TW Business Magazine June 2026

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

DESIGN MANAGER

Jason Stubbs

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Robin Singer

PHOTOGRAPHY

John Knight

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

George Percy

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Nick Moore

Welcome

This month, we’re delighted to bring you another issue celebrating the people, businesses and initiatives that make our town such a vibrant place to live, work and connect.

We’re proud to shine the spotlight on our cover stars, Dr Rish Boda and Dr Andre Dudila of ART Dental Care. The pioneering professionals worked together for a number of years before launching their own practice last November, right in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

Their mission was to create a specialist practice that put exceptional patient care at its heart. Whether you are being referred for specialist orthodontic work, cosmetic procedures or something more complex, they are there to help, thanks to their expertise and team of specialist consultants. They are also qualified general dentists, so if you want to book a regular dental examination or undergo hygienist treatment, they will welcome you with open arms...

Elsewhere in this issue, we bring you all the latest local news and the best pictures from recent networking and social events. If it’s happening, it’ll be featured in this magazine as we are dedicated to bringing you hyper-local and relevant news that matters.

Supporting local businesses remains a key priority for our magazine and, therefore, we’re pleased to explore the ongoing work of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in championing enterprise, encouraging investment and creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes to flourish. In an increasingly

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 For enquiries please email hello@twbusinessmagazine.com or call 01892 574474 www.twbusinessmagazine.com

there

photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the

from adverts, materials or photography or any other such

necessarily those of the publisher or Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine or any

challenging economic landscape, collaboration between local authorities, organisations and businesses has never been more important.

We also take a closer look at the growing influence of the B Corp movement and why it matters. As consumers and businesses alike place greater value on social and environmental responsibility, achieving B Corp certification has become a powerful demonstration of purpose-driven leadership.

As always, thank you for your continued support. We hope this issue informs, inspires and encourages you to support the remarkable people and organisations helping our community thrive.

Oh, and don’t forget to check out the second edition of The TW Edit. When we launched it last month, we had an inkling it might prove popular, but my goodness, the reaction has been wonderful – and overwhelming! Flick to page 47 to discover more...

Enjoy the read,

Eileen Leahy Editor, Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine

eileen@twbusinessmagazine.com www.twbusinessmagazine.com @twbusiness_magazine

are

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...

Darren Austin Director, Synergee

Clare Josef Partner, Residential real estate, Thackray Williams

Hilary Palmer Senior associate, CooperBurnett

Jamie Dixon Founder and CEO, Vayro

Gemma Farina Managing Director, GFHR Consulting

Sophie Forrest-Lavery Founder The Forrest Group

Alex Green CEO, RTW Together

Shaun Joubert Senior Partner, NFU Mutual

Sarah Raine Director, Colley Raine & Associates

Andrew Metcalf Managing Director, Maxim PR

Christian Mills Founder, DCA International

Janet Raeburn Associate Solicitor Berry & Lamberts

Mustafa Sidki Partner, dispute resolution, Thackray Williams

Matthew Hill Founder, Private Medical Insurance Brokers

Joe Milner CEO Brightstar Law

Neil Simmons ManagingDirector, TN Recruits

South East Water severely damaged by survey results

Trust in South East Water (SEW) has been materially weakened by the findings of a report published recently.

The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) found that more than half of the thousands of people surveyed following the two major South East Water outages in Tunbridge Wells at the end of last year now store bottled water at home in case of future incidents. Almost a fifth of respondents said they now drink only bottled water.

"The story painted by this research is a shocker; it's a horror story."

Dr Mike Keil, Chief Executive of CCW, said: “The story painted by this research is a shocker; it's a horror story.”

He added that the findings showed the water company had “so much work to do to rebuild trust”.

The report follows a survey commissioned by CCW and Ofwat at the start of this year and sent to thousands of local residents after the outages cut supplies to 24,000 properties and businesses.

More than 2,000 people took part in the online survey, which highlighted how the two outages just before Christmas placed “a significant burden on customers” trying

to access safe drinking water.

The survey concluded that support for vulnerable customers on the Priority Services Register was inconsistent and, in some cases, deliveries of bottled water were left in “inaccessible places”, creating further difficulties for customers with mobility issues.

Across both incidents, many respondents felt communications from SEW were unclear, lacked detail and were often seen as “too generic”.

Ofwat is currently investigating South East Water's customer care during both incidents and has proposed a separate

New Mayor elected for Tunbridge Wells

At the Annual Meeting of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council held on 20 May, Councillor Bev Palmer was elected Mayor of Tunbridge Wells for the 2026/27 municipal year.

Cllr Palmer, who represents Hawkhurst, Sandhurst and Benenden, takes on the ceremonial role following Cllr David Osborne. Her consort for the year will be Martin Degenkolb.

During her mayoral year, Cllr Palmer will support and fundraise for two local charities: the Sea Cadets and Hospice in the Weald.

Cllr Palmer said: “I have chosen my charities for this mayoral year for very personal reasons. Hospice in the Weald provided incredible support when my mother was ill, and the care they give

local people and families at the most difficult of times is invaluable.

“My other charity, the Sea Cadets, plays a vital role in supporting young people in Tunbridge Wells. They are currently seeking funds to redevelop their unit headquarters and provide opportunities

"I am very much looking forward to meeting local residents"

for young people to build confidence, learn new skills and thrive in a safe, inclusive environment.

“I am very much looking forward to meeting residents and promoting the Borough of Tunbridge Wells across Kent and beyond.”

£22 million fine for earlier failures.

SEW Chief Executive David Hinton resigned in May. Commenting on his departure, Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin said: “I now want to support South East Water's new chair in appointing a CEO who comes from outside the firm. Fresh leadership and fresh ideas are urgently needed.”

He added: “I am also pleased to report that South East Water is currently reviewing the level of compensation being awarded to local businesses affected by the outages in December following pressure from my campaign.”

12-year contract awarded for recycling and waste services

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council have jointly awarded their new household recycling, waste collection and street-cleansing contract to FCC Environment, the councils' existing service provider.

The new contract will run for an initial term of 12 years from 1 April 2027, ensuring the continued delivery of essential services while benefiting from the experience and proven performance of the current contractor.

The arrangement will support a smooth transition and help maintain consistent and reliable services for residents.

Active Digital firm recognised in Sunday Times Best Places to Work

Local communications firm Active Digital is celebrating after being listed in the Small Organisation category of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026. The prestigious list, published in May, highlights organisations that excel in employee engagement, workplace culture and wellbeing.

"Active Digital's inclusion reflects its ongoing commitment to building a workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered."

Developed in partnership with WorkL, the awards are based on comprehensive employee feedback, recognising companies that consistently deliver an outstanding employee experience and create environments where people can thrive.

Active Digital's inclusion reflects its ongoing commitment to building a

workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported and empowered.

The company has embedded a people-first approach across all areas of the business, focusing on inclusion, collaboration and professional development to create an environment where individuals are encouraged to grow and succeed.

At the core of Active Digital's culture is the belief that engaged and motivated employees are fundamental to longterm success.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Our approach not only supports employee wellbeing but also drives innovation and strengthens the quality of service we deliver to customers.”

Baxall builds for the future

BManaging Director.

Formerly Contracts Director, Mr Hardie will now take the helm, with long-serving Managing Director Malcolm Clarke becoming Chairman.

The Paddock Wood-based construction company was established more than 60 years ago, with Mr Clarke serving as Managing Director for the past 35 years.

Commenting on the leadership transition, a Baxall spokesperson said: “Stuart Hardie will ensure continuity and stability for clients, employees and our supply chain.”

With over 25 years’ industry experience, Stuart joined Baxall in 2022 following senior roles with national Tier 1 contractors. Widely respected throughout the business and supply chain, he brings to the role extensive operational

"Malcolm Clarke has played a pivotal role in shaping Baxall into the highly respected £50 million-turnover company it is today."

and strategic insight, strengthening governance and embedding best practice across health and safety, quality and commercial performance.

They added: “Malcolm has played a pivotal role in shaping Baxall from its humble beginnings as a family-run building firm into the highly respected £50 million-turnover company it is today.

“During his tenure, the business has grown sustainably, strengthened long-term client relationships and delivered high-profile projects across London and the South East, from net-zero-in-operation new-build schools and Grade II-listed refurbishments to decarbonisation projects for the Metropolitan Police.”

Reflecting on the transition, Malcolm said: “Leading Baxall has been an absolute privilege. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together as a team and of the ‘right first time’ culture we have built.

“This is the right time to hand over to the next generation of leadership and I have every confidence that Stuart will continue to drive the business forward while staying true to our values.”

Late payment consultation and Bill

By David Brown, Partner, Construction, CooperBurnett LLP

At the end of this March, the Government published its consultation outcome on late payment. This included a number of packages, including a proposal to ban the practice of deducting and withholding retention payments under construction contracts.

The consultation was concerned with small to medium sized businesses and the problems they encounter, as a result of late payments.

Other proposed measures include giving the Small Business Commissioner (SBC) powers, including the power to settle payment disputes outside of the court process, board level scrutiny of payment practices, maximum payment terms, deadlines for disputing invoices and mandatory interest on late payments (statutory right to interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate).

The consultation outcome publication stated an intention to legislate to prohibit the practice of withholding retention payments, but ‘given the ambition of the policy, we will consult further with interested parties on the impact…’.

The proposed ban represents a potential significant shift in construction contract practices, because retentions are embedded in the UK construction ecosystem.

There will be implications for contract drafting, cashflow planning and sourcing alternative surety products in place of retained sums.

A retention is where the employer (under the main contract) or a contractor (under a subcontract) keeps a percentage of the value of the work carried out until completion or making good of defects (rectification), with payment of a retention, known as the ‘release’ of retention.

Most standard JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) forms of contracts contain extensive retention provisions, whereas NEC contracts (New Engineering Contracts) allow the parties to agree to use a secondary option clause, making retention in the NEC optional, rather than prescribed. There is also the option for a holding company guarantee and a performance bond.

The Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill was introduced to Parliament this May.

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

The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre appoints Danielle Friend as its new chair

Following years of dedicated service to The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, including six years as Chair, David Bartholomew has passed the baton to fellow Trustee Danielle Friend, who is set to lead the charity into its next chapter

After six years as Chair of the Board of Trustees at The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, and a decade as a Trustee, David Bartholomew has handed over the role to Danielle Friend.

Established 21 years ago, The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre provides support to people affected by cancer, as well as their families and friends, from its centre on Monson Road in Tunbridge Wells. David, a professional photographer, has supported the charity since its inception. He became a Trustee in 2016 and was appointed Chair in January 2020. Over the years, he has also raised funds for the charity, including taking on the challenge of walking Hadrian’s Wall.

“Pickering has been an important part of my life for the past 20 years,” says David. “Having had a close family member and good friends who have used the charity, I have seen first-hand the difference the Centre can make. I am very proud and honoured to have served as Chair for the

“I have some very big boots to fill as Chair of Pickering - David has provided trusted and steady leadership”

past six years, but I know I am handing over the role to a very capable successor in Danielle.”

Danielle Friend, owner of accountancy practice Create Balance, joined the Pickering Board in 2024 and brings extensive charity-sector experience to the role. Through Create Balance, she provides Finance Director services to

a regional air ambulance charity and previously served as Finance Director of a Maidstone-based drug and alcohol charity.

“My experience extends beyond finance,” says Danielle. “I have led on HR, IT and estates, which has given me a broad understanding of how charities operate and a strategic perspective on how they can best deliver their mission.”

“I have some very big boots to fill as Chair of Pickering,” she adds. “David has provided trusted and steady leadership through a period that included navigating the pandemic and overseeing the purchase of our new Centre. We have so much to thank him for.”

She continues: “I am enormously proud to take on the responsibility of being Chair of the Pickering Board. The charity is close to my heart, as I lost a dear friend to cancer in 2022. To be given the opportunity to help shape its future is nothing short of a privilege.”

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K“Why Kent needs business to lead with confidence”

What are the opportunities, risks and priorities shaping growth across Kent and Medway? Andrew Metcalf, Managing Director of Maxim and Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, offers a countywide view….

ent’s challenge is not whether it has economic potential. It clearly does. The real question is whether the county can transform its assets into faster, more visible growth over the next decade.

Few places in Britain sit at the intersection of so many forces. Kent is the UK’s front door to Europe: it is home to nationally-significant freight routes through Dover and the Channel Tunnel, while also benefiting from fast access to London. The UK’s only highspeed rail services put Ashford or Rochester within around 37 to 38 minutes of St Pancras, strengthening the county’s appeal for employers, investors and skilled workers who want connectivity without a central London address.

“The next decade could be highly positive for Kent but success is not automatic. What it now needs is sharper leadership, faster execution and a more confident sense of its own value”

The economic base is stronger than many assume. Kent generated an estimated £47.3 billion in gross value added in 2023, with 9.1% annual growth, while Kent and Medway together continue to show breadth across logistics, advanced manufacturing, professional services, tourism, food production and science-led enterprise. That diversity matters. In a more volatile economy, the places that succeed will be those with enough resilience to absorb shocks and

enough diversity of specialism to create advantage.

That advantage is already visible in the county’s growth sectors. Discovery Park in Sandwich has grown into a major life sciences cluster, while logistics investment continues to expand through schemes such as Panattoni’s developments in Aylesford and Sittingbourne, and another planned for Lenham.

Energy is another strength, with Kent emerging as a nationally important hub for interconnectors, grid infrastructure and energy security. These are not isolated success stories. Together, they point to a region that is more economically important than it sometimes believes itself to be.

But opportunity on its own is never enough. Kent still faces stubborn barriers: constrained infrastructure, slow

planning, patchy skills retention and an underpowered external narrative.

Too often, bright graduates leave, development takes too long, and the county is described in fragments rather than as one investable proposition. The risk is not a shortage of opportunity, it’s a shortage of pace, coordination and confidence.

So what should business leaders do?

First, back the sectors where Kent has a genuine right to win: trade and logistics, clean energy, science and health, agritech, advanced manufacturing and high-value services. We’ve even got companies piloting the transformation of waste plastic into sustainable aviation fuel thanks to Clean Planet Technologies, based at Discovery Park.

Second, push harder for delivery on transport, grid capacity, water and employment land. Third, invest in talent by creating stronger pathways between schools, colleges, universities and employers. And finally, tell Kent’s story with greater ambition. Investors do not buy modesty; they buy a clear proposition. The next decade could be highly positive for Kent and Medway, but success is not automatic. The county has the geography, the assets and the business base to perform. What it now needs is sharper leadership, faster execution and a more confident sense of its own value and place. If those pieces come together, Kent will not simply benefit from change. It will shape it.

“Access

to justice and safety should never depend on circumstance”

Domestic violence is your business says Carole Winter, Trustee of DAVSS. The domestic abuse charity, which is Berry & Lamberts solicitors’ chosen charity for 2026, marks 15 years. Here Carole reveals how you can help someone in your workplace who may be living through domestic abuse…

Domestic abuse isn’t something that happens behind closed doors in far-off places. It happens in every postcode, every profession and every income bracket. Statistically, someone in your workplace, your client base or your wider network is living with it right now – often silently and without obvious signs.

That silence is part of the harm. Domestic abuse is not just physical; it can be emotional, financial, psychological or sexual control – behaviour that slowly chips away at a person’s selfconfidence, freedom and support long before any physical violence occurs.

“There

are many ways local businesses can strengthen DAVSS’s essential work”

That’s why DAVSS (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services), now marking its 15th anniversary, remains such a vital part of our community. With its unique volunteer-led model and strong local partnerships, DAVSS shows how a town like ours becomes stronger when we look after one another.

DAVSS is an award-winning, community-based charity supporting anyone aged 16 and over who is experiencing domestic abuse. Its professional volunteering model is at the heart of its success: highly trained volunteers, supported by a small specialist staff team, offering confidential, practical and non-judgemental support to people at some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

This year, DAVSS is proud to be the Charity of the Year for Berry & Lamberts Solicitors – a partnership that reflects the firm’s genuine, long-standing commitment to the community.

Melissa Hollis from Berry & Lamberts Solicitors says: “At Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, we believe that access to justice, safety and dignity should never depend on circumstance. Our staff chose DAVSS as our Charity of the Year because its work speaks directly to those values. Domestic abuse impacts people from every walk of life, and DAVSS provides vital, confidential support to individuals and families at the moment they need it most.

“We are proud to support an organisation that not only helps people find safety, but also helps them rebuild confidence and move forward with their lives. Over the coming year, we hope our partnership will raise awareness locally, contribute practical support through fundraising and volunteering, and help ensure that those affected by abuse in West Kent know they are not alone and that help is available.”

GET IN TOUCH

Visit: DAVSS

Call: The DAVSS support line Mon–Fri 10am–4pm — 01892 570538

Training that builds safer, stronger workplaces

In every business, culture is shaped by the everyday choices people make; how colleagues speak to one another, how managers respond to concerns, and whether everyone feels respected, heard and able to do their best work. That is why Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), alongside Harassment in the Workplace training, has become essential for employers of every size.

This is not about box-ticking. Effective training gives teams a shared understanding of acceptable behaviour, helps people recognise inappropriate conduct early, and gives managers the confidence to act consistently. It also supports businesses in meeting their legal responsibilities, including the requirement to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work.

For many organisations, the challenge is turning policy into practice. A policy may set expectations, but training brings those expectations to life through discussion, examples and practical guidance. It helps employees understand the impact of exclusion, bias and harassment, including behaviour that may be dismissed as “banter” but can damage trust, morale and wellbeing. A respectful workplace is also a stronger workplace. When people feel safe and included, they are more likely to contribute ideas, collaborate effectively and stay with the organisation. Conversely, unresolved harassment or poor workplace culture can lead to grievances, absence, reputational damage and loss of talent.

Forrest Group are regularly providing EDI and Harassment in the Workplace training for businesses. Sessions are tailored to each organisation, and help employers move beyond compliance and build confident, inclusive teams.

For businesses looking ahead, investing in this training is not simply a protective measure. It is a positive commitment to people, performance and long-term success. For guidance and support please contact us.

Training Academy

Head of Private Client Team becomes Equity Partner

Berry & Lamberts Solicitors has announced the appointment of David Lea, Partner and Head of Private Client, to its equity partnership, further strengthening the firm’s leadership team.

David joined the firm six years ago as an Associate Solicitor before progressing to Partner and, two years ago, becoming Head of Department. His appointment to the equity partnership marks a significant milestone in his career and reflects his valued contribution to the firm’s continued growth and leadership.

As an equity partner, David will play an important role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction and future development.

The appointment reflects the firm’s continued investment in senior talent and its commitment to strengthening services for clients across West Kent and the wider region.

David Lea says: “I am very proud and honoured to have been invited to become an Equity Partner of Berry and Lamberts. Having led the Private Client team over the

“David Lea has done an outstanding job leading our Private Client team, demonstrating strong leadership”

past two years and worked closely with so many valued clients and colleagues, this appointment represents a significant professional milestone and a personal privilege. I am grateful for the trust and confidence the firm has placed in me.

Berry and Lamberts has a long-standing reputation for excellence and client care, and I am delighted to play a greater role in shaping the future of the firm. I look

forward to continuing to grow the Private Client Department, supporting our clients through important life decisions and helping to strengthen the firm’s presence across the communities we serve.”

Managing Partner, Paul Reader adds: “We are delighted to welcome David into the equity partnership at Berry & Lamberts. Over the past two years, he has done an outstanding job leading our Private Client team, demonstrating strong leadership, commitment and a real dedication to both clients and colleagues. His appointment is thoroughly deserved, and we are pleased to see him take this next step in his career.

David’s appointment further strengthens the firm’s partnership, bringing the total number of equity partners to six and supporting our continued strategic growth. As a firm with more than 270 years of history, we are proud to invest in our future in this way, ensuring we remain well placed to meet the needs of our clients and communities for many years to come.”

www.berryandlamberts.co.uk

People are the power at Thackray Williams

Leading Kent and London law firm, Thackray Williams, is celebrating award success and new joiners to bolster established teams.

Associate Solicitor in the Leasehold Enfranchisement department, Alisha Maidment, is a finalist in the Rising Star category of the Apartment Advisor Awards. Alisha, who qualified as a solicitor last August, specialises in leasehold matters.

“Thackray Williams is celebrating award success and new joiners to bolster established teams”

Thackray Williams’ contentious probate offering has been strengthened with the arrival of Lee Quickenden, a Senior Associate Legal Executive, while the Private Client team has welcomed two new paralegals: Maria Ahmed and Muhemmed Qureshi.

“We’re delighted with Alisha’s success in

the prestigious trade Apartment Adviser Awards – it’s a testimony to her hard work, impressive technical skills and the exceptional customer experience that she creates for our clients,” comments Vikki Herbert, Head of Real Estate and CoManaging Partner.

“Alisha already has an in-depth knowledge of the Statutory and Voluntary Lease Extension processes and provides guidance and reassurance to clients on technical matters, making the complex accessible to help them make the best

decisions for their personal and business circumstances,” she adds.

“I’m thrilled to have made the finals of these awards, which are a key milestone in the calendar for our sector, and am looking forward to the black-tie ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on Park Lane in London on June 24th,” says Alisha.

Lee Quickenden trained with a wellregarded boutique litigation firm in London, gaining further experience at regional firms in the South-East. He advises both claimants and defendants on all aspects of estates and trust litigation.

