Support local: TN Card’s Jess Gibson tells us all about her loyalty shopping scheme

Every small local purchasewe make results in a big difference collectively”

Jess Gibson founded high street membership scheme the TN Card last year. Here she explains what it’s all about and why she is so excited to be SO Magazine’s new high street champion

began the TN card last year, a few weeks before the first lockdown, because I wanted to encourage us all to get out and support our High Street more.

Little did I know at that time how the world was about to change due to the Covid crisis. But in many respects it couldn’t have been more timely, as it’s never been more vital to support and shop local than now.

The ongoing pandemic has threatened a huge number of our independents, and to be in the position of being able to encourage people to help bolster businesses during this unpredictable period has been a great privilege.

If you’re not familiar with the TN card, in short it rewards residents for supporting local whilst celebrating the variety of diverse businesses on our doorstep. It’s also about building a community that’s passionate about our town and working together to make a positive difference.

There are currently 90 town centre businesses in the TN card’s Tunbridge Wells directory and over 400 independents spanning from our town and villages to Tonbridge and Sevenoaks - from local bars, coffee shops and restaurants to retailers, leisure providers, salons, gyms, theatres and even local producers. Each one provides an exclusive offer or discount to members who visit to thank them for supporting local.

We now have 1500 annual members and this number is rising every day. Tunbridge Wells employers such as Chilstone and Loch Associates are getting involved too, purchasing memberships for staff as a way to give back to the

Icommunity. Members are kept informed of news through podcasts, newsletters and our social media platforms plus we have regular member events to help build something special. Annual membership costs £20 per year with £2 from each one going to West Kent Mind. Thanks to our members and fundraisers we’ve raised nearly £6000 for the charity in our first 18 months, at a time when it has seen resources stretched to the limit. It’s easy to lament the loss of our high street - it’s certainly changing. But I don’t believe it’s the end of the story. We’re seeing a resurgence of small, unique businesses each with their own stories As a community we to tell, and I’m optimistic for the future of our town if we can all benefit change our shopping if we change our shopping habits to embrace them. Our independents are the fabric of our town habits to and what makes it so embrace our independents special and unique; they offer a product range, level of knowledge and a personal service you won’t find elsewhere. SO Magazine has championed Tunbridge Wells for many years so I’m delighted to have been invited to highlight a few of our independents each month in the pages of this magazine. All the businesses I’ll be featuring are part of the TN card scheme. I am proud to be part of a fast growing and exciting movement supporting local in Tunbridge Wells. Thank you to each one of our members who has joined us so far, and here’s to every small local purchase we make as individuals that’s making a big difference collectively. This August, SO readers can enjoy an exclusive £5 off the annual membership of £20 to the TN card. Simply use code SOTNAUG at www.thetncard.com before 31August.

For more information on the TN card scheme, its participating local businesses and what they offer members, visit thetncard.com.

HOW TO SUPPORT LOCAL

WITH THE HELP OF THE TN CARD:

Founder Jess Gibson cherry-picks some of her favourite independents that have opened in the past year

RICH PICKINGS On Grosvenor Road we now have an emporium filled with an eclectic mix of local gifts and homewares – as well as a secret courtyard and cave where you can meet friends over locally roasted coffee and cake. Matt Elesmore opened The Green Duck Emporium and Coffee House last summer and his theatre background is evident in this stylish store full of interesting things old and new.

CATCH OF THE DAY Head to 103 Camden Road and you’ll now find The Fish Works, a family run fishmonger and delicatessen opened by Lucy and Matthew Hoy in March to bring a new style of fishmonger to this part of town. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch and their fresh seafood platters go down a storm with those in the know.

THE BIG CHEESE Last December, The Cheese Shop arrived at 48b St John’s Road. It’s home to over fifty farmhouse and artisan cheeses (including many of our local Kent and Sussex producers) as well as wonderful artisan accompaniments. Visit owner Jonathan Cook and you’re guaranteed to leave laden with wonderful new produce to try. MIDDLE EASTERN DELIGHTS Brothers Mehdi and Roy Alizadeh opened The Persian Lounge on Mount Pleasant Road in February and combine ancient Persian cuisine, great hospitality and a late night cocktail bar to create a sociable and welcoming space in the heart of town.