TW Business Magazine May 2026

“ BOWLEYS

BOWLEYS

“ We want to create an experience that focuses on respect – towards the natural environment, the incredible produce that comes from it and everyone involved in the process.”

EVENTS 2026 We want to create an experience that focuses on respect – towards the natural environment, the incredible produce that comes from it and everyone involved in the process.

Bowleys & Nyetimber 28th May

We want to create an experience that focuses on respect – towards the natural environment, the incredible produce that comes from it and everyone involved in the process.

Bowleys invites you to an unforgettable evening of sparkle and seasonal flavour, in partnership with Nyetimber.

“ BOWLEYS Events 2026:

Events 2026:

Bowleys & Nyetimber - 28th May

12 Course British Isles Tasting Menu:

Bowleys invites you to an unforgettable evening of sparkle and seasonal flavour, in partnership with Nyetimber.

We'll begin the evening on our terrace with music accompanied by a selection of elegant canapés & English bubbles to set the tone. As the evening slips away, step into our restaurant for a carefully curated tasting menu that celebrates the best of the seasons using the Garden of England. Each course will be inspired by exceptional English sparkling wines from Nyetimber, chosen to complement and elevate the flavours of the evening.

The best of Britain has to offer, from all parts of the country. We work closely with farmers, fishermen and producers, as well as foraging ourselves, to obtain the best seasonal produce. Each dish showcasing carefully sourced ingredients at their peak from around the British Isles. Expect bold yet balanced flavours throughout your meal, accompanied with a thoughtfully selected wine pairing to both complement and contrast the menu.

£110 Per Head

Available: Wednesday - Sunday.

Bowleys & Mousehall 23rd June

We'll begin the evening on our terrace with music accompanied by a selection of elegant canapés & English bubbles to set the tone. As the evening slips away, step into our restaurant for a carefully curated tasting menu that celebrates the best of the seasons using the Garden of England. Each course will be inspired by exceptional English sparkling wines from Nyetimber, chosen to complement and elevate the flavours of the evening.

£110 Per Head

Bowleys is delighted to be joining Tidebrook Vineyard at Mousehall Distillery this June to

TAYLORS LN, TROTTISCLIFFE, KENT, ME19 5DR 01732 822233 BOWLEYS@THEPLOUGHKENT.COM

Bowleys & - June

Bowleys & Mousehall - 23rd June

Bowleys is delighted to be joining Tidebrook Vineyard at Mousehall Distillery this June to celebrate English Wine Week.

Bowleys is delighted to be joining Vineyard at June to celebrate English Wine Week.

an evening exploring the vineyard grounds, followed by celebratory drinks on dinner in Each wine will be thoughtfully enhanced with and seasonal ingredients, freshly picked from the vegetable forward to for an wine, good relaxed company.

Enjoy an evening exploring the vineyard grounds, followed by celebratory drinks on the terrace and dinner in the distillery. Each wine will be thoughtfully enhanced with local produce and seasonal ingredients, freshly picked from the vegetable gardens. We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of great wine, good food and relaxed company.

£95 Per Head

£95 Per Head

Taylors Trottiscliffe, ME19 5DR 01732 822233

Taylors Ln, Trottiscliffe, Kent, ME19 5DR 01732 822233

bowleys@theploughkent.com

bowleys@theploughkent.com

Smart finance

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

DESIGN MANAGER

Jason Stubbs

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Robin Singer

PHOTOGRAPHY

John Knight

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

George Percy

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Nick Moore

Welcome

Happy birthday to us! This May marks our second birthday and my goodness what a two years it has been since we launched this publication.

Over the past 24 months we have interviewed everyone from leading lawyers, enterprising entrepreneurs and property experts to revolutionary restaurateurs, inspiring charity CEOs and talented tastemakers.

But we wouldn’t be anything without our amazing readers and supporters so let me take this opportunity, on behalf of all the team at Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, to thank you for being here. We are extremely grateful to you all and look forward to continuing to provide you with all the latest news from our business community, sharing inspiring interviews and telling you about the very best of our local lifestyle and cultural offerings.

Talking of which, we have a new lifestyle supplement – The TW Edit – starting this month. In it you will find a wealth of inspiring features, many of which shine a light on our brilliant retail, property, hospitality and entertainment businesses. We hope you enjoy it – and welcome any feedback or suggestions.

To mark our second anniversary we go back to where it all began in issue one by interviewing Danielle Friend and Jane Hodge of Create Balance, who were our launch edition cover stars. Theirs is an accountancy firm with a difference because they put people before

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

profit, meaning they aren’t just number crunchers but a business that provides a very prescriptive offering for their clients. Turn to page 22 to discover more about their pioneering business and how it can help you.

Elsewhere we talk to Matthew Hill about the seismic success of his private health brokers business PMI and discover how local social media entrepreneur Helen Williams has cracked the elusive Instagram algorithm so she can help your business do the same.

As well as all our must-read expert commentary pieces – which this month range from how to harness AI to the reasons why we should be supporting the development of our town centre retail offering – and a round-up of the best networking events and parties that have taken place, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So let’s raise a glass to being two years old, with many, many more years ahead of us!

Enjoy,

Eileen

eileen@twbusinessmagazine.com

www.twbusinessmagazine.com @twbusiness_magazine

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

experts across the board...

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

Darren Austin Director, Synergee

Matthew Hill Founder, Private Medical Insurance Brokers

Hilary Palmer Senior associate, CooperBurnett

Jamie Dixon Founder and CEO, Vayro

Clare Josef Partner, Residential real estate, Thackray Williams

Sarah Raine Director, Colley Raine & Associates

Gemma Farina Managing Director, GFHR Consulting

Sophie Forrest-Lavery Founder The Forrest Group

Shaun Joubert Senior Partner, NFU Mutual

Mustafa Sidki Partner, dispute resolution, Thackray Williams

David Lea Partner & head of private client, Berry Lamberts

Neil Simmons ManagingDirector, TN Recruits

Alex Green CEO, RTW Together

Andrew Metcalf Managing Director, Maxim PR

Helen Williams Mindset & Business coach

Liberal Democrats gain three more seats on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

The Liberal Democrats have kept control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, following the local elections on May 7th.

The party, led nationally by Sir Ed Davey, gained three seats in the latest local elections, winning 11 of the 15 contested seats.

This means that the party which has full control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) has 25 councillors overall. Ben Chapelard, Liberal Democrat Leader of TWBC council told the BBC: "This is a historic victory for the Lib Dems, we've worked hard to deliver a positive campaign, and build local support."

The Liberal Democrats picked up seats from Labour and the Conservative Party. The Conservatives dropped one seat, whilst Labour lost two.

This year TWBC was one of just four councils chosen by the Government

to be a pilot area for flexible voting at this May’s local elections in order to encourage greater participation in democracy.

Cambridge, Milton Keynes and North

Herts were the other councils selected to be part of the new ways of voting trial. TWBC offered voters different ways to cast their vote in person in advance of polling day on Thursday 7 May.

South East Water boss resigns

David Hinton, Chief Executive of South East Water, announced his resignation on Friday May 8th.

The water company, which was responsible for numerous outages just before and after Christmas, has been heavily criticised for its severe supply issues which have damaged numerous businesses in Tunbridge Wells.

Negotiations for compensation for those businesses most seriously affected are still ongoing.

“He feels his position has become an increasing distraction”

South East Water said David Hinton had decided to step down but would remain in post ‘to allow an orderly transition over the summer period’.

"He feels his position has become an increasing distraction from South East Water's most important priority, which is to deliver a resilient water supply for its customers," the company said.

He had faced enormous pressure to resign since the most recent water outages. Several MPs - including Mike Martin MP for Tunbridge Wells –constantly pressurised Mr Hinton into leaving his role after 24,000 properties across the borough and East Sussex either lost water or had very little on many occasions during November, December and January.

Mike Martin has been determined to help support the many households and businesses affected by the water crisis.

The MP said recently that over the last few months he and his team had been focused on a six-month Resilience Plan to fix the immediate issues and better protect our local network.

“We have fast-tracked several projects to reduce the risk of future outages. They include the Pembury Water Treatment Works where we’ve installed two new filters to increase the amount of water we can supply to Tunbridge Wells. We’ve also updated our maintenance and testing routines to keep the site running smoothly.”

He added that overall operations had been improved. “We’ve overhauled our operations response meaning our teams

can now carry out repairs much faster.”

Mr Martin added that he wanted to be clear that the cost of these improvements were not being passed on.

Instead he and his team have introduced a targeted compensation fund for business and non-household customers that ‘goes beyond the standard legal requirements’.

“If you run a business or know someone who does, more information on the fund can be found on the TWBC website.”

Applications to the fun close on 31 May 2026.

Following the announcement of David Hinton’s resignation South East Water’s interim chair Lisa Clement commented: "The board acknowledges and thanks Dave for his many years of loyal dedication and service to South East Water."

Wadhurst-based Nikwax wins a King’s Award for enterprise

Local business Nikwax, the global leader in PFAS-free waterproofing and aftercare, has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

One of just 185 organisations recognised nationally in 2026, the award, to be announced 6 May

acknowledges Nikwax’s long-standing leadership in sustainable innovation. With its headquarters in Wadhurst, Nikwax employs over 100 people across international locations, with teams in the UK, USA, Poland, and the Netherlands.

Georgina Mcloughlin, Nikwax’s

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Sustainability Manager commented: “I’m incredibly proud that Nikwax has received a King’s Award for Sustainable Development. Working across teams throughout the business, I see firsthand the collective effort behind this achievement and our shared commitment to doing the right thing.”

Paramount Place unveils first two new show homes

Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine received an exclusive invitation to visit two show homes in Paramount Place.

The latest development from the Retirement Villages Living Group, which is situated at the top of Mount Pleasant is due to open this summer. The new premises contains 167 different apartments – some one bedroom, some two – as well as four penthouse suites.

On the day we were granted exclusive access 50% of the penthouses were already sold along with a number of the development’s other luxury apartments.

A Retirement Villages Group spokesperson told this publication: “Our highly anticipated show apartments are now ready. We know it’s been eagerly awaited, and we can’t wait for you to step inside and experience the thoughtfully designed living spaces, high-spec finishes, and all the details that make this a place you’ll truly want to call home.”

Viewing is by appointment only. Call 01892 346 254

Shedding some light on solar farms

By Oliver Bussell, Partner, Commercial Property & Development, CooperBurnett LLP

Cash-strapped landowners have always looked at commercial developments; but increasingly common nowadays are opportunities around renewable energy. For example, a solar farm developer could take an option from a landowner securing the right to lease a site. That enables it to seek the necessary consents and connection agreements to make the site operational.

The obvious advantage to the landowner is that it will get an option sum payable at grant of the option (legal fees are generally paid by the developer, too). But care is needed. What will the effects of the lease be in practice? A solar farm is a living, working business, operating adjacent to or within an existing holding. Developers inevitably present their legal agreements as standard, but these need to be looked at critically because of the potential effects on neighbouring land both during site set-up and across the operational life of the plant.

Structuring payments is another issue: lump sum or yearly rent? Rent usually means more money overall - but that revenue stream can be uncertain. On one project we advised on, the client preferred rent but was worried about the covenant strength of the developer. Our solution, agreed late on in the drafting and outside the heads of terms, was a substantial rent deposit benefiting the landowner.

Reserving rights is important, too - the right to claim the benefit of biodiversity net gain, for example. There are also issues about the state of the site at the end of the lease: again, without careful structuring and legal input these can be unenforceable, paper promises.

Thinking clearly about the land and about enforcing contractual promises is critical to a successful renewables venture. CooperBurnett brings creative legal thinking to the dialogue between landowners and developers, helping strike a fair balance betwen their different priorities.

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

“Join us to be part of something that truly changes lives”

Anew peer support group has launched in Tunbridge Wells to help people struggling with mental health challenges, and its organisers say the response has been ‘overwhelming’.

The Wellbeing Collective was established in December 2025 by volunteers with lived experience of mental health difficulties. It came about after the closure of the Tunbridge Wells Mental Health Resource Hub, which had supported the community for thirty years.

"When the hub was forced to close due to the harsh funding environment many charities face, we wanted to continue the vital work it had been doing for our community," explains Naomi Bowman, Co-director. "We wanted to ensure nobody in our community had to face isolation and anxiety alone."

The collective now runs five peerled groups across Tunbridge Wells, including sessions at Trinity Theatre Café, Charlie's Angels Café, St Philip's Church, and the Manor House. They

“The impact so far has been remarkable”

offer talking circles, arts and crafts, and music and movement activities, all run by dedicated volunteers.

For many members, volunteering has been empowering, giving them a meaningful way to give something positive back to their community while supporting their own wellbeing.

The impact so far has been remarkable. One member said: "It's helping me make the most of life and find supportive people." Another participant shared how a Tai Chi session at St Philip's Church lifted his worries, leaving him "calmer and more positive."

A particularly moving case involves a 43-year-old man with learning difficulties

and depression. Since joining, he's formed meaningful friendships, manages his emotions more effectively, and his confidence has grown significantly through the arts groups.

Currently supporting around 50 members, the collective receives three referrals per week from NHS Primary Care and local organisations. However, they're rapidly outgrowing their free venues.

To sustain and expand, they're fundraising for a full-time Project Manager, part-time Fundraising Officer, and a dedicated space with a kitchen.

You can support them at: www.gofundme.com/f/the-wellbeingcollective-twells

The collective is also hosting a Community Engagement event on 17th June at the Manor House (2.00pm to 4.00pm), inviting organisations and community members to explore local wellbeing support together.

"Join us if you'd like to be part of something that truly changes lives," says Naomi. www.thewellbeingcollective.co.uk

The AI-native advantage

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

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.

Berry & Lamberts Solicitors names DAVSS as its Charity of the Year

Berry & Lamberts Solicitors has announced DAVSS (Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services) as its Charity of the Year, committing yearlong fundraising, awareness-raising and hands-on volunteering to support people affected by domestic abuse across West Kent.

DAVSS is an award-winning, communitybased charity supporting victims of domestic abuse aged 16+ in West Kent. With trained volunteers and professional staff, DAVSS provides a safe, nonjudgemental place for people to be heard, offering helpline support, telephone and face-to-face appointments, bespoke safety planning, and practical help including support through the court process - so survivors can begin to rebuild their lives.

The partnership reflects Berry & Lamberts’ commitment to community, compassion and access to support when it is needed most. Throughout 2026, the firm will work with DAVSS to raise funds and increase understanding of the impact of domestic abuse, helping ensure local services remain available for those in crisis.

Paul Reader, Managing Partner at Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, said: “DAVSS does vital work locally - supporting people at

“As

a law firm that’s rooted in the community, we’re proud to support DAVSS as our Charity of the Year”

some of the most difficult moments of their lives with compassion, practical help and a path to safety. As a firm rooted in the community, we’re proud to support DAVSS as our Charity of the Year. Through fundraising, awareness and volunteering our time and skills, we hope to play a small part in strengthening the safety net

for survivors across West Kent.”

DAVSS CEO, Gay Larter, met with the team at Berry & Lamberts to share more about the charity’s work and the different ways the firm’s support will help those seeking the charity’s support. She thanked the team for choosing DAVSS and said she was incredibly grateful for the partnership.

Fundraising activity will also include the firm’s annual quiz night at Trinity Theatre in October, bringing together local businesses and clients to raise vital funds for DAVSS services and to celebrate the strength of our local community. www.berryandlamberts.co.uk

Thackray Williams’ litigation team inundated after Renters’ Rights Act

Thackray Williams had a wave of last-minute instructions from landlords looking to sell their portfolios ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force on 1 May.

The litigation team was instructed to seek possession by landlords wishing to sell their entire buy-to-let portfolios, as well as last-minute Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notices for both flats and houses.

“Our clients are all saying the same thing: the new liabilities and reduced flexibility introduced by The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 at the beginning of May is the final straw in making their property investments no longer commercially or practically viable, particularly in a challenging economic climate and with other changes also in the pipeline,” says Mustafa Sidki, Contentious Construction Litigation Partner.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation, with the main tenancy terms which came into effect the beginning of May, including: the

Mustafa

“This is the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation”

abolition of section 21 notices (no fault evictions); the introduction of amended grounds for possession; the abolition of Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) with both existing and new tenancies moving to Periodic Assured Tenancies (PATs),

with transition arrangements for existing tenancies; the limitation of rent increases; the introduction of anti-discrimination measures; and the right to request permission to keep a pet.

“The changes introduced by The Renters’ Rights Act mean it will take longer and cost more for a landlord to regain possession of a rental property,” explains Mustafa. “This reduced flexibility is causing many landlords to rethink their investment strategies, especially as other factors mean they are facing reduced – and even negative cashflow – while also facing increased admin and responsibilities.”

“We’re anticipating increased instructions for our conveyancing team as these landlords put their properties on the market as soon as they are able, which in turn could negatively impact property prices, particularly in areas that have traditionally had a strong rental sector,” adds Conveyancing Partner, Claire Josef.

www.thackraywilliams.com

JE Bennett Law to join Fletchers Group under EMG brand

Leading local firm JE Bennett Law is to join Fletchers Group. The firm, established by Jane Bennett and her husband Tom Beaufoy in 2012 announced it would be joining alongside EMG Solicitors – the UK’s leading independent Court of Protection practice - in order to establish a dedicated Court of Protection and private client division.

The combined practice will bring together more than 200 specialists across a national network of offices, operating under the EMG brand to create one of the largest and most experienced Court of Protection practices in the UK.

The two firms will sit alongside Fletchers Group’s other specialist legal businesses, including Fletchers Solicitors, Rayden Solicitors, Blume and Medical Law Services, benefiting from the Group’s scale, access to capital, continued investment in technology, and enhanced capabilities to support future growth, including M&A.