His expertise includes challenges to the validity of wills, applications for rectification of testamentary documents and Inheritance Act claims. He also acts in disputes involving trustees and executors including applications for removal and replacement of PRs, disputes over the administration of estates, TOLATA Claims and constructive/ resulting trusts disputes.

www.thackraywilliams.com

TSP announces key promotions and appointments

Law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore is making 21 promotions and appointments across the firm.

Faye Cook in the Corporate & Commercial team has been appointed as an Equity Partner from 6 June 2026. Alan Kitcher, Head of Trust & Tax Management, will be appointed as an Equity Partner subject to the regulatory requirements being completed to enable a non-lawyer to become an Equity Partner. Once these regulatory requirements are completed,

“These promotions are not only recognition of individual achievement, but also a clear signal of our commitment to investing in our talent”

Alan – who is a Certified Chartered Accountant – will be the first non-lawyer to become an Equity Partner at the firm. Promoted to Salaried Partner are Sarah Nettleship - Wills, Estate & Tax Planning, Sarah Lister - Probate, Guy Evans – Real Estate Disputes and Katherine Morgan and Robert Trench, both in the Real Estate team.  Business services promotions are Jonathan Simmons in Information Services, Kelly Garrett in Finance and Poppy Bobbett in HR. Other promotions come from across the firm’s Court of Protection, Clinical Negligence & Personal Injury, Dispute Resolution and Real Estate teams.

These promotions underscore the firm’s ongoing commitment to investing in its talent and creating teams with the depth and breadth of expertise required to guide clients through increasingly complex and shifting legal challenges, against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.

Joanna Pratt, Senior Partner at Thomson Snell & Passmore comments: “Congratulations to everyone on these welldeserved promotions. Each reflects the calibre of our people and the meaningful contribution they make to the firm, our clients, and each other.”

She adds: “As a strong, independent firm, our success is largely built on the quality of our people and the culture we

create around them. These promotions are not only recognition of individual achievement, but also a clear signal of our commitment to investing in our talent, and ensuring they have the right tools, opportunities and environment to develop and excel.

“We are proud of our culture that is supportive, friendly and hardworking, where high performance goes handinhand with genuine care for one another. It is through the hard work and dedication of our colleagues that we continue to grow and deliver for our clients. I want to thank everyone across the firm, from both our legal and business services teams, for their contribution.” www.ts-p.co.uk

CooperBurnett celebrates its first Masters of Law graduate solicitor

Three years after stepping through the door at CooperBurnett LLP as part of the trail-blazing Masters of Law (M-Law) paralegal scheme at Kent Law School (University of Kent), Joshua Hayes has qualified.

As a firm, CooperBurnett is proud to have supported this initiative in its inaugural year and feel that its investment has paid off, with Joshua now a Solicitor in the firm’s Residential Property team.

The M-Law paralegal scheme offers a hybrid approach to training, giving students the opportunity to start accruing practical experience, whilst undertaking the necessary exams to qualify.

Darren Weir, Senior Lecturer at Kent Law School, says: “To hear that news that

Joshua – a member of our first cohort of M-Law students - has qualified is really brilliant. It highlights the success of the programme, that we worked hard to create.   Kent Law School is grateful to CooperBurnett LLP for continuing to support our QWE [Qualifying Work Experience] Paralegal scheme.”

Joshua says: “I am thrilled to have qualified and I am immensely grateful to CooperBurnett LLP for embracing the

“I am thrilled to have qualified and I am immensely grateful to CooperBurnett LLP for embracing the M-Law programme”

M-Law programme and for supporting me from the very beginning, three years ago. I would definitely advocate for the M-Law, as it provides an opportunity to blend the traditional vocational training (LPC) with real world, practicable legal experience. I am pleased to hear that CooperBurnett is taking on another M-Law student this summer and am looking forward to supporting them on their journey.”

Partner, Victoria Sampson, adds: “We are all incredibly proud to be celebrating Joshua’s qualification as a solicitor. He has worked so hard to get to this point and we know he’s going to make a real impact in our Residential Property team. As a firm, we are proud to create a culture of supporting and training the next generation of lawyers. Well done Joshua!” www.cooperburnett.com

Opening doors to the new lettings landscape

Maddisons Residential and Berry and Lamberts Solicitors welcomed a packed room of local landlords to Kingdom in Tunbridge Wells on May 7th for an evening dedicated to the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force just six days earlier on May 1st.

Guests of the four-legged variety were also present to demonstrate that Maddisons is pet-friendly!

The independent, family-led lettings agency was also joined by one of the most trusted voices in property: renowned industry commentator Paul Shamplina. Alongside TN Accountancy, they combined to deliver a practical guide to the new tenancy regime, the shifting tax landscape, and the legal essentials every landlord now needs to knowfrom possession grounds to the new Ombudsman and database.

“A great deal has been said and written about the new Act, and the promise to our

guests was simple,” commented James Richards of Maddisons Residential.

“By the time everyone left, they were better informed, better equipped, and in control rather than in catch-up mode. We sought to dissipate the fear created in the media and simply provide solid information and support.”

James added that the evening reflected Maddisons’ wider philosophy of moving local landlords ‘from uncertainty to control’, combining detailed knowledge of the Tunbridge Wells market with the disciplined oversight that the new regime now demands of every landlord, whether fully managed or self-managing.

Founded by Deborah Richards, Maddisons Residential remains independent and family-led, and continues to set a benchmark for residential lettings across West Kent and East Sussex.

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Team spirit

Berry & Lamberts Solicitors recently swapped desks for a day of inspiration, celebration and a little friendly competition at its annual Staff Away Day. The morning began at The Royal Wells Hotel, where Managing Partner, Paul Reader, reflected on the firm’s achievements over the past year and shared an exciting look ahead at future plans.  He thanked everyone for their hard work, loyalty and shared contribution to another successful year for the firm.

Staff also heard from department heads and members of the management team, before everyone enjoyed a delicious alfresco lunch in the sunshine.

As well as offering an opportunity to refocus and look ahead, the day was a chance to celebrate everyone’s hard work and dedication over the past year. The afternoon was spent bowling, with team spirit running high!

A firm favourite in the calendar, the Away Day gives colleagues from all three offices the chance to come together, catch up and enjoy time as one cohesive team away from the day-to-day routine. It also highlights the friendly culture across the firm, with different departments working closely together and strengthening relationships across the business.

The day also provided a chance to support Berry & Lamberts’ Charity of the Year, DAVSS (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services). Staff brought along an impressive selection of home-baked cakes to sell throughout the day, raising more than £250 for the cause. A great day was had by all!

www.berryandlamberts.co.uk

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Celebrating a dynamic decade

Joe de Kwant Stoner founded his marketing agency, Big Orange Media, in 2016 and this year the pioneering global business, with local roots, marks its tenth anniversary.

To celebrate, Joe and his team hosted a tenth anniversary party at Allkin Tap in May to raise a glass to all the brilliant achievements the communications business has accomplished over the past decade.

Commenting on the night, Joe said: “Celebrating 10 years of Big Orange is a moment of real pride for us. What started as an ambitious idea has grown into an

international agency, but we’ve never lost sight of our Tunbridge Wells roots or the incredible community that has supported us along the way.”

Guests and Big Orange Media employees were treated to refreshing drinks and slices of pizza throughout the evening.

Reflecting on a very successful birthday party, Joe added: “This milestone is all about the people who have made it possible – our talented team and our fabulous clients. We loved bringing everyone together to celebrate and reflect on the journey so far, and we’re excited for what the next decade will bring.”

“Patient care is at the heart of everything we do”

From routine check-ups to complex specialist treatments, ART Dental Care offers a unique model of modern day dentistry under one roof. Founder dentists Dr Rishi Boda and Dr Andrei Dudila tell Eileen Leahy why patient care, teamwork and accessibility are just some of the key factors driving the success of their growing Tunbridge Wells practice…

Located on Calverley Road in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, ART Dental Care is an independent specialist-led practice founded by experienced dentists Dr Rishi Boda and Dr Andrei Dudila.

Opened in November 2025, the clinic combines advanced specialist treatments with a community-focused approach, offering everything from dental implants and root canal therapy to cosmetic and general dentistry under one roof.

Rishi is an implant, restorative and general dentist, while Andrei specialises in implant and restorative dentistry.

The pair first discussed opening their own practice after working together for a number of years.

"We were at the same practice and, when it closed, we found ourselves at a crossroads," explains Andrei.

"We'd talked about running an independent practice a few years

“ART Dental Care is a specialist-led practice founded in November 2025 by experienced dentists Dr. Rishi Boda and Dr. Andrei Dudila”

previously and even looked at a few locations, but nothing was quite right."

When they found themselves having to look for another job in 2024, the idea of creating something together began to gather momentum.

"We were at that stage in our careers where neither of us wanted to work for

someone else again," adds Rishi.

"We'd built a great working relationship and shared very similar ideas about how a dental practice should operate, so we decided to make it happen."

The ART in ART Dental Care stands for Andrei, Rishi and Team.

"It was one of the first decisions we made, even before finding the premises," Rishi reveals.

"We wanted a name that reflected who we are and the collaborative spirit behind the practice."

The 'Team' element, he tells me, is particularly important because ART Dental Care has never been about individuals –it's about creating an environment where everyone works together to deliver the highest standard of care.

I'm chatting with both Rishi and Andrei at their stylish Calverley Road premises.

"When we found this building, instead of leasing it, we asked if we could buy it,"

continues Andrei.

Thankfully, the owner agreed and the pair soon found themselves rolling up their sleeves to transform the period property into the type of practice they had always envisioned.

"We measured, designed and built everything ourselves," adds Rishi. "Suddenly we were project managers and builders, but we really wanted to put our stamp on it."

Rishi and Andrei then set about developing a business plan, speaking to banks and quickly learning the realities of running a business.

"We're highly trained in dentistry, but running a business is a completely different skill set. There was a lot to learn, but we spoke to friends within the dental industry who had already opened practices and were kind enough to share their experiences, advice and even examples of their business plans. We used those insights as a starting point and adapted them to fit our own vision," says Andrei.

They received the keys to the building, which dates back to 1892, in May 2025 and spent the next six months renovating, sourcing and refining every detail before opening the practice in November.

The results are seriously impressive. The double-fronted building boasts a stylish reception area filled with lush greenery and contemporary furnishings, all set against a clean, modern backdrop.

To the right of reception sits the main clinic, equipped with pristine state-ofthe-art technology including diagnostic and operatory machines – there’s even a television positioned above the dental chair to help patients relax during treatment.

Off the central corridor are additional treatment rooms. There are four clinics in total, with two currently in operation. A third clinic is due to open this summer, with the fourth scheduled to launch next year.

As you'd expect, there are also dedicated

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS:

• GENERAL FAMILY DENTAL CARE

• COSMETIC DENTISTRY

• COMPOSITE BONDING

• ORTHODONTICS

• INVISALIGN

• DENTAL IMPLANTS

• PERIDONTAL TREATMENT

• FULL ARCH IMPLANT REHABILITATION

• RESTORATIVE TREATMENT

• ENDODONTIC TREATMENT

• TEETH WHITENING

• HYGEINE TREATMENT

• SEDATION

• EMERGENCY DENTISTRY

“

We want patients to feel supported, listened to and cared for throughout their journey by our team of highly qualified professionals

staff facilities and rooms housing specialist equipment and supplies.

Rishi and Andrei tell me that ART Dental Care is built on a philosophy of collaboration, accessibility and patientcentred care.

"That is at the heart of everything we do."

The clinic specialises in everything from implants, root canal treatments and Invisalign to gum treatments, cosmetic procedures and general dentistry.

Rishi and Andrei go on to explain that although the practice brings together a team of highly qualified specialists under one roof, it retains the personal touch of a community dental practice.

"That's what we ultimately want to be: a practice that puts people first," says Rishi.

"After experiencing the corporate side of dentistry, we were determined to do things differently."

That means creating a practice built around teamwork rather than hierarchy.

"Our collective specialist expertise means we bring not only extensive knowledge but also a thoughtful, considered approach to patient care."

Currently, ART Dental Care has seven dentists and specialist consultants working alongside Rishi and Andrei, as well as two hygienists, two nurses and two receptionists. The team is expected to grow further once the third clinic opens.

"In many traditional environments, clinicians can end up working quite independently, with complex referral

Meet the Art Dental Care team...

Patients often feel very relaxed with Rishi, his calm, composed approach where he takes his time to listen, explain and discuss treatment clearly, creates a comfortable and supportive environment for even the most anxious of patients.

Rishi has a special interest in implant dentistry and restorative treatments. Since graduating from Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he trained at the Royal London Hospital, Rishi has gone on to attend many courses and conferences. Including, undertaking a prestigious 2 yearlong training programme in treating complex implant rehabilitation cases using modern digital technology to attain best possible outcomes. He is passionate and dedicated to maintain the highest standard

of practice across his skillset.

Rishi is now also dedicating his time to teaching as a Clinical lecturer at Kings College London where he teaches Oral surgery to the Undergraduate students.

Rishi provides minimally invasive restorative dentistry applying evidence-based state of the art techniques and materials. He also provides Invisalign treatments and cosmetic veneers to the upmost quality and care.

DR. ANDREI DUDILA IMPLANT AND RESTORATIVE DENTIST

Dr. Andrei has a focused interest in implant dentistry and advanced restorative rehabilitation. He graduated from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest in 2014, and gained surgical experience within the Maxillofacial Department at Dorchester County Hospital.

He completed his Master’s degree in Dental Implantology at the University of Manchester in 2019, with particular emphasis on prosthetically driven implant treatment, bone augmentation, and implant-supported rehabilitation.

Dr. Andrei has a focused interest in implant dentistry and advanced restorative rehabilitation. He graduated from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest in 2014, and gained surgical experience within the Maxillofacial Department at Dorchester County Hospital.

He is currently undertaking an MClinDent in Restorative Dentistry at King’s College London, further advancing his

He completed his Master’s degree in Dental Implantology at the University of Manchester in 2019, with particular emphasis on prosthetically driven implant treatment, bone augmentation, and implant-supported rehabilitation. He is currently undertaking an

expertise in complex prosthodontics, occlusion, and minimally invasive restorative techniques. His clinical approach is evidence-based and centred on achieving long-term functional and aesthetic stability.

processes and administrative barriers slowing everything down," Rishi explains.

"At ART Dental Care, we want every clinician to be able to work together for the benefit of the patient. If someone would benefit from the expertise of another specialist, they can be seen quickly and efficiently without unnecessary bureaucracy.

"We want to remove the red tape often associated with larger organisations."

Decisions are made collaboratively, says Rishi, and everyone has a voice.

The specialists currently visit the practice, on average, twice a month, although that is expected to increase as the business continues to grow.

Many of the clinicians who work with ART Dental Care are long-standing friends and colleagues of the founders.

"Many of the specialists who work with us are people we've known and worked alongside previously. We already knew their clinical abilities, their approach to patient care and, importantly, whether they shared our values," smiles Rishi.

As a result, the practice feels like a genuine team rather than a collection of individuals working independently.

"We're primarily a specialist-led practice offering advanced treatments that many practices cannot provide, but we also offer comprehensive general dentistry services," adds Andrei.

Rishi, who also teaches dental students

Crafted by

once a week at King's College London, says the practice's long-term vision is to become a true community hub where patients can access routine check-ups, preventative care and specialist treatment all in one place.

Further demonstrating their commitment to the local community, the business partners offer NHS staff a 25 per cent discount on treatments, while the children of registered patients receive free dental care until the age of 18.

The pair are also keen to engage with local employers.

Transforming

Appeal

"We're very keen to have meaningful conversations with local businesses so we can create beneficial packages for their employees," says Rishi.

Get in touch

65 Calverley Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UY, Kent UK office@artdentalcare.co.uk 01892 572 444 www.artdentalcare.co.uk @art.dentalcare

Using purpose as a practical driver to deliver long-term value

Local law firm Cripps has published its 2025 Impact Report, marking its second anniversary as a B Corp business and highlighting how purpose-led progress continues to shape its strategy. Here are the key highlights…

Top 100 law firm Cripps has published its 2025 Impact Report, marking two years as a certified B Corp™ and showing how purpose now underpins its strategy, governance and day-to-day decision-making.

Against a backdrop of global and local challenges, the firm continues to invest in long-term success by embedding responsible leadership at the heart of decision-making and responding to the issues that matter most to clients, people and communities.

Alongside client service, trust and support for early careers, Cripps continues to prioritise measurementled climate action and community investment as part of a long-term commitment. The firm is investing 2% of profit in communities for the second consecutive year. In 2025, it delivered 1,954 hours of positive impact and appointed a new pro bono champion to build further momentum.

Mike Scott, senior partner at Cripps, said: “We believe long-term commercial success and positive impact go hand in hand. We are committed to delivering the highest quality service, creating the best environment for talent to thrive, and fulfilling our ambitions as a B Corp business that cares.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Cripps, which became B Corp certified in December 2023 and holds an overall impact score of 86.1, is focused on using purpose as a practical driver of long-term value for people and clients.

WHAT IS B CORP?

B Corp is a global certification scheme originating in the US that recognises companies meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. There are more than 2,000 certified UK businesses, including several in Tunbridge Wells such as Gingermay PR, Digitom, Cripps, Yoyo Design and Adina.

“This year marks an important shift as we prepare for the new B Corp standards and deepen our understanding of where Cripps is uniquely placed to make a genuine difference

The year ahead will see the firm strengthen stakeholder-led governance as it embeds purpose further into decision-making, ensuring clients, people, communities and the environment directly shape strategy and investment.

Liz Carter, purpose and impact senior manager at Cripps, commented: “This year marks an important shift as we prepare for the new B Corp standards and deepen our understanding of where Cripps is uniquely placed to make a genuine difference.”

A CALL FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION

The report also acts as a wider call to action, with Cripps embracing the B Corp Declaration of Interdependence and recognising that long-term success depends on shared responsibility.

Why becoming a B Corp makes business sense

Jenny Kitchen is the CEO of Yoyo Design. She is also co-founder of amplifi along with Cripps’ Pete Kenyon. It is a not-for-profit organisation uniting businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Here Jenny explains what it takes to become a B Corp

BCorp certification requires businesses to meet some of the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance. The assessment covers how companies treat workers, manage supply chains, measure environmental impact and contribute to communities and charities. Companies must also legally amend their articles of association to lock in these commitments long-term, and publish an annual impact report to ensure transparency and accountability. It’s a significant commitment, requiring time and focus, but the benefits are substantial. Beyond the principle of “doing the right thing”, there are clear advantages for local businesses:

• Stronger growth: B Corps often outperform national averages for revenue growth and attract purposedriven investors.

• Happier teams: Values-led businesses build trust and loyalty, helping attract and retain talent.

• Greater resilience: Loyal customer bases support stronger performance through economic downturns.

• Easier procurement: Sustainability credentials are increasingly required in tenders, and B Corp status provides a ready-made framework.

GET INVOLVED:

For those looking to engage locally, amplifi – a sustainability group founded by two local B Corps – is hosting two upcoming events:

• People’s Emergency Briefing: A short film followed by a discussion exploring how local organisations can collaborate. Demand is high, with over 100 attendees expected. Tickets: www.amplifi.tw

• Carbon Literacy Training: amplifi aims to certify 100 local individuals as carbon literate this year. The one-day course on 8 July is free and designed to build practical climate skills. Contact jenny@yoyodesign.com to register.

Testimonials from local B Corp businesses

TOM CHOWN, Filmmaker and founder of Digitom

“When I first came across the B Corp movement in 2021 it felt like a natural fit. We were already supporting our local community and working sustainably. ESG had long been part of our approach, but B Corp is different – it is valuesled rather than marketing-led. The certification process is rigorous, but it raises awareness of how these values benefit both business and society.

The AI-native advantage

The AI market is quickly separating into three types of business.

TONY CAUSER, Operations Director, Adina Cosmetic Ingredients

“Adina has supplied cosmetic ingredients to the beauty and personal care industry since 1991. We are committed to being a force for good, balancing commercial success with positive impact. B Corp holds us to account and provides a robust framework that ensures transparency and high standards in everything we do.”

AI-first businesses are built around a single AI capability. They move fast but many will struggle as foundational models absorb their functionality.

AI-reactive businesses delay adoption and respond late. They bolt AI onto broken processes, creating drag rather than advantage.

AI-native businesses sit between these extremes. They redesign their commercial engine, leadership habits, and decision frameworks so AI becomes infrastructure rather than disruption.

The winners will not be those with the most tools, but those with the strongest operating capability. To discover how VAYRO can help your business become AI native please visit www.vayro.co.uk.

The Myth Of ‘Common Law Marriage’: What Unmarried

Couples Need To Know

MJanet Raeburn Associate Solicitor Berry & Lamberts Solicitors

any people wrongly believe that living together for years, or having children, gives unmarried couples the same rights as married couples. In England and Wales, it does not. Cohabiting partners have far fewer legal protections if they separate. Associate Solicitor, Janet Raeburn, explains.

Common Law Marriage

‘Common Law Marriage’ has no legal status in England and Wales. For unmarried couples, living or having children together does not create rights to the other’s property, income or assets (apart from child maintenance). This can leave one partner financially vulnerable on separation.

What if there are children?

Where children are involved, the law may provide limited financial support to meet the needs of the child, not the parent. This can include requiring one parent to provide a home for, or to pay extra income to, the other parent where the child lives with them.   However, these orders are not automatic - it must be justified and depends on what the paying parent can afford. As the support is for the child, not the adult, it is often temporary rather than creating long-term financial rights for either parent - for instance, a property may need to be sold or returned to the ‘providing’ parent once the child reaches a certain milestone, such as finishing secondary education.

