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TUNBRIDGE WELLS

BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2026

MAGAZINE

Legal duty Kate Rayner and Stuart Clark from Thomas Mansfield Solicitors on putting people first, navigating international family law and embracing the AI revolution

TW EDIT 2026 September

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POWERING UP FOR BUSINESS

SEASONAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

LOCATION, LOCATION, RECRUITMENT

Local companies reveal why they’re keen on supporting events

Don’t miss our seasonal preview of the must-see things to do

Our experts reveal why where you hire still matters

In this month’s TW Edit...

dining ● property ● interiors ● gardening ● health & wellbeing ● design ● travel ● events ● food & drink

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Welcome

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

BUSINESS SEPTEMBER 2026

MAGAZINE

Legal duty Kate Rayner and Stuart Clark from Thomas Mansfield Solicitors on putting people first, navigating international family law and embracing the AI revolution

T W E D IT September

2026

the

dining ● travel

●

● lifestyle property

tells of Squerryes new Henry Warde the wine estate's Patience us all about premium offering

A LENS

and local with Celebrity photographer Read on working resident Steve the A list

TREASURES EARTHLY Gardenproud on

Tim Sykes of and with purpose gardening sustainably

SEASONAL DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

LOCATION, LOCATION, RECRUITMENT

Don’t miss our seasonal preview of the must-see things to do

Our experts reveal why where you hire still matters

In this month’s TW Edit...

Patience is a virtue

LIFE THROUGH

POWERING UP FOR BUSINESS Local companies reveal why they’re keen on supporting events

FESTIVE FEASTING

Wells’ some of Tunbridge We showcase seasonal menus most delicious

dining ● property ● interiors ● gardening ● health & wellbeing ● design ● travel ● events ● food & drink

raphy.co.uk

Image by johnknightphotog

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy

DESIGN MANAGER Jason Stubbs

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Robin Singer

PHOTOGRAPHY John Knight

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER George Percy

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Nick Moore

ere we are, presenting you with our September edition – and, as ever, we have packed every page with the people, businesses and organisations that help to shape our local community, alongside the latest views and expert advice to keep you informed about the news that matters. Our cover feature this month is with the Family and International Family Law departments at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors. We met Kate Rayner, who heads up the division, along with two of its relatively new recruits: Stuart Clark, who is in charge of International Family Law, and Nazia Rashid, who is also an experienced lawyer in this field, with a special interest in women’s rights and Islamic divorce. They share their expertise on some of the increasingly complex issues facing families today, offering valuable insight into an area of law where trusted, specialist advice can make all the difference. This month, we also had the pleasure of talking to Thomas Mansfield’s co-founder, Neill Thomas, about the role AI is playing in the future of the firm – and you will be pleased to hear that it is all very positive! We’re also celebrating the creative talent on our doorstep with a fascinating feature on Big Orange, the Tunbridge Wells-based creative agency behind MVT: Origins. The new documentary series, made in partnership with Music Venue Trust, shines a light on Britain’s grassroots music venues and the very real challenges they face. With The Forum playing such an important role in our own town’s music scene, it’s a story

that feels particularly close to home. And there’s plenty more to discover throughout this edition. We bring you the latest local news, including Royal Victoria Place getting the goahead for its cinema and additional developments, as well as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Leader Ben Chapleard’s reaction to the Government pressing pause on the creation of new town councils. As always, we have our trusted expert columnists sharing their practical advice and informed perspectives across a range of subjects. Their knowledge and experience are one of the things that make the magazine such a valuable resource, whether you’re looking for guidance, inspiration or simply a diﬀerent perspective. Enjoy the issue!

Eileen Leahy Editor, Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine

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

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 © 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.

SEPT 2026

Sally-Anne Low Photography

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Contents Latest News: All the latest local news from Tunbridge Wells

County News: A look at what’s happening across the county

Legal News: The latest news from our local legal landscape

20 24 24

Digital Revolution: Check out our fantastic new interactive website

Planning Ahead: Gemma Farina of GFHR on getting properly prepared for 2027

Creative Endeavours: Discover how Big Orange is helping to save the local music scene

Council Confidential: We get the lowdown on what’s happening in our borough

Bringing Joy to the Wells: RTW’s CEO Alex Green on the town’s plans for Christmas

10 18

Hitting the High Notes: Businesses reveal why they support Local & Live

Law and Order: Meet the pioneering family law team at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors

experts

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

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

Alex Green

Mickey Powell

Director, Synergee

CEO, RTW Together

Assembly Hall Theatre

Lydia Button

Shaun Joubert

Sarah Raine

Stuart Clark

Hetty Maher

Kate Rayner

Gavin Marsh

Neil Simmons

Sophie Forrest-Lavery

Clare Meakins

Claudia Yorath

Nick Gabay

Andrew Metcalf

Caroline Weiss-Jones

Solicitor, Thackray Williams

Partner, Thomas Mansfield

Gemma Farina

Managing Director, GFHR Consulting

Founder The Forrest Group

Partner, Thackray Williams

Melissa Gire

Associate Solicitor Cooper Burnett

Senior Partner, NFU Mutual

Partner, Cripps

Co-Founder The Diamond Setter

Branch Manager, Ashdown Travel

Managing Director, Maxim PR

Christian Mills Founder, DCA International

Director, Colley Raine & Associates

Head of Family Law, Thomas Mansfield

ManagingDirector, TN Recruits

Brightstar Law

Director, BDHL

NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Royal Victoria Place redevelopment moves forward T

unbridge Wells Borough Council has announced that proposals to transform Ely Court as part of the proposed Royal Victoria Place development are advancing to the next stage, following confirmation that the former Friendly Societies Hall and groundfloor shops at 3-7 Camden Road will not be listed. The project will create a welcoming, vibrant and attractive destination that brings more people into the town centre during the day and evening, helping support nearby businesses and strengthen Tunbridge Wells’ economy.

“We welcome the clarity provided by the listing decision, which means the Ely Court and Royal Victoria Place proposals can now progress through the planning process.” The proposals also respond to feedback gathered from residents, including a borough-wide digital survey of 2,860 people, which identified strong support for a towncentre cinema. The decision by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) follows the recommendation from Historic England that 3-7 Camden Road should not be added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest and that a Certificate of Immunity from Listing (COIL) should be issued for the building. The proposals form part of the wider transformation of Royal Victoria Place, alongside improvements to Palm Court that

will modernise the shopping centre and create additional retail, food, beverage and leisure space. They build on many recent successes at the shopping centre, including new shops and businesses, the car park refurbishment with rooftop solar panels, increased footfall, more events and greater support for community organisations. Commenting on the development, Cllr Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Chair of the cross-party Investment Advisory Panel at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said: “We welcome the clarity provided by the listing decision, which means the Ely Court and Royal Victoria Place proposals can now progress through the planning process. “Throughout this process there has been strong interest from residents, businesses, community groups and local organisations, reflecting just how important the future of our town centre is to local people.” She added: “While the former Friendly Societies Hall

will not be listed, our proposals retain and enhance its distinctive frontage so that an important part of Camden Road’s historic character continues to be reflected within the wider redevelopment. “The Ely Court plans, together with the improvements already progressing at Palm Court, will help create new opportunities for leisure, dining and entertainment, supporting businesses and encouraging more people to spend time in the town centre both during the day and into the evening. “We look forward to sharing further details on the next steps later this year.” Alex Green, Chief Executive of Royal Tunbridge Wells Together BID, said: “We are excited by the benefits the proposed development within the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre will bring to our members and are pleased this project is progressing. 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 Business Show sells out T

he Tunbridge Wells Business Show has sold out all of its exhibition stand spaces ahead of this year’s event, with organisers saying the response highlights continued demand for face-to-face business networking. The annual event will take place at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, on Thursday 5 November, from 10am to 3pm, and Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine will be the event’s media partner. While businesses can no longer book exhibition stands, visitor registration remains open and entry to the show is free. Organisers say this year’s event will bring together businesses from Tunbridge

Wells, Kent, Sussex and across the wider South East, with exhibitors representing a range of sectors. Visitors will be able to meet local and regional businesses, discover new suppliers and make contacts, alongside a programme of networking opportunities, expert speakers and business talks. The show’s headline sponsors for 2026 are Azets UK and Culverwells Robertsbridge. A networking breakfast hosted by West Kent Chamber of Commerce will also take place from 8am to 9.30am, giving exhibitors and visitors the chance to make connections before the main exhibition opens. Nick Bryant of Brilliant Businesses,

which organises the event, said the sellout demonstrated the value businesses continue to place on meeting potential customers and partners in person. “We’re delighted to announce that every stand space for the 2026 Tunbridge Wells Business Show has now been booked. “We now have a brilliant mix of businesses joining us, and our focus is on welcoming as many visitors as possible to the Assembly Hall on 5th November.” The sell-out follows the Business Show’s development into a major fixture in the regional business calendar, with the event providing a platform for companies to showcase their services and connect with other businesses.

NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Your Trusted Solicitors in Tunbridge Wells

Kate Rayner Head of Family Law

Emma Howlett Head of Wills & Probate

Allex Kiernan Head of Employment Law

Riah Sattar Head of Dispute Resolution

Contact us today for a consultation 01892 337540 info@thomasmansﬁeld.co.uk 65 The High Street, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1XX thomasmansﬁeld.co.uk Specialist Solicitors - Tailored Services

NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Tunbridge Wells MP criticises KCC over £500k waste contract failure M

ike Martin MP has hit out at the Reform UK leadership of Kent County Council (KCC) following revelations that the authority is losing out on an estimated £500,000 annually by giving away high-value aluminium recycling revenues to a private waste firm. Speaking in a House of Commons debate on local authority aluminium recycling, the MP for Tunbridge Wells raised concerns over KCC’s failure to renegotiate its contract with waste management operator Veolia. Freedom of Information data shows that while district and borough councils in Kent collect aluminium cans from residents and hand them to KCC, Veolia sells the metal to the highest bidder and retains 100 per cent of the revenue. The processed aluminium is then exported as far as Thailand and the USA, leaving local taxpayers with no return on the valuable commodity. Using DEFRA models, it is estimated that Kent collects approximately 500 tonnes of aluminium cans per year, representing more than £500,000 in lost annual income that could be reinvested in local services.

MIKE MARTIN By contrast, other local authorities retain significant recycling revenues. Cambridgeshire County Council secures £1.6 million annually, while West Sussex County Council retains £1 million per year. Despite Reform UK taking control of the council 18 months ago on a platform to cut waste and renegotiate wasteful contracts, promoted as a flagship local government “DOGE” initiative, no action has been taken to rectify the agreement. The Minister responding to the debate, Emma Hardy MP, agreed with Mike Martin MP about the council’s failure to recognise the value of local assets, noting that central government cannot fix local incompetence. Legal precedents demonstrate that

councils can challenge unfavourable terms. Buckinghamshire Council successfully took its waste provider to the High Court in 2024 to recover underpaid revenues, while South Ribble Borough Council terminated its contract following a change in political leadership, saving £178,000 in its first year. Mike Martin MP, Member of Parliament for Tunbridge Wells, said: “As a Kent MP, I am consistently amazed at how rubbish the Reform leadership of Kent County Council is. When Reform came in, Kent was supposed to be the flagship for their ‘DOGE’ efficiency campaign, yet they are sitting by while over half a million pounds of taxpayers’ money is handed straight to a private company. “Aluminium is the most valuable material in our domestic recycling system. Residents in Tunbridge Wells do the right thing by recycling, only for the county council to give that value away for nothing while neighbouring authorities bring in millions. “Kent’s leadership promised to renegotiate deals that fail residents, but they have done absolutely nothing. I agree with the Minister that this is incompetence, plain and simple.”

NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Paramount Place to open new restaurant and wellbeing centre

he team behind Paramount Place, Tunbridge Wells’ newest integrated retirement community, has announced the imminent arrival of Yarrow restaurant and Aluna wellbeing club, both of which will be open to residents and the wider local community. With its desirable location opening onto the new courtyard at the heart of Paramount Place, Yarrow will bring a warm, welcoming and sociable dining experience to the area, designed to bring together residents and the wider local community of all ages.

More than simply a place to eat, Yarrow has been thoughtfully conceived as a new social space for everyone to enjoy. Rooted in the spirit of modern British dining, Yarrow will offer a seasonal, carefully curated menu that celebrates quality ingredients and thoughtful flavours, offering everything from café service and brunch to Sunday lunch and tasting menus. The announcement of Yarrow coincides with the arrival of Aluna, the new home of wellbeing in Tunbridge Wells town centre, which will open as part of Paramount Place. Aluna will offer a full wellbeing suite, including a hydrotherapy pool and treatment rooms, a fitness studio for classes, and a separate space featuring specialised EGYM equipment that automatically adjusts to each user’s body measurements and strength levels. Membership to Aluna will be intentionally limited to members of the community to keep the atmosphere unhurried and personal. A Retirement Villages Group spokesperson said: “These are key examples of our commitment to helping residents age well and designing in shared facilities for both residents and the public to enjoy. Yarrow and Aluna will help ensure the community becomes a hub of activity, prioritising community connections and offering people opportunities to stay active, social, engaged and connected to the wider community.”

TWBC Leader ‘frustrated’ by pause on local government Cllr Ben Chapelard has released an official response to the news that the Government has put plans for Local Government Reorganisation on hold. Commenting on the decision on September 10, he said: “The Government’s decision to pause and review Local Government Reorganisation plans in Kent is very frustrating. “Together with our West Kent partner councils, we have put in significant time, energy and money to shape a new super council for our area. Our goal remains the same: to create a stronger council that can make a bigger impact on our residents’ lives.” He added: “The pause – and the lack of a timetable – from the Government is disappointing. However, I am optimistic that if the review is quick and the Government allows us to get on with it, I think with the additional time we can make an even better start.” FOR MORE ON THIS STORY TURN TO PAGE 30

Cohabiting couples and proposed landmark reform By Melissa Gire, Associate Solicitor, Family & Matrimonial, CooperBurnett LLP Nearly a quarter of couples choose to live together without getting married. However, a persistent myth endures - the idea that if you live with your partner for a long time, you automatically become ‘common law’ husband and wife. Common law marriage has, in fact, no legal standing and cohabiting couples do not automatically gain the rights and protections afforded to married couples or civil partners. Property owned by one partner remains theirs, unless rights are formally established; while cohabiting couples also do not have the same inheritance rights. The lack of statutory protection often leaves cohabitants vulnerable and reliant on complex trusts and property laws to assert their interests. Recognising the challenges faced by cohabiting couples, the UK Government on 5 June 2026 launched a consultation on the legal protections for unmarried cohabiting couples. The consultation seeks views on whether reforms are needed to strengthen rights for cohabitants and address the gap. Further protections may include: • Automatic inheritance: Currently, if your partner passes away and there is not a valid Will in place, you are not treated as next of kin. The Government plans to introduce Automatic Inheritance Laws for greater protection. • Enhanced legal rights: Cohabiting partners may gain new legal rights if they have lived together for three years or share a child together. • Domestic Abuse protection: Under new laws, the courts could give greater power to those experiencing domestic abuse, whether you are married or unmarried.

Until any reforms are enacted, cohabiting couples must take proactive steps to protect themselves. This includes seeking legal advice before moving in together, creating Cohabitation Agreements and ensuring clarity over property ownership and financial arrangements. If you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact Melissa Gire by email: meg@cooperburnett.com or tel: 01892 515022

www.cooperburnett.com This blog is not intended as legal advice that can be relied upon

COUNTY NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Heatwaves, housing and high streets – what’s Kent’s future looking like? After a scorcher of an August, what’s the outlook for the rest of the year? Andrew Metcalf, Managing Director of Tunbridge Wells-based PR agency Maxim and Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, looks at recent countywide promotions, planning decisions and development announcements…

ent’s visitor economy has received a timely boost with the launch of the Kentish Wine Way – an invitation to discover the UK’s most exciting and diverse wine destination. At the same time, Grow in Kent appointed Sarah Roots as Non-Executive Chair, bringing senior tourism and visitor attraction experience to the organisation responsible for Visit Kent and Invest Kent. In Hythe, Kent-based GSE Group has consulted on plans to develop new leisure facilities at Hythe Imperial Hotel. The scheme could transform a golf course, improve public access and deliver muchneeded new homes. If approved, the proposals will also deliver a new 25m pool

“

The challenge now is to convert development momentum into inclusive, place-based growth and the town’s ﬁrst purpose-built gym, which will be open to local residents, schools and youth groups, as well as hotel guests. Coinciding with August’s heatwaves was a sharp reminder that growth depends on infrastructure. Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Local Plan has become a test case after South East Water said existing supply planning could not support the scale of new homes required by government targets. As a result, plans for 1,300 homes between East Malling

GSE Group’s proposals could transform a golf course, improve public access and deliver much-needed new homes in Hythe and Hermitage Lane were refused against the planning oﬃcer’s recommendation to approve. Ministers will now decide whether to greenlight the scheme. Appetite for investment The county’s business and property agenda has been dominated by a familiar mix of regeneration, housing delivery, logistics demand and pressure on high streets. Across Kent, there has been a strong appetite for investment where schemes are tied to infrastructure, town centre renewal or strategic employment land. On the property side, residential development remains highly active. Revised plans for 350 homes at the former Coblands Nursery in Tonbridge were approved after objections from Tonbridge Angels Football Club were addressed. Meanwhile, in North Kent, Bellway is nearing completion on the second phase of its 630-home Harbour

Panattoni has submitted plans for a 70-acre logistics park on the former Marley Works site at Lenham

Village scheme at Northfleet, part of the wider Ebbsfleet Garden City regeneration area. The industrial and logistics property sector continues to demonstrate confidence. Panattoni has submitted plans for a 70-acre logistics park on the former Marley Works site at Lenham, with the potential to create upwards of 2,500 jobs. The project would bring forward more than one million square feet of industrial and logistics space, reinforcing Kent’s role as a South East distribution hub. The county’s road links, ports and access to London keep it attractive for occupiers needing warehouse, manufacturing and supply chain space. Town centres, however, present a more uneven picture. While new restaurant openings, hospitality investment and leisure concepts are helping some locations, other stories have focused on closures, weak footfall and trading disruption. Traders in areas affected by utility works have raised concerns about the impact on trade, while other businesses have pointed to rising costs and the difficulty of sustaining independent operations. Successful high streets are those that do not rely solely on traditional retail. Overall, the summer has shown Kent adapting to a cautious but active market. The challenge now is to convert development momentum into inclusive, place-based growth across both urban centres and smaller communities across the county.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

The Rise of Prenuptial Agreements in England and Wales Why are more couples considering them?

Amanda Wilson Partner Berry & Lamberts Solicitors

More people are marrying later, often after acquiring property, savings, pensions or a business. Second marriages and blended families are also common reasons for wanting clarity. The Law Commission has highlighted inherited and wider family wealth, farming families wishing to keep land intact, and international couples familiar with ﬁxed matrimonial property rules as further drivers.

nce seen as something only for the very wealthy, many couples now view a “prenup” as sensible ﬁnancial planning, rather like making a will or taking out life insurance.

What is a prenuptial agreement?

A prenuptial agreement is a written agreement entered into before marriage, setting out how a couple intend their assets and ﬁnances to be divided if the marriage later breaks down. A postnuptial agreement does the same thing after the wedding. The courts treat both in broadly the same way, and civil partners can make equivalent agreements. This article deals with England and Wales only. The law in Scotland and Northern Ireland is diﬀerent.

Are prenuptial agreements legally binding?

A prenup is not automatically binding in England and Wales. On divorce, the court keeps overall discretion over ﬁnances, guided by section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. No agreement can remove that discretion. However, a prenup can still carry real weight if both parties entered into it freely, understood its implications, and it would not be unfair to hold them to it.

What makes an agreement persuasive?

The weight given to a prenup depends heavily on how it was made. In particular: • Both parties should enter into the agreement freely, without pressure.

• Each should take independent legal advice from their own solicitor, so that nobody can later say they did not understand what they were signing. • There should be full and honest disclosure of assets, income and debts on both sides, because an agreement based on hidden ﬁnances is vulnerable to challenge.

A change on the horizon

In June 2026 the government published a consultation proposing legally binding “qualifying nuptial agreements”. Under the proposal, agreements meeting key safeguards could bind the court rather than simply be persuasive. These safeguards include a deed, signature at least 28 days before the wedding, ﬁnancial disclosure and independent legal advice. Couples still could not contract out of meeting each other’s or their children’s needs, however this remains a proposal, not the law.

The agreement should also be completed in good time before the wedding. Although “at least 28 days before the wedding” is often quoted, it is not currently a ﬁxed legal rule, however it is sensible guidance.

What a prenup can and cannot do

A prenup can help protect wealth built up before marriage, keep an inheritance or family gift separate, set out how a family business should be treated, and clarify what each person is bringing into the relationship. It can also be helpful in later-life or second marriages, particularly where someone wants to protect assets for children from an earlier relationship. There are limits. An agreement cannot override the court’s duty to meet the basic ﬁnancial needs of either spouse or any children. It cannot decide child arrangements, which are based on the child’s best interests, or enforce personal lifestyle conditions within a marriage.

