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