Best in business

With the very first Tunbridge Wells Business Awards taking place later this month we spoke to its organiser Jess Gibson of the TN card about why it’s so important to champion companies of all sizes in various sectors – and discover who has made the list of finalists…

The Tunbridge Wells Business Awards by the TN card takes place on November 26 and Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is proud to support the awards as its official press sponsor.

After weeks of consideration, with its judges reviewing entries from local businesses of all shapes and sizes, the decisions have been made for each category and winners will be announced at the festive awards ceremony which takes place at Trinity Theatre on November 26.

Nick Moore, who is Managing Director of JJL Media & Marketing Ltd, publisher of this magazine is on the independent judging panel along with Dawn Blee, CEO of Sevenoaks District Chamber of Commerce, Nick Bryant, Founder of Brilliant Businesses, Lynne Gadsden, Financial Adviser at Eight Wealth Management, and Alex Green, CEO of RTW Together.

Judges assessed each award entry with preliminary scoring before coming together as a panel at Trinity on October 17 to determine finalists and winners. The panel was chaired by Jess Gibson, Founder and Managing Director of the TN card, and joined by Joseph Oates, Partner at CooperBurnett who are the awards’ headline sponsor.

Reflecting on how the first Tunbridge Wells Business Awards (TWBAs) have gone so far, Jess told the magazine that she was ‘thrilled’ with how this community-focused awards has been received.

“I am thrilled with the response to these inaugural awards and entries were received from businesses of all sizes and sectors, reflecting the breadth of the Tunbridge Wells business community.”  

“The TN card was created to support local, so the TWBAs have been deliberately accessible to small businesses and large companies alike, with everyone evaluated on the merits of their award submission regardless of size.“

“I am grateful to the judging panel for dedicating so much of their time to evaluating entries and ensuring the award results fairly reflect the diversity of our business community, and everyone who contributes to our town and economy. It is going to be a special evening as we celebrate our winners.”

Commenting on being involved with all the judging, Lynne Gadsden of Eight Wealth Management told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine that she was looking for the things that make a business successful.

“That could be a great idea, something a little different, profitability (well I am a financial adviser!), looking after your team, being part of the community and most importantly passion!” states Lynne. 

“I know only too well that running your own business is tough and passion and a strong belief in what you are doing will get you through.” 

Supporting the awards are CooperBurnett (headline sponsor), Absolute Creative Print (print sponsor), Inkerman London (trophy sponsor), Evelyn Partners (gift sponsor), G.M. Valentine Family Funeral Directors (podcast sponsor) and RTW Together (Film sponsor). 

The Tunbridge Wells Business Awards take place at Trinity Theatre on the evening of Tuesday 26th November, with each guest ticket including a donation to Tunbridge Wells non-profits amplifi, West Kent Mind and Trinity.  Winners will feature in the December issue of Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.

Limited tickets are available at tunbridgewellsbusinessawards.uk