Property and finances on separation

When married couples divorce, the court has broad powers to divide assets fairly. For unmarried couples, the rules are completely different. Disputes are usually dealt with under complex trust law. With property, the court looks at whose name is on the title, who contributed financially, and whether there was a shared intention about ownership. This can lead to outcomes that feel unfair - for example, where one partner (or their family) paid the deposit expecting it would remain theirs. This often leads to outcomes that feel harsh - especially for the financially weaker partner.

This limited framework means children of cohabiting parents may experience greater financial insecurity compared to those whose parents are married or in a civil partnership.

How unmarried couples can protect themselves

Even though the law offers limited protection, there are practical steps you can take:

1. Enter into a Cohabitation Agreement

A professionally drafted agreement can record how finances will be handled both during the relationship and if you separate, reducing uncertainty and helping to prevent conflict.

2. Be clear about property ownership

If you buy a property together, make sure the legal title matches your intentions regarding ownership. If one of you owns the home but the other contributes financially, ensure you correctly record what happens in those circumstances. In both cases, consider a Declaration of Trust to record what share of the property you are each entitled to.

3. Make a Will

Unmarried couples do not automatically inherit from each other, so a valid Will is crucial to protect your partner - especially where property or children are involved.

Taking these steps early is one of the most effective ways to prevent misunderstandings and future disputes. Speaking to an experienced family solicitor at Berry & Lamberts means you have compassionate, expert support right by you. We are committed to helping you resolve issues arising from a relationship breakdown in a constructive, fair and reasonable way.

With many years of experience, our friendly and caring team can provide clear advice tailored to your circumstances. We have expertise in preparing cohabitation agreements, wills and other important documents to help protect you and your family’s future.

berryandlamberts.co.uk

Game, set and watch

In his monthly column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID reveals the line up for the return of the open air screen this July for Filmzone and Fanzone in Calverley Grounds…

RTW Together BID are delighted to announce the return of Filmzone and Fanzone to Calverley Grounds, with an even bigger 6m x 3.5m screen, from Wednesday 8Sunday 12 July.

Part of the BID’s promotional strategy is to attract residents and visitors to spend longer in the town by way of events that make Tunbridge Wells an attractive destination. Events like the open air screenings increase dwell time, and encourage more spend with local businesses.

Following the success of the inaugural Filmzone in 2025, this year there are three days of films, thanks to our sponsor Cooper Burnett Solicitors, in association with Trinity Theatre. We know people are struggling financially, and so we have kept the ticket prices as low as possible.

Wednesday 8 July kicks off at 8pm with the DC Universe reboot of Superman (2025), portrayed by the talented David Corenswet . Thursday 9 July sees us pay homage to the incoming weekend of live tennis action, by showing the film, Wimbledon, at 4.30pm, starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst.

The evening viewing at 8pm brings us Hot Fuzz (15+ only), heralded as a masterclass in comedy filmmaking, with a razor-sharp script and pitch-perfect performances thanks to the brilliant duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost.

For our final day of films, Friday 10 July kicks off at 4.30pm with Pixar classic, Ratatouille. Set in Paris, the story focuses on a rat named Remy who dreams of being a chef. The Finale had to meet the runaway success of last year, and so we

“

Forget Murray’s Mount or Henman Hill, Tunbridge Wells has The Royal Ridge, which has proved incredibly popular for our Wimbledon Fanzone and Filmzone too

are bringing the sequel (and prequel) of Mamma Mia: Here we go again! as our final film at 8pm.

Victoria Sampson, Head of Corporate and Commercial at CooperBurnett LLP told us: “We are delighted to sponsor Filmzone in Calverley Grounds. Events like this are what make Tunbridge Wells such a great place to work and live! A beautiful summer’s day, the backdrop of the stunning grounds, a glass of something cold in hand, a deckchair to lounge on, we are so fortunate to have all this in our town.”

The BID is also very proud to host the Wimbledon Finals Weekend at Fanzone 2026, completely free of charge from 11am on Saturday 11 July until the final

serve is made on Sunday 12 July.

Forget Murray’s Mount or Henman Hill, Tunbridge Wells has The Royal Ridge, which proved incredibly popular for shade under the big trees when temperatures soared into the high 20s last year. The BID will also provide air mist fans across the site if the sun is out, a welcome spot to cool down.

We are delighted to welcome back The Manor House and their fully-stocked Pop Up bar which will include lagers, ales, ciders, wine, sparkling wine, Pimms, G&T’s, Aperol Spritz and soft drinks. The bar will take both cash & card/digital payments. We are very excited to have local pizza gurus, Cantuccio on site at Calverley Grounds, offering gorgeous pizzas from Thursday to Sunday. Plus Taste Wells will once again be offering strawberries & cream, sandwiches and cakes from their beautiful horse box for the Wimbledon finals weekend only.

The weekend also sees a range of fun activities and garden games, some with more than a nod to the sport … join in Pickleball with Simply Sport, Play tennis with A Pro on the courts in Calverley, and enjoy running around and having fun at family Tennis! Plus take part in Nando’s Wheel of Fortune and Natural Fit’s Sport’s Games. There are also garden games managed by local charities: West Kent Mind, Hospice in the Weald & She Matters. With the hill serving as a natural Amphitheatre, the sound quality is perfect, the vibe is relaxed so just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. To find out more, and to book tickets for the film screenings, visit www.rtwtogether.com/rtwfanzone.

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.

ONE INCIDENT AWAY: THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNDERINSURANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

FOR HOME INSURANCE YOU CAN RELY ON, JOIN US TODAY.

Is your home insurance due for renewal? Not sure how good your current cover is?

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.

Here are just some of the reasons why 9 out of 10 customers renew their home insurance with NFU Mutual each year:

• Highly rated, quality cover – our Home Insurance is Defaqto 5 Star rated.

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.

• We’re also a Which? Recommended Provider for our home insurance September 2025.

• No quibble approach to claims - We’ll take a personal approach to your claim and will handle it efficiently and with expertise.

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.

• Alternative accommodation offered – for you, your family, and domestic pets, if your home becomes uninhabitable due to insured damage covered by your policy.

• New for old contents cover – If we can’t repair a damaged item, we’ll provide a brand-new replacement. Accidental damage cover is available for an additional fee.

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.

: If your property or equipment is

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

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

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

Here are some of the main risks businesses face

as your business grows.

• Home Emergency Cover add-on – £1,000 cover per emergency. This cover is available to add on to all new and existing home insurance policies. Any incident which occurs within the first 7 days of cover is excluded. Home Emergency Cover is administered by ARAG plc.

Here’s how we can help:

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

• 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.

• Over 280 agency offices UK-wide – including your local agency Tunbridge Wells, providing you with a dedicated personal service.

• 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.

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

Your cover will depend on your circumstances. We’ll be happy to explain full details of our home insurance cover including any limits and exclusions to help make sure you have the cover you need.

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

For insurance you can rely on, why not join over 870,000 general insurance customers who are covered by NFU Mutual.

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.

Building a stronger local economy

The Economic Development Team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council explains the ways in which it supports local business to help them thrive and reveals the latest opportunities available to companies in the borough…

Supporting local businesses is a key priority for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), helping to create jobs, attract investment and ensure our town centres remain vibrant places to live, work and visit.

TWBC works closely with businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and independent traders to established employers, providing practical support and opportunities that help them grow and succeed…

BUSINESS GRANTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT

TWBC has allocated funding for a Local Climate Action Fund to deliver a programme of grants throughout the 2026/27 financial year. The funding is provided to encourage projects that advance green technology, improve energy efficiency and contribute to local sustainability goals, aligning economic

“Tunbridge Wells Borough Council remains committed to supporting a thriving local economy through grant opportunities, visitor economy initiatives and strong partnerships

growth with environmental responsibility. With grant schemes having already launched this year, take a look at the Tunbridge Wells Climate Action website for more information.

The Council also highlights funding for businesses that partner organisations provide. For example, the Kent & Medway Business Fund (Standard and Small Business Boost) provides 0% interest loans to qualifying companies with ambitions to grow.

In addition, Tunbridge Wells businesses can take advantage of the Government’s new Youth Jobs Grant, which is designed to support young people into sustained employment while helping employers reduce recruitment costs.

The Youth Jobs Grant offers incentives for employers to engage, including a £3,000 grant per eligible hire, access to a pipeline of work-ready young people and

reduced recruitment costs while building a motivated workforce. Employers may be eligible if they are ready to recruit an 18–24-year-old who has been on Universal Credit for six months or more and is actively seeking employment.

SUPPORTING THE VISITOR ECONOMY

The visitor economy plays an important role in the borough, supporting jobs and generating spending for businesses across the hospitality, retail, leisure and cultural sectors.

The Council works with tourism partners including Visit Kent and Tourism South East, as well as local businesses, to promote the area as an attractive destination for visitors. Through marketing campaigns, events, destination promotion and collaborative initiatives, we help showcase everything the borough has to offer, encouraging people to visit, stay longer and spend locally.

BUSINESS SUPPORT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

The Council works in partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Sevenoaks District Council, known collectively as Invest West Kent, which, through its business support programme, offers workshops, webinars and mentoring opportunities as well as business grants. The programme is due to restart in August 2026.

The Kent & Medway Growth Hub offers free workshops (in-person and online)

designed to support people starting their own business. The next workshop is taking place on July 8th and 9th and will cover developing business ideas, understanding customers and markets, building business plans, as well as finance and funding options.

Alongside this, Kent and Medway Growth Hub provides ongoing free advice to help businesses start and grow, with details available on their website (see our contacts book below).

LOOKING AHEAD

The Council remains committed to supporting a thriving local economy. Through grant opportunities, visitor economy initiatives and strong partnerships with organisations such as the BID, Visit Kent and Invest West Kent, it will continue to help businesses succeed, attract investment and create opportunities for the future.

CONTACTS BOOK:

Kent & Medway Business Fund: www.kmbf.co.uk

Kent & Medway Growth Hub: kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk

For more information contact business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

To sign up to the TWBC Business Newsletter email: business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk

You can also get the latest grant opportunities straight to your inbox.

Book FILMZONE tickets here!

ALife through a lens

John Knight is a renowned photographer shooting across a number of sectors including corporate, interiors and food and drink. He is also the official cover shoot photographer for this magazine and a member of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group. Here John explains the power of commissioning branding photography for your business…

fter a successful career in advertising as an art director, I moved to photography and turned professional in 2007. I still shoot with the eye of an art director and always have the bigger picture and end result in mind.

Having professional images isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential. Your visuals need to tell your story and ensure you stand out with consistent, on-brand content that keeps you relevant in the eyes of your customers.

“

Your visuals need to tell your story and ensure you stand out with consistent, on-brand content

Quality photography that reflects your uniqueness can help transform your website into a stunning showcase, make your social media shine, elevate your presentations and even help you make more connections.

Many clients who come to me know they need a photographer but don’t know what imagery they need. The good thing is I am always here to help. Over the years I have helped many companies develop a visual style through their photography that has become a recognisable extension of their brand identity.

Using photography to showcase RVP for Rivington Hark

Often overlooked or sidelined due to cost, photography is one of the few services that can automatically be rolled out across all platforms – thus making it a worthy investment. A single professional shoot can provide content for your:

• WEBSITE

• SOCIAL MEDIA

• PRINT MATERIALS

• ONLINE ADS

• PR AND PRESS FEATURES

Local company Scrummy Cream boosted sales with reimagined product photography

In today’s image hungry world showing the faces behind the brands is as important as showing the brands themselves. LinkedIn reports profiles with professional images get up to 21x more views compared to those without - with these views leading to connection requests, higher engagement and greater trust from clients.

A quick reality check is if your current business photo is a selfie, cropped from a group, from a holiday or wedding or taken more than two years ago. If so then upgrading to a current professional one is almost guaranteed to improve how people respond to you online.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF RTWMG

I was introduced to Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group (RTWMG) a couple of years ago. I have always known Tunbridge Wells was a vibrant creative hub, and it was exciting to find this group existed.

Becoming an RTWMG member means that it’s not only been great to socialise with fellow creatives – but it’s also been an incredible resource for accessing valuable information and brilliant networking.

My top tip is to focus on a photographer’s portfolio - not the price. If you think ‘I’d be happy to look like that’ this is a very good sign. Consistency of images is vital and it takes a professional to repeat this brilliance over and over with different subjects and briefs. And although budgets are crucial - cheaper is not usually a good thing. Try to look at the many ways your images will be used to make a return on your investment.

So how do you find the right photographer for you?

You may not exactly know what you need - but start by narrowing it down to the following:

• PURPOSE: LinkedIn, team photos, personal branding, products, website

• STYLE: Corporate, relaxed, creative, lifestyle

• WHERE IT’LL BE USED: LinkedIn, website, press, social media

When you work with me I offer guidance and take time to get to know you, your brand and your brief. I have decades of experience and knowledge and also possess insurance, professional equipment, good people skills and will always provide editing and re-touching services, alongside finished high res and web sized images and image licenses. And remember whether it is portraits, branding, interiors, food or events - my business is here to make yours look amazing.

Visit - johnknightphotography.co.uk

Follow - @johnknightphotography

LinkedIn - John Knight Photography www.rtwmg.com

“AI is not an appliance it’s the electricity to power your business”

OThe noise around Artificial Intelligence is omnipresent and can often feel overwhelming and disorientating. Luckily AI management company VARYO has created the Compass – a tool to help you navigate technology and not fear it. Here the company’s CEO Jamie Dixon explains more about how the revolutionary Compass can assist your business chart a confident future professional pathway…

pen your phone, your inbox, or almost any newspaper this week, and the message is hard to miss. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is coming for your job, your industry, your way of working. The headlines are loud, the forecasts are sweeping, and for a great many people the feeling underneath all of it is the same: overwhelm.

I understand it, because I feel the pace too. The difference is that I have spent recent years looking closely at what is actually happening, and I want to share something that I hope brings a little calm. The fear is understandable - but it is also navigable.

We are living through an industrial revolution. Not a software update, not a passing fashion, but a genuine shift in how work gets done and how value gets created. Revolutions of this kind feel frightening while you are inside them, because the ground moves before the map arrives. That gap, between the change and the understanding, is where the anxiety lives.

Our view at VAYRO is straightforward. AI is electricity, not an appliance. Electricity did not simply give the world one new gadget to plug in. It rewired homes, factories, hospitals and cities, and it created jobs and industries that nobody had imagined the decade before. AI is the same kind of force. Treating it as a single clever app to download misses the scale of what is unfolding, and it leaves people reacting to symptoms rather than understanding the shift. The reason so many people feel threatened is not that they lack intelligence or ambition. It is that nobody has handed them a way to orient themselves. They are being told the world

is changing without being shown where to stand, which direction to face, or what the first sensible step might be. When you cannot see the terrain, every rumour feels like a cliff edge.

That is why we built the Compass at VAYRO.

The Compass is a tool with one clear purpose. It helps you find your bearings. It does not pretend the landscape is simple, and it does not promise that the journey will be effortless. What it does is give you orientation. It helps you understand where you are today, where the opportunities sit, and which way is genuinely worth walking. A map tries to show you the whole world at once and can be overwhelming on its own. A compass is quieter. It points, you move, you check again. That is how people cross unfamiliar ground without losing their nerve.

Underneath the Compass sits a belief that matters a great deal to us. The single most valuable thing you can carry into this period is not a particular tool or a clever prompt. It is understanding. When you grasp how the technology actually works, and what it can and cannot do for you, the fear loses its grip. Confusion turns into curiosity, and curiosity is where real progress begins. This is why education sits at the heart of everything we do. As the change arrives, the people who learn will lead, and the people who wait will worry.

VAYRO is an AI management company, and our mission is to help people succeed in the Age of AI. In practice, that means giving you a path and a plan rather than another warning. It means meeting you where you are, whether you are a curious individual, a small team, or an established organisation, and walking the route with you at a pace that feels human.

We are also proud to give a great deal of this away. We have built a growing library of free tools, including a directory of hundreds of verified AI tools, organised so that you can find what is relevant to you without wading through noise. Knowledge that helps people stand steady should not sit behind a paywall during a moment like this. The more confident and capable people feel, the better the whole transition goes for everyone.

The revolution is already here. You cannot stop the weather, but you can learn to read the sky and choose your route. That is the spirit in which we work, and it is the promise behind everything we are building.

You are not behind. You are not finished. North is still findable, and the Compass is how we help you find it.

www.vayro.co.uk

Is Your Exit Strategy Actually a Strategy?

Here’s a question worth thinking about on your summer holiday: if you decided to exit your business in the next 12 months, do you know what that actually looks like? Not in theory — in practice. The structure, the timing, the tax position, the people involved.

Most founders I speak to have thought about it. Very few have a plan that holds up under scrutiny.

The first thing worth knowing is that selling to a third party is not your only option and for many owner-led businesses, it isn’t even the best one. Employee Ownership Trusts are gaining real traction: a trust acquires a controlling stake on behalf of your people, you release value, protect the culture you’ve spent years building and don’t hand the keys to a competitor or private equity firm with different priorities.

logic too but they all reward founders who started the conversation early.

The second thing? Timing matters more than most people realise. The difference between a deal completing either side of a tax year-end isn’t just a date in the diary it can materially affect what you walk away with. Yet too many founders let a buyer set the timetable and then scramble to catch up.

The exits that go well share one common thread: the founder decided to get informed before they were under pressure. They understood their options, modelled different outcomes and made a deliberate choice — rather than taking the first offer that arrived.

If the thought of exiting your business is in the back of your mind, that’s probably the right time to bring it to the front.

Joe Milner is CEO of Brightstar Law

Money mindset : The story running your bank account isn’t

Most people assume their financial situation comes down to effort, opportunity, or the economy. The truth is far more uncomfortable than that. The story running the bank account was written long before anyone ever earned their first pound.

Money scripts start early. A parent who grew up with very little passes on the belief that money is scarce and hard to keep. A well-meaning teacher warns that wanting too much makes a person greedy. Society reinforces the idea that some people are simply built for wealth and others aren’t. None of it is true, and all of it sticks.

The result is an invisible ceiling. Most people seeking work at £30k will search for roles paying £28k to £32k. The idea of doubling that feels unrealistic, even laughable. Yet the only thing standing between where someone is and where they could be is the belief that the bigger number isn’t available to them.

That ceiling isn’t fixed. It’s learned, which means it can be unlearned.

Flipping the switch takes three things working together. The first is gratitude, and it goes deeper than positive thinking. Recognising what’s already there, the income coming in, the car on the drive, the phone in the pocket, tells the brain it’s already operating from a place of abundance. That reframe matters more than most people realise.

The second is getting crystal clear on the ‘why’. A specific financial goal with a real reason behind it has a completely different energy to a vague wish for more money. Knowing why keeps the goal alive when the going gets uncomfortable.

The third is action. Gratitude and clarity

Guided by a common purpose.

are powerful, and without bold, consistent steps they just stay as ideas.

The version of a person earning double their current income is making different decisions today, and that version is accessible right now.

Money is a mirror. It reflects what’s already there: the generosity, the drive, the desire to create something meaningful. More of it doesn’t change who you are, it just gives you more room to be it.

The question worth sitting with isn’t whether more is possible. It’s which inherited belief is deciding that it isn’t.

To Think About: Write down the money script you heard most growing up. Then ask yourself honestly: is that actually true, or is it just familiar?

“Induction is the foundation of performance, culture and compliance”

In her column for this month, Gemma Farina, Managing Director of GFHR Consulting, explains why getting induction right has never mattered more

Starting a new job is a defining moment - not just for the individual, but for the business too. First impressions form quickly, and the quality of a new starter’s induction often determines whether they settle, perform and stay, or quietly disengage and leave. With significant changes to unfair dismissal rights on the horizon, induction has taken on even greater importance. From January, employees will gain unfair dismissal protection after just six months’ service. For employers, this represents a fundamental shift. Informal probation periods and loosely managed onboarding processes now carry far greater legal, financial and reputational risk.

A well-structured induction is one of the most effective ways to mitigate that risk. Done properly, it sets expectations from day one, ensures employees understand their role and responsibilities, and gives managers a clear framework to support performance and address issues

“Most businesses want new hires to succeed - and a structured induction gives them the best possible chance”

early. Just as importantly, it creates a transparent audit trail that demonstrates fairness and reasonableness - something tribunals consistently look for.

At its best, induction isn’t a tick-box exercise. It’s a practical, people-centred process that should include clear objectives and success measures, planned and recorded training, regular check-ins with honest feedback, and open, twoway conversations about progress and concerns. Where issues arise, employees must be given a fair opportunity to improve, with the right support in place. Recruitment is a significant investment. Advertising, interviewing, onboarding and training all take time and money,

Looking to find a new local care provider?

not to mention the impact on existing teams. Most businesses want new hires to succeed - and a structured induction gives them the best possible chance. It also gives managers the confidence to act early and decisively when things aren’t working, rather than drifting into costly problems later.

As employment law continues to evolve, the message is clear. Induction is no longer a ‘nice to have’. It is the foundation of performance, culture and complianceand it starts on day one.

If your induction process has grown informally over time, now is the moment to put structure around it. A small investment early on can prevent far bigger issues down the line. Get in contact at info@gfhr.co.uk or 01892 300360 and we’d be happy to help.

Braeburn Care, are a leading provider of home care services, to the residents of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Crowborough and surrounding areas across Kent and East Sussex. As a family-owned business, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalised community care services.

