amazing vaulted

Ashford, includes a successful programme, a hugely popular Cadet Force and a regular insights and resources. just one example. Benenden with numerous other local from schools to care in the DNA of Benenden contribute to any community of – but I won’t claim this is

and curved pergola and bench seating terrace, surrounded by some incredible borders and specimen trees.

The Down’s Syndrome- Scotland Garden, designed by Duncan Hall and Nick Burton featured some playful features including a walk on water illusion, and a scented water spray that popped unexpectedly from a large cauldron. Just the touch that

Every headteacher wants every school to thrive, regardless of where its funding originates. Damaging one sector is not going to improve another – on the contrary, restricting the resources of the independent sector risks reducing opportunities for state students, despite schools’ best intentions. The Government’s policy seeks to place independent and state schools on

with some lovely planting.

Baz Grainger’s Save for a rainy day garden, was widely trumpeted for its innovative use of 3D printing techniques, which were much publicised on social media and television. An ingenious water capturing and recycling pergola sat centrepiece in the garden, providing an attractive focal point and shade to the Mediterranean style terrace below. Our final visit to the smaller gardens area was to see the Freedom to Flourish Garden designed by the Carey Garden Design Studio. This was one of our favourite garden designs. It featured some innovative ideas, planting and use of materials. An island terrace and retreat on a raised platform is surrounded by planting and cut off from land by rising water. Beautifully conceived, built and planted, this was a crowd pleaser - and rightly so.

The combination of roses, ferns, grasses, foxgloves and birch trees formed a beautiful image and softened the pathways leading to the dramatic glasshouse retreat

This year’s event, which is sponsored by The Newt and organised by The Royal Horticultural Society, was really fascinating and very well put together. If you’re a keen gardener and haven’t been yet then I suggest you treat yourself to tickets next year – it is a must-visit for anyone who loves the great outdoors…

If you would like more information about how you can transform your garden then do contact Tim Sykes on 07725 173820, or see some of his designs at: www.gardenproud.co.uk

CREATING BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES

“Our hats are unique creations you will wear with confidence”

Talented milliner Gill Stratton recently opened her Mille Fleurs boutique here in Tunbridge Wells. The entrepreneur, who also has a shop and studio in Otford, tells about her business and why the art of bespoke hat making is here to stay

If you’re a regular visitor to Mount Ephraim in Tunbridge Wells then you can’t have failed to notice the stunning new hat boutique that has opened there.

Mille Fleurs’ windows display all manner of veiled pill boxes, smart Panamas, chic cloches and flattering fedora styles, while inside there’s even more hats to discover.

Gill Stratton is the talented milliner behind Mille Fleurs and she opened her second shop, (the first one is in Otford), in early May. When I meet her for a chat one sunny afternoon she is positively beaming because its launch has been such a success.

“With so many social occasions coming up such as the races, weddings and garden parties, it was an ideal time to launch Mille Fleurs

“It’s gone even better than I could have imagined,” she smiles.

“There has been so much positive interest with many people saying how much Tunbridge Wells needed a hat shop!

“Obviously with so many social occasions coming up such as the races, weddings and garden parties, it was an ideal time to launch but I am very pleased with how much great feedback there has been.”

Established in 1997, Gill makes her exquisite hats in her studio in Otford using traditional millinery techniques to create her head turning crowning glories that are popular with all generations.

Gill hosted a private drinks party for some of her loyal customers and friends ahead of the shop’s official opening and it was the perfect opportunity for her to not only showcase the hard work she has put into refurbishing the beautiful period building she has acquired, but to talk about the collaboration Gill worked on with fashion designer Liane SpencerGarnham of Lorelei London.

Liane hand-drew and designed a beautiful bespoke floral print in collaboration with Mille Fleurs to mark the opening of the second boutique, which Gill then used to create a curated collection of hats that perfectly matched

the dresses that Liane designed using the same fabric and which graced Mille Fleurs window when the shop opened.

