MEET OUR MEMBERS
What I do: I run People & Compliance, providing strategic HR support, employment law advice, bespoke contracts and employee handbooks to local SMEs and the third sector.
Why I do it: I am passionate about translating complex legal jargon into simple, actionable steps. I love helping business owners protect their livelihoods with robust policies, while creating workplace cultures where their teams feel valued and secure.
Outside of work: When I am not untangling HR legislation, you can usually find me exploring the Kent countryside, reading a great book, or spending time with my family.
3. Town Crier Magazine Article
Title: Are Your Employment Contracts Ready for 2026? Three Quick Checks for Local Employers
For many local business owners, keeping up with shifting UK employment law can feel like a daunting task. However, ensuring your HR foundations are solid is one of the most effective ways to protect your business and support your team.
With recent and upcoming legislative shifts, now is the perfect time to review your practices. Here are three quick checks every employer should make this season:
1. Review Flexible Working Policies: Employees now have stronger rights to request flexible working from day one. Ensure your handbook clearly outlines how these requests are handled, evaluated, and formally responded to within the statutory timeframes.
2. Update Holiday Pay Calculations: Recent changes have altered how holiday pay is calculated, particularly for irregular hours or part-time workers. Double-check your payroll processes to ensure you are meeting the latest compliance standards and avoiding accidental underpayments.
3. Clarify Family-Friendly Leave: With the introduction of extended protections for carers and parents, your policies must reflect current statutory allowances. Clear, updated policies prevent confusion and demonstrate that you value your team’s work-life balance.
Proactive HR does not have to be complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Having robust contracts and up-to-date handbooks in place prevents costly disputes and builds a thriving, secure workplace.
Need a quick policy review? People & Compliance is a specialist HR consultancy helping local SMEs and charities navigate employment law with simple, practical solutions. Visit www.peopleandcompliance.com or contact us at info@peopleandcompliance.com to ensure your business is fully protected.
Meet the Members – today we have two for the price of one!
Lambert & Foster
Lambert & Foster is a long established firm of property professionals based in Kent and Sussex, with over 125 years of experience in the local property market. Over that time, we have built a strong reputation for providing reliable advice and a personal service to clients across the South East.
Today, we offer a wide range of services, including residential sales, farm and land sales, development agency, valuations, and planning consultancy through our sister company, Bloomfields Chartered Town Planners. We also provide expert advice on landlord and tenant matters, compulsory purchase, and compensation.
With an excellent team who combine local knowledge with a long history in the area, Lambert & Foster continues to support buyers, sellers, and landowners with trusted property expertise.
Looking to sell your home or would like advice on the services that we offer? Get in touch with a member of the team today on 01892 832 325 or pop into our office on the High Street in Paddock Wood to see how we can help you.
Bloomfields
Bloomfields is an award-winning independent company of Chartered Town Planners delivering expert planning and development consultancy services to a broad range of clients. Established in 1994, the company quickly earned a reputation for combining first-class professional expertise by providing a friendly, responsive, and cost-effective service.
In 2013, Bloomfields merged with Lambert & Foster, strengthening capabilities and reach of both businesses whilst preserving the core values that make Bloomfields the business it is today. Bloomfields continues to operate with the same founding ethos: every project is managed personally, every client relationship is valued, and every instruction receives the highest level of professional care.
Our approach is simple, yet incredibly powerful. We provide honest, clear, and commercially sound planning advice which is delivered with integrity and technical excellence. We pride ourselves on being able to guide the client though complex challenges confidently while remaining approachable and transparent through every stage of the application.
At Bloomfields, we work with a range of clients. From individuals who may be looking to extend their home to limited companies, and local authorities. We ensure that the highest standard or service is kept across every project, which is why we were awarded the Royal Town Planning Institute’s Mid Sized Planning Consultant of the year across the south east in 2025, and were a national finalist in the same year.
Looking for planning advice? Get in touch with a member of the team today on 01892 832 325 or pop into our office on the High Street in Paddock Wood to see how we can help you.
GUY COGGLES
Why I Became Managing Director of the PW Masonic Hall
I’m Guy Coggles, Managing Director of the Paddock Wood Masonic Hall & Events Centre. Taking on the role of running the hall has been quite a journey. I don’t come from a hospitality or retail background, so stepping into this position has definitely been a steep learning curve, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I come from an agricultural and mechanical background, studying at Plumpton Agricultural College.
I’m a single father to my two children, Skye and Theo, who keep me busy and grounded. Family life is very important to me and we enjoy spending time together whenever we can. Alongside running the hall I currently work for Adrian Scripps as an HGV driver.