Where to go from here

A prenuptial agreement can oﬀer reassurance, but only if it is properly prepared. If you are considering a prenup or want to understand how the proposed reforms might aﬀect you, speak to a solicitor for advice tailored to your circumstances.

www.berryandlamberts.co.uk

LEGAL NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Tom Lumsden celebrates 20 years with CooperBurnett

om Lumsden, an Equity Partner in the Commercial Property team at CooperBurnett LLP is celebrating 20 years with the firm, a period of time he says has passed by ‘incredibly quickly’. “Over the two decades, I’m delighted to have seen the firm grow and flourish and, today, CooperBurnett punches well above its weight,” Tom says. “I’ve enjoyed the relationships built with both clients and my colleagues. It’s great to look back over 20 years here and still be working with quite a few of the same people – that social continuity and daily interaction make all the difference.” While at school, Tom couldn’t decide if he wanted to pursue a career in medicine or law. “My key value is ‘service to others’,” Tom explains. “I wanted to reach out and help people in my career. From the beginning, I have worked quite a lot in the charity sector; it feels important to me to give something back.” Tom studied law at the University of Durham, after which he secured a training contract with a firm in Westminster – well-regarded nationally as experts in charity, education, ecclesiastical and parliamentary law - and, once qualified, he was offered a role in the Commercial Property team. Tom stayed with the firm for seven or eight years, before taking a few roles

“My key value is ‘service to others” – Tom Lumsden and eventually being head-hunted to join Vizards Tweedie (now VWV), the firm where Charles Dickens had worked as a clerk. Again, this firm had a strong focus on charities and boasted several livery companies as clients, many of which had diverse property portfolios. Then, in 2006, Tom received a call from a recruitment consultant, telling him about a firm in Tunbridge Wells looking to replace a Partner in the Commercial Property team, who was retiring. Tom came into CooperBurnett to meet Nigel Burnett and Victoria Sampson and the rest, as they say, is history. “I was impressed by the client base that already existed within the Commercial

Property team and, while I wasn’t familiar with Tunbridge Wells, it instantly had a pleasant feel to it – which it still does today,” says Tom, who accepted an offer to join TeamCB as a Partner. Today, Tom says he continues to enjoy the ‘variety of clients’ and ‘quality of work’ that comes across his desk. Supporting charities is still something at the heart of what Tom does and he has provided pro bono advice to The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre in Tunbridge Wells for many years. His day-to-day case load continues to include quite a few charity clients, while he has become an expert in advising carehome owners, on issues including on-site acquisition, disposal and finance, while one of Tom’s other expert areas is leasehold enfranchisement. After 20 years, he says CooperBurnett remains a really ‘happy place to work’. “When I first joined, I knew I’d found my ‘forever home’ career-wise; it immediately felt like the right place to be and I appreciated CooperBurnett’s very friendly and collegiate atmosphere,” Tom says. “I think the Tunbridge Wells business community helped me to feel comfortable as well. I did more networking in my first three weeks with the firm in 2006 than I’d done in three years in London. It continues to be a friendly community and everyone looks out for each other.” www.cooperburnett.com

Apprentices assemble!

his month Cripps was delighted to welcome a new group of trainees, alongside a cohort of new solicitor apprentices beginning their legal careers. The firm also celebrated its existing apprentices as they progressed into the final stage of their qualification journey. “Our apprentice programme is an alternative route to qualifying as a solicitor, offering aspiring legal professionals a pathway into the profession without attending full-time university,” a Cripps spokesperson tells Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine. “Apprentices spend four days a week working at the firm under the supervision of qualified lawyers and one day studying towards their LLB law degree. “Applications for our next round of apprenticeships and training contract programmes open on 5 October.” www.cripps.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

LEGAL NEWS

Solicitor celebrates joining Berry & Lamberts

erry & Lamberts Solicitors is celebrating the qualification of trainee solicitor Mia Drummond following the successful completion of her two-year training contract with the firm. During her training, Mia gained experience across Property, Private Client and Dispute Resolution before confirming her passion for property law. Her first seat in Property introduced her to a wide range of matters, including agricultural transactions, deeds of easement, commercial property, leasehold matters and new build purchases. She says she particularly enjoyed the practical nature and variety of property law, where no two transactions are quite the same. Her Private Client seat helped Mia understand the close relationship between property and probate law, while developing the communication

and empathy needed to support clients and their families through significant life events. In Dispute Resolution, she gained court experience and further developed her advocacy and problem-solving skills. “Throughout my training contract, I found myself continually drawn back to property matters,” says Mia. “Returning to the Property team for the final stage of my training confirmed that I had made the right choice.” She plans to continue developing her expertise, particularly in agricultural property and more complex property work. Mia’s route into law was not traditional. She studied English and American Literature at the University of Kent, graduating with First-Class Honours, before completing the Graduate Diploma in Law with Distinction and the Legal

Practice Course alongside a Masters at the University of Law. “Studying a non-law subject gave me a different perspective and helped me develop skills I now use every day, from analysing complex information to communicating clearly,” she says. “My advice to anyone considering law is to seek out as much experience as possible. Academic achievement matters, but so does understanding what working in the profession is really like.” Paul Reader, Managing Partner at Berry & Lamberts, says: “We are delighted to congratulate Mia on qualifying as a solicitor. She has worked incredibly hard throughout her training contract. Qualifying is a significant milestone in any legal career, and we are very pleased to see Mia take this next step with the firm.” www.berryandlamberts.co.uk

Law ﬁrm strengthens litigation team and joins ﬁght against cancer

hackray Williams has bolstered its litigation team with the arrival of solicitor Rachel McGee and become a founding supporter firm of new initiative Law Beats Cancer. Rachel McGee has previously worked with a special situations legal and professional services firm and a national law firm with a strong reputation for fighting injustice. After a first degree in Philosophy and Politics from the University of Liverpool, Rachel gained her Graduate Diploma in Law to start her legal career with solicitors in London. Joining a national firm that champions the rights of individuals provided a stepping stone to take her onto a special situations firm that helps clients navigate high-stakes threats, where she concentrated on commercial dispute resolution, supporting clients with complex contentious matters. “We’re delighted that Rachel has joined Thackray Williams (TW). Her experience ideally positions her to help our clients who find themselves in challenging situations to mitigate risk and exploit opportunities,” comments Partner David Hacker, Head of the Dispute Resolution Department. “Rachel also has the personal attributes that make her a natural fit for Thackray Williams: warm and friendly, with

“I relish the opportunity to work for a firm that combines practical legal expertise with a warm, approachable culture” great attention to detail and motivated to empower clients by giving them legal expertise in language they can understand so they can make informed decisions,” he adds. Commenting on her appointment Rachel says: “I’m delighted to have joined Thackray Williams. I was drawn to the opportunity to work on a broad range of litigation matters whilst being part of a ﬁrm that combines practical legal expertise with a warm, approachable culture. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Dispute Resolution team’s work and helping clients resolve challenging disputes.” In other TW news, it is now supporting Law Beats Cancer. This is a ﬁrst-of-its-kind partnership between the legal community and Cancer Research UK to help fund

life-saving research and make a lasting difference for people affected by the disease. The movement has already raised more than £220,000, with a calendar of networking, challenges and events planned for participating solicitors, barristers and in-house legal teams across the country to support groundbreaking research, accelerate progress and save lives. “At Thackray Williams we have a commitment to making meaningful impact that extends far beyond the legal advice that we provide. Law Beats Cancer aligns with our aim to make a positive difference, and we’re delighted to lend our support to help fund the crucial research that can improve the lives of individuals and their loved ones who are diagnosed with cancer,” says Co-Managing Partner Vikki Herbert. Latest figures from Cancer Research UK show that nearly one in two people will get cancer in their lifetime. More than eight out of 10 of them in the UK who receive cancer drugs will be given one developed by or with Cancer Research UK. However, due to a lack of funding, the charity is currently forced to turn down world-class, promising research projects. Law Beats Cancer was specifically established to help close that funding gap to allow more life-saving cancer research to take place. www.thackraywilliams.com

LEGAL NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Investing with purpose Hetty Maher, a Partner in the personal tax and succession team at Cripps LLP, explores how charities can balance financial returns with ethical and responsible investment…

or many charities, investment decisions are no longer based solely on ﬁnancial performance. Trustees are increasingly considering whether their investments align with their charity's purposes, values and reputation, while still generating the returns needed to support their charitable activities. Balancing these competing considerations can be challenging. Trustees must act in the best interests of their charity, ensure that charitable assets are properly managed and make decisions that are consistent with their legal duties. At the same time, beneﬁciaries, donors and the wider public increasingly expect charities to take account of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors when investing.

THE STARTING POINT: A CHARITY'S PURPOSES

A charity's investments exist to support its charitable purposes. Trustees therefore need to consider whether an investment strategy will help or hinder the achievement of those purposes. In some cases, particular investments may conflict directly with a charity's aims. For example, a health charity may wish to avoid investments in tobacco companies, or an environmental charity may be concerned about investments linked to significant carbon emissions. Trustees may reasonably conclude that holding such investments could undermine the charity's work, damage public trust or discourage support from donors and beneficiaries. However, trustees should avoid approaching ethical investment decisions solely from a moral perspective. The key question is whether the investment policy supports the charity's overall interests and furthers its purposes.

BALANCING FINANCIAL RETURNS WITH ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Trustees are under a duty to manage charity funds responsibly. This includes seeking appropriate ﬁnancial returns while taking account of the level of risk that the charity can aﬀord to accept. Historically, some trustees were concerned that ethical restrictions might reduce investment performance. While this can still be a relevant consideration in certain circumstances, the legal position is more nuanced. Trustees are generally able to adopt investment policies that

HETTY MAHER reflect the charity's purposes and values, provided they carefully consider the potential impact on financial returns and are satisfied that any restriction is justified in the charity's interests. The decision-making process is often more important than the outcome itself. Trustees should identify the relevant factors, take appropriate advice where necessary, assess the likely financial consequences of any exclusions or restrictions, and document the reasons for their decisions.

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF ESG FACTORS

ESG considerations have become a significant feature of modern investment management. Environmental factors may include issues such as climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity and resource use. Social factors can cover matters such as labour practices, human rights and community impact. Governance considerations focus on issues such as board accountability, transparency and corporate conduct. Importantly, ESG considerations are not simply ethical preferences. Many are increasingly recognised as financially relevant factors that may affect investment performance and risk over the longer term. Trustees should therefore consider whether ESG issues are material to their investment objectives and portfolio. That does not mean every charity must adopt an ESG-focused investment strategy. Rather, trustees should ensure that they understand any relevant ESG risks and opportunities and consider them as part of their broader investment decision-making.

CHARITY COMMISSION EXPECTATIONS

The Charity Commission expects trustees to manage investments

responsibly and to act in the charity's best interests. Trustees should be able to demonstrate that investment decisions have been made following proper consideration of all relevant factors and, where appropriate, professional advice. A well-considered investment policy can be an important governance tool. It can help trustees articulate the charity's objectives, identify any ethical or missionrelated exclusions, explain how ESG factors will be considered and establish a framework for reviewing investment performance. Trustees should also keep investment policies under regular review. Economic conditions, regulatory developments and the charity's own activities may all change over time, requiring a reassessment of the balance between ﬁnancial return and ethical considerations.

PRACTICAL STEPS FOR TRUSTEES

Trustees should ensure that they:

• understand how their investments support the charity's purposes; • identify any investments that may conﬂict with those purposes; • consider the ﬁnancial impact of any ethical restrictions; • evaluate relevant ESG risks and opportunities; • obtain professional investment advice where appropriate; and • keep clear records of the reasons for their decisions.

LOOKING AHEAD

Ethical and responsible investment is no longer a niche issue for charities. Trustees are increasingly expected to consider how investment decisions aﬀect both ﬁnancial outcomes and the charity's mission, reputation and long-term sustainability. By adopting a thoughtful and welldocumented approach, trustees can strike an appropriate balance between generating the returns needed to support charitable activities and ensuring that investments are consistent with the charity's purposes and values. If you would like advice on developing an investment policy, reviewing existing investment arrangements or ensuring compliance with trustee duties, please contact a member of our Charity team. www.cripps.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

LEGAL NEWS

Some ideas are too important to leave as just ideas. With personalised financial planning and investment management, our advisers help you build a plan around the future you have in mind. Contact our Royal Tunbridge Wells office to arrange a complimentary introductory meeting. Louise Shaw | 01892 739580 louise.shaw@brewin.co.uk rbcwm.com/en-uk/royal-tunbridge-wells

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested. RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of RBC Europe Limited. RBC Europe Limited is registered in England and Wales No. 995939. Registered Address: 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence.

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre looks to the future The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, shares the charity’s latest news following its recent AGM…

he Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre held its AGM on Tuesday 1 September at The Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. The event was attended by a mixture of the charity’s trustees, volunteers, visitors and representatives from the local community, including business owners. Everyone who arrived was entertained over a cup of tea by some amazing singing from Ceiron Faux, AKA ‘Not King Cole’. The meeting began with some words from the new Chair of Trustees, Danielle Friend, who welcomed everyone to the AGM and thanked previous Chair, David Bartholomew, for his contribution to the charity. She also made a point of thanking all those who make Pickering such a special place, particularly the volunteers.

Images by Sarah Bartholomew

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Pickering is looking ahead to an exciting new chapter, with a new Centre and plans to support even more people affected by cancer The business part of the evening then began, with approval of the previous AGM minutes and the 2025 accounts, presented by Trustee and Treasurer Chris Maslin. Two retirements from the Board were then announced: Dr Rema Jyothirmayi and Richard Moore, both of whom have been trustees for many years, with Richard previously holding the position of Chair. Richard was unable to attend the AGM, but Caroline McGibney, Centre Manager at Pickering, said a few words about Rema’s contribution to the charity before Danielle presented her with a card, gift and flowers. It was then time to welcome and approve two new members of the Board: Dr Helen Yates, a recently retired Tunbridge Wells GP, and Freya Hodge, who, at 23, is the charity’s youngest trustee to date. Freya first came to Pickering as a visitor and recently graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in journalism. There followed an information session

about what happens at Pickering, with Caroline talking about the support provided at the Centre and Head of Volunteers Janice Rees outlining the fantastic role played by the charity’s volunteers. Visitor Sam Bird then told the room about the support Pickering has given her over the past eight years, through two separate cancer diagnoses. Freya then took to the stage to talk about the impact of her own cancer diagnosis during her final year of university, just six weeks short of graduating. She also outlined the vision for Pickering over the next 12 months, particularly as the charity moves into a new Centre. Freya explained that the charity is appointing its first paid member of staff, an Executive Director, and also wants to support more people in the community impacted by cancer. Andrew Pentecost, a therapist from Pickering and a former architect who

is a member of the charity’s building committee, then unveiled plans for the new Centre, while Chris explained how this will be ﬁnanced. Finally, there was a Q&A session, followed by a thank you from Danielle to everyone who had attended and a special mention of appreciation to Sarah Bartholomew, who organised the AGM. The AGM provided an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Pickering special, while also looking ahead to an exciting new chapter for the charity and the people it supports. Find out more about The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre at www.pickeringcancercentre.org

Image by johnknightphotography.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Your lawyers for business and life.

Guided by a common purpose. At Cripps, being a B Corp business means measuring all that matters to our clients, people and communities. Our 2025 Impact Report describes our social and environmental performance, and the ambitions we’ve set to grow as a responsible and resilient business. Guided by our purpose to be the difference, we are committed to navigating challenging times together to create lasting, positive change in people’s lives and businesses.

Scan to read our 2025 Impact Report.

SOCIAL SCENE

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

The beat goes on…

alverley Grounds once again proved to be a wonderful location and central hub for the 22nd Local & Live event over the August Bank Holiday weekend - and I know all the musicians involved really enjoyed performing on such a fantastic stage in front of many thousands of people. Thankfully, the weather gods just about smiled on us. The showers were persistent, especially on Saturday, but as the weekend went on, things did improve. The Local & Live community showed up in their thousands and their amazing support never wavered, despite the inclement weather. This wholehearted support for the event gives our team the confidence and David Warren Photography

belief to keep doing it every year. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came along and supported this year’s festival. Huge thanks to my fellow trustees, all our amazing musicians, sponsors, venue partners, traders and volunteers. Everyone comes together to make Local & Live happen. The atmosphere at this year’s event was something very special - perhaps the best yet. You could really sense the collective camaraderie that the festival brings, and there were so many amazing performances right across the board, particularly from our headline acts Origami Dinosaur, Camber and Anna Howie. Over the past few years, Local & Live has really established its fringe events across

Nigel Martin Photography

This summer Local & Live turned 22. The popular free live music event, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend across various venues around Tunbridge Wells, is the brainchild of musician Paul Dunton. Here he reflects on this year’s successful event which saw a record number of businesses supporting it

the weekend, and our evening stages at The Forum and The Forum Basement were a real success. The Bank Holiday Monday oﬀered two open-air stages at Trinity Gardens and The Sussex Mews, and they were both packed! Running alongside an all-day stage inside The Forum, Monday has never been busier. We are keen to keep developing the festival, and the fringe events are key to the continued evolution and progress of Local & Live. Of course we couldn’t do any of this without the support of our venue partners – or our brilliant sponsors. If you’re a local business then do get in touch – we’d love to have you on board! Find local and live at: localandlive.org

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

SOCIAL LEGALSCENE NEWS

Why Local & Live is good for local business Many local businesses help ensure Local & Live goes ahead every year. Here, some of this year’s sponsors tell Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine about their high notes from being involved… JO WIMBLE-GROVES, CO-DIRECTOR, ACTIVE DIGITAL “We have known Paul Dunton for over 35 years and have seen first-hand the incredible commitment and passion he has poured into Local & Live. It brings together so many things we care about: music, community and independent businesses. As we celebrate 30 years of Active Digital, sponsoring this year’s event was the perfect way to celebrate.” ROGER WOOD, FOUNDER, JUMP IT RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS “Local & Live is one of the biggest free music events across Kent, Sussex and Surrey. It celebrates amazing local talent while giving emerging musicians the chance to perform to a crowd. As a local business and lifelong Tunbridge Wells resident, sponsoring the festival was a great way to reach more than 10,000 visitors and network with friends old and new.”

David Warren Photography IDENTITY MUSIC “Sponsoring Local & Live is our way of giving back to the local music community. We work with global artists and labels, but never forget the importance of grassroots events in fostering the next generation of artists. Alongside our support of the Bursary programme, we’re delighted to have played a part in bringing this wonderful event to Tunbridge Wells and beyond.”

David Warren Photography LORRAINE AND GAVIN MARSH, THE DIAMOND SETTER “We’re incredibly proud to sponsor Local & Live. There’s something very special about seeing the town come together. Tunbridge Wells has played a big part in our journey, so supporting an event that brings so many people together feels like a lovely way to give something back. Seeing The Diamond Setter on the big screen was a particularly proud moment.” TW PROPERTY “As a business that has served the Tunbridge Wells community for over 20 years, it’s great to be able to give something back. Local & Live is an amazing festival supporting local musicians and businesses, while enabling everyone in our community to enjoy this incredible talent. It’s been a pleasure to be involved and bring our name to even more people locally.” BERRY & LAMBERTS “We’re delighted to sponsor Local & Live again. As a firm with deep roots in the Tunbridge Wells community, it’s great to give something back and provide everyone with access to the fantastic musical talent this town produces. The big screen at this year’s event was also a great way to get our brand in front of so many festival-goers.”

ALAN BULLOCK, INSAFE “We are a team of 30 based in Tunbridge Wells and love supporting local events. Local & Live really brings the community together, and I’ve supported it for many years. This year, our sponsorship even brought visitors into our showroom to look at our safes. Paul does a brilliant job, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting such a great event.” JULIA SHADWELL, THE YOGA HOUSE “We decided to sponsor Local & Live because we’ve always loved live music and are avid gig-goers. My daughter is also a musician, so I understand how hard it can be to work in the industry. We love supporting local businesses too — and who wouldn’t want a free music festival in their home town? We’re delighted to support Paul and the festival.” Nigel Martin Photography

“Paul does a brilliant job, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting such a great event”

Nigel Martin Photography

“The atmosphere at this year’s event was something very special - perhaps the best yet”

INTERVIEW

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

“We always put people first” For more than 21 years, Tunbridge Wells law firm Thomas Mansfield Solicitors has built a reputation for specialist, bespoke legal services, with empathy and value at the heart of everything it does. Eileen Leahy meets co-founder Neill Thomas and family law specialists Kate Rayner, Stuart Clark and Nazia Rashid to discover how the firm is expanding its expertise while embracing the future

homas Mansfield was cofounded in 2004 by Tunbridge Wells resident and lawyer Neill Thomas and his colleague Jonathan Mansfield. The pair believed that by pooling their professional experience, they could offer clients a more personal and cost-effective service that would make a genuine difference to people’s lives. That simple principle still drives the firm’s lawyers today, Neill tells me when I meet him and fellow partners Kate Rayner, Stuart Clark and Nazia Rashid at its Tunbridge Wells headquarters. In addition to its Mount Ephraim Road HQ, the firm has a second Tunbridge

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As family lawyers, we have real impact. You can see how you can directly help someone Wells premises on the High Street, which opened at the end of 2023. Neill says this was a natural progression for a business that wants to remain approachable to existing and potential clients. The High Street office provides somewhere people can drop in and enquire about the firm’s services, including private client work such as estate planning, wills and probate, as well as family law covering divorce, children, pre-nuptial agreements and mediation. Its third office is on Fenchurch Street in London, is where the majority of its employment and dispute resolution work is carried out. Thomas Mansfield is Lexcel accredited – the Law Society’s legal practice management quality mark – and is recognised by leading independent legal directories Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500. The firm has also been at the heart of the Tunbridge Wells legal community for many years, with most clients coming through word of mouth,

LEGAL EAGLES: Kate Rayner, Head of Family Law at Thomas Mansfield LLP with Partner Stuart Clark thanks to its reputation for providing exemplary legal advice and striving for the best possible outcome. Nowhere has this been more evident than in its family law department, which has continued to expand and now boasts a successful international family law division. The department was founded in 2017, with Kate promoted to Head of Family Law three and a half years ago. “It has continued to thrive over the years, but recently we found we had an increasing amount of international work coming into the business,” explains Kate, who is also a director at Thomas Mansfield. “So, to develop this area further, we really wanted somebody who was a specialist and fortunately Stuart came across our radar.”