Fast forward a few weeks and Gill is showing me around and telling me the story of how she came to open a second retail offering.

“Much of the reason is down to the fact that I received some funding from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust which enabled me to employ an apprentice, Alice Harvey. The Trust is dedicated to supporting makers ensuring the future of the UK craft sector such as millinery.

“I read about the scheme and thought that would be amazing because at the time Alice was working one day a week for me but wanted to learn more but it was hard to teach her and also run the shop. So I looked into apprenticeships and came across the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, which I thought would be perfect.

“We had to go to an interview, and take some hats, and then give a presentation

as to why we were suitable for the funding, and I’m pleased to say we got it. Alice did a degree in Costume Design so she already had a great skill set, but having this grant has enabled her to expand her knowledge and for me to have extra capacity and help. We work really well together and having this second shop in my home town of Tunbridge Wells will be great for the future.

And how did Gill come across the shop?

“I was driving along Mount Ephraim and spotted that it was for let. I just thought wouldn’t it be a lovely spot for a hat shop, and what’s quite interesting is that I discovered the building has been a milliner’s so that kind of was serendipitous.

“Matthew Sankey, whose pub is nearby came in to tell me that when he was a child he used to come in and terrorise the lady who had the hat shop, while Christina who runs Zavens said that along this particular stretch there were quite a few milliners. So it’s nice to think that it has all come full circle.”

In every corner, on every surface in Mille Fleurs you will spot a hat of some kind. All the occasion hats are hand made by Gill but there is still the opportunity to buy ‘off the peg’.

“During the summer months I will buy in lots of genuine Panama hats from Ecuador and sun hats and add in a few key accessories such as silk scarves. I try to get more unusual items that perhaps you wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

Photography by Lila Perkin

How many hats does Gill make every season?

“We probably design about 70 for our collection. We make them in specific colours to have as samples in the shop so when customers come in with their special outfit they can try on a number of styles and colours and then I will make something bespoke for them. The occasion, people’s face shape, their personality, hair and the style of the outfit all come in to consideration.

“We will try on all the different shapes and sizes with a client and then come to a decision as to what style works best. The timeframe for our bespoke service, where we will dye the fabric to match the outfit is around six weeks during our busy periods.

“We hand block and stitch each piece from start to finish; hand-dye all straws, silks, and feathers to perfectly match and/ or complement your outfit choice. The result is a beautiful, unique creation you will wear with confidence.”

Although Gill, with Alice’s help, makes the majority of her hats from her studio in Otford, there is room for her to set up a small making area in her new boutique she says.

“I am very excited about the space behind the shop as it is multipurpose. It’s an area where people can come in and try their outfit and hat on in private but the space will also afford me the opportunity to make and also host workshops.”

These events will start in September with the first one being a two-day felt hat making and trimming course.

“This will be the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in the art of hat making to get involved.”

In terms of pricing Gill says the starting point for one of her hats is £350 with her most expensive creations priced at £750.

“It is an investment but then it is something that is totally unique to you and something you will have forever. We will always care for your hat too –retrimming or changing the feathers if needs be.”

What made Gill want to become a milliner?

“I think I have always loved hats, and my

mum, who always wore them to events, said I always had a hat on my head wherever I went! My dad was a clergyman so perhaps I saw lots of hats in church. I think I was just fascinated by them.”

BOOK YOUR SPOT ON A MILLE FLEURS WORKSHOP:

Mille Fleurs’ hat making courses start in September. The price for the twoday course is £250 and includes expert guidance from Gill, refreshments and of course a hat! The first workshop will be making a felt hat.

GET IN TOUCH: Email : hello@millefleurs.uk Website: www.millefleurs.uk Instagram/Facebook @millefleursuk

Fizz, fashion and fabulousness

Last month local stylist and personal shopper Victoria Genevieve invited Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine along to her Summer Styling event. Lila Perkin reports on a wonderful afternoon of fantastic fashion, fabulous fragrance and brilliant beauty at Fenwick in Tunbridge Wells

On May 19 I had the privilege of attending a summer styling session, hosted by fashion entrepreneur and personal shopper Victoria Genevieve, at Fenwick Tunbridge Wells.