Our range of services includes:

If you would like to learn more about our services and how we can support you or your loved ones, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation chat.

Whether you require short-term or longer term care and support services, our team at Braeburn Care can provide a complete care solution to meet your individual needs.

“I

am so proud to be here for my community”

For this month’s Community Heroes Feature, Sarah Raine meets with Caroline McGibney, Volunteer Centre Manager at The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre…

Caroline McGibney grew up in Sevenoaks and moved to Tunbridge Wells in 1987. Having worked in the legal sector in the city for 30 years, she left in 2015 and started volunteering at The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre in September 2017.

So Caroline, please tell us a bit about The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre…

The charity, named after local oncologist David Pickering, was started in 2004 by a group of cancer patients who wanted an emotional support mechanism. Since then it has grown exponentially. Last year, we had 2,055 visits and gave 1,020 complementary therapy treatments.

What is the criteria for being referred?

There is no referral process – you just turn up at the door. And we welcome all adults, and we have both male and female volunteers. Visitors can come at any stage in their cancer journey: at diagnosis, during treatment or post treatment. We never put time limits on our support, and it includes bereaved people, or those supporting loved ones with cancer. Everything we do is free for our visitors, and our services include various complementary therapies, pottery and art. The charity also owns a holiday home in Pevensey which is available for our visitors when they need a break from everything.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the charity?

When I retired, I had time available and, as someone who has been personally touched by cancer since childhood, it seemed the perfect charity to support. I literally knocked on the door to offer my help, and joined the volunteer rota making teas and coffees. As a qualified bookkeeper, I was also asked to do the banking. Today, I am proud to be the Centre Manager. The team consists of myself, Janice Rees, who is Head of Volunteers, 17 Centre volunteers and 12 volunteer therapists.

What does volunteering give you?

I consider it a huge privilege to be present for people at one of the most

“

I consider it a huge privilege to be present for people at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives

vulnerable times in their lives. Giving them an opportunity to sit with their emotions, cry and talk openly about all their concerns. It is emotional, but I am so proud to be there for my community.

What makes the charity so special?

The fact we aren’t a clinic, we are a community, and our visitors belong to a group of incredible people who understand and support each other. It is a non-medical, non-clinical space, very much a home away from home.

What kinds of issues is the charity facing?

The current landscape is hard as we are entirely self-funded. That means no government or NHS support, so we rely

entirely on donations. However we are fortunate to have good relationships with local businesses and individuals, and receive legacy donations.

In January, we completed the purchase of a new bigger centre on Monson Road, which will not only help us service more visitors, but will make it easier for anyone who has mobility issues. Hopefully by the end of the year we will have six therapy rooms, two counselling rooms, a big living room, a quiet room for newcomers, as well as an adaptable space for arts and pottery, yoga and tai chi. Last year we launched our ‘Key to the Door Campaign’ aiming to raise £150,000 to fully kit out and launch the new centre. All donations and fundraisers in aid of Pickering are welcome, as are gifts in kind in the form of trade skills and furnishings.

What do you look for in volunteers?

Most volunteers have lived experience of cancer, either themselves or supporting others, and bring with them the right balance of empathy and understanding. We need more volunteers, especially when the new centre opens. Our Centre volunteers are typically in their 60s and 70s, and so if any younger people would like to give some time that would be lovely for our younger visitors. We would also appreciate approaches from therapists who want to give some time. We are flexible, some of our team give a day a week, for others it’s once a month.

How can people get help?

Don’t be afraid to knock on the door, we understand how hard that might be but I can tell you first hand, this special community will make a difference. We are open four days a week 10am-3pm, closed Thursdays, bank holidays and the weekend.

To find out more visit www.pickeringcancercentre.org , where you can also find out how to support our Key to the Door Campaign. You can also come to our events including quiz nights and picnics - keep an eye on our socials @pickeringcancer .

The power of Planning

by Darren Austin at Synergee

In an ideal world, business owners will meet with their accountant on a regular basis. Meetings are a great chance to check in, review results, track progress against budgets and tweak plans if required. However, it’s not an ideal world and sometimes meetings slip. If you haven’t had one for a while and have a year-end approaching, it’s advisable to have the meeting pre rather than post year end. At its heart, a pre-year end meeting provides clarity and control. By reviewing performance ahead of the year end, business owners gain an early view of profitability, tax exposure, and cash position. This removes uncertainty and puts decision-making back where it belongs — firmly in your hands.

One of the most powerful benefits is proactive tax planning. With a clear estimate of profits, there is still time to take meaningful action. Whether it’s adjusting the timing of expenditure, making pension contributions, or investing in new equipment, these decisions can legitimately reduce tax liabilities.

Cash flow is another area where this meeting delivers real value. Understanding upcoming

tax payments alongside current trading performance allows for better planning around dividends, reinvestment, and funding requirements. Instead of reacting to surprises, businesses can move forward with confidence.

There is also the opportunity to review how directors are rewarded. Striking the right balance between salary, dividends and pensions helps ensure tax efficiency while aligning with personal financial goals — something that is often overlooked without dedicated planning time.

Importantly, the conversation goes beyond numbers. A pre-year end meeting creates space to step back and ask bigger questions: What has worked this year? Where are the opportunities for growth? What needs to change? It shifts the focus from compliance to direction.

In simple terms, it turns your accounts from a rear-view mirror into a forward-facing tool. For business owners who want greater control, fewer surprises, and better-informed decisions, a pre-year end meeting is not just useful — it is a genuine competitive advantage.

Darren Austin is a director of Synergee Limited, a firm of Chartered Accountants & business advisers based in Tunbridge Wells. If you have any questions you'd like to ask Darren he can be contacted on 01892 772960 www.synergee.org.uk

Lasting Powers of Attorney - Disputes

Whether you’re making your first will, reviewing inheritance tax, setting up powers of attorney, handling probate or resolving a dispute, each step matters. Our solicitors focus on your family, assets and goals, explaining options clearly and putting the right structure in place.

TN2 Gateway reaches major milestone

On May 14th, local businesses and Mike Martin, MP for Tunbridge Wells, gathered to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the much anticipated TN2 Gateway.

The event offered a tour of the new logistics facilities, along with a unique highlight - a HGV driving experience.

Delivered by Development Manager Scannell Properties, Royal London Asset Management Property’s TN2 Gateway will provide 500,000 sq ft of B8 and E(g)

space just moments from the A21.

The first units are now ready for occupation, with a range of flexible space at the park ranging from 23,503 to 175,222 sq ft.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the development targets BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A+ ratings. Features include photovoltaic roofing and carbon-neutral heating, supporting energy efficiency and cost savings.

Extensive landscaping at the site is also progressing at pace, with over 350

trees, wildflower meadows and a pond planned to enhance biodiversity, support employee wellbeing and integrate the site into its surroundings.

Commenting on his visit to the new project Mike Martin said: “It was great to be at the launch of the TN2 Gateway – a £135million logistics park with nine units in Tunbridge Wells that is bringing lots of jobs with it.”

To find out more on the project and space available visit: www.tn2gateway.co.uk

Thackray Williams progresses ESG journey

Leading Kent and London law firm, Thackray Williams, has introduced a range of initiatives spanning improving environmental performance, strengthening governance and supporting local communities as it develops its Environmental, Social and Governance policy.

“Thackray Williams has also become a ‘Commercial Partner’ in the Environmental Business Network to connect and learn from ambitious and forward-thinking individuals and organisations”

The initiatives have been informed by an independent report conducted in August 2024 to provide a benchmark of where the firm was and how it could adapt to reduce its carbon footprint.

“Our first step was to launch our own ESG Committee, bringing together passionate volunteers from across the business to provide strategic support to our Leadership Team to build a more

sustainable and responsible business for the future,” explains Amy Hine, Head of Risk & Compliance and the firm’s ESG Lead.

The Committee has spearheaded supply chain and operational changes, including the introduction of more sustainable suppliers and measures to reduce paper usage and resource consumption across its operations.

Thackray Williams has joined with other companies at its Bromley office to plant trees in the communal gardens. Employees have been given Volunteer Days to assist with a rewilding project in the gardens of the West Wickham

office. Specific planting schemes have been adopted to boost local biodiversity and attract pollinators and wildlife, while creating a welcoming and vibrant environment for the team, clients and neighbours.

The firm has also become a ‘Commercial Partner’ in the Environmental Business Network to connect and learn from ambitious, insightful and forward-thinking individuals and organisations.

A key part of Thackray Williams’ ESG expansion has been developing its support for local communities. The firm has introduced a structured volunteering programme, giving employees dedicated time to contribute to initiatives that make a tangible difference within the communities it serves.

In addition, it has continued to build relationships with local organisations and charities, providing both practical support and fundraising initiatives throughout the year, alongside participation in community-led projects across its Kent and London offices. Key partnerships include Crystal Palace FC’s Palace for the Planet, a local food bank and dementiafriendly support networks.

MBurnout is a leadership issue, Not just a personal one

Welcome to Moving Business Forward with DCA, a new monthly column exploring the human side of work, leadership, community and change.

ost of us will have experienced some form of burnout in our working lives, whether we want to admit it or not. Burnout is not a new concept. It has been discussed for more than 50 years and is most often linked to the workplace. It can affect us physically, behaviourally and psychologically, with consequences that reach far beyond the working day.

Recent research from Mental Health UK highlights that over 90% of UK adults have experienced high or extreme levels of stress because of work. It also suggests that workplace stress has remained consistently high year after year. Even more concerning is that time away from work due to extreme stress is rising, with almost two in five young people under 24 having taken time away because of burnout.

Some might read those statistics and think, “Well, that’s just how work is” or “You just have to power through.” But the world of work has significantly

changed, and many people are navigating heavier workloads, constant connectivity, economic and social pressures, technological change and a blurring of the boundaries between work and home.

So, our approach needs to change too.

Burnout should not be treated just as a personal issue or something that needs to be solved alone. In most cases, it is a signal that the environment surrounding that person or team needs attention. That makes leadership central to this conversation.

Leaders play a vital role in shaping how people experience the world of work. They set expectations, model behaviours, create clarity, listen and support their teams to build environments where people can do their best. Yet many leaders are also under pressure. Some may not know how to spot burnout. Others may care deeply, but they often lack the time, training or resources to intervene effectively. This is why organisations need to take this seriously,

not just as a “wellbeing extra”, but as part of how they lead, manage and grow their teams.

The reality is that burnout costs everyone. It costs businesses through absence, lower productivity and lost talent. More importantly, it costs people: employees, managers, leaders and business owners alike.

The hopeful part in this is that burnout is often preventable. And it starts with one honest question for leaders: what can I do differently to create a healthier, better impact for the people around me?

For now, stay well — and we’ll see you next month.

- Christian Christian Mills is the Founder of DCA International, which brings together consulting, leadership coaching and the DCA Think Tank. If you’re interested in getting in touch, talking about burnout or finding a better way of working, email us at think@dcainternational.co.uk.

Unlocking Human Potential Creating stronger ways of working

“Let’s

invest in tomorrow’s workforce today”

This month, the experts at TN Recruits discuss why young people who are not in education, employment or training is a hiring wake-up call for local employers….

As youth inactivity rises nationally, employers across Kent, Sussex and Surrey have an opportunity to rethink entry-level hiring and future talent.

The national conversation about young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) is no longer just a policy issue. It is becoming a business issue too.

Recent Guardian coverage of Alan Milburn’s interim review warned that the number of young people classed as NEET could rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without urgent action. The latest

If employers only recruit for the finished article, they may miss capable people who could develop quickly with the right environment, expectations and support

ONS figures, published in May, put the current UK total at 1.012 million people aged 16 to 24, representing 13.5% of that age group. The Milburn review also highlights a striking point for employers: six in ten young people who are NEET have never had a job.

For businesses across Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Sussex and Surrey, this matters for two reasons. First, many employers are still struggling to find reliable people for administration, customer service, finance support, front-of-house, sales support and operational roles. Secondly, the entry-level route into work has become less visible, less structured and, for some young people, harder to access. That creates a risk. If employers only recruit for the finished article, they may miss capable people who could develop quickly with the right environment, expectations and support. At the same time, hiring someone without the right preparation, screening or onboarding can place pressure on already busy teams.

This is where a thoughtful recruitment partner can make a practical difference. At TN Recruits, we work closely with local employers to understand not only the role, but the pace, culture, communication style and support available within the team. That allows us to identify candidates with the right attitude, transferable skills and potential, as well as the technical experience required.

For younger or earlier-career candidates, human assessment is especially important. A CV rarely tells the full story. Confidence, reliability, curiosity, communication and a willingness to

learn often become clear through proper conversation, careful questioning and a realistic explanation of the role. Our approach helps clients see beyond a narrow checklist while still protecting quality and fit.

Employers can also help by making entry routes more intentional. Job descriptions should separate what is essential from what can be trained. Interview processes should be clear, timely and encouraging. The first weeks should include structure, feedback and realistic expectations.

Temporary assignments, trial periods and junior support roles can also give businesses flexible ways to build confidence before committing long term.

The NEETs debate is complex, and business alone cannot solve it. But local employers do have influence. By opening sensible, well-supported routes into work, they can strengthen their own future talent pipeline while giving capable people a first step into sustained employment.

TN Recruits is here to help businesses make those steps carefully, commercially and with the local insight needed to get them right.

Alex Boyd and his wife Virginia celebrate their restaurant Kumquat being awarded two AA rosettes

THE ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE Tunbridge Wells

Located in the heart of Tunbridge Wells for over 80 years, the Assembly Hall Theatre welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually.

A large regional theatre with a varied and growing audience from across the Southeast, the venue hosts around 250 performances a year covering live music, West End productions, comedy, children’s shows, spoken word and drama.

PARTNER WITH USHIRE A SPACE

The theatre offers a wide selection of sponsorship packages that showcase your company or brand to a variety of demographics. Sponsorship partners benefit from:

• A visible wdgement on key theatre platforms such as emails, socials & website

• Inclusion in theatre guides

• Access to complimentary tickets for certain productions.

The theatre is also available to hire and is the perfect venue for a variety of corporate events, gala nights, awards ceremonies, networking and social events of all sizes. Anyone using the venue would also have access to our various bars, seating areas and breakout spaces.

Our flexible layout allows the space to feel lavish yet welcoming, tailored to the scale of the event.

HIGH FIVE: Discover the secret of TN1 Bar & Kitchen's success

VINE TIME: Knowle Grange Spa celebrates at Birchden Vineyard

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD: A look back at the first Feast Street event

SPARKLING SUCCESS: Small Business Supper Club x The Diamond Setter

GLOBAL ADVENTURE: We review TN1 Bar & Kitchen's tasty menu

AWARD-WINNING: Celebrating Kumquat's two AA Rosette Awards

HOOK, LINE & SINKER: James Eagle of The Pished Fish on his gourmet food business

WINNING STREAK: Susannah Ricci of Yotes Court on wine and winning races

FOR RENT: Becky Moran of TN Lettings brings all the latest from the market

TOP TIPS: Deborah Richards of Maddisons on whether to stick or switch

HOT PROPERTY: Take a tour around one of the area's most desirable homes

INTERIORS: Talented interior designer Kate Malone shows us her portfolio

TRAVEL: Go on a global adventure with Ashdown Travel this summer

SKIN DEEP: We step inside the new TW Clinic for Skin and Veins

AIMING HIGH: Experience a Ladies' Shoot Day at West Kent Shooting School

HATS OFF: Gill Stratton of Mille Fleurs Millinery on her crowning glories

SOCIAL NETWORK: Clare Lush-Mansell of My Tunbridge Wells on where to go

Welcome to the second edition of The TW Edit – the lifestyle supplement from Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine that celebrates the people, places and businesses shaping the stylish side of life across our town and beyond.

When we launched this publication just a few weeks ago, we hoped it would resonate with readers looking for a curated mix of inspiring personalities, local discoveries and lifestyle stories. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re delighted to bring you another issue packed with fascinating features, expert insights and plenty of inspiration for the season ahead.

This month, we’re thrilled to meet the remarkable Susannah Ricci of Yotes Court. Entrepreneur, racehorse owner and passionate winemaker, Susannah shares her story with our Drinks Editor,

James Viner, revealing how she has become one of the region’s most dynamic businesswomen.

Food lovers are in for a treat too. We celebrate the fifth birthday of TN1 Bar & Kitchen with a visit to one of Tunbridge Wells’ most popular dining destinations, while also catching up with James Eagle, founder of gourmet food company The Pished Fish, whose innovative and deluxe products are making quite a splash.

With summer in full swing, we’ve rounded up some of the best travel escapes for the months ahead, whether you’re planning a staycation, a European adventure or something a little more exotic. Closer to home, we explore what’s happening on the local property market and showcase the latest trends influencing buyers and sellers alike. We also sit down with

interior designer Kate Malone.

Culture also takes centre stage as we discover how the Assembly Hall Theatre is diversifying its offering and introducing new business sponsorship opportunities designed to strengthen its connection with the local community.

Elsewhere, we bring you the highlights from the past month’s social events and round up the best family-friendly activities and experiences to enjoy in the weeks ahead.

We hope you enjoy reading The TW Edit as much as we have enjoyed creating it. Eileen Leahy Editor

Happy 5th birthday TN1

Five years ago on May 17 the TN1 Bar & Kitchen opened its doors on Monson Road. Located in the town’s famous Flower House building, it had a clear culinary mission right from the start: to create a welcoming place where great food, good company, and genuine hospitality come together.

The owners Murat and Tess and their team celebrated being in business for half a decade in May, inviting regular customers, friends and family to a big old party that saw live music – and of course delicious food and drink being served.

They told us they were ‘incredibly proud and grateful’ for the journey they have shared so far with the Tunbridge Wells community.

“As a family-run restaurant, every detail

of TN1 Bar & Kitchen has always reflected who we are. From the kitchen to the front of house, our passion has been creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through our doors.”

Murat and Tess added that reaching this milestone would not have been possible without the ‘unwavering support’ of their dedicated TN1 team, their local suppliers, and, most importantly, their customers.

“Your loyalty, encouragement, and continued support have helped us grow into the vibrant restaurant we are today. We are proud to be an award-winning independent venue and look forward to continuing to welcome locals and visitors alike for relaxed dining, drinks, and live music in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.”

A MOUNT EDGCUMBE SUMMER

Experience summer at The Mount Edgcumbe, the perfect place to Eat, Drink, Stay, and Enjoy!

Relax with a meal on our beautiful terraced restaurant area, or dine inside our elegant orangery-style restaurant, where open French doors bring the outside in and showcase views across the surrounding vibrant Common.

Our spacious beer garden enjoys sunshine throughout the day and into the evening, making it the perfect setting for relaxed drinks, long summer lunches, and sunset gatherings with friends and family.

This season’s fresh summer menu celebrates locally sourced ingredients and quality meats, thoughtfully prepared to capture the flavours of the season.

For special occasions, our upstairs private dining restaurant offers an intimate and stylish space ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, business dinners, and private events.

Extend your visit with a stay in one of our six boutique hotel rooms, combining comfort, character, and the warm hospitality of our family-owned pub and restaurant.

Whether you’re joining us for drinks in the garden, seasonal dining, private celebrations, or a summer escape, The Mount Edgcumbe is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the season.

A fine time in the vines

To celebrate winning the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Hospitality & Leisure Business award at the end of last year, the owner of Knowle Grange Health Spa, Carol Barazzone, threw her staff a ‘welldeserved party’.

The venue was the picturesque Birchden Vineyard, located near Groombridge. The early summer’s evening event began with a walk and talk about the history of the winery by husband and wife team Tom and Andrea Lindeyer.

After exploring the stunning vineyards it was time to relax and enjoy some of the superior wines Birchden is known for producing. Guests first tried flutes of Birchden’s delicious Blanc de Noirs whilst overlooking the lake.

Next, Carol and her guests headed to Birchden’s private events area which was festooned in fairy lights and boasted a smorgasbord of delicious canapes to enjoy and more wines to offer including the sensational Ugly Duckling Chardonnay and The Gregarious Goose.

Commenting on the evening Carol told us: “This was a well-deserved party for the hardworking team at Knowle Grange to celebrate winning the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Hospitality & Leisure Business of the year award. Birchden Vineyard and Knowle Grange have shared many similar experiences and both venues are enchanting. It really was the perfect choice for our celebration. The Birchden team did us proud.” www.knowlegrange.co.uk

Taste makers

The first Feast Street event took place on The Pantiles over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The brainchild of Alex Wallace, it saw many of the town’s favourite chefs and restaurants cooking up a storm, while taking part in foodie demonstrations on the famous bandstand, hosted by compère Colette Redgrave.

“The idea for Feast Street developed at the end of 2025,” explains Alex, who also runs Rascal’s Catering.

“It’s about bringing people together through great food, drink and entertainment, while celebrating independent businesses. It was fantastic to showcase some of the incredible talent we have here in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. The enthusiasm from the traders was remarkable.”

More than 20 food and drink businesses took part, including Atul Kochhar’s Essence at The Pantiles.

Its Marketing Manager, Bibi Roy, commented: “I’d say this was the best food festival on The Pantiles in a long time. We served our seasoned festival favourites of samosa chaat, chicken biryani and gilafi lamb seekh kebabs, alongside our BBQ mixed grill, which included hariyali chicken, Amritsari chicken and salad.”

She added that the restaurant also enjoyed a “fantastic collaboration” with Chapel Down.

“It was also great to see some of the area’s top chefs on the demonstration stage, including Pat from Thackeray’s, Alex from Kumquat and Steve from Sankey’s, who even staged their own version of Ready Steady Cook!”