Outside of work I have quite a few hobbies. I’ve always been interested in model engineering and railways. I built my own N-gauge railway layout and also have a 5-inch gauge diesel train. I enjoy horse riding, visiting National Trust properties and museums, and when I get the chance I like going to the cinema or theatre. At home we also have two rescued Sphynx cats who definitely keep things interesting.
My aim is to see the hall grow into a thriving community venue that people can use for events, clubs, meetings and celebrations.
For details get in touch tel: 07932139039 or drop me an email events.pwfh@gmail.com
MCM TRAVELS
(Meritxell Doyle)
Why I Became an Independent Travel Agent
People often ask why I became an independent travel agent… and the answer is simple: I truly love travel.
For me, a holiday isn’t just about sunshine and a beach (although I won’t say no ). It’s about the food, the smells, the scenery, the wildlife, the local people, and discovering what makes a place feel completely different from home.
If I had to sum up what travel means to me in one word, it would be: adventure.
My own adventures have been shaped by unforgettable experiences: a discovery trip in Alaska, many incredible visits across Canada including sailing on the Canadian lakes, soaking up the history and culture of Istanbul with my best friend, time in New Zealand, walking through national parks in Spain, exploring the historic beauty of Croatia, cruising in a small ship around Norway… and even flying a T-6 plane many times and winning my husband in several air dog-fights (always a pleasure when I beat him!
And honestly… there are many more that would make this post far too long.
That’s why I love helping others create holidays that feel just as memorable and why I decided to turn my passion into my business.
Get in touch if you would like me to find your next adventure
For details get in touch via WhatsApp/Call on 07908222743, or DM or drop me an email on mdoyle@mcmtravels.co.uk
Why I became a Virtual Assistant and mentor others
People often ask why I decided to become a Virtual Assistant… and the answer is simple: I wanted more control… over my time, my work, and the kind of impact I could make.
After years in traditional roles, I realised I wanted a career that allowed me to work in a way that felt meaningful, flexible and entirely my own. Stepping away from the 9–5 and building a business from scratch was a bold move, but it’s been the most rewarding chapter of my career.
If I had to sum up what my business means to me in one word, it would be: freedom.
Since launching, I’ve supported CEOs and Managing Directors with high-level executive support, the kind that gives them back time, clarity and the space to lead. I’ve grown a small team, doubled my income in the first year, and built a business that aligns with my values and strengths.
Today, I help business leaders regain control of their inboxes, calendars and priorities… and I mentor aspiring VAs who want to create more balance, flexibility and purpose in their own careers.
My mission is simple: to help people thrive in business and in life.
If you’re looking for support, whether in your role, your business or your career journey… I’d love to connect.
For details get in touch via email:- angela@abclientsolutions.co.uk or WhatsApp/Call on 07778031146
Construction and Safety Signs (CSS)
I first started at CSS way back in the early to mid 2000’s left in around 2006 and then was dragged back by my old boss as I was the only one out of numerous staff that he got on with! Haha.. He was retiring and asked Tara and I to run the business…. she has since gone on to be a full time mum but is still a director here at CSS.
Everything is made in house here at our premises in Ticehurst, East Sussex and we supply some of the countries biggest Construction Companies including Vinci Construction, Croudace Homes and Algeco not to mention big factories like British Gypsum and Bridgnorth Aluminium.
Did you know?? We stop for Popmaster every single day and Marc our production manager and I battle it out to see who scores the most points!
For details get in touch via email:-
sales@c-s-s.co.uk
Call 0800 169 1329
Why I become the owner of West Kent Shooting School – Gillian Dyer-Lynch
For 13yrs I worked in London while my husband Michael, worked with his parents at the Shooting School.
They retired and along with Michael, we brought the business back in 1999 and I gave up the commute and I’m now proud to run West Kent Shooting School, with deep roots in the Kent countryside.
Founded in 1974, the Shooting School has grown over five decades into one of the South East’s most respected clay pigeon venues.
Over the years we’ve continually invested in our grounds and layouts to ensure an enjoyable and varied shooting experience.
Alongside lessons and practice shooting, we specialise in corporate events and hospitality days — offering businesses a unique and memorable way to bring teams and clients together in a relaxed countryside setting.
For me, it’s all about sharing a sport that’s been 50 years in the making and seeing people leave with confidence, achievement and a smile.
For details get in touch via email:- info@westkentshooting.co.uk
or Call on 01892 834306
www.westkentshooting.co.uk