Law firm partners with wildlife trust in boost for sustainability drive

Kent law firm Martin Tolhurst Solicitors has announced a new partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust, a wildlife charity dedicated to preserving the county’s natural heritage.

This collaboration builds upon Martin Tolhurst Solicitors’ existing green initiatives. Previously, the firm partnered with More Trees to plant trees for clients buying or selling homes, offsetting the carbon footprint associated with the moving process. Now, by joining forces with Kent Wildlife Trust, they aim to make an even greater positive impact.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kent Wildlife Trust,” said Andrew Ashley-Edwards, Partner at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors. “Their dedication to restoring wildlife and protecting Kent’s natural environment aligns perfectly with our values. This partnership allows us to further our commitment to sustainability while supporting a vital local organisation.”

As part of the collaboration, the solicitors will contribute to Kent Wildlife Trust’s crucial conservation work, ensuring the health and well-being of the county’s diverse ecosystems, with a particular focus on four key reserves:

• Ashford: Conningbrook Lakes

• Gillingham: Darland Banks

• Longfield: Heather Corrie Vale, Darenth Valley

• Sittingbourne: Queendown Warren

In addition, the firm’s staff will have opportunities to volunteer at Kent Wildlife Trust reserves, fostering team-building and a deeper connection to the environment, whilst the solicitors’ clients will be able to choose to donate to one of four local Kent Wildlife Trust reserves located near Martin Tolhurst Solicitors’ offices in Ashford, Gillingham, Longfield, and Sittingbourne.

“We are delighted to welcome Martin Tolhurst Solicitors as a partner,” said Paul Jobling, Membership and Partnership Manager of Kent Wildlife Trust. “Their commitment to sustainability and their focus on engaging their staff and clients in conservation efforts will be invaluable in achieving our shared goals for a healthier planet.” www.martintolhurst.co.uk

This year’s Kent Invicta Chamber Patrons have been appointed in a presentation ceremony staged at the latest Kent Business Leaders Dinner.

The dinner was held in April in the Darwin Conference Suite at the University of Kent who are one of this year’s Patrons.

Over 60 guests were welcomed by, Tudor Price, Chief Executive at Kent Invicta Chamber and Shane Weller, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation at the University.

Guests enjoyed a truly delicious meal focused on Kent produce accompanied by wines from Biddenden Vineyards. Before dinner Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, outlined the work that she and her team were conducting to amplify the key issues being raised by Members both locally and nationally, to ensure the policy makers, current and future, were keeping business and the economy foremost in their mind. Shevaun highlighted the key policies being put forward to government under the “where business belongs” campaign, which layout in clear terms the steps needed to boost the UK economy.

After dinner, the Patrons for the 2024-25 term were announced. They were presented with prestigious certificates which were designed and produced by local businesses Oak Creative and Frameworx.

Patrons represent key sectors in the county and organisations that support and service the local business community. Eight Patrons have continued in their role from last year and are joined by the new Patrons, Ashford based Flowbird Ltd and Smurfit Kappa Group who are based in Snodland.

Tudor Price, Chief Executive at Kent Invicta Chamber, said ‘I would like to thank all our Patrons for their commitment to the Chamber for the coming year. I am delighted to welcome Flowbird Ltd and the Smurfit Kappa Group to the scheme and look forward to building a closer relationship with them.’

Jason Rainbird, Managing Director at Flowbird said “Flowbird is proud to be associated with the Kent Invicta Chamber as a leading membership organisation. Our focus is on working with more Kent businesses, and this opportunity is the perfect vehicle to help the Kent Chamber grow its membership whilst Flowbird grows its customer base.”

Jane Head, General Manager at the Smurfit Kappa Group said ‘We have a wealth of experience working with businesses and councils, in Kent and the surrounding areas, for the recycling of cardboard and paper. Creating a better planet for the future of our children is key to what we do. We are committed to being an impactful business and supporting a greener planet. This means doing the right thing for our people, our communities, and our environment.

We are proud to become Patrons of Kent Invicta Chamber and look forward to sharing our passion for recycling with likeminded businesses across the region.’

The Kent Invicta Chamber Patrons for 2024/25 are Ashford Borough Council, Brachers LLP, Caxtons Property Consultants, Flowbird Ltd, MHA, MidKent College, Smurfit Kappa – Recycling, Stagecoach South East, Towergate Insurance Brokers and the University of Kent.

Photography by Nick Johnson