The afternoon commenced with bubbles and chat amongst the invitees, which included Victoria's clients, local businesswomen and influencers all of whom possess a solid interest in all things beauty and fashion.

The session started with Jo Malone London’s scenting expert Laura, who is based at the brand’s Fenwick branch in Tunbridge Wells. She spoke about the concept of 'scent-layering' as a way to find your signature fragrance, suggesting different Jo Malone scents to mix in order to find your own personal perfume. We were then able to test some of the luxury brand’s aromatic hand creams and body mists, which have just launched and make great gifting ideas.

Following Laura’s talk we then enjoyed a brilliant beauty tutorial, from the highly talented Nancy who is a makeup artist at the Nars counter in Fenwick. She showed us how to achieve a flawless summer make-up look, and explained in-depth the steps to take when preparing your skin before applying makeup, such as using a good primer. She was extremely informative when describing each product and detailing her best tips and tricks for how to get a golden glow.

Before the main styling event with Victoria Genevieve, we were invited to

I always tell my clients ‘you’re better than that’ll do’. My other mantra is try to invest in better quality clothes, rather than buying cheaper, one-wear only spontaneous buys “

graze on the delicious snacks that had been provided, and had the opportunity to talk to both Nancy and Laura about any beauty and fragrance-related questions we had following their tutorials.

After a brief break, it was then time for Victoria Genevieve to impart her fabulous fashion wisdom with the group, as she had picked out key pieces from various

brands including Australian label Forever New and fashion-fan favourite Reiss. Victoria shared her summer 2025 trend predictions, which included wide-leg trousers and long lacey skirts, before selecting and combining pieces to create wonderful summer ensembles.

She picked out a plethora of dresses, blazers, T-shirts and more, along with some must-have accessories including sunglasses, jewellery, handbags and shoes. Victoria spoke about how she organises her clothes and explained her concept of 'wardrobe detoxing' as a way to part with pieces that you no longer wear. Victoria's sartorial motto 'you’re better than that’ll do', touches on the idea that we should invest in better quality clothes, rather than buying cheaper, one-wear only spontaneous buys. Victoria refers to this unproductive approach to shopping as ‘magpie’ buying.

The two-hour session ended with a Q&A and an invitation to try on some of the pieces that Victoria had selected. We were also given the opportunity to browse the shop floors of Fenwick for any other stylish summer garments.

Victoria Genevieve hosts these events quarterly so head to her socials for details of her autumn styling, wardrobe detox sessions and personal shopping experiences.

@victoriagenevievestyling

Prepare to be inspired…

‘Inspiration’ is a new exhibition that a group of members from the Royal Tubnbridge Wells Art Society (RTWAS) are putting on from July 12 to 20 at their headquarters on The Pantiles. Here we reveal more about the show, which promises to inspire on a variety of aesthetic levels...

Iam very pleased to tell you about the new show, Inspiration, that the Royal Tunbridge Wells Arts Society (RTWAS) is putting on from July 12 to 20 at our headquarters in The Pantiles.

The contributing artists may be based in the Tunbridge Wells area, but what’s important to note is that not only do they draw their ‘Inspiration’ from Kent and Sussex but also from a much wider field too.

Ceramicist Hella Keevil’s is a member of Kent Potters and her recent trip to Iceland has influenced Hella’s new range of organic pieces, with their volcanic nature and interesting glazes. All her work is hand built, and her playful, experimental approach shows in her piece’s joyous colours and forms.

For oil and acrylic painter, Suzy Phillips, who also chairs the busy Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society, the colours and sights of her recent holiday in Morrocco has informed her new collection of oil paintings. These contrast with her more usual expressive seascapes of Cornwall and Sussex and her colourful abstract images.

