Tunbridge Wells. Business Guide & Directory

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1 Tunbridge Wells Business Guide & Directory

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3 grow.. explore make thrive Kent College Prep & Early Years 2014 Kent College is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged available from September My girls are incredibly happy. It is such a kind and nurturing place. Current parent Preparatory School Kent College Pembury, Old Church Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4AX, UK Registered charity no , member of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust

4 2 Please call us on: Your local insurance experts It pays to protect your business against unforseen incidents such as fire, flood, theft or litigation. 9 Competitive prices 9 Quick and easy quotations 9 Tailored policy cover 9 Friendly expert advice 9 24 hour claims service BUSINESS LET PROPERTY HOME MOTOR TRAVEL INSURANCE Invicta House, Amherst Hill Riverhead, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 2EL business@invictainsuranceservices.co.uk I Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

5 Five top tips for buying business insurance Whether you are a self-employed tradesman, a small business owner with a few employees or a large international trading company, there are a number of steps that you can take to ensure you get the right insurance to protect your growing business. 1. Assess your risk The premium you pay will reflect the risk that you and your business represent to the insurance company. There are a number of factors that may contribute to your costs, including the type of work that you do, how long you have been trading, your business location, the type of property you occupy, your fire and security systems, your health and safety procedures, your wage roll and headcount, and the sums insured and excesses you choose. 2. Ensure you are adequately covered Business insurance policies can be tailored to cover the specific requirements of your business. When you are comparing prices between insurance companies, check that their policies provide the correct level of cover for you. Don t reduce the levels of cover you require to secure a cheaper price. If you underinsure you may not receive a full payment in the event of a claim. Only buy a policy backed by a reputable insurance company. A good insurance broker will be invaluable in helping you obtain the right cover, with the right insurer at the best price Understand the cover available There are many different types of insurance available to cover your business, including public liability, employers liability, professional indemnity, as well as the more commonly understood property and vehicle insurance policies. These insurance policies can be purchased separately or in a package. Combining coverage into a package can simplify the process and save you time and money. However, make sure you understand the extent of coverage you are buying. If your business has any unique risks you may require additional coverage and advice from a specialist insurance broker. 4. Assess your cover annually As your business grows, so do your liabilities. If you have expanded operations, taken on more staff, or acquired more stock or equipment, you should contact your insurance broker to discuss how these changes in your business may affect your coverage. You don t want to be left underinsured should disaster strike. 5. Find a reputable insurance broker In the UK, professional insurance brokers are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. A good commercial insurance broker will take the time to understand all the risks associated with your business and help you find policies that match your business requirements. Like your accountant and your solicitor, your insurance broker should be an important part of the team of experts that help you protect and grow your business. business@invictainsuranceservices.co.uk tel:

6 4 The Unique Boutique Letting Agent Over 100 landlords can t be wrong. A family run, non-franchise husband and wife team offering an exceptional level of service, with no gimmicks, hidden extras or special deals, just a highly competitive fixed rate of commission. Fully internet based for maximum exposure of your property to achieve a speedy let. Our Fully Managed Service is Inclusive of: q 3 Advertising your property nationally on the biggest websites and our own q 3 Guidance on letting your property from decoration to certificates required q 3 A rental valuation report derived from actual rentals currently being achieved q 3 Arranging accompanied viewings at all times including out of normal hours q 3 Regular feedback, updates & demand reports for your property q 3 Undertaking comprehensive tenant referencing through Experian q 3 Arranging low cost Rent Protection/Legal Insurance if required q 3 Drawing up all contracts and notices q 3 Preparation of a comprehensive & detailed inventory q 3 Checking in & out of tenants at the start & end of each tenancy q 3 Online notification to all utilities & council on change of occupancy q 3 Registering & holding tenant deposits in approved MyDeposits Deposit Scheme q 3 Collection of rent & prompt payment to landlords of net rental income q 3 Detailed monthly statement to the landlord q 3 Access to a professional team of trades people with no commission charged q 3 Managing all tenants issues & problems Here to Help I I I info@brettsletts.co.uk Apartment 2, 9 Park Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0NU

7 Tunbridge Wells Business Guide & Directory 5 Published by: Burrows Communications Limited Head Office: Publicity House, 106 Stafford Road Wallington, Surrey SM6 9AY Tel: postmaster@burrows.co.uk Web: Our Advertisers: We gratefully acknowledge the support of all the firms whose advertisements appear in these pages. Without their help we would not be able to produce this Business Guide & Directory. As a reciprocal gesture we have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their announcements, but wish to make it clear that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can accept no responsibility for their products or services advertised. Photo credit: Clock image on front cover David Bartholomew