The business will be led by EMG founder and CEO Emma Gaudern, who will join Fletchers’ management board. JE Bennett Law’s Managing Partner Jane Bennett, will join the leadership team of the expanded EMG business.

Commenting on the move, Fletchers Group CEO Peter Haden said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Emma, Jane and their colleagues to be part of the Group.

“EMG and JE Bennett Law are two highly impressive, respected firms with deep expertise in Court of Protection

“An

I“The

new expanded business will provide us with the opportunity to reach far more clients across the country needing our specialist help”

– Jane Bennett of JE Bennett Law

and private client work. Bringing these teams together creates a specialist practice with real depth across the full spectrum of Court of Protection services, ranging from complex financial management and deputyships to highvalue estates and trusts.

He continued: “It will also provide a full-service health and welfare offering, supporting clients on some of the most complex health and care decisions, education law matters and continuing

healthcare challenges.

Jane Bennett commented: “Both Fletchers and EMG share our passion for helping vulnerable people, and the new expanded business will provide us with the opportunity to reach far more clients across the country needing our specialist help.”

Peter Haden concluded: “The combined business will bring together an exceptional leadership team of Emma Gaudern (Co-founder of EMG), Jemma Morland (Co-Founder and Director of Court of Protection at EMG), Jane Bennett (Founder and Managing Partner of JE Bennett Law), and Kate Edwards (Director of Court of Protection at Fletchers).

“I am confident the team will quickly establish EMG as the pacesetter to watch, alongside our other specialist brands in the Group.”  www.jebennettlaw.co.uk

outright ban on social media comes with risks”

n May Government ministers committed to changing rules for children and their use of social media, but how this will take shape is still undecided.

Whilst we wait for more clarification from Westminster, technology lawyer Matthew Holman from law firm Cripps reveals his musings on what a ban could mean…

“There is empirical evidence that unregulated social media can have harmful effects on people of all ages: young people and vulnerable adults are particularly susceptible. However, a total ban for under 16s is a blunt tool,” he counsels.

“There is increasing evidence that in Australia under 16s are accessing social media via VPNs or similar technology”

“Social media can at times be beneficial to under 16s and it is increasingly the medium of choice when it comes to news, politics, and current affairs. An outright ban risks throwing the baby out with the bathwater.”

Matthew adds: “There is increasing evidence that in Australia under 16s are accessing social media via VPNs or similar technology. How does the government propose to stop the quite simplistic tech-workarounds? A better outcome for all would be moderated controls over content, effective regulation of content on platforms and proper age verification.”

www.cripps.co.uk

Pride and passion for Pickering

The Exiles – an inspiring group of local business associates – hosted their tenth annual St George’s Day Lunch in aid of The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre at The Spa Hotel on Friday 24 April.

Over that time, the Exiles have raised more than £200,000 for the Tunbridge Wells-based charity that provides vital emotional support and therapies to people with cancer (along with their family and friends) from its centre in Monson Road.

As ever, the lunch sold-out months ago, with supporters including CooperBurnett LLP and Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine taking tables.

Chair of Trustees, David Bartholomew, thanked the Exiles and lunch guests for their ongoing support. Then Karen Dodd, a volunteer counsellor at The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre for nearly ten years, gave a passionate speech about the support the charity provides and the difference it makes to visitors.

The event also included an auction and raffle with prizes provided by many very generous donors.

The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre will use the funds raised to enable it to continue providing support, particularly as the charity moves into a larger building in Monson Road later this year. www.pickeringcancercentre.org

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Speak to us to find out how our ideas can help make your ideas a reality.

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Positive thinking

Active Digital recently partnered with Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce to deliver a sold-out event at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells.

Co-owners, Richard Groves and Jo Wimble-Groves of Active Digital led an engaging talk on the power of positivity.

“The atmosphere was energetic, reflective, and inspiring,” Jo told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

Active Digital is an award-winning business which provides phone services and digital solution plans to companies of all sizes. It was founded in 1996 by Richard with his sister Jo joining the business soon after.

At the event the pair shared practical perspectives alongside some nostalgic business stories.

“The first was reminiscing about a client win, and that client has remained a customer with us for 28 years! The second story was a rather jovial one about when we had a sign written car that didnt work out so well,” smiles Jo.

Guests at the event included representatives from CooperBurnett, Thackray Williams, Northern Commercials, My Sevenoaks Community, and many more.

“This was a fantastic morning of networking, learning, and celebrating the strength of the local business community,” added Jo.

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Hitting the high notes

Tunbridge Wells’ premier music festival, Local & Live, is back for its 21st year.

The free festival, which showcases local bands performing original material, will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend from 28–31 August.

Run by a local charity, Local & Live announced its return at a launch event held at The Grey Lady on the Pantiles. Bringing together local traders, businesses and musicians, the festival has become a staple of the Tunbridge Wells social calendar.

This year, the festival is supported by main stage sponsors The Diamond Setter, TW Properties, Identity Music and Active Digital, alongside 11 other local businesses, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Royal Tunbridge Wells Together.

Local artists will perform across four stages at Calverley Grounds, The Forum, Sussex Mews and Trinity Theatre, with food and drink provided by local traders throughout the weekend.

Founder Paul Dunton said: “I’m extremely proud that Local & Live is back for its 21st year. Seeing such strong support from our local community means we can continue to offer this free festival for everyone to enjoy.”

If you wish to support the festival, donations can be made via justgiving.com/campaign/localandlive26

Culture club

Thousands flocked to enjoy the Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival which ran from May 1 to 10 across a number of venues in the town. From Gyles Brandreth celebrating 100 years of Winnie the Pooh to poet Donna Ashworth chatting to Davina McCall there was something for everyone to enjoy courtesy of this cultural event…

The Literary Festival took over Tunbridge Wells in the first 10 days of May, with more than 150 artists authors and performers across 56 events at 10 venues across the town. Thanks to sponsorship from Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, 20% of tickets were free of charge or on a pay what you can basis.

Across the first May Bank Holiday weekend, the festival hosted thousands in Calverley Grounds - in the Pavilion, the Thoughtful Spot, the Little Tent and the entertainment stage - culminating in a talk from Gyles Brandreth celebrating 100 years of Winnie the Pooh.

In addition we saw headliners including British Poet Brian Bilston who launched the festival, Donna Ashworth in conversation with Davina McCall,

“The Literary Festival took over Tunbridge Wells in the first 10 days of May, with more than 150 artists authors and performers across 56 events at 10 venues across the town

Georgie Jones, Professor Daisy Fancourt in conversation with Thangam Debbonaire, Rory Bremner, Luke Wright, poet Jess Mookherjee, Iain Dale in conversation with Mike Martin MP as well as a showcase of the work of local writers and performances from local poets from Word Up! to name but a few.

Bob Willard Watts, Executive Director at Creative Tunbridge Wells, commented: “I have been blown away by the support for the Literary Festival this year. Our refreshed vision of Ideas, Books, Action has expanded the established work that Carole Winter began, and there were some fantastic outputs as a result. They

included a thought-provoking debate on journalism, the art’s role in improved mental health, activism and philosophy, action on climate and environment - in association with TW Climate and Nature Fair - workshops across a broad range of genres and topics and time with our national icon, Winnie the Pooh.

I want to extend my thanks to our bookshops, our onsite stallholders, our army of volunteers and the event team who all went above and beyond. In addition, my heartfelt gratitude to our headline sponsor Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, along with the support we received from RTW Together and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Without support from our community, we would not have been able to produce a festival of such great calibre.

2027 will see us return from 30 April until 9 May, with another stellar line up, but if you can’t wait that long, we have a Lit Fest pop-up coming soon... There will be two events on Monday 8 June, An Audience with John Sergeant followed by Like Never Before - Alistair McGowan in conversation.

For more information visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk to book tickets

“We’re so proud of what we have achieved so far”

Boasting a people-focused approach to doing business and innovation, transparency and steady ambition at the heart of all it does, Create Balance is carving out the perfect blueprint for what a contemporary finance company can be. Eileen Leahy meets its Co-Directors Danielle Friend, (R) and Jane Hodge to discover more about this fledgling firm which is celebrating a record year of growth and an exciting new rebrand…

When I arrive at Create Balance’s offices, located on the stunning Eridge Estate just a few miles outside of Tunbridge Wells, the whole team is in buoyant mood.

They have just finished their financial year and are rightly upbeat after achieving a hugely successful 12 months.

“This year we have seen record growth of 40%,” explains the innovative accountancy and tax business’s founder Danielle Friend who launched Create Balance in 2021.

“We could never have dreamt that we would see the type of growth we’ve had in the last two years. It’s been incredible,” adds the firm’s Co-Director Jane Hodge who joined the firm in 2022.

We’re chatting after the business partners, who collectively have over 50 years of professional experience working in finance, have just been photographed by John Knight for this month’s special cover shoot – their second for this magazine in fact, but more on that later…

“It’s absolutely mind blowing when we think about all we have achieved, especially this year. But it does make you ask yourself can we do it again and I absolutely believe we can,” states Danielle who is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

But to do so she says that she and Jane,

a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser, need to recruit more people into the firm.

Ideally they would like to do so via the apprenticeship route so any readers with school leavers do take note...

“I’m a big advocate for apprenticeships as I did one myself when I was 18,” reveals Danielle.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do on leaving school so I applied for an accountancy apprenticeship and loved it.

This year we have seen record growth of 40% and next year we want to aim higher “

“Having said that though accountancy has always been a tough sector to recruit into as it’s often perceived to be quite sterile. But I can honestly say it is an incredibly exciting and diverse profession to be part of. And here at Create Balance we are determined to help promote that.”

Danielle tells me that up until the start of this year the Government would fund

an apprentice’s studies but that has now stopped at Level 7 of the required accounting qualification for those aged over 21.

“It means that if you are coming out of university – or fancy a career change – you will have to self-fund that stage of the apprenticeship. We would love people to read this article and think about their children, and realise that university isn’t the only option available. There are businesses like ours who are more than willing to take on a school leaver and train them.

“It’s a career where I’ve dealt with lots of different businesses and I’ve had exposure to all sorts of things. And it’s important to state that accountancy is not just about compliance. You can really help a business grow and support them to be the best they can be.”

Jane adds that having a keen work ethic, a strong willingness to learn and to be able to put in the time to study are key attributes for any prospective candidates.

“There is a lot of hard work involved and a lot of external studying but if you can put in the work you will reap the benefits. Both Danielle and I have been through it and know how tough it can be, but equally we are able to support as we know what it’s like. If you are dedicated and enthusiastic then it could well be the right career path for you.”

For those readers who are not familiar

with what Create Balance does then put simply it is an accountancy firm with a difference. It prides itself on ingenuity and innovation, providing quality and efficient services that are both bespoke and accessible to every single client.

The types of services the accountancy firm provides include statutory accounts, payroll, bookkeeping, VAT and tax returns and estate planning. Its clients are mainly small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and for over 12 years Danielle has also worked as the Director of Finance and Infrastructure for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance charity. She is now chair of Trustees of

The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre. Jane, who knew Danielle from having worked with her many years beforehand, oversees Create Balance’s tax division as this is her area of expertise.

Jane’s clients are made up of individuals, trustees and small-to-medium sized law firms. She deals with day-to-day tax compliance, IHT planning, capital gains tax issues and HMRC disclosures, as well as tax matters arising during estate administrations.

We’ve got a really good team around us and everyone gets on really well “

“We are very much people focused here and determined to do things differently,” she says. “If a client has a query I will always pick up the phone to them and if we receive an email enquiry via our website about something we will always follow that up with a free phone call.”

When I first met Danielle and Jane two years ago, for our launch cover interview of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, they were so inspiring to talk to. They both possessed a pioneering vision of how a modern-day accountancy firm could operate. They wanted to offer flexibility and tailor made services for their clients, invest in career coaching and promote a democratic, supportive and transparent office environment. All juxtaposed against a razor sharp focus on achieving a commitment to excellence.

And, two years on, I’m pleased to say the team have most certainly achieved this. Both Danielle and Jane still radiate a palpable desire for thinking, and successfully delivering, outside of the traditional accountancy box - as their latest growth figures testify.

From the company’s welcoming office

space – think funky chairs, abstract art and statement accessories – to team motivation sessions and a super slick newly reworked logo, Create Balance is ripping up the rule book of how traditional accountancy firms operate. But that doesn’t in any way mean its professional services are compromised. Far from it in fact as Danielle and Jane explain the business is all about achieving the very best for both its clients and staff members.

“Our thinking has always been about how we can do more. It’s about developing the business but also our relationships with the people we work with,” says Jane.

CREATE BALANCE’S VALUES:

• People first

• Quality

• Collaboration

• Efficiency

• Innovation

Danielle adds that she is always looking to see how she can realign and improve the services Create Balance offers.

“A few months ago I had a rethink about our structure and now I have effectively streamlined the business into three key areas. So as well as our tax division, which Jane is in charge of, we have a new Business Intelligence team which is headed up by Becky Pay and also a Business Compliance department which is overseen by Jack Gibbs.

CREATE BALANCE’S KEY SERVICES:

• Statutory accounts

• Payroll

• Bookkeeping

• VAT returns

• Tax returns

• Trusts

• Estate tax returns

• FD/CFO services

• Capital gains tax

• IHT planning

“Because Becky and Jack are both senior client managers, I wanted to create a differentiator between them and what they deal with. Becky is more day-to-day working with business owners Whereas Jack is more focused on year-end work. He also helps me with a lot of my Finance Director roles as well.

“I have created quite distinct job descriptions and objectives so they know what they’re responsible for. Otherwise, if there’s an element of uncertainty that’s very unsettling. I want to make people feel they’re secure in their role and valued. We want to identify strengths and work on any weaknesses.”

The pair tell me they do this courtesy of the coaching they invest in, with one-onone sessions and also DISC assessments – a type of character/personality test.

“It’s absolutely fascinating and really helpful as it helps us work through any weaknesses and bolster strengths,” explains Danielle. “We invest in programmes like that, and also our

leadership coaching, because ultimately that’s how you get the best out of people. It’s about showing we are there for each other in whatever ways we can be.

“We want to hold onto our staff – that is always our intention. It’s not about people coming here to work and then getting the profits out of them.”

And that staff number has certainly grown since Create Balance first featured on our inaugural edition of this magazine in May 2024.

As well as Chloe Costar, a finance assistant and trainee who has been with the firm for quite some time, Danielle and Jane have also recruited university graduate Octavia McMaddy to help in the tax division. Freya Hodge, Jane’s daughter, who is currently finishing her journalism degree has also joined part-time to help with all the firm’s PR and Marketing.

“You just get to a point where you have to delegate when your business is growing,” reflects Danielle. “You can’t be the Head of HR or Marketing and try

and also drive your business forward so having more people with us is of such benefit. And they are a really good group – we often hear them chatting away and that’s so lovely.”

Jane is also pleased with how the development of the staff at Create Balance is going.

“We’ve got a really good team around us and everyone gets on really well. The office has such a positive ambience and seeing those people develop a rapport with one another is very special. Of course we want people to work hard but we also want them to enjoy coming to work.”

This nurturing approach is a far cry from what Danielle and Jane have both experienced in some firms in the past, where no one really talked to each other.

Accountancy is an incredibly exciting and diverse profession to be part of “

“It was horrible, you would just go in, do your work and go home again,” remembers Danielle. “Now our team regularly take wellness walks during their lunchbreak and participate in our awaydays where we talk about the future of the business and listen to any ideas they have.”

In addition to Create Balance’s new logo, which was created by Fay Hawkins of Phase One Design, the team have also commissioned a new website which is currently under construction.

There’s also plans for a podcast, which Freya is helping out with.

“I’ve written the episodes already,” enthuses Danielle. “We will probably do it ourselves to start off with and then in the

future I would like to invite clients on to talk about various issues. I want it to be informative but slightly humorous. I don’t want it to be boring and dry.”

Create Balance has also invested in some state-of-the-art AI software which has helped the team cut down on time draining tasks so they can spend more time working through important ones and with their clients.

“The help the tech has given us with

“

The types of services Create Balance provides includes statutory accounts, payroll, bookkeeping, VAT and tax returns and estate planning

admin is fantastic but we are still firm believers that accountancy needs that human element,” continues Jane.

“I work with a lot of lawyers and their private clients. Those people want to see a face or hear a familiar voice because more often than not they are usually going through a difficult time.”

Before I leave I ask Danielle and Jane

what plans they have for the next year –can they reveal anything?

“Well every year you do set your targets just that little bit higher which is why recruitment is so important for us right now,” Danielle reminds me.

She adds that Create Balance is passionate about what it does so the firm would like further growth but that won’t come at the expense of anything the team values.

“When I look back to when we were first on the magazine’s cover I realise how much of a turning point that was for us,”

smiles Jane. “And it’s nice to be back here talking to you again, reflecting on what we have achieved but it’s exciting to think about what’s next for Create Balance.”

Web: www.createbalance.uk

Email: hello@createbalance.uk Call: 01892 311890

From expanding your footprint to navigating complex deals, we support every stage of your automotive journey.

We handle the legal side, so nothing slows you down. Solving problems. Championing ambitions.

“We’re

your partners in safeguarding your health”

Matthew Hill, founder of the award-winning PMI Brokers, started his business in September 2023. Since then the experienced health insurance professional has seen his client base grow exponentially and he now employs two staff members. Eileen Leahy discovers more about his business and plans to grow it further – without compromising on service

When Matthew Hill launched his own private medical insurance brokerage PMI Brokers three years ago his principal aim was to do things differently. Having worked for leading insurance companies and brokers he certainly had plenty of extensive knowledge about the sector.

When we first met last year he told me he wanted to provide his clients – both corporate and private – with not only expert but highly personalised health insurance.