Closer to home, Becca Galbraith and

“Although most of the contributing artists are based in the Tunbridge Wells area, they draw their inspiration from a much wider field

Amelia Jay’s work are influenced by nature; specifically the animal world and the flora and fauna around where they live. Becca is a great animal lover and has adopted horses and two lovely dogs. Her paintings depict a range of creatures and woodland scenes, often with a mystical feel with an emphasis on colour and movement.

Amelia’s uplifting florals and landscapes show her use of texture and pattern to create interesting surfaces. With a background studying Textile Design, Amelia has been able to transfer her floral paintings onto beautifully produced cushions, tea towels and stationery products.

The four artists met through the local art scene and have become good friends as well as running exhibitions together. They find their different styles and approaches complement each other and offer a variety of art works to view and potentially purchase. At Christmas time they can usually be seen at the TWCreative Arts, a local pop-up shop in Royal Victoria Place where they display their work alongside other art and craft makers.

“During these 10 days in July where we will be putting on the Inspiration exhibition, the two gallery rooms at Sussex House, the home of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society, will be adorned with a huge range of styles, mediums and subjects which will no doubt inspire all those who visit. Please do come and vist if you can,” says Suzy Phillips.

Contact suzy.phllips@creativeconnexions for further details.

Inspiration will be on show at Sussex House, 61 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TE from July 12 to 20 and open from 10am-5 pm.

AMELIA JAY

HELLA KEEVIL

BECCA GALBRAITH

AMELIA JAY

BECCA GALBRAITH

SUZY PHILLIPS

“We champion artistic originality”

On the morning I meet Andrew Fairfax Scrutton he is in a buoyant mood having sold every single piece of work exhibited by the local, yet globally renowned, artist Frances Featherstone’s recent show.

“It sold out within an hour and sparked international demand,” he reveals. “We had people contacting us from all over the world desperate to secure a painting –online, on the phone – it was fairly crazy,” he explains, guiding me around Frances’ hugely successful ‘From the Perspective of the Angels’ exhibition.

Although the show is now over at the gallery, the twelve stunning oil-on-linen paintings were on display from May 17 to 31 and publicity about the show

“Fairfax has stayed true to its roots: showcasing only original paintings and sculpture by talented contemporary artists

– and subsequently Fairfax Art Gallery – ricocheted around the globe due to Frances’ stellar talent and reputation.

But Andrew’s decades in the art business – three of which have been in Tunbridge Wells - have certainly helped put the gallery on the map over the years he tells me.

“Since opening its doors in 1995, the Fairfax Gallery has stood apart from the crowd,” states Andrew, who also had a Fairfax Gallery in Chelsea for seven years.

While that world has shifted dramatically - from the rise of internet galleries to

The Fairfax Art Gallery is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Eileen Leahy meets its owner Andrew Fairfax Scrutton to discover why this Pantiles-based business is such an important part of our local cultural and economic landscape...

the emergence of chain spaces showing identical work nationwide - Fairfax has stayed true to its roots: showcasing only original paintings and sculpture by talented contemporary artists.

“While the gallery exhibits quite a variety of styles from figurative to abstract, it has a recognisable style that has gained it a loyal following.”

Andrew, who is now focusing on putting on his 30th Anniversary Exhibition, tells me that he chooses artists based on their ‘artistic merit rather than geography’.

Although the recent Frances Featherstone expo married the two as she is based in Groombridge.

And while Andrew says he receives over a thousand applications annually to exhibit, it is the gallery’s longstanding relationships with many of its original creatives that means they can only occasionally bring in new artists.

“It is wonderful to help promote and

follow the success of artists with many having achieved national or international critical acclaim and awards,” he adds.

As we tour the stylish gallery, taking in Frances’ beautiful textural paintings which boast titles such as Secret Whispers, Des Croissants Des Soleil and Splendid Isolation, I ask Andrew how many is in the team at Fairfax?