A sparkling evening of connections and creativit y

Small Business Supper Club hosted a Summer Drinks Event at The Diamond Setter on The Pantiles at the beginning of June.

The club, which was co-founded by business owners Sarah Coleman and Charlotte Butterworth, regularly hosts events for local small businesses. These include lunches, supper clubs and wellness events, and the aim is to give fellow entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet in a relaxed and inspiring setting – without the hard sell of traditional networking.

Sarah runs her own tablescaping business, Beyond the Table, whilst Charlotte is a cook and private caterer who also runs the popular Needy Greedy Instagram account.

For the recent Summer Drinks evening, the talented pair invited Lorraine Marsh of The Diamond Setter to explain a little

about the specialist jewellery business she runs with her husband, Gavin, before personal stylist and colour expert Helen Thomson took over to demonstrate how finding the right colour palette can transform both your wardrobe and complexion.

As well as the opportunity to browse The Diamond Setter’s stunning jewellery, guests enjoyed flutes of fizz and canapés made by Charlotte. The Small Business Supper Club also gave every guest a raffle ticket for the chance to win a £100 voucher to spend in store.

The lucky recipient was stylist and independent fashion retailer Lynne Meek.

Reflecting on the night, Sarah and Charlotte said: “A huge thank you to all our fabulous ladies who joined us for a lovely evening of connection, conversation and celebration with fellow business owners.”

@smallbusinesssupperclub_kent

Festivals, Catering and Events by Essence at The Pantiles

Join us on an exciting journey as we participate at major outdoor festivals this year, like Live At The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells Mela and Local & Live. We’ll also be catering weddings and garden parties as well as hosting our sold-out Regional Supper Clubs and Four Hands Dinner Series.  Call us on 01892 614 411 or email info@essencerestaurants.co.uk to book your experience.

Essence at the Pantiles by Atul Kochhar, 62-64 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN www.essencerestaurants.co.uk

Five years of fabulous food and fun

As TN1 Bar and Kitchen celebrates its fifth birthday, Eileen Leahy pulls up a chair to discover why it’s become of one the town’s most popular dining destinations…

TN1 Bar and Kitchen recently celebrated its fifth birthday and, to mark the occasion, owners Tess and Murat hosted a fantastic party for their loyal customers. The event was a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported the couple since they opened the venue in 2021.

Despite launching in a challenging post-Covid climate, TN1 has become one of Tunbridge Wells’ standout hospitality destinations. Its appeal is broad and easy to understand: a welcoming atmosphere, excellent service and a menu packed with quality food and drink. The couple also run The Pantiles Café.

Located on Monson Road in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, TN1 enjoys an enviable position. By day it attracts breakfast, brunch and lunch crowds, while in the evenings it becomes a lively destination for those looking to enjoy great food, drinks and live music without leaving town. From Thursday to Saturday, local musicians perform, and there are regular happy hour offers too. TN1 also participates in a special offer theatre offer with Trinity.

We received a warm welcome from the team before being shown to a window table and presented with the Sunday menu, which features a tempting selection of roast dinners alongside many TN1 favourites.

Given the balmy early summer weather, I opted for a couple of smaller dishes rather than a large main course. My

“Diners can go on a global gourmet adventure at TN1 thanks to the various dishes inspired by cuisines around the world

husband, fresh from completing a half marathon earlier that day, decided to tackle three courses.

Even on the edited Sunday menu, the variety is impressive. Diners can go on a global gourmet adventure thanks to various dishes inspired by cuisines around the world. These include Turkish mezze, gyoza dumplings and Vietnamese baby squid. Alongside the traditional Sunday roasts are burgers, shellfish linguine, grilled halloumi and fish and chips, all generously portioned and fairly priced.

For my starter, I chose the Vietnamese baby squid (£13), beautifully presented with shards of pickled pink cabbage, spring onions, roasted peppers and chilli jelly. The flavours were vibrant and perfectly balanced, combining sweetness

with a gentle heat. Murat later told me the dish was inspired by travels he and Tess made to Vietnam. “We loved it so much we had to put it on the menu,” he smiled.

My husband selected the TN1 prawn cocktail (£12.90) and boy was he pleased. It was huge and arrived piled high with plump prawns, Marie Rose sauce and a chargrilled shrimp. Served with toasted granary bread, it proved every bit as satisfying as it looked.

For my main course, I chose the seared scallops (£15.90), served with crispy prosciutto, roasted butternut squash purée and salsa verde. Paired with a TN1 Caesar salad (£6), it made for a light yet thoroughly satisfying meal. The salad featured crunchy croutons, generous parmesan shavings and a deliciously rich dressing.

My husband chose the pan-fried fillet of hake (£26). Served with a pistachio crust, crushed potatoes, chorizo and brown shrimp butter, it was an inspired combination. The richness of the chorizo complemented the delicate fish beautifully, while the pistachio crust added texture and flavour.

Dessert was never in doubt. My husband chose the baked chocolate fondant (£12), served with berry compote and vanilla ice cream, while I finished with a refreshing scoop of mango sorbet (£3.50).

It was the perfect ending to a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a timely reminder of why TN1 has become such a beloved part of the local dining scene.

TO BOOK:

Website: www.tn1barkitchen.co.uk

Call: 01892 513900

Socials: @tn1barkitchen

An appetite for success

Talented chef Alex Boyd and his wife Virginia opened Kumquat in April 2022 and since then the Pantilesbased restaurant, which specialises in elevated Asian fusion cuisine, has won a host of culinary awards. The latest is a coveted second AA Rosette as Eileen Leahy discovers…

Alex Boyd is the chef patron and co-founder of Kumquat, alongside his wife Virginia. The couple opened their popular Pantiles restaurant in 2022 after Alex stepped away from a career that had seen him spend nearly three decades working in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens.

The original plan was not to create an award-winning restaurant but a café that would offer a better work-life balance. However, after struggling to recruit a chef, Alex found himself back in the kitchen full-time.

His culinary roots are firmly grounded in classical French cooking, having worked with legendary chefs Joel Robuchon and Pierre Koffmann.

“Working alongside chefs of that calibre taught me discipline, precision, consistency and the importance of flavour,” says Alex. “Those foundations have stayed with me throughout my career.”

That career has taken him around the globe, including several years in Hong Kong, where he met his wife Virginia and developed a passion for Asian cuisine that continues to shape Kumquat’s menu today.

“I love discovering new ingredients and flavour combinations,” he explains. “We’ve worked hard to create a modern take on Asian cooking while maintaining a strong

focus on seasonal produce and technical precision.”

The approach has clearly paid off. Since opening, Kumquat has received numerous accolades, including its first AA Rosette in January 2025. More recently, the restaurant was awarded a coveted second rosette – a significant recognition of the quality and consistency of its food.

The AA Rosette scheme has been recognising outstanding restaurants across the UK for more than 70 years and remains one of the country’s most respected measures of culinary excellence.

So what does it take to earn one?

“It comes down to technical ability, consistency and flavour,” explains Alex. “For two rosettes, inspectors are looking for more advanced cooking techniques and, importantly, clarity of flavour. What you describe on the menu should be exactly what the guest tastes.”

Alex discovered Kumquat had achieved the second rosette on the day the inspector visited.

“He told us immediately after he’d finished dining. We received the plaque a few days later and we’re incredibly proud of it.”

Alex admits that he’s fallen back in love with cooking and that renewed enthusiasm has driven him to continually refine and develop the restaurant’s offering.

“I’ve focused on pushing the technical side of the cooking, testing ideas and refining dishes. Recognition is always welcome, but the most important thing is that our customers are happy. We want every visit to offer something new while staying true to what people love about Kumquat.”

GET IN TOUCH:

30 The Pantiles

Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN.

Tel: 01892 487556.

Visit: www.kumquat.restaurant

Socials: @kumquatrestaurant

THE DISHES THAT IMPRESSED THE AA INSPECTOR

STARTER

Scallops with yuzu kosho dressing, persimmon, cucumber, chilli and borage cress

Yuzu kosho is made from fermented yuzu and red chilli, aged for around three years. The chillies are aged in snow, removing bitterness and creating a clean, balanced heat. The persimmon is infused with yuzu, while the cucumber is compressed with its own skin to intensify flavour.

MAIN COURSE

Roasted hake with light laksa sauce, peas, broad beans, shaved asparagus and Thai basil oil

The hake is gently cooked in koji butter. Koji, a fermented rice culture used in soy sauce and miso production, adds subtle sweetness and seasoning. The fish is served with an in-house laksa sauce made from fish stock and coconut milk, alongside seasonal vegetables and fragrant Thai basil oil.

DESSERT

Matcha panna cotta with blueberry compote, fresh blueberries, shiso and pomegranate

A delicate dessert where flavour balance and texture are key. The inspector specifically praised the clarity and definition of the natural flavours throughout the dish.

Hooked on success

What started as a hobby in a South London garden shed has grown into a thriving East Sussex luxury food business. James Eagle tells Eileen Leahy how The Pished Fish hooked customers across the UK with its inventive booze-infused smoked fish…

The names Erik the Red and Little Cousin Francois may sound like characters from a children’s book, but they are in fact two of the booze-infused smoked fish creations produced by local foodie business The Pished Fish.

Erik the Red is a smoked salmon flavoured with aquavit and beetroot, while Little Cousin Francois is a trout gently elevated with Pernod and fennel. They form part of an adventurous epicurean range of handcrafted cured fish, predominantly salmon, made in East Sussex.

Other offerings include Augustus Gloop, flavoured with raspberry vodka and blueberries, and Margarita, infused with tequila, coriander, chilli and lime. There is also the company’s original pairing of smoked salmon with gin, tonic, juniper, grapefruit and lime.

Founded by entrepreneur James Eagle in 2015, The Pished Fish has attracted fans across the UK with its inventive approach to smoked fish. The memorable name is inspired by James’s use of botanicals and alcohol, while also referencing a phrase used by his stepbrother’s Scottish wife: “You’re pished as a fish” whenever someone had enjoyed one drink too many.

I’m chatting to James at his home in Mayfield where he lives with his wife Hermione and family. He tells me he has always been passionate about food, but it was regular work trips to Scandinavia that inspired him to start smoking and curing fish himself.

“Before launching The Pished Fish I worked as a medical supplies salesman. Some of our biggest clients were based in Scandinavia so I travelled there a lot. During my travels I was often invited to client lunches and dinners and I noticed the quality of the fish was far superior to anything I’d tasted here. I’ve always been into food so after my work trips I would often come home and try to create things like a classic gravlax.”

James’s interest soon evolved into a culinary hobby. Using a homemade smoking box in his South London garden shed, which he says looked like ‘an old filing cabinet’, James began experimenting with curing and smoking fish.

The hobby became a business after James was made redundant and started selling his products at local farmers’ markets. He quickly built a loyal customer base and soon attracted the attention of major retailers including Waitrose and Ocado.

But how did he come up with the unusual flavour combinations?

“I would love to say I had daily flashes of inspiration but to be honest it was more like perusing cocktail menus and seeing what worked and what didn’t,” James reveals.

The company’s Dark and Stormy salmon, infused with rum, and its Old Fashioned whisky-cured salmon certainly support that claim.

James says extensive research and testing go into every recipe.

“I’m passionate about this process. You don’t want the fish to taste too boozy, too smoky or too sweet so it takes a lot of refining to get it just right.”

Following interest from Waitrose and Ocado, other prestigious retailers including Selfridges, Harrods and Fortnum & Mason also stocked The Pished Fish products.

“

James and his team slice the fish in-house and as well as infusing unique booze and botanical combinations they also use different woods to create distinctive flavour profiles

And while James still supplies Fortnum & Mason and other esteemed establishments, today much of the company’s growth comes from selling directly to customers online.

“I had always wanted to do this but Covid expedited my plans,” he explains.

Selling direct has allowed the business to build stronger relationships with

customers and respond quickly to feedback.

“There’s no middle man to go through either so if we fancy launching a new flavour combo we can.”

The company now processes around half a tonne of salmon and 20 kilos of trout each week. Most of the premium fish is sourced from Scotland and the Faroe Islands through suppliers at Billingsgate Market.

Alongside its smoked fish range, The Pished Fish also produces a rich and creamy salmon pâté and its cleverly named ‘gilltong’ – the company’s take on biltong.

James and his team of eight do around 10% of the cutting salmon whilst the rest is done by machine. They also use different woods to create distinctive flavour profiles. Apple and beech provide a lighter smoke, while juniper and cherry wood produce a richer, more intense aroma.

The approach has proved successful. Last year The Pished Fish achieved a turnover of £1 million.

“The consultant I have working with me thinks we can double our revenue without too many problems over the next few years,” says James.

The company also releases limitededition seasonal products for occasions such as Christmas and Wimbledon.

“For the latter we do a salmon that’s infused with pureed strawberries and vanilla vodka – so it’s a kind of riff on the traditional strawberries and cream,” smiles James.

“We know that we have customers with an adventurous palate who want to try something different.”

Website: www.thepishedfish.com

Email: james@thepishedfish.com

Socials: @thepishedfish

The best English wines to drink this summer

OOur Drinks Editor James Viner selects seven standout bottles for English Wine Week (20–28 June), highlighting the quality, value and confidence behind one of the wine world’s most compelling recent success stories…

nce regarded as a curiosity, English wine has matured into a serious force. Sparkling wines remain the standard-bearers, while sweet and still styles are gaining in sophistication and finesse. From Kent to Cornwall’s windswept vineyards and Surrey’s chalky slopes, excellence now stretches across the country.

The seven wines below chart that journey in liquid form – from zippy Bacchus and smart supermarket fizz to premium traditional-method cuvées and a rare botrytised dessert wine. Together, they show a category that has fully arrived. Try these…

1.  CHAPEL DOWN BACCHUS

2024, KENT

£14 (Nectar card price until 30 June, down from £16), Sainsbury’s, 12%

This fragrant English Bacchus – a German-bred crossing often compared to New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc –bursts with citrus, elderflower and gooseberry, finishing with a grapefruit lift. Ideal with asparagus, shellfish, trout or summer salads. Outstanding value at the promotional price.

2. ASQUITH GARDENS ENGLISH SPARKLING BRUT NV

£17 (until 30 June, down from £18), Asda, 11.5%

Creamy, bready and nutty, this Chardonnay-led sparkling wine offers refinement rarely seen at this price. Extended lees ageing adds texture and depth, making it arguably the classiest English sparkling wine under £20 in the UK’s supermarket aisles. Produced by Rolling Green Hills, a sister label of Nyetimber. Excellent value and superb drinking.

3. TESCO FINEST ENGLISH SPARKLING ROSÉ BRUT

£22, Tesco, 12%

Crafted by Balfour Winery, this polished, pale sparkling rosé combines Pinot Noirled red berry fruit with fine bubbles and a lightly savoury finish. Complexity is not its calling card, but sheer drinkability is. A strong choice for summer entertaining.

“1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Precise, expressive and dangerously easy to finish. Excellent value while on offer. Lovely drinking.

From the chalky North Downs, this traditional-method blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay offers orchard fruit, pastry notes and nutty depth

4. WESTWELL WICKEN FOY NV BRUT SPARKLING WINE, KENT

£29, The Wine Society / Westwell, 12%

From the chalky North Downs, this traditional-method blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay offers orchard fruit, pastry notes and nutty depth. Reserve wines aged in magnum add extra intrigue. Elegant and characterful, it shines with seafood – fish and chips included.

5. CAMEL VALLEY PINOT NOIR ROSÉ BRUT 2022, CORNWALL

£29.50 (until 23 June, down from £39.50), Waitrose, 12%

A benchmark Cornish sparkling rosé. Pure Pinot Noir expression brings red plum, raspberry and wild strawberry, lifted by a fine mousse and lively finish.

6.   HAMBLEDON VINEYARD PREMIÈRE CUVÉE NV, HAMPSHIRE

£57.50–£75, Noble Green Wines / Berry Bros. & Rudd, 12%

England’s oldest commercial winery remains a benchmark. Chardonnay leads the way, unfolding into brioche, almond croissant, red apple and blossom. A saline thread runs through the core, giving added focus and tang. A flagship cuvée with genuine ageing potential.

7.     DENBIES NOBLE HARVEST, BOTRYTIS ORTEGA 2025, SURREY £35 (37.5cl), Denbies, 11.5%

A rare English dessert wine born from a dry, bountiful, sun-kissed vintage. Honeyed apricot, dried fig and caramelised citrus peel glide over a line of freshness that keeps everything in balance. Rich, poised and excellent with blue cheese or fruit-based desserts. These bottles make the case: English wine is no longer ‘emerging’ – it has arrived, matured and earned its place alongside far more established regions. Cheers!

#DrinkEnglishWine and follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines

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From the winner's enclosure to

Ahead

of English Wine Week, James Viner meets Susannah Ricci, leading British National Hunt racehorse owner and proprietor of Yotes Court Vineyard the newest member of Wine Garden of England, near Mereworth…

From Cheltenham’s winning enclosures to Kent’s greensand slopes, Ricci has built a wine business guided by the same instincts for timing, risk and reward that underpin her racing career.

Susannah has lived at Yotes Court, a fully restored Grade I listed building, with her family since 2010.

Since then she has transformed a onceneglected estate into a working vineyard where silks meet soil. Regenerative farming shapes the landscape, while a focused winemaking programme brings the site’s character to the glass.

This is English wine with a racing heartbeat. Saddle up for this interview, readers!

SO SUSANNAH, WHEN AND WHY DID YOU ESTABLISH YOTES COURT VINEYARD?

It began in 2014 when the neighbouring farm came up for sale. With no farming background, I hesitated – but land is always considered a solid investment, so I took the leap.

Instead of renting it out, I chose to farm it myself. With guidance from Strutt & Parker and Stephen Skelton of the Institute of Masters of Wine, we planted 50 acres of vines in 2016. Stephen introduced vineyard manager Tony Purdie to me and secured an early grape contract with Chapel Down, which was vital in the vineyard’s early years.

WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST YOTES COURT VINTAGE?

The 2018 harvest, one of England’s standout vintages, confirmed the site’s potential. We then expanded plantings to Bacchus, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.

HOW MANY WINES DO YOU NOW MAKE?

We now make 12 wines. Until the sparkling cuvée Annie Power 2021, all our wines were single varietals. We wanted a signature sparkler with greater depth and consistency. The 2021 blend – 59% Chardonnay, 31% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Gris – was released this March.

It’s named in tribute to Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power, marking a decade since that victory. Ten years later, we won the race again with another talented and popular mare named Lossiemouth.

HOW DID THE YOTES COURT BRAND TAKE SHAPE?

Working with brand consultant Valiant, we linked Yotes Court’s identity to my racing background. Pink and green became the house colours. Still wine labels feature big spots and take their names from jockey racing terms, while sparkling wines honour successful horses.

AND IN WHAT WAY DID YOUR RACING BACKGROUND LEAD TO MAKING WINE?

I think it was more evolution than design. I do things on instinct rather than

plan – ‘give it a go and make it work’ is my philosophy in life.

Racing has shaped our lives for years. We met Willie Mullins in 2005 through a family friend and bought our first horse. Success followed with Ruby Walsh, including Annie Power and Faugheen at Cheltenham. Every owner has their own racing silks; mine are a baby pink shirt (with lime green spots) and cap, modelled on a handbag I loved.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY?

We are part of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain scheme, which provides a framework for continuous improvement and encourages constant scrutiny of what we’re doing. That means careful soil management, biodiversity initiatives and a light-touch approach to inputs where possible. The challenge is balance – maintaining regenerative ideals within the realities of England’s marginal climate. Ultimately, crop health remains the priority.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS SO FAR?

With racing it has to be the 2026 Cheltenham Festival – winning both the Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth and the Gold Cup with Gaelic Warrior.  Both later repeated this success at the Irish Champion Hurdle and Irish Gold Cup at Punchestown, making us the first owner

to achieve the ‘Double-Double.’

“Our sparkling cuvée Annie Power 2021 is named in tribute to our 2016 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Annie Power

In terms of wine, it’s the quieter milestones: establishing the vineyard, tasting our wines, and hearing positive feedback from people who have no particular reason to be polite! In 2020, we won Wine GB’s ‘Best Newcomer’ for ‘Best Turned Out’ Rosé, a significant early expert endorsement.

WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGES AND GREATEST REWARDS?

Climate remains the defining challenge. No two vintages are alike. The reward comes when everything aligns: healthy fruit, expressive wines, and a proud team.

AND FINALLY, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOTES COURT?

I would say it has to be steady growth over expansion. The Wine Club launch has been successful, and alongside supplying the Jockey Club, we are growing trade customers, corporate gifting and exploring exports.

WHERE

TO FIND YOTES COURT WINES:

Wines are stocked by Corkk and The Cheese Shop in Tunbridge Wells, Haywards Farm shop in Tonbridge, and Macknade in Faversham, as well as other selected retailers.

Yotes Court offers cellar door sales and is open year-round for vineyard and garden tours, wine tastings, corporate events and lunches. Mailing-list subscribers receive priority access to tickets and events. www.yotescourt.co.uk

Stan Lane, West Peckham, Kent, ME18 5JT office@yotescourt.co.uk @yotescourt 07961 663 564

To rent or not to rent that is the question...