PMI’s pillar services include personal health insurance, company health insurance and international health insurance.

Consistency is very important to us as we want to be a reassuring presence for our clients “

“Essentially we are your dedicated partners in safeguarding your health and financial well-being.”

Matthew is a whole of market broker which means he isn’t tied to just a handful of insurers. This gives his clients greater options and flexibility too.

PMI’s offices are located at Regus’s Pluto House on Vale Avenue in Tunbridge Wells. And I’m meeting Matthew there to hear about the recent growth his business has had, which has resulted in him taking on a part-time administrator and a full-time adviser.

The administrative role has gone to a local mother, Elena, who is able to work around her children’s school drop-offs and pick-ups.

“When I wanted to recruit for that role I wanted to give it to a returning-to-work mum because I remember how much my wife had to go through in order to get back into the working world - and how difficult everyone made it,” explains Matthew.

Matthew adds the people – usually mothers – who are trying to get back into

work after having had children possess fantastic skills and knowledge which, as he tells me, is why he doesn’t understand why other employers are so against offering that type of flexibility.

Matthew has also taken on an adviser called Bradley who has been with the company for just over two months.

“He’s not done health insurance or financial services before but when I met him he came across as being very dynamic and keen to learn so I thought I would give him the chance to work with us and so far he is also doing very well.”

“Bradley came on board because it got to a point where I was nearly three years into the business and our portfolio had gone from 200 to over 350 clients. So I really needed an extra pair of hands to help me on the client side.”

Matthew says that as long as the trajectory keeps going in the same direction there will be the opportunity to employ at least one more broker by the end of this year.

“I have a limit on how many people I want to employ though as I have seen companies get too big too quickly and they become too much of a corporate entity. Anything bigger than a team of ten becomes more numbers-driven than people-driven and that’s not what I am about.”

This way of thinking is very much in tune with how Matthew runs PMI. Every client is different and has specific requirements. He adds that 30-40% of his business

is still local and a lot of referrals come from networking or word of mouth. He does however have both national and international clients on his books too.

Last year he was nominated in three different categories for the prestigious UK Health Protection Awards and he won the 2025 Service Hero Award at TRM’s PMI Summit & Gala event. Something he is quite rightly very proud of.

All being well Matthew says he will take on two more brokers in early 2027 but that will not dilute the level of service PMI clients will receive.

“Just because we will be taking on more members of staff doesn’t mean they will suffer. I will still be very much the key point of contact. And once Bradley has his book up and running he will have his own clients.”

In addition to a highly prescriptive offering what else does Matthew think sets PMI apart in its sector?

“Consistency is very important to us as we want to be a reassuring presence for our clients. From explaining policy details, to helping them make informed decisions, to assisting with claims, administration, and reviewing the policy at every renewal, their peace of mind is a key priority.”

GET IN TOUCH

Web: www.pmibrokers.com

Call: 01892251274

Email: info@pmibrokers.com

Pension Death Benefits: What Happens to Your Pension When You Die?

ADavid Lea Partner & Head of Private Client Berry & Lamberts Solicitors

pension is often a major asset, but what happens on death - and the tax position - can be unclear. David Lea, Partner & Head of the Private Client Department at Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, summarises the current rules and the key change due from April 2027.

The Current Position: Income Tax and the Age 75 Threshold

Under current rules, the income tax treatment of pension death benefits mainly depends on whether the member dies before or after age 75.

If the member dies before 75, beneficiaries (dependants, nominees or successors) can usually take the fund as a lump sum or drawdown income with no income tax, provided the scheme is notified and benefits are designated within two years.

If the member dies at 75 or older, withdrawals by beneficiaries are taxed at the beneficiary’s marginal income tax rate (potentially 40%+).

Defined benefit (final salary) scheme pensions paid to a dependant are generally taxable regardless of the member’s age at death, and death-inservice benefits can follow different rules.

The Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance

Tax-free lump sums are limited by the deceased’s available Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance (LSDBA), currently £1,073,100. Amounts above the available allowance are taxed at the recipient’s marginal rate.

During lifetime, tax-free cash is usually limited to 25% of the pot, capped at £268,275 (the Lump Sum Allowance, LSA).

The Two-Year Rule

For deaths before 75, the tax-free position depends on timing: the scheme must be notified and the benefits designated (paid or moved into a beneficiary drawdown) within two years of the scheme becoming aware of the death. Miss the deadline and the recipient is taxed at their marginal rate - so prompt notification is crucial.

Defined Contribution Versus Defined Benefit Schemes

The under/over-75 rules mainly affect defined contribution (money purchase) pensions, where the pot value depends on contributions and investment returns.

The Importance of Nomination Forms

Pension death benefits usually do not pass under a will. They are paid at the trustees’ discretion, guided by any expression of wishes (nomination form). Keep nomination forms up to date (especially after marriage, divorce or children). Missing or outdated forms can delay payment and lead to unintended outcomes.

A Significant Change: Inheritance Tax from April 2027

From 6 April 2027, following the Autumn Budget 2024, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be brought into scope of inheritance tax (IHT).

Currently, pensions are generally outside the estate for IHT, which has helped some families pass wealth efficiently. From April 2027, an unused pension pot will be included in the estate when assessing IHT, alongside other assets.

The government estimates around 10,500 more estates will pay IHT and about 38,500 will pay more than under current rules.

Key points under the new rules include:

• Spouse/civil partner and charity exemptions remain.

• Death-in-service benefits from a registered pension scheme remain outside IHT.

• Personal representatives (not scheme administrators) will report and pay any IHT due on pension assets.

• If death is after 75, there may be both IHT on death and income tax when beneficiaries withdraw funds.

What This Means in Practice

Including pensions in the estate from April 2027 may push more people above IHT thresholds, particularly where there is a sizeable pension alongside other assets, creating IHT exposure where there was none before.

Now is a good time to review wills, lasting powers of attorney and wider estate planning. Financial advice may also help, as drawdown decisions could affect the eventual tax outcome.

Although the change starts in April 2027, planning is relevant now: contributions, withdrawals and beneficiary nominations made today may affect the IHT position later.

Note: Pension tax rules are complex and can change. This reflects the law at the date of publication; for advice tailored to your circumstances, please contact your solicitor who can work with your financial advisor as part of your estate planning. berryandlamberts.co.uk

“Our

WIn his regular column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID looks ahead to the summer season, and welcomes some new arrivals to the town…

e are incredibly proud of the diverse range of events that the town puts on throughout the year, and never more so than throughout the summer months. The BID welcomed applications from a record number of events for grant support this year, and we are delighted to be supporting some new and returning events to the town.

Events generate benefits for everyone, enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike, they also bring in additional spend for retail and hospitality in the town. This year, amongst others, we are delighted to lend our support to:

UNFEST

Taking place from Friday 22 – Monday 25 May, Unfest is an annual FREE local music and arts fringe festival, hosted in and around venues across Tunbridge Wells, Kent www.unfest.co.uk

cultural calendar generates benefits for everyone” “

FEAST STREET FOOD FESTIVAL

This new festival taking place on 23-25 May will bring three days of flavour, atmosphere and community spirit to the heart of The Pantiles. Showcasing an exciting lineup of independent food traders from across the local area and beyond, the festival is a celebration of creativity and culinary passion @Feaststreet.uk.

THE HORSELESS CARRIAGE FESTIVAL ON THE PANTILES

Taking place 1-2 August, come and celebrate the anniversary of the 1895 Horseless Carriage Festival, the moment that crowned the town as the birthplace of the British Motorshow. Take a journey through time with an eye watering display of cars and motorcycles from 1895 to the current day, kindly exhibited by ten local specialists held in support of local charity, Taylor-Made Dreams. www.rtwmotorfest.com

COMMON GROUND

Due to take place in September (date TBC), the Common Ground photography exhibition will showcase what matters

Image: Nigel Martin Photography

Events bring in additional spend for retail and hospitality in the town

most about the town to those who live and work in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

LOCAL & LIVE

Taking place from 28-31 August, over the Bank Holiday in Calverley Grounds, the festival is a four-day celebration of the best live music and culture in our brilliantly creative town and beyond. Widely recognised as an annual highlight in the regional events calendar, the festival is committed to supporting, encouraging and nurturing local music. www.localandlive.org

PANTILES PET SHOW

Due to take place in September (date TBC), a chance to indulge in our love for our pets and enjoy entertainment and shopping on The Pantiles.

We have also developed some brilliant App tours on the RTW Love Local App,

so if you want to take your team on a teambuilding, or get away from your desk for some fresh air you might want to check them out. They range from a Street Art tour to a charity shop crawl, historic plaques to a pub crawl. Alternatively, if you have a good idea for a tour, please let us know!

A number of new BID members have come onboard in recent months, and so as we look to sunnier days and alfresco dining, it may be worth checking out The Forum on The Common and The Philanthropist on The Pantiles for summer coffees, or a drink and bite to eat at Corkk on the High Street and Sankey’s The Old Fishmarket on The Pantiles.

Plus, for those less-sunny days, (and we have plenty of those too), why not try out renowned Chef, Robin Read’s The Counter on Calverley Road or one of the many new restaurants and cafes on Camden Road? They include: Mexcellent, Sip & Slide, Cantuccio, St Kilda, Halsted Bakery, The Kitchen Table, Pepes, Mr Singh, Turk Oasis and The Spice.

If you are a BID member and would like us to support your event, please ensure you are registered on the App and tag us on socials to help us promote your event. If you would like to borrow any of our event equipment please email us at projectofficer@rtwtogether.com

HOW MUCH CONTENTS INSURANCE DO YOU NEED?

To be ‘underinsured’ means your cover is less than the cost of rebuilding, replacing, or repairing. For example, if a fire damages your home and your contents are insured for £150,000, but the actual replacement cost is £225,000, you’re underinsured and will not receive the full value of your claim.

Why

it’s

crucial to choose the right Home Insurance

When selecting home insurance, consider the true value of your possessions. Alastair Meiklejon from Doerr Dallas Valuations highlights a case where the estimated value of an estate’s contents was £250,000, but the true value was £721,000. This underscores the importance of thoroughly reviewing insurance policies for comprehensive cover, especially for high-value items.

NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance is designed for high-

value homes, estates, and manor houses. We work with trusted valuation partners to ensure all your possessions are in safe hands.

For those with larger homes or valuable items like jewellery, fine art, or collections, standard insurance policies may not offer comprehensive protection.

How to avoid underinsurance

1. Get an up-to-date valuation: NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance partners can provide valuations for a fee.

2. Conduct a thorough inventory: Account for all items, including soft furnishings, curtains, furniture, and high-value items. Our Bespoke sellers have an interactive tool to assist with this.

3. Estimate replacement costs: Calculate the cost to replace items with new ones.

4. Reassess the value of antiques and art: Regularly update valuations to reflect current market value.

5. Include items in storage: Don’t overlook items stored away.

6. Review policy limits: Check for set limits on valuables and single items.

Regularly review your Insurance coverage

Review your cover regularly, either when it’s due for renewal, following a large purchase, or any other change to your home. Speaking with an expert is crucial when valuing your home and its contents. While purchasing inexpensive insurance online may seem convenient, it could prove costly if you need to make a claim.

To find out how NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance can keep your home and treasured possessions protected, call NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell on 01892 337488, or email Flimwell_agency@nfumutual.co.uk.

“I’ll help you create content that builds your business”

After leaving a lucrative corporate career, Helen Williams is now a successful social media expert helping businesses get more visible – and profitable – online. With clients all over the globe she’s now turning her attention to the local landscape. Eileen Leahy discovers more…

As career pivots go Helen Williams’ is certainly an impressive one. After having worked in the corporate insurance sector for many years, Helen had achieved not only professional recognition but the big house, the fast car (a Porsche no less) and the means to educate her son privately. But she tells me it always felt like something was missing.

“Although I was working in high-powered roles and earning a lot I always felt like a bit of an outsider so I knew I couldn’t keep doing that 9 to 5 thing until I retired,” she reveals.

Helen says that when she would come to the end of a contract insurance job she would immediately try out one of the many business ideas she had percolating in her head.

“I tried e-commerce, network marketing and selling. I have always been creative and I was determined to find something that I loved.”

Four years ago Helen decided to go freelance. She started approaching various small businesses in Tunbridge Wells offering them consultancy services in project management as she knew she was good at it.

“I did that for a while but I soon realised that even that was still just too corporate,” she smiles.

Around this time Helen discovered the social media platform Instagram and started posting on there.

“The more I used it the more I understood how the algorithm worked and deciphered the kind of language that should be used for the best results. I also realised that when someone finds your page there’s approximately three seconds where they decide to either buy or scroll on by.”

After a few months Helen started to get really good traction on her page, Hey Helen Williams, so began offering various free and paid-for services for small businesses who wanted more reach online.

“My thinking was to help them transition from talking to an empty room to finding their ideal customers.”

Helen admits that the first year or so

“There is real opportunity to grow your business on Instagram – if you’re only delivering in person you’re missing a trick

was tough going but it was only when one of her reels went ‘viral’ - i.e. when a video on Instagram is seen by thousands of people after it is liked and shared – last March that things started to escalate.

“That viral reel in 2025 definitely got me in front of a much bigger audience. I went from having a following of 2K to having thousands more,” Helen explains - adding that in just ten months she reached 70K followers. Her current following is an impressive 74.7K and is ever-growing…

“From that point onwards I was earning as much as my corporate salary by selling digital how-to guides, Power Hour oneto-one sessions, monthly mentoring and memberships. Suddenly I was working with small businesses in America, Australia and beyond. A lot of my clients

have become great friends as a result.”

Now Helen, who calls herself a Social Media Visibility & Hook Psychology Expert, wants to shout about how she can help local businesses in the Tunbridge Wells area.

Ideally she says these people will have content that can work online – so it could be a stylist showing followers how to edit or shop their wardrobe; a hypnotherapist who can share their tips or offer sessions, or it could be an interior designer who wants to be more visible on the internet.

“It’s the perfect way to showcase your portfolio,” states Helen.

“At the end of the day most businesses want visibility and having an active presence on Instagram can get you in front of as many people as possible. My guides and expertise can help companies, entrepreneurs and sole traders achieve that - and a lot more.”

There are numerous digital packages you can invest in from the Hey Helen Williams page. From the How to Get Your Next 100 Followers programme to The Hook to Sales one, which is a four-month hybrid intensive course for online businesses, content creators and coaches. But whichever option people choose, Helen will always be there to support and build momentum. She tells me that it’s about identifying the disconnect and going on to find and establish your dream client base.

“I guide clients step-by-step to create and share content that’s tailored to their unique voice and style. I teach skills which will see them engaging authentically and not only growing their online presence but generating more income too.

“There is real opportunity to grow your business on Instagram – if you are only delivering in person then you are missing a trick.”

Before we part company Helen makes a final very valid point: “It’s called social media because it’s exactly that: it’s about making connections. And I can help entrepreneurs do that and hopefully expand their business as a result.”

Follow Helen Williams on Instagram @heyhelenwilliams

IWhy every business needs a content strategy

Daniel Smith, owner of Mercheroes and member of Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group, explains why having a content strategy isn't just a marketing ‘nice-to-have’ bolt-on it’s actually one of the smartest business decisions you can make…

’ve spent the last 25 years working in senior marketing roles across financial services and retail and have always had content at the core of any marketing strategy.

Whilst often difficult to monetise when compared to paid channels, it’s the bedrock of SEO, customer experience and advocacy. I’ve recently started to get to grips with it at a more local level and I noticed that most businesses in and around the area are already creating content.

A LinkedIn post here, an Instagram story there, maybe a seasonal email to the customer list. But here's the honest question worth asking: are you doing it with any real intention - or are you just filling space?

Every piece of content should have a call to action, even if it’s subtle “

There's a meaningful difference between creating content and having a content strategy. One is activity. The other is direction. And for local businesses competing for attention in a busy market, that distinction matters more than ever.

What a content strategy actually means

A content strategy isn't a spreadsheet of scheduled posts. It's the answer to three straightforward questions. Who are you talking to? Not just ‘local customers’ - get specific. Are you targeting young professionals commuting to London? Families settling into the villages around Tunbridge Wells? Business owners on

Camden Road?

The more precisely you can picture that person, the more useful your content becomes. What do you want them to do? Book a call, visit your premises, request a quote, refer a friend? Every piece of content should have a call to action, even if it's subtle. And what can you say that no one else can? This is where local businesses have a genuine edge. You know this area. You're part of it. That context, handled well, builds trust in a way that paid advertising rarely does. Without these three answers, every post you publish is a guess. With them, every article, email or social update becomes a deliberate step toward something.

The local advantage most businesses aren't using Here's what a national brand simply cannot buy: genuine community

WHY UK BUSINESSES CHOOSE MERCHEROES:

• Excellence in customer service

• No job too big or small

• Quality you'd put your name on

• Fast UK turnaround

presence. You were at the Chamber breakfast. You sponsor the cricket club. Your clients are your neighbours. That local texture is content waiting to happen - and it resonates in a way that polished corporate messaging never will. A solicitor in the town centre who writes a clear, practical guide to buying property in the Tunbridge Wells commuter belt isn't just being helpful. They're becoming the obvious local expert before a client has even picked up the phone. A personal trainer in Southborough who talks about fitting training around school runs is speaking directly to the life their clients actually live. Specificity is credibility. The more real and local your content, the more it lands.

Why posting when you remember doesn't work

Inconsistency is the most common content mistake local businesses make - and it's completely understandable. You're running a business. Content is the thing that gets pushed aside when the day gets busy. But from a customer's perspective, a dormant social account or a blog last updated two years ago sends a quiet signal: are they still active? Are

they serious? A content strategy doesn't demand more output. It demands smarter use of what you're already producing.

