News
The dream starts with Caffé 22
May 2013
A boyhood dream of running a business together has finally come true for friends Patrick Clarke and Reiss Salustro-Pilson. The former schoolmates have joined forces to open a caffé in Canterbury, with their sights set on the ambitious target of becoming big-time entrepreneurs. Reiss, 26, explained: “When we were kids, we often spoke of …
Gleaming & ready to roll
Apr 2013
Against the economic odds, Motorvation in Chilham has enjoyed a fantastic year. And the Olympics played a vital part in its success.
Managing director Steve Marshall looks back on 2012 with a happy smile - "one of the busiest years in our history", he says. "We were fortunate to be given the contract to provide back-up services for the Olympic torch tour. What a …
Moving into Spring
Mar 2013
In spring our thoughts traditionally turn to … moving house. Or so the estate agents would have us believe! Everywhere you turn right now there are entreaties to downsize, upsize, rightsize. And, it’s true, there is traditionally a rise in the housing market that kicks off around Easter.
But why should this be limited to the residential market? Businesses too …
'Perfect Site' boosts healthcare business
Feb 2013
Making life a little easier for disabled people brings a smile to Mark Perress. He's been in the business of helping them stay mobile for more than a quarter of a century and it’s clear he loves the job. As managing director of AJM Healthcare, Mark is proud of the tradition of providing mobility services to the NHS …
Karen's Cafe Culture Venture
Jan 2013
A love of cooking has led Karen Franczak to a new career – running a cafe with an international flavour in Canterbury.
Karen, 51, used to teach cooking to lads at Simon Langton Boys’ School and ran a cafe for the 6th form. But financial cut-backs led to the role being scrapped and she was forced to re-think her life.…
Community Spirited Service
Nov 2012
“We offer a friendly, happy service – that’s why we think people like to come back to buy from us.” So says Tess Cock of The Strand Wine Company, New Street in Sandwich. They opened their doors 2 ½ years ago, in tough times, but the business is now firmly established and well supported by the local community.…
Trading Innovations
Oct 2012
The building trade has had a tough time lately, but Channel Commercials is one company that are not prepared to rest on their laurels! They've pulled together over 30 businesses to create an Innovations Day this Thursday 18th October at their premises in Ashford. "We saw a similar event elsewhere in the country and decided to see if we could make it work here in Kent," …
Locals love the Cucina Caraccio
Sept 2012
When Richard and Elaine Caraccio decided to open a restaurant they were following in a long family tradition. Richard's grandfather had come over from Italy in the late 1800's and set up business in London, and his father ran a sea front cafe on the Marine Terrace at Margate for many years from the 1930's, with their own ice-cream a speciality.…
30th shop for the 30th year
June 2012
It looks to be another tough year on the high street – but not for the retail outlets of Pilgrims Hospices. This year, the charity’s 30th anniversary, will see them break through the 30 shop mark in East Kent. Pilgrims Hospices is a registered UK charity providing specialist palliative care for the people of East Kent at three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet. …
£35m on offer from Expansion East Kent
May 2012
Kent County Council is looking for businesses in East Kent who need capital in order to set up or to expand their operations and grow faster.. Expansion East Kent is a £35 million programme of financial support to businesses seeking to invest in East Kent to create jobs. By offering interest-free loans the programme aims to unlock private sector finance, stimulating over £300 million in associated investment …
A seasonal, regional, plateful
April 2012
A two-course lunch of freshly-cooked, local produce for just £13.50, including a glass of wine, and served in a welcoming environment is exceptional value. St. Peter’s Restaurant in Sandwich opened at the beginning of the year promising to provide the best in seasonal, regional cooking. Reaction from customers so far suggests they are keeping that promise!
"Received wisdom says that January is not the ideal time to start a new …
Is the grass greener on the other side?
March 2012
If your grass could be greener, you need the help of Paul Weight of GreenThumb lawn treatments.Paul took over the GreenThumb branch in Canterbury in June 2010, taking on responsibility for more than 1,500 customers in an area that covers Canterbury, Yorkletts, Faversham, Seasalter, Whitstable, Tankerton, Blean, Herne Bay, Margate, Elham, Chilham, Sturry and Littlebourne …
An artist’s eye view from the rooftop
February 2012
Karl Terry is never happier than when he is outdoors – whether that is refurbishing the roofs of ancient buildings or putting the finishing touches to his landscape paintings. Wind, rain or snow cannot daunt him – he is a true artist and artisan.