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

International family law can encompass everything from finding the best divorce terms for an expatriate client to protection orders and child custody

arrangements involving different countries. It can also involve complex cross-border financial matters, including jurisdiction disputes and international financial settlements. Stuart joined Thomas Mansfield in April this year and has been fundamental to developing the international division. Nazia Rashid joined the firm in March, bringing extensive experience in international family law and mediation, as well as an excellent track record in Islamic divorce. “Nazia’s expertise strengthens the firm’s ability to advise clients whose matters involve both civil and faith-based considerations, reflecting the evolving and diverse needs of our client base,” says Kate. “Her knowledge of Sharia law, for instance, will ensure women are protected. Nazia is also involved in certain charitable organisations helping women who are trapped – or may feel trapped – in a marriage due to cultural traditions.” Nazia also specialises in international

INTERVIEW LEGAL NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

children work, meaning that between her and Stuart the firm can cover a broad range of international family law matters. “I don’t think there are many firms that can offer this kind of specialist advice – especially locally,” says Kate. “Since Stuart and Nazia have joined, it has certainly been a growth area for us.” Nazia says she chose a career in law because, from a young age, she was passionate about supporting women in abusive relationships. “I was working as a secretary at a women’s refuge and saw first-hand the difference that guidance, support and advocacy can make to someone facing a difficult and often frightening situation.” Throughout her career, Nazia has gained significant experience advising both women and men in complex divorce and children proceedings. “Much of my work involves supporting individuals at some of the most vulnerable and confusing periods of their lives, helping them to understand their options and make informed decisions about their future. “I also frequently represent fathers where allegations of domestic abuse are having a direct impact on their relationship with their children. Whatever the circumstances, my role is to provide clear, practical advice and help clients navigate what can often be an overwhelming process. “What I find most rewarding is helping people move forward with confidence, enabling them to make informed choices and rebuild their lives positively after separation.” The family department has also recently been bolstered by Mandeep Benning, who brings more than 15 years’ experience advising on all aspects of relationship breakdown. “She comes with a very strong reputation

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Family matters are an enormously emotive part of the law so empathy is key Kate Rayner and does a lot of the divorce, finances and children dispute work in our London office,” says Kate. “She is known for her pragmatic, client-focused approach in resolving often sensitive and high-conflict matters.” “All three have been a great fit for the firm and bring with them extensive and exceptional experience and incredible contacts, which has meant that

JUDGEMENT CALL: Thomas Mansfield co-founder Neill Thomas pictured at the firm’s Tunbridge Wells HQ

Images by johnknightphotography.co.uk in a very short space of time they have all been fantastically busy,” adds Neill.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE

Stuart qualified as a barrister and has worked in both domestic and international family law for the past two decades. His first job was with a child protection team in central London, where he dealt with fast-paced international parental child abduction cases. “Although I was very young, it was a great experience and I learned so much. I was regularly being sent up to the High Court and found it all very exciting.” He later moved into the finance and divorce side of family law, continuing to work on complex cross-border cases. He explains that international family law often requires lawyers to respond quickly and tactically to ensure everything is in place to achieve the best possible result. “No two cases are ever the same, which is why we encourage such a bespoke approach, tailoring our work to suit each client,” he says. His international portfolio ranges from complex divorce cases to overseeing the transfer of expatriate properties and resolving cross-border financial disputes. Domestically, he advises on divorce, financial settlements and pre- and postnuptial agreements. “I try to aim for about 50-50 international and domestic,” he says. Whatever the case, Stuart’s focus is on providing early, clear advice. “Some people view family law as a sort of soft subject. But actually it’s quite technical and can be very contentious. You’re dealing with real people’s lives a lot more closely than in any other area of the law, and that’s

INTERVIEW

what appeals to me. “As family lawyers, we have real impact. You can see how you can directly help someone.” The Legal 500 describes Stuart as ‘a standout partner’, but his approach to sensitive cases is not to go in all guns blazing. In fact, it is quite the opposite. “A client will often say in an initial meeting, ‘Will you fight for me?’ And I always reply, ‘Well, yes, if we need to, but my first job is to try and actually avoid court and hundreds of thousands of pounds in fees – not to mention two years of your life being swallowed up by litigation.’ “I’d rather have five happy clients who I manage to sort things out for in three or four months through nuanced negotiations than one client who I go to court for. The latter scenario can be totally unpredictable and extremely costly.” That is not to say Stuart never finds himself in court, but he estimates it happens only two or three times a year. “You have to be tactical. If things do get tough, you need to be planning for that. Being astute from the start means that if you do go down the litigation route, you’re ready.” His work is varied, whether on the international or national stage. “Just this week I had a client needing advice on what the English outcome would be on her divorce because it’ll inform the Spanish one. Then my team and I needed to enforce a South African maintenance order in England, so no two days are ever the same.” Countries Stuart regularly works with include the Gulf states, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United States,

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

STUART CLARK: Stuart advises individuals on a broad range of family law matters, with particular experience in cases involving international or high value elements. His experience includes:

• Complex financial remedy proceedings, including high net worth cases involving business interests, property portfolios and international assets. • International divorce and jurisdiction disputes, advising on where proceedings should be issued and how to protect your position across different countries.

• Supporting clients on arrangements for children, including sensitive and high-conflict matters.

• Advising on jurisdiction disputes in divorce and financial remedy proceedings.

• Advising on international relocation cases where children are involved.

• Acting in matters involving competing or parallel proceedings across multiple countries.

• Working alongside overseas lawyers to deliver a coordinated cross-border strategy.

• Advising on complex financial settlements, including cases involving business interests and

• Representing clients in court where necessary, alongside a strong focus on negotiation and resolution.

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You always have to stay three or four steps ahead as anything could happen – Stuart Clark Spain, France, Malta and Italy. Would he say Thomas Mansfield is unique in offering international family law? “Certainly locally, yes, but it’s a bit of a different ball game in London. There’s a broader range of international specialists now because the world has become smaller and people do migrate economically, with lots more expats living overseas. “This area was very niche when I first

NAZIA RASHID: Nazia advises on a wide range of family law matters, with a particular focus on high-value financial disputes and issues concerning children. Much of her work involves sensitive situations and difficult relationships, where she brings a calm, thoughtful approach alongside clear and practical advice. Nazia advises on a broad range of complex family law matters and specialises in:

international assets.

• Cases involving non-disclosure, dissipation of assets and conduct issues, including economic abuse and controlling behaviour. • Children matters, including international relocation, abduction and child arrangements, often involving sensitive and highconflict situations. • Cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, requiring careful handling alongside a clear and robust legal strategy. • Matters involving Islamic marriage and divorce, guiding clients through the interaction between English law and religious considerations.

started and it’s certainly grown over the last 20 years I’ve been in practice.” Stuart has also built an extensive international network of financial advisers, mediators and lawyers. “You always have to stay three or four steps ahead as anything could happen. Over the past 20 years I have amassed a wealth of professional contacts and so have a very strong network in different countries. “My team and I work hard to ensure advice is always aligned.” Nazia adds that the supportive team culture at Thomas Mansfield was one of the key reasons she was attracted to the role. “The Family team is led by the highly regarded Kate Rayner, whose expertise, approachability and commitment to clients are genuinely inspiring. It has been a fantastic experience working alongside such talented colleagues while continuing to support clients through some of the most important transitions in their lives.” Nazia’s specialist work also reflects the increasingly international and diverse nature of family life. “Modern family life takes many different forms, especially in international families where people often move between jurisdictions and bring with them cultural, religious and personal values that are important to them. “My role is to ensure that clients feel understood and that the realities of their family life are properly recognised. When a relationship breaks down, it is important for clients to know that I appreciate not only the legal issues involved but also the cultural and religious factors that may have shaped their family arrangements. “Whilst Islamic legal principles, and other non-English legal or religious frameworks, do not determine how the English courts will resolve financial or

LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

children matters, they often provide important context. “Ultimately, English law remains the governing legal framework in this jurisdiction. However, understanding the wider cultural and religious context enables me to provide advice that is both legally robust and sensitive to what matters most to my clients.”

PUTTING CLIENTS FIRST

Stuart says he too is completely in step with Thomas Mansfield’s ethos of putting empathy and understanding at the forefront of its personalised service. “I get to solve problems and have the ability to help people through an emotionally led problem and to give them a solution that suits them and means they can get on with their life.” Kate agrees that empathy is fundamental. “One of the things I often say to people when I’m speaking to them initially is that they should always instruct the solicitor they feel the most comfortable with because it is a long journey they’re on and you have to feel you are in safe hands with that person. “It has to be someone who empathises with you because family matters are an enormously emotive part of the law.” Kate says the team will always ensure clients have someone to talk to, so they never feel cast adrift. The firm can also recommend trusted professionals in related fields, including therapists, divorce coaches and mediators. “If we feel a client will benefit from talking to someone else, then we can pass on the details of valued contacts who will be able to help,” she explains. The firm is currently looking to recruit an in-house mediation expert, reflecting the growing demand for alternatives to court. “The courts are full to the brim, so mediation is becoming more popular as it is often cheaper and less acrimonious,” says Kate. Arbitration – a private hearing where couples appoint an independent expert to make a final, binding decision on their financial or child-related disputes outside court – is another option. Kate also believes people should be prepared to compromise. “That is key to getting a settlement.” And, she stresses, children should never be forgotten. “Always put them first. They should be protected and not privy to whatever is going on.” Kate, who has been a lawyer for more than 25 years, says she particularly values the culture at Thomas Mansfield. “Everybody is approachable and there are no egos. It’s about being able to connect with your colleagues but also the

“

Our investment in AI ultimately means that clients will have even more value for money and a more streamlined service Neill Thomas clients you’re representing.” She describes the firm as ‘genuinely the nicest work environment’. “And that all stems from Neill. I have never once heard him get cross – and this is a highly pressurised environment to work in! But it’s also about achieving the best outcomes for our clients. That is what we are all about.” The AI revolution Before I leave, Neill tells me the firm is also investing heavily in AI to cut costs and make life easier when it comes to time-consuming administrative tasks. The journey began almost by accident. “We had a new case management system installed last November, which came with a client onboarding system called Clio. “Whilst the case management system was absolutely fine, we were struggling with the client onboarding side because it didn’t meet all of our requirements.” During a recent trip to Malta to visit his eldest son, a tech entrepreneur and former Financial Times Entrepreneur of the Year, Neill discussed the problem with him. His son asked Claude to conduct a deep dive into the firm’s various systems, including its telephone system, websites, Google and SEO, and Clio.A The results uncovered an issue the firm had not identified: it was missing around 25 per cent of incoming telephone calls,

including a technical problem affecting calls to the London family department by around 50 per cent. “We had noticed a decrease in the number of new enquiries in the London office since the beginning of the year, but we had assumed that was due to the wider economic downturn,” explains Neill. The AI analysis revealed the technical problem, allowing it to be fixed. More importantly, the exercise demonstrated how AI could bring together information from the firm’s websites, telephone system, Google, financial systems and client onboarding processes. Neill’s son subsequently developed a bespoke platform called Ezra, which automates many of the firm’s back-office processes. Lawyers now have a dashboard where they can view their financials, clients and activity. Client onboarding, previously involving multiple emails, compliance checks, document requests, appointments and clientcare letters, can now be completed largely with a single click, including making appointments in lawyers’ calendars. Ezra also includes an AI note-taker that attends client meetings, records the discussion and automatically produces the case plan, identifies key dates and financial requirements, and drafts the necessary follow-up correspondence. For Neill, the technology is ultimately another way of putting clients first. “All of these time and cost savings ultimately mean that clients will have even more value for money and a more streamlined service.” It sounds like a win-win for everyone. Find Thomas Mansield in Tunbridge Wells 2 Mount Ephraim Road 65 High Street Tel: 01892 337540 Visit: www.tmfamilylaw.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

A New Digital Chapter for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine has relaunched its website, marking an exciting new chapter for the publication and the local community it serves.

he redesigned twbusinessmagazine.com provides a faster, more engaging online destination for business owners, entrepreneurs, professionals and decisionmakers across Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. While the printed magazine will remain at the heart of the TWBM brand, the new website will allow us to publish more frequently and respond more quickly to the stories, people and developments shaping our local economy. Readers can expect a broader mix of regularly updated business news, interviews, company profiles, expert commentary, reviews and practical insight. A clearer, more contemporary design will make it easier to discover the latest stories, explore different subjects and access relevant content across desktop, tablet and mobile devices. The aim is simple: to give the local business community more reasons to visit, return and engage. The relaunch builds on an already established, engaged digital audience and is supported by paid Google and social media advertising designed to introduce

the enhanced website and its content to an even wider relevant audience. For advertisers, the new platform creates valuable opportunities to place their brands alongside credible, locally focused editorial content. Banner advertising will offer sustained visibility among readers with a genuine interest in business, while integrated editorial opportunities will allow organisations to demonstrate expertise, share useful insights and tell their stories

in greater depth. The relaunched website represents more than a new look. It is an investment in stronger local business journalism, greater digital engagement and better connections between the companies, people and ideas driving Tunbridge Wells forward. We look forward to welcoming readers and advertisers and sharing the next chapter of local business success across our community.

Contact us today to discover how your company could benefit from being part of our exciting business community and enjoy unique marketing, PR and networking opportunities.

www.twbusinessmagazine.com hello@twbusinessmagazine.com

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Your business, our safe hands. Have a real conversation about your insurance. Having a local office means we’re never far away if you need us. Want to learn more? Get in touch at: Flimwell_agency@nfumutual.co.uk Or pop by for a face-to-face chat. 01892 337488 55 High Street Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1XU

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P G Bowring &S Joubert is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 7BJ. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. A member of the Association of British Insurers.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

The countdown to 2027 starts now Gemma Farina, Managing Director of GFHR Consulting, explains why as we head into Q4 it’s the perfect time for employers to prepare for the upcoming employment law changes, review their people processes and begin to set their businesses up for a successful 2027…

fter a long summer, many business owners return to work ready to refocus on their priorities. As we enter the ﬁnal quarter of the year, it’s easy to focus on Christmas and year-end targets. However, the decisions made over the next few months are often what set businesses up for success in the year ahead. This autumn is particularly important for employers. Alongside the usual pressures of running a business, there are signiﬁcant employment law changes coming into force over the next few months. From 30 October2026 , employers will be expected to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and will also become liable for harassment related to all protected characteristics, including harassment by customers, suppliers and other third parties.

“The most successful businesses don’t wait for problems to arise – they prepare now for the challenges ahead” Then, from 1 January 2027, the qualifying period for ordinary unfair dismissal protection is due to reduce from two years to six months. For many businesses, the next few months represent the last opportunity to review policies, strengthen management

practices and ensure they are ready before these changes take effect. It is also the perfect time to take a step back and look at your team. Do you have the right people in the right roles? Are your managers confident in dealing with employee issues? Are your recruitment, onboarding and probation processes helping new starters succeed, retaining good people and providing the structure and documentation your business needs? The most successful businesses don’t wait for problems to arise. They use this time to strengthen processes, develop managers and address potential risks before they become costly issues. The remainder of the year will pass quickly. By using Q4 to prepare for legislative change and ensuring your approach to managing people supports your business goals, you’ll be giving your business the best possible start to 2027 – with confidence, clarity and momentum. Tel 01892 300360 | Email info@gfhr.co.uk

Do you need flexible pragmatic HR support? Frustrated that HR issues prevent you from focusing on your business?

“HR is all about people, so our approach is always personal.”

If so, then get in touch. T: 01892 300360 info@gfhr.co.uk gfhr.co.uk

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

New right to work risks for seasonal hiring Right to work rules are changing. Employment law solicitor Lydia Button explains what retail, hospitality and leisure businesses need to know before recruiting extra staff for the Christmas rush

s businesses prepare for the festive season, many will be planning to increase staffing levels to cope with higher customer demand. But employers need to be aware of significant changes to the UK’s right to work regime, which come into force on 1 October – with penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. The reforms are designed to strengthen efforts to prevent illegal working by extending right to work requirements to a broader range of working arrangements, including certain worker, subcontracting and gig economy models that were previously outside the scope of the rules. The good news for many businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors is that their day-to-day recruitment obligations may not change as much as headlines suggest. If you recruit seasonal staff directly, you will continue to be responsible for carrying out right to work checks before

to the end hirer. employment begins. The Christmas rush often If you use employment requires onboarding staff at agencies to supply short notice. It’s therefore temporary staff, important to ensure responsibility will generally recruitment teams understand remain with the agency, the checking requirements as they have engaged the and build sufficient time into worker. But that does not recruitment processes to avoid mean you should assume compliance is entirely someone LYDIA BUTTON delays during peak trading periods. If you are uncertain about your else’s responsibility, particularly responsibilities under as the reforms aim to encourage the new rules, seeking organisations to take a closer interest in legal advice before how compliance is managed throughout seasonal recruitment modern labour supply arrangements. begins could help avoid This is a timely opportunity to review costly compliance agency contracts to ensure that issues later. appropriate right-to-work checks are www.thackraywilliams.com carried out and recorded. It’s also worth lydia.button@thackraywilliams.com noting that if worker or employee status 020 8461 6203 can be determined, for example if the member of staff is kept on or by factbased assessment, liability is likely to shift

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Small venues, big dreams Tunbridge Wells-based creative agency Big Orange has teamed up with Music Venue Trust to shine a spotlight on Britain’s struggling grassroots music venues. Big Orange founder Joe de Kwant Stoner and his colleague Matt Lucas reveal how the new documentary series is giving a voice to the people and places keeping the live music scene alive…

rassroots music venues are where careers begin, communities come together and future stars discover their audiences. But across the UK, these vital spaces are under increasing pressure from rising costs, business rates, reduced local authority support and the wider challenges of running an independent venue. Now, a new documentary series is putting their stories centre stage – and a Tunbridge Wells creative agency is behind it. MVT: Origins, produced by Big Orange for Music Venue Trust, explores Britain’s grassroots music scene through candid conversations between major artists and the independent venue operators who helped launch their careers. The five-part series begins in Brighton before travelling to Belfast, Leeds and Bristol, bringing together artists including Fatboy Slim, IDLES and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol with the people fighting to keep grassroots venues alive. For Big Orange, the project is particularly close to home. The agency, which has offices in Tunbridge Wells, London and Brighton, has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with The Forum in Tunbridge Wells. Big Orange’s Joe de Kwant Stoner and Matt Lucas have been a regular gig-goers at the venue for more than 20 years, while The Forum’s co-owner Mark Davyd is also founder and CEO of Music Venue Trust. “We’ve always had a great relationship with The Tunbridge Wells Forum,” explains Joe. “When the time was right, we felt we were best placed to pitch, win and create a series celebrating their great work.” The opening episode follows Fatboy Slim back to his home city of Brighton, where he meets owners and managers from venues including The Prince Albert, Hope & Ruin, Green Door Store, Concorde 2 and The Pipeline. Rather than creating a conventional music documentary, Big Orange wanted the conversations to feel raw and authentic, giving equal weight to artists and venue operators. “We really wanted to bring those skills to an industry so close to us and create a platform for the wider public to see how important grassroots music venues are,” says Matt. “Being able to work with icons like Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol as well as

LEFT TO RIGHT, FRONT ROW: Thomas Evrenos – The Pipeline, Sally Ann Oakenfold – The Hope & Ruin, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim), Angel Harrington, Green Door Store & Rossi Bar, William Moore – The Prince Albert. Left to right, back row: Santiago Pilgrim – Videographer, Matt Lucas – DOP, Scott Watson – Sound Engineer, Joe de Kwant Stoner – CEO, Will Stockton – Runner. more emerging artists in IDLES and Yard Act has been a real pleasure in bringing eyes to the cause.” The result is an engaging but sobering look at what it takes to keep a small venue open in 2026 – and why their survival matters. “Grassroots music venues are where British music begins,” says Mark Davyd. “Every major artist in this country walked through a small door before they walked onto a big stage. MVT: Origins puts that story on screen, and makes clear what we stand to lose if these spaces disappear.” There are also reasons for optimism. In July, The Pipeline in Brighton became the tenth venue secured through Music Venue Trust’s Own Our Venues initiative, with Fatboy Slim among its personal backers. For Big Orange, the series is about demonstrating that the value of grassroots venues goes far beyond the bands playing on their stages. “Our aim was to create an accurate portrait of each of the areas, not only the scene but the pressures of running these venues in 2026,” adds Joe. “That level of realism, I think, has made people more aware of the plight of running small venues.” The response to the documentary, which is available to view on You Tube, has been encouraging, with strong viewing ﬁgures, social reach and positive feedback from artists and communities. Ultimately, though, the series is about the musicians still waiting for their opportunity. Without grassroots venues, there are fewer places for emerging

acts to experiment, build an audience and develop the experience needed to progress to larger stages. That makes the survival of venues such as The Forum particularly important to towns like Tunbridge Wells. With the first series travelling around some of the UK’s best-known music cities, could there be a second series – and might Tunbridge Wells finally get its turn? “We would love to continue with a second series!” reveals Matt. “We’d love to focus on places like Tunbridge Wells where there is only maybe one or two venues. Places where, should those venues close due to financial or social pressures – business rates, noise abatement notices and so on – it would leave a gaping creative hole for local musicians and gig-goers alike.” It is a powerful argument and one that sits at the heart of MVT: Origins. Because while the artists featured may be household names, the real stars are the venues themselves – the small rooms, independent promoters, sound engineers, bar staff, volunteers and audiences that make the live music ecosystem possible. For Big Orange, bringing those stories to a wider audience is an opportunity to use its creative expertise for a cause that has been part of its own story for decades. And if the agency gets its wish, perhaps the next chapter could be filmed much closer to home. MVT: Origins is available to watch on the Music Venue Trust’s YouTube channel.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

The Conversation You’ve Been Putting Off Welcome to Moving Business Forward with DCA, a new monthly column exploring the human side of work, leadership, community and change.

e’ve all been there. That sinking feeling in your stomach. The overthinking. The growing anxiety every time you remember the conversation you still haven’t had. At work or at home, most of us have something we’ve been putting off saying. I used to be that person. I would put off all manner of conversations. I would get myself so worked up and ultimately let things slide, both at work and at home, for far longer than necessary. Avoiding the conversations might have made me feel better today, but it did nothing to make tomorrow any easier. We spend so much time imagining how someone might react that we convince ourselves the conversation has already gone badly before we’ve even started! We play these conversations in our heads, anticipate the awkwardness and then find another reason to wait. Meanwhile, the other person may have no idea there is a concern. I’ve worked with leaders who live in this space, and the negative impact on their teams, their businesses and themselves is significant. As a leader, if you haven’t been clear about

an expectation or have avoided addressing a behaviour that’s affecting the workplace, staying quiet leaves the issue unresolved. What may feel like avoiding conflict can actually mean confusion and frustration for your team. So, where do you start? First, separate the facts from your assumptions. What has actually happened, and what are you imagining about the other person’s intentions? Second, clarify what you need to address and what you hope to achieve. Third, choose a time and private space where you can both focus. Fourth, have the conversation. When I was struggling with this, I’d start with something like: “Thanks for meeting with me. There’s something I’ve been finding difficult to raise, but I want to discuss it because I care about you.” Then explain the concern clearly and give the other person room to respond. Listen to their perspective and agree on what happens next. Fifth, reflect afterwards. What went well? What could you do differently? Often, once we’ve had these conversations, we realise they were more

manageable than we imagined. I know this is easier said than done. Some conversations will still feel uncomfortable, even with practice. But each time you approach one thoughtfully, you CHRISTIAN MILLS build confidence in your ability to handle the next. This September, ask yourself: what conversation have I been putting off, and what could improve if I finally made the time for it? For now, stay well and we’ll see you next month. - Christian Christian Mills is the Founder of DCA International, which brings together consulting, leadership coaching and the DCA Think Tank. If you’re interested in getting in touch, talking about leadership or finding a better way of working, email us at think@dcainternational.co.uk.