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11 Contents Welcome from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Tunbridge Wells - a great place to do business Well Connected Market Opportunities Diverse Business Community Skilled Workforce Commercial Property Available Quality of Life Helping You to Do Business in Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Services Partner Services Skills, Training, Recruitment Business Networks Business Exhibitions and Events Celebrating Achievement Appendix 1. Commercial Property Agents Appendix 2. Business Organisations and Networks Appendix 3. Tunbridge Wells - Economic Profile Online Information on Inside Back Cover and visit

12 G&H building maintenance 10 All Aspects of Building Work Extensions Loft Conversions Kitchens Bathrooms Decorating or Henwood Green Road, Pembury TN2 4LR

13 Welcome Welcome to the borough of Tunbridge Wells. We are very fortunate to work in a prosperous borough with historic towns and villages surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Weald. Tunbridge Wells is an outstanding location for enterprise. Road access to London, the motorway network (M25, M26, M2 and M20) and access to Gatwick and Heathrow airports is good. Rail journeys to London from Tunbridge Wells are less than one hour. The area has market access to 7 million people and over 300,000 businesses within sixty miles. The borough is home to 6,500 businesses in both rural and urban locations. Our residents are some of the most welleducated and skilled in Kent, providing a high quality workforce and a culture of entrepreneurship. We have many active business networking groups that meet to support each other and work in partnership with the Council. The quality of life in the borough is very high with good housing stock, an excellent selection of schools and a wide variety of leisure activities available on the doorstep, both cultural and sporting. The Council s Five Year Plan ( ) sets out what it wants to achieve in the next five years to enable Tunbridge Wells borough to have a more prosperous, green and confident future. If your business is already here, we would like to work with you to make the borough even better. If you are thinking of starting a new business or relocating to the area we want to encourage and support you. If you think we can help your business or you have any queries, please contact our Economic Development Team on or business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Tunbridge Wells - a great place to do business! Cllr Jane March, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Economic Development. 11

14 Tunbridge Wells - a great place to do business The Tunbridge Wells area is a much sought after location for business, both large and small. The area has attracted well-established businesses in the financial and business services, retail, leisure, health, education, creative, media and tourism sectors. 12 The Council s Five Year Plan ( ) provides for supporting growth, by encouraging business creation and investment. (View this document on the council s website). There are opportunities for further investment across the area, principally in the regional centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, neighbouring Southborough and the towns of Paddock Wood and Cranbrook. The spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells has been attracting visitors for over 400 years, and in Georgian times gained a reputation as the place to see and be seen. Today businesses, shoppers and visitors continue to be drawn to these elegant and historic surroundings. Tunbridge Wells Borough residents enjoy beautiful countryside, with over 70% of the borough falling within the High Weald AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), charming towns and villages, and an area full of things to see and do. With an excellent selection of schools and a position as one of the country's best shopping and eating out destinations, there are many reasons to do business, visit and live in Tunbridge Wells Borough. Investment and businesses are attracted to the area because it: 6 Is well connected to European and global gateways. 6 Offers market opportunities locally, in the region and abroad. 6 Has a diverse business community to help you succeed. 6 Offers a skilled workforce to help grow your business. 6 Has commercial property available to meet your needs. 6 Offers an excellent quality of life to suit you and your team. 6 Offers a range of local business support services from a range of partners. Well Connected The borough of Tunbridge Wells is located in beautiful West Kent close to East Sussex, an area known as the High Weald. It has a prime position as a business location in South East England, situated between London and the south coast - the UK Gateway to Europe. Royal Tunbridge Wells lies only 35 miles south of London. The M25, M26, M2 and the M20 motorways are easily accessible from across the borough. Tunbridge Wells is served by Southeastern railway, with frequent services to London Waterloo, Charing Cross, Cannon Street