Here are my top tips for content success:

• Repurpose before you create: A question a client asked this week is a blog post. That post is three LinkedIn updates. Those updates become next month's email

• Batch your effort: Two focused hours a month beats daily scrambling every time – and I’ll admit that I have fallen into this trap!

• Pick fewer channels and do them properly: One well-maintained LinkedIn page consistently outperforms five half-hearted platforms.

Now think about what it looks like in practice. Take, for example, a locallybased accountancy firm that starts publishing a short monthly article for small business owners. Its topics include navigating making tax digital, managing cash flow through a slow quarter, and what the latest Budget means for sole

through Google. Clients begin sharing articles with peers. The accountancy firm gets invited to speak at local events because they've quietly become the visible experts in their field. No big budget. No agency retainer. Just clarity about who they were talking to, consistency in showing up, and content that was genuinely useful rather than selfpromotional. That's the compound effect of strategy. The effort doesn't disappear - it builds.

So where to begin if you're starting from scratch? Well don't open a content calendar first. Start with one question:

what does our ideal client need to know, believe or feel before they're ready to work with us? Write that down. Then ask: what content helps them get there? From that single answer, you can build a realistic, sustainable plan - one that fits your time, plays to your local strengths, and moves people toward a decision. You don't need to post every day. You need to post with purpose.

www.mercheroes.com www.rtwmg.com

YOUR INSTAGRAM SHOULD BE BRINGING YOU CLIENTS

VIEWS DON’T BECOME SALES BY ACCIDENT. THE FIRST 3 SECONDS DECIDE WHETHER PEOPLE BUY OR SCROLL. I HELP BUSINESSES TURN BROWSERS INTO BUYERS.

“ I think being an SME is a super power”

Joe de Kwant Stoner founded his marketing agency Big Orange Media in 2016 and this year the pioneering global business, with local roots, is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Here Joe tells us about his favourite memories and also the vision for the future…

So Joe, let's begin with you explaining what your Big Orange Media agency is all about?

We’re an integrated agency, which means we offer a wide range of different services to clients so that all their marketing needs are met under one roof. Our key specialisms are website design and development, videos and podcasts, branding and creative design, social media and paid social, and PPC. Having this cohesive approach means that clients can get the maximum out of their marketing budgets, whilst we can ensure that their business is being promoted effectively with strong brand identity across all their campaigns.

“Ten years ago, campaigns were often planned months in advance and content production was much slower. Now brands are expected to react quickly

Who are the type of clients you work with and how have you grown your client base?

When I first started Big Orange, it was about seeing a gap in the market for an agency that really understands the type of organisation and our unique area. Whilst we’ve expanded to working nationally and internationally, our local clients have continued to play a really important part in our story and we’re honoured that many come back to us time and again whenever they need marketing support or advice.

You’re based in Tunbridge Wells but have a global reach. How does this work?

We’re proud that, even as the business has grown, we’ve stayed rooted locally whilst building relationships internationally. Alongside the work we continue to do locally, we’re now delivering projects for clients in countries including The Netherlands, Germany,

Cyprus, Greece and Italy. That balance of supporting local businesses whilst also seeing our work reach an international audience has been incredibly rewarding over the past decade. We decided early on not to limit ourselves to working with a particular industry, and as such we’ve had the privilege of working with a huge variety of businesses - from tech to hospitality. More recently, we’ve had a lot of success working across four key sectors in particular: Education, Professional Services, Tech & IoT, and AI-focused businesses.

What kinds of changes have you seen over the past decade?

Aside from the obvious impact of AI, clients today are much more conscious of producing content that genuinely reflects who they are as a company. Audiences are increasingly savvy and they can tell when messaging feels manufactured or disconnected from reality, so, there’s now a much stronger focus on honesty, personality and building trust. Businesses want to show their culture, values and people in a way that feels relatable rather

than simply ‘sales-led’.

We’ve also seen a major change in the pace of marketing. Ten years ago, campaigns were often planned months in advance and content production was much slower. Now brands are expected to react quickly, create consistently and engage with audiences across multiple platforms in real time.

What do you think sets you apart from other agencies doing similar work?

I think being an SME is actually a bit of a superpower. We’ve definitely seen a trend of clients moving towards agencies of our size rather than much larger organisations. What I think really sets us apart is that we’re able to deliver work that meets and often exceeds the standard you’d expect from a much bigger agency, but without losing the personal touch. We’ll be celebrating at Allkin as I’m an investor there and as for the future? Well, just watch this space for an exciting announcement… www.bigorangemedia.co.uk info@bigorangemedia.co.uk

ETech tools that drive business growth

Matthew J. Watts is an operations consultant based in Tunbridge Wells. With 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing, and operations, he helps service-based business owners stop being the infrastructure that their business depends on. Read on to discover the tech tools he believes a growing business actually needs…

very week, a new app promises to transform your business. Most of them won't. But a handful will, and if you're not using them, then running your business is harder than it needs to be.

Here are the tools that consistently make the biggest difference to growing service businesses:

AI Tools

AI is here and integrating it into your business will give you an advantage. Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini are no longer experiments, they're essential tools. Used daily, they function like a highly capable thinking partner, helping you draft content, prepare for difficult conversations, research competitors, and work through problems you'd normally spend hours on alone. Pick one. Learn it properly. The return on that investment will surprise you.

Your Website

Your website isn't a brochure. It's where your business lives. The way that people buy is changing but a website remains an important asset. Sales, marketing, social proof, authority building, and more all happen there. Tools like WordPress and Squarespace have removed every excuse for not having one. If yours isn't working as hard as you are, that's the first thing to fix.

CRM

If you're managing leads and client relationships in your head or across a collection of spreadsheets and sticky notes, you're losing business you don't even know about. A CRM like GoHighLevel or HubSpot keeps every contact, conversation, and follow-up in one place. The leads that fall through the cracks are rarely gone. They're just unmanaged.

Accounting and Finance

Knowing your numbers isn’t optional. Xero and QuickBooks connect directly to your bank, can be securely accessed by your accounting/finance team, even automating the admin. The best part is

“If you're managing leads and clients in your head or across a collection of spreadsheets you're losing business you don't even know about

they provide real time reporting on how your business is performing, no waiting for your accountant to tell you.

Email Marketing

Not everyone who needs you is ready to buy today. Email keeps you in front of the right people until they are, through your knowledge, your personality, and consistent presence. Mailchimp, GHL and Kit make it straightforward to build a list, stay in front of the right people, and drive traffic back to your website consistently. Your email list is the only audience you actually own.

Scheduling and Booking

Every time a lead or a client has to

exchange three emails to book a meeting, you lose momentum. Sometimes you lose the client. Calendly and Acuity remove that friction entirely. Share a link, they pick a time, it lands in both calendars with automated reminders. Simple, professional, and it makes you look like you have your act together.

Social Media Scheduling

Having a presence on social media is a critical part of every business’s strategy, but it’s time consuming. This makes a tool like Buffer or Later, that allows you to batch your content, schedule it in advance, and analyse the results, a must have. Show up consistently without it consuming your week.

A final thought on all of the above. The best tool is the one you enjoy using. If something feels like a chore every time you log in, you’ll avoid it, or work around it. Experiment with a few tools to find the one that fits how you actually work. No feature list makes up for a tool you won't use.

From Data to Decisions –Management Information

by Darren Austin at Synergee

For many business owners, the year-end accounts are the main time the numbers are reviewed in detail. The reality is that by the time those figures are available, the opportunity to influence the outcome has already passed. Regular management information (MI) changes that by providing timely insight into how the business is performing right now. The exact format of management information will vary depending on the size and complexity of the business. For many, a monthly pack including a Profit & Loss account and Balance Sheet, supported by month-on-month comparisons and benchmarking against budgets, provides a solid foundation. This can be enhanced with a KPI summary to highlight areas that require closer attention. On a quarterly basis, reviewing forecasts and updating budgets ensures the business stays aligned with its goals.

Good management reporting combines both summary and detailed information. The summary gives a clear snapshot of performance, while the detail allows business owners to drill down into specific areas. KPIs play a key role here, helping to focus attention where it matters most.

There are countless KPIs available, but a few simple measures can provide significant insight for a trading business. Sales compared to budget offers a quick indication of whether

turnover is on track. Gross profit margin highlights whether your pricing and costs are delivering the expected return. Monitoring total overheads against budget helps prevent gradual cost increases going unnoticed, while tracking the percentage of overdue debtors provides an early warning of potential cash flow issues.

The real value of regularly reviewing management information lies in what it enables. It acts as an early warning system, identifying issues such as falling margins, rising costs or slow-paying customers before they become serious problems. This allows for small course corrections that can make a significant difference over time.

Importantly, management information isn’t just about spotting problems. It also highlights opportunities—identifying what’s working well so that businesses can build on their strengths. Perhaps most importantly, regular, reliable reporting builds confidence. Owners feel more in control of their business, and external stakeholders such as banks and investors gain reassurance from clear, consistent financial information.

In short, good management information turns data into a practical tool for decision-makinghelping business owners not just understand their numbers, but use them to drive growth

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

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“This will be a much needed investment

for Tunbridge Wells”

Last month Tunbridge Wells Borough Council announced it would be upgrading the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre. The plans have caused some controversy given the council says it might cost anywhere between £42m and £68m – and that it would borrow all the money to make it happen. Here Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID reveals why the development should go ahead in order to help the town thrive further…

At Royal Tunbridge Wells Together BID, we are excited by the benefits the proposed development within the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre will bring to our members.

A significant investment in the core of our town will undoubtedly assist Royal Tunbridge Wells to thrive as a desirable destination for both visitors and residents alike.

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, as the owner of the freehold of the Royal Victoria Shopping Centre, took decisive action to obtain the leasehold in 2023 to avoid a decline in the town’s retail and hospitality sector, as seen elsewhere in the country. With cross-party backing, the council then recruited specialists in their field to consider how their new asset could be maximised to return on its investment, and maximise its impact for the local community. To ensure the development considered local public needs, they engaged in extensive consultation (both with local stakeholders and the wider community).

This resulted in over 8,000 responses, generating over 3,500 pieces of feedback across multiple stages of the consultation, to help inform and direct the strategy and plans for potential redevelopment. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 71% of respondents backing a new cinema as they felt it would help energise the town centre and broaden its appeal. As a stakeholder that was invited to be engaged from the very start, we have been impressed with the efforts to listen to, and respond to, external views to develop the very best scheme possible. The plans include a redevelopment of Palm Court, (and importantly replacing

“When residents were canvassed about the new RVP development the response was overwhelmingly positive

an ageing roof that needs addressing), thereby creating improved new, larger retail units, and also allowing for additional high quality hospitality units facing directly out on to Calverley and Camden Road. These should encourage new and desirable occupiers to the town, which was a key requirement raised during the consultation sessions.

During the current economic climate, where successful bricks and mortar retail is often dependent on a wider positive experiential journey, the addition of two new major leisure units, (a 3-screen cinema facing Calverley Road and a major multi-use entertainment venue for competitive leisure (bowling, crazy golf, arcades, VR darts etc) in the old food court, will bring a number of benefits including more visitors to the town centre. This will also encourage the town to regain a greater recognition as an evening leisure destination. All leading to in increased economic contribution to our local businesses.

The planned activity will remove the derelict and condemned corner of the centre, and alter the layout of the area to address the low footfall and limited success of Ely Court. A dynamic, bold

new entrance will take visitors on a walkway through the new Ely Lane with accompanying seating adding to the growing café culture in the town. Whilst retaining the frontage and façade of the Friendlies Society building (above Millets), the new buildings will follow the sightlines of the other buildings on the street and will improve the look and feel of both Camden Road and Calverley Road.

The prospect of this development has already succeeded in helping to retain major retailers in the town, such as Fenwick, and encouraged new occupiers like Primark and Nandos. At a time when many town centres are facing increased store closures and reduced pedestrian footfall, this exciting development will encourage more new openings to the town. The project already has interest from prospective retail, hospitality and entertainment companies, offering us confidence in both the design of the plans and critically, the financial plans for the scheme to be commercially viable - i.e. the loan for the redevelopment is set to be covered solely from income streams resulting from the project.

Whilst we recognise with any project there are risks and costs, we would reason that, as this will not only create a vibrant town centre for local residents, but also attract new visitors, the boost this will provide to existing local businesses to survive and thrive, is a key benefit that outweighs any costs. We look forward to seeing this project progress under the council’s leadership, and thank them for having the vision to adapt and redevelop a key part of our town, for now and future generations to come.

Building strong foundations

CFounded in 2012, Century Facades has since established itself as one of Kent’s leading construction businesses. Joint Managing Director Tim Lovell tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine about the company’s values and why they are investing in the next generation through apprenticeships…

entury Facades was founded in 2012 in Tonbridge. The company was established to provide a technically focused, cost-effective approach to complex building facade engineering and construction.

Tim Lovell, one of the company’s Joint Managing Directors (along with Graham Hackley) explains their aim has always been to combine strong engineering expertise with practical construction experience to simplify the ‘designprocure-construct’ process for modern facades.

“We work mainly on large commercial, residential, and high-rise projects, offering integrated design-and-build solutions from concept through to installation. We also experienced in refurbishment and recladding projects to improve building performance and compliance.”

Tim goes on to say that Century Facades’ rapid growth over the past 14 years has

been driven by the business’s strong technical expertise, integrated design-andbuild approach, and ability to successfully deliver complex facade projects in a costeffective and efficient way.

“Building strong relationships across the industry has also played a major part in this success, leading to long-standing

Looking to find a new local care provider?

partnerships with key clients who have continued to work with us on projects throughout the years,” reveals Tim.

“We also place great value on investing in our people, supporting staff through training, development opportunities, and further education such as degree programmes, helping us retain talented

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.

teams and continue delivering high-quality results.

This is why they have invested £250,000 into an apprenticeship scheme that’s been running for many years and offers young people the opportunity to get into the industry.

“We have seen first-hand how successful it is to bring young people into the business early in their careers. We strongly believe that some of the best learning comes through day-to-day experience and the sharing of knowledge between colleagues, particularly between junior and senior members of the team.”

The programme reflects Century Façade’s wider ambition to give back to the community, nurture local talent, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the region’s workforce.

The scheme involves recruiting school leavers and graduates into a structured development programme that combines practical, hands-on experience with ongoing professional training and mentoring. Participants work alongside experienced members of the team across different areas of the business, allowing knowledge and skills to be shared naturally through day-to-day collaboration.

More recently Tim says they have made a significant dedicated investment into expanding and strengthening the programme further.

“Our goal is to provide meaningful career opportunities within the construction industry and to create long-term career pathways for young people in the area”

“This allows us to provide even greater opportunities for development and long-term career progression. We would encourage anyone interested in pursuing a career within the construction and facade industry to get in touch.”

Tim reveals this type of investment in apprenticeships supports Century Facades’ ongoing success by building a consistent pipeline of skilled people who understand the business, its standards, and its way of working from an early stage in their careers.

“It strengthens long-term capability by ensuring knowledge is developed and shared internally, rather than relying solely on external recruitment. It also improves staff retention and continuity, as investing in training and career progression helps people grow with the company. Over time, this creates a more experienced, loyal, and capable workforce, which directly supports higher quality delivery, stronger client relationships, and the ability to take on increasingly complex projects.”

Century Facades would love to hear from anyone who may be interested. All applicants should send their CV to megan. edwards@centuryfacades.co.uk www.centuryfacades.co.uk

RIDDOR Review: What Business Owners Need to Know

If you’ve seen headlines about the HSE’s current review of RIDDOR — the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations — you might be wondering whether you should be doing anything for your business now. The short answer is: not yet.

The HSE launched a public consultation in April 2026, and it closes on 30 June. But it’s important to be clear about what this review actually is. This isn’t a wholesale overhaul of health and safety law. In essence, the HSE is seeking to clarify terms, reduce ambiguity in the reporting process, and improve the guidance around how incidents are reported. For most businesses, day-today obligations under RIDDOR 2013 remain unchanged.

That said, it’s worth understanding what’s on the table. On occupational diseases, the proposals would retain the current six reportable conditions, reintroduce nine conditions from the previous 1995 regulations — including conditions linked to asbestos and silica dust exposure — and add four new ones: noise-induced hearing loss, bronchiolitis obliterans, occupational allergic rhinitis and occupational contact urticaria. Notably, work-related stress and suicide are not being proposed for inclusion.

The HSE is also reviewing the list of reportable dangerous occurrences to better reflect emerging workplace risks — something that has been recognised as necessary for some time.

Any changes resulting from this consultation won’t become law before 2027 at the earliest, but when the final proposals are confirmed, that’s the right moment for businesses to assess the impact and act accordingly.

For now, the most important thing is to make sure your current RIDDOR, and wider health and safety obligations are being met properly. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help.

Forrest Health & Safety Part of Forrest Group

Contact us on: 01892 726060 or hello@theforrestgroup.co.uk.

“Volunteering is all about other people and giving back”

Sarah Raine meets with Imago Community volunteer, Esme Ham, to discover more about the charity and what Esme enjoys most about her role…

For those who aren’t aware of Imago, what does the charity do?

Imago Community is a social action charity supporting young carers, adult carers and families across Kent, East Sussex, Medway and London. Their services focus on improving health and wellbeing, reducing isolation, creating opportunities, and ensuring people can access the support they need. They provide information, advice, wellbeing support and respite opportunities. In Tunbridge Wells specifically, the charity supports young carers to balance caring with leading healthier and happier lives, and also provide a community transport service, Dial 2 Drive.

I volunteer in the shop on Monson Road, which brings in much needed funds to help the charity to operate.