Karl followed in his father’s footsteps when he went into roofing straight from school, and has been running his own business …
Lilford Gallery in the ‘art of the City
January 2012
David Lilford and his wife Dawn have been running a successful art gallery in Castle Street, Canterbury for the past 12 years. Recently they had been searching for a new home in Canterbury for their Herne Bay-based framing business, Lilford Framing, but when they viewed number 3 Palace Street their plans underwent a rapid turnaround. "The building is one of the coolest in the city," said David …
Boys Toys Pay Off
November 2011
Skelton Plant Hire is a family run company in the heart of the Kentish countryside. The Managing Director and Founder of the company, Tim Skelton, grew up spending his weekends and school holidays driving tractors, excavators and anything with a steering wheel or handlebars. It is not surprising that he returned from Agricultural University in Shropshire in 1988 with the dream of starting his own business. Beginning with a single …
Your Guide in the Commercial Property Maze
October 2011
“In tough times it’s the businesses that innovate who don’t just survive but emerge even stronger. There are such businesses out there and they’re doing very well. Making profits and looking to expand,” said Tony Skelton, Managing Director of Stour Valley Estates. “Additionally despite the doom and gloom in the press, we still see a lot of businesses looking to start from scratch.”…
Have you heard? It's this big ...!
September 2011
It may seem like a long way from the money markets of London to a fishing tackle shop near Canterbury but Andy Reynolds was no ordinary money trader and Fat Fish Tackle is no ordinary tackle shop!
Most people would probably imagine a money broker spending his spare time in some high octane pursuit but Andy was always a keen angler with a particular penchant for the carp.…
How being Koi in business pays!
June 2011
When John Thompson was looking for premises to host his new venture, South View Koi, he knew exactly what he, and his potential customers, needed. He wanted an inviting environment - an open, airy space - in a central and easily accessible part of Kent.
When he saw Chilham Country Park advertised on the Stour Valley website …
Fenced in - just how we like it
May 2011
Father and son team Mike and Richard run R.M. Fencing from the CT3 Business Park in Aylesham, near Canterbury, Kent. They moved in at the beginning of this year having outgrown their home workshop of 12 years.
R.M. Fencing do all the manufacturing as well as the sales and installation of their fencing products. And they do every type of fencing – …
ETM Executive Cars are Going Places
March 2011
Andrew Mangnall has big plans to grow his chauffeured car service – and a key step to achieving this has been to move from being based at home in Chartham to the nearby Stour Valley Business Park. ETM Executive Cars was originally set up in 2005, when commuting to London became too much of a daily grind for Andrew, and last year an expanding team and lots of creative service ideas meant that the business needed more space …
Canterbury Fish Tales
February 2011
Chapman’s of Sevenoaks have built a deserved reputation, in over 20 years of business, for supplying top quality, locally caught fresh fish to some of the best restaurants across the South East. Their loyal customers include Michelin and AA starred restaurants in Kent, Surrey and London. When the opportunity to launch their own restaurant came up in Canterbury they jumped at the chance. “We’re excited about the idea of this new venture …
Brewing Up a Storm
January 2011
If you take the 10 minute journey down the A28 from Canterbury to Stour Valley Business Park you’ll find the offices of Canterbrew, Canterbury’s newest brewery. And there’s a good chance you’ll be greeted by the smiling face of Martin Guy looking for all the world like the cat that got the cream. …
Kent Property Market in Good Shape
December 2010
The Kent Property Market Report for 2010 has just been published by Kent County Council and Cluttons LLP Chartered Surveyors.
Although commercial rents have fallen while retail vacancies have risen, it seems that Kent has fared better than most other areas of the UK and the South East. Recognising the challenges that still face the county as the impact of the Comprehensive Spending Review comes into play, the report concluded that …
City's First Veggy Restaurant
October 2010
You don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy the food on offer at The Hutch, a new restaurant in Palace Street, Canterbury, which claims to be the City’s first fully licensed vegetarian eatery. The idea is to provide diners with the best locally sourced produce in an eclectic Mediterranean-based menu, offering great variety and choice. This is the first restaurant that former business analyst Andrew Hutchinson has run …
A brighter future for more boys at Hope View
September 2010
With the completion of two new classrooms, Hope View School are now able to offer up to 40 youngsters a better chance to complete their education. This is an increase of 13 places, and crucially will allow them to take primary school children – aged between 7 and 11 – to prepare them for the demands of the secondary school
curriculum. …
Growth in essential work
July 2010
While everyone seems to be talking about cuts and downsizing it is heartening to hear of a business that is actually expanding. Over the past five years Centrex Maintenance of Chartham, Kent has grown from nothing to a 50-strong workforce, and is now recruiting again.
