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Sevenoaks Town Partnership Fifth Annual Report - 2016

SEVENOAKS TOWN PARTNERSHIPFIFTH ANNUAL REPORT

2016

Sevenoaks Town Partnershipc/o Sevenoaks Town Council

Town Council OfficesBradbourne Vale Road

Sevenoaks,Kent

TN13 3QG

Tel: 01732 459953

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @SevenoaksTP

Website: www.sevenoakspartnership.org

http://www.sevenoakspartnership.org/

mailto:[email protected]


Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon KCB MP, Patron of Sevenoaks Town Partnership

Like our town itself, Sevenoaks Town Partnership continues to leave others in its wake. It strengthens our community, supports our local businesses and makes Sevenoaks a better place to live.

It is worth reflecting on Sevenoaks’ remarkable economic success story over the last few years. Since 2010, 600 new businesses have been established, with unemployment falling by 60 percent to a historic low. The work of the Town Partnership has played a central role in this record of achievement.

I saw the latest evidence of the Town Partnership’s vital role when I opened the Sevenoaks Business Show in April. Speaking to each of the 32 businesses in attendance, I saw not only their determination to succeed, but also the encouragement they received from the events and support arranged by the Town Partnership.

Sevenoaks Town Partnership has achieved much this year, but it has plenty more to offer.

I congratulate all of those involved on its successes and wish you all the very best of luck for the coming year.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=d9fDzuFiNqli0M&tbnid=-NJAFJuGLccPhM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Fallon&ei=4BddUqSOF6LG0QXprIDYAw&bvm=bv.53899372,d.d2k&psig=AFQjCNF3mL2pm3ktHpnwfWFWY6N5kRlYUA&ust=1381918789366168


An introduction by Cllr Maxine Chakowa, Chairman of the Sevenoaks Town Partnership

It gives me great pleasure to be writing the fifth annual report for the Sevenoaks Town Partnership. It is also fantastic to see so many projects we have discussed being delivered and received with excellent results.

We have just had the Sevenoaks business awards which received the most nomination to date, and a much wider selection of businesses which shows what a thriving Town Sevenoaks has and is becoming.

When you think of what the Partnership does to name a few The Vintage Bus, Business Show, Wellbeing Show, South & Southeast in Bloom and the Business Awards they are all to help and increases business and footfall to our thriving town and to make sure that we stay ahead and in touch with the ever changing world.

I would like to finish by saying a big thank you to the Executive Board and everyone who has had input in to making the town partnership the success it is and helping it to grow.

Cllr Maxine ChakowaChairmanSevenoaks Town Partnership


1. Sevenoaks Town Partnership – Strategic AimsSince 2011 the Executive Board have been working to develop the following key strategic aims:-

1. Increasing visitors to Sevenoaks Town2. Branding Sevenoaks3. Investigating and investing in different forms of digital marketing4. Developing a branded Town Partnership website5. Providing a calendar of events6. Marketing the town as a clean and safe place to live and visit7. Produce initiatives to address the empty shop issue8. Improve engagement between public, private and economic sector partners in order

to use this combined expertise to improve the town9. Encourage inward investment into the town and make Sevenoaks attractive for

businesses looking to start up10. Improving the accessibility and environment of Sevenoaks town

2. Sevenoaks Town Partnership – Executive Board

The Executive Board consists of the following members:-

Cllr Maxine Chakowa – CHAIRMAN - Sevenoaks Town Council/ Specsavers

Cllr Stephen Arnold – VICE CHAIRMAN - Sevenoaks Town Council

Linda Larter - Sevenoaks Town Council

Cllr Tony Clayton - Sevenoaks Town Council

Jane Parish - Sencio

Elizabeth Dolding - Chamber of Commerce

Cllr Avril Hunter - Sevenoaks District Council

Gabriel Shepherd - Editor, Sevenoaks Chronicle

Clive Andrews - Bligh’s Meadow

Knole Representative - National Trust, Knole

Roger Walshe - The Sevenoaks Society

Neil Jackson - Coolings

Andrew Eyre - Stag Community Arts Centre

Fergal Parkinson - Sevenoaks Round Table


3. Digital Projects

3.1. Information Screens

The information screen which is currently located in the Stag Foyer has attracted paid advertising and has also been used to promote the town’s calendar of events. A second information screen is currently situated in the Sevenoaks Community Centre reception area.

Discussions are taking place to erect a screen at Sevenoaks Mainline Station.

3.2 Website (sevenoakspartnership.org)

The website aims to be the definitive information site for the local community, visitors and businesses and covers a variety of topics including:

Event information Eating out Shops & Businesses Culture & Leisure Young People Local History Tourist Information

This site promotes our fantastic town and encourage visitors and locals to spend more of their leisure and shopping time in Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas. The site is linked to Sevenoaks Town Partnership’s Infopods enabling the information to be publically available in a variety of locations.

3.3 Infopods

Infopods enable access tourist information, including bed & breakfast accommodation, events, businesses, travel information, restaurants and much more.