“I run the Tunbridge Wells gallery largely on my own, with support from a couple of wonderful people who help as needed. It’s a small but passionate team dedicated to giving each exhibition the attention it deserves.”

The gallery is located on the lower walk of The Pantiles, next to jeweller Catherine Hills, opposite the Duke of York pub and is just a few steps from Mottram’s kitchen emporium.

I ask Andrew what he enjoys most about being on The Pantiles? “Well I chose The Pantiles for the way its historic

charm complements contemporary art. In 1995, the area celebrated its heritage with events like the Georgian Festivities, attracting global visitors. Over the years, many independent shops have closed, but I’m pleased to say that a few like Mottram’s, Pantiles Oriental Carpets, and Pantiles Cameras remain strong pillars of the community.”

Fairfax Art Gallery’s 30th Anniversary

Exhibition opened on June 14 and runs until August 30. The show features over 100 specially commissioned paintings and sculptures by the gallery’s most celebrated artists.

“I’m very pleased to say the Fairfax Gallery has carved out a unique space in the art world. In an era where many galleries have become interchangeable, dominated by online platforms and chain

venues, The Fairfax Gallery has remained refreshingly independent.

“We continue to champion originality, curating only original paintings and sculptures from contemporary artists whose work spans from the figurative to the abstract, yet always reflects our distinctive aesthetic.”

For updates visit: Website www.fairfaxgallery.com Instagram: @fairfaxartgallery

Gallery: Fairfax Gallery, 23 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TD

30 th Summer Exhibition

Shaun Ferguson ‘Cat’s Cradle’ 66 x 51cm

Shirin Tabeshfar ‘Stillness in Blue’ 100 x 80cm

Photography by Lila Perkin

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-July in and around Tunbridge Wells...

Just Women

On 19 June , Lyn Parent, founder of the Just Women charity, is hosting her first event at Quantum on The Pantiles from 6 - 8.30p.m. It promises to be an inspiring evening and will feature a series of 20-minute talks by a host of high-profile female speakers including Doctor Amina Albeyatti, Haley Aesthtics, Divorce Lawyer Sarah Judd Bosnian Refuge Danijela Colic, and Lyn Parent herself. There will also be a Q&A TED Talk.

The evening's musical entertainment will be Robert Reid’s Jazz duo and there will be complementary Pimm's or an alcohol-free elderflower cocktail, seasonal canapes and a goody bag on arrival.

To reserve one of the free 90 tickets available, email Lyn at lynparent26@ gmail.com or text her on 07950 175270. A ten pound donation is welcomed on the evening.

Immerse yourself

Realms VR is brand new in Crowborough and is an immersive experience with escape rooms for children aged 12 and above. You can also enjoy a 45-minute family-friendly gaming session for kids aged 7+. We tried it as a family and LOVED it!  An unforgettable experience that’s bound to be a big hit - we’re already planning our next visit! More info at www.realmsvr.co.uk

Child’s play

In the Night Garden Live at Assembly Hall Theatre takes place on June 18, join Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and friends for a gentle, magical stage show full of puppetry, music and the much-loved flying Pinky Ponk. A perfect first theatre experience for toddlers.   www.assemblytheatre.co.uk

Making connections

Mum’s the Word: You 3.0 happens at The Royal Wells Hotel on June 20. This is your opportunity to connect with like-minded women for an empowering evening of reflection and inspiration, led by Action Woman AKA Emma Jeffery. Expect uplifting conversation, practical tools and a supportive vibe. @action_woman

Let’s go outside

Strawberry picking season is here! Head to local farms like Lower Ladysden and Maynards to pick your own juicy berries – a sweet outdoor activity for kids and grown-ups alike.