COUNCIL NEWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Council shake-up plans put on hold

lans to overhaul local government across England have been put on hold following new legal advice, creating fresh uncertainty over the future shape of councils – including in Tunbridge Wells. The government has paused its proposed reorganisation in 18 areas while it reviews whether the process is legally robust and meets the priorities of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration. While proposals to create new unitary authorities in Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk have been withdrawn, other areas will be reviewed. The government has confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries. The changes are particularly significant for Tunbridge Wells and the wider Kent area, where the government has been pursuing a move towards larger unitary councils and the abolition of smaller district authorities. The plans, first announced in 2024, aim to simplify England’s complex local government structure and deliver savings, with councils arguing that larger authorities could improve efficiency. Critics, however, have warned of costs, disruption and decisions becoming more remote from local communities. Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said the government remained committed to devolving power but wanted to ensure the reorganisation process was robust and lawful. The latest announcement means the future structure of local government – and how services are delivered in Tunbridge Wells – remains uncertain. Commenting on the decision which was announced in September Cllr and TWBC

REMEMBRANCE CEREMONIES IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS

“The government’s decisions to pause and review Local Government Reorganisation plans in Kent is very frustrating” – TWBC Leader Ben Chapelard Leader Ben Chapelard said: The government’s decisions to pause and review Local Government Reorganisation plans in Kent is very frustrating. “Together with our West Kent partner councils, we have put in signiﬁcant time, energy and money to shape a new super council for our area. Our goal remains the same: to create a stronger council that can make a bigger impact on our residents’ lives. “The pause - and the lack of a timetable - from the Government, is disappointing. However, I am optimistic that if the review is quick and the Government allows us to get on with it, I think with the additional time we can make an even better start. Our focus remains on delivering the services our residents rely on every day and continuing to work constructively with our local partners. Those priorities will not change. “We will share updates as soon as we hear more.”

NEW SECURE BIKE HANGARS Cyclists can now benefit from two new secure bike hangars in Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre, offering a convenient and safe place to park while visiting the town. The hangar locations are Crescent Road Car Park (pedestrian entrance off Monson Road) and Lower Walk, The Pantiles. Parking costs just 50p for up to two hours and is accessed through the Hooplr app. Instructions for downloading the app are displayed on each hangar. To find out more about using the hangars and to view frequently asked

questions, visit hooplr.com/trips. The project is being funded through Active Travel England, alongside support from the Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District (BID). A further bike hangar is also planned for Paddock Wood town centre, BIKE HANGAR INTRODUCTORY OFFER For a limited period, new users can get 50% oﬀ credit by entering the code TWELLS when adding credit to their account. Get £5 of cycle parking credit for just £2.50. Download the Hooplr app for details: hooplr.com

Each year, communities across the borough come together to remember those who served in the Armed Forces and the civilian organisations that supported them. Remembrance events provide an opportunity to honour their service and sacrifice, and to reflect on the cost of conflict to service personnel, veterans and their families. Everyone is welcome to attend these ceremonies. If you are an Armed Forces veteran, please join us to ensure your contribution is recognised. 10.45am – Remembrance Sunday, 8 November The Service of Remembrance, Parade and March Past The Service will take place at the War Memorial on Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells. The Service will be amplified and livestreamed on the TWBC website and YouTube channel. After the Service, there will be a marchpast by Armed Forces veterans and uniformed military and civilian groups. Veterans not already in contact with the RBL who would like to take part are encouraged to contact John on 07766 313047. 12.45pm – Civic Remembrance ceremonies Tunbridge Wells Cemetery, Benhall Mill Road. Starting in the WWII Garden of Remembrance, wreaths will be laid at the four war memorials in the cemetery, ending at 1.15pm at the RAF Memorial. Armistice Day – Wednesday, 11 November 10.50am – A short ceremony of Remembrance The War Memorial, Mount Pleasant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The Last Post will be played by buglers from the Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets and a wreath will be laid. A similar ceremony will be held at the Victoria Cross Grove, Dunorlan Park, near the Bayhall Road entrance, at approximately 11.40am. Wreaths will be laid. Remembrance services and ceremonies will be held across the borough. See local websites for details.

ONE INCIDENT AWAY PROMOTIONAL FEATURE 31 OF UNDERINSURANCE CIDENT AWAY: THE CONSEQUENCES ENT AWAY: THE CONSEQUENCES ONE INCIDENT AWAY: THE CONSEQUENCES Running a business requires dedication, hard work, WHY BUSINESSES FALL INTO THE ERINSURANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS and the ability to adapt to ever-changing market OF UNDERINSURANCE FOR YOUR BUSINESS conditions. However, one sometimes overlooked TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

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area can have disastrous consequences for busines owners: underinsurance.

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Running a business requires dedication, hard work, requires dedication, hard work, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing market dapt to conditions. ever-changing However,market oneand sometimes overlooked ess in the local hard community dedication, work, businesses grow disastrous and change, so too do their insurance area can have consequences for business er, oneAssometimes overlooked portant it is to be there for our needs. If they don’t refresh their insurance cover to keep up with owners: underinsurance. er-changing market strous consequences for business their own growth – and evolving market conditions – then they eed us most. risk facing underinsurance. Many businesses, regardless of size, can assume metimes overlooked ance. Underinsurance is worryingly common among businesses of

that Insurance having basic insurance coverage is enough desperson policy, we’ll nsequences business all sizes. If a fi rm doesn’t have the right level of cover protecting to protectfor them from unexpected incidents.

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yees and your assets today, and egardless of size, assume their buildings, stock,can machinery and assets, and need to make Unfortunately, insufficient coverage can leave your an insurance claim, then it can pose a significant threat to their ues to evolve. We’ll provide you surance coverage is enough business exposed to significant financial loss. financial health. At NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells and Flimwell, we the covers we offer, to help you Whether it’s property damage, a legal claim, or a The values set for buildings, contents and business interruption understand how critical it is to ensure your business unexpected incidents. sm of size, can cover are oftenassume thethe most likely to being fall short of what a business cyberattack, costs of underinsured could sion about how best to protect isMutual properly protected. We can you identify How NFU Tunbridge Wells andhelp Flimwell can fficient coverage leave your actually needs. Thiscan is worked often because values are not regularlyrisk. put what you’ve so hard for at financial gapsyour in your cover and provide tailored insurance coverage is enough help protect business reviewed or set based on professional advice, which risks leaving o significant financial loss. solutions to help keep your business safe from the businesses exposedTunbridge in the event Wells of a major At NFU Mutual andloss. Flimwell, we cted incidents. At NFU Mutual, we specialise in helping to provide unexpected. ty damage, a legal buildings, contents, and stock Common misconceptions which to underinsurance: understand how claim, critical it or islead toaensure your business businesses with the right level of insurance to verage can leave your • Sums being set at build cost: expenses including debris is properly protected. We can help you identify mises. You can protect them could The consequences of underinsurance sts of being underinsured protect them. We understand thatand business needs can How NFU Mutual Tunbridge Wells Flimwell removal and professional fees mean reinstating a building gaps in your cover and provide tailored insurance ant financial loss. change over time, which is why we offer a flexible sed common risks such as fire, rkedbyso hard for atthan financial risk. oft en costs more the basic price. safe from Underinsurance occurs solutions to help keep yourbuild business the protect help your The impact ofbusiness underinsurance after when a loss:your business’s

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

A new chapter… In this month’s Community Hero feature, Sarah Raine meets Jon Malone, a former teacher-turned-reading volunteer at St George’s Childcare in the heart of Tunbridge Wells LET’S START BY FINDING OUT A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS AT ST GEORGE’S…

St George’s nursery, preschool, and out-of-school clubs provide flexible care to children aged 3 months-11 years. As an independent charity and family-focused setting, it is open 51 weeks of the year. St George’s motto, ‘Play, Learn, Smile’, perfectly captures the atmosphere I experience every time I visit to read to the children. Most childcare providers operate for profit. St George’s is different. The nursery believes every child deserves the best possible start and is the only childcare provider in Tunbridge Wells offering an Assisted Places Scheme for families facing challenges such as physical or mental illness, unemployment or financial hardship.

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The children always surprise me with their imagination and astuteness, picking out things I hadn’t noticed. I find it so rewarding being a catalyst for joy and enthusiasm WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO VOLUNTEER AT ST GEORGE’S?

The initial trigger was seeing an advert on Nextdoor. I had been retired for a year, and I missed the core aspect of my working life, which was helping children learn. As a retired History teacher, I love storytelling and engaging children’s imaginations, so this really hit the mark.

WHAT DOES YOUR VOLUNTEERING ROLE ENTAIL?

I am a volunteer story-time reader, and I come in for around an hour once a week. I read three stories to a group of 15–20 children aged three to four, holding the book open so they can see the illustrations and the words. Favourites of mine are Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and The Cat in the Hat by Dr Seuss – two books that have stood the test of time and are loved by generations. The children also

love The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak, which is all about the joy of words without seeing pictures. The children always surprise me with their imagination and astuteness, picking out things I hadn’t noticed. I find it so rewarding being a catalyst for joy and enthusiasm.

IN YOUR OPINION, SHOULD MORE PEOPLE VOLUNTEER?

Of course! I know people are very busy, and factors such as the cost-of-living crisis make it difficult to find spare time. I think many people would like to help, but it isn’t always feasible. For me, retirement has given me more time to volunteer in this way. However, I don’t think people always realise that volunteering can be very flexible. St George’s gave me the choice of how often and how long I could volunteer for, which was great. It takes a bit of extra time to source the stories and plan the delivery to pull out key themes, but I enjoy this because it is important to do. To be honest, the reward far outweighs the time. I have learnt a lot, too, as this age group is very different from secondary school – how to pace my reading, how to use intonation and how to maintain their attention!

HOW CRITICAL ARE VOLUNTEERS TO ORGANISATIONS LIKE ST GEORGE’S?

There is a strong community of volunteers, which makes a huge difference to the experience the children have. St George’s simply couldn’t do all its

extra activities without them. The nursery has volunteers who are story readers and fundraisers, help at the summer and winter fairs, run gardening club, as well as students who are completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and work experience. All the volunteers make it such a special, diverse place. There are lots of volunteering opportunities available and lots of ways to help, whether it’s as a business sponsoring one of the nursery’s events or making St George’s your charity of the year, or as an individual taking on a challenge or running an event in aid of us. To contact St George’s, you can email Rosanna Stewart, Fundraising Manager, at rosanna.stewart@stgeorgeschildcare.co.uk or visit www.stgeorgeschildcare.co.uk

ABOUT JON MALONE Jon, 64, moved to Tunbridge Wells in 1986. He and his wife, Rebecca, have two sons. Jon taught for 37 years, firstly as a History teacher at St Gregory’s for 16 years, then in Maidstone, where he finally retired as Headteacher of St Simon Stock in 2023.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Bringing seasonal joy to the Wells… In his regular column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together BID, reveals plans for the launch of the Joy to The Wells Christmas Campaign 2026 – a major programme of events and activity designed to boost footfall, support local businesses and position Royal Tunbridge Wells as a festive destination of choice

TW Together BID is delighted to announce the launch of its Joy to The Wells Christmas Campaign for 2026. Christmas is always an incredibly important trading period for our retailers and hospitality venues, which together make up a large percentage of RTW Together BID members. Our aim is to deliver a wide range of events and activities that encourage residents and tourists to dwell longer when they visit the town. We have always invested each year in lighting up the town, but the Joy to The Wells promotional campaign, working alongside our incredible venues and attractions, will help ensure there is a lively, inclusive and festive atmosphere.

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Our aim is to deliver a wide range of events and activities that encourage residents and tourists to dwell longer when they visit the town As you can see from the festive events calendar, there is a lot going on for people to get involved in and enjoy. From the Mental Elf 5K run in aid of West Kent Mind to The Polar Express, Skate returning to Calverley Grounds, Christmas pantomimes and shows, Beau Nash’s jolly jaunts and Santa in his Enchanted Cabin in RVP, there really is something for everyone. We are especially excited about this year’s Kick Off event on Saturday 14 November, with a bigger festive fair and gifting stalls, two music and entertainment stages, late-night shopping in RVP and the surrounding streets, and more funfair rides than ever before. It wouldn’t be a Kick Off without Santa in his sleigh, lots of snow, carol singing and the return of Rudolph’s Runner land

train. We have also worked hard to make the parade easier to access. There will be better signposting showing where the parade can be seen and when it will pass, as well as an improved light spectacular to bring the event to a close. We are also delighted to be delivering a grown-up Late Night Shopping event on the High Street and Chapel Place on Thursday 3 December, including personalised free gift wrapping, free parking, entertainment and refreshments. We still have a few stands available at Kick Off on 14 November, so if you’re interested, please get in touch urgently. To help local businesses make the most of Joy to The Wells this year, we have developed a Christmas Campaign Toolkit containing lots of information and assets.

We warmly welcome all businesses, BID members or not, to download the pack free of charge and use the collateral in their own promotions and marketing activity. We would love Joy to The Wells to be like an umbrella brand over every celebration going on, helping to make Tunbridge Wells THE destination of choice over the festive period. You can download the pack via the QR code in this feature. If businesses want to maximise their brand presence across the Joy to The Wells Campaign, there are also a number of sponsorship opportunities. Starting from as little as £450, these are great ways to support your local town while putting your brand in front of thousands of people.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Clarity Through Accounting by Darren Austin at Synergee Most business owners are familiar with the feeling. It’s 3am, and the questions start circling. Are we making enough profit? Will there be sufficient cash to cover wages next month? Have we set aside enough for VAT? Are sales heading in the right direction? The reality is that running a successful business is rarely limited by a lack of effort. More often, it’s limited by a lack of clarity. Many business owners have access to vast amounts of data, yet still struggle to answer the most important question: How is my business really performing? The biggest source of stress is uncertainty. When decisions are being made based on instinct rather than insight, even experienced entrepreneurs can find themselves second-guessing their next move. The businesses that appear most confident often share a common characteristic. They focus on a handful of key measures that tell them exactly where

they stand. At Synergee, we refer to these as the 7 Key Numbers. A clear dashboard covering revenue, margins, efficiency, liquidity and value. Too many KPIs can be a problem – if everything is a metric, nothing is a signal. Rather than waiting for year-end accounts to explain what happened months ago, business owners gain timely insight into what is happening now and what may happen next. They can compare actual performance against forecasts, identify issues before they become problems and focus their attention where it will have the greatest impact. The result is not simply better reporting. It is better decision-making. When business owners understand the numbers that truly matter, they spend less time worrying about the unknown and more time concentrating on growth, opportunity and long-term success. Because conﬁdence in business rarely comes from having all the answers. It comes from having the clarity to ask the right questions.

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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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Why podcasts can be powerful sales tools Bruce McMichael is a freelance food and travel writer and podcaster. His weekly podcast, The Lemon Grove, interviews guests on topics including food culture, food and travel, and gastro-diplomacy. Here, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group member discusses how producing regular podcasts can help broadcast your business to a much bigger audience…

odcasts have evolved dramatically since their popular launch in 2004. What began as low-budget productions has become a global industry, with shows such as The Diary of a CEO, How to Fail and The Rest Is Politics attracting millions of listeners. The word ‘podcast’ is a mash-up of iPod and broadcast. In a recent press release, Maximilian Conrad, CEO and co-founder of business-oriented podcast production company Hypecast, says: “Corporate podcasting is one of the fastest-moving corners of the industry.” Podcasting offers plenty of opportunities in the corporate and business world, from thought leadership and stakeholder communication to employee learning and corporate culture. While shows such as How to Fail are juggernauts of the ‘podosphere’, their success demonstrates that people will repeatedly listen to relevant, well-made shows. When your goals align with what podcasts do well – authority building, relationship development, referrals, sales enablement, SEO and client education – the medium can be a very effective business tool. As producer and host of The Lemon Grove, I choose guests who will give listeners great stories, interesting ideas and, hopefully, a little inspiration around food and drink. A recurring theme is citrus. This ingredient is used across almost all food cultures to sharpen flavour, provide balance or add brightness. It turns out to be a useful way of leading into much larger stories about food. Our guests come from all parts of the food industry, including chefs, writers and educators, as well as growers, farmers and fruit and veg sellers. I like exchanges that feel like conversations rather than interviews. The stories are informative, arouse curiosity and offer humour and refreshing candour. Listeners are interested in how people got to where they are, what they’ve

hand, helping listeners discover people and ideas that might spark curiosity and encourage them to explore further.

SO WHAT DOES BUSINESS PODCASTING OFFER?

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Bruce McMichael

With the right structure, podcasts can build trust, attract new clients and turn listeners into customers learnt along the way, what excites them and what others can learn from their experiences. Interest in food and the media surrounding it has reached astonishing levels. There is a wealth of recommendations, trends, tips, recipes and advice about what we should be eating, drinking or trying next. It can be diﬃcult to cut through the noise. The Lemon Grove acts as a guiding

Put simply, it can turn your content into a funnel for acquiring paying clients and, to a lesser extent, raising awareness. Sally Henderson, High Stakes Leadership Mentor®, created a limitededition podcast series to support the publication of her book, The HOW of High Performance, giving her audience an intimate insight into her work with C-suite executives. Based on that experience, she says: “Be very clear on your intention of doing a podcast and how you will measure whether it’s a success for you or not.” Podcasting is resource-intensive and requires focus and time. Key considerations include cadence and establishing a sustainable recording and release schedule. Sally also advises being “clear about the type of guest you want on the show. It’s not just about you, but the quality of the people you are interviewing and their relevance to what you’re talking about”, as well as being clear about the messages you want to communicate. The ﬁrst question to ask is: Why do you want to create a podcast? Without a clear purpose, you may quickly run out of motivation. You also need to know who your clients are, where they are and what they need from your business. Podcasts should support your wider marketing goals. Focus on questions customers regularly ask and end each episode with one clear call to action, such as downloading a guide or subscribing. Too many requests risk losing listeners.

FUTURE BROADCAST CHANNELS

Research from The Podcast Show 2026 highlighted the growing importance of video podcasts and AI tools for

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

transcription, editing, summaries and content creation. Multiplatform distribution across services such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube is increasingly important. Ofcom reported in 2025 that 64 per cent of UK podcast listeners spend more than three hours per week listening, while 17 per cent spend 10 hours or more. Audiences are therefore increasingly receptive to this audio and video output.

CLIENTS AS GUESTS

Having clients as show guests allows you to focus on their stories rather than your services. What topics do your customers repeatedly ask about? Could each question become an episode? This removes the barrier of a traditional ‘sales pitch’ and encourages people to engage with your work and message.

SALES TOOLS AND STUDIOS

Podcasts can be powerful sales tools. With the right structure, they can build trust and move listeners from first discovering your brand to signing up for your newsletter or lead magnet, and eventually to making a purchase or booking a service. They can also help drive discovery calls, shorten the sales cycle and improve search visibility. Whether you choose a professional studio or the DIY route depends on your time and appetite for learning the technology. However, apps such as Riverside and Descript simplify recording and editing, while platforms such as Captivate and Buzzsprout make distribution relatively straightforward. The medium is fun, useful and constantly evolving. Alongside video podcasts, it offers an effective way to attract new clients, support existing ones and reach potential customers. www.the-lemon-grove.captivate.fm

ABOUT ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS MEDIA GROUP Royal Tunbridge Wells Media Group (RTWMG) connects trusted local media, marketing and creative professionals around Tunbridge Wells and the South East. It is a free, friendly group of agency owners, freelancers, in-house teams and content creators — sharing work, advice and useful introductions. For more information visit www.rtwmg.com

Wellbeing That Works: From Perk to Business Infrastructure With sickness absence currently at historic highs across the UK, workplace wellbeing can no longer merely sit in a benefits brochure. Awareness initiatives have value, but they cannot compensate for excessive workloads, poorly equipped managers or policies that overlook real life. A stronger approach is both holistic and structural. It supports the whole person while examining the systems that shape their working day. That means reviewing job design, workloads, flexibility, management capability and routes to professional help, not simply asking employees to become more resilient. The need is especially clear in areas too often treated in isolation. Menopause support should be backed by a practical policy, informed managers, reasonable adjustments and confidential conversations. Men’s mental health strategies must create safe, credible ways to ask for help, while younger employees and frontline managers, groups facing intense pressure, need regular check-ins and early support. Mental Health UK reports that one in five workers took stress-related mental-health leave in the past year, rising to 39% of 18-to-24-year-olds. Financial wellbeing belongs in the same conversation. Money worries can affect sleep, concentration and mental health. Employers may not be able to remove economic pressure, but they can provide fair, accessible benefits, financial education, signposting and compassionate flexibility. Data can help employers spot patterns in absence, overtime, workload and turnover before problems escalate. However, predictive analytics must be proportionate, transparent and used to improve, not to label or monitor individuals. The most effective wellbeing strategy therefore connects policy, management practice, data and direct care. It equips managers to notice concerns, gives employees confidence to speak and turns insight into timely action. Forrest Group can help you move from good intentions to practical, legally informed support tailored to your business, from robust policies and manager training to everyday HR guidance and effective people systems. Contact us to start building a healthier, more resilient workplace. Contact us today on:

01892 726060 or sophie@theforrestgroup.co.uk.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

The power of protection In her monthly column for Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, Caroline Weiss-Jones, Director of Berwick Devoil Healthcare Limited, focuses on protecting women’s health, wealth and careers…

or women aged 40 to 60+, career success increasingly intersects with a complex period of personal transition. Many are reaching the height of their leadership influence while navigating menopause, supporting children and caring for ageing parents. Maintaining professional momentum therefore requires not only workplace flexibility, but also a robust approach to health and financial protection. Private medical insurance can provide faster access to specialists, diagnostics and eligible treatment, complementing NHS provision. When selecting cover, women may wish to consider outpatient diagnostics, mental health support, physiotherapy and access to gynaecological or menopause services. Health cash plans can provide additional support with everyday costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment. Income protection is particularly important for professionals whose earnings underpin household finances. If illness or injury prevents someone from working, an appropriate policy can provide

a regular income, helping to protect mortgages, family commitments and longterm financial plans. Critical illness cover can provide a valuable lump sum following the diagnosis of specified serious conditions, potentially helping with mortgage costs, recovery, home adaptations or time away from work. Life insurance can similarly protect partners and dependants, providing financial security in the event of death. For business owners, protection may need to extend beyond personal finances. Key person insurance, relevant life cover, shareholder protection and business loan protection can help safeguard a company against the financial consequences of

losing a crucial individual. These protections complement, rather than replace, preventative healthcare and workplace support. Employers can strengthen their offering through menopause-friendly policies, employee assistance programmes, mental health services, flexible working and familysupport initiatives. For women in the sandwich generation, protection is ultimately about preserving choice. A carefully structured combination of health, income, life, critical illness and business insurance can reduce financial vulnerability and create greater resilience during periods of change. The goal is not simply to prepare for something going wrong. It is to protect the ability to remain healthy, financially secure and professionally influential throughout the next chapter of life. Berwick Devoil works with you to arrange all these forms of insurance. Contact us in confidence to discuss your thoughts and needs.