Tell us a little bit about yourself… I am 28 years old, and have always lived locally. I grew up in Southborough, and went to Hillview School. When I was 15, I was scouted by a modelling agency.

I picked up paid work when sitting my GCSEs and a week before sitting my A-level Geography, I had a pinch me moment, modelling at The Gucci Show! Since then, I feel incredibly lucky to have travelled all over Europe and New York with my work. In 2022, I decided to gain some experience behind the camera, working in fashion PR and social media as a full-time employee. In 2024, I missed the flex of freelancing, so I decided to return to modelling, but wanted to do something constructive with my non-working days.

What made you decide to volunteer for Imago?

I really liked that Imago don’t just support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, but also give respite and social opportunities to those acting as full-time carers. For me, it’s also the juxtaposition of the two roles. In the fashion industry, everything is focused on you and your image, volunteering is all about other people and giving back.

I started in April 2025 and tend to work two days a week but there is flexibility both ways, if I have bookings or if the team need cover. I have been met

Imago services in Tunbridge Wells

Community Transport

Provided by our friendly team of volunteer drivers in West Kent, Dial2Drive is a transport scheme for those unable to access public transport due to older age, illness or disability.

Volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of community services. There are lots of opportunities to offer your time and expertise and make a difference with us here at Imago

Young Carers

Being a young carer can mean different things to different people. It’s important to know, if you are under 18 and providing care, support is available.

“Volunteering has made me a more grounded and wellrounded person

with - and have subsequently learntpatience, kindness, and how important a community heart is.

Customers tell us we are a really friendly shop, and those soft skills are integral to people feeling seen, which fits with Imago’s values. One of my favourite times is Thursday’s with team members Chania and Sally, and the lovely Lynne Fox, who is in her 90s and covers our lunch breaks in the shop. It’s a really important part of my week now.

What are the benefits to you from volunteering?

It’s definitely made me a more grounded and well-rounded person. The role is varied – taking payments, sorting donations, greeting customers, creating vlogs and edits, pricing items. I really like the visual merchandising element too. As everything is donated, sometimes items

need some ‘curating’ to best showcase them together. As an avid vintage and charity shopper, like many people my age, this is definitely my happy place!

How can we get more younger people volunteering?

I believe if you want to make time for it, you can make time. Right now, I have capacity and many my age do. We are past full-time education and many don’t have children, so why not give something back? Even if you are working full time, there are often Saturday sessions that need volunteers.

If you are going into charity shops and buying second hand, maybe next time just ask if they need a hand? Charity shops are also keen to get digital content for their shops, so maybe you could offer to create vlogs, edits of stock items, a reel of items you have purchased and how you curated them together for social media?

How can people support Imago? There are so many ways to get involved and support Imago. Fundraise for us, donate to the charity shop or make a monetary donation at:  www.imago. community/donate and to find out about volunteering visit: www.imago.community/get-involved/ volunteer

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

“Businesses that properly embrace AI now will have an essential competitive advantage”

NNick Moore, fractional CMO and founder of JJL Media, explains why partnering with VAYRO, one of the UK’s most exciting AI management companies, is the natural next step for his clients and his business.

ick Moore has spent more than 25 years inside the engine room of businesses that are trying to grow. As a fractional CMO and the driving force behind JJL Media, publisher of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, he has helped companies across the South East - from legal firms and property developers to luxury brands and technology start-ups - find clarity in their marketing and turn commercial ambition into measurable results.

Nick’s is a career built on pattern recognition: spotting the shift before others do and moving clients into position.

So, when Nick began working with VAYRO, the Tunbridge Wells-based AI management company that has been turning heads across the region and beyond, it was not a leap of faith. It was the result of a very deliberate strategic decision.

“I work with ambitious businesses every day,” he says, “and the conversation about AI is unavoidable. But what I kept seeing was a gap between the noise and the reality. Business owners knew AI was important. They just had no idea what to actually do with it, or who to trust with that conversation,” says Nick.

That gap is precisely where VAYRO operates. Founded by Jamie Dixon, the company positions itself not as a software vendor or a one-off consultancy, but as an embedded AI management partner, working inside leadership teams to rewire operating models department by department, until artificial intelligence becomes the way a business works, rather than something bolted on as an afterthought.

“What immediately drew me to VAYRO was that they ask the right question first,” Nick explains. “Not ‘which tools should we buy?’ but ‘what does AI actually mean for this business, and how do we build it into the way the organisation operates?’ That is the same philosophy I bring to marketing strategy. Start with the commercial reality, not the product.”

For Nick, the partnership is a natural extension of the fractional CMO model he has built at JJL Media. His clients, typically established SMEs with healthy turnovers but marketing that has stalled,

“I work with ambitious businesses every day, and the conversation about AI is unavoidable

need senior, strategic thinking without the cost of a full-time executive hire. Now, through his partnership with VAYRO, Nick can offer clients a parallel capability in AI transformation: the same embedded, senior-level approach, applied to how their businesses will operate in the years ahead.

“My clients trust me to bring them the things that will make a genuine difference,” he adds. “I would not put my name to something that was not exceptional. VAYRO is exceptional. The methodology is rigorous, the team understands the commercial pressures that real businesses face, and crucially, they do not overwhelm you with jargon or technology for its own sake.”

It is a sentiment that will resonate with many readers of this magazine. The Tunbridge Wells business community is home to a significant concentration of founder-led companies and growth-stage

businesses, exactly the profile that VAYRO identifies as best placed to benefit from AI adoption when it is done properly. These are organisations with the leadership intent and the operational complexity to make genuine transformation possible, but without the internal resource to navigate it alone.

Nick is candid about the urgency involved. The businesses that will thrive in the next decade, he argues, will not necessarily be the largest or the bestfunded, they will be the ones that rewired how they work before the window closed.

“We are at an inflection point,” reflects Nick. “The businesses that move now, that embed AI into their operating model with the right guidance, will have a big competitive advantage. The ones that wait will spend the next five years catching up. My job is to make sure my clients are never in the second group.”

For Nick, partnering with VAYRO is not a pivot, it’s the logical evolution of everything he has built. Strategy, execution, and now transformation. The full picture, for businesses ready to claim it. www.vayro.co.uk

A cut above

Founders of P2 Collective Tom Pelling and Sam Punyer tell Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine about their successful training academy the P2 Principal Training Programme and how it benefits not just the salon’s staff but clients too…

At P2 we set out on a mission to build something different: a barbershop with a true salon experience. That means in-depth consultations for every haircut, a beverage of choice when you arrive, and a seamless online booking system so clients can plan just 45 minutes out of their day.

There’s no waiting, no queuing, just an appointment ready when our customers are.

The reason we worked so hard to achieve this is because we were tired of barbershops building a reputation for rushing through as many clients as possible in a day. This means they are not taking the time to genuinely understand what the client actually wants. That belief is the foundation everything at P2 is built on.

“At P2 we set out on a mission to build something different

In-house training is also at the core of everything we do. We have developed a unique programme that blends modern barbering with timeless hairdressing, ensuring our team are equally confident working with both long and short hairsomething that immediately sets us apart from the traditional barbershop.

Every member of our team must complete the P2 Principal Training Programme before earning the title of P2 Stylist. As part of this, they are required to present six core haircuts that form the foundation of everything we do in

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

the salon. These cuts represent the key techniques that allow our stylists to confidently approach and master any hairstyle a client may need.

Training doesn’t stop there though as we hold weekly sessions every Monday from 4pm to 8pm. This period is where our team continues to refine their skills and during these sessions, we offer complimentary haircuts to the public. Real clients, real hair, every week. It’s hands-on development in a live environment, and it keeps our standards sharp.

Since opening in 2023, P2 has grown from just being run by founders Tom and Sam to boasting a team of seven,

P2 Collective started on their mission of creating a community surrounding their Camden Road salon with a spin-off football group. This sees a group made up of P2 Collective staff and clients playing at Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School every Friday night.

At the start of this year, founders Tom and Sam also launched the P2 Collective PACER CLUB, a weekly running collective which meets at the salon at 8.45am every Sunday and has proved to be enormously successful.

alongside a full-time apprentice who attends weekly college sessions to complete his NVQ qualification.

Our team spans a range of ages and experience levels, which we see as a real strength as it creates a collaborative, mentorship-driven culture where everyone contributes and learns from one another.

We also make a conscious effort to stay connected to the wider industry by attending events, shows, and educational opportunities, ensuring we remain current with evolving trends and techniques.

The result of all of this is simple: no matter who you see at P2, you can expect the same level of precision, care, and service every time. That consistency is what we’re most proud of, and it’s what we believe truly sets us apart.

GET IN TOUCH:

Website: www.thep2collective.co.uk

Email: contact.thep2collective@gmail.com

Call: 01892 487623

SOCIALS: @thep2collective @pacer.club

12pm Friday 9th October 2026

How to create more income from the business you already have

Many business owners reach a point where things are working, but not quite at the level they want. The business is established, clients are coming in, and there’s a steady flow of work. Yet the income doesn’t always reflect the effort, experience, or value being delivered.

Growing a business isn’t about doing more for the sake of it. It comes from being intentional about what you’re building, who you’re serving, and why it matters.

Income and impact are closely linked. When you’re clear on the difference your work makes, your decisions become stronger. You start to think more carefully about your pricing, your offers, and how you position what you do. You’re no longer filling gaps or taking on work that doesn’t fully align. You’re building something that has meaning, both for you and for the people you serve.

For many business owners, the real progress comes when they connect their work to a bigger purpose. That might

be the clients they want to support, the standards they want to set in their industry, or the life they want to create for themselves and their family. When that purpose is clear, it becomes much easier to present your services in a way that reflects your true value.

From there, growth becomes more strategic. You begin to look at your business through a different lens. Which services create the most value for your clients? Which clients benefit most from your expertise? Where your time is best spent? These are the decisions that lead to stronger income without needing to increase your hours.

There’s also a level of confidence that comes from knowing your work matters. When you believe in the impact you create, you communicate more clearly and attract the right opportunities. Clients aren’t just buying a service. They’re investing in the outcome you help them achieve.

Creating more income from the business you already have isn’t about chasing

numbers. It’s about building a business that delivers results, creates meaningful impact, and supports the life you want to live.

If your business is established but you know there’s more available to you, it’s worth taking the time to look at it properly. Not just at what’s happening day to day, but at where it’s heading and what it’s capable of delivering.

Creating that space allows you to make better decisions about how your business grows, who it serves, and the level you want to reach.

When your business aligns with both income and impact, growth becomes more intentional and far more rewarding.

FHow to attract the right talent

Gemma Farina, Managing Director of GFHR Consulting, shares her tips

ensuring your first employee is the best fit for your business…

or many small businesses, hiring their first employee is a major milestone. It’s exciting – but it’s also where costly mistakes can happen, and in today’s climate it carries more risk than ever before.

With employment legislation continuing to grow, wage expectations rising and competition for good candidates remaining tough, small employers are under pressure. Getting recruitment wrong is no longer just inconvenient; it can be costly, time consuming and legally risky.

One of the most common reasons businesses overpay for new hires isn’t simply salary inflation. It’s lack of clarity.

When a role isn’t properly defined before it’s advertised, candidates are left to interpret the seniority for themselves –and they usually pitch high.

Vague job adverts attract a wide mix of applicants: some overqualified, some underqualified, many not quite right. Time is then lost sifting through CVs that don’t fit, and when a promising candidate does emerge, their salary expectations are

“One

of the most common reasons businesses overpay for new hires isn’t simply salary inflation. It’s lack of clarity”

often higher because the role itself wasn’t clearly anchored.

The true cost goes beyond pay. A mismatched hire drains time, impacts productivity and unsettles a small team quickly. Overqualified hires can be just as risky – if progression or challenge is limited, they’re more likely to move on, leaving the business back at square one.

The solution is clarity.

Well written, level based adverts focus

for

on what the role delivers, the decisions the person will (and won’t) make, and what success looks like in the first few months. Being honest about the size and stage of your business also helps candidates self select. Small businesses often underestimate how attractive autonomy, influence and close decision making can be to job seekers.

And when hiring your first employee, it’s not just about the advert. You’ll also need the basics in place: a clear contract and core policies that set expectations from day one. These don’t need to be complicated – but they do need to exist. Getting recruitment right early helps businesses attract the right people, at the right level, for the right price – and build strong, compliant foundations for future growth.

Not sure where to start? We’re here to help, get in contact at:

Tel 01892 300360 | Email

info@gfhr.co.uk

“The summer doesn’t reduce demand – it exposes gaps”

This month Claire Doherty of TN Recruits explains the importance of maintaining operational continuity throughout the summer months

For businesses across Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas, summer introduces a predictable constraint: reduced internal capacity against unchanged commercial expectations.

Annual leave, overlapping absences and fluctuating workloads create pressure points across operations, often in roles that are critical to day-to-day delivery. The issue is not awareness, but response. Maintaining consistency requires access to reliable support at short notice, without adding complexity to the business. For many organisations, this becomes less about managing people and more about protecting output.

“Maintaining consistency requires access to reliable support at short notice and this is where a structured approach to temporary resource becomes commercially valuable

This is where a structured approach to temporary resource becomes commercially valuable.

At TN Recruits, we work closely with businesses across the local area to provide immediate access to experienced professionals who can step into operational roles and deliver from the outset. Our focus is on core business support functions, including front-ofhouse, administration, customer service and project-based roles, where continuity and reliability are essential to maintaining standards.

Claire, who leads our temporary recruitment division, works directly with clients to define requirements in practical terms. Not just responsibilities, but working environment, pace and expectations. This allows us to introduce individuals who are aligned not only in skillset, but in how they operate within a team, ensuring minimal disruption and immediate contribution.

The difference is how quickly you can respond…

Speed is built into the process, but not at the expense of accuracy. Every candidate is thoroughly assessed, with video enabling rapid review and

informed decision-making. This ensures that when support is required, it can be implemented quickly and with confidence, without compromising on quality or fit.

Beyond placement, the model is fully managed. Compliance, right-towork verification, payroll and ongoing support are handled in full, removing administrative burden and ensuring a seamless experience from the outset. This allows internal teams to remain focused on delivery, rather than process.

For many businesses, this approach also provides a level of flexibility that permanent hiring cannot. Whether covering planned leave, responding to short-term demand or introducing additional capacity for defined projects, temporary resource allows you to maintain control without long-term commitment, while still protecting performance.

In a market where consistency underpins reputation, the ability to respond quickly, with the right support in place, is not simply operationally useful. It is a commercial advantage.

FREE SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIT FOR

It’s concerning to note that while

At

To help your marketing work

To book your free audit please contact Sophie Blackburn-Waters: sophie@jjlmedia.co.uk.

Turning over a new leaf

Karen McClure on swapping her high profile career in the City to

Live at The Pantiles Returns for 2026

A summer of live music launches Thursday 28th May

There’s something special about summer evenings at The Pantiles—and this year, that magic returns bigger, brighter, and more accessible than ever. Live at The Pantiles is back for a brand-new season, bringing a vibrant programme of live music to Royal Tunbridge Wells every Thursday evening from 28th May through to 3rd September. And this year, for the first time, it’s completely free to attend.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Georgian colonnade, this much-loved event series has long been a cornerstone of the town’s cultural calendar. Now, under a refreshed vision— “Where the town comes alive”—The Pantiles is opening its doors wider, inviting everyone to experience the joy of live music in a truly historic setting, without the barrier of a ticket price.

A Summer for Everyone

In response to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, The Pantiles has removed the previous £7.50 entry fee, ensuring these memorable evenings remain open and accessible to all. It’s a move that reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity, community spirit, and shared experiences.

Martin O’Meara, Estate Manager at The Pantiles, explains: “We are delighted to make Live at The Pantiles free to attend this year, creating an inclusive and accessible event that brings the community together. We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy outstanding live music, soak up the unique atmosphere of The Pantiles, whilst supporting the diverse mix of hospitality, retail and independent businesses based here.”

A Standout Line-Up

The 2026 season kicks off on the last Thursday in May with an uplifting opening performance from KYJO, a dynamic youth orchestra known for its energetic fusion of big band classics, contemporary jazz, funk, rock, and Latin rhythms—setting the tone for an exciting summer ahead.

June continues with a crowd-pleasing line-up, including:

Our Own Way: a celebrated Fleetwood Mac tribute act

The Jive Aces: firm favourites with their high-energy swing

Jonah’s Wail: delivering an infectious party atmosphere

Abalicious: a dazzling tribute to ABBA

Each Thursday promises an eclectic mix of high-quality performances, drawing audiences from Kent and beyond.

More Than Just Music

Live at The Pantiles is about more than just the music—it’s a full evening experience. Visitors can explore a fantastic selection of food and drink from the estate’s independent cafés, bars, and restaurants, all contributing to the lively, welcoming atmosphere that defines The Pantiles.

Whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying a relaxed evening with family, or simply soaking in the ambience, there’s something here for everyone.

A New Chapter for The Pantiles

The move to a free-entry format marks an exciting evolution in The Pantiles’ events programme. It aligns with a broader brand direction that celebrates energy, inclusivity, and connection— creating a space where people can come together, unwind, and enjoy world-class entertainment at no cost.

Plan Your Visit

Event Details:

What: Live at The Pantiles 2026

When: Every Thursday from 28 May – 03 September 2026

Where: The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Entry: Free

Contents

WMICHELIN MAGIC: We take a trip to gastro restaurant Bowleys

EASTERN PROMISE: Discover the delights of Asian inspired Hachiko

ALL IN THE MIX: Adam and Vanessa Peters-Ennis on Charlotte’s success

A VINE TIME: James Viner selects his top tipples for early summer

ACT NOW: Falling prices and changing regulations providing great opportunities

TOP TIPS: Deborah Richards of Maddisons on what potential buyers want

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

INTERIORS: Meet talented designer Justine Hodgson-Barker of Barkerdesign

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

OUTSIDE EDGE: Karen McClure and her all female team on career pivots and design

FOCAL POINT: Tim Sykes of Gardenproud reveals how a sculpture inspired a garden

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

KICK OFF: Taylor-Made Dreams reflect on a fantastic celebrity footballer fundraiser

elcome to the very first edition of The TW Edit – the brandnew lifestyle supplement from Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. Here we celebrate the people, the places and businesses shaping the stylish side of life across our town.