TBecky Moran, founder of TN Lettings examines, the rental market paradox to discover why tenant numbers are falling when rental supply remains so low

he headlines are impossible to ignore. Across the UK, around 700 buy-to-let properties are being listed for sale every single day. In the last 12 months alone, a quarter of a million landlords have put their rental properties on the market – a staggering 28% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

For several years, the narrative has been clear. Landlords have faced increasing costs, rising mortgage rates, additional legislation and growing compliance requirements. Many have decided that enough is enough and are exiting the sector altogether.

“So what’s changed in the rental market? Possible explanations are affordability, confidence and lifestyle choices – as well as wider economic conditions

In theory, this should create a simple supply-and-demand equation.

Fewer landlords should mean fewer rental properties available. Fewer rental properties should mean increased competition amongst tenants. Increased competition should mean properties let quickly and rents continuing to rise.

Yet, locally, that isn't entirely what we're seeing. Across Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, there has undoubtedly been a reduction in rental stock. However, there also appears to be a reduction in the number of active tenants looking to move. Properties that would have attracted dozens of enquiries within hours eighteen months ago are now often taking longer to secure the right tenant.

So what has changed? One possible explanation is affordability. Whilst rents have increased significantly over the past few years, wages have not always kept

pace. Many tenants who might previously have moved are now choosing to stay where they are for longer, avoiding the cost and uncertainty of relocating.

Others are adapting their expectations. Instead of moving into larger properties, tenants are choosing to share accommodation, remain with family for longer, or look at different locations where rental costs are lower.

There is also the wider economic backdrop to consider. Consumer confidence remains fragile, and many households are taking a more cautious approach to major financial decisions. Moving home, even within the rental market, is often one of the largest monthly commitments a household will make.

Interestingly, the sales market may also be playing a role. With more properties becoming available and some sellers becoming increasingly realistic on price, a number of long-term tenants are exploring home ownership for the first time, particularly where mortgage payments are beginning to look comparable to rental costs.

The result is a market that feels very

different from the frenzied conditions experienced during 2021, 2022 and much of 2023.

This does not mean demand has disappeared. Far from it. Well-presented homes in desirable locations continue to perform strongly and attract quality applicants. However, tenants appear to be more selective, more price-conscious and less willing to move unless they genuinely need to.

The rental market has always been driven by supply and demand, but today's market demonstrates that demand is influenced by much more than simply the number of available properties. Affordability, confidence, lifestyle choices and wider economic conditions all play an important role.

As landlords continue to leave the sector, many expected tenant demand to intensify dramatically. The reality, at least for now, appears to be far more complex. The question isn't simply where all the landlords have gone – it's where all the tenants have gone too.

01892 249070 or email info@tnlettings.co.uk

Rest or reduce – what’s the right move?

In her column for this month Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential shares her advice on whether sellers should rest or reduce the price on their property if it’s been on the market for some time…

At this time of year, this is the number one question asked by a seller. Your home has been on the market a little while, the viewings have slowed, and the offer you hoped for hasn't quite materialised. Summer is coming. So, do you cut your price to tempt a buyer now? Or rest the property and relaunch fresh in the autumn?

Both are perfectly legitimate strategies. The right one depends entirely on why your home hasn't sold, and your own circumstances.

“One strategy that never works is drifting on at the same price, week after week, hoping. The homes that sell are the ones whose owners make a clear, considered decision

THE CASE FOR REDUCING

A price reduction is the most powerful tool an agent has to re-energise your listing. The moment we lower the price, Rightmove sends an alert to every registered buyer watching that price bracket, and a reduction signals something buyers love: a motivated seller. In this cautious, price-sensitive market, where buyers have plenty of choice and a nervous eye on mortgage rates, a sharp, decisive reduction can be the difference between sitting still and agreeing a sale within weeks.

The downside? It can feel like a defeat, and sellers worry that buyers will think something is wrong with their property.

THE CASE FOR RESTING

If a property is withdrawn from the market for 14 weeks, it returns to Rightmove as a brand-new listing, with no ‘reduced’ tag, no tell-tale history, no months-on-the-market counter ticking

away. For a home that has become a little stale, that clean slate is genuinely valuable. Buyers can be wary of anything that has lingered; and a fresh launch, with new photography and a confident price, can attract the very people who scrolled past the first time. Indeed recent research showed that a property that is re-listed after resting, has a 41% better chance of securing a buyer, than one that had a price reduction (Source: TwentyEA).

Summer has a rhythm of its own, too. Families are away, attention drifts to holidays, and the committed buyers thin out. Resting through the quiet weeks and relaunching to an energised September market can make excellent sense.

The risk is that you surrender any momentum you have now, including buyers who might be currently circling, and gamble on autumn being kinder than today. The market may of course soften further. Also, you put your moving plans very much on hold. And a rest only works if you use the time: new

photographs, a little presentation work, and an honest conversation about price before you return.

SO, DO YOU REST –OR REDUCE?

Ask yourself one question: is this a pricing problem or a timing problem? If you have had viewings but no offers, the market is politely telling you the price is wrong: reduce, and reduce properly. If interest has simply faded with the season and your pricing is sound, resting and relaunching may serve you far better. Either way, the one strategy that never works is drifting on at the same price, week after week, hoping. The homes that sell are the ones whose owners make a clear, considered decision, and my job is simply to help you make the right one.

maddisonsresidential.co.uk

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.

ambient lighting to turn your house into a home, you will find all of this and more thanks to those brilliant businesses taking part.

Another huge bonus of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Interior Design Festival is that there will be many exclusive perks for visitors to enjoy including goody bags, special offers and delicious refreshments.

Also on offer will be plenty of interiors advice from a slew of experts who will be on hand to provide you with ideas on everything from how to create beautifully styled spaces to using colour with restraint but confidence, and tips on how thoughtful lighting, texture and layout can transform everyday living.

One of the festival’s most exciting elements will be its cohesive styling. Streets and shopfronts will be dressed to create a unified visual experience, making the journey between venues just as inspiring as the destinations themselves.

SAVE

At the heart of the festival is its focus on local brands and expertise. Visitors will have the chance to meet interior designers, stylists and home specialists who understand how people really live today. From bespoke furniture and artisan finishes to curated accessories and practical design advice, this is an opportunity to engage directly with those shaping the town’s design scene.

Whether you’re mid-renovation, design, the Royal Tunbridge of inspiration, creativity

WHEN: Thursday 12–14

WHERE: Tunbridge Wells

www.twbusinessmagazine.com hello@twbusinessmagazine.com

Hot property

Every month in our new TW Edit supplement we will be featuring one of the area’s most desirable homes for sale as part of our property section. For this edition we’ve chosen this stunning Victorian house which is currently on sale with Maddisons Residential…

This impressive Victorian home has been beautifully reimagined to provide over 3,000 sq. ft. of well-balanced accommodation arranged across three floors. Original architectural features sit comfortably alongside bold contemporary updates, while the layout offers excellent flexibility for modern family life. A standout feature is the strong connection to the landscaped rear garden and the inclusion of two well-appointed garden studios, rarely found in such a central location. The front entrance is approached via limestone steps and opens through an original glazed door with stained glass detailing. A wide hallway leads to the rear dining area and kitchen, where original features such as ornate cornicing and a working fireplace sit alongside modern design. Full-width aluminium bi-fold doors open directly onto the garden, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

“Original architectural features sit comfortably alongside bold contemporary updates, while the layout offers excellent flexibility for modern family life. A standout feature is the inclusion of two wellappointed garden studios

The kitchen is fitted with bespoke Kutchenhaus cabinetry and Corian work surfaces, with appliances including AEG double ovens, an induction hob, two dishwashers, integrated fridge-freezer and separate wine fridge. A floor hatch provides access to a full-height cellar, and a side door leads to the generous return.

A snug sits at the heart of the home, centred around a working fireplace with terracotta marble surround. Double doors connect to a formal sitting room with a south-facing bay window and second feature fireplace. Both reception rooms retain original floorboards and sash windows, ensuring natural light throughout.

The upper floors offer six double

bedrooms and a separate study. The principal suite enjoys excellent natural light and includes an en suite bathroom with freestanding bath, walk-in shower and Burlington fittings. Two further doubles and a shower/utility room finished in red metro tiles are located on the first floor, while the top floor provides three additional double bedrooms and a monochrome family bathroom.

The rear garden is a key feature, arranged across multiple terraces with a central lawn and pond creating a tranquil focal point. A second pond sits at the lower level beside the main garden studio. The garden also features mature fruit trees including plum, fig, quince, medlar and banana.

Two detached studios provide exceptional flexibility, perfect for home-working, a studio, teenage den, ancillary accommodation or even a home business (planning permission already been granted for business use). One is arranged as two spaces: a large room with bi-fold doors overlooking the garden and a separate office. A second cedarclad studio at the upper level includes a kitchen, WiFi connectivity and a deck with hot tub (available by separate negotiation).

Additional outbuildings include a workshop, shed, wood store and bike storage, with off-street parking for up to five vehicles on a private gravel driveway. www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Shaping People, Building Tomorrow

Century Facades is a Tier 1 contractor based in Kent, working with leading names including Tide Construction, Mace, Sir Robert McAlpine and McLaren on major projects across London and the UK. Our rapid growth has seen us ranked in the top 15 of the Kent MegaGrowth 50 for 2026 – and we’re just getting started.

We are now investing £250,000 in a dedicated school leaver and graduate training programme, focused on recruiting and developing talent from the local area. Our aim is to provide meaningful career opportunities in construction while prioritising local individuals.

A key part of this initiative is our commitment to supporting school leavers in achieving a relevant university degree, with Century Facades covering tuition fees. Through this programme, we’re developing skilled professionals and creating long-term career pathways for local young people.

Shape your future with us

Delivering the art of the possible

Turning ambitious plans into reality requires far more than just a wish list, a mood board and a rough idea of a budget. Here interior designer and project strategist Kate Malone explains how using design is the first step towards unlocking your property's potential…

Afew years ago I got a call from some clients who'd just bought a derelict Victorian property in the Tonbridge area. Standing together in the overgrown garden of that empty, neglected house, we were all excited about the possibilities. My clients' wish list - which they candidly called 'optimistic' - included a basement extension with swimming pool, a roof extension, a rear and side kitchen extension, a garden outbuilding and a full renovation of every room. They suspected their initial budget of £700,000 may also have been optimistic but wanted to explore what it would take to create the house of their dreams.

I didn't reach for a mood board. I called a structural engineer and a quantity surveyor. To realise the house's potential we needed to understand what it would really take. Within hours, we knew that the basement extension alone would consume their entire budget - and that the real cost of their vision was closer to £2.2 million. That conversation, held before even an architect had been commissioned, saved years of frustration, misaligned expectations and potentially the entire project.

Three years later, the house was

“I deliver the full potential of a property, no matter how complex the task, using exceptional interior design as one of my many tools”

finished. The initial wish list was almost entirely delivered. The final cost was very close to the quantity surveyor's estimate from that first garden meeting. The client summed it up better than I could saying: "Kate's project management wisdom, her forward thinking and early identification of potential problems ensured issues quietly disappeared as she steered the critical path which included over 15 trades at one point."

Sometimes what looks like an interior design job turns out to be rebuilding from the ground up - literally. And even if the project is straightforward, someone's got to be responsible for coordinating all the people and moving parts.

Delivering the art of the possible is a fulltime job. Which is why people call me.

I deliver the full potential of a property, no matter how complex the task, using exceptional interior design as one of my many tools. As well as twenty years interior design practice, I bring high stakes project-and-team management skills from two previous careers: a decade in international business across 35 countries and several years as a management consultant at Cap Gemini Ernst & Young. Some of the more complex projects I've taken from vision to reality:

• A complete large country house renovation where clients were rarely reachable and key members of the contractor team were underexperienced. We hit the very tight move-in deadline.

• A landmark property on the Isle of Man that had defeated estate agents for more than six years. We transformed it through strategic staging, inventive redesign of under-used spaces and a new sales approach. It sold for £13 million within nine months.

• A mothballed new build with a disengaged project manager. I got the stalled project back on track after which the client asked me to design his entire house.

In each case the original brief was interior design. But the real need was broader. Succeeding required the big picture thinking, strategic decision-making

and team leadership skills gained in my earlier careers.

These experiences reinforced that there's a real need for strategic planning upfront. So, alongside my full end-to-end interior design service, I offer two standalone packages. Both include a written report - a roadmap to take you from ideas to reality:

PROJECT DIAGNOSTIC: a structured, facilitated day at your property with the right specialists around the table. Our report provides an independent, honest assessment of what your home could become, which professionals you need, and realistic costs. It is the conversation

that should happen before any money is spent on construction. And rarely does.

HOME INSIGHTS: a half-day consultation giving you an experienced, independent eye on what a property genuinely offers, its constraints, and its potential.

Translating complexity into clarity is the first step to take your property from what it is now to what it could be. Reach out if you're planning something ambitious - or your current project has hit an unexpected bump.

Website: www.katemalone.com

Email: hello@katemalone.com

Socials: @kate_malone_interiors

Design for life

Kate  Edmondson, founder of Home Edited, reveals why organisation is the often-overlooked ingredient that transforms attractive spaces into homes that truly support everyday life – without compromising aesthetics…

There is no shortage of beautiful homes in the pages of interior magazines. Marble islands, bespoke cabinetry, carefully layered textures and tones, spaces that feel considered, elevated and aspirational. But beyond the photography, another question quietly lingers: how well do these homes actually work?

Because beauty alone cannot sustain a home.

The reality is that many beautifully designed spaces struggle under the weight of daily life. Drawers become chaotic, cupboards overflow and even the most thoughtfully designed rooms lose their sense of calm when they are not supported by systems that make living within them effortless.

“Considered organisation creates systems that remain relevant and

through their spaces every day. When form and function exist together, beauty is no longer fleeting, it becomes sustainable.

At Home Edited, we approach homes through the lens of what we call a home detox. Before organisation can begin, a space must first be cleared of what no longer serves the life being lived today. Excess creates visual noise and, more importantly, prevents spaces from functioning at their best.

functions long after the photographs are taken.

This is where intentional organisation becomes the missing layer.

A home that works well is rarely accidental. It is the result of thoughtful editing, clear systems and a deep understanding of how people move

Once a home has been detoxed, the real work begins: building intentional systems that align with the rhythm of the household.

A kitchen, for example, may be designed with exquisite joinery and elegant materials. But if everyday items do not have an intuitive place, the space quickly becomes inefficient. A wardrobe may look beautifully fitted, but if it does not support how someone dresses each morning, it becomes frustrating rather than useful. Organisation, when done well, should feel almost invisible. The most effective systems are rarely noticed, they simply make everyday life easier, allowing a home to function effortlessly while preserving its aesthetic integrity.

A detoxed, intentionally organised home creates clarity. It reduces friction

Start with a detox Clear what no longer serves you-function only works when it isn’t competing with excess.

• Give everything a home When every item has a place, maintaining order becomes effortless.

• Use containment for calm Baskets, dividers and jars create visual harmony while keeping structure in place.

in everyday routines. It allows rooms to maintain their visual beauty because they are built to support real life rather than resist it.

Importantly, homes are living environments that evolve alongside the people within them. As families grow, careers change and lifestyles shift, organisation must adapt accordingly. Considered organisation takes into account accessibility, daily habits and the natural flow of a household, creating systems that remain relevant and sustainable as life changes.

This is where organisation becomes the layer that completes great design. It bridges the gap between how a space looks and how it feels to live in and navigate. A home that truly works creates ease, ease in the morning rush, ease when hosting friends and ease when returning home after a long day.

Perhaps the true measure of great design is not simply how it looks on completion, but how well it supports life thereafter. When organisation and design work together, spaces become easier to maintain, more enjoyable to live in, and ultimately more beautiful for longer. www.homeedited.co.uk

• Design for real life, not perfection Systems should support you on your busiest, most chaotic days - not just when everything is calm.

• Make it easy to maintain The simpler the system, the more likely it is to stick. Complexity is the enemy of consistency.

Painting a picture of success

Tunbridge Wells artist Frances Featherstone has been selected for a prestigious national exhibition. Here we take a look at the work of this successful painter, who has sold pieces all over the world, and discover how she was chosen as a finalist for an award at London's National Portrait Gallery.

Local figurative oil painter Frances Featherstone has achieved a lifelong dream. Her striking piece, Madonna and Child, has been selected for the upcoming National Portrait Gallery's Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award exhibition.

The long-standing competition –formerly known as the BP Portrait Award – is one of the world's most prestigious stages for portraiture, having historically attracted millions of visitors. This year, judges narrowed down thousands of international entries to just 52 exceptional works.

"To get in has been a dream of mine for many years," Featherstone shared on her social media.

Local art lovers can see Madonna and Child hanging on the National Portrait Gallery's walls free of charge from 25 June until 7 October 2026.

THE STORY BEHIND THE MADONNA AND CHILD PAINTING

Featherstone's model, Eugenia, and her baby live in Florence, Italy. To make the sittings happen, they decided to meet halfway in Provence while the artist was there for a three-week art residency. Featherstone drove down from the UK with a car packed full of art materials and recalls the trip as a deeply memorable collaboration.

A great deal of love, travel and thought went into the composition, and every detail in the piece holds a personal story:

• The tray holds a cup Eugenia and her husband bought together in Japan.

• A few lentils sit on her teacup – an Italian tradition passed down from her grandmother to symbolise wealth and prosperity.

• The book is the exact one her husband was reading on the day their baby was born.

• The baby's dress was a gift from her maternal grandmother.

• One of the toys was given by the baby's godparent.

• A crochet bracelet worn by Eugenia represents her profession – she and her sister run a beachwear brand specialising in crochet.

ABOUT THE ARTIST AND HER PRACTICE

Frances Featherstone is a multi-awardwinning artist who holds a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art. She works predominantly in oils from her studio in Groombridge, just outside Tunbridge Wells. Among her recent accolades, she won the prestigious Maire Ragnhild Hollingsworth Prize for Oil Painting at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2025. Before dedicating herself fully to fine art, Frances worked at the BBC as a Senior Designer for many years. This career

“To be selected for this prize at the National Portrait Gallery has been a dream of mine for many years.” –

Frances

Featherstone

heavily influenced her way of seeing, placing a strong emphasis on composition and design.

Through her art, she demonstrates how the ordinary can become fascinating simply by altering the viewpoint, frequently employing aerial perspectives to create patterns from above that compress and flatten spatial dimensions. These works venture beyond conventional perception to challenge our normal sense of space.

Narrative and conceptual depth sit at the heart of her practice. Her paintings offer viewers a glimpse into intimate emotions entwined with our surroundings, often depicting figures reading or lost in thought. Through these subjects, she seeks to uncover beauty in the everyday, express a desire for solitude and comfort, and collapse the distance between the real world and the world of dreams.

DISCOVER MORE

• Website: View Frances’ online portfolio and upcoming exhibitions at www.francesfeatherstone.co.uk

• Shop the Book: Purchase your own copy of From The Perspective of Angels directly via www.francesfeatherstone.co.uk/ acquisitions

• Instagram: Follow her artistic journey and studio updates  @francesfeatherstone

On track for the journey of a lifetime…

Ashdown Travel takes us on a deluxe Alaskan voyage courtesy of the luxurious tourist train the Rocky Mountaineer which affords travellers some of the most beautiful scenery on earth…

Experience the ultimate journey through North America’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, where iconic rail travel meets an unforgettable Alaska cruise. This exceptional 18-day escorted tour showcases the very best of Canada and Alaska, combining dramatic mountain scenery, enchanting national parks and the serene beauty of the Inside Passage. Your adventure begins from your front door with chauffeured transfers to and from the airport. You will meet your expert Tour Manager to then head to the spectacular Canadian Rockies, where you’ll stay in the charming alpine town of Banff. Surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness, this is the perfect introduction to Canada’s natural beauty. Discover the jewel-like waters of Lake

“Travelling in comfort with panoramic windows, you’ll glide past rushing rivers, dense forests and soaring peaks, all while enjoying attentive service and delicious onboard dining

Louise, where shimmering turquoise hues reflect rugged mountain backdrops, and explore the breathtaking wilderness of Banff and Jasper National Parks. A journey along the Icefields Parkway reveals glaciers, waterfalls and sweeping vistas, culminating in a unforgettable visit to the

Columbia Icefield, where you can step onto ancient glacial ice.

A true highlight awaits as you board the legendary Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day rail journey through some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Travelling in comfort with panoramic windows, you’ll glide past rushing rivers, dense forests and soaring peaks, all while enjoying attentive service and delicious onboard dining. This iconic train journey is an unforgettable way to experience the grandeur of the Canadian wilderness. The Train Hosts are experts of the region and narrate the journey meandering through the valleys and peaks whilst pointing out local wildlife. Fingers crossed you spot a bear! Discuss with us the option to upgrade to GoldLeaf service for glass-

To hear first-hand about this exceptional tour, please get in touch with Ashdown Travel. Tricia, Head of Retail at our Tunbridge Wells branch, has recently returned from Canada and Alaska, having enjoyed an unforgettable experience with Titan Travel, Rocky Mountaineer and Holland America Line. Call Ashdown Travel on 01892 357500 or email tw@ashdowntravel.co.uk to start planning your own adventure.

domed railcars with uninterrupted views. Arriving in the vibrant city of Vancouver, your adventure continues as you embark on a seven-night cruise aboard the stylish MS Koningsdam in your own private Verandah stateroom. Sailing with Holland America Line, you’ll explore the breathtaking coastline of Alaska, cruising through tranquil fjords and past towering glaciers that shimmer in brilliant shades of blue. Along the way, discover charming frontier towns such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, and keep watch for incredible wildlife; from breaching whales to bald eagles soaring overhead.