The Employment Law clock is ticking – is your business ready?

The pace of change in the workplace is accelerating. Just as businesses begin to get to grips with one challenge, another seems to be waiting around the corner and for UK employers, the next major challenge is already underway. Significant changes to employment law are coming, bringing new responsibilities, greater employee protections and potentially serious consequences for businesses that fail to prepare. The good news? There is still time to get ready. The bad news? That window is getting smaller. The Employment Rights Act represents one of the most significant periods of employment law reform in recent years. Some changes are already beginning to take effect, while further reforms are scheduled throughout 2026 and into 2027. Employers will need to prepare for strengthened responsibilities around preventing workplace sexual harassment, including increased expectations to protect employees and manage risks proactively. Other changes will affect areas including employment tribunal time limits, unfair dismissal, flexible working, pregnancy protections, fire and rehire practices and zerohours arrangements.

For businesses, this is about far more than simply updating an employee handbook. Employment contracts, workplace policies, recruitment practices and management procedures may all need reviewing. Crucially, managers and business leaders need to understand how the changes will affect the decisions they make every day. The most successful organisations will not wait Brightstar Law core brand: until legislation takes effect or an employment issue lands on their desk. They will use the time Claudia Yorath available now to identify potential risks and put the right foundations in place. At Brightstar People, we understand that keeping up with employment legislation can feel daunting, particularly for growing businesses already managing countless competing priorities.

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Are You Building Wealth or Just Funding a Better Lifestyle?

he rise in wealth among female entrepreneurs is something worth celebrating. More women are building profitable businesses, creating jobs, investing and making financial decisions on their own terms. That progress is incredible, particularly when we consider how recently women had limited control over money, property and business ownership. However, earning more money and building lasting wealth are not automatically the same thing. A recent survey conducted by Rathbones and The Women’s Chapter found that four in five female professionals weren’t prioritising planning for retirement. Among the female business owners surveyed, only 38 per cent felt confident that they were financially prepared for the retirement they wanted. It’s understandable why the future can fall down the list of priorities. When a business starts doing well, there’s excitement in finally enjoying the results. The better car, beautiful clothes, wonderful holidays and a more

comfortable home can feel like visible proof that the hard work has paid off. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your success. Money should help us live well, not simply sit untouched while life passes by. The danger comes when our lifestyle grows with our income and very little is being put aside to create long term financial security. Entrepreneurs can also fall into the trap of treating the business as their pension. A future sale may form part of the plan, but markets change, valuations move and buyers don’t always appear at the moment we’re ready to step away. A business can be a valuable asset, but relying on one future outcome leaves little room for the unexpected. We are living longer and retirement may need to fund several decades. For many women, that period could also include supporting adult children, helping ageing parents, living alone or paying for care. Financial independence later in life needs to be created deliberately. Good financial planning is not about

Law that moves with you Built for business. Trusted for life. From boardroom decisions to life’s milestones, we protect what matters — now and for the future. Scan to secure your future today www.ts-p.co.uk 01892 510000

becoming fearful or denying yourself the rewards of success. It’s about making sure the life you enjoy today doesn’t come at the expense of the person you’ll be in ten, twenty or thirty years. That starts with knowing what you irey A have, considering e De what you may need and seeking regulated financial advice where appropriate. Your plan may include pensions, investments, financial protection, tax planning and an eventual exit strategy for your business. The details will be personal, but leaving everything to chance is still a financial decision. The growth in female wealth is a powerful change. The next step is making sure that wealth lasts. Enjoy the success you’ve worked for, but give your future self a proper seat at the table too. TH

www.deeairey.com

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Hospice Run returns for milestone 20th year Hospice in the Weald’s annual run returns to Tunbridge Wells for its 20th anniversary, with hundreds of runners expected to take part and raise vital funds for the charity…

embers of the community are set to come together for Hospice Run as it returns for its

20th year. The much-loved Tunbridge Wells event takes place on Sunday 20th September at Lower Common Cricket Ground, with hundreds of runners expected to take on one of the South East’s best closed-road routes. This year’s event offers halfmarathon, 5K and 10K routes, as well as a family fun run. To mark the milestone, Fonthill Brewing Co, which has venues across Tunbridge Wells including The George, has re-badged an IPA to create the special anniversary tap, ‘Finish Line’, and is giving every participating runner a free half-pint on the day. All profits from sales of Finish Line in September will support Hospice in the Weald. Richard Simm, Managing Director of Fonthill Brewing Co, said: “We are honoured to partner with this year’s Hospice Run. Supporting it matters to us as Hospice in the Weald does extraordinary work: so many of our customers have been helped by them in the toughest of times. “Independent hospitality and grassroots fundraising go hand in hand – both rely on people showing up for each other, so we’re proud to lend our support to their typically massive efforts.”

Hospice in the Weald's annual run has many supporters including Savills and Fonthill Brewery

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This is a cause that is close to our hearts and we are thrilled to continue supporting this event Savills is proudly celebrating its 20th year as headline sponsor. Staff from Savills, which specialises in the selling, letting and management of residential property, are also taking up the challenge to run in the event. Robert Jacobs, Head of Office at Savills Tunbridge Wells, said: “We are honoured to support and participate in the 2026 Hospice Run, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Having been involved from the very beginning, it has been wonderful to see the event grow into such a significant and much-loved fixture in the local community. “This year, colleagues from our Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Haywards Heath and Cranbrook offices will once again be lacing up their running shoes to take part and raise funds for the vital care and support provided by Hospice in the Weald. “It is a cause that is close to our hearts

and we are thrilled to continue supporting this event, which has made such a positive difference to so many people. It makes for a great morning out in the town, so we hope as many people as possible come to join in.” Runners can also benefit from exclusive incentives from local partners, including 20 per cent off a first month at Halo Gym Tunbridge Wells, discounts on running shoes from The Running Hub, and on-theday discounts from businesses including Piglet in Bed. Everyone who takes part will also receive a special medal designed by a pupil from Somerhill School, Tonbridge, with the medals sponsored by G. Collins & Sons. The Freddie Green and Family Charitable Foundation is generously match-funding Hospice Run 2026, meaning all donations up to £100,000 will be doubled. Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £100, and all funds raised will help Hospice in the Weald provide care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones.

There’s still time to sign up for Hospice Run 2026, which takes place from 8am to 12.30pm on Sunday 20th September. Visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk for more details.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Sunday 20th September | Tunbridge Wells

Don’t miss our 20th anniversary event! Half Marathon | 10k | 5k | Family Route Proud sponsor

Thank you! to all the wonderful local businesses and organisations supporting Hospice Run 2026, including Savills, G Collins and Sons, Fonthill Brewery, Halo Gym, The Running Hub and more.

RECRUITMENT

TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

Why location still matters when recruiting TN Recruits looks at why rising candidate availability does not tell the whole story, with local salary expectations, travel and working patterns still determine who employers can attract across the South East…

eptember often brings renewed recruitment activity as businesses revisit roles postponed over the summer and consider what needs to be in place before year-end. National ﬁgures provide useful context, but they cannot tell an employer whether an accounts assistant in Tunbridge Wells, an operations manager in Crawley or a customer service adviser in Guildford will be straightforward to recruit. Oﬃce for National Statistics data shows fewer UK vacancies than a year ago, with 2.5 unemployed people for every vacancy. KPMG and REC also recently reported that permanent appointments stopped declining in July, while candidate

availability continued to increase. Yet starting salaries were still rising as employers competed for particular skills and experience. More applicants, therefore, do not necessarily mean more suitable candidates. Conditions can also differ considerably between nearby towns. Online job advertising increased across the South East in July despite a national decline, while unemployment-related benefit claimant levels varied across locations including Guildford, Tunbridge Wells, Crawley and Hastings. For employers, these differences matter. Salary expectations are influenced by nearby businesses and access to London. A role requiring five days in the office has a different potential candidate pool from one offering hybrid working. Rail fares, journey times and parking costs can all determine whether somebody who appears right for a vacancy will actually consider it.

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More applicants do not necessarily mean more suitable candidates LOCAL EVIDENCE SHOULD SHAPE THE BRIEF

At TN Recruits, our role is not simply to take a vacancy to market. We help businesses across Kent, Sussex and Surrey understand how their role compares with what candidates are seeing elsewhere. That might mean discussing salary or flexibility, but it can also mean challenging the brief itself. Does every requirement genuinely affect somebody’s ability to perform the job? Removing an unnecessary requirement does not mean lowering standards. It can widen the search to people with the capability to succeed who might otherwise have been overlooked. Equally, where particular experience or qualifications are essential, employers need to understand how that affects the available candidate market. Our consultants draw on a network

of more than 52,000 professionals, including people who may not be actively applying through job boards. Candidates are interviewed about their experience, reasons for moving and working preferences, while video shortlists provide further insight beyond the CV. This gives us evidence to have a more useful conversation with an employer: Is this vacancy going to work in the market as it stands? National statistics can tell businesses which way recruitment is moving. They cannot tell them whether their particular vacancy will work. Recruitment decisions are made street by street, salary by salary and conversation by conversation. Understanding that local market before recruiting can make the diﬀerence between simply attracting applications and ﬁnding the person the business actually needs. GET IN TOUCH: www.tnrecruits.com 01892 571105

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2026

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September 2026

dining ● travel ● lifestyle ● property

Patience is a virtue Henry Warde of Squerryes tells us all about the wine estate's new premium offering Patience

LIFE THROUGH A LENS Celebrity photographer Steve Read on working with the A list

EARTHLY TREASURES

Tim Sykes of Gardenproud on gardening sustainably and with purpose

FESTIVE FEASTING

We showcase some of Tunbridge Wells’ most delicious seasonal menus

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| LIVE MUSIC GENUINE GERMAN LAGERS | AUTHENTIC GERMAN FOOD 2 The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Contents 04

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPRANO: We celebrate 20 years of the Spanish tapas restaurant

A TASTE OF LUXURY: Wine expert James Viner interviews Henry Warde of Squerryes

FESTIVE FEASTING: We showcase the best seasonal menus in Tunbridge Wells

PROPERTY MATTERS: Becky Moran of TN Lettings and Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential oﬀer their insight into the local property market

TABLE MANNERS: We meet Sarah Coleman of hosting business Beyond The Table

OUTSIDE EDGE: Tim Sykes of Gardenproud on gardening sustainably for the future

STYLE EDIT: Victoria Genevieve reveals the hottest trends for a stylish new season

GOLDEN TICKET: Go on a global adventure with travel experts Ashdown Travel

SHOOTING STARS: Steve Read, photographer and local, on working with A-list celebs

WHAT’S ON: Clare Lush-Mansell of My Tunbridge Wells on where to go and when

elcome to the latest edition of the TW Edit – your must-read guide to the people, places, ideas and experiences making Tunbridge Wells such an exciting place to live, work and spend time. This month, we’ve brought together a brilliant mix of local stories and inspiring features. They include an exclusive interview with Ivan Di Santo from Soprano, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this month. Can you believe that this hospitality hotspot has been fully booked every single weekend since it launched? In a time of diﬃculty, austerity and sheer bad luck for the industry, this is a brilliant business model that is well worth celebrating… We also sit down with Sarah Coleman from Beyond the Table to discover more about her aesthetic approach and how

she has built a successful and pioneering business as a result. After reading our interview, you will never look at preparing your kitchen or dining room table for dinner – or lunchtime – in quite the same way again! For anyone with green ﬁngers – or those simply looking for ways to make their outdoor space a little more environmentally friendly – Tim Sykes of Gardenproud shares his expertise on sustainable gardening. With growing interest in making our gardens more adaptable to climate change, wildlifefriendly and better suited to working with nature rather than against it, his advice is both timely and practical. Our fashion and beauty pages are packed with inspiration, ideas and local ﬁnds to help you embrace the new season, thanks to Victoria Genevieve, while our property section looks at the

latest trends, homes and developments shaping the local market, with contributions from our industry experts. Our events guide, written by Clare of My Tunbridge Wells fame, will help you make the most of everything happening in and around Tunbridge Wells this month. From culture and entertainment to food, music and community events, there’s plenty to look forward to as we move into the months ahead. So, grab a coﬀee, settle in and enjoy exploring this month’s TW Edit. Happy reading! Eileen Leahy

FOOD & DRINK INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Soprano’s recipe for success

After 20 years at the heart of Tunbridge Wells’ dining scene, Soprano’s founders Ivan and Maurizio Di Santo are still hungry for the next chapter. Eileen Leahy meets Ivan to discover how they’re celebrating two decades in local hospitality – and discovers more about the brothers’ latest exciting business venture…

nyone who loves great food, show-stopping cocktails and a lot of fun will almost certainly have experienced a meal at Soprano. Located on Tunbridge Wells High Street, the restaurant has been a hallmark of the town’s hospitality scene for 20 years, thanks to its sensational Spanish tapas, adventurous cocktails and lively ambience. I’m meeting Ivan Di Santo, who cofounded the restaurant with his brother Maurizio in September 2006, to discover how they will be celebrating the milestone – and to find out more about the brothers’ latest venture, Di Santo & Family, which specialises in frozen classic Italian desserts. But more on that later… First, I want to know the secret ingredients behind Soprano’s success, particularly given the challenges hospitality has faced in recent years. “Well, simply, I think it’s down to great food and a passion for what we do,” smiles Ivan. “We are hugely proud of being in business for this long – although it has been a long journey to get here.” The brothers hail from a small village in Calabria, Italy, and first moved to London before discovering Tunbridge Wells. “We lived in London and then discovered Tunbridge Wells. It ticked so many boxes and we knew it was the perfect place to launch a restaurant.” Their first venture was an Italian restaurant called Sant’Agostino, named

MAURIZIO (L) AND IVAN DI SANTO

“

Since day one we have been very successful. We have never had a weekend when we haven’t been fully booked after the nearby Catholic church. After several years, however, they began thinking about creating something different. “We get a lot of influence from Spain in southern Italy and therefore tapas is part

of our culture,” explains Ivan. “The idea was to create something a bit more fun and that’s how we came up with the concept of tapas, cocktails and music.” Since day one the venture has been successful. “We have never had a weekend when we haven’t been fully booked.” That popularity means advance booking is advisable, but the brothers have never been tempted to rest on their laurels. “Over the past 20 years plenty has changed and we have obviously adjusted accordingly.” Ivan has travelled for inspiration, including spending time in New York studying cocktail-making. “Now our mixologists create some very unique drinks which are visually appealing but also taste great.” He also keeps a close eye on culinary and hospitality trends. “We do a trend report every six months based on what is going on in London and in the main cities in Europe. It’s to understand what is new, and where the sector is going.” The Soprano menu has evolved, but never at the expense of dishes customers have come to love. “We change the menu once a year but we tend to keep the very popular ones. We have very loyal customers who regularly come in and, if there’s not the legendary albondigas meatballs or croquettes on the menu, they will ask where they are!”

FOOD & DRINK LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

The strategy is to take classic recipes and give them a contemporary twist. “When creating tapas dishes we try to evolve a classic recipe with a touch of the contemporary.” Alongside classics such as tortilla, gambas piri piri and calamares, diners will find more innovative offerings, including Soprano’s take on patatas bravas. “What sets us apart is that although we are creating Spanish-inspired cuisine, we are doing so using as many local ingredients as possible. We are passionate about sourcing and supporting local.” The restaurant uses Sankey’s for its fish, Fuller’s for meat and suppliers in Sussex for bread and vegetables. “I think it’s very important to support local,” says Ivan. “When people come out to eat, they don’t want something that’s homogenised. They like locality.” He remembers when Soprano first opened, sourcing good-quality local produce was not always straightforward. “It was almost impossible to source a decent British tomato. But now they are

LIFE IS SWEET: Di Santo & Family specialises in traditional Italian desserts for the UK market

sourced locally and we are proud of that. We don’t want to compromise on quality. That’s probably why people have trusted us for 20 years.” Around 80 per cent of its trade comes from loyal and regular customers, with the remainder made up of walk-ins, word of mouth and visitors. “We get a lot of people coming into Tunbridge Wells to see us, but many are from abroad or further afield in the UK too. We have a good reputation.”

THE NEXT CHAPTER

A FRESH LOOK At Soprano, the next milestone is already being planned. In January, the restaurant will undergo a major restyling, with an interior designer already working on the project. It is expected to close for around two weeks during what is traditionally one of the quietest periods of the year. “It’s about bringing in new energy to the place,” says Ivan. The aim is to create a new vibe while retaining the spirit that has made Soprano so successful. There will also be special dinners and parties in September to mark the oﬃcial anniversary. And after 20 years, there is clearly no appetite for standing still. “We have plenty more ideas and projects for the next 20 years – and we are certainly looking forward to that.”

But the Di Santo brothers’ entrepreneurial ambitions have never been confined to the restaurant. Alongside Soprano, the family has launched Di Santo & Family, an artisan food business specialising in traditional Italian desserts. Founded three years ago, the company operates from a factory in Crowborough, producing frozen Italian pastries for wholesale and distribution across the UK. The products are already sold through Ocado, as well as delis, garden centres, independent shops and distributors. At the heart of the range is cannoli, alongside around 15 other desserts. The leap from restaurant to retail might seem a big one, but for the brothers it is a natural extension of everything they have always done. “Both my brother Maurizio and I studied at catering school and it was always in our mind to create something genuinely Italian but from here in the UK.

“Like everything we do, the focus is on quality, sourcing local ingredients and making it in the UK by an Italian family because we have all that valuable experience and expertise.” Flavour combinations include matcha and strawberry, passionfruit and lemon, and lemon and elderflower. “We try to combine Italian tradition with innovation. Offering people something a bit different.” The company currently employs 10 people and is growing steadily. The longterm ambition is to eventually export to the United States and Canada, where the brothers see significant potential for authentic Italian desserts. For now, however, the focus remains on building the UK business. And there is a reason food has become such a lifelong passion. “It’s in our DNA,” says Ivan. “All our life, since childhood – and it was the same for our parents – we grew up on a farm located in a small village where my family was producing local food.” The family still returns to Italy regularly, and those visits continue to provide inspiration. SOPRANO, 15 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells. Open Monday-Saturday, lunch 12-3pm, with drinks served until 6pm. Saturday service runs throughout the day. DI SANTO & FAMILY: www.disantoandfamily.com

FOOD & DRINK INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

A brave new wave of white wines

Our Drinks Editor James Viner explores the current trend for crisp, dry whites with a slightly saline, savoury edge. From Atlantic Muscadet and Manzanilla sherry to assyrtiko, albariño and Soave, here are his six top tipples…

an a white wine taste of the sea? It sounds fanciful, but sip a Muscadet sur lie and you may think of oyster shells, sea spray or a cool breeze. That mouth-watering, salty sensation in some white wines is one of wine’s most beguiling tricks – and is a welcome antidote to the overtly fruity whites crowding the supermarket shelves. Chill them, order seafood from Sankey’s Fishmongers and discover six whites in which fruit takes a back seat to freshness and a delicious lick of the sea.

1 2 3 4

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That mouth-watering, salty sensation in some white wines is one of wine’s most beguiling tricks 1. 2025 TASTE THE DIFFERENCE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE SUR LIE, FRANCE £8 with a Nectar card, £9.75 without, September 2–22, Sainsbury’s, 11.5%

This top-drawer Muscadet has had six months of lees ageing, adding texture and a sea-spray character. Made by Pierre Lieubeau, it ﬁnishes with citrusy acidity and mouth-watering freshness that makes oysters a must. Also excellent with ﬁsh pie, moules marinières and prawns.

2. NV WILLIAMS & HUMBERT ALEGRÍA MANZANILLA, SPAIN £11.95, The Wine Society, 15%, 75cl

If you like your whites bone-dry, this sherry oﬀers a change of pace. Pale and tangy, it brings sea spray, chamomile, green apple and almond, with ﬂor adding an iodine-like savouriness. Made in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, it is delicate enough for seafood, yet brisk enough to wake even jaded palates.

3. 2025 ZACHARIAS ASSYRTIKO, GREECE £13, down to £10.40 from September 16 to October 14, Waitrose, 12.7%

Greece’s ﬂagship white grape, assyrtiko, originated on the windy, volcanic Cycladic island of Santorini. This unoaked example

6 Follow James on Instagram @QuixoticWines from the eastern Peloponnese is bracing, with vibrant acidity, flinty wet-stone notes and a lip-smacking saline tang. A brilliant match for tomato salads, shellfish or lamb stuffed with capers, herbs and olives.

4. 2025 MAR DE FRADES ALBARIÑO, RÍAS BAIXAS, SPAIN £17.75, Tesco, 12.5%

This cracking albariño comes from Rías Baixas on Galicia’s indented Atlantic coastline. Lemon and white peach lead into a saline ﬁnish, with a subtle mineral edge. Fresh but not austere, it quivers with vivid acidity. Think sea breeze, bottled. A tour de force. One for sushi, octopus and gambas al pil pil.

5. 2025 BERRY BROS. & RUDD SOAVE CLASSICO BY PIEROPAN, ITALY £19.95, Berry Bros. & Rudd, 12%

Salinity is not the sole preserve of coastal vineyards. Pieropan’s Soave, made from Garganega grown in volcanic soils about 100km west of Venice, offers almond and bay leaf on the nose, followed by crisp acidity, a gentle saline edge and an oyster-shell finish. Sapid, energetic and beautifully poised, it is made for squid-ink pasta, grilled fish or scallops.