Sweet charity

Pickering Picnic in the Park is on in Calverley Grounds on June 21. So why not pack a picnic for a relaxed afternoon with live music, a summer raffle, strawberries and Pimm’s. Tickets £10 for adults, under 14s go free. Hosted by the amazing Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre. www.pickeringcancercentre.org

Photograph:

Mollie Manning

Festival fever

Enjoy a full festival of family-friendly shows as part of Tunbridge Wells Fringe, including The Bubble’s Bubble Show, Punch & Judy, The Wizard of Oz and Baby Shark. Family days take place on June 29, and July 5 & 12 and include food trucks, bars and special discounts.   www.twfringe.com

Pet sounds

On June 28 there will be a Canine Carnival at Chiddingstone Castle. Visitors can expect a brilliant dog-friendly day out with expert Q&As, family activities, stalls and local food, hosted by Matthew Sankey in the glorious castle grounds. I can’t wait to take my pooch along to this! www. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

Market value

Tunbridge Wells Farmers’ Market is back on June 29. The relaunched market at Calverley Precinct offers fresh local produce, artisan goods and street food from 10am to 4pm. It will run on the last Sunday of every month going forward – a lovely way to shop locally.

Walk on the wild side

Why not spoil the family with tickets to an Afternoon Tea & Alpacas event at Bewl Rookery? Meet the friendliest alpacas and enjoy a delicious homemade afternoon tea (including gluten-free options). We visited recently and fell in love with the alpacas and the setting. This really is a find and such a special treat for all ages. Advanced booking required - dates available Fridays to Sundays, now until September. www.bewlrookery.co.uk

Green party

Writer and eco activist Steve Walter and singer-songwriter Steve Anthony host two sittings of It’s Not All About the Planet. The first is on July 6 July at The Claremont and then on July 13 at The Old Auction House. The two events promise a ‘creative, humorous and moving look’ at mental health through poetry, stories and music. Tickets and info at www.makingconnectionsmatter.com.

Chill out

SummerFest at The Spa Hotel is on over two days, July 12 & 13. Guests can enjoy a boutique weekend festival featuring Ibiza-style chill-out music, food from top local vendors, family fun with Once Upon a Wish, and pampering by SpaSpa. VIP tickets include food and drinks. This is going to be a lot of fun! www.spahotel.co.uk

INBENEFITS

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Help support Kirsty’s Crochet for Cancer campaign

Local children’s author Mat Waugh explains why he and his family are raising vital funds on behalf of Children with Cancer following his youngest daughter, 11-yearold Kirsty, being diagnosed with a brain tumour...

Is there any history of brain tumours in your family?” This is how I found out that my ten year old daughter Kirsty has a brain tumour. But she was right there next to me, bright and alert. ‘It’s probably nothing serious’ had been our hypothesis for over two months, and I wasn’t about to let it go. It began with unexplained vision loss in September 2024. We were placed on a waiting list (Do not call for 10 weeks, said the letter). Her eyesight worsened –even as she took her 11+ exam – but her teachers found ways. She gave up reading for pleasure.

At half term, we bribed, nagged and followed Kirsty and her sisters up and down Lake District fells; she napped afterwards. That sleepiness persisted, but the GP said they’d investigate properly at that appointment, finally booked.

And for Kirsty, this is just one, lovely scan. Every few days she’s injected, quizzed, shuttled across the South East and asked to walk on tiptoes. But look beyond that, because this (now) 11 year old is taking control, owning events that shape her life. She’s off to grammar school. And she’s still the irrepressible, infuriating, ingenious girl we love so much.

And she’s back to crochet! She barely stopped, in honesty. New energy means new projects for her and us: fundraising felt right. She’s creating 70 crochet triangles, one for each week of chemo, in aid of Children with Cancer UK.

We’re keen to spread the word through Tunbridge Wells businesses, inviting employees and customers to donate or support Children with Cancer UK in a charity partnership

“ In the meantime, she became more forgetful. These things are relative. But while kids might ‘forget’ the job they’ve been given, they don’t give up on films because they can’t remember the plot. Our appointment day approached. One morning, Kirsty vomited during breakfast. She was immediately as right as rain. ‘Your cornflakes went down the wrong way,’ I pronounced, cursing a day off school with a not-sick child. It happened again, on Friday 15 November. Kate, my wife, was away and I had a growing sense of dread. I called a GP friend. (Never underestimate who you know.)