15 TUN_ ED.qxd 15/7/14 12:58 Page 13 and London Bridge as well as the south coast. The rail journey to London is less than one hour. customers and 330,000 businesses. Royal Tunbridge Wells is recognised as a regional service centre for West Kent and East Sussex. Its combination of major national retail brands and a high proportion of quality independent shops continue to be attractive to local shoppers and visitors alike. locations for companies wishing to conduct business in Europe. Market Opportunities A10 The Channel Port of Dover can be reached in just over an hour. Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations can be reached in forty-five minutes, from which there are frequent high speed Eurostar connections to various cities in Europe. Gatwick and Heathrow International airports can be reached in just forty minutes and an hour, respectively. This gateway access to Europe helps to make Tunbridge Wells one of the South East's best A40 A business located in Tunbridge Wells has potential access to over 450 million consumers across Europe. Tunbridge Wells' businesses are well placed to access customers and business partners across the South East and Greater London. The market opportunity includes up to 4.8 million people and 250,000 businesses across Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. The London market is made up of 7.7 million potential M25 R Thames A249 A299 A2 1 8 A2 Distance M25 London Brighton Eastbourne Dover Canterbury Gatwick miles miles miles miles miles miles miles Dover EURO TUNNEL 0 A2 28 A Folkestone CH AN NE LT UN NE L Calais A28 A22 6 A2 3 A Brighton A27 A 25 A2 5 A2 A27 5 A256 A2 Ashford A2 1 A23 A27 A 281 A24 A A2 2 A2 A29 A2 6 A267 A 272 A257 Ashford International Passenger Station A2 0 A2 A2 A25 A207 A29 81 Royal Tunbridge A262 Wells 0 M20 4 A2 A264 A229 M23 Gatwick A2 A27 A21 A22 A24 A217 A25 A25 A25 A251 M25 8 Destination 58 M2 M26 A3 A2 90 A2 2 5 M20 A2 A320 M25 Margate A2 A228 A A291 A2 4 A20 A2 A260 LONDON 16 A2 2 7 A3 Heathrow Ebbsfleet International & Domestic Station A205 A2 M4 29 The mix of town and country experiences to be found in the borough supports a dynamic tourism sector which attracts 4.5 million day trips per year supporting over 4,400 local jobs (Tourism Economic Impact Research, TSE, 2011). A259 A27 FRANCE 9 Eastbourne 13

16 14 Diverse Business Community The borough has a diverse business community of 6,500 businesses providing a range of services and products. These businesses employ 58,700 people drawn from a wide catchment area of Kent, Sussex and Essex. Key sectors are Finance and Business Services, Media & Creative, Information Technology, Retail, Tourism, Education and Health. The UK Competitiveness Index, in 2013, ranked the borough in the top 15% of local economies in the United Kingdom ( Major Companies The Tunbridge Wells area has been successful in attracting many prestigious companies to locate to this part of Kent. Cripps Harries Hall, a major solicitors' practice, and AXA PPP Healthcare, one of the largest private health care providers in England, both have major offices in Royal Tunbridge Wells. The BBC, based at the Great Hall in Royal Tunbridge Wells, includes Radio Kent and television studios for the region covering Kent and East Sussex. A variety of other large companies with a national and global focus includes Bidbest 3663 and Muffett Gears. Reflecting the borough's agricultural background and convenient access, a number of major food and food processing businesses are located in the area. They include M & W MACK with a large fruit and vegetable storage, supply and distribution centre at Paddock Wood, WA Turner Ltd based in Royal Tunbridge Wells, which produce sausage, pies and frozen food and Fridays Ltd, near Cranbrook, which is one of the top producers and packers of organic eggs in the country. Small and Medium Sized Businesses Tunbridge Wells borough is home to an entrepreneurial community of small and medium sized businesses, in both urban and rural situations. The area's high enterprise start-up rate helps to make it one of the most prosperous in Kent. Self employment rates are well above comparable regional and national figures. Self employment amongst women is twice the regional and national averages (ONS Population Survey). Business premises have been developed to cater for the large number of small businesses wishing to set up in the area. The role of enterprise education and the provision of affordable and serviced business premises and their support are key to all future enterprise and small business activity in the area. Micro enterprise has been particularly successful in a number of key sectors in Royal Tunbridge Wells including the creative industries such as the digital media sector. Tunbridge Wells borough is also a favoured location for home-workers who contribute to the local economy by both living and working in the same area. Finance and Business Support Sector Tunbridge Wells has a very successful and growing commercial, financial and business support sector. Royal Tunbridge