6. 2022 VIÑA ARBOLEDA CHARDONNAY, CHILE £17.05–£20, Corney & Barrow, Flagship Wines, Fortnum & Mason, Winedirect, 13.5%

This is a pristine, sensitively oaked Chardonnay from Chile’s Aconcagua Costa, which has a cool maritime climate where Paciﬁc breezes keep the vines fresh. Lemon and green apple lead into a long, briny ﬁnish, with brisk acidity that keeps the wine dancing across the palate. Precise, premium and persistent. Great gear from the Chilhué vineyard!

THE ULTIMATE WINE BOOK – OUT ON 24 SEPTEMBER

The World Atlas of Wine, 9th edition, by Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson MW and Julia Harding MW (Octopus Books) Terroir, maps, climate, bottles: wine is never simply what is in the glass, and neither is this wondrous tome. Since 1971, it has made wine’s complexity lucid and its discovery irresistible. Now in its ninth edition, it remains a classic precisely because its genius is never to stand still.

FOOD & DRINK LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Looking for a new garage? How about an old one… Mereworth Motors has been servicing Tunbridge Wells since 1976, proving that good service never goes out of fashion. We’re a genuine alternative to the main dealer, and offer expert Servicing, Repairs, MOTs and Diagnostic Work – all with the personal touch you’d expect from a small, local, independent business. And, because life is busy, we even provide a FREE collection and delivery service

01892 532276 Unit 2B North Farm Road Tunbridge Wells TN2 3DR www.mereworthmotors.co.uk info@mereworthmotors.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Patience raises the bar for premium English sparkling wine At £225 a bottle, Squerryes’ Patience 2014 is a bold statement of intent. After 108 months on its lees and a further two years in bottle after disgorgement, it represents more than a decade of patience, investment and faith in the potential of English sparkling wine. James Viner meets ninth-generation owner Henry Warde to discover what makes Squerryes’ prestige cuvée worth the wait – and the price…

amed after Henry’s ancestor Sir Patience Warde (1629–1696), Squerryes’ new wine connects three centuries of family history with a vineyard planted in 2006. But heritage alone doesn’t make a £225 bottle of wine. The proof, inevitably, is in the glass. I asked Henry about Patience, Squerryes’ evolution and the long-term business of building an English wine estate…

HENRY, LET’S CUT TO THE CHASE: WHAT MAKES A BOTTLE OF ENGLISH SPARKLING WINE WORTH £225?

At Squerryes, the answer starts with something you can’t buy more of: time. Patience 2014 spent nine years on its lees before disgorgement, followed by two more years in the bottle. It is the first wine in Squerryes’ prestige collection – and a bold statement that a vineyard planted just 20 years ago can compete at the top end of the market. Patience has been a long-held idea: not just to create a Squerryes wine, but to release something only when it feels ready. If you’re prepared to wait, you can create something with real depth and a strong sense of place. Patience 2014 is about taking the long

HENRY WARDE

“People underestimate how long-term and capital-intensive the business is”

view. Is that also how you run Squerryes? Squerryes has always been about more than wine. It starts with our family motto, ‘Licet Esse Beatis’, meaning ‘it is permitted to be joyful’, and extends to the place, the people, the history and the hospitality that bring all those elements together.

WHAT GAVE YOU CONFIDENCE THAT PATIENCE 2014 COULD SIT COMFORTABLY AT £225?

Patience was never priced by benchmarking against other wines. The starting point was whether the wine justified being released at all. It represents more than ten years of ageing, extremely limited volumes and a decade of assessment. Ultimately, the question was whether we believed it was an exceptional wine, and the response we’ve received suggests others think so too.

PATIENCE 2014 SPENT MORE THAN A DECADE AGEING. WHAT DID THAT TIME ADD TO THE WINE? Patience spent 108 months ageing on

FOOD & DRINK LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

its lees, allowing it to develop greater complexity, texture and depth. The bright fruit character of the 2014 vintage has evolved into something more layered and expressive, while retaining the freshness and structure that come from our chalk soils. The extended ageing wasn’t about creating something old, but about giving the wine time to become the very best version of itself.

and produces wines with a clear sense of place. What excites me most is that we’re still learning. Every harvest teaches us something new about the site, and we continue to see how well our chalk soils and cool climate suit the classic sparkling wine varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. We produce vintage Brut, Rosé, and Blanc de Blancs wines every year.

IS PATIENCE 2014 THE CULMINATION OF A JOURNEY OR THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ONE?

WHAT DO PEOPLE MOST MISUNDERSTAND ABOUT STARTING AND RUNNING AN ENGLISH VINEYARD?

It’s a bit of both. Patience is the culmination of more than a decade’s work, but it’s also the beginning of a new project. It was always intended to be the start of a continuing series of exceptional wines rather than a one-oﬀ release.

People underestimate how long-term and capital-intensive the business is.

You’re making decisions today whose results may not become apparent for ten years or more. Add weather, farming and the realities of running a business, and a vineyard becomes a very diﬀerent proposition from the romantic image many people have of it.

VISIT SQUERRYES

Around a 30-minute drive north-west of Tunbridge Wells, Squerryes has a fantastic restaurant and oﬀers a striking setting for corporate events and visitor experiences. Address: Beggars Lane, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1QP Website: squerryes.co.uk/patience Instagram: @squerryes

PATIENCE 2014 RRP: £225. The maiden 2014 release is limited to around 3,000 bottles.

WHAT FIRST MADE YOU THINK SQUERRYES COULD BECOME A WINE ESTATE?

The catalyst was a 2004 visit from a Champagne house, which identified similarities between our chalk soils and those of Champagne. Once we understood the quality of the site, my father and I felt it was an opportunity too good to ignore. We saw wine as a way of creating something enduring that future generations could continue to build upon. Today the vineyard covers 21 hectares

Available from: Dulwich Vintners, Jeroboams, Hedonism Wines, Macknade, House of Decant and directly from Squerryes.

Ideal for corporate dinners, client entertaining and private celebrations

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The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Seasonal splendour

he – ssssh Christmas party season is officially on the horizon, and if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that festive food tastes even better when someone else is doing the cooking… Whether you’re planning an annual office soiree, catching up with friends, organising a family celebration or simply looking for somewhere special to raise a glass as the year draws to a close, Tunbridge Wells has plenty of tempting culinary options. For this special seasonal dining feature, we’ve rounded up five local favourites offering their own take on Christmas and party season dining. And all of them offer exceptional unique menus for the festive season.

At Essence, you can expect its distinctive quality and adventure approach to contemporary Indian cuisine, while Soprano brings its much-loved fun Italian hospitality to the festive table. Zorba offers a considered taste of Greece and Turkey cuisine for those looking to do Christmas a little differently, while TN1 Bar is the place to consider when dinner needs to segue effortlessly into drinks and celebrations. And for something a little more traditional and grand, The Spa Hotel provides the perfect setting for festive dining, whether it’s a celebratory meal, Christmas gathering or a well-earned seasonal treat. Cheers to the festive season!

Food with friends

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The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

SCAN TO BOOK

EAT. DRINK. EAT. DRINK. CELEBRATE. CELEBRATE. CHRISTMAS MENUS FROM 23 NOVEMBER

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Festive menus made for celebrating, from office parties to family gatherings and Christmas get-togethers with friends.

BOOK NOW & CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH US T: 01892 513900 W: tn1barkitchen.co.uk 33 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1LS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

YEARS OF SOPRANO Gracias

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The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Celebrate Christmas AT THE SPA HOTEL

From festive lunches and indulgent afternoon teas to lively party nights and cosy seasonal getaways. We’ve got everything you need to make Christmas 2026 truly unforgettable.

PARTY NIGHTS WITH MINT DJ’S FESTIVE LUNCHES FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DINNER

WWW.SPAHOTEL.CO.UK • TEL: 01892 520331 • EVENTS@SPAHOTEL.CO.UK

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CHARITY INTERVIEW

Celebrate the season

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

at Zorba!

Christmas Group Bookings Make this Christmas one to remember. Book your group celebration early and we’ll treat you to your first round of drinks on us. Gather your friends, family or colleagues and enjoy great food, great company and the warm Zorba atmosphere.

Lunch, the Zorba way Make lunchtime something to look forward to with our delicious 2 & 3 course set menus - perfect for leisurely lunches, catch-ups and celebrations.

GOOD FOOD. GOOD COMPANY. GOOD TIMES.

ZORBA Where every occasion deserves a celebration.

Book NOW:

zorbamezegrill

01892 530051

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zorba_mezegrill

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Essence at the Pantiles invites discerning diners to celebrate in style this festive season with inspired pan-Indian dishes, elegant interiors and an epicurean experience that blends tradition with culinary artistry, says Events and Marketing Manager, Bibi Roy...

his festive season, Essence at The Pantiles is poised to become Tunbridge Wells’ most sophisticated destination for celebratory dining. Set within the iconic Georgian colonnades, the restaurant pairs Chef Atul’s Michelin-starred approach to pan-Indian cuisine with an atmosphere of refined indulgence, creating a space where tradition meets contemporary culinary artistry. The upcoming festive menus promise a symphony of flavours, crafted with Chef’s signature finesse. Expect opulent starters that open the evening with warmth and nostalgia, followed by mains that balance bold aromatics with modern style.

Images by Key & Quill

Vegetarian dishes shine just as brightly, celebrating India’s diverse culinary heritage through seasonal produce and fragrant spices. Visually stunning and a delight to savour, our festive experience goes beyond the plate. With our Rajasthani inspired elegant interiors, private dining mezzanine, and curated wine and cocktail list, including the Essence Martini with curry leaf and lemongrass-infused gin, the restaurant is designed for everything from intimate dinners to spirited gatherings. Whether you’re planning a corporate celebration or a cosy evening with loved ones, Essence oﬀers a festive escape that’s both luxurious and heartwarming. Our menus are more than meals, they’re moments of joy, crafted with passion and plated with precision. Reservations are highly recommended, as tables ﬁll quickly during the season.

This year, guests can explore all upcoming experiences directly via the BOOK NOW feature on the website. For larger celebrations, the GROUP BOOKINGS tab provides a seamless way to browse spaces, menus, drinks lists, and secure reservations with ease. Essence at The Pantiles invites diners to embrace a season rich in ﬂavour, steeped in tradition, and sparkling with culinary creativity. Website: www.essencerestaurants.co.uk Socials: @essence.pantiles

PROPERTY INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Now is the time to learn the new rules of renting This month Becky Moran of TN Lettings asks if renting in Tunbridge Wells is all about Location, Location, Location?

hen it comes to the rental market in Royal Tunbridge Wells, there are two things that are becoming increasingly clear: location matters, but so does price. As TV property experts Kirstie and Phil would say, it really is all about ‘location, location, location’ – but in today’s rental market, we would probably add ‘price, price, price’ to that too! Tenants are still actively looking for good-quality homes, but they are becoming far more considered about where they live and, importantly, what they are prepared to pay. Gone are the days when almost every rental property would attract immediate interest simply because demand was high. Today’s tenants are comparing properties, locations and monthly rents much more carefully before making their decision.

We believe the strongest rental properties combine the right location, realistic pricing, excellent presentation and effective marketing

amenities, schools and transport connections. For families in particular, Southborough can offer a little more space for their money while still being within easy reach of everything Tunbridge Wells has to offer. Mount Ephraim continues to be a highly desirable rental location. With its proximity to the town centre, restaurants, cafés, Tunbridge Wells Common and the station, it particularly appeals to professionals and those wanting to enjoy everything the town has on their doorstep.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

PARKING CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

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Certain areas of Tunbridge Wells continue to perform particularly well. St John’s remains extremely popular, especially with families and professionals. Its proximity to the town centre, local schools, amenities and transport links makes it an attractive option for tenants who want convenience without necessarily living right in the centre of town. Southborough is another area where we continue to see strong interest. It offers a great balance between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, with good local

If you own a rental property close to the centre of Tunbridge Wells and it comes with parking, you really do have a winning combination. Parking is something tenants regularly ask us about, and in central locations it can make a significant difference to the appeal of a property. A well-presented apartment within walking distance of the station and town centre is already attractive; add allocated or off-road parking and it can immediately stand out from the competition. The current rental market is increasingly

price driven. Tenants have access to plenty of information online and can quickly compare similar properties. If a home is priced too high, even in a fantastic location, tenants are often prepared to wait or choose an alternative. For landlords, getting the asking rent right from day one is therefore incredibly important. An extra £50 or £100 per month may sound appealing, but if it results in several weeks without a tenant, that additional rent can very quickly be lost. At TN Sales & Lettings, we believe the strongest rental properties combine the right location, realistic pricing, excellent presentation and effective marketing. If you are considering letting your property in Tunbridge Wells, Southborough or the surrounding areas, or your current property is struggling to attract the right tenant, speak to our team on 01892 249070. We can give you an honest assessment of its rental value and advise you on how best to position it in today’s market. For more information about our property management services, call 01892 249070 or email info@tnlettings.co.uk.

PROPERTY LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Your local, Your local, independent sales agent

independent sales agent Always here to help

Always here to help Tel: 01892 249080 Email: info@tnsales.co.uk www.tnsales.co.uk 01892 249080 Your Trusted, Local, IndependentTel: Letting Agents SJD 130x90 advert 09.25.qxp_SJD 130x90 advert 09.25.qxp 22/09/2025 16:29 PROPERTY TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2026 Email: info@tnsales.co.uk TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2026 TUNBRIDGE WELLS BUSINESS MAGAZINE MARCH 2026

LAND AND DEVELOPMENT

CREATING BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES

PLOT OR NOT? UNLOCK THE POTENTIAL OF YOUR LAND OR PROPERTY

We’re actively seeking sites for development on behalf of clients. For more information, contact Stephen Donnelly: gardenproud.co.uk 07739 514 350 I 01892 579 937 I steve@sjd-projects.com

sjd-projects.com DESIGN | CONSTRUCT | MAINTAIN

ambient lighting to turn your house into www.tnsales.co.uk 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. 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.

SAVE THE DATE

Whether you’re mid-ren design, the Royal Tunbr of inspiration, creativity

WHEN: Thursday 12–14

WHERE: Tunbridge Wel

T m p b p m p A a e e fr la th p tr w c To

PROPERTY INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

The hidden cost of overpricing your home

Pricing a property too high may seem like a sensible strategy, but in today’s price-sensitive market it can cost sellers valuable time, reduce competition and ultimately result in a lower sale price as Deborah Richards of Maddisons Residential explains…

ne of the most common misconceptions when selling a property is that there is little risk in starting high and reducing the price later if necessary. In reality, overpricing a home can be one of the most expensive mistakes a seller makes, particularly in today’s highly pricesensitive market. Buyers are better informed than ever before. With access to Rightmove, Zoopla and sold-price data, they can compare properties instantly and quickly identify homes that appear overpriced. As a result, the first few weeks of marketing have become increasingly important. This is when a property receives the highest levels of exposure, appears in buyers’ alerts and attracts the attention of those actively looking to move.

“

Success is not about asking the highest price. It’s about positioning your home at the right price If the price is too ambitious at launch, many buyers simply scroll past. The property will attract fewer viewings, generate less competition and ultimately fail to gain momentum. Unfortunately, once those initial weeks have been lost, it can be diﬃcult to recreate the same level of excitement later on. What many sellers don’t appreciate is that serious buyers become genuine experts in value. Someone actively searching for a home will often view dozens of properties and spend weeks or even months monitoring the market. They quickly develop a detailed understanding of what a particular budget should buy in a given location. This is why buyer feedback can sometimes be misunderstood. A buyer may say the bedrooms feel too

small, that they would prefer a larger garden, or that they need an additional reception room. Whilst this may appear to be a comment about the property itself, it is often actually feedback on the price. In simple terms, the buyer has seen another property offering those features for a similar amount of money. They are making a value comparison rather than criticising the home. Many sellers assume that reducing the price after a few weeks will solve the problem. However, by this point, the property may have already been seen by much of the active buyer pool. Buyers notice price reductions and often question why a property has failed to sell. Rather than strengthening the seller’s position, an overpricing strategy can unintentionally weaken it. The irony is that overpricing often results in a lower final sale price. Properties that generate strong interest from the outset are more likely to attract

multiple buyers, creating competition that helps support value. By contrast, homes that sit on the market for extended periods can become perceived as stale, leading to lower offers and tougher negotiations. The most successful sellers therefore focus on strategic pricing rather than optimistic pricing. Combined with excellent presentation and strong marketing, a realistic asking price maximises exposure, creates competition and ultimately delivers the strongest result. In today’s market, success is not about asking the highest price. It is about positioning your home at the right price, so buyers recognise its value immediately. maddisonsresidential.co.uk

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

PROPERTY LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

PROPERTY INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Hot property Every month in the TW Edit supplement we showcase one of the area’s most desirable homes. This month, Maddisons Residential presents a beautifully refurbished property in a secluded spot that’s perfect for relaxed country living…

his beautifully refurbished Victorian period property is the perfect mini estate, with two exceptional onebedroom annexes, an oak-framed three-bay garage with studio above, and just over an acre of landscaped, peaceful grounds with stunning south-westerly countryside views. Situated on the edge of the charming village of Groombridge, the property is only a seven-minute drive from Tunbridge Wells and close to Eridge Station. The house occupies an elevated, secluded position and has been extensively refurbished by the current owner to an exacting, high-specification standard. Improvements include a new roof, fascias and window frames, full electrical rewire, new heating and hot water systems, new windows and doors, bathrooms and kitchen, plus a Control4 Media audio system and air conditioning in selected areas. Planning permission is also in place for a further downstairs extension.

including a superb principal suite with well-equipped bathroom, dressing room and air conditioning, together with a family bathroom.

LITTLE ROSE

This beautifully presented one-bedroom annexe has been created through the sympathetic conversion of a former outbuilding. It includes a stylish kitchen, sitting room, bedroom and wet room, all finished to the same exceptional standard as the main house. Wet underfloor heating runs throughout.

THE VIEW

ROSE COTTAGE

The main house starts with a stylish porch which opens into the lobby and welcoming entrance hall, where a woodburning stove creates a warm focal point. The ground floor includes a generous study, formal dining room and an impressive drawing room spanning the rear of the house, with a large brick fireplace and French doors opening onto the terrace. The newly refitted kitchen/diner features Shaker-style cabinetry, quartz worktops, a Falcon double oven and grill and SMEG fridge, complemented by a useful pantry. With triple-aspect windows and French doors overlooking the garden, this is a particularly bright and sociable space. A utility room and cloakroom complete the ground floor. Upstairs are four double bedrooms,

Set at the foot of the garden, this charming one-bedroom dwelling enjoys a private and peaceful position, with superb far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside. It comprises an open-plan kitchen/dining/ reception room, and separate bedroom and bathroom. There is air conditioning and a covered decked area designed to make the most of the spectacular setting.

GARAGE & STUDIO

An attractive oak-framed building provides a three-bay garage, each with its own electric door, alongside a log store and hot and cold dog wash. Above is a versatile studio with WC, kitchen area and air conditioning.

OUTSIDE

The beautifully landscaped, fully enclosed gardens have been designed to maximise the property’s exceptional setting and south-westerly views. Paved terraces provide superb spaces for al fresco entertaining, while expanses of lawn, mature planting, specimen trees, a duck pond and vegetable garden create a wonderfully peaceful environment. There are also three sheds and a discreetly positioned storage container.

THE AREA

Groombridge is a popular village with a strong community spirit, while Royal Tunbridge Wells is just a short drive away, offering excellent shopping, restaurants, leisure facilities and a mainline station with fast and frequent services to central London. The area is well served by highly regarded state and independent schools. Bluewater is under 25 miles away, while the south coast and its seaside towns are approximately 30 miles away. Offers are invited in Excess of £2m.

GET IN TOUCH: Call us: 01892 514100 Email us: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk Visit: www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

PROPERTY LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Cubit Consulting are a wellestablished firm of Chartered Building Surveyors located in the heart of Shoreditch, London EC2A. Cubit Consulting provides professional services and expert advice to commercial and domestic clients across the UK. Known for its strong market presence, the firm of Chartered Surveyors specialises in Building Surveying (MRICS) and offers a comprehensive range of services. Cubit Consulting prides itself on understanding client requirements and delivering a high quality service, supported by ongoing training and professional development to enhance the quality of its personnel. SERVICES INCLUDE:

· Building Surveying · Architectural Services and Design

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

· Project Management · Party Wall Matters

Cubit Consulting 13-21 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3LT

· Principal Designer Services · Cost Consultancy and Dispute Resolution

Tel: +44 (0) 207 253 5050 Email: mail@cubitconsulting.co.uk www.cubitconsulting.co.uk

Supporting Your Projects with Premier Portable Accommodation Solutions At Ashdown Plant Hire & Sales Southern Ltd, we provide superior portable site accommodation and plant hire solutions. Based in Reigate, our mission is to support the construction and event sectors across the South East and London with unparalleled service and expertise. As accommodation specialists, we’re dedicated to delivering flexible, efficient spaces tailored to the unique needs of our diverse clientele. Portable accommodation suppliers to construction, industry & events offices, toilets, storage containers, modular buildings

Contact Ray or Kim

07774 983850 07941 278883 www.ashdownpss.co.uk

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Table talk…

From beautiful tablescapes to thoughtful tableware edits, Sarah Coleman of Beyond The Table is helping homeowners, businesses and holiday properties make more of the spaces where people gather

eyond The Table began with a simple idea: I wanted people to gather around a table and enjoy a special time together that never had to feel complicated. I’ve always loved hosting and the way small details can completely change how a space feels. Over the years, that interest has developed into a thriving small business — and a real understanding of tableware. What’s worth investing in, what works together and, importantly, what people will actually use. When I launched Beyond The Table, much of the focus was on tablescaping and showing people how to create beautiful tables for celebrations, gatherings and everyday meals. But over time, I started to notice that the conversations I was having with clients were changing. More often, the question wasn’t, “How do I set this table?” but, “What should I actually own, and how can I make all of this feel a little more effortless?” Often, people already own plenty of tableware, but the collection has grown over time without much thought as to how everything works together. There might be pieces that rarely get used, things that have been collected or given over the years, or beautiful individual finds that have crept in but don’t quite connect with the rest. I was also seeing beautifully designed dining spaces where the tableware simply hadn’t been given the same consideration. And this is really where Beyond The Table is evolving. Today, my work is increasingly centred around personalised edits. I help private clients create collections that are beautiful, practical and, most importantly, suited to the way they actually live and host. I work one-to-one with clients in their homes, looking through their existing tableware and understanding their dining space and how they like to entertain. Often, we start with what they already own and then go from there, identifying what works, what might be missing and where a few carefully chosen additions could completely change how the collection comes together. It’s definitely not about replacing everything or creating a cupboard full of things reserved for ‘best’. Quite the opposite. I’m a huge believer in making

SARAH COLEMAN

what we own work harder. The best collections should take you from breakfast to dinner and weekday suppers to Christmas, with a few simple changes and additions along the way. Alongside these edits, I offer private at-home workshops where we actually get everything out and use it together. We experiment with colour, texture, linens, glassware and styling, but importantly, I explain why certain combinations work. I want clients to finish feeling confident enough to open their cupboards and know what to reach for, rather than saving everything for an occasion that never quite comes. And the same thinking translates really well beyond the home. I’m now working with small customerfacing businesses where hospitality might not be the main offering, but it is an important part of the client experience. Think of the salon that serves you a coffee, the showroom that offers you a drink while you browse, or the business that brings out a small snack during an appointment.