In a side room, less than three hours later and separated from Kirsty, I was told that she had a golf-ball sized brain tumour exerting massive pressure on her optic nerves and more. An essential operation wouldn’t remove it. It’s benign, which is nature’s way of saying that your life-threatening condition could be worse. I wiped my eyes, returned to my daughter and called Kate.

Kirsty can’t remember the next three weeks, and we’d rather not. It began at Kings College Hospital with a 7-hour operation on the day her eye exam had been due. Then recovery, and the start of 70 weeks of chemotherapy using a drug licensed in 1965. We received a letter to say she’d passed her 11+ – though a girl who can barely see or remember didn’t feel like grammar school material, as they say. Cut to February, and Kirsty reads out a message from my phone. How is that possible, we wondered? And have you noticed that she hasn’t asked what day it is? Terry the tumour had shrunk, very slightly. Pressure had lessened, and –incredibly – her optic equipment (I’m no medic) sprang back to life.

I later found out, by the way, that brain tumours do run in my family… My grandad came home from work one day feeling poorly. After four months of misdiagnosis, he died. Yet Kirsty most likely has a very different type of tumour, as might anyone you know – they just haven’t found it yet. Around 400 children a year and many more adults get diagnosed. There are over 100,000 people wrestling with this diagnosis.

As a family we’ve pushed hard, helped by dozens of strangers. 15,000 leaflets, a website and social channels took us far. An uplifting visit from fellow brain tumour patient Davina McCall – who had her operation on the same day Kirsty had

her diagnosis – took us much further, and we’re now at £26,000. Kirsty delights in telling her story on TV, radio and in newspapers.

But there’s so much further to go, in so many ways; in Kirsty’s treatment, of course, but in brain tumour and child cancer research, too. If you can help, we can take those steps together, reaching thousands more people who want to show they care.

HOW TO HELP

You can donate to Kirsty’s campaign using the QR code or via her website, below. Kirsty’s parents are keen to spread the word through local businesses, inviting employees and customers to donate. They are also looking for companies willing to support Children with Cancer UK in a charity partnership (endorsed by Kirsty!)

If you can help, you’ll find posters, assets for social media and contact details on her website. www.crochetforcancer.co.uk or follow on Instagram @kirstycrochetforcancer

Kirsty Waugh is crocheting to raise funds

Kirsty with Davina McCall who was also diagnosed with a brain tumour

Team effort

Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is delighted to be the media partner of Demelza for their Trail with a Tail event this summer. The local charity, which delivers extraordinary care to extraordinary children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions, has just announced the dates that the trail will run... read on to find out more

From Friday July 11 to September 8, Demelza’s Trail with a Tail event will take place in Tunbridge Wells.

It will showcase ten beautifully illustrated large sculptures and 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.

The larger sculptures will be designed and decorated by artists, while 29 local schools and groups have signed up to design their own smaller sculptures which will be displayed in shops and businesses throughout Tunbridge Wells.

An education event recently took place where Wild in Art joined Demelza staff to speak with representatives from the schools and groups who are taking part. The session gave them the opportunity to hear about the services Demelza offers and to learn more about how to design and paint their sculptures.

Representatives from schools across the county as well as local schools including Bidborough Primary School, Paddock

“Trail with a Tail is a new event for Demelza and we’d like to thank all the schoolchildren who’ve been a part of making the sculptures

Wood Primary School, Shipbourne School, Speldhurst CEP School, Oakley School and Skinners’ Kent Primary School, were at the event.

The session gave them the opportunity to hear about the services Demelza offers and learn more about how to design and paint their sculptures.