Inside our inaugural issue we shine a spotlight on some of the area’s most inspiring names in design, dining and luxury living. In this issue we meet Karen McClure and her talented all-female team at KMGD to discover how their award-winning garden design studio is transforming outdoor spaces across the South East and beyond.

We also talk to Justine Hodgson-Barker

of Barker Design about celebrating the heritage of period homes while creating timeless contemporary spaces. It’s a fascinating read that I hope you will enjoy. Foodies are in for a culinary treat too. We head to Michelin Guide-approved Bowleys in Trottiscliffe to sample its adventurous seasonal tasting menu. Closer to home, we enjoy the bold Asian fusion flavours and stylish interiors of Hachiko and catch up with the husband-and-wife team Adam and Vanessa Peters-Ennis behind Charlotte’s in the Pantiles to learn the secret to their continued success.

Our brilliant property experts from Maddisons and TN Sales & Lettings

guide us through the current selling and rental markets, while Tim Sykes of Gardenproud reveals a fascinating recent makeover project –just in time for Chelsea Flower Show.

And for those with a passion for fast, formidable cars you will love taking a closer look at the latest incarnation of the legendary Aston Martin V12.

We hope you enjoy reading The TW Edit as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Bowled over by Bowleys

With its Michelin Guide and AA Rosette recognition and adventurous seasonal tasting menus, Bowleys has become one of the county’s most exciting dining destinations. Eileen Leahy pays it a visit…

It’s not every day you receive an invitation to dine at a Michelin Guide approved and AA Rosette restaurant.

But that’s exactly how my husband and I found ourselves dining at Bowleys restaurant in Trottiscliffe recently.

Located in the heart of this charming rural Kentish village near the North Downs, the restaurant forms part of The Plough pub, a Grade II listed building which first opened its doors in 1817.

After fighting off various development plans over the years, in 2017 The Plough was declared an Asset of Community Value after 112 locals bought it.

In 2020 it reopened as a pub and that same year the Yates family took over the running of the building. Since then Head Chef Alex Yates and his wife Grace, who is Bowley’s General Manager and Sommelier, have successfully transformed it into the popular fine dining destination it is today.

“We have lots of regular local customers but so many coming from further afield too,” explains Alex as we take our seats in Bowleys’ beautiful beamed dining room.

“We have lots of people coming down from South London, thanks mainly to our close proximity to both the M26 and M20 motorways but also because we’re in the Michelin Restaurant guide and boast an

“Alex has a passion for honest, ingredient-led, seasonal and sustainable cooking – which is Bowleys’ culinary calling card

AA Rosette,” he smiles.

Alex trained at Westminster Kingsway College before going to work at The Goring Hotel, where he reveals he gained invaluable Michelin experience. He adds that his passion for honest, seasonal and sustainable cooking – which is Bowleys’ culinary calling card - was shaped by his family’s long connection to hospitality and a deep respect for quality produce.

Talking of which, it’s worth noting that pretty much everything on Bowleys’ menus will always be sourced as locally as possible. Vegetables, herbs and fruits come from the restaurant’s nearby kitchen garden nursery whilst much of their cheese is sourced from nearby Winterdale’s impressive cave.

You can dine a la carte here or from one of the set menus. Tonight we’re sampling

the restaurant’s signature Kentish Tasting Menu (£90 per head). It comprises eight courses – surfing from snacks and a bread course to fish, seafood, meat, cheese and dessert.

You can add in a wine flight if you so desire – a five wine pairing costs £60 per head and a six one is priced at £65 per head. And given that Bowleys’ has its own vineyard I’d highly recommend you do.

But if you’re worried about who should be driving then here’s some good news: Bowleys has a special agreement with Uber but it also has accommodation just up the road too.

After being served an aperitif – a flute of Bowleys’ Pinot Noir Rose for me (£9) and a Plot 5 non-alcoholic cocktail for my husband, which boats a medley of fragrant herbs from Bowleys’ nursery and a measure of Pentire Seaweed gin (£13), we settle in for the evening.

Grace oversees the wine and drinks list and also works directly with local vineyards including Bowleys’ eponymously named wines which are made in Wateringbury. The whole team at Bowleys work incredibly hard to ensure every diner has the best and most authentic experience possible.

The restaurant’s décor is an effortless mix of heritage hallmarks with

Image by Joe Josland

contemporary accents. Think vintage illustrations and antique mirrors matched with cool statement wall lighting, plush teal velvet seating and wooden tables.

First up on our tasting menu are the ‘snacks’ – an inventive trio of Smoked Roe Coronet with aubergine, Welsh Rarebit and Dorset Crab. The mini cones and rarebit are served first and after we have both oooh’d and aaah’d at their stunning presentation, (a theme that will go on throughout the evening given the attention to aesthetic detail that is everpresent here), we dive in.

The roe tastes of the sea whilst the aubergine is perfectly gooey and smoky –needless to say these coronets are gone in one mouthful. The Welsh Rarebit boasts a divine buttery pastry and a punchy yet melt-in-the-mouth Winterdale cheese filling adorned with edible flowers from Bowleys’ nursery. The final snack – finely shredded Dorset Crab packed into a delicate latticed pastry – comes served in its shell and is perfectly seasoned with a subtle citrus kick and more edible flowers. Just like all of Alex’s cooking it is innovative and adventurous – and incredibly moreish. Oh, and quite literally picture perfect.

We’re then presented with a 48hr Focaccia, golden in colour and light-as-afeather in texture. It’s accompanied by a quenelle of smoked butter and a rich duck parfait enveloped in a glossy port glaze. It’s simply sensational and if I could eat this every day I would be very happy.

Next is Cured Red Mullet. It features slivers of smoked eel, basil and a highly addictive jalapeno granita. It’s also served with little homemade seeded crackers and is utterly delicious. Who knew eel could

look so refined and taste so good?

We are equally as impressed with the Artichoke Agnolotti, Alex’s riff on a classic stuffed pasta from Piedmonte in Italy. It comes with a fragrant salsa verde and tiny shards of William Pear sourced from just down the road.

A generous portion of the freshest Chalk Trout, served with a creamy white sauce boasting oyster leaf, capers, Chegworth apples and more of Bowleys’ nursery herbs is pure epicurean excellence and sets us up for the next course: Glover Beef Fillet.

Seared to perfection - and with the cutest of mini Ox Tail Wellingtons, a decadent jus and a glazed beef millefeuille carrot that, thanks to its innovative presentation and sensational taste, was definitely vying for main course character status – this was the ideal way to finish our dinner.

Already feeling pleasantly sated we skipped the optional cheese course (£10 per head) and headed straight to dessert. Just like all of Alex’s dishes this indulgent St Paul’s chocolate torte was highly impressive in its presentation and tasted utterly delicious. It came served with a shard of sea salted dark chocolate and a tiny glass of Guinness – a nod to the Bowley family’s brewing roots which date back centuries to the St Paul’s area of Bristol.

Before leaving we’re offered Bowleys’ take on the traditional petits fours final course. As you would expect this wasn’t sugared fruit jellies or French fancies but very much a reflection of Alex’s adventurous approach. As well as a couple of perfectly glazed strawberries from nearby Hugh Lowe’s farm, there were also candied Lego Men and caramel Lego Bricks. It was the perfect ending to a highly memorable evening…

A feast from the East

Blending bold Asian flavours with creative culinary twists, stunning cocktails and a funky interior Hachiko has quickly become one of Tunbridge Wells’ go-to hospitality hotspots.

Eileen Leahy picks up her chopsticks and dives in to discover the delicious bites on offer…

It’s a Friday night in early May when my husband and I arrive at Hachiko. We’ve heard a lot of positive things about this restaurant, which opened last July, and clearly so have many others as the place is packed.

Boasting an eclectic Asian-with-a-twist food menu, aesthetically pleasing décor and an extensive cocktails list, Hachiko has quickly established itself as the go-to if you’re after an adventurous dining experience.

Located in the building that once housed the French bistro Coco Retro, on Vale Road, Hachiko still boasts the beautiful hammered metal circular bar at its entrance and the original monochrome chequered tiled flooring, but that’s pretty much where any other kind of comparison ends.

The interior has been given an impressive Japanese canteen inspired makeover. There are intimate booth seating areas, painted wooden pillars which cleverly zone the restaurant, brightly painted tables, statement lighting, artisan crockery and eye-catching artwork.

On our arrival we are warmly greeted by

“The majority of dishes on offer at Hachiko have their culinary roots firmly stamped in Asia but there’s also a few clever European epicurean twists too

Hachiko’s proprietor Nektarios Lenas – or Nico as he likes to be known.

He seats us at a very cool lime green and fuchsia pink table towards the back of the restaurant and presents us with a couple of equally colourful menus etched with illustrations of traditional Japanese blossom.

The majority of dishes on offer have their culinary roots firmly stamped in Asia – think seared Kimchi Tuna Tataki (£12.80), Korean Glazed Tori Karaage chicken thighs (£10.80) and Nasu

Dengaku (£15.80) a traditional glazed aubergine dish.

But there’s also a few playful European epicurean twists too including Katsu Chicken Crunch N Cheese (£17.80) – a riff on the Asian original but topped with rich cheese sauce - Calamari Kakiage Di Semola (£9.80); a true fusion dish as it combines both Japanese and Italian flavours. And then there’s the Coronation Chicken Katsu Maki (£16.80) a classic staple of the British summer salad scene reimagined as a traditional sushi roll. So far, so interesting…

After getting super excited about what we can treat our tastebuds to – there’s all manner of sushi, sashimi and signature rolls too - Nico reappears asking if we’d like to order a drink to kick things off. We peruse the cocktail menu and it too reflects Hachiko’s love for fusion. Its signature creations include a Zen and Tonic (£12.85) – Japanese herbs infused gin mixed with cucumber, ginger and tonic – and a Hachiko Vault (£13.45) which is Bourbon mixed with miso honey and orange bitters. My husband opts for the latter while I choose the Tokyo-75 (£14) – a

flute of Champagne laced with gin, sisho leaves, sage and elderflower. Both are utterly delicious.

We decide upon a bowl of chilli edamame beans (£5.80) to accompany our aperitifs –they are salty with an addictive fiery kicky and plentiful in portion.

Although my husband and I want to try pretty much everything on the menu we rein ourselves in and choose a selection of dishes we can share.

First up is the aforementioned Kimchi Tuna Tartare which is super fresh and comes with light-as-air prawn crackers to dip in the yuzu ponzo sauce. Next is the Korean Glazed Tori Karaage - a plateful of sticky yet succulent chicken bites anointed in sesame seeds. To say these were a taste triumph is an understatement – I am still thinking about how good they tasted... But before I go on to tell you about the

rest of our fabulous dining experience I have to give a little shout out to the amazing staff who were super friendly and efficient - and also for the attention to detail Nico has ensured is evident at Hachiko. Everything from the ambience to the way the food is so artistically presented is exceptional.

Anyway, back to our food. Next is a selection of citrus cured salmon and gin and yuzu tuna sashimi to savour alongside some beef katsu maki rolls. We order a couple of glasses of chilled Riesling wine as it’s the perfect accompaniment to the fish and all those fragrant spices.

The generous slices of salmon and tuna sashimi were presented on a bed of crushed ice and were so unbelievably fresh. You can of course enhance their flavour further with the slivers of ginger and soy that are served alongside but I am a purist and loved eating them au naturel. Simple but sensationally good.

Our last dish was the stunning beef katsu maki rolls – pretty as a picture and stuffed full of melt-in-the mouth steak, avocado and cream cheese. They were deliciously crusty on the outside and molten in the middle and the perfect bite to finish our culinary trip to Asia and beyond courtesy of the talented team at Hachiko. We can’t wait to return!

www.hachikouk.com @hachiko_tunbridge_wells

“We put passion into everything we do”

Ever since Charlotte’s in the Pantiles opened its gilded doors three years ago it has become one of the town’s most popular places to drink and dine. Here its managing partners, the husband and wife team Adam and Vanessa Peters-Ennis, reveal the secret ingredients to the establishment’s success…

Congratulations on your recent third anniversary. What would you say Charlotte’s in the Pantiles’ success is down to?

It’s a combination of things, including the unwavering and continuous support we have from the owners. The original concept was pitched well and we are lucky to have opened something that was missing in Tunbridge Wells.The passion and care that we put into everything we do for Charlotte’s also plays such a big part, as do our team who have also been instrumental in our success. Then of course there are our wonderful guests who come back time and time again to support us.

plays such a big part in our success “

The passion and care that we put into everything we do at Charlotte’s

I think every hospitality establishment strives for a community feel and we can safely say we have achieved that. The Pantiles is its own community, and we are blessed to call the residents friends. We knew what we wanted to be and we haven’t tried to re-invent things - or overcomplicate it – we hopefully do what we do well.

Have you any plans to switch up things or are you sticking with your successful formula?

What we do works well: the sharing plates perfectly complement the drinks that we offer, so we won’t stray too far from our original vision. However we do try to keep things fresh, by changing the drinks menus and adding seasonal specials to the food menu.

Our Aperitivo Hour menu launched in February and that’s going really well. The thinking behind it is getting guests out early in the evening – perhaps on

their way home from work - for Spanishinspired pintxos and lower ABV drinks. And we have just launched our new drinks series, called Postcards From… This will run each month, showcasing a new country and its spirit. There will be a special cocktail list for every Postcards event. It’s a fun way to keep introducing our guests to new drinks in the Charlotte’s way.

What else do you think makes Charlotte's stand out?

We deliver great service and high standards but we are accessible, fun and relaxed too.

There is always going to be competition – so we try to stay true to our roots and guests seem to like what we do! They know what they are going to get when they come here and that’s consistently good service, great product and a fabulous atmosphere.

Do you and Adam still have a hunger for what you do?

Absolutely, if not more so! We always try to do what we do to the best of our ability and hope that our guests enjoy their visit and therefore can’t wait to return. We are a social space and luckily we are both

sociable people – we still get that buzz when we come in each day. Working a Saturday night is like our night out too, it's hard work but good fun. We always try to work a Friday or Saturday night shift together – couple goals! We have found our niche and that’s such a good position to be in.

What have been the key challenges over the past three years?

Most people would say staff are a challenge, but we are blessed with a loyal and hard-working team. Challenges would be the obvious ones such as the constantly rising costs of goods, business rates etc but we do our best to navigate them. The winter months are hard but we are always supported by our loyal guests. And what about the triumphs? Can you tell us about some of those?

Luckily, we have hit the ground running and three years on that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. We have gone from strength to strength year on year, which in itself is a triumph.

www.charlottesinthepantiles.co.uk Socials: @charlottesinthepantiles

All in the mix

Operations Director Adam Peters-Ennis’s career CV is hugely impressive having worked in some of the capital’s best bars. He trained under the pioneering Dick Bradsell, who created some of the most famous modern-day cocktail classics including the Espresso Martini and the Bramble.

During his early career Adam also helped launch some of the capital’s best-known bars including Hakkasan, Isola, Nobu Berkeley St and The Connaught before working for many world-famous drinks brands.

“What we wanted to create with Charlotte’s was a place you’d usually

find in London – but on your doorstep,” he smiles. “And I think we have definitely created that.”

Vanessa, who is Adam’s wife, is Charlotte’s Front and Back of House Manager. She pivoted professionally from a successful career in interior design to helping run Charlotte’s in the Pantiles. Her eye for detail and passion for décor is echoed throughout the stunning bar courtesy of her former employer SGS Designs who were responsible for Charlotte’s luxurious interior. Think blush pink bistrostyle banquettes, brushed brass accents, glossy marbling and plenty of statement lighting.

FThink pink…

From crystalline Greek rosés to poised Provençal classics, our Drinks Editor

James Viner selects eight standout bottles for stylish spring and summer drinking…

rance is the planet’s largest rosé producer, exporter by value, and consumer by volume. Yet the category is no longer defined by pale Provençal rosés. Drinkers are increasingly embracing Spanish rosado alongside characterful bottles from Greece, Italy, the Languedoc, and beyond.

Driven partly by premiumisation, British consumers pay more on average for French rosé than for French red or white wines. Last year, UK sales rose 3% in volume to almost £900 million - we buy over two million bottles weekly. Here are eight refreshing wines worth chilling this season…

1.   2025 BOUTARI DIANTHOS XINOMAVRO ROSÉ, GREECE

£9 Clubcard price until 18 May, or £10.50 Tesco | 12.5%

This crisp Xinomavro rosé from highaltitude northern Greece delivers bright acidity with sapid flavours of rose petals, blood orange, cardamom and crushed summer fruits. Made for Greek salads, grilled fish and souvlaki.

2.   2025 TE PĀ SIGNATURE SERIES ROSÉ, MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

£10.25, Co-op | 12%

Co-op continues to strengthen its rosé range with polished bottles at keen prices, and this lip-smacking, attractively deeper-hued Kiwi blend stands out. Pinot Noir leads, supported unusually by 3% Riesling and 2% Merlot. Expect pink grapefruit, watermelon, spice, red cherries and lavender.

