Latest News
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Another Successful Vintage and Classic Car Event at Bearsted Green
12th September 2025
Over £6,100 was raised this year for the Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance at the event held on Sunday 27 July. Nick, the Community Fund Raising Manager for Air Ambulance advises that Classic Cars on the Green has now raised over £64,000 to date - I'm sure you will agree that's an incredible achievement! As headline sponsors to the event, Turkey Mill Directors Dougie and Adrian chose to give their award for "Best Post 1945 Classic Car" to Andy Morgan, the proud owner of a rare Citroen DS 23 Pallas Automatique. They enjoyed hearing about the interesting history of his ownership of the car... Mr Morgan first purchased it in the late 1980's but had to sell to pay for his wedding... although the new owner allowed him to use it on his wedding day! He sold it to a WW2 veteran who was involved in the capture of Pegasus Bridge, a member of the Polar Bear regiment. He wanted the car to return to the bridge on commemorative events with some of his old comrades. 14 years later he called Mr Morgan who purchased the (now neglected) car back. Andy Morgan lovingly restored the car together with his young sons and enjoyed travelling in it across Europe.
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Home Grown Wellingtonia Flourishing
7th June 2025
For our tree loving readers - here's some history on the Wellingtonia trees (also known as Giant Sequoia) on the Estate and in particular the one planted in 2003 by our former gardener Alison. Here within our 20 acres, Turkey Mill is fortunate to have some very old and tall Wellingtonia trees. In fact, one of our former gardeners Alison recently popped in for a visit to see how much the "newest" Wellingtonia planted in 2003 had grown. 22 years later it has certainly flourished! Alison also shared this picture taken at the time it was planted with Maidstone Mayor, Morel D'Souza and Turkey Mill Directors Adrian and Tom. It prompted me to ask Tom what the reason was for the tree being planted and he said: "The reason the tree was planted was firstly that Alison had grown it from seed from one of our own Wellingtonias. But principally, it was to mark the fact that 2003 was the Year of the Tree. Also that 2003 was the 150th anniversary of the first Wellingtonia arriving in the UK. The Giant Redwood (Sequoia) was named Wellingtonia in the UK in the memory of the Duke of Wellington who died in 1852". For a final fact (according to Google) - apparently the Giant Sequoia is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN with fewer than 80,000 remaining in its native California.
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Growing in the Business Oasis
27th January 2025
Turkey Mill are thrilled to announce that existing occupier STA have expanded and taken a further 3,200 sq.ft. This recent expansion makes STA the largest single occupier on the Business Park which includes more than 70 other businesses. In readiness for STA to expand the ground floor suite of the Drying Loft underwent a comprehensive refurbishment by contractor Waller Building Services. This included a full redec, upgraded LED lighting, a white handleless kitchen installed to the mezzanine and high quality new dark grey carpeting throughout. STA moved to Turkey Mill from Maidstone town centre in 2021, originally taking the upper floor of the Drying Loft at Turkey Court comprising 4,000 sq.ft. Since then, their business has grown and diversified and the STA Group which includes STA International, STA Legal and UK Tracing now occupy 7,200 sq.ft. STA Directors commented "The history and character of the Drying Loft building were appealing, as well as the location and car parking ratios Turkey Mill offer. The office here helps us attract and retain high quality calibre employees. The on-site facilities, Mill cafe and walled garden are popular features and we are pleased Turkey Mill has been able to accommodate our continued business expansion". TM Estate Manager, Sarah Elvy concludes "It's fantastic to see this building being fully utilised by the energetic and enthusiastic new STA team members following the refurbishment. The Drying Loft office is a great space that now blends period features with modern functionality. My favourite aspect is what we call the "waterfall window" with a close-up view of the point where the River Len drops underneath the building, which is truly unique."
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All Smiles - Successful Bridge Replacement
2nd December 2024
This Autumn we have begun to carry out some major works around our Tolherst Court building. The staff and clients of Fresh Dental Care are delighted with their new access bridge that was installed over a weekend during late November. The team from our contractor CTS Bridges worked hard in high winds to remove the old bridge and crane in the replacement. As well as our thanks to CTS Bridges, a worthy mention also goes to our on-site based structural engineers Considine who gave us valuable initial advice on the condition of the original 20 year old bridge after we suspected some decay. Work is currently continuing by another of our contractors Byrnes on replacing the 80 linear meters of wooden posts that form the retaining wall behind Tolherst Court. We are hoping this work will be completed by Christmas and be pleased to tick off another project as 2024 draws to a close.
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Wishing Jack a Happy Retirement
25th September 2024
The end of an era! Last week we said goodbye (and a happy 80th birthday) to Jack the gardener. Jack's friends and family joined us in the Mill Cafe for his leaving presentation and a delicious buffet. He was presented with a gift from the Directors of an oil painting of the grounds he has so loyally maintained for over 25 years. The painting was done by Director Dougie Lawson's sister for an added personal touch. Jack will be missed, but all our Estate occupiers need not fear about the change... they can rest assured the grounds will continue to be maintained to the high standards expected as Adrian is now here full time and has assistance readily on hand from Tanya and Richard.