Experts from Wild in Art shared some top painting tips, information about the best materials to use and how to inspire children to get involved in the trail once it’s in place. Trail creative partner Louise Vickerman from Catch a Fire and print partner James Wilmshurst from Yeomans were also at the event.

Demelza’s Trail with a Tale Learning Programme Lead, Loren Regan, said: “It was brilliant to have so many of our school and group representatives in one place and to hear about some of the ideas they’ve got for their sculptures.

“We’re excited to see the animals once they’ve been painted and we can’t wait for families to enjoy the trail once it has been set up around Tunbridge Wells.

“It’s something new for Demelza and we hope that, as well as being a fun summer activity for families, it will also raise awareness in the local area of services we offer to children with serious or life-limiting conditions and their families.”

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.

Learn more about Demelza

‘Smiles and successful outings for our TMD Warriors’

This month the team at Taylor-Made Dreams tell us about a Legoland wish coming true and reveal details of a recent Sibling Support Service outing...

Every month, we venture out with our Sibling Support Service (SSS) for an activity day. The Sibling Support Service is one of our core services and aims to provide a safe and comforting space for the siblings of our Taylor-Made Dreams (TMD) warriors. The activity days we provide create a space for them to be themselves; alleviating the pressure of current events, alongside children who are in similar circumstances.

This past month we were very lucky with the weather, as the sun came out to greet us for our first SSS beach day! Before heading to the sea, the day kicked off with action and laughter at Tenpin Laser Quest, where we battled it out for the top scorean energetic start to the day’s fun.

No beach day is complete without fish and chips, so after a busy morning, we stopped off for lunch to refuel the team, ready for art time in the sun on the beach. Paints and pens came out for the kite and pebble painting, finishing up with ice

creams, watching our colourful dragonfly kite soar through the sky and celebrating a sibling’s birthday with her favourite flavoured cupcakes.

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so memorable. It is so wonderful seeing the group have time to connect, chill and have fun. We can’t wait for the next one,” commented Michele, who is TMD’s Sibling Support Service Lead. Another first happened this month as TMD Warrior Mimi completed a wish she had first on her list! In our initial meeting

Thank you to everyone who helped make our special days out so memorable “

with Mimi’s family, straight away Legoland was added to the list, so we knew it had to be the perfect day for it. With the weather finally on our side, we organised Mimi’s break away to Legoland for mum, dad, Mimi and her brother (who also joined us for the beach Sibling Support Service day).

The family enjoyed a night’s stay at the Legoland Castle with two-day entry to the park. To help make the trip as magical as possible, we also added on spending money, making sure there was nothing to think about except for fun. Smiles throughout the trip for everyone involved was all we needed to know the trip was a success!

There are so many ways to start supporting these Taylor-Made Dreams services, from donations to probono support, volunteering to event participation. But however you support, you can bring light into the dark for TMD families.

If you are looking to get involved this summer, we are back for this year’s Dragon Boat race at Bewl Water on Saturday 30 August. We have multiple boats this year, and with spaces going fast, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to take on a challenge and join team TMD this August. To register or for more information please email: hello@taylormadedreams.org.uk

And you can stay up to date with all the latest TMD events by visiting our website: www.taylormadedreams.org.uk/news

SATURDAY 28TH JUNE

Get ready for an unforgettable summer evening of colour, culture, and celebration as Live at The Pantiles brings the magic of Bollywood to the heart of Tunbridge Wells!

THE FIVE STAR WORKPLACE…

Why choose Lonsdale Gate Business Centre?

• High-quality specification workspace in the heart of Tunbridge Wells

• Offices to accommodate a range of businesses (1-15 desk office spaces available)

• Central location with local and regional transport links

• Onsite parking and accessible location

• Advanced connectivity – high-speed internet access, VoIP access telephone system

• Administration services

• Unrivalled networking through co-located offices

• Fully-equipped gym and shower

• Spacious meeting rooms, board rooms and lounges