17 Wells is a prime location for this sector of business as the geographical links to London are excellent and IT communications are well developed to work online, including fast broadband in key localities. The Council is working with Kent County Council and private partners to ensure that the area's broadband infrastructure continues to provide competitive advantage. Creative and Media Sector The presence of BBC South East as a large employer in Royal Tunbridge Wells, has enabled the town to market itself as a centre of excellence for the creative and media sector, and has led to a large number of small creative businesses locating in the borough. Royal Tunbridge Wells is an ideal location for creative and media enterprise because of its proximity to London and Brighton where customers and clients are easily served. Many residents are also requesting services in this sector meaning a prosperous future for these types of businesses. Retail Sector According to statistics compiled by Javelin Group, Royal Tunbridge Wells is a strong, retail centre with emerging opportunities to accommodate a significant level of identified retailer demand. Royal Tunbridge Wells was ranked 51st on its Venuescore index in 2013, ahead of many neighbouring centres. The potential for capturing discretionary spend in the area is good, given that local residents' earnings are well above the regional and national average (ONS Annual Survey of hours and earnings). Alongside the town centre, the North Farm Estate has grown to accommodate new retail offerings, including major store investment by John Lewis and Marks and Spencer. The towns of Paddock Wood, Southborough and Cranbrook provide more local retail services. Cranbrook, especially, includes a mix of businesses aimed at both local people and tourists who come to visit this unique market town in the High Weald. Tourism Tunbridge Wells has been successfully drawing visitors to the area for many years. Royal Tunbridge Wells lies at the heart of one of the most scenic stretches of countryside in the south east of England, and is surrounded by the unspoilt beauty of the Weald. Much of the countryside falls within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and contains villages and hamlets of exceptional quality. Heritage and tourism development are therefore important aspects of the borough's economy. The Tunbridge Wells area has a good selection of high quality accommodation for both leisure visitors and business people. The larger hotels also provide facilities available for business conferences and exhibitions. A guide to accommodation is available online at 15

18 16 The quality of the area's accommodation, visitor attractions and retail offer has led to steady growth over recent years. As a consequence of this growth, the restaurant and food sector has also grown. Tourism is estimated to have contributed 241m to the borough's economy in 2011 and supported over 4,400 jobs (Tourism Economic Impact Research. TSE. 2011) Health and Well-Being Sector The development of the new Tunbridge Wells Hospital, which opened in 2011, has resulted in an increase and upgrade of local health services, leading to stable employment in the health sector for the borough. This will complement the range of public and private sector health provision that is already located here. Opportunities for well-being, spa and homeopathic related enterprises are excellent and their services are in constant demand. Education Sector There is strong education sector in the borough. Further and higher education is provided by K College. There are many excellent quality schools in the borough of Tunbridge Wells. Links between schools and local businesses help to bring enterprise and business knowledge into the schools, assisting with career development for the young people in the borough. Encouraging Enterprise in Rural Tunbridge Wells Local agricultural and horticultural businesses have successfully diversified and rationalised to remain competitive in a global market, even though land based employment has declined. The local countryside is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike, and is one of the area's major assets. The huge financial and environmental value of the local landscape to the economy needs to be maintained if visitors are to continue to be attracted to the area. Therefore, sympathetic and sustainable diversification is necessary. Diversification of farms and rural buildings for commercial, leisure, recreation, green tourism and sustainable energy use is taking place across the borough. Opportunities for office-based businesses, rather than simply land-based businesses, to locate in rural areas and in converted farms are also increasing. Rural community enterprise in the borough, for example village shops and shared services, in a number of rural towns and villages is encouraging the sustainability of such areas. Skilled Workforce Tunbridge Wells is fortunate to have a resident population with well above average qualifications. While a proportion commute elsewhere for work, the regional role of Royal Tunbridge Wells means that businesses are able to attract a workforce that has experience in a number of different sectors of industry from a wide catchment area. This travel to work area includes Kent, East Sussex, Surrey, Essex and South London.

19 Local people are highly educated compared to other areas of the South East. Over one third of residents (41%) have attained NVQ4+ level or equivalent qualifications, in comparison with 36.8% for the South East. Residents' occupations broadly reflect the national and regional average, although with a particularly high concentration in professional and technical areas (17.2% of local residents). Looking to the future, 73% of school pupils attain 5+ GCSEs at grade A-C. Skills and training In the modern business world the ability of an organisation to compete successfully has never been more closely linked to the productivity and abilities of the people it employs. For businesses in the Tunbridge Wells area a key competitiveness issue is to fully utilise the abilities of the local workforce through effective training and skills development. There are a number of opportunities for businesses to up-skill and assist in the career progression of the staff in their companies in Tunbridge Wells. Training and development resources are available from a variety of public, private and voluntary sector organisations. These opportunities range from short courses to management and leadership training as well as basic skills and NVQs. Further and higher education is provided by K College at Tonbridge and North Farm Tunbridge Wells. There is also an Adult Education Centre based in Royal Tunbridge Wells that provides a large number of courses open to everyone. Commercial Property Royal Tunbridge Wells' modern, stylish atmosphere has proved attractive to a range of occupiers, both large and small. There is a good representation of commercial estate agencies in the borough that can help you find the right property to suit your business. (see Appendix 1) The main business areas in the borough include: Royal Tunbridge Wells - Town Centre Royal Tunbridge Wells Paddock Wood Southborough - North Farm/ Longfield Road Industrial Area - Eldon Way and west of Maidstone Road - High Brooms Industrial Park. Centre of Excellence for Small Business The borough hosts a number of small business centres supplying small business workspace and starter units. These include those at the Southborough Centre, Monson Business Centre and the Pantiles Chambers. Other micro business units vary in size and nature and are located in many parts of the borough including town centres, industrial estates and on farms. Rural Excellence Settlements in the rural areas of the borough are host to a large number of small and medium sized businesses. 17