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

They’re tiny details, but they can say an enormous amount about a brand. The cup, glass, tray or little plate something arrives on is another opportunity to communicate personality, quality and care. Holiday and guest accommodation is another area I’m really excited to develop. Owners invest so much in interiors, kitchens and photography, yet tableware can easily become an afterthought, despite being one of the hardest-working parts of a holiday kitchen. A considered collection can complement the property, improve the

TABLE MANNERS

guest experience and still be practical and straightforward for owners and housekeeping teams to manage. For me, this next chapter of Beyond The Table is less about creating the ‘perfect table’ and much more about helping people make better, more considered choices. Whether I’m standing in someone’s kitchen going through their cupboards, sourcing glassware for a business or reviewing the collection in a holiday property, the principle is much the same: understand how the space is actually used, choose pieces with purpose and make the everyday experience feel that little bit more special. Because quite often, it’s the smallest details that people remember…

If you have cupboards full of tableware but never quite know what to use, you’ve recently updated your kitchen or dining space and feel your collection hasn’t caught up, or you run a business or guest property where the finishing details could be working a little harder, Sarah would love to hear from you. Get in touch with Beyond The Table: Website: www.beyondthetable.co.uk Instagram: @beyondthetable_design

GARDENING INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Gardens with staying power

Following his feature last month, which focused on creating gardens for the future, Tim Sykes of Gardenproud returns to this timely subject once again, looking specifically at three individual gardens and the lessons they offer for creating greater longevity and resilience…

hree very different gardens spring to mind when considering how we can create gardens that are better prepared for the future. Each demonstrates how thoughtful design, the right soil conditions and carefully chosen planting can create beautiful gardens capable of coping with increasingly hot and dry summers.

JARDIN EXOTIQUE IN ÈZE

A garden that has stayed in my mind since I first visited it in the late 1970s is the Jardin Exotique at Èze. Perched high above the Mediterranean near Monte Carlo, its extraordinary collection of succulents and droughttolerant plants has endured decades of intense Mediterranean summers. Freedraining soils, gravel mulches and careful management of water all contribute to a garden that looks remarkably at home in its environment.

BETH CHATTO’S GRAVEL GARDEN

Beth Chatto’s remarkable Gravel Garden, near Colchester in Essex, is perhaps one of the best-known examples. Created from a former car park, the garden began as an experiment to see whether a beautiful garden could survive without irrigation in one of the driest parts of the country. The conditions were challenging: poor, free-draining soil, full sun and very little natural moisture. Rather than trying to change those conditions, Beth worked with them. She and her team selected plants naturally adapted to hot, dry environments, many originating from the Mediterranean and other areas with

“

At Gardenproud, drought tolerance and resilience are now part of the thinking behind every new garden we create

poor, nutrient-deficient soils. The result is a garden that is famously never watered, yet remains wonderfully rich in texture, colour and seasonal interest. It’s a simple principle, but an increasingly important one: understand the conditions you have and choose plants that will thrive in them.

SISSINGHURST’S DELOS GARDEN

Another inspiring example is the Delos Garden at Sissinghurst. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson originally conceived Delos after visiting the Greek island in 1935. They wanted to recreate something of the atmosphere and wild planting they had experienced there, but Sissinghurst’s heavy Wealden clay and relatively shady conditions made Mediterranean planting difficult. More than eighty years later, Head Gardener Troy Scott Smith and garden designer Dan Pearson revisited that original idea. This time, the conditions were designed around the plants. Drainage was dramatically improved, poor, gritty soil introduced, shade reduced and new terraces angled towards the south to make the most of the available sunlight.

GARDENING LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Around 6,000 plants, predominantly native to the Mediterranean basin, were introduced. The result demonstrates that drought-tolerant gardening isn’t simply about choosing different plants. It is about creating the right environment in which those plants can flourish. These gardens are very different, but the thinking behind them has much in common. Work with the site rather than against it. Improve drainage where necessary. Choose plants suited to the conditions. Protect the moisture that is available and use irrigation intelligently. These principles are becoming increasingly relevant to the gardens we design here in the UK.

At Gardenproud, drought tolerance and resilience are now part of the thinking behind every new garden we create. That doesn’t mean compromising on lushness, colour or atmosphere. In fact, some of the most exciting planting combinations come from plants naturally adapted to tougher conditions. Future-proofing a garden is ultimately about designing more intelligently – creating something beautiful today that has the resilience to become even better with age. For further information or help with your garden design, contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820 or visit gardenproud.co.uk.

FREE SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIT FOR ADVERTISERS It’s concerning to note that while 90% of local businesses depend on social media as part of their marketing success, 43% of small businesses don’t measure their social media ROI*. At JJL Media & Marketing, we understand that SMEs juggle numerous responsibilities, including managing their social media accounts. To help your marketing work harder, we're pleased to offer all current advertisers in the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine a complimentary Social Media Audit. This free service aims to enhance your online presence and ensure that your social media efforts produce effective, relevant and measurable results. To book your free audit please contact Sophie Blackburn-Waters:

sophie@jjlmedia.co.uk. * 90% of small businesses leverage social media in their marketing strategy – Talkwalker * 43% of small businesses don’t measure their social media ROI – Capsule CRM

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

“Looking after people is part of protecting performance, culture and retention” Sonya Black is a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Coach, Trauma Therapist and Mental Health First Aid Instructor with more than 20 years’ experience across the NHS, charity sector, private healthcare and independent practice. Here she explains how businesses can respond when ‘life happens’

icture this. A reliable member of your team starts missing deadlines. Someone who is usually calm becomes tearful in a meeting. Another employee seems distracted, irritable or withdrawn. Do you address their performance? Ask what is going on? Say nothing because you are worried about intruding or making things worse? This is where many managers find themselves. They are expected to know what to do, yet most have never been taught how to respond when somebody’s life suddenly changes. People do not leave their lives at the door when they come to work. Divorce, a parent’s diagnosis, personal illness, infertility treatment, baby loss, bereavement and trauma travel with us. They affect sleep, concentration, confidence, decision-making and relationships — and inevitably, this can affect work too. When people are struggling, it shows up in absence, presenteeism, mistakes, working relationships and whether good people stay or leave. In 2024/25, 22.1 million working days were lost to workrelated stress, depression or anxiety, while average workplace absence rose to 9.4 days per employee, compared with 7.8 days in 2023. This costs UK employers up to £51 billion a year, yet evidence suggests employers receive an average return of £4.70 for every £1 invested in workplace mental health. Looking after people is not separate from running a successful business; it is part of protecting performance, culture and retention. This conversation is especially relevant now. Since April 2026, statutory sick pay has applied from the first day of illness, and wider bereavement leave, including pregnancy loss, is planned for 2027. A recent report from the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work, produced through Alliance Manchester Business School, describes trauma as common, often invisible and relevant to every workplace. Importantly, it says traumainformed practice is an organisational capability, not a clinical intervention. Trauma awareness is an attitudinal shift. That distinction matters. Not every painful or stressful experience is trauma,

“

When people are struggling, it shows up in absence, presenteeism, mistakes, working relationships and whether good people stay or leave and managers should not try to diagnose or label people. But businesses can think in a trauma-aware way by asking: do our everyday conversations, policies and processes help people feel safe, respected and able to make choices, or might they unintentionally add to the harm? In more than 20 years of working with people through anxiety, trauma, burnout,

relationship breakdown and major life changes, I have seen how easily distress can be mistaken for disengagement or poor performance. Often, the person is still trying incredibly hard to function. They may be overworking, avoiding certain situations or using every bit of energy simply to appear fine. A manager does not need to become a therapist. Their role is not to uncover the whole story or fix what has happened. It is to notice, open a conversation, understand what is affecting work and agree what might reasonably help. Start with the person, not the policy. You might say, ‘Is there anything you would like me to know, or anything at work that would help?’ Then listen. You do not need the perfect words. ‘I’m sorry you’re dealing with this’ or ‘What would be most useful right now?’ can be enough. Compassion also needs clarity. ‘Take all the time you need’ may sound kind, but can leave everyone uncertain. A more helpful response might include temporary flexibility, adjusted priorities, protected time for appointments or a phased return. Agree what will change, what still needs to happen and when you will review it together. And do review it. This isn’t a one-off chat; it is an attitudinal shift and an approach. Good support cannot depend entirely on the personality of one sympathetic manager. Businesses need clear referral routes, sensible policies and managers who have been given practical training. An employee assistance programme can be useful, but simply handing someone a telephone number is not the same as responding well. For smaller businesses, flexibility can feel difficult when every person is essential. But smaller organisations also have an advantage: they can often respond quickly, personally and creatively. People remember how they were treated when life happened. So do the colleagues who were watching. Handled well, these moments build trust, loyalty and a healthier business. Handled badly, they can cost far more than a compassionate conversation ever would. Get in touch: Discover more at www.sonyacbt.com

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

FASHION & BEAUTY LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

Knowle Grange Health Spa A haven of peace and tranquility set in beautiful Victorian gardens just minutes from Tunbridge Wells on the Kent/Sussex border. Knowle Grange offers a range of spa days and treatments designed to restore mind, body and soul.

Recent Additions Include:

Beech Bar

Sunset Spa

Located by our recently installed outdoor hot tub, the Beech Bar, named after its proximity to a beautiful copper beech tree, is a lovely new addition to the facilities on offer to members and spa guests.

Our latest all-inclusive spa day experience offers the perfect getaway. Relax and enjoy full use of our facilities, a restorative treatment of your choice and a delicious deli style hamper.

www.knowlegrange.co.uk

FASHION & BEAUTY INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

New season style diaries TW Edit's Style Director, Victoria Genevieve, shares her style secrets for the month ahead as well as her top tips on the latest must-haves…

HYDRATION HERO Tatcha moisturiser, from £25 for 15ml, available from Space NK on Tunbridge Wells High Street. www.spacenk.com

eptember is the last mark in the diary for a fresh start! I believe we get three of these a year, and September is always the final push to make a difference to how you feel, inside and out. After summer ends, it seems we are suddenly bombarded with ‘NEW SEASON’ and endless ‘must-haves’. While it’s always good to get ahead and plan your A/W wardrobe, please don’t fall into the sartorial potholes without a clear vision. Don’t start clicking with the promise that you’ll return something if it isn’t right, or that you’ll work out what goes with what and go from there. You never do that — and that’s exactly why you end up with too many clothes you don’t like and don’t wear! SPRITZ THIS Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella Terracotta Pomegranate, £75, available from Santa Maria Novella. uk.smnovella.com

You can start with a Wardrobe Detox. My clients book in twice a year for these, as well as my Wardrobe Management sessions. We analyse the past season: what worked, what didn’t, what needs to be packed away for next year and what should be sold. We then bring out a client’s existing pieces for the season ahead and look at them with fresh eyes. What’s still relevant? What needs tweaking? And what’s missing? Sometimes it’s simply about a little refresh to bring a whole capsule wardrobe up to date. If you’re looking for inspiration, a Pinterest board is a much better idea than trawling Instagram for ideas. Pinterest leans into what you naturally like and builds on that, whereas Instagram is constantly pushing inﬂuencers and adverts at you. Go too far down that particular path and you can end up with a wardrobe full of things you don’t wear — or, worse, things that simply don’t suit you.

SEEING RED Brushed wool jumper £139 www.nobodyschild.com

MAKING SCENTS Byredo Super Cedar fragrance, from £155 for 50ml, available from Space NK on Tunbridge Wells High Street. www.spacenk.com

BLAZER GLORY Munthe Virionics Blazer in Navy, £439; Munthe Aketta Blazer in Mocha, £469. Both available from Kitch on Tunbridge Wells High Street. www.kitchclothing.co.uk

MY TOP STYLE TIPS FOR THE NEW A/W SEASON 1. Detox your wardrobe and pack away summer. Look at what you already own for Autumn/Winter. Start a Pinterest board and look at what’s missing from the looks you are most drawn to. 2. Write a list of what you need. Then dedicate a day to trying these things on. Don’t shop blindly — shop with a purpose. 3. Buy a Terracotta Pomegranate ‘Melograno in Scented Terracotta’ from Oﬃcina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella. Pop it in your wardrobe and, trust me, you’ll never go back. Your knitwear and clothes will smell like heaven, even through the darkest months.

4. Look at your footwear and outerwear. These are the items people see the most, so invest in coats, jackets, shoes, trainers and boots before anything else. 5. Think about your self-care. How are you feeling? What supplements need to stay and what can go? 6. Think about your skin after summer. This summer was the hottest on record, so your skin probably took a hammering, even if you didn’t get away. It needs a good drink, so invest in hydrating moisturisers and give your skin some love. 7. Finally, ﬁnd your Autumn/Winter scent. This is something people often forget to do. Finding a scent that takes you into the next season can actually be one of the chicest things you can do…

FASHION & BEAUTY LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

WHAT I’M LOOKING AT FOR AW26

If I had to choose a few things that I am personally looking at for the months ahead, it would be adding a touch of red. Red started trending a few seasons ago, but this season it is fully here, so now is a good time to look at adding a touch to your AW26 wardrobe if you haven’t already. I would go for a red cashmere knit or a red bag for an easy pop of colour. Red is certainly continuing to make an impact across AW26 collections, so this is one trend that looks set to have staying power. I am also obsessed with the blazers from Munthe. They add fun and personality to any outﬁt. During the warmer winter months, a blazer is a great option when you don’t want to take a coat out but still need a decent layer.

INNER STRENGTH Absolute Collagen Hair & Nail Pro, £38.49. Subscriptions available. www.absolutecollagen.com

The Ring That Waited for 20 Years At the back of a jewellery box sat a ring that had not been worn for more than 20 years. It had belonged to a muchloved grandmother and, although it carried enormous Gavin Marsh sentimental value, its traditional setting no longer suited the person who had inherited it. Selling it felt wrong. Wearing it did not feel right. So, like many inherited pieces, it remained safely hidden away. This is where many remodelling journeys begin. At The Diamond Setter on The Pantiles, I regularly meet people who have inherited jewellery but are unsure what to do with it. Some feel guilty about changing the original design. Others worry that altering it will somehow remove its history.

SAVE THE DATE Space NK Beauty Advent Calendar, £275, available from Space NK on Tunbridge Wells High Street. www.spacenk.com

INNER STRENGTH

I have been taking a lot of supplements this year. I started taking a few in January, but the two that stand out for me as clear winners are Absolute Collagen and Lumity. My hair and nails have never grown like this, but now I have my own nails to look after and haircuts to look forward to! My energy levels are back and, most of all, I ache less. I feel like I have a head start on 2027 and now look forward to adding more movement into the year ahead.

FINALLY… A LITTLE RED

Although the nights start to draw in, my love of red wine starts — and this Autumn/Winter I am delighted to announce that my favourite wine brand has launched Percival, The Uncommon Red, which has been locally grown in Kent. It’s best to buy direct via their website. So, if you don’t want to add red to your wardrobe this AW, maybe the red you’re looking for is Percival? We all need something to look forward to and I personally think the SPACE NK Beauty Calendar is the best one out there. To avoid disappointment, get yours now and pop it away until December 1st!

But jewellery was created to be worn—not forgotten in a drawer. During an initial consultation, I examine every element carefully. Are the gemstones genuine and in good condition? Is the metal suitable for reuse? Are there worn claws, hidden damage or previous repairs that might affect what happens next? I also ask a more important question: what does this jewellery mean to you? For the owner of this ring, the answer was not simply “it belonged to my grandmother.” It represented childhood visits, family celebrations and a woman whose influence was still felt decades later. The challenge was to preserve those memories while creating something contemporary enough to be worn every day. Several possibilities were discussed. The stone could become a pendant, form part of a new ring or be combined with another inherited piece. Each option would tell the story differently. Eventually, one design stood out—but before work could begin, I noticed something beneath the central stone that changed the direction completely. What did he discover? Continue the journey in next month’s issue. The Diamond Setter, The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Your Story, Set in Stone. SAY CHEERS The Uncommon Wine Percival, £6.50 for a 187ml can. www.wearetheuncommon.co.uk

39-41 The Pantiles, TN2 5TE 01892 458042 customercare@thediamondsetter.co.uk www.thediamondsetter.co.uk

TRAVEL INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Your Next Adventure Starts Here:

Join Ashdown Travel’s Cruise & Tour Show

ooking for inspiration for your next holiday? Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury ocean cruise, a scenic river voyage through Europe, an unforgettable escorted tour, or an expedition to some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, Ashdown Travel’s Cruise & Tour Show is the perfect place to begin. Join us on Sunday 27 September, from 10am to 3pm, at The Spa Hotel, Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, for a day dedicated to discovering incredible travel experiences and meeting the experts who can help bring them to life. This complimentary event brings together some of the travel industry’s leading cruise and touring brands under one roof, giving visitors the opportunity to

explore a wide range of holiday options, gain valuable insights and take advantage of exclusive event offers. Throughout the day, you’ll be able to attend a series of informative presentations covering everything from luxury ocean cruising and boutique river voyages to escorted touring and expedition travel. You’ll also have the opportunity to speak directly with cruise and travel specialists, who can offer personalised advice and recommendations tailored to your interests. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller seeking fresh inspiration or considering your first cruise or touring holiday, our experienced team and trusted travel partners will be on hand to answer questions, share their expertise and help you plan your next escape with confidence. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you browse the exhibition and discover an exciting collection of destinations, itineraries and travel experiences from across the globe.

MEET OUR TRAVEL PARTNERS

We’re delighted to welcome an exceptional line-up of cruise and touring specialists, including:

• Audley Travel • Cox & Kings • Emerald Cruises & Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours • Explore! • First Class Holidays • Jules Verne • Magari Tours • Newmarket Holidays • Quark Expeditions • Riverside Luxury Cruises • Seabourn • Star Clippers • TUI | Marella Cruises • Typically Holidays • Uniworld Boutique River Cruises • Viva Cruises • Wendy Wu Tours

ASHDOWN TRAVEL CRUISE & TOUR SHOW • The Spa Hotel, Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells • Sunday 27 September • 10am to 3pm • Free Admission • Free Parking Admission is free, although advance registration is recommended. Visitors can also reserve seats for individual presentations by contacting their local Ashdown Travel branch. From elegant river cruises and luxury small-ship sailings to immersive cultural tours and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, this inspiring showcase oﬀers a wealth of ideas for your future travels, all in one place. Join us for a day of inspiration, expert advice and exclusive opportunities, and discover where your next adventure could take you. Call now to book your place on 01892 357500 or visit www.ashdowntravel.co.uk/events

Join Us for an Inspiring Day of Travel

Sunday 27th September 2026 10am – 3pm The Spa Hotel, Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ

YOU’RE INVITED TO

THE CRUISE & TOUR SHOW

We will be hosting Expert presentations throughout the day Refreshments available

WHAT TO EXPECT Expert presentations Personal consultations | Exclusive offers | Destination inspiration

FREE ENTRY

FREE PARKING TO BOOK YOUR PLACE:

OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ASHDOWN TRAVEL BRANCH

www.ashdowntravel.co.uk

Oxted: 01883 714312 Sevenoaks: 01732 914900 Tunbridge Wells: 01892 357500 Chorleywood: 01923 284148 Knutsford: 01565 396 700

ARTS & CULTURE INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

The art of renewal

Jules Haines is the founder of the award-winning interiors fabric resale platform Haines Collection and a passionate advocate for sustainability. She recently visited The Westin London City to see Threads of Renewal – a fascinating art installation by textile sustainability artist Dr Katherine Soucie. Here’s what she thought of this thought-provoking show which aims to challenge the way we think about waste, reuse and the future of textiles…

nvite me anywhere to see something made from retired textiles and I’m there! So I was delighted to receive an invitation to see renowned textile sustainability artist Dr Katherine Soucie’s landmark Threads of Renewal exhibition at The Westin London City. What I particularly loved about this project is that reuse sits at the heart of the whole thing. Katherine was given quite a tricky brief by the hotel: to create an artwork entirely from its retired textiles – but she wasn’t allowed to do anything that meant the materials couldn’t be reused again afterwards.

I love that because circularity shouldn’t necessarily be about taking something unwanted and turning it permanently into something else. Sometimes the cleverest thing we can do is use what already exists, enjoy it in a completely different way, and then allow it to continue on to its next life. The resulting installation, Threads of Renewal, sits looking out towards the Thames and is made from an extraordinary mixture of retired hotel textiles – different textures, thicknesses and weights all layered together. Look closely and you’ll spot everything from pieces of bathrobes and blankets to shower curtains. These are fabrics that once supported guests’ stays at the hotel and, rather than being discarded when they were retired from their original jobs, they have been brought together to create something completely new. It’s really worth stepping into the piece and looking closely. There is stitching and layering on both the front and the back,

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The hotel has a big focus on wellbeing, and they see caring for the environment as part of that. In fact, the installation itself is intended to connect sustainability, creativity and personal wellbeing and you’re encouraged to actually walk through the opening in the centre, making it an immersive piece rather than something you simply stand back and admire. The Thames is important to the design too. You can see the river just behind the installation, and Katherine has reflected its waves within the work, alongside shapes inspired by archaeological forms found in the riverbed. The central opening is also symbolic – a doorway representing the transition from old to new, waste to renewal and consumption to more conscious choices. What became apparent during my visit was that Threads of Renewal isn’t a standalone sustainability project designed to tick a box. It echoes a much wider ethos at The Westin London City.

