Unfolding Excellence: The Storied Night of 2023 Sevenoaks Business Awards
The prestigious Sevenoaks Business Awards of 2023 unfurled on the evening of October 20th, orchestrated by the adept Sevenoaks Town Team, culminating in a grand gala at The Bat & Ball Centre. This contemporary haven, with its cutting-edge lighting and sound systems, perfectly encapsulated the elegance and spirit of the “black tie” event, elevating the celebration to a realm of sophistication.
Amidst a constellation of esteemed personalities, the event was graced by the insightful narratives of Michael Gietzen, the mastermind behind the iconic 2023 London New Year Fireworks. His illustrious portfolio, adorned with numerous major UK and global spectacles, resonated through the hall, adding a touch of grandeur to the evening.
Among the stars of the night were Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials, whose venture echoed through the corridors as a finalist for the coveted Independent Business of the Year Award. Although the laurel was ultimately bestowed upon The Hart Spa, the journey of Welham Jones was no less triumphant.
The epitome of the event was captured in a frame where Rebecca and Simon Welham, the dynamic daughter-father duo, were honoured with their finalist award. Standing alongside the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Claire Shea, and Councillor Tony Clayton, their smiles reflected the essence of achievement and the promise of many more accolades in the tapestry of Sevenoaks’ thriving business community.
This glittering night not only celebrated the accomplishments of the local business sphere but also hinted at the boundless potential that the future holds, painting a canvas of aspiration for many.
We’re finalists in the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards
by Sharpminds Agency
We’re delighted to announce that we are finalists in the Tunbridge Wells Business Awards 2025. We’ve made it to the shortlist of the Best Large Business Category – and we’ll find out if we’ve won at the black-tie event next month.
Over our 30 years supporting families throughout West Kent and Southeast London, we have seen more and more families wanting to personalise their send-off in ways that are as unique as their loved ones – and we have seen them getting more and more creative with it, too. But within that, one ancient form of customisation has been lost – the flowers. Here, we delve into the tradition of flowers at funerals, what each one symbolises, and how you can combine them to convey a quiet message to your loved one.
How can I best support someone who has recently been bereaved?
by Simon Welham
Losing a loved one is hard. But when a loved one loses a loved one, the hard part is knowing how to act. Do they want to talk? Or fondly reminisce in silence? Do you say, “I’m so sorry,” when you both know all the apologies in the world cannot bring them back? Should you bring them a casserole? And is it even possible to bake a heartful of love and support into a freezer meal?
Everyone grieves differently, but recent data from Theos Think Tank (2023) gives us helpful insights into the most common ways people seek support during bereavement. If you are supporting someone in West Kent or Southeast London, this research – and our guidance – may help you feel more confident in your compassion.