20 18 Most towns and villages have business units that cater for a wide variety of business needs. Attracting New Businesses and Inward Investment Tunbridge Wells Borough Council works in partnership with Locate in Kent to attract investment into the borough. Locate in Kent provides free, confidential relocation services, including supplying information about potential sites and properties in the area. Locate in Kent offer tailored client services that include location specific economic and market research to assist potential investors. Regeneration opportunities The Council s Five Year Plan ( ) identifies a number of specific projects that will be delivered in the borough by working with major businesses, landowners and investors. The Council has provided a framework for regeneration and new site development through its adopted Core Strategy and Site Allocations Development Plan Document. The Borough Council works closely with Kent County Council to help secure improved infrastructure and services to support local economic success. Quality of Life Royal Tunbridge Wells, as one of the few towns in England with both a royal and spa identity, attracts shoppers, visitors and business people from across the South East and beyond. There are numerous hotels and awardwinning restaurants in the town, as well as a wide range of bars, coffee shops and hundreds of high quality shops, including two department stores (Fenwicks and Hoopers). The historic Pantiles, to the south of Royal Tunbridge Wells, is one of the oldest and finest pedestrian shopping areas in the country. The town is also home to the award-winning Royal Victoria Place, a large and very popular shopping mall in the town centre. The range of fascinating, independent shops in the High Street and Chapel Place, many of which retain their original Victorian shop frontages, creates a pleasant and unique shopping experience. A number of award-winning parks, including the restored Dunorlan Park complete with boating lake, Calverley Grounds and The Commons are located within the town to allow people time to relax. This Royal Tunbridge Wells' experience is complemented by the rural character of the rest of the borough: Cranbrook, an historic county town with a quality town centre and thriving business community; Paddock Wood, a commercial commuter town with a strong reputation for warehousing, light industry, distribution and fruit storage on the Transfesa Industrial Estate; and Hawkhurst, a thriving village situated on the main route to the south coast with successful retailers and diversified farm businesses. Beautiful villages, such as Goudhurst, Matfield, Brenchley and Lamberhurst also offer the rural services and facilities needed for new, emerging and thriving businesses and their staff.

21 A number of farmers' markets selling local produce and crafts are held regularly in the borough - the two largest being outside the Town Hall on the second and fourth Saturdays and on the Pantiles on the first and third weekends of each month. Visitor Attractions In addition to the main towns, the borough is home to many heritage and tourist attractions including:- 6 The Pantiles - the famous colonnaded shopping area housing 6 Designer and antique shops, restaurants and cafe s. 6 The Chalybeate Spring - the original spring water served in the traditional manner by a costumed 'dipper'. 6 The Spa Valley Railway - a steam railway linking Royal Tunbridge Wells with the picturesque village of Groombridge. 6 Bedgebury Forest - home to the national collection of conifers, several miles of cycling trails, walks and to Go Ape - a high wire forest adventure for young and old - all set in beautiful Bedgebury Forest. 6 Bewl Water - the largest man-made reservoir in the South East and the setting for numerous recreational activities, such as sailing, windsurfing, fishing and cycling. 6 Scotney Castle Garden - stunning gardens surrounding a romantic ruined medieval castle owned by the National Trust. 6 Sissinghurst Castle Garden - the world renowned gardens designed by Vita Sackville-West and now owned by the National Trust. 6 Groombridge Place Gardens - pretty gardens surrounding a large manor house. Full details of these and many more things to see and do in the area are featured on the borough's official visitor website at or are available from the Tourist Information Centre situated in the Pantiles. Safe towns for businesses The Tunbridge Wells Safe Town Partnership has successfully operated throughout Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre since its launch in November The Partnership is made up of West Kent Police, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and businesses operating in and around Royal Tunbridge Wells. The aim of the Partnership is to reduce crime and the fear of crime and make Royal Tunbridge Wells a safer place in which to shop, live and work. Among their many successes to date is the achievement of the Safer Shopping Award and Safer Socialising Award as a result of the good practices in Crime Management which have been demonstrated so far by year on year reduction in crime. The Council has introduced crime reduction schemes into other places in the borough with links to a central CCTV control room. Housing The borough benefits from a broad range of housing stock from detached homes to flats. While the majority are owneroccupied, up to 25% of the stock is in the social or private rented market. 19

