insideKENT Magazine Issue 73 - April 2018 | Page 155
BUSINESS
WE’RE ON THE MOVE
THOSE WHO ARE LOCAL TO THE AREA
OF ASHFORD ARE UNLIKELY TO HAVE
MISSED ALL THE REDEVELOPMENT WORK
THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN THE
TOWN. AS A THRIVING BUSINESS AND
RESIDENTIAL LOCATION, ASHFORD HAS
BEEN EARMARKED FOR DEVELOPMENT
LIKE THIS FOR A LONG TIME.
BY ROB REYNOLDS, MANAGING PARTNER FOR KENT AT WILKINS KENNEDY
Ashford Borough Council announced its Big
8 projects a couple of years ago as a way of
regenerating the town. These included the
building of Junction 10a of the M20 and a
new leisure complex.
privacy, there will be new meeting room
facilities with all the latest technology, and
break out areas away from the hustle and
bustle of the working floor.
The Commercial Quarter was designed and
developed by Quinn Estates, in partnership
with George Wilson Developments. We have
known Mark Quinn, Chairman at Quinn
Estates, for some time and when we heard of
the plans to enhance the available office space
in the town, we were naturally interested. We
also understood that the infrastructure and
development would bring new jobs and
opportunities to the area and we were keen
to be a part of that.
Another of those Big 8 projects was The
Commercial Quarter – a brand new office
block development that promises to be a new
dynamic business hub for the town. Our
exciting news is that we will be moving in to
the top floor of the six-story block from 30th
April 2018.
WHY ARE WE MOVING?
As a firm, our Kent offering has vastly
expanded since the Ashford office merger
with Finn-Kelcey and Chapman in 2008.
Recent years have seen us merge with firms
in Canterbury and Maidstone, bringing the
total offices in Kent to five.
Our increased staff count has also enabled us
to grow and develop our knowledge base.
We’ve even pioneered services, such as the
firm’s cloud offering, from our Kent offices.
To further enhance our commitment to the
local area, we decided to take the difficult
decision to move to the new contemporary
building in tow n.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Our new, modern surroundings will also allow
our 136-year-old firm to adapt and change
with the times, whilst still delivering the high
quality client service that is expected. There
is no doubt that over recent years, working
styles and cultures have changed and we
wanted our new premises to reflect this. Our
office floors will be largely open plan with
ample space to allow for more flexible and
comfortable working. For those seeking more
Now, the building is complete and we are
ready for our big move, so come and see us
at the Commercial Quarter, Ashford, after 30th
April 2018. You can also find us at our offices
in Canterbury, Maidstone, Orpington and
Sandwich.
Local offices:
Ashford: 01233 629 255 / Canterbury: 01227 454 861
Maidstone: 01622 690 666 / Orpington: 01689 827 505
Sandwich: 01304 249 997
Mark Quinn, Chairman at Quinn Estates, said:
“Ashford is a really exciting place right now and we are delighted to be delivering ACQOne
38. It’s an exciting opportunity for businesses looking to relocate locally, or from London
and further afield. The International Passenger Station is almost adjacent to the development
site, making this an ideal commuting location.
“Overall, this project is expected to create 600 jobs for the borough and is the result of the
council and ourselves working together to make things happen.
“There was keen interest in the office block from the start, but Wilkins Kennedy were one
of the first to sign on the dotted line. I can see that their office move will strengthen their
position in the business community and open up many opportunities for them and their
clients, as their practice grows and grows.”
[email protected]
www.wilkinskennedy.com
wilkinskennedy
wilkinskennedy
155