Throughout your journey, Titan Travel ensures every detail is taken care of. Enjoy the convenience of a nationwide return chauffeur service from your front door, the expertise of an experienced Tour Manager, and a wide range of included excursions that bring each destination to life. With carefully selected hotels, a premium cruise experience and a total of 26 included meals, you can relax and immerse yourself fully in the adventure. With its perfect blend of luxury, discovery and breathtaking scenery, the Deluxe Alaskan Voyage & Rocky Mountaineer is more than a holiday: it’s the journey of a lifetime.

www.ashdowntravel.co.uk

Raising the standard of specialist medical care

From skin cancer treatment and dermatology services, to advanced vein procedures and aesthetic care, a new consultant-led clinic is bringing a unique range of specialist medical treatments to Tunbridge Wells. Eileen Leahy meets the husband-and-wife team Dr Noor Alwash and Mr Mahmoud Salman who are behind this pioneering venture…

Tunbridge Wells Clinic For Skin and Veins has just opened its doors and is bringing a highly unique expert medical offering to the town.

I sat down to chat with its founders and owners, Dr Alwash and Mr Salman, who told me that the new clinic will specialise in dermatology, aesthetic care and vein therapy.

“The difference with TW clinic for skin and veins is that it is led by qualified and experienced consultants who have been working in the NHS and the private

biopsy or surgical excision if needed on the same day, so our aim is to be able to see patients and offer investigations and treatment on the same day.”

The pair will be offering a variety of treatments – both cosmetic and medical – as well as the highest standard of care from their two-storey space, which is located on Grosvenor Road.

Dr Alwash will be treating skin conditions including eczema, acne, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. She will be offering moles check, removal of skin cancer, treatment for sun damage,

“Dr Alwash is a highly experienced and respected consultant dermatologist who is currently the joint clinical lead of dermatology at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Mr Salman is a consultant vascular surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England

and removal of benign lesions such as warts or skin tags.

The clinic will also be offering laser hair removal, treatment of skin pigmentation and vascular lesions with light and laser treatment. In addition to  treatment with anti-wrinkles, dermal fillers, microneedling, platlets rich plasma (PRP) and polynucliotide

(Salmon DNA). Mr Salman will oversee the treatment of varicose veins which include radiofrequency ablation and foam sclerotherapy.

The clinic boasts the gold standard of being approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the independent regulator of health and social care in England.

Dr Alwash is a highly experienced and respected consultant dermatologist who is currently the joint clinical lead of dermatology and lead for phototherapy and biologic treatment at the dermatology department at East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.

Mr Salman has been a consultant vascular surgeon since 2011 and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England and also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Both currently work in the private healthcare system and for the NHS.

The clinic is equipped with the latest stateof-the-art technology and boasts a number of treatment and consultation rooms.

“Patients will have quicker access to treatment, less waiting time and, hopefully, less anxiety if they are seen sooner,” explains Mr Salman.

Dr Alwash reveals Tunbridge Wells was the perfect location for their clinic because it is near where the married couple work and live.

Mr Salman is the lead vascular consultant for Sussex, so opening a clinic in Tunbridge Wells made perfect sense.”

The search for the perfect space, however, took a number of years because – as Mr Salman says – “you don’t just buy a clinic”.

“We had to find the right building and then decide – via Tunbridge Wells Borough Council – if it could be converted into the right professional premises for the work we wanted to carry out.”

“The new Tunbridge Wells Skin and Veins Clinic will specialise in dermatology, aesthetic care and vein therapy and is expert-led by Dr Alwash and Mr Salman

Dr Alwash adds the renovations took another two years to complete and had to be accessible for those with additional needs, but although that took time, it all worked out well in the end.

“We are very glad and proud to have obtained CQC approval to treat patients at our clinic,” she confirms.

Dr Alwash continues, saying that part of the reason for doing this interview is so that readers of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine will discover the unique offering the husband-and-wife team have created.

“We have had a lot of people coming to us as we have treated them – or someone they know – before, so that word of mouth is very important to us. But through publicity like this interview and our social media platforms, we hope to reach a wider audience. In essence, we want to let people know our clinic is a very good option for them to be treated at. What’s unique about Tunbridge Wells Clinic For Skin and Veins is that we are consultant-led.”

“We are not like a big chain of clinics. We are totally independent, which means we have a lot more autonomy,” reveals Mr Salman. “And if we can’t treat someone at the clinic, because we are both involved

in the private and NHS sectors, we will be able to refer them on.”

They both stress that because they are highly qualified and experienced, it does not mean they will be charging astronomical fees.

“We are very competitive. We are not pricing up just because we are medics.”

Dr Alwash adds that another benefit is that after patients have been treated by Mr Salman, they can then receive post-operative care courtesy of her skin treatments.

And what do both enjoy about their chosen careers?

“For me, it is helping patients on a journey to transform their skin. The first thing we see is the skin – you can’t hide it, so when you can help treat someone who has struggled with theirs, the satisfaction is immense because when the results are working, you can see how happy they become. That’s incredibly rewarding.”

Mr Mahmoud adds that with his line of work, the gratification is almost immediate. “The varicose vein work I carry out can be done in around 35 minutes and the transformation is there to see immediately.

“We are very much providing the best professional service possible at our new clinic.”

Tunbridge Wells Clinic 50 Grosvenor Road

Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2AS

01892 513 333

07719939777

email: info@tunbridgewellsclinic.co.uk

web: www.tunbridgewellsclinic.co.uk instagram: @tw.skinandveinsclinic

Aiming high

An invitation from Lorraine and Gavin Marsh of The Diamond Setter to join West Kent Shooting School’s most recent Ladies Day clay pigeon shooting event proved to be a memorable experience, says Eileen Leahy. Read on to discover how this premier venue combines sport, socialising and business inspiration…

West Kent Shooting School is regarded as one of the best clay pigeon shooting experiences to be found in the South East of England.

Gillian Dyer-Lynch and her husband Michael purchased the business from Michael’s parents in 1984 and since then they have transformed the establishment into the impressive site it is today. The 20 acres of extensive grounds have been cleverly landscaped to offer 100 varied target combinations which are spread out in the stunning wooded countryside that surrounds the popular shooting destination.

The layout provides a fantastic immersive and natural shooting environment which is ideal for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Recognised as a CPSA Premier Plus Ground since 2006, the school upholds the highest standards in safety, quality, professionalism and innovation.

But West Kent Shooting School isn’t just about aiming for clay targets with a gun; the establishment also hosts fantastic corporate events and boasts impressive conference facilities, making it a soughtafter venue for many businesses.

One of those is The Diamond Setter, which recently hosted a Ladies Shooting Day. The owners of the Pantiles-based jewellery business, Lorraine and Gavin Marsh, kindly invited me, as Editor of

“Being invited to one of West Kent Shooting School’s Ladies Days was a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to learn about The Diamond Setter’s beautiful collection of jewels

Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, along to experience an enjoyable – but very damp – morning of learning how to shoot clay targets.

Whilst Lorraine and Gavin set up for their business talk in the clubhouse, various groups of women headed out to the woods with a guide. There was a mix of both experienced shooters and novices such as myself. And despite the varying skill sets, the group boasted a lovely sense of camaraderie.

Tom was our designated instructor and escorted us around the stunning site to the various shooting stands, helping those, such as myself, who had never done anything like this before, to hold a gun properly, aim and shoot.

He comprehensively talked about general safety, gun handling, footwork, where your eyes should be and how to protect both your shoulder and ears. I immediately felt at ease as Tom was both patient and encouraging. And before I knew it, I was actually aiming and hitting clays from some of the basic targets!

Tom also expertly balanced all of the newbie guidance with helping the more expert members of the group to improve their technique and aim. I would definitely go again and can see why people become so passionate about this particular pastime.

Once back at the clubhouse, guests were treated to a delicious buffet lunch and flutes of fizz courtesy of Balfour Winery, whilst Lorraine and Gavin gave their talk about the amazing trajectory of their innovative jewellery business.

Starting off in a small workshop in 2020 when they both found themselves unemployed due to Covid, the husbandand-wife team now run an award-winning double-fronted stunning showroom on The Pantiles, where they showcase the many beautiful gems made by Gavin and his small team on site. As well as making unique commissioned pieces for engagements, weddings and

special occasions, they are specialists in repurposing heirloom jewellery, are GIA Certified Gemmologists and also a stockist for Cammilli, an exquisite Italian gems brand.

After the event, Lorraine told me: “We got involved when Gillian invited us to be the guest speakers for the day. We thought it was a wonderful experience for all and a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful collection and share our story.”

She added: “We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the guests talking about some of our insights on diamonds, gemstones and fine jewellery. We were pleased to also entertain some interesting questions on the day. We found it to be a great collaboration with West Kent Shooting. Many thanks to all the ladies for being there!”

Gillian Dyer-Lynch agreed that it had been a ‘sparkling success’.

“With beautiful jewellery from The Diamond Setter and bubbles from Balfour Winery, the day was filled with laughter, great company and enjoyment – despite the rain! We are already looking forward to our next Ladies Event on July 1st, which will feature Meri, Ambassador to Tropic Skincare, and Melanie from Soulistic Therapy.”

www.westkentshooting.co.uk www.thediamondsetter.co.uk

“My fertility work puts the patient first”

With a degree in Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture and an Advanced Level Diploma in Fertility Acupuncture, local practitioner Katie Knight combines the wisdom of traditional acupuncture with the precision of modern, evidence-based medicine to treat fertility issues. Here she tells us more about the specialist work she carries out from her Tunbridge Wells High Street treatment space…

Inever planned to specialise in fertility, it’s more that patients found me. I qualified in 2020 and set up a general practice in acupuncture, working from my beautiful treatment rooms on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells.

Gradually, I had more and more fertility patients coming to me for help. There has been a lot of research in this area of acupuncture and most fertility clinics see the value of acupuncture during treatment and recommend it themselves.

“I have strived to create a space where people can relax and take a few moments to themselves at a time when stress levels and emotions can be incredibly high. I don’t always have all the answers, but I do always strive to find them.

Over time, though, I realised that I was seeing more women coming in who were starting fertility treatment with the diagnosis ‘Unexplained Infertility’. It soon became obvious that this really meant –‘unexplored’. I was finding that women often didn’t know the reasons they weren’t getting pregnant and were being referred straight to IVF.

I knew I had to serve these women better, even if that meant simply

signposting where they could go for information and testing – that, in my opinion, would be a better standard of care than what most were currently receiving.

I already had my degree in acupuncture, but I soon realised this wasn’t enough, so I embarked upon further training and took on the daunting task of Naava Carmen’s Advanced Level Diploma in Fertility.

Naava is known as an expert in her field and has exceptionally high standards in training. Along with my own independent learning and research, and the support from the wonderful acupuncture community, I’ve been able to put together a care package for my patients

which, most importantly, has the patient at its centre.

An initial consultation with me lasts 90 minutes and we will go through everything. I’m not just looking at your fertility history, although we will look at that in depth, but also your medical history, your lifestyle, your menstrual history, sleep patterns - we really do cover everything.

You will also have an acupuncture treatment in this session so we can get straight to work. From there I will follow up with information regarding supplements, further testing and blood test suggestions, information on male factor testing – an area that’s hugely

“Acupuncture can treat a wide scope of ailments from the physical to the emotional, but my main area of interest is working with women’s health, in particular fertility.

I’m passionate about supporting women through every stage of their fertility journey - whether you’re just starting to explore your options, preparing for IVF, navigating PCOS or endometriosis, or simply wanting to give your body the very best chance of conceiving.”

under-explored – and, most importantly, the best places to get these done.

Over the years I have built up a wealth of knowledge on the best places to go and the right consultants and doctors to see. The world of fertility is a minefield. The information out there is vast and, at a time when patients are feeling their most vulnerable, it is common to feel a bit lost and overwhelmed.

I work with couples, lone parents and same-sex couples. Ideally people come to me before embarking upon fertility treatment, but also sometimes I help to

settle the nerves around transfer windows or when treatment has already started. It all has value.

Together, we come up with a treatment plan to see how I can best support you through the next part of your journey.

I’m not only here to support your fertility health but also you as a person and the emotional strain that many patients find themselves under.

I love my job. I have strived to create a space where people can relax and take a few moments to themselves at a time when stress levels and emotions can be incredibly high. I don’t always have all the answers, but I do always strive to find them. One of my patients does call me the Vagina Detective after all! My sessions are a safe space to let all the emotions flow and feel listened to and, just as importantly, to leave feeling empowered to face the future.

GET IN TOUCH:

If you would like to book in with me, please take a look at my website www. katie-knight.co.uk where you can also book a free 15-minute discovery call if you’d prefer to discuss how I may be able to help you before booking. I work every weekday except Tuesdays and have evening appointments available.

Email: hello@katie-knight.co.uk Call: 07879 814566

MBest in show

In his column this month Tim Sykes of Gardenproud explains the numerous ways in which this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens have inspired him

any of you will have visited the Chelsea Flower Show – or watched the extensive coverage on the BBC including some great highlights on Gardeners World.

But there’s nothing quite like being there, enjoying the atmosphere, the design and planting of some truly inspirational gardens.

Personally speaking 2026 was a feast for the eyes! I thought 2025 was good, but this year the designers really excelled themselves.

Top of the list was the Best in Show Garden, On the Edge (pictured above) designed and created by Sarah Eberle for the CPRE, an environmental charity in England dedicated to protecting, promoting, and enhancing the countryside.

It places focus on the often overlooked rural spaces on the fringes of our towns and cities. These natural areas of wildlife and planting create a soft barrier and breathing place for us, animals and flora to enjoy.

Sarah’s award-winning garden featured naturalistic planting and at its core, a large fallen tree was the dominant, stand out feature.

The show-stopping tree had been

“There’s nothing quite like being at Chelsea and enjoying the atmosphere, the design and planting of some truly inspirational gardens

carved into a huge and impressive representation of Mother Nature - or Gaia as she is also known.

The sculpture was so impactful, almost like a Henry Moore piece, as it blended and also contrasted with its surroundings. Much-hyped was The King’s Foundation, Curious Garden, championed by David Beckham et al. It was an expertly put together space designed by Frances Tophill. The garden told the story of a ‘curious gardener’, who approaches the natural world with passion and fun.

This was a garden that invited visitors –so suffice to say there was a long queue! I was keen to see the Australian garden, designed by Max Parker-Smith

- Journey Beyond the Tracks. This small show garden was inspired by one of Australia’s great train journeys along the Indian Pacific. It links the coastal cities of Adelaide and Perth.

A large pergola in wood and Corten steel divided the garden and created the transition from landscapes in Adelaide and Perth. The pergola cleverly depicted the skeleton of a railway carriage, whilst providing welcome shelter from the midday sun. I thought it was a superbly put together design, unmistakably Australian, and well executed. This got a Silver-Gilt Medal, but my friends and I thought it deserved a Gold.

Next on my list to visit was The Saatchi Gallery Garden, designed by Naomi Ferrett-Cohen. The garden, In The Pink, was inspired by Henri Matisse and it married the fun and impressionism that the artist is well known for courtesy of its mix of colours, planting and softness of the garden. For me it worked beautifully. It was a brave attempt and thanks to its engaging displays was a real crowd puller. Alas the judges didn’t agree –thus proving there is no accounting for taste! Remember it’s what inspires YOU that matters.

Kazuyuki Ishihara was back with a garden that epitomised the Inner

Gardens of many historic Japanese homes. It was called the Tokonoma Garden - Sanumaya no Niwa (in recognition of the historic Sanumaya Kimono Shop).

The space created a tranquil setting amongst the busy Chelsea pathways, with its beautifully art directed planting, moss displays to die for, and contrasting acers we can only dream of. All punctuated by familiar Japanese structures. In contrast to his normal Golds, Ishihara won a Silver Gilt this year. Whatever, it was a Masterclass!

The Eden Project: Bring Me Sunshine was an uplifting garden designed by Harry Holding and Alex Michaelis. The Eden Project Morecambe

is a £100m regeneration and climate education project that will transform Morecambe Bay into a world-class destination for visitors and learning. The garden embodies the project’s mission to inspire positive action for the planet by empowering young people to forge pathways into green industries.

At its centre was an oval pergola, that represented a solar powered island, generating energy that powers the gardens water system and learning tools. Pollinator friendly planting provided plenty of colour among other drought tolerant grasses and trees. The RHS judges awarded it a Silver Gilt medal.

So there you have it - just a few of my favourites from this year’s excellent show. If you want any further information about the show then do contact me, or visit the RHS website at www.rhs.org.uk

For further inspiration in your garden, contact Tim Sykes at on 07725 173820 or visit Gardenproud at www.gardenproud.co.uk

Crowning achievements

Tis the season to wear a hat - and turn heads - and who better to help you make your crowning glory than talented local milliner Gill Stratton of Mille Fleurs boutique on Mount Ephraim. Here she tells Eileen Leahy about the passion she has for her work – and reveals news of an exciting achievement…

Whether you’re after a fancy Fedora, a chic little netted pillbox or a floral-festooned showstopper for a wedding, a garden party or a day at the races, then Gill Stratton of Mille Fleurs has you – and your crown – covered.

She may have only opened her Tunbridge Wells boutique, situated on Mount Ephraim, in May 2025 but the talented milliner has already gained a loyal local following of hat-loving clients who adore Gill’s handcrafted unique creations.

Gill’s first boutique opened in Otford in 1997 and it’s still where she spends half her working week as it’s also where her workshop is.

Gill is aided by Jo and Kiera, both of whom are learning the craft of millinery.

“It’s wonderful to have two enthusiastic learners working alongside me. Jo has a background in textiles and graphic design, which brings a great creative perspective to her work, while Kiera is a talented seamstress with excellent technical skills. They both have a real passion for learning millinery and developing their craftsmanship.

“At the moment, we alternate between the two shops and then come together for training days. Jo also helps with dressing our windows and is brilliant at coming up with fresh, creative ideas that really bring the displays to life.”

“Whether you’re after a fancy Fedora or a floral-festooned showstopper then Gill Stratton of Mille Fleurs has you – and your crown – covered

Gill says that having an apprentice is a great way of ensuring this age-old artisan craft continues on.

“My previous apprentice Alice finished her training with me last September and in October she got a job with Rachel Trevor-Morgan, who was the late Queen Elizabeth’s hat maker from 2014 until she died in 2022. So that was very exciting,”

smiles Gill as we chat over coffee. And, in a nice twist of serendipity, it was actually Rachel Trevor-Morgan who supported Gill’s application to join the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers, to which she was accepted this year on April 13th.

At the time of accepting her accolade, Gill said that it was a ‘real privilege’ to become part of such an historic livery company.

Gill had to take an oath before the Master Feltmaker, Simon Millar, in the sumptuous surroundings of Haberdashers’ Hall in London and says she is very much looking forward to ‘becoming involved in a company that not only champions the making and wearing of hats, but also carries out such valuable charitable and outreach work.’

“I was very grateful to Rachel for supporting my application and I am so pleased to be part of this organisation. Firstly because it’s a lovely group of people but secondly, as a milliner, you are very much working on your own so it’s nice to be a part of this.”

Being accepted by the organisation, which dates back to 1604, will also give Gill Freedom of the City of London later this year. But that’s not all. Gill will also have the opportunity to attend various special events which will be very beneficial for networking.

“It’s also just a lovely bit of kudos for the

business,” she adds warmly.

Talking of her business, the summer is a very busy time for Gill given the social season is in full swing with weddings, Wimbledon, garden parties and the flat racing season all happening.

When it comes to hat trends Gill says they are pretty timeless. “For events such as Royal Ascot people are happy to go wider and bigger and because it’s an outside event you can play with scale. For weddings no one wants to upstage the bride so the hats I make are still beautiful but they tend to be smaller.”

Prices start at £450 for an off-the-peg hat whereas bespoke creations can go up to £850.

Every hat is hand-blocked and stitched from start to finish. All straws, silks and feathers are hand-dyed to perfectly match your outfit of choice. In fact, when I meet Gill for this interview she has just been to the womenswear emporium Caroline Charles on Tunbridge Wells High Street to pick up a swatch of fabric so she can get the colour of the hat spot on.

Gill’s customised creations can take up to five to six weeks to make, so the majority of her clients will have already engaged Gill’s services by now.

Fear not though as Gill also sells off-thepeg hats too. She has a number in the Mille Fleurs core collection which changes seasonally and others which she sources from her twice-yearly visits to Paris.

as silk scarves and genuine Panama hats.

“Jo is currently making some tiny silk strawberries so you can attach them on for Wimbledon!”

Despite being incredibly busy, Gill still finds the time to host events such as a recent one with local stylist Victoria Genevieve. “Putting on these types of events is a nice way for people who might not necessarily be familiar with my work to see what I do,” she explains.

Gill is also keen to bring back the hatmaking courses she introduced last year as they proved to be a great success.

“People have been asking if I will run

them again - and I have also had a few people asking me about silk flower-making sessions so watch this space…”

Before I leave I tell her it’s great to see a centuries-old craft still thriving and being part of our local retail scene.

“Yes it is. Everyone wants everything so fast nowadays so it’s great to see that slower-paced, considered purchasing returning. My hats are an investment but they will last a lifetime and can be passed down generations - and that is something that’s very special.”

Email: hello@millefleurs.uk

Website: www.millefleurs.uk

Socials: @millefleursuk

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She’s in fashion

This month we introduce the TW Edit’s new Style Director, Victoria Genevieve. What she doesn’t know about fashion frankly isn’t worth knowing. Read on to discover more about her sartorial prowess and to discover her top picks for the most stylish of summers…

Victoria Genevieve is the founder of Victoria Genevieve Styling, a Personal Styling and Image Consultancy business based in Tunbridge Wells.