3.   2025 CORBIÈRES ROSÉ RACINE, CHÂTEAU OLLIEUX ROMANIS, LANGUEDOC, FRANCE

£11.95, The Wine Society | 12%

White peach and red berries lead this beautifully composed Corbières rosé made from lightly pigmented Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris and Cinsault. Biodynamically farmed, it’s delicious, vibrant, and tangy, with a subtle herbal edge. An exceptional bargain from an impeccable producer.

4.   BOUVET LADUBAY S AUMUR SPARKLING ROSÉ BRUT NV, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

£10.50, Majestic | 12.5%

Go on, open a smart, traditional-method

“Last year, UK sales rose 3% in volume to almost £900 million - we buy over two million bottles weekly” 2 3 4 5 6 1 7

sparkling rosé to toast warmer weather. Cabernet Franc and Grolleau bring red berries, spice and blackcurrant, lifted by fine bubbles and crisp Loire acidity. One for parties and picnics. Closer to home, Balfour Winery’s aptly named Irresistible Eight Acres Sparkling Rosé NV (£19.50, Coop) offers a celebratory English alternative.

5.   2024 ÉMINENCE DE BIJOU ROSÉ, COTEAUX DE BÉZIERS, FRANCE

£15.75 (£11.75 promo, 1-22 July), Waitrose | 12.5%

This spot-on, textured Midi rosé is built on Grenache and Cinsault, with Rolle adding aromatic lift and definition. A deft touch of oak lends a subtle vanilla-pod note, framing layers of apricot, raspberry and citrus peel. Even more compelling during the July promotion.

6.   2024 CHÂTEAU DES FERRAGES MON PLAISIR ROSÉ, CÔTES DE PROVENCE SAINTEVICTOIRE, FRANCE

£18.75–£19.99, Fareham Wine Cellar, The Wine Reserve, Latitude Wine | 12%

This pale Provençal rosé has a lively,

fleshy texture. Syrah and Grenache deliver white peach, watermelon and nectarine, lifted by rosewater and subtle wild herbs. Refined and nuanced, it balances elegance with quiet persistence and pairs brilliantly with grilled lamb, fish, or salade niçoise.

7.   2024 DOMAINE DES FLORETS CÔTES DU RHÔNE SENTINELLES ROSÉ, FRANCE

£18.95, Berry Bros. & Rudd | 13.5% Rosé now accounts for around 13% of the Rhône Valley production. This fullflavoured example combines mineral freshness with herbs, red berries and spice. Made predominantly from Grenache Noir with a little Mourvèdre, it moves effortlessly from sunset drinking to dinner. The long, persistent finish keeps drawing you back.

8.   2025 CHÂTEAU PEYRASSOL 'XIIIE' ORGANIC ROSÉ, CÔTES DE PROVENCE, FRANCE

£20 offer until 1 June (reduced from £22), Majestic | 13%

From a historic estate in the Massif des Maures founded in 1204 by the Knights Templar, this organic Provençal rosé is a lesson in sophistication. Grenache and Syrah bring red-berry purity, floral lift and a saline edge. Elegant and blissfully dry, it stands as a benchmark expression for stylish spring dining – hello sushi and gently spiced tagines.

FOLLOW JAMES @QUIXOTICWINES 8

A taste of what's on the menu at Essence this summer

This month Essence at the Pantiles has plenty to be excited about. Delicious new menus - which include the introduction of roasts every Sunday - alfresco dining experiences, festivals and supper clubs, there is much to enjoy says its Events and Marketing Manager Bibi Roy...

May brings the sunshine and at Essence that means new menus, alfresco dining, festivals, weddings and outdoor parties.

Sunday Roasts the 'Essence Way' have opened to a full dining room of happy guests, choosing their favourite signature starters and new roast creations by Chef Kuldeep, a unique must-try on The Pantiles that can't be missed!

The next in our regional supper clubs hosted by Atul Kochhar, takes our guests on a journey to Kerala with our interpretation of traditional dishes, fragrant with coconut, curry leaves and tamarind tang. Think Medu Vada with Ricotta, rice and lentil dumplings with tomato rasam, jelly sheets and tomato thambuli; and Coimbatore-Style Chicken Curry, pan-fried chicken supreme with coconut milk, green chilli and black pepper. We always finish on a divine sweet treat and this time its Payasam, Matta rice payasam pudding with coconut, lime, granita and curry leaf

sugar. A culinary trip through 'God's Own Country'.

Live at The Pantiles begins on 28 May through to 3rd September, when our guests will be able to book two courses for £40 and three courses for £44 every Thursday evening, whilst enjoying incredible music at this ever popular event.

The next in our regional supper clubs hosted by Atul Kochhar, takes our guests on a journey to Kerala

Feast Street Food Festival hits the cobbles on 23-25 May, a vibrant celebration of food, flavour and community, bringing together a diverse line-up of street food vendors. Essence of course never disappoints with our famous 'Festival Favourites' of Samosa Chaat, Gilafi Lamb Seekh Kebab and Chicken Biryani, along with Chapel Down fizz.

You said Deliveroo and we listened, so soon you'll be able to order your barbeque grill boxes a plenty. Wedding parties, garden parties, charity dinners and full take-overs are all on the cards. Did you see the Sea Cadets on The Bandstand before our Civic Dinner when four mayors were present? It's all go at Essence, we hope you can join us for the ride!

A window of opportunity

AFalling prices, landlord exits, and changing regulations are creating new opportunities for property investors in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks says Becky Moran of TN Lettings and TN Sales

cross Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, a quiet shift is taking place in the buy to let market. While some landlords are stepping away, a new wave of property investors is beginning to take notice. For those in a position to act, particularly through a limited company structure, the current conditions are starting to look increasingly attractive.

Over the past few years, many landlords benefited from historically low mortgage rates. But as those deals come to an end, the financial picture has changed. Higher interest rates are eating into margins, and for some, the numbers simply no longer stack up. Add to that the recent legislative changes introduced on May 1st, along with the growing complexity around regaining possession from a tenant, and it’s clear why confidence has dipped.

As a result, more landlords are choosing to sell.

What’s different this time is the pricing. Properties that might have attracted strong competition a year or two ago are now sitting on the market for longer. In many cases, sellers are adjusting expectations, leading to more realisticand sometimes notably reduced - asking prices. For a property investor looking to expand a portfolio, this creates a rare opportunity to secure assets below previous market highs.

It’s not just about price, though. There’s also a shift in who is buying.

Increasingly, investors are purchasing through limited companies, a structure that can offer greater tax efficiency depending on individual circumstances.

While it’s not the right approach for everyone, it has become a more common route as the tax landscape for individual landlords has tightened. For those taking a long-term view, this strategy can help offset some of the pressures that have pushed others out of the sector.

Of course, the challenges haven’t disappeared. The relationship between landlord and tenant remains under strain in many parts of the market. Changes to legislation and the widely reported delays

“Increasingly, investors are purchasing through limited companies – this can offer greater tax efficiency depending on individual circumstances

in the eviction process have made it more difficult to manage risk. Some landlords, particularly those who have recently had to evict a tenant, are deciding that the uncertainty is no longer worth it.

But this is exactly where opportunity often lies.

Markets rarely stand still, and periods of uncertainty tend to create entry points for those willing to think longer term. Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks continue to offer strong fundamentals: desirable locations, good schools, and consistent demand from

tenants who want to live and work in the area. While the pace of the market may have slowed, the underlying appeal hasn’t gone away.

For a property investor, that distinction matters.

Rather than chasing short-term gains, the focus now is on value and sustainability. Buying well - especially in a market where others are exiting - can provide a solid foundation for future growth. Rental demand, while more measured, remains steady, and wellpresented properties in the right locations continue to attract reliable tenants.

The key is to approach the opportunity with a clear strategy. Understanding local pricing, factoring in higher borrowing costs, and being realistic about rental yields are all essential. Those who do their homework and remain flexible are the ones most likely to benefit as the market stabilises.

After a period of rapid change, the buy to let market in these areas is recalibrating. Some landlords are choosing to leave, but for others, this moment represents a chance to enter or expand under more favourable conditions.

For the right buyer, it may be less of a slowdown - and more of an opening.

If you are an investor looking for more Buy To Let opportunities please do give us a call we have investment properties on our books with great tenants in place.

01892 249070 or email info@tnlettings.co.uk

What an agent sees at a viewing that a seller never does

ADeborah Richards of Maddisons Residential reveals her key observations of how houses are sold based on her extensive experience of visiting homes with prospective buyers. Her findings are fascinating…

fter many years of accompanying buyers around homes in and around Tunbridge Wells, I find viewings fascinating affairs. Not because of the houses themselves (although many are lovely) but because of the intriguing way a buyer behaves, all entirely out of sight of the current owner, when deciding if this if the next home for them.

The truth is, buyers start forming opinions before they even reach the front door. Parking, the approach, the feel of the street, all are silently clocked. By the time the door opens, they’re already asking themselves: Does this feel right? And feelings matter more than sellers often realise.

“Buyers aren’t judging you in your house. They’re quietly asking whether this house could be ‘home’ – helping them say ‘yes’ is successful selling

Once inside, buyers rarely do what sellers expect. They don’t stand admiring the new kitchen for five minutes. They don’t marvel at how well the furniture fits. Instead, they move quickly, instinctively. They open doors, peer into corners, look out of windows. They’re imagining their own routines: where coats would go, whether a sofa would actually fit, how dark the house feels at 3pm on a winter’s afternoon.

Smell is a big, and often underestimated, one. A home that smells clean and neutral immediately puts buyers at ease. Overly enthusiastic candles or air fresheners, however, can raise suspicion. Buyers may not say it, but they will wonder what’s being disguised. Equally, unpleasant odours such as pets or rubbish will turn a viewing sour in minutes. Fresh air, light and simplicity almost always win.

Noise is another factor sellers rarely experience themselves. A boiler firing up midviewing, traffic hum from a road you’ve tuned out years ago, or footsteps from the flat above, can all register sharply with someone seeing the property for the first time. These aren’t dealbreakers, but they contribute to an overall impression.

Then there’s clutter, or more accurately, distraction. Buyers don’t mind that a home is lived in; they expect it. What they struggle with is visual noise. Too many items competing for attention can make rooms feel smaller, layouts harder to understand, and ultimately prevent the buyer from imagining themselves living in the space.

One of the biggest surprises is how quickly a buyer decides if this house is a contender. Often, the verdict is reached halfway through the viewing, with the remaining time spent subconsciously looking for reassurance, or confirmation

that the decision was right. This is why first impressions matter so much, and why early momentum when a property launches is critical.

The good news is that most issues are easily addressed once you know they exist. A small change to layout, lighting or presentation can significantly shift how a home is perceived. And this is where experienced guidance really helps, because sellers are simply too close to their own homes to see them as buyers do.

So if there’s one takeaway, it’s this: buyers aren’t judging you or your life in the house. They’re quietly asking whether this house could be ‘home’. Helping them answer ‘yes’ is what successful selling is all about.

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

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 our inaugural one we visit The White House which is currently on sale with TN Sales…

The White House is a beautifully designed new detached home set within an exclusive development in Southborough by the award winning Beau Property. It offers an exceptional standard of modern living, combining elegant design with practical, family-oriented spaces across three perfectly planned floors.

Upon arrival, the property immediately impresses with its stylish architectural design and generously sized frontage, providing parking for multiple vehicles and EV charging.

“The property immediately impresses with its stylish architectural design and generously sized frontage

The ground floor is centred around a striking open-plan kitchen/living/dining space, thoughtfully designed to bring together cooking, dining, and relaxation in one cohesive environment.

The kitchen is fitted with contemporary cabinetry, Neff appliances, a large central island, and ample storage, all complemented by elegant herringbone flooring. The adjoining dining and living areas are equally generous, with wide patio doors opening onto a mature landscaped garden, creating an effortless connection between indoor and outdoor living. A separate lounge provides a more

intimate and cosy retreat, while a practical utility room and a convenient downstairs WC complete the floor with elegance.

On the first floor, three wellproportioned spacious bedrooms offer flexibility for family living. One benefits from a stylish en-suite shower room, while the remaining rooms are served by a spacious and beautifully finished family bathroom, featuring high-quality fittings and sleek tiling.

Further upstairs, the principal suite offers a superb sense of privacy and refinement, creating a spacious and

well-appointed retreat set apart from the main living areas. This impressive space provides ample room for a super kingsized bed and additional furnishings, alongside a dedicated dressing area, study, and a substantial en-suite bathroom complete with a freestanding bath.

The location of The White House is within catchment for all the local grammar schools but also some of the very best primary and Prep schools. 01892 249070 or email info@tnsales.co.uk

PROPERTY FEATURES:

• New build detached four bedroom family home

• Two ensuite bathroom, family bathroom & downstairs WC

• Contemporary open-plan kitchen/dining room with high-end finishes

• A dedicated living room and utility/boot room

• East facing landscaped garden

and terrace with mature planting

• Two parking spaces with EV Charging & additional 2 communal parking space

• Close to Tonbridge train station with direct links to London

• Energy Efficiency Rating: B

• 10 year build warranty

Heritage and your home

To launch our new TW Edit interiors section we talk to talented local designer Justine Hodgson-Barker of Barkerdesign. Here she tells us about her aesthetic ethos and how helping her clients is so much more than picking out paint colours…

Kent has long attracted people looking for a different pace of life who are drawn to its landscape, architecture and sense of permanence.

Increasingly, many of my clients are relocating from London, searching for a long-term family home with character, somewhere they can properly put down roots. From Decimus Burton villas and Georgian properties to 15th-century farmhouses, 16th-century manor houses and 1930s homes, each project is shaped by the client’s story while respecting the heritage and character of the building.

But while people often fall in love with period houses, living in them is a very different story from just admiring them. Behind the old bones, original detailing and centuries-old beams is usually a home that needs careful thought to work for modern family life. That’s where my work begins. As an interior designer based in Tunbridge Wells, much of my work centres around helping clients put their own stamp on historic homes across Kent and East Sussex while remaining sensitive to the integrity of the property itself.

The aim is never to impose a signature style. In fact, I often describe my role as more about interpretation. Clients usually arrive with instinct, ideas and a strong sense of how they want to live, but they need clarity. My role is to refine

“Many houses already have the bones so my role is helping them find their heart again

those ideas, balance them against the architecture and create spaces that feel as though they’ve always belonged there. I read this quote once and it stuck with me: “The most successful interiors rarely feel designed. They feel collected over time.” That balance between heritage and how we navigate family life today is something many homeowners struggle with initially. There can be a temptation either to preserve everything too rigidly or, at the other extreme, strip all the

character away in pursuit of a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. I believe the most interesting homes sit somewhere in the middle.

Original architectural details should absolutely be respected, whether that’s restoring panelling and cornicing in a Georgian villa or retaining the irregularity and texture that give old farmhouses their charm. But these homes also need to function beautifully for modern life. Often that means reconsidering layouts entirely, improving natural light, integrating bespoke joinery and introducing materials that soften the transition between old and new. I’m particularly interested in creating homes that feel layered and personal rather than overly polished or trend-led.

One client renovating a 16th-century farmhouse described the process as ‘transforming our C16th property into a fresh, contemporary and cosy home, expertly marrying the old with the new.’ Meanwhile, clients renovating a Georgian Villa spoke of ‘creating an elegant and cohesive look for our very tired Georgian home.’

For me, good design is not about creating a house that photographs well for six months. It’s about creating a home with longevity – as well as style.

That’s why I tend to favour natural materials, vintage pieces, craftsmanship and interiors with depth and contrast. Kent provides an incredible backdrop for this kind of work because the county has such architectural diversity. Each building tells a story long before I arrive. Many houses already have the bones so my role is helping them find their heart again. And perhaps that is why these projects resonate so strongly with people moving here. They are not simply buying houses, they are creating homes and building a new chapter of life around them… Website: www.barker-design.com Instagram: @barker_design

Creating extraordinary travel moments

Travel has the power to change perspective, to gently shift how you see the world and your place within it. Audley Travel understands this instinctively. For 30 years they have been crafting journeys that go beyond the ordinary, shaping thoughtful experiences designed entirely around the individual traveller. Working in partnership with Ashdown Travel, Audley’s bespoke approach allows holidays to unfold with purpose, imagination and genuine connection, guided by curiosity rather than convention.

“With the trusted, personal service of Ashdown Travel and the global expertise of Audley, each journey is carefully prepared, expertly supported and beautifully tailored

Covering more than 90 destinations worldwide, Audley’s country specialists work with Ashdown Travel to bring an intimacy to travel planning that can only come from having lived, worked or travelled extensively in the regions they represent. Their expertise is rooted in first hand experience and a genuine affection for the places they know so well. Planning begins with a conversation, focusing not just on where you want to go, but why you want to go there. From that understanding, journeys evolve naturally, whether that means soaking in the quiet atmosphere of a Kyoto temple, watching the Northern Lights ripple across an Arctic

sky, or travelling through a landscape at a pace that allows its details to reveal themselves slowly.

This thoughtful approach carries through every experience Audley and Ashdown Travel curate. Rather than highlights lists, their journeys are shaped around moments that feel personal and absorbing. You might find yourself joining a private safari guide in Botswana, waking early at a family run estancia in Patagonia, or exploring the temples of Angkor with an expert who brings centuries of history into focus. These experiences are chosen not for spectacle alone, but for their ability to deepen understanding and create a lasting sense of place, often guided by people whose lives and livelihoods are closely tied to the destinations you are discovering.

Where you stay is treated with the same consideration. Audley and Ashdown Travel believe accommodation should enrich the journey rather than simply support it. From remote eco lodges and characterful, family run properties to some of the world’s most refined and unashamedly luxurious hotels, every stay is carefully selected and personally tested, chosen for its sense of character, setting and hospitality.

