The Insider

Plans for fountain at Folkestone Harbour

The Folkestone Harbour Company has submitted a planning application to Shepway District Council to install a large water feature in the harbour square that borders Chummy’s Seafood stall and the harbour edge.

The new feature forms part of a general improvement programme that is taking place at Folkestone Harbour , including the construction of two new restaurants, all of which is designed to make the area more attractive to local people and visitors.

For further press information and for images as J-Peg files please contact Peter Bettley on 01303 245838 peterbettley@strandhouse.org

Dover Marina Hotel and Spa set to open

Kent ’s newest upmarket hotel, the 81-bedroom Best Western Dover Marina Hotel & Spa in a stunning beach-front location overlooking Dover Harbour is opening on 24 March.

Several million pounds has been invested in the iconic Kent hotel once favoured by royalty and celebrities. The elegant property is a centrepiece of the regeneration of the Dover waterfront, and has been fitted out by one of the UK ’s top interior designers.

The hotel’s facilities will include:

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81 refurbished and individually styled en-suite bedrooms
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Three conference, function and meetings rooms
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Stylish restaurant and bar
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Free WiFi internet access throughout the hotel
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Well-equipped fitness and spa centre (opening soon)
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Seafront coffee shop and ice cream parlour (opening soon).

For more information, details of special offers or to book, call 01304 203633, email reservations@dovermarinahotel.co.uk or visit www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk

Congratulations to Realia

Chamber members and full service marketing agency Realia has recently been awarded status on the Recommended Agency Register (RAR). RAR conducts research amongst customers of marketing services agencies, asking them to confidentially score the agency across a range of criteria. Of the seven criteria measured, Realia was rated significantly better than other recommended agencies in six areas – client service, creativity, effectiveness, professionalism, strategic thinking and value for money...

For further information on Realia and their services please contact Paul Williamson at 01303 298388/298389 or email paul.williamson@realia-marketing.com

Three must attend events in March

Channel Chamber has organised three exciting events this month – all with a very different flavour and offering members and East Kent businesses real value for money networking opportunities.

Open evening jointly hosted with the FSB

On Tuesday 15th March we are getting together with FSB members for an Open Evening at the Burlington Hotel, Folkestone. With guest speaker, Dorothy Thom this informal event offers members from both organisations to make plenty of valuable new contacts.

Wine tasting with the Chamber at the Grand

This promises to be a memorable event for anyone keen on French wines. Chamber member, Grainger Fine Wines are selecting some of their favourite red and white wines for you to enjoy and Simon Grainger will be giving the low-down on the grape varieties and independent winemakers involved. Make a note in your diaty – Wednesday 23rd March, 6pm – 8pm at the Grand, Folkestone.

Speed Networking at the award winning Ambrette

Can you manage a 2 course evening buffet – a glass of wine AND the opportunity to meet fellow business owners/managers and directors ? Hosted by the fantastic Ambrette Restaurant in Margate on Wednesday 30th March, this evening of speed networking is likely to attract businesses across Thanet and beyond so early booking is strongly recommended.

To book each of these three events please telephone Tracy Reynolds on 01303 27002 or visit our website: www.channelchamber.co.uk

Save money with Independent Insurance Services our new sponsor!

Independent Insurance Services have been serving the local community since 1991. We have always been customer focused by providing a professional yet friendly service when dealing with insurance solutions for our customers. We are also able to offer assistance with Health & Safety and Risk Management issues.

We have always worked on the principle of treating our customers the way that we expect to be treated ourselves. We pride ourselves on our service standards which have been demonstrated by winning various awards over the years, including the Channel Chamber Business Commitment to the Community Award. The company is registered to both British Standards Institute (BSI) 9001 Quality and 14001 Environmental standards.

Independent are committed to continuous staff training and we ensure that all products are delivered with the utmost professional standards from our dedicated team.

We can quote for various types of insurance, whether commercial or personal, and have access to special schemes with many insurers. We search the market by using the latest technology to ensure we remain competitive at all times and that our policies offer the best scope of cover to meet our customer’s need and requirements. We assist our clients throughout the whole process of arranging a policy and, in the unfortunate event of a claim occurring, provide help and guidance from notification through to settlement.

We would welcome the opportunity to quote and even if your insurances are not due for renewal yet, please contact us on 01303 221188 for a free insurance review.