22 20 The Borough Council is working closely with Housing Association development partners and other agencies to provide new affordable homes in the borough. Housing Associations provide a number of affordable housing schemes offering key-worker living and part-ownership developments for staff working in local businesses. There is access to a wider housing market area close to Royal Tunbridge Wells that includes Tonbridge, Crowborough and Uckfield. Schools, colleges and education The area is served by some of the best schools in the region. There are around 75 primary schools in the borough, 17 of which are located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, as well as 18 secondary schools. Many of these schools achieve good or outstanding OFSTED reports and the secondary schools in the area consistently achieve excellent GCSE and A-level results. There are also many distinguished private and independent schools in the area. There are also a number of children's play centres providing both indoor and outdoor soft-play facilities. There is a good selection of golf courses of outstanding quality in the area. Kent County Cricket Week held every June at the Nevill Ground in Royal Tunbridge Wells attracts spectators from across the country. England's only dedicated ice curling rink can be found at Frant. Libraries at key locations across the borough cater for the whole community, and often run events for the family. Evening Economy There are many excellent, high quality restaurants, cafe s, bars and pubs in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook and the surrounding towns and villages catering for all types of cuisine and tastes. A large bowling and multi-screen cinema complex on the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells, and a digital cinema in Hawkhurst, complete with cafe s and bar, show all the latest film releases. Art Gallery has wonderful collections of costume, art, dolls and toys, which recreate and re-tell the story of the Tunbridge Wells area and its past heritage. The Museum has an award-winning heritage education programme throughout the year that caters for all ages and communities. There is also a variety of art and cultural venues in other communities across the borough. They include an excellent museum and working windmill in Cranbrook, a modern art gallery in Paddock Wood and a digital cinema in Hawkhurst. Events The borough hosts many seasonal events supported by local businesses throughout the year. These events include summer festivals, such as the Mela and Jazz on the Pantiles. There are an exciting range of activities leading up to Christmas, including markets and an ice rink in Calverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge Wells. Leisure Facilities The area has first-rate private and public leisure facilities. The Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre has excellent facilities including swimming, a diving centre, basketball, netball, volleyball, indoor football, a large air-conditioned gym, badminton, table tennis, and squash courts. The new indoor tennis centre with new state-of-the-art LED lighting is perfect for all abilities and is open to all. Facilities at the Weald Sports Centre in Cranbrook include a large pool, dance studios, a sports hall and a fitness suite. Arts and Culture Royal Tunbridge Wells is home to two excellent theatres. The varied programme at the Assembly Hall Theatre includes all types of music, dance, comedy and theatrical productions. Trinity, based in a converted church, shows alternative film, comedy, music and dance. Both theatres also provide venues for local business meetings, conferences and exhibitions. The Forum in the town centre provides a music venue for up-and-coming local and regional bands playing rock and pop music. The Tunbridge Wells Museum and

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25 Helping you to do business in Tunbridge Wells Whether you are an established business, starting up or relocating to the area there are a wide range of services available to assist. These services are provided by the Borough Council and its partners from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. This section provides an overview of these local services. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council The Borough Council has identified three corporate priorities for local communities, to facilitate local communities to become prosperous, green and confident. The priority to make local communities prosperous has been developed into a series of actions that focus on: Enterprise: Encourage the continued development of a wide range of enterprises in the borough by providing business support and advice and the provision of appropriate employment space. Promotion and Place Making: Enhance the attractiveness of Royal Tunbridge Wells and other town centres in the borough as thriving cultural, places to visit, shop, live, work and do business, whilst protecting and enhancing the natural environment. Rural Economy: Develop a strong, diverse rural economy to sustain local communities. Skills & Employability: Develop a workforce equipped with appropriate skills to capitalise on local employment opportunities. Accessibility and Connectivity: Develop an efficient transport network to support the vitality and competitiveness of the borough's local economy. Securing Funding: Maximise opportunities to secure funding to provide infrastructure to support economic development. Council Services Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can assist businesses with a range of services to help them grow and prosper, as well as point companies to a large number of useful bodies that can help businesses succeed. The Council services include economic development, planning, environment, licensing and revenues (business rates). For further information: Tel: info@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Website: Economic Development The Economic Development Team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council offers advice and support for new and established businesses in the borough. It also works to market the area to attract potential businesses, inward investors and visitors to support the wider local economy. The Service is also responsible for the Tunbridge Wells Farmers' Markets 23

