Business news: Spark a Light, Boys and Maughan, Bedford Inn, Wetherspoon, Chartwell House, JUMP Inc and Independents Day

Spark a Light founder Caspar Avery

Spark a Light

An electrical services company in Margate with a focus on renewable energy says it is becoming a key industry player as demand rises.

Spark a Light electrical solution was founded by Margate resident and electrician Caspar Avery in 2020 after spending a decade working for other companies.

Initially Caspar worked alone but now he has five people on his payroll including his younger brother Alasdair,  who is the financial manager.

Alasdair, also from Margate, has a background in accountancy working for a charted accountant for almost four years.

Spark a Light offers services to both residential and commercial clients, including renewable energy installation such as solar panels and wind turbines to help customers significantly reduce their carbon footprint and energy costs.

They also specialise in energy storage systems and smart home integration.

Caspar said: “The renewable division offers the latest Solar PV which is a technology that converts sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. These cells are typically made from semiconductor materials, such as silicon, which absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, generating an electric current.

“The benefits of this are clean energy ultimately helping the environment, you would be able to keep the lights on even if the grid went down, and increases the value of your home, as well as lower energy bills and reducing carbon admissions

“The business is going to be key player in the industry because of the rapid want for renewable energy as the electricity bills keep rising and people are looking for a way a decrease their bills. Solar panels are simply the future, soon every home will have one.”

Caspar and team are also members of the Thanet Premier Business Group, which meets every Wednesday, allowing them to share contacts and brainstorm new ideas.

For more information, visit  https://www.sal-electrical.com or on Facebook and Instagram at Spark a Light electricals solutions

Boys & Maughan

Orla, Andrew, and Ihcene

Following an internal application process, Boys & Maughan has selected Orla Priston and Ihcene Khalfi for training contracts (now referred to by the SRA as Qualifying Work Experience or QWE) which started on 1 September. Orla attained her first-class LLB at the University of Kent Law School in 2022. S

he joined Boys & Maughan on a summer placement in 2021 and initially worked with for one day a week, combining work and study. Currently a paralegal in the Margate conveyancing team, Orla transitioned to full-time in 2022 and has been promoted four times over the past two years.

Orla is due to qualify in 2026 and is following the SQE (Single Qualifying Examination) approach to qualification.

Ihcene Khalfi is also pursuing qualification through the SQE and obtained her law degree from the University of Kent in July 2023. Ihcene expects to qualify in 2026.

Based at the Canterbury St George’s Place office, Ihcene has been steadily advancing, with the training contract role marking her third promotion in the last 12 months. Ihcene began her career with Boys & Maughan after attending the annual Kent Law School insight afternoon and applying for a summer internship.

Andrew Baker, Senior Partner at Boys & Maughan, congratulated Orla and Ihcene and said: “Orla and Ihcene have demonstrated high levels of commitment, skills and client care. On behalf of our partners, I would like to congratulate them on their progression toward qualifying as solicitors and wish them well with the challenges ahead.

“Investing in the lawyers of tomorrow and cultivating homegrown talent is crucial to ensuring that we have the best skillset across all our legal services.

“We have a strong cohort of local law graduates and many of them value the experience of working for a firm after completing their degree. It allows them to make informed decisions about their future paths and they don’t incur any more debt as they take the first steps in their legal careers.

“Some of our graduates are eager to quickly pursue becoming a solicitor and others choose alternative routes such as becoming a Chartered Legal Executive or Licensed Conveyancer. Our programme also supports those who wish to gradually obtain more experience or focus on work-life balance after years of study.”

Bedford Inn Ramsgate

Restaurant hours have now been extended at The Bedford Inn in Ramsgate. Previously running food service on Sundays, the restaurant is now open Thursday and Friday 5pm-9pm and Saturday and Sunday noon to 9pm.

The pub is owned by Grant Rigby received the keys in 2019 and set about transforming it from a boozer with a dodgy reputation into a family friendly venue with restored features, opened up fireplaces, new flooring and Chesterfield settees.

The following year a garden overhaul took place with the installation of  a pergola, green plants and an ‘on-site beach’ area.

Last year yet another new addition opened with four guest rooms and a revamped restaurant.

Check the website for updates at https://www.thebedfordinn.co.uk/

Wetherspoon

Royal Victoria Pavilion Photo Frank Leppard

Wetherspoon pubs in Margate and Ramsgate are to cut the price of all food and drink by 7.5 per cent on Thursday September 12 to highlight the benefit of a permanent VAT reduction in the hospitality industry.

A customer spending £10 on food and drink will pay £9.25 on Tax Equality Day.

All food and drink in pubs is subject to 20 per cent VAT. By comparison, supermarkets pay zero VAT on food, and are able to use that saving to sell alcohol to its customers at a discounted price.

Care Awards

Chartwell House in Broadstairs has been named a finalist for Care Home Design of the Year at the prestigious Leaders in Care Awards 2024.

Ameet Kotecha, Founder and Managing Director of owner Boutique Care Homes, said: “Being recognised for the design of Chartwell House is a proud moment for us. This nomination speaks to our dedication to creating homes that don’t just meet the needs of our residents but exceed their expectations in every way. It’s about providing spaces that foster a sense of comfort, community, and well-being.”

The Leaders in Care Awards recognises the very best in residential and domiciliary care across the UK. Winners are determined by a distinguished judging panel, which includes industry leaders like Jane Townson, CEO of the Homecare Association, Kathryn Smith, CEO of the Social Care Institute for Excellence, and Vic Rayner, Executive Director of the National Care Forum.

The winners will be revealed at a black-tie gala event on 8 October at the National Conference Centre in Birmingham. We are thrilled to be part of this year’s celebration of excellence in care and design.

JUMP Inc

Jump Inc has welcomed 16,000 visitors since opening its doors at Westwood Cross at the beginning of August.

To celebrate the launch, Jump Inc offered a discounted entry price throughout the soft launch period of 30%, allowing the community to explore the park at a reduced rate. As the opening month concluded on September 2nd, a further range of term time deals including After School Antics and Kids Eat Free have been introduced.

A whopping 2,832 slushes have been consumed at the venue during the summer period!

Jump Inc has also strengthened its community ties by partnering with local sports teams and charities, including Thanet Wanderers and Pilgrims Hospices.

To celebrate these partnerships, Jump Inc hosted an exclusive VIP event on August 23rd, inviting local mayors, and local community groups.

The Mayor of Broadstairs, Cllr Mike Garner, who was in attendance. “We were really pleased to be invited along to the formal opening of Jump Inc alongside the First Lieutenant of Kent, the Mayor of Ramsgate and the Deputy Mayor of Margate recently.”

The park stretches across 35,000 square feet including interconnecting trampolines, inflatables, obstacle courses, laser tag, a Robokeeper, and plenty of other interactive challenges designed for people of all ages and abilities.

For more information about Jump Inc Westwood Cross, upcoming offers, and to sign-up for a further 10% off your next open jump session, visit: https://www.jump-inc.uk/locations/westwood-cross/

Independents Day at Westwood Cross

Discover and celebrate local talent at Westwood Cross Independents Day.

The showcase of products from passionate creators and businesses takes plave on September 28. Food, handcrafted goods and entertainment will be on offer. The event will support a great cause with Westwood Cross partnering with East Kent Mind and proceeds going towards mental health initiatives in the community.

The event will run from 10am – 5pm in the Primark car park.

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