Compiled by Neill Barston & Sarah Hamilton-Walker
BUSINESS
DOING THE BUSINESS THIS CHRISTMAS
Businesses in Tunbridge Wells have expressed optimism for a bumper trading period this Christmas. With the festive season traditionally proving the most critical point in many retailers’ calendars, stores have been gearing up for a projected December bonanza. As Nicky Blanchard, Manager
RTW TOGETHER GETS COUNCIL BACKING
A group of businesses in Royal Tunbridge Wells who are setting up an organisation to promote the vitality of the town and building its profi le was backed by the Council’s Cabinet at their meeting on 29th October. Royal Tunbridge Wells Together will be
funded through the support of larger businesses, membership fees of £20 per month from smaller organisations as well as an initial matched contribution of £40,000 from the Council. The Cabinet also agreed further funding for the second and third year of the partnership. The partnership will employ at least one full- time and a part-time member of staff.
of Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, explained, the fact there have been consistently high occupancy rates for its units has proved an encouraging factor. In her opinion, many retailers had started their Christmas marketing campaigns in upbeat mood, as they take on ever-increasing competition from online traders. She said: “We have had a very positive year and have just had incredibly positive footfall for half-term and we are expecting the same for Christmas. “There’s a much more positive feeling now around Tunbridge Wells, as if it is on the up,” said Nicky, who added that there had been a strong level of feedback for the
centre’s plans for a major revamp. This is set to include proposals for a new cinema, re-styled entrance at the Eastern end of Calverley Road and plans to attract a number of major retailers including high street fashion chains to the centre. The proposals were supported by 88% of residents in a public survey held last month. Nicky added: “A lot of people seem to want the changes that are being proposed. The centre was opened in 1989 and retail has changed a lot since then, so we want to move it into the 21st century.” Meanwhile, Matthew Sankey, owner of the Tunbridge Wells-based Sankey’s group which includes pub and dining venues in The Pantiles and Mount Ephraim, felt that despite challenges from an increased level of competition, he enthused that his businesses were enjoying their “best year ever”. He said: “We have already had more customers at our restaurants than we did this time last year. I think that is a good indicator of how things are.”
Show support for small
Free parking in Sevenoaks this Christmas time
Visitors can make the most of free parking in Sevenoaks town centre on the two Saturdays before Christmas, after a decision by Sevenoaks District Council to waive parking charges. Charges will not apply on Saturday, 12th and 19th December. Ahead of this parking will also be free in the town centre on Friday, 27th November from 6pm as part of the Christmas lights and late night shopping events. • To view the locations of the Council’s car parks and real-time parking space availability, visit www.
sevenoaks.gov.uk/parking
businesses A ‘use them or lose them’ plea is being made to residents urging support for independent businesses across West Kent as part of Small Business Saturday. This national event on
5th December is designed to boost awareness of smaller fi rms that remain the driver of our economy. Among its key backers is Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark, who also serves as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
The campaign was originally developed against a backdrop of a testing economy and companies facing increased competition from larger chain stores and internet
based traders. Zoe Cairns, the Federation of Small Businesses Regional Policy Lead and social media expert for the organisation, said: “Through social media, we can reach a vast amount of people, help build the profi le and presence of FSB members and shops, as thousands of people will be sharing their photos, business names and comments during the day.” • For more information, visit www.
smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com
The INDEX magazine
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