“We specialise in those essential jobs that most people don’t give a second thought to …
The Budget Q&A with Tony Skelton
June 2010
At a business forum recently Tony Skelton, as a long-standing member of the Kent business community, was asked to give his views on the economic outlook following this first coalition budget.
Tony, what’s your immediate reaction to the 2010 coalition budget? When you’re in the business of renting property to other businesses, as we are, you are directly affected by how well the business market as a whole is doing.…
Servicing your Car with a Smile
May 2010
Oak Motors have been based at the Stour Valley Business Park for nearly 20 years. As a family business, they pride themselves on giving a personal and friendly service and, although the recent recession has meant they have had to look carefully at all their operations to keep competitive, they have managed to retain a loyal customer base and are starting to see …
Going Back to their Roots
April 2010
The green shoots of recovery are bursting out in bloom at the Canterbury Chartham Garden Centre on the Stour Valley Business Park. Since taking the strategic decision to go back to their roots and focus on the core business of gardening the Garden Centre has seen a significant increase in visitors – as evidenced by how full their car park is these days!
And they are successfully turning more visitors into more income – confirming the change in strategy was the right call. Formerly known as Wyevale …
Sandwich Town Centre Restaurant
March 2010
This newly refurbished restaurant is now available to rent in the bustling, historic town of Sandwich. The property at 10 New Street was formerly the Greyhound Pub, but has been extensively refurbished to provide an ideal setting for a new restaurant or wine bar. …
Hope View School Expands
February 2010
Hope View School, based at Stour Valley Estates' site at Chilham Country Park, is expanding. Leasing an additional 15,000 square feet of land adjacent to its existing site, the school plans to have its new facilities in place by the autumn term.
Operated by Carmichael Education Ltd, Hope View is an independent school providing educational opportunities for young people …
Ideal Location for Waterside Books
December 2009
Waterside Book Services Ltd is just one of a number of companies that have found CT3 Business Park at Aylesham to be an ideal location.
Waterside Books supplies books and travel publications to customers in the tourism and travel industries, including the cross-channel ferries and cruise ships departing from Kent’s ports. The company helped to pioneer the supply of books for sale afloat and then diversified into providing…
Help from flexible rentals
November 2009
With the financial markets only just beginning to recover from their global meltdown and other sectors of the economy left reeling from the recession, times are hard for businesses of all sizes today. As one of Kent’s leading commercial and industrial property development firms, Stour Valley Estates is in a position to help firms to survive the short-term effects of the recession and benefit from the recovery to come.…
Finding room to move
October 2009
Just 7,800 square feet remains unlet and is ready for occupation at the CT3 Business Park at Aylesham – Unit 7. It's an impressively large space, but it has been built to allow divisions to accommodate smaller users, if required. It would be true to say that businesses, in the recession, seem to be looking to downsize rather than up, but that situation will not last forever, and there are already positive signs of movement in the market…
Storage problems solved for Pilgrims Hospices
May 2009
Pilgrims Hospices has a new specially fitted out warehouse thanks to Stour Valley Estates.
The new building is on the Stour Valley Business Park, Chartham, just behind Wyevale Garden Centre. Retail Manager Eddie Bradley said they had a secure lock-up storage unit on the site when the one next door became empty. …
Sound reputation reaps rewards
April 2009
Stour Valley Estates has clocked up more than 35 years of working in the East Kent area and is still very much a family business.
At the helm is Tony Skelton fully supported by the rest of his family and in particular his two sons Simon and Timothy. “We have worked hard together to build up a reputation for providing quality accommodation in a range of locations in town, out of town centres and in the countryside…
High specification for new tenant March 2009
A specially fitted out building is underway to accommodate Stour Valley Estates’ latest tenant on its CT3 business park at Aylesham.
InHealth Sterile Services Ltd had very special requirements because of its extremely high standards as a major supplier of sterilised linen and instruments to NHS hospitals…