26 24 and the delivery of visitor information services from the Tourist Information Centre located in The Pantiles. For further help on the range of business services available please contact the Economic Development team:- Tel For Visitor Information Tel: tunbridgewells.gov.uk Website: For Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market Tel: tunbridgewells.gov.uk Revenues (business rates) The non-domestic rates, or business rates, are collected by local councils. This is the means by which businesses and others who occupy non-domestic property make a contribution towards the cost of local services provided by the Borough Council, Kent County Council and Kent Police. The Council's Revenue services team provides information, advice and guidance on business rates for the borough of Tunbridge Wells. This includes information on the treatment of businesses with rateable values below certain thresholds, exemptions and relief for charities and some rural businesses. For further information:- Tel: businessrates@ tunbridgewells.gov.uk Planning Provides information, advice and guidance on business premises change of use and planning applications. Work on your business premises or new developments may need to be approved under both Planning and Building Control legislation. Planning services are also responsible for advising on future land use through the Local Plan. The Core Strategy was adopted in June Communications with the local business community will be essential as the Local Plan is detailed up through specific land allocations. Telephone: Planning Control: planningcomments@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Planning Policy: planning.policy@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Environmental Services Provides a comprehensive range of services aiming to maintain, protect and improve the health of the community and the quality of life in the borough. It protects the environment and promotes the health of the people who live and work in, or visit, the borough of Tunbridge Wells through a wide range of activities. These include: food safety, health and safety at work, infectious disease control, sampling (air, water and radiation), air quality management and control, contaminated land control, pollution control (including noise nuisance), licensing, pest control, health promotion and development.

27 For further information:- Tel: Food & Commercial Team: Environmental Protection Team: Licensing Team Responsible for the licensing and registration of various business premises and activities. This is to ensure that venues and licensed activities are operated safely and without disturbance to those within the local community. Licences are required for: public entertainment in pubs, clubs, village halls; public sports entertainment licensing; outdoor entertainment such as concerts, fétes, dances, cinemas, theatres, boxing, wrestling, judo and similar sports where these are to be performed in a contest, exhibition or display, ice or roller skating where music forms a substantial part of the entertainment; Hackney Carriages (taxis), private hire vehicles; street collections; amusements with prizes, lotteries, gambling premises, house-to-house collections and late night refreshments. For further information:- Tel: licensing@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Leisure/Cultural Services A lively culture and arts scene continues to be supported by the Council. The service provides information on Tunbridge Wells events, outdoor activities, arts, parks and cultural activities in the local area. The Assembly Hall Theatre attracts 170,000 visits a year; and the Museum & Art Gallery more than 60,000. For further information:- Tel: info@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Assembly Hall Theatre Tel: or Tunbridge Wells Library & Museum & Art Gallery Museum tel: ( Museum museum@tunbridgewells.gov.uk Library tel: Library tunbridgewellslibrary@kent.gov.uk Partner Services Tunbridge Wells Borough Council works very closely with its neighbouring local authorities and Kent County Council to facilitate business development. It is engaged with a range of public-private partnerships that aim to support and develop the local economy by pooling resources, skills and expertise in the areas of economic development and marketing. South East Local Enterprise Partnership The Council works in partnership with Kent County Council to feed into the strategy and initiatives of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP). 25