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Occupiers say 'Yes' to Staying at Turkey Mill
12th June 2024
Not 1, not 2, not 3 ... but 4 of our fantastic and well-regarded long-term business occupiers have recently re-committed to remaining on the Turkey Mill estate for the foreseeable future having completed lease renewals. We are delighted to have Considine (structural engineers), Pennies Day Nursery (day nursery finance office), Publisure (digital software) and Pacific Foods (meat importer) here offering such a diverse range of services and providing local employment in the community. The Estate Team are confident these businesses will continue to flourish and expand as they have done over the past ten years on site. May 2024
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More Companies Expand on the Estate
12th June 2024
Our office suites within James Whatman Court continue to prove popular with another two of our existing tenants taking more space and expanding into larger suites! The character of these buildings, combined with great natural light and good allocated parking ratios are always appealing key factors .. but with a paint refresh, new LED lighting and high-quality carpets installed, the spaces are now looking great and ready for re-occupation next week! The first occupier expanding is Laser Electrical who have taken advantage of the fact there was already an inter-connecting door to their neighbouring suite .. so will now occupy both 5 & 7 James Whatman Court, totalling nearly 3,000 sq ft. We really appreciate the valuable contributions and inputs over the past few months from Laser Company Directors to achieve the desired outcomes and timeframes for all. Vella Recruitment are also on an expansion drive since first moving to Turkey Mill two years ago. They are relocating to larger suite 9 James Whatman Court which is perfect for their fast-growing team and also gives them a nice sized separate meeting/break-out room. We wish you every success in your new premises May 2024
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Longstanding tenants Guide Dogs for the Blind expand at Turkey Mill
7th February 2024
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has had a base at Turkey Mill for over 20 years. It has expanded its operations over that time and has recently taken a further lease on the Estate of 3 James Whatman Court in addition to 4 & 6 James Whatman Court to have over 5,000 sq ft in total. The offices are used for the daily training of 25 dogs and associated administration. Recently appointed Estate Manager Sarah Elvy says "Covid caused significant problems for the Guide Dogs for both its breeding & training programs but we are absolutely delighted that it has recovered and its operations are expanding right here at Turkey Mill. As an estate team we will always do our best to accommodate growing tenants - flexibility is one of our core values. The Guide Dogs are truly wonderful tenants to have at Turkey Mill and certainly bring a smile to the wider business community as they traverse our beautiful grounds." Check out the crucial work that the Guide Dogs undertake:https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/contact-us/local-community-teams/maidstone-community-team/?fbclid=IwAR3S-km6kLXtRWW5yufdkw69LvykdDga_7uHVJxda2megbsrM043WfQTyCg #maidstoneoffices #maidstonebusiness #bearsted #ruraloffices #workinglife#heritageoffices #businessdestination #workinginkent #workinkent#worklifebalance #greenworking #gardens #awardwinninggardens #tenants #charitableorganisations #adoptapuppy #guidedogtraining
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Turkey Mill features on KMTV
29th November 2023
Last week Turkey Mill featured on Kent on Climate, KMTV 's evening show that highlights the best sustainability initiatives in Kent.Turkey Mill was championed for its working community, set amongst beautiful grounds, sustainability initiatives that include cultivating local wildlife and the natural environment within its 20 acres of greenery, and investment in other attributes such as E-bikes and EV chargers.#Watch the coverage by clicking on the video link: https://www.kentonline.co.uk/kmtv/video/kent-on-climate-wednesday-22nd-november-58078/Find out more about Turkey Mill here: www.turkeymill.co.uk#maidstoneoffices #maidstonebusiness #bearsted #ruraloffices#workinglife #heritageoffices #businessdestination #workinginkent#workinkent #worklifebalance #greenworking #gardens#awardwinninggardens #sustainabilityinkent #sustainabilityinMaidstone#sustainableoffices #greenoffices
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Sarah Elvy joins our Turkey Mill on-site management team
10th November 2023
TURKEY MILL TEAM EXPANDS WITH PROPERTY EXPERT SARAH ELVY HIRED AS FULL TIME ESTATE MANAGER Maidstone business park Turkey Mill has expanded the on-the-ground team with the appointment of property expert Sarah Elvy to lead on tenant engagement, property management and support services. Sarah will take over from Director Dougie Lawson, who will be focussing on investment projects and improvement works for the 20-acre heritage estate, which is home to over 70 diverse businesses. Sarah joins with over 20 years' experience in property, having worked for Martine Waghorn, original letting agents for Turkey Mill and is familiar with the estate and the community. Turkey Mill is a unique business park, which has seen has seen demand for workspace particularly since Covid where people want to remain connected to London but have more time outside the city without the commute. tenants are drawn to the estate also thanks to its award-winning gardens and clean fresh air on top of modern workspace, ample parking and superfast digital connectivity. Last month, Turkey Mill was awarded two gold certificates in the South & South East in Bloom Awards for Best Heritage Garden and Best Business