Keep your cash in Kent this Christmas


Buying local has never been more fashionable – boosting Kent’s economy, providing thousands of jobs across the county and returning the word bespoke to the mass market.


In Kent, our cottage industries are now responsible for one of the most diverse commercial sectors around, ranging in size from one-room operations to expanding concerns like the Thomas Cookie company in Maidstone. All are now busy preparing for


Christmas; the perfect time to think out of the box and buy something locally- produced, personal and with great green credentials. Even more encouraging is the research that shows that for every pound spent on locally- produced goods, more is invested back in local suppliers. So as the flurry of activity reaches fever pitch, Dawn


Kingsford has been out and about looking at some of those who took the plunge and turned their passion into a business.


Sweet smell of success


A little black book of secret recipes lies behind the successful scents in Roz Burton’s natural soaps. Roz (57), who founded the business in 2008, now produces around 500 bars a year at her home in Kemsing, watched over by Molly, her black cat and head of quality control. After a year recovering


from a fall, the former IT girl realised her dream after learning that her grandpa,


Harry Fenton, produced cold creams and essential oils during the war at his pharmacy in Wimbledon. The book was just the beginning, inspiring the company name Fentons of Kent, with customers including Leeds Castle, the National Trust, Waitrose and Amazon. Roz — a huge fan of buying local —


says: “As well as supporting the local economy, it is keeping traditional crafts like mine alive. I can also guarantee all my products are 100% natural.” Her range includes room fresheners, body butter and bath melts. www.fentonsofkent.co.uk


Lasting impressions


Bearsted mum Laura Buchanan (33) took the brave step of leaving her marketing job in London to set up her own jewellery business. Laura’s company, TwoGreenLane.com,


Kilburn Jewellers have a passion for creating customised jewellery. Now with over 30 years experience in the jewellery trade Simon and David have a vast portfolio of pieces they have produced. Kilburn Jewellers initiative was to create both unique & bespoke designs and to select key quality pieces to compliment these designs, such as clocks and gift ware. Kilburn Jewellers pride ourselves on offering expert advice from design ideas through to knowledge about metals/gemstones, by trained and qualified staff.


Kilburn Jewellers, 30 Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone ME14 1JL Telephone 01622 677841 | Email info@kilburnjewellers.co.uk | Website www.kilburnjewellers.co.uk 34 Mid Kent Living


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