Infopods are located in: Stag Foyer Sencio Leisure foyer Sevenoaks District Council Foyer Sevenoaks Bus Station Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve Sevenoaks Town Council Foyer Sevenoaks Community Centre Café on the Vine


4 Vintage Bus

The introduction of the Vintage Bus Service was designed to circulate footfall and increase the number of visitors to the Town Centre in particular from Visitors Centre in Knole. Using a hop-on, hop-off ticket (£2.50 day ticket). The partnership was pleased to be able to operate the bus for a fourth year during 2016. The circular route includes additional stops - Knole, The Stag, Sevenoaks Railway station, The Vine, Blighs, Bus Station, Knole and has proved to be a tremendous success. Due to popular demand the Vintage Bus route added a stop at the Harvester, Riverhead for the 2016 season.

There are various individuals and organisations who share in the success of this project. In particular our sincere thanks to:

Knole, who provided considerable sponsorship Go Coach, for their patience and positive attitude in making our bus project happen Our volunteer bus conductors,


5. Sevenoaks Business ShowThe Business Show was held on Friday 22nd April at the Stag Plaza Suite. The event showcased some of the best local businesses and involved talks on 3 different topics in the House in the Basement. Feedback indicated that all exhibitors obtained worthwhile business from the event and would exhibit again.


6. Wellbeing Show Sevenoaks Town Partnership held its first Wellbeing Show at the Stag Plaza on Saturday 14th May. With free talks in the House in the Basement and a variety of exhibitors this was a fantastic event enjoyed by all. Feedback indicated that all exhibitors obtained worthwhile business from the event and would exhibit again.


7. Sevenoaks Business Awards The black tie Award Ceremony held on 9th September at Knole Academy was an exciting evening, well supported by both sponsors and finalists.

The winners and finalists were as follows:-

Independent Retailer of the Year:

3rd Place – Especially Health

2nd Place – Sevenoaks Bookshop


Winner – The Chinaman

National Chain Retailer of the Year:

3rd Place – Bang & Olufsen

2nd Place – A Plan Insurance


Winner – Neal’s Yard Remedies

Apprentice of the Year:3rd Place – Ciera Freeman

2nd Place – Jack Sutton & Steffan Colnet


Winner – Peter Roper

New Business Award:3rd Place – Eat the Farm


2nd Place – Eat n Mess

Winner – Better Body Group


Customer Choice Award:3rd Place – Donnington Manor Hotel

2nd Place – TreeAbility


Winner – Lakeview Accountants

Home Enterprise Award:3rd Place – Jane Mucklow Photography & Ashlyn Massage & Yoga


2nd Place – The Second Wardrobe

Winner – Sevenoaks Bootcamp


Judges Choice Award: Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce

8. Sponsoring of Events and Events Committee

As previously mentioned the Sevenoaks Town partnership is involved in a variety of events aimed at both the local community and businesses. Sponsoring opportunities may be available.

Sevenoaks Town Partnership Events Committee has continued to grow. The aim of the Events Committee is for members to consolidate and share resources, experience and practical knowledge. Membership is open to any organisation or individual who currently arranges public events or wishes to develop a further event idea or proposal.

Discussions take place about practical matters including first aid provision, environmental health, food hygiene and public licensing, in addition to general sharing of resources.


8.1 Food Fair on the Vine 6th – 8th May

Sevenoaks Town Partnership once again teamed up with Market Square Group to host a three day Food Fair on the Vine Gardens during May.


8.2 Sevenoaks new monthly Sunday Farmers Market April to September

Sevenoaks Town Council hosted a new monthly Sunday Farmers Market on the fourth Sunday of the month from April to September. With over 20 stalls, entertainment and children’s competition this was a market for all the family to enjoy.

Officially opened by Mayor Cllr Arnold, Gloria Hunniford and JB Gill.


9. Sponsorship / Grant Funding

Sevenoaks Town Council supported the creation of the Sevenoaks Town Partnership and has demonstrated this by providing facilities and staff resources. In addition to the Town Council provided funding of £5,000 for the 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 financial years. This however is subject to matching sponsorship either in cash or ‘in kind’ services.

During the last 12 months Sevenoaks Town Partnership has been successful in obtaining the following funds:-

Funding From Purpose £Knole Vintage Bus 3,200Local Businesses Advertising Vintage Bus 1,600Athena Wealth Planning Business Awards 500Specsavers Business Awards 500Warners Solicitors Business Awards 500Sevenoaks District Council Business Awards 500Kent County Council Business Awards 500Kall Kwik Business Awards 500Amherst Accountancy Business Awards 500Sevenoaks Town Council Match funding for projects 5,000Total £13,300.00

In addition the Town Partnership has income generating projects and events.

10. The future of the Sevenoaks Town Partnership

With the support of partners and other income generating initiatives the Sevenoaks Town Partnership’s future, although challenging, should be secured for the coming year.

Future development will rely on the success of our strategies and in particular the support of our community and businesses over the course of the coming year.

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sevenoakstownpartnership.files.wordpress.com… · Web viewIt is worth reflecting on Sevenoaks’ remarkable economic success story over the last few years. Since 2010, 600 new businesses