Local guides play a vital role in bringing these journeys to life. Hand picked for their knowledge and passion, they include historians, artists, conservation experts and local specialists who have grown up in the regions they guide through. Their insight adds texture and context, weaving culture, history and landscape into something vivid and memorable that goes far beyond surface level facts.

Responsible travel sits naturally at the heart of Audley’s philosophy. As a Certified B Corporation™, Audley Travel is committed to making travel a positive force, working closely with Ashdown Travel to ensure each journey reflects the traveller’s values. From choosing slower ways to move through a destination to supporting local communities and conservation initiatives, sustainability is woven thoughtfully into every trip. With the trusted, personal service of Ashdown Travel and the global expertise of Audley, each journey is carefully prepared, expertly supported and beautifully tailored. It is travel that feels considered, enriching and deeply rewarding, designed not just to show you the world, but to remain with you long after you return home.

www.ashdowntravel.co.uk

Rooted in design excellence

Led by founder Karen McClure, KMGD has grown into a thriving all-female garden design studio with an enviable reputation for creating elegant, functional outdoor spaces shaped by creativity and collaboration. The TW Edit discovers more about this pioneering business, where many team members have embraced a second career renaissance by swapping office-based roles for life in the great outdoors…

Team KMGD is an award-winning, all-female garden design studio thriving in a traditionally maledominated industry.

United by a shared goal, they create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces with both passion and professionalism. Whilst the studio is based in Tunbridge Wells, their work covers central London and around the South East. Their project locations range from Knightsbridge, Oxford and the New Forest to the sunshine of Crete.

At the heart of the business is founder Karen McClure, whose journey into garden design began long before she formally realised it.

As a child, she saw her parents creating their own garden; her father sketching ideas on the back of cigarette packetssmall, seemingly ordinary moments that quietly shaped her creative path.

Years later, while working at Goldman Sachs, those early influences resurfaced, fuelled by a growing scrapbook (before Pinterest was a thing) of inspiration and an obsession for plants.

A pivotal turning point came when Karen lost her father suddenly, just weeks before the birth of her twins. The juxtaposition of loss and new life brought everything into sharp focus, serving as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility.

Inspired by her father’s mantra of ‘Live for Today’ she made the bold decision to leave the corporate world behind and fully commit to her passion. With determination, resilience, and a

willingness to learn, what began as a hobby gradually evolved into a thriving businesshumbly built from her kitchen table.

The company has grown organically, shaped by experience, curiosity, and a strong growth mindset. Without a formal business background, Karen developed her skills by studying horticulture, whilst also being in full time employment and then practically whilst on the job and seeking support in the local business community.

Tunbridge Wells Mums in Business became a valuable source of inspiration, encouragement, and connection with other like-minded women during those early stages of growth. And as demand increased, it became clear that this growth required support.

“United by a shared goal, KMGD creates beautiful, functional outdoor spaces

A key step forward came through Organised You, a virtual PA company. Embracing the philosophy, “You can do anything, but not everything,” Karen began delegating strategically. What started as a few hours of part-time support 10 years ago, has since grown into a close-knit team of five, each bringing diverse skills and a shared passion for creating exceptional outdoor spaces. The team’s collective strength lies in their varied backgrounds and aligned mindset.

Following a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis, Shelley Landale-Down made the courageous decision to leave a successful fashion career working with high-profile clients. She chose instead to pursue a more meaningful, outdoor-

focused path. Annie Briggs transitioned seamlessly from a creative career in filmset design, discovering a deep enthusiasm and expertise for plant design and horticulture along the way.

Fiona Rowles brings technical knowledge from her experience with London Stone alongside a highly organised approach that ensures smooth delivery of a project from initial concept through to on-site implementation. Meanwhile, Fiona Northover brings valuable expertise from the investment banking sector, contributing strong operational, financial, and client-focused insight. Her new found love of plants even inspired her to take her RHS qualification.

Karen’s belief in the power of teamwork underpins the studio’s culture. Together, their diverse experiences create a collaborative environment defined by creativity, empathy, and a shared zest for life.

Today, KMGD delivers projects ranging from London rooftops to expansive rural estates. Their work combines creative vision with meticulous organisation, guiding clients through every stage of the process with clarity and professionalism.

Central to their approach is a belief

We aim to deliver our clients a unique design journey experience “

in trust - trust in the process, in the collaboration, and in the power of welldesigned outdoor spaces to enhance everyday life. They are passionate about bringing a human story to each garden they create, designing spaces that feel personal, meaningful, and enduring.

Rooted in the Tunbridge Wells community, KMGD is proud to be part of a vibrant local network that celebrates collaboration, female-led enterprise, and resilience. Looking ahead, the team continues to evolve its inclusive offering to better serve clients. They are currently developing a garden styling and accessories concierge service, alongside a planting-only option for those seeking to refresh and revitalise existing spaces. Their ongoing commitment to excellence, combined with a continual awareness of industry trends, ensures a seamless balance of professionalism and creativitydelivering clients a unique design journey experience.

www.karenmcclure.co.uk info@karenmcclure.co.uk 01892 263863

CAbstract thinking

This month Tim Sykes of Gardenproud reveals how a stunning sculpture took centre stage of a recent garden redesign project…

an you find a way of incorporating Martha into our new garden?” asked a client when discussing the design for her new outdoor space.

And it made me think that sometimes, a single question is all it takes to spark a truly unique design.

In this case, Martha isn’t just any sculpture. She is an abstract figurative piece by the renowned local sculptor Everard Meynell. She is a striking artwork capturing the soft, curvaceous form of the female figure. And although she had weathered over time when we came to meet her on a recce for Gardenproud client, Julie Monks, her presence and character made her the natural focal point for the garden.

From the outset, we knew Martha would anchor the overall design but what became clear as the process evolved was just how much she would end up influencing the entire concept.

Our challenge was to transform a typical new-build garden- often defined by rigid lines and limited personalityinto a space full of movement, interest, and atmosphere. We wanted to soften the boxy layout while creating areas for entertaining, planting, and quiet retreat.

The solution lay in introducing a rhythm of curves and angles. These sculpted spaces formed a series of patios, intimate corners, and planting pockets, all working together to create a more organic and immersive environment. At the heart of it all, Martha found her place - both physically and visually.

By day, the planting subtly guides the eye towards the sculpture. By night, carefully positioned ambient lighting draws focus

“Martha’s presence and character made her the natural focal point for this garden

and adds drama, transforming the garden into a theatrical setting.

To achieve the flowing forms, we used Corten steel edging to shape raised beds at varying heights. This not only softened the geometry of the plot but also introduced depth and new layers of interest. The material palette was carried through to a bespoke plinth and backdrop, presenting Martha with clarity and strength.

A black-stained fence provides a bold, unifying backdrop, allowing the lighter elements- particularly the larch obelisks - to stand out. These structures wrap the borders, adding height, structure, and a sense of enclosure, while also enhancing privacy.

Planting was designed in complementary zones, each responding to the sculpture, the trees, and the lifestyle of the space. A beautifully gnarled olive tree sits within a Mediterranean-inspired palette of soft pinks, purples, whites, and lilacs. Airy grasses, salvias, and alliums gently surround and soften the sculpture. Elsewhere, richer tones take over: vivid red geums and persicaria, deep burgundy heuchera, and warm orange wallflowers echo and intensify the striking bark of the Tibetan cherry tree.

The choice of contemporary painted furniture from Fermob introduces a playful, modern contrast: bringing colour, comfort, and an extra layer of personality to the garden.

The result is a cohesive and characterful space and a compelling example of how even a small, boxy garden can be transformed into something distinctive, immersive, and full of life.

For further inspiration in your garden, contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820 or visit www.gardenproud.co.uk

25 years of V12 power and precision

Twenty five years ago Aston Martin unveiled the V12 Vanquish – an all-new nameplate for an allnew model that was, at the time, nothing less than the most sophisticated and technologically advanced sports car yet designed, developed and built by the brand.

Today, and now in its third distinct generation, Vanquish remains the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s fabled front-engined sports car range. Showcasing exceptional in-house engineering ability, when it debuted in 2024 this third generation Super GT, with 835PS and 1000Nm of torque on tap, was the most potent flagship in the marque’s illustrious history.

Three generations of Vanquish have dominated the Super GT sector thanks to an unrivalled mix of performance, style and luxury.

Today’s Vanquish, with 835PS and 1000Nm of torque, is nothing less than the most powerful flagship production model yet produced by the marque.

Since its arrival 25 years ago, the Vanquish has been synonymous with something special; something ambitious, different and daring “

Commenting on this momentous anniversary Aston Martin CEO, Adrian Hallmark, said: “Since its arrival 25 years ago, the Vanquish nameplate has been synonymous with something special; something ambitious, different and daring.” He added: “Over those years Vanquish has grown into a true Aston Martin icon and, in 2026, it remains nothing less than a symbol of what this exceptional British marque is capable of creating. Like the fortunate owners who have chosen to add one, or more, of the three generations of Vanquish to their collections since 2001 I am immensely proud of what this model represents.”  www.marshall.co.uk/aston-martin

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-June in and around Tunbridge Wells...

RIPE PICKINGS

Lower Ladysden Farm, in Goudhurst, welcomes the return of its popular Pick Your Own strawberry season from Saturday 16th May, with tunnels full of ripening fruit promising a bumper start in the heart of the Weald. Make sure you book your PYO slot in advance. www.lowerladysden.co.uk

NOTEWORTHY CONCERTS

Live music returns to Chiddingstone Castle this summer, with open-air concerts at The Orangery: Imagine The Beatles on 17th May, BJÖRN This Way on 14th June bringing the energy of ABBA, and a Stevie Wonder Celebration on 16th August - each promising a fantastic afternoon of live music in a picturesque Kent setting. www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk

GET CRAFTY

Family Crafternoon returns this May half term with two relaxed, hands-on sessions on 23rd and 30th May, inviting all ages to get creative together with the guidance of the Arty Farty Retreat team. With three different craft activities to enjoy - ranging from painting and drawing to making - these welcoming workshops are all about spending quality time as a family, with a supportive pay-it-forward scheme ensuring everyone has the chance to take part.

www.artyfartyretreat.co.uk

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

Feast Street Food Festival brings a Bank Holiday weekend of flavour to The Pantiles from 23rd - 25th May, transforming this historic promenade into a vibrant hub of global street food, artisan treats and live entertainment. With free entry, visitors can explore an eclectic mix of independent traders, enjoy live cooking demos from talented chefs and soak up the lively atmosphere - making it the perfect setting to gather with friends, spend time with family and discover exciting new flavours in the heart of Tunbridge Wells.

ANIMAL MAGIC

Two much-loved children’s stories come to life on stage at Trinity Theatre this season, offering plenty of fun for younger audiences. The Detective Dog (26th - 27th May), based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie, follows Nell the crime-solving canine in a joyful, inclusive production featuring puppetry, music and British Sign Language. Then, The Cat in the Hat (12th - 13th June) brings The Cat in the Hat to life in a lively, interactive show packed with mischief, laughter and even a chance to meet the Cat after the performance. Both productions are ideal for ages 3+ and make a perfect introduction to theatre for little ones.

www.trinitytheatre.net

PICNIC PERFECTION

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of music and dining at a Picnic and Live Music event on Saturday 30th May from 3 - 7pm at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells. Set in beautiful gardens, the event features vibrant live performances from Latin-inspired band Tempo, blending feel-good hits from the 60s to today with a lively twist. Guests can unwind with a picnic hamper included in the ticket, making it the perfect way to gather friends or family for an easy-going outdoor experience - just bring a blanket, settle in and soak up the atmosphere.

www.spahotel.co.uk

ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL

Discover the wonders of nature this May half-term (23rd to 31st May) with the Dragonfly Trail at Scotney Castle, a fun selfled adventure exploring the fascinating world of dragonflies. Little explorers can enjoy an activity-filled trail around the gardens, complete with a booklet and a small prize at the end - perfect for an engaging family day out. No pre-booking is needed for the trail itself, but car parking must be reserved in advance due to limited capacity. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/scotney-castle

CHILD’S PLAY

Little ones are in for a treat as Flyaway Katie comes to the Two Sisters’ Theatre at Hever Castle on Sunday 31st May at 2.30pm. Presented by Long Nose Puppets and based on the book by Polly Dunbar, this enchanting production follows Katie on a colourful journey of imagination, brought to life through playful puppetry and music by Tom Gray of Gomez. Aimed at ages 2-7, the 35-minute show is followed by a chance to meet the puppets, making it a magical and memorable day out for families.

www.hevercastle.co.uk

BAG A BARGAIN

The Country House Car Boot returns to Eridge Park on Sunday 7th June and Sunday 30th August, offering a wonderful chance to buy and sell in the stunning setting of one of England’s oldest deer parks. Whether you’re clearing out vintage treasures, antiques and pre-loved finds from your car boot or browsing for unique bargains, it’s a relaxed and rewarding day out with no need to pre-book - just pay cash on the gate.  www.eridgepark.co.uk

LET’S GO OUTSIDE…

Sound Bites Festival lands at Dunorlan Park from 12th14th June, bringing a high-energy mix of street food, pop-up kitchens and live music to the heart of Tunbridge Wells. Expect everything from open-fire feasts and chef takeovers to craft drinks and feel-good beats, as local producers and musicians come together for a vibrant summer celebration of flavour, creativity and great company.

www.sound-bites.co.uk

Looking after a landmark in the town

An interview with Jess Knott, Operations Director at Trinity Theatre

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Trinity?

As Operations Director I have the honour of looking after the building and the people. Every day is different. One day I could be hanging giant dragon puppets in the foyer and another I’ll be on the roof surveying masonry. I’ve worked hard to make all areas of our building welcoming for customers and our team. On the people side I’m lucky to support a fantastic team of staff and volunteers who really are the heart of Trinity.

Jess Knott

Who restores and maintains the Trinity Grade II* heritage building?

Trinity was born in 1982 after a campaign by local volunteers to save the building from being knocked down. They transformed the church to host a 279-seat auditorium, gallery and café for the community. In 2024 we opened our Clocktower to visitors who between May – September can climb the 188 steps to the roof and spectacular view of the town. Trinity is an iconic building, designed by the prolific Architect Decimus Burton. It is a critical landmark in the Tunbridge Wells landscape and we hope to be here for the community for many years.

What part of the building are you most proud of?

I can’t choose! But I am proud to look after such an important part of Tunbridge Wells history. It is a stunning building, formed around our iconic gothic arch which invites people to ‘Come on In’ - I love that this is represented in our brand identity. The Auditorium brings me the most joy, I love seeing people's reaction to it; it is such a special place to see a comedian, or film and every seat has a great view. Last year we installed high-tech infrared heating HALOs. They are stunning pieces of infrastructure that have elevated the space and keep audiences warm.

What are the changes to the building that are in the pipeline?

Accessibility and inclusivity are my current priorities. I am working on a project to install an automatic door and allow true independent access for all. This will have the advantage of reducing heat loss as part of our sustainability initiatives. We are also working with our hugely supportive architect Kaner Olette on a schedule of restoration works on our stonework, roof and historically important stained-glass East Window.

How can businesses help to ensure Trinity continues to be maintained for the long term benefit of the community?

As with any building the best thing you can do to support it, is to use it! Come to a show, have a coffee in our café, donate if you can. Not only will the direct income allow us to continue but demonstrating we are an asset to the community helps us with funding grants which are going to be critical to maintain this building over the next decade.

To find out more about how you can support Trinity go to www.trinitytheatre.net

Pitch perfect

This month our friends at Taylor-Made Dreams reveal how a recent football fundraiser had such a powerful impact on some of its TMD Warriors and their supporters. We also discover how events like this can boost the charity’s finances so they can help other children with life-limiting illnesses

Every fundraiser setup to support Taylor-Made Dreams makes an incredible difference, supporting us to continue providing services for every future family.

This year Reid Card, brother of TMD Warrior Ollie, alongside his friends Ronnie and Alexis, held a content creator football match in memory of his brother Ollie.

Venturing over to Billericay Town FC, the boys were greeted by 1,300 supporters. Ronnie and Alexis took the win with an 11-8 action packed game, but the surprises didn’t end there, the day raised an incredible ... £15,000!

The stadium was packed and it was a fantastic match – and the money raised will now be used to support future families.

“Days like this make the world of difference for the families we support, creating positive memories at an incredibly difficult time

Seeing the impact of these kinds of fundraising events through the siblings and family members of our TMD Warriors brings the impact much closer to home. And it was certainly the driving force for Reid to go above and beyond, fundraising for Taylor-Made Dreams.

Thanks to community fundraising events like Pitch for Purpose, and with some

amazing support from longtime supporter and TMD Ambassador Jordan Marsh of Proplant Ltd, we were able to create a football dream day for TMD Warrior Freddie.

Jordan helped to start off the dream day early, donating a framed and signed West Ham picture to Freddie, so that he can display his team proudly at home. Match day started strong, with the family gifted a table for six in the hospitality suite at the stadium to relax in comfort after travelling.

The day went from strength to strength, with Freddie meeting the team as they arrived on the coach, where he was especially excited to meet his favourite player, Jarrod Bowen. After having the whole team sign his shirt, he was invited

pitch side to watch the warmup, followed by premium seats to watch the game.

The staff and team at West Ham were incredible, showing amazing care and respect for Freddie and his family all day.

To top it all off, West Ham even won!

“Freddie was beaming from ear to ear. The first thing he said when he got up the next morning was that he was still buzzing,” Jordanne, Freddie’s sister, told us.

Days like this make the world of difference for the families we support, creating positive memories at an incredibly difficult time, helping to give respite from the day to day of living with a life-limiting illness.

You can help us to continue making these days a reality for families, through your business.

Find out more at: taylormadedreams.org.uk/corporategiving or by emailing us to get involved at: hello@taylormadedreams.org.uk