The fashion business is dedicated to helping individuals elevate their confidence through lifestyle-led capsule wardrobe dressing.

With a keen eye for style and an understanding of different lifestyle needs, Victoria works with clients to refine their wardrobe, define their personal style, and create looks that align with their life, personal and career goals and individuality.

Victoria’s style picks for high summer ‘26

ACCESSORISE ALL AREAS

A statement accessory has immediate impact. Symi shell earrings, £38.99, Pom Di Pom, www.pomdipom.com

“Through a process of wardrobe editing, personal shopping and one-to-one styling sessions, I empower clients to look and feel their best every day no matter what they are doing,” explains Victoria who is coming on board as the TW Edit’s new Style Director.

“My fashion motto is 'You're better than that'll do’ and I’m here to prove that to you…”

CROWNING GLORIES

Looking for a head turning moment? Then wear a hat. Selection of seasonal hats, Mille Fleurs, www.millefleurs.uk

DRESS TO IMPRESS

These stunning dresses are perfect for the beach or the bar. Kitch, www.kitchclothing.co.uk

SUN SEEKERS

Treat your swimwear like your wardrobe – have a decent selection. Kitch, www.kitchclothing.co.uk

Less is more during a heatwave but make sure you do the basics right. SpaceNK, www.spacenk.com

The next act for the Assembly Hall

Theatre Director Mikey Powell tells Eileen Leahy how the Assembly Hall is evolving its programme, broadening its audience and creating new opportunities for businesses, schools and community groups…

Mikey Powell took on the role of Theatre Director at the Assembly Hall in 2022, and he had a clear focus from day one. That was, he tells me, to curate “a vibrant and ambitious programme that appeals to a wide and diverse audience across all age groups.”

Since then, Mikey has certainly achieved that, but one of the key shifts has been reducing the venue’s reliance on smallerscale tribute acts.

“Whilst they still have their place in the programme, there was a need to be bold and reintroduce large-scale, week-long musical theatre runs, alongside engaging new producers who have subsequently brought us original artists such as Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant and ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr,” he explains.

That forward-thinking approach has also seen drama return in a big way, with productions such as The Last Laugh, 2:22 A Ghost Story and Silence of the Lambs all treading the boards. Mikey adds that it has been incredibly encouraging to see those audiences growing.

Another exciting development has been the theatre’s ‘seats out’ events, which transform the venue into a standing space.

“These shows encourage dancing and create a more informal, high-energy atmosphere, reconnecting the space with its original roots as both a theatre and dance hall. We launched this strand with Shake It in collaboration with Tunbridge Wells-based Mint DJs, which was a huge success.”

Since then, the theatre has presented events including Disco for Grown Ups, My

“I started here as a casual stage crew member before becoming an apprentice lighting technician, then Chief Electrician, Technical Manager and now Theatre Director.

Soul Radio and Drag Bingo.

“Coming up this autumn, we have an 80s DJ night hosted by Martin Kemp, as well as a 70s disco and funk night with Brutus Gold’s Love Train.”

More recently, Mikey says he and his team have expanded further into performance art, presenting thought-

provoking work such as Bryony Kimmings’ autobiographical piece Bog Witch.

“Ultimately, the aim is simple: we want to ensure there is genuinely something for everyone, while maintaining quality and artistic integrity at the heart of everything we do.”

The theatre is now looking to diversify even further by reaching out to schools, community groups and businesses.

With the ability to host everything from conferences, gala nights, graduations and weddings to record fairs and training days, the venue offers a highly flexible space for organisations of all sizes.

Its professional technical facilities, overseen by an experienced team skilled at adapting the space and creating the right atmosphere, help elevate every event.

“These kinds of events are about breaking down barriers to the building,” explains Mikey. “Not everyone’s first experience of a theatre is through a performance, so by welcoming people in for business, education or creative events, we make the space more accessible and relevant to a wider community.

“Once inside, particularly for first-time visitors, it can often be surprising to discover the breadth and range of work we present here.”

Mikey tells me that the Assembly Hall is now offering businesses a range of sponsorship packages.

“This is driven by a desire to build deeper, more meaningful partnerships with businesses, while also supporting the long-term sustainability of the theatre.

“We already offer discounted hire rates to eligible groups and reduced ticket access through the Council’s Go Card scheme. However, as Council funding reduces, we need to diversify our income streams to continue providing these benefits.

“Sponsorship gives local and regional organisations the opportunity to support the arts, engage with new audiences and play a role in the future of the theatre and the wider community.”

In terms of interest from companies based in the local community, both Berry & Lamberts and Nuffield Health are set to be some of the theatre’s first Genre Partners.

For Mikey, ensuring the Assembly Hall remains a thriving cultural hub is deeply personal.

Having been born in Pembury Hospital, grown up in Sherwood and built his career at the venue, the theatre has been a constant throughout his life.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL:

The Assembly Hall offers a range of tiered sponsorship packages, each providing different levels of benefit and visibility.

With over 100,000 tickets sold annually, an email database of 45,000 subscribers and a growing social media presence of over 26,000 followers, there is significant

exposure for any partner business.

More importantly, sponsorship helps the theatre continue its commitment to accessibility. It directly supports initiatives that enable wider access to the arts, ensuring that those who might otherwise be unable to attend can still experience what the theatre has to offer

“I started here as a casual stage crew member before becoming an apprentice lighting technician, then Chief Electrician, Technical Manager and now Theatre Director.

“That journey has shaped everything I do. I have a deep passion for theatre and the arts, but equally important is my connection to this venue and the community it serves. It’s more than just a job to me – I genuinely care about its future, its success and the people who visit us.

“Whilst we continue to look after our loyal audiences, we must also bring new people into the building, giving them different ways to engage with the space and ultimately encouraging them to connect with live performance.

“It’s about building a sustainable future for the theatre while protecting the cultural offer that makes it such an important part of the community.” www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Pantomime Sponsorship

Headline Sponsorship

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...

OUTSIDE EDGE

Glorious Gardens Weekend returns to Penshurst Place from 12 to 14 June (10am to 5pm), celebrating the beauty of its historic gardens and the wider Weald. Visitors can enjoy floral displays, live music, cream teas, garden tours, workshops, wildlife encounters and a special 50% plant centre offer in one of Kent’s most picturesque settings. www.penshurstplace.com

PITCH PERFECT

World Cup fever arrives in Tunbridge Wells from now until 19 July, with plenty of pubs across the town screening every match of the 2026 tournament - including The Manor House, The Bedford and Cassidy’s. Expect big-screen action, food and drink offers, lively crowds and plenty of places to cheer on England (or your team of choice) throughout the summer.

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Cally Beaton brings her acclaimed show Namaste Motherf*ckers to Trinity Theatre on 18 June. Combining sharp stand-up, candid storytelling and reflections on her journey from boardroom executive to comedy stage, the evening also includes a Q&A and meet-and-greet. www.trinitytheatre.net

GET THE GLOW

Midsummer GLOW Fest returns to Penshurst Place on 20 June for a magical evening of music, theatre, food and entertainment within its stunning Elizabethan gardens. Expect immersive performances, live music, aerial theatre, street food, dancing and a spectacular theatrical finale.

STEP BACK IN TIME

Home Front Weekend returns to Hever Castle (across Father’s Day Weekend) on 20 and 21 June, bringing the sights and sounds of 1940s Britain to life. Visitors can enjoy wartime reenactors, vintage music, military vehicles, classic cars, dance demonstrations and nostalgic entertainment throughout the grounds. www.hevercastle.co.uk

GO WILD

Father’s Day and Summer Solstice celebrations take place at Wilderness Wood on 21 June, with outdoor fun, woodfired pizza, local drinks and traditional woodland games. Set among beautiful Sussex woodland, it’s a relaxed way to welcome the start of summer. www.wildernesswood.org

FESTIVAL MAGIC

The Rotunda Theatre arrives at the inaugural Langton Green Festival from 26 June to 5 July, presenting an exciting programme of theatre, comedy, magic and family entertainment. Performances take place inside its iconic geodesic domes at Hollond’s Farm throughout the festival.

SCHOOL’S OUT!

Radnor House Sevenoaks Summer Festival takes place on 27 June, combining festival fun with garden party elegance. Visitors can enjoy live music, tethered hot air balloon rides, supercars, food and drink stalls, wellness experiences and family-friendly activities. www.radnor-sevenoaks.org

FAIR PLAY

The Summer Vintage Fair returns to Chiddingstone Castle on 28 June, offering an eclectic mix of vintage homewares, furniture, fashion, jewellery and garden finds. Visitors can also enjoy local food and refreshments while exploring the castle and grounds.

www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT

Tonbridge Music Weekend returns to Tonbridge Castle with three days (3 to 5 July) of live music, food, drink and family entertainment. Featuring everything from Motown and ska to folk, country and rock, it remains one of the town’s most popular summer events.

www.tonbridgemusicweekend.com

SHOW TIME

The Eridge Fair returns on Sunday 5 July, bringing a traditional community celebration to the beautiful surroundings of Eridge Park. Expect stalls, food and drink, live entertainment, a prize draw and family-friendly activities, with proceeds supporting local charities.

www.eridgefair.org.uk

THE STAGE IS SET

Groombridge Amateur Dramatic Society presents an openair production of The Wind in the Willows on selected dates from 2 to 11 July, in the beautiful setting of Birchden Garden. Visitors are invited to arrive early, enjoy a picnic or drink from the garden bar, and settle in for an evening of family-friendly theatre. www.groombridgetheatre.co.uk

johnknightphotography.co.uk

johnknightphotography.co.uk

FANTASTIC FUN

RTW Together BID is once again bringing back FilmZone and FanZone, transforming Calverley Grounds into an outdoor cinema from 8 ot 10 July before welcoming tennis fans for the Wimbledon Finals Weekend on 11 and 12 July. Alongside bigscreen entertainment, visitors can enjoy food and drink vendors, family activities and a lively festival atmosphere in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. (see page 28 for more information)

RETRO REVIVAL

Volks Weald returns to Penshurst Place from 10 to 12 July, inviting together classic Volkswagen enthusiasts for one of the South East’s largest VW festivals. Alongside impressive vehicle displays, visitors can enjoy live music, trade stands, food, drink and family entertainment.

www.mytunbridgewells.co.uk

@mytunbridgewells

The

Assembly Hall Theatre – Something for Everyone

As a venue that showcases around 250 performances each year, in one sense, it’s a reasonable claim to say that “we have something for everyone.” Effectively communicating the breadth and depth of our theatre programme can be a challenge, but it’s this growing portfolio of exciting and unique content that is at the heart of our theatre and will be what drives us through the rest of 2026.

So what does the theatre have to offer?

For many years live stand-up comedy has been key to the venue, with the opportunity to see famous faces that fill your TV or phone screens being a major draw. 2026 will see that tradition extend will talents ranging from emerging names like Sindhu Vee, Phil Wang & Maisie Adam, through to established names such as Harry Enfield and of course Romesh Ranganathan.

Live music, either from high quality tribute acts like Bootleg Beatles and Rumours of Fleetwood Mac or original artists such Gilbert O’Sullivan and Jools Holland have traditionally filled the venue with fans old and new. What makes our venue special is the fact that several events are standing, allowing well over a thousand people to enjoy a unique live gig experience that not many venues can replicate.

The most notable new addition to the theatre in recent years has been a huge growth in “An Evening With…” events, where famous faces or experts in their fields take the audience on a journey through their lives or topics of interest. Often moving, always interesting, guest such as John Cleese, Ruby Wax, Nigel Mansell and Jason Fox mean these evenings are continuing to engage and inspire audiences.

With new shows announced every week there’s never been a more exciting time to follow the AHT. From dramas like Ghost Story 2:22, West End hits like SIX, through to ballet, opera, community shows and don’t forget, wrestling, the team is proud to showcase the venue and present this exciting line-up for 2026 and beyond!

Matthew Robson – Director of Sales & Marketing, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells.

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Great escapes

Discover

some of the

best summer 2026 escapes for families, foodies and sun seekers

As summer travel trends evolve, 2026 is shaping up to be the season of smarter escapes. Think luxury staycations that make the most of city adventures, ‘coolcation’ mountain retreats that swap scorching temperatures for alpine air, and Mediterranean getaways that go beyond the obvious.

From family-friendly city breaks and wellness-led mountain resorts to stylish new Greek island openings and adventurous island-hopping itineraries, we’ve discovered some great escapes set to top wish lists this year.

BEST FOR FAMILIES:

The Westin London City For families seeking a luxury staycation without leaving the capital, The Westin London City offers an ideal base. Positioned on the River Thames, the hotel combines contemporary accommodation with easy access to London’s biggest attractions. St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe are all within walking distance, making sightseeing simple for parents and children alike. Families will love the complimentary scooters for younger guests, a wellness-focused spa and indoor pool, plus a newly launched brunch designed to appeal to all ages. It’s a city break that balances culture, convenience and relaxation in equal measure. www.westinlondoncity.co.uk

BEST COOLCATION ESCAPE:

Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier, South Tyrol

As travellers increasingly seek relief from soaring summer temperatures, mountain destinations continue to benefit from the growing ‘coolcation’ trend. Set amid the dramatic peaks of South Tyrol, Quellenhof Luxury Resort Passeier has unveiled a series of enhancements for 2026 that make it one of Europe’s most exciting alpine retreats. New family experiences include an Acqua Spray Park, mini-golf course and Ninja course, ensuring younger guests are entertained throughout their stay. Adults, meanwhile, can immerse themselves in one of Europe’s most advanced wellness programmes. The resort’s longevity-led approach includes access to the Quellenhof Medical Center and a pioneering Biohacking & Longevity programme. There’s now a cutting-edge cryosauna offering wholebody cryotherapy at temperatures of

“From family-friendly city breaks and wellness-led mountain resorts to stylish new Greek island openings and adventurous islandhopping itineraries where will you adventure to next?”

-110°C, designed to support recovery, performance and long-term wellbeing. Foodies are equally well catered for. Michelin-starred chef Michael Mayr continues to lead the culinary vision, cementing the resort’s reputation as a destination where gastronomy, wellness and family travel coexist seamlessly. ww.quellenhof.it/en

BEST NEW

MEDITERRANEAN OPENING:

Méros, Paros

While Mykonos and Santorini continue to dominate headlines, savvy travellers are increasingly turning their attention to Paros, the Cycladic island quietly emerging as Greece’s chicest destination. Less crowded and more relaxed than its famous neighbours, Paros offers all the classic Greek island ingredients with whitewashed villages, golden beaches, seafood tavernas and sparkling seas, without the intensity of peak-season tourism. Adding to the island’s growing

appeal is Méros, a stylish new 26-room hotel from Santikos Collection, opening in July in the picturesque harbour town of Naousa. Designed around a contemporary interpretation of Cycladic architecture, the property blends chalky neutral tones, natural materials and serene indoor-outdoor living spaces, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. www.santikoscollection.com

BEST ISLAND-HOPPING ADVENTURE:

Corfu & Albania with Olympic Holidays For travellers seeking something a little more adventurous, twin-centre holidays continue to gain popularity, offering the chance to experience multiple destinations in a single trip. Olympic Holidays’ new Corfu & Albania islandhop pairs one of Greece’s most beloved islands with the unspoilt coastline of neighbouring Albania. The itinerary combines Corfu’s Venetian architecture, olive groves and beach-lined bays with the emerging appeal of Albania’s Riviera, where crystal-clear waters, historic towns and a growing culinary scene offer a refreshing alternative to more established Mediterranean destinations. It’s an ideal choice for travellers who want the familiarity of a classic Greek island holiday alongside the excitement of discovering somewhere new.

www.olympicholidays.com

This Summer climb to the top of the town!

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Trinity?

I joined Trinity in the mid-point of our Clocktower project – when it was still an empty shell, except for several rickety ladders and surprisingly stubborn pigeons. My role then was to explore our heritage, and to decide which parts to share with the Clocktower visitors, as well as how we would do that.

I also now work as Trinity’s Fundraising Officer, applying to Trusts and Foundations for grants to help secure our future.

What part of Trinity’s heritage would surprise people?

I think how closely connected we have always been with the people of Tunbridge Wells. We were built to serve the people of this town; firstly as a church, and, since 1982, as a place of entertainment. These purposes are linked by our unbroken role as a welcoming, inclusive space for people to enjoy, and be supported in.

How does Trinity fund the restoration and maintenance of such an iconic building for the town?

This is the job of many people here, which is not surprising as our grade II* listed building takes a lot of TLC (and money) to keep going. Trinity costs about £2,000 a week to run and keep in good repair, with larger sums needed fairly regularly for major refurbishment works and upgrades. We are approaching our 200th birthday and as you might expect, some the materials used then (and some used in the 1970s conversion) are beginning to need extensive replacement. One way we tackle this is to apply for grants from charitable trusts and foundations who are invested in protecting heritage sites. For day-to-

day maintenance, our work here is helped immensely by the generosity of our patrons, corporate partners and sponsors, and sometimes even profit from our entertainment programme.

As maintaining the building isn’t the only thing we fundraise for (very importantly, we also fund for our community programmes), we are hugely grateful for all charitable donations we receive - whatever the size.

There are lots of ways that people can support us and the work we do – from donation stations in the Foyer to a simple click online.

How long did the Clocktower take to restore?

The Clocktower was a labour of love. Covid-19, logistical problems and structural surprises (such as learning that the bricks were laid to a pattern and thickness designed to resist an attack from Napoleon’s army!) all combined so that the project, originally expected to be complete in 2022, took a further two years to finish. We have huge thanks to give to the teams of architects, heritage consultants, builders and designers who helped create the beautiful space that exists today, and the experience offered within it.

What can visitors to the Clocktower expect?

In a nutshell: a lot of stairs, some fascinating history, and incredible views.

Those who are interested in history will enjoy ‘climbing back through time’, finding out about our story (and Tunbridge Wells’ history) as they move through each era, from the 20th Century right back to our late Georgian beginnings. Detailed information is provided by our volunteer Guides, as well as information boards, interactive features, a bespoke soundscape on each floor. Running throughout most of the tower are the many parts of the mechanism of our beautiful clock (horologists are in for a real treat). If you happen to be in the Clocktower as the hour strikes, you might want to bring earplugs!

It’s fascinating to take in Tunbridge Wells from a bird’s eye view – all the more unique since this vantage point is not available publicly anywhere else in town. The view changes with weather and season, so if you can, we recommend climbing more than once.

30 days for Tay...

You can help make a difference every day this September in memory of what would have been Taylor Mitchell’s 30th year. He is the inspiration behind his mother Suzi starting Taylor-Made Dreams, the local charity that supports children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Read on to discover more about this special month-long series of events…

This year, Taylor Mitchell would have been 30. His mother, Suzi, founder of the children’s charity Taylor-Made Dreams, adds: “Taylor was a wonderful young man whose love for life continued even after his passing, through his friends, family and the wishes enabled in his memory.”

She continues: “In order to honour all that Taylor’s legacy has supported, on what would have been his 30th year, we are holding a campaign throughout the 30 days of September to raise £30,000. But we need your support...”

Suzi admits that £30,000 is ‘a big target with a very important goal’.

“These funds will enable us to provide an entire year’s worth of Sibling Support Service in 2027, as well as enable the first year of our brand-new Parent’s Support Group, which will be starting in 2027.”

“Together, with our amazing TMD community, we hope to raise £30,000 over the 30 days of September in honour of Taylor Mitchell

Suzi explains that these services are a vital part of Taylor-Made Dreams’ (TMD) core aim: supporting the whole family at an incredibly difficult time.

“Living with a life-limiting illness can be isolating, with a feeling that no one can understand what you’re going through. The SSS and PSG provide spaces for family members to meet and connect with other

people who understand their situation, creating a welcoming environment to share their experiences.”

The reason TMD is actively raising funds throughout September this year is because in September 2011 Taylor sadly passed away after battling a long-term illness, but his love for life carried on through those around him.

Over the next three years after his death, Suzi began shaping a charity to support other children with life-limiting illnesses and their families, helping them to create positive memories at an inconceivably difficult time.

Now, 30 years later, throughout the month of September, the charity is looking to honour the memory of Taylor and all that his memory has helped to create.

“Together, with our amazing TMD community, we hope to raise £30,000 over

the 30 days of September,” confirms Suzi. So how can you support? Well, the charity tells us that every fundraiser makes a difference. Whether you donate £30 or £1 a day throughout the month, hold a quiz with 30 rounds, or run 30K or 30 miles, your support will allow TMD to secure a future for Taylor-Made Dreams’ services.

“We would love to show off your fundraising, and we are looking to post every weekday throughout the month of September, so the more content the better. Tag us on Facebook and Instagram @thetmdteam and on LinkedIn @TaylorMade Dreams,” continues Suzi.

She also adds that if you have any photos or videos, please do share them with the TMD team and the charity will try to get your hard work out there.

“Don’t forget to also use the hashtag #30daysfortay so that other 30 Days for Tay fundraisers can see what everyone else has taken on for the month. We can’t wait to see what you take on. Good luck from everyone on the TMD team!”

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Find a full list of ideas on our 30 Days for Tay page: taylormadedreams.org.uk/ news/30-days-for-tay

Please send any pictures you have of your fundraising directly to the TMD marketing department at: jed@taylormadedreams.org.uk