The hotel has a big focus on wellbeing, and they see caring for the environment as part of that. In fact, the installation itself is intended to connect sustainability, creativity and personal wellbeing. Even the permanent artwork hanging in the centre of the atrium connects back to nature and the Thames. Made up of sweeping blue and green curves, it reminded me of waves in the river, gradually becoming lighter as they rise to represent water evaporating and eventually becoming clouds. Some of the sustainability ideas I found most interesting were actually the really simple ones. Guests can choose not to have their rooms serviced every day. Filtered water can be refilled rather than relying on endless bottles. Meeting rooms have smart boards to reduce paper use. At the breakfast buffet, they have even reduced the size of the plates to encourage guests to take a little at a time and come back for more if they want it – rather than piling up a huge plate and leaving half of it. Such a simple way of tackling food waste. The hotel’s kitchens are thinking about waste too, with a monthly zero-waste menu, zero-waste juices and leftover vegetables being turned into homemade chutneys.

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

All of these small elements of change can create a big impact. For me, the most interesting part of Threads of Renewal comes back to that original brief. The textiles were no longer needed for their original purpose. They became art. And when the exhibition finishes, they haven’t finished either. The hotel intends for the materials to be reused again. We can be very quick to jump from ‘we don’t need this anymore’ to ‘how can we recycle it?’ But there is a really important stage in between: reuse.

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These are hotel fabrics that, rather than being discarded when they were retired from their original jobs, have been brought together to create something completely new Can we repair it? Pass it on? Resell it? Repurpose it? Make something with it? Or simply use it differently? Dr Katherine Soucie talks about every piece of fabric carrying a story and describes Threads of Renewal as an opportunity to rethink our relationship with textiles and the resources we often take for granted. And I couldn’t agree more. We spend so much time thinking about what something is that perhaps we need to spend a little more time thinking about what else it could be. This art installation is thought-provoking and powerful – thankfully set right next to a children’s play area, so you can really spend some time thinking about it while the kids play giant Connect 4! That brings me to another huge plus about The Westin – it is SO child-friendly. The staff were amazing and made the children feel incredibly special. There are multiple play areas, bikes and even scooters you can borrow to whizz along the Thames Path as the sun goes down. A particular highlight was the treasure hunt: collect all the stamps and you get a prize – and my word, it’s a good one! My children were thrilled. There were children’s wash packs in the bathrooms, mini bathrobes and slippers, and even dedicated children’s hours in the pool. They’d never experienced anything quite like it! As a parent, it makes such a difference. You can properly switch off knowing that children aren’t just tolerated – the hotel expects children to be children, and has really thought about making their stay special too. Threads of Renewal is open at The Westin London City until the end of October, so if you’re in London, pop in and see it for yourself. It’s right by Blackfriars Bridge – we walked along from London Bridge Station, a 15-minute walk, which made the Thames connection even more lovely. And when you’re there, walk through it, look at the stitching, peer at all those different layers and see if you can spot the bathrobes, blankets and shower curtains hiding amongst the art. You might never look at an old hotel towel in quite the same way again! To discover more visit: www.westinlondoncity.co.uk

ARTS & CULTURE LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

Trinity CEO muses on successes and surprises 2 years into the role An interview with Jacqui Green, CEO of Trinity Theatre. I have spent all my adult life in Tunbridge Wells with my husband and our two sons, who are now in their 20’s. Trinity has been a constant throughout that time – comedy club Jacqui Green in my 20’s, family-fun stuff in my 30’s, live theatre in my 40’s and now a whole new relationship with Trinity in my 50’s as CEO. What has surprised you most / would surprise people about Trinity? I think those of us who have solely enjoyed Trinity as a theatre and arts venue ’by night’ have little knowledge of the role it plays to support several programmes for older generations and those who may feel vulnerable or isolated. Then three times a week, the kids take over after school with Youth Theatre workshops for all genres and an ever-growing backstage youth theatre. Their productions are of such a high standard too. And, one very important surprise is that all our cakes and savouries are handmade by our resident baker, Tracy. What has been the biggest success over the last 2 years? It’s hard to define success. One could say it is simply that Trinity is still here after the impact of Covid and loss of core funding. Or how we had an amazing response to Nativity! The Musical last Christmas, the first time we’ve delivered a show with a community cast which is being followed this year with Elf The Musical. However if I had to pick one thing, it is and continues to be, having such a remarkable team and our army of volunteers. What is the current focus and need? Our focus is on ensuring Trinity is here for future generations. Funds are tight, so we need more people to come and enjoy performances, our art gallery or the Clocktower and spread the word! How can business and individuals support? We would not be here if it wasn’t for the generosity of our corporate partners, individual sponsors and members. We work hard to make the relationship work both ways and ensure those who support Trinity feel part of shaping the future direction too. Anyone keen to explore partnerships can get in touch with sara. rice@trinitytheatre.net To book tickets or find out more about Trinity go to trinitytheatre.net

ARTS & CULTURE INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Shooting stars Celebrity photographer Steve Read talks to Eileen Leahy about his exhibition Shooting Stars Pays The Rent which is currently on display at The Claremont here in Tunbridge Wells and showcases his incredible work photographing some of the world’s coolest cultural icons of the 1990s and beyond…

rofessional photographer and Tunbridge Wells resident Steve Read started out as a magazine designer, most notably as the founding art director of loaded magazine. However, he’s always had a passion for photography: “I’ve been taking pictures since my early teens. Although I never imagined back then that years later I’d capture the world’s biggest-selling musical artist flicking me the bird – or convince a hard-man ex-footballerturned-Hollywood actor to jump into his pool dressed in a five-grand Armani suit!” And it’s those iconic pictures – and plenty more – that are currently on display at The Claremont Pub on Grove Hill Road in Tunbridge Wells. Here, in our exclusive interview, Steve expands on his passion for taking photos and reveals just how he ended up in America shooting some of the world’s biggest stars during the 1990s and 2000s…

IN FOCUS: Photographer Steve Read in front of his iconic shot of rapper Eminem

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It’s so important to gain a celebrity’s trust and respect instantly, or else you’re in trouble and you won’t get the shot”

SO STEVE, TELL US HOW YOU FOUND YOURSELF FLYING FROM YOUR JOB IN LONDON TO THE STATES AND SHOOTING MEGA-CELEBRITIES?

In 1998, I got a call that would catapult my career to new heights. It was from renowned British editor Tina Brown, who invited me to her New York office for a ‘chat’ about a new title she was launching called Talk magazine. Having already edited The New Yorker and Vanity Fair, Tina was arguably the biggest name in publishing at the time.

To get the call was somewhat of a shock, but she explained that she was a big fan of loaded and had seen some of my work in its pages. I flew out to New York and we connected instantly. Within a few weeks, I found myself living in an apartment with a pool in West Hollywood, one block from Sunset Boulevard!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TIME AT TALK MAGAZINE?

I was working as its West Coast staff photographer, joining the masthead in the esteemed company of the likes of David Bailey, Patrick Demarchelier and Michael Birt. The Talk magazine launch party was held at the Statue of Liberty and attended by Madonna, Robert De Niro,

Kate Moss, JFK Jr and Hugh Grant. Over the next few years, I toured South America with music group R.E.M., went training with Lennox Lewis and shared a recording studio with rapper Eminem while he recorded his album The Marshall Mathers LP. Along the way, I also managed to shoot Ray Liotta, Neil Young, John Lydon, Hugh Hefner and Pavarotti. I’ve been extremely fortunate and loved every minute of it.

WHEN DID YOU HAVE THE IDEA TO EXHIBIT YOUR WORK – AND WHY CHOOSE TUNBRIDGE WELLS?

I’ve been in Tunbridge Wells now for over 20 years, so the show is a homecoming. Prior to arriving here, I’d already exhibited it in Edinburgh and Manchester. The Tunbridge Wells venue is The Claremont Pub – it was always on my mind as the perfect place, as the establishment has a strong reputation for displaying great artwork and two of the owners are friends of mine. The idea for the show came about after yet another house move. I’d kept all the negatives for over 25 years and, one day, I started pulling them out and taking a look through. I came across my pictures of Eminem,

ARTS & CULTURE LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

too, though, such as my one of Mickey Rourke, who I shot at Blakes Hotel in London during the promotion for The Wrestler, a brilliant performance for which he was Oscar-nominated. I’m a huge fan of Mickey Rourke, but it’s important to leave any fanboy behaviour firmly at the door – there’s no time for idolising or being star-struck! When I photographed Mickey, I walked in and there he was, sitting smoking in a vest against a red velvet wall. I thought, ‘Wow, this is the coolest man I’ve ever seen in my entire life!’ But before I knew it, the publicist jumped in and said: “Here Mickey, wear this nice floral shirt, and put your cigarette out!” My reaction was: “NOOOOOOOOOOO! He’s totally fine!” Mickey was on great form that day, knocking back the vodkas and sucking on the Marlboros. I asked him to take off his sunglasses – which he seldom does – but he did for me.

hang out with them, so quite often the lines between journalist and star, or photographer and celebrity, were blurred. It was also a time before the dreaded clock-watching publicist, so I was usually left alone with the subject. And, in turn, I think my portraits have an intimacy to them because of this.

SOME OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PHOTOGRAPHS CAME FROM ASKING PEOPLE TO DO SOMETHING FUN AND UNEXPECTED – WHAT GAVE YOU THE IDEA TO DO THIS?

actor Ray Liotta, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, singer Sophie Ellis Bextor and footballer Rio Ferdinand and I soon realised I had enough for a show. I’d often only get ten minutes with these people in a hotel room. It’s so important to gain their trust and respect instantly, or else you’re in trouble and you won’t get the shot.

THE EXHIBITION IS CALLED SHOOTING STARS PAYS THE RENT. WHAT DOES THAT TITLE MEAN?

It mainly reflects the celebrity portraits I took during that period. Looking back at those few years in L.A., it was a moment in time really – a star that burned bright but briefly. There are a few later portraits in there

I think his look is a proud one. It says, ‘This is who I am – take it or leave it.’ It’s one of the portraits I’m most proud of, as there’s such honesty and intimacy in the picture.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MADE THE ’90S SUCH AN EXCITING PART OF OUR CULTURE?

It was an explosive time for music, film, fashion, design – and basically everything! There was also the whole Cool Britannia thing going on, with British musicians and models being celebrated across the globe. It was a time of huge ambition and endless possibilities, and loaded magazine totally dialled into all this. We were friends with a lot of the key players of the time and would

The thing is – as evidenced with Vinnie Jones in the pool in a five-grand Armani suit – celebrities generally welcome this kind of approach if they see there’s the potential for a memorable portrait that will stand the test of time. The show is a very intimate collection of portraits. They’re all handmade in the darkroom from the original negatives – with no retouching, cropping or filters applied. In an age where AI imagery is omnipresent, there’s an honesty and a realness to these portraits that’s actually quite a relief. The black-and-white prints have been made by a guy named Robin Bell, who’s generally regarded as the best in the business. They really are quite beautiful to look at. I’m a huge fan of his work, so it’s been a privilege to have collaborated with him on the collection. All the framing work for the show has been done by local business Project 78 Bespoke Framers. Shooting Stars Pays the Rent by Steve Read is on at The Claremont Pub on Grove Hill Road until the end of September. All the prints are for sale, either at the show or via Steve’s print store at www.stevereadoriginals.com. You can follow Steve on Instagram: @steve__read

EVENTS INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

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-October in and around Tunbridge Wells... ON TRACK

Pull on your trainers for a brilliant local cause as the Hospice Run returns to Tunbridge Wells on 20 September, celebrating its 20th year. Choose from a half marathon, 10k, 5k or family fun run, whether you’re chasing a new personal best, taking on a fresh challenge or simply enjoying an active morning with the family. Every entry helps raise vital funds for Hospice in the Weald, supporting local people facing life’s toughest moments. A fantastic community event to get involved in – whether you’re running, walking or cheering from the sidelines! www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk/events/ hospice-run-2026

POND LIFE

Discover what’s lurking beneath the water at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park with a free family pond-dipping session on 20 September. Join local expert Martin Sutton to explore the park’s wetlands and discover some of the fascinating creatures that call its ponds home. Meet at The Hub at 10.30am before heading down to the wetlands to investigate, with the drop-in session running until 12.30pm. It’s free to attend, although donations to Friends of Grosvenor & Hilbert Park are always welcome. www.fogh.org.uk/events

MUSICAL MAGIC

Introduce little ones to the magic of musical theatre as Baby Broadway comes to Trinity Theatre on 24 September. West End singers will perform favourite songs from The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Frozen and more, with the whole family encouraged to sing and dance along. Expect bubbles, puppets and plenty of actions for little ones to copy in this relaxed and interactive concert designed for all ages. Babies under 12 months go free when sitting on a grown-up’s lap. trinitytheatre.net/events/baby-broadway

RAPPERS’ DELIGHT

Eminem fans can head to The Forum on 25 September for a night celebrating the music of one of hip-hop’s biggest names. This live tribute brings some of Eminem’s best-known tracks to the stage, capturing the energy and

unmistakable sound that made him a global superstar. A great night out for fans and a chance to hear some of his biggest hits performed live. www.twforum.co.uk

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

Come hungry as the Tunbridge Wells Food & Drink Festival returns to Calverley Grounds on 26 and 27 September. More than 70 stallholders will be serving up a tempting selection of food and drink from Kent and beyond, with plenty to taste, try and take home. Taking place from 11am to 6pm on both days, it’s a great opportunity to discover local producers and enjoy a foodie day out right in the heart of town. Best of all, entry is completely free!

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Look to the skies as the spectacular Space Safari Drone Light Show comes to Dunorlan Park for the first time on 26 September. Hundreds of synchronised drones will create incredible illuminated animations set to music and cinematic storytelling, with narration from BAFTA award-winning presenter Michaela Strachan. Before the main display, enjoy an afternoon of family entertainment including live tribute acts, fairground rides, face painting, street food and dog-friendly competitions. Gates open at 4pm, with the drone show expected around 7.30pm – a spectacular new event for Tunbridge Wells! www.spacesafari.show/event/spacesafari-drone-light-show-tunbridge-wells

MOON SAFARI

Add a little magic to your autumn with a family adventure at Birchden Vineyards, running on selected dates from 3 to 31 October. Become a Harvest Moon explorer on an immersive mystery trail around the vineyard, pick and decorate a pumpkin, make your own magic key charm and toast marshmallows around the fire. There’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities, Halloween fancy dress is encouraged and the café will be serving up a Bavarian BBQ, seasonal specials and pumpkin spice lattes. Perfect for primary school-aged children and a lovely countryside day out this October. birchdenvineyards.co.uk

PURE GOLD

Get ready to party like it’s 1985 as Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp brings his Back to the 80s DJ show to town on Friday 2 October. Expect a night packed with some of the decade’s biggest anthems, from Duran Duran and George Michael to Madonna, Culture Club, Chaka Khan and, of course, Spandau Ballet. With huge singalongs, plenty of nostalgia and Martin Kemp behind the decks, dig out your best 80s outfit and get ready to dance the night away! www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on/ martin-kemp-back-to-the-80s.html

CRUNCH TIME

Celebrate the start of autumn with Apple Day at Grosvenor & Hilbert Park on 3 October. Join the Friends of Grosvenor & Hilbert Park from 11am to 2pm for a family-

EVENTS LEGAL INTERVIEW NEWS

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

friendly afternoon of children’s crafts, refreshments and traditional apple pressing. Bring along apples from your own garden to add to the mix and watch as they’re transformed into fresh juice – just remember to bring a clean bottle if you’d like to take some home! The event is free to attend, with donations always welcome. www.fogh.org.uk/events

MUSICAL MASTERPIECE

Direct from the West End, The Simon & Garfunkel Story comes to Trinity Theatre on 3 October following sold-out performances around the world. Combining a talented live band with projection imagery and original film footage, the show tells the story of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s journey to global superstardom. Expect faithful performances of classics including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, The Sound of Silence and Bridge Over Troubled Water. A must-see for fans of one of music’s most iconic duos, with tickets priced at £33. trinitytheatre.net/events/the-simon-garfunkel-story

DRESS TO IMPRESS

he winter season is always one of the busiest periods for the theatre, but also one of the most exciting. The variety of shows we have at the Assembly Hall over the next few months truly illustrates how we seek to delivery entertainment for everyone in our community. A huge highlight for us in November is the visit of one of the UKs biggest comedy names, when Romesh Ranganathan looks to Change Your Life in his highly anticipated one man show. What’s more, if you’re a Romesh fan and listen to his Wolf & Owl podcast, you’ll be thrilled to hear we have the show’s other star, Tom Davis, appearing at the theatre in December as part of our Christmas Crackers comedy night.

Roll up, roll up! Hospices of Hope celebrates its 35th anniversary with a spectacular Carnival Gala at High Rocks on 10 October. Guests can look forward to a complimentary welcome drink, three-course dinner, live entertainment, classic carnival games and plenty of surprises, all within a colourful carnival-inspired setting. Dress to impress with a touch of carnival flair and enjoy a brilliant night out while helping to raise vital funds to support terminally ill patients and their families. The celebrations run from 7pm until midnight. hospicesofhope.co.uk/events

WILD ADVENTURES

Have you visited the new Go Wild! in Heathfield yet? Previously Urban Jump, the family activity park has been transformed by the owners of Drusillas and Amazon Adventure with a colourful new jungle theme and plenty to keep energetic kids entertained. Expect wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, climbing walls, interactive games, basketball hoops, a full-size dodgeball court, gaming arcade and Rainforest Adventure Course. There’s also a refreshed café for those who’d rather watch the action with a coffee in hand! A great option for an active family day out, particularly when the autumn weather isn’t playing ball. go-wild.com

SWING INTO ACTION

Fancy a round of mini golf? Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground has unveiled its newly refurbished nine-hole course, with each hole inspired by a different Tonbridge landmark. It’s part of a wider programme of improvements at the sportsground, which also includes new pickleball courts, upgraded tennis courts and an expanded outdoor gym. A great excuse to get outside, try something different and perhaps add a little friendly competition to your next trip to Tonbridge!

www.mytunbridgewells.co.uk @mytunbridgewells

Looking for something a little more dramatic? The theatre is proud to have a wide variety of drama this season, ranging from William Shakespeare’s Macbeth through to the hilarious Murder, She Didn’t Write. The latter is show with a difference where you, the audience, become the author as the cast act out your very own Agatha Christie-inspired masterpiece live on stage. Live music features prominently through the next few months, with nights dedicated to Soul, Country, Classic Rock, 80’s pop and Christmas hits. Original artist and the best tributes on the circuit will also be appearing, to give you all the perfect opportunity to hear one of your favourite tracks or discover something new! Introducing someone to the theatre can be an amazing experience, could this season give you a chance to introduce someone to ballet at The Nutcracker, to the comedy of Chris Ramsey, or to world events with Jeremy Bowen. However, the most magical experience at a theatre, and often the first experience for many, is a Pantomime. This year we’re thrilled to welcome back award-winning Panto producers Little Wolf and their amazing production of Cinderella. All the staff here at the theatre look forward to welcoming you through our doors to the busiest, and most magical, part of our year Mikey Powell – Theatre Director

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

CHARITY INTERVIEW

The TW Edit SEPTEMBER 2026

Help Taylor-Made Dreams reach its special anniversary goal This September, Taylor-Made Dreams is marking what would have been Taylor Mitchell’s 30th birthday with a fundraising challenge to raise £30,000. Taylor, who died from a life-limiting illness aged just 15, inspired his mum Suzi to create the charity, which continues to support families across the South-East ...today and every day...

his September, every day can make a diﬀerence for the families we support at Taylor-Made Dreams. In memory of what would have been Taylor Mitchell’s 30th year, we hope to raise £30,000 to continue the work we do for families across the South-East of England. Taylor, who passed away after a life-limiting illness when he was just 15, was the inspiration behind the creation of the Taylor-Made Dreams charity by his mother, Suzi.

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With your help, we can hit our £30,000 target and provide an entire year’s worth of activities for our siblings and parents in 2027 £30,000 is a big target, but it comes with a big goal. Every month, we provide an activity day for the siblings of unwell children through our Sibling Support Service. These days create a space for siblings to connect and communicate with children who are in similar situations to them. In 2027, we will be starting the Parents Support Group, a group much like the Sibling Support Service, but for the parents of our TMD Warriors. Monthly activity days are so important for our families, as the day-to-day struggles of life-limiting illness can feel isolating – like there is no one to talk to, or no one who could possibly understand. With each monthly activity, we can connect our siblings and parents with other families who understand their situation and face the same challenges on a daily basis. This year, our siblings have enjoyed curling on ice, cinema and theatre days, animal meets, creative painting days, theme park outings and, just recently, skiing and kayaking. “Sibling Support Service is fun and

Taylor Mitchell is the inspiration behind TMD’s fundraising

exciting, and we always get to do amazing stuff and try new things,” one child who benefits from the service tells us. “We get given presents on our birthdays, and we get to get souvenirs from our trips sometimes. My favourite trips were the Christmas pantomime in London, the climbing walls, and the day at Harry Potter World. I don’t like the reason I am part of the group, but I am glad that I am.” At Taylor-Made Dreams, we want to continue to create magical days out for our siblings and create new communities through our Parents Support Group, but we need your support. With your help, we can hit our £30,000 target and provide an entire year’s worth of activities for both groups in 2027. How can you support us? Every fundraiser in the month of September makes a difference! Whether you donate £30 or £1 a day throughout the month, hold a quiz with 30 rounds, or run 30 miles/km, your support will allow us to secure a future for TaylorMade Dreams’ services. Find a full list of ideas on our 30 Days for Tay page, as well as our JustGiving page to donate: taylormadedreams.org.uk/news/30days-for-tay We would love to show off your

fundraising, and we are looking to post every weekday throughout the month of September, so the more content, the better. Tag us on Facebook and Instagram @ thetmdteam and on LinkedIn @TaylorMade Dreams. If you have any photos or videos, please do share them with us, and we’ll try to get your hard work out there. Please email them directly to our marketing department at jed@taylormadedreams. org.uk. Don’t forget to also use #30daysfortay so that other 30 Days fundraisers can see what everyone else has taken on for the month. We can’t wait to see what you take on. Good luck from everyone on the TMD team! To ﬁnd out more about Taylor-Made Dreams and keep up to date with our services, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thetmdteam or visit www.taylormadedreams.org.uk/news.