LOVE YOUR LOCALS

GABRIELLA’S JEWELLERY, CHAPEL PLACE

This Christmas, let’s get back to the things that matter.

WWW.GABRIELLAJEWELLERY.CO.UK

As a resident trader in Chapel Place, a hub of independents in Tunbridge Wells town centre, Gabriella Taylor tells RTW Together why we should be all be getting behind local businesses this Christmas.

“People have missed out on so much over the past 18 months, people have come in saying they didn’t get a present last year because they weren’t able to be together with loved ones. With jewellery, there’s always a memory attached to it, there’s always a story and a celebration, and that lasts, it’s not something you just throw away. It triggers an emotion.

CHAPEL PLACE So this Christmas will be about being with family and making up for that missed time.

Independents are likely to do well this year, especially coming off the back of COP, we’re much more interested in sustainability and not having the air miles attached.

The thing that is lovely about Chapel Place is that we are mostly independents. We’re all very passionate and work really hard, and hopefully that comes through.

“We’re passionate about supporting family businesses like ours - a lot of our suppliers are second or third generation.”

Looking at the little businesses and companies we support, we’re passionate about supporting family businesses like ours. A lot of my suppliers are second and third generation, right down to the window cleaner, a local man, and my accountants are a father and daughter. Big Orange for our advertising, the Times of Tunbridge Wells newspaper... from one small independent, there are so many other businesses in the area that it supports. I think that’s good for the whole of Tunbridge Wells, and the whole of the economy of the town.

When you shop local, you’re benefitting from a level of knowledge and craftsmanship that you might not get elsewhere. It’s years of experience on your doorstep. It’s not all about disposable culture, it’s about repairing and repurposing things. We do a lot of remodelling and bespoke work, taking an old piece and refashioning it, so that the intrinsic elements are still there but giving new life to it for the next generation, which I think is really nice.

This year, take the time to enjoy the people that you love, and not have this dreadful panic that we had last year. Fundamentally, that’s the most important thing. We all deserve it! It’s been a tough couple of years for so many people on so many different levels that we wouldn’t even understand, so have fun and be nice to the people that are around you!”

TALK OF THE TOWN

Press play on local radio!

WEST KENT RADIO IS NOW LIVE ON YOUR AIRWAVES, having launched this month from their new town centre base in Camden Road. Manned by volunteers, the station offers local chat, upbeat music and a roster of friendly hosts. BID Director Sarah-Jane will be appearing regularly to provide updates on the work of RTW Together.

To tune in, ask your smart speaker to ‘play West Kent Radio’, dial in on 106.7fm in Tunbridge Wells, or listen live at westkentradio.co.uk