28 26 SELEP brings together key leaders from business, local government, further and higher education and is seeking to create the most enterprising economy in England through exploring opportunities for enterprise while addressing barriers to growth. Covering Essex, Kent, Medway and East Sussex, SELEP is the largest strategic enterprise partnership outside London. This area, which is the country's economic powerhouse contributing 63 billion a year to the national economy, is full of business opportunities, offering a range of core economic strengths and investment potential. SELEP is one of 39 partnerships set up by the government to be the key body determining strategic economic priorities while making investments and delivering activities to drive growth and create local jobs West Kent Partnership The West Kent Partnership is an Economic and Strategic Partnership operating across the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks district. The partnership addresses common sub-regional economic, housing and transport issues, and identifies strategic action for lobbying and other interventions. It brings together organisations from the public, private, community and voluntary sectors to work together on strategic issues that impact on quality of life and economic success in West Kent. Partners include the Leaders of the three West Kent district councils and executives from health, police, Kent County Council, business, voluntary and community organisations. A number of task groups work in thematic areas including Transport, Economy and Rural (West Kent LEADER Executive Local Action Group). The Partnership has an ongoing focus on sustaining and strengthening the local economy. Its successes include the delivery of a 2 million Leader programme. It offers funding for farmers, growers, foresters and rural communities to help secure a sustainable future for rural West Kent. For further information: Tel: Website: West Kent Leader Tel: westkentleader@sevenoaks.gov.uk Website: Kent County Council Kent County Council is a key partner in the local economy. It has direct responsibility for transport, education, trading standards, waste and social services which impact upon the everyday lives of businesses and communities across the county. Its regional capacities have been especially important in attracting European Union funding for key infrastructure, economic and business development initiatives in the county. Current programmes include work to ensure the quality of the broadband infrastructure across the area enables business competitiveness and sustainable development.

29 The Council can provide access to detailed information about grants, loans and other financial support for enterprise (Kent 4 Business - The business support funding website for the Kent area). For further information:- Tel: reinfo@kent.go.uk Website: Locate in Kent Locate in Kent (LiK) assists companies wishing to locate and find business premises or commercial land in the borough. They provide free, confidential relocation services to all businesses including supplying information about potential sites and properties in Tunbridge Wells. They also undertake location-specific research and provide local knowledge to partners and businesses. For further information:- Tel: enquiries@locateinkent.com Website: High Growth Kent High Growth Kent is a coaching programme funded by Kent County Council and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) to support growth in local companies. It offers tangible support for ambitious, growth-focused businesses. The High Growth Kent team has helped Kent companies raise 39 million in investment. The High Growth coaches provide expertise, support and information covering: finance and investment, operations and logistics, product development, manufacturing, sales and marketing, overseas trade and people resources. For further information Tel: Website: Visit Kent Visit Kent is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Kent and Medway. Visit Kent, formed in 2002, has developed a collaborative approach in order to attract investors that are committed to support and grow the tourism industry in the county. It has an active engagement programme with leading private sector tourism businesses across the area. Its current brand strategy is based around the Garden of England proposition. Its key activities include: 6 to work with local authorities and businesses to bid successfully for many European funding programmes. 6 to run innovative marketing campaigns and to drive forward major new initiatives. 6 to coordinate the delivery of the Kent offer to national and international audiences at trade exhibitions, through advertising campaigns and promotion through a variety of media channels to national and international audiences. 6 to offer tourism businesses access to a sector-specific business to business support network, business advice, training courses in both classroom and online formats, networking events and masterclasses. For further information Tel: enquiries@visitkent.co.uk Website: 27

30 28 Social Enterprise and Not-for-Profit Business Tunbridge Wells has a variety of successful co-operative ventures, social and voluntary sector enterprises. Social enterprises are businesses that trade in order to pursue a social aim. They are diverse and operate at many levels. They include community enterprises, social firms and mutual organisations such as co-operatives and large-scale national and international operations. What they have in common is a commitment to meeting social and financial needs, with some also aiming to meet environmental needs. For further information:- Tel: info@vawk.org.uk Website: Energy Efficient Business Climate Energy Business Limited Climate Energy Business' activities have been specifically developed to help businesses save energy, save money, reduce environmental impact and improve their business potential. They can provide free business energy and environmental management checks and advice on energy efficiency. They can provide free and impartial advice through their energy advice centre where trained staff are available to offer guidance on heating and insulation initiatives and help which may be available in your area, and according to your business' personal circumstances. As well as energy efficiency, Climate Energy Business also specialises in renewable energy and environmental impact, so assessments on these areas can be made too. For further information: Tel: info@climateenergy.org.uk Website: Skills, Training and Recruitment Tackling skills gaps, training and recruitment are important issues for business success. A variety of public, voluntary and private sector providers are available in the borough to help local businesses to up-skill and assist in the career progression of the staff in their companies in Tunbridge Wells. These opportunities range from short courses to management and leadership training as well as basic skills and NVQs. There are a variety of advice, information and financial support resources to help to address skills gaps and training needs College and Education Providers K College K College can provide a range of training and courses to service the requirements of local businesses and their staff. The College offers a variety of learning opportunities including A Levels, Apprenticeships and Honours Degrees from a large campus in south Tonbridge. There is also a smaller Tunbridge Wells campus based at North Farm offering purpose built motor vehicle engineering and construction workshops as well as a learning resource centre.