Landscape, and won the Best Commercial Garden award by Maidstone In Bloom, a first for a business park in the UK. On top of the beautiful working spaces provided will be a mission for sustainability and that's something that Dougie Lawson will be focusing on a part of his refined mission. As well as EV chargers and improved EPCs, Dougie will be overseeing a project determining water power and other alternative energy sources, reutilising the former famous paper mill's natural resources. Dougie said: “We have undertaken a very substantial programme of refurbishment, modernisation & new development over the 25 years of our ownership and we are delighted to welcome Sarah, a property expert and Turkey Mill enthusiast as a very valued member of our team and to continue the evolution. The business community here is strong and requires a permanent friendly face as well as someone who can get things done and who has significant property asset management experience. Sarah has all these attributes in abundance and it's great news she has joined our team. I look forward to working with her and also focussing my attention on investment projects both short and long term at Turkey Mill." Sarah says “I have had an association with Turkey Mill for many years, firstly working on site for Martine Waghorn, who were letting agents for Turkey Mill and later working for Caxtons in Hollingworth Court. I'm delighted to have joined Turkey Mill Investments as their on-site Estate Manager and company representative. I believe that having the Estate Office team based on-site is a significant attraction to current and prospective tenants. I can see the estate has undergone significant changes & upgrades yet still retains a great business community feel & offers quality office space to a variety of local business entrepreneurs as well as regional offices for companies of bigger groups. I’m also really enjoying the food on offer from the Mill Café and the late Autumn sunshine in the walled garden. Mostly I’m excited about being able to bring my extensive commercial property knowledge & property management expertise to Turkey Mill, hopefully adding value to the estate management and tenant experience, while continuing to support the performance of such a thriving asset and local landmark site." Turkey Mill has over 70 tenants including an on-site restaurant/cafe. It currently has a some flexible spaces available to rent. Visit www.turkeymill.co.uk for more information.
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A look back in time at Turkey Mill from a previous resident
3rd November 2023
As followers of Turkey Mill will know, we love sharing stories from people who have a connection or interacted with our heritage estate over the years. We have previously heard from Paul Andrews from KentBizRadio on his job at the Mill and last week we received a lovely email from Betty Noakes, who used to live at Turkey Mill while it was a working paper mill, who says: “My dad was the head gardener at Turkey Mill in the early Thirties to the late Sixties when it was a working paper mill. I was born in 1947 and lived there until 1969 when my dad sadly died. One of the owners at the time, Major Pitt, helped my mum, brother and I get re-housed by the Council. I now live at Allhallows with my husband, daughter and our pets. I have many fond memories of the gardens at Turkey Mill, and it still feels like home. I very much enjoy seeing the mill and the gardens in their splendid current state and look out for the latest posts and stories on the website and on Turkey Mill’s social channels. The gardens were my dad’s pride and joy and he’d be delighted to see them being so well looked after. It must be a very lovely place to work. These pictures show my dad working in the lower greenhouse and the mill as it was back in the day.”
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Turkey Mill wins two golds at South & South East in Bloom
9th October 2023
Maidstone Business Park Turkey Mill has been awarded two Golds in the latest South & South East in Bloom, making it three years in a row it has been recognised for its stunning gardens. Turkey Mill is a 20-acre heritage estate, home to over 70 tenants who base their offices in the former Paper Mill where Whatman Paper was produced. The gardens are immaculately curated all year round by head gardener Richard Gare and his team and are a massive attraction in the area. The team were awarded Gold in two categories, Business Landscape and Heritage Garden, the latter placing Turkey Mill alongside the likes of leading tourist destinations Hever Castle, Arundel Castle, Denham Gardens and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Chairman of SSEIB and Judge Peter Holman's feedback was superlative: "A most enjoyable visit and an opportunity to see a most important heritage site. It was good to see the historic elements of these private gardens being shared by a larger audience. The level of maintenance is high, given the size of the site, and the gardens team do an excellent job." In addition, Turkey Mill also received the 'Best Commercial Garden' award in local organisation Maidstone in Bloom's awards, beating the Environment Agency's site at Allington Lock. Dougie Lawson, Director at Turkey Mill Investments, owner of the estate, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive these latest awards which are testament to the brilliant and hard work of head gardener Richard together with Tanya and their team. All year round the garden is bursting with in-season flowers, plants and wildlife and kept immaculately. Our tenants tell us that Turkey Mill is the most special place to work and we have no doubt that this is a major factor. We would also like to congratulate all the winners and are bursting with pride that our business park is mentioned in the same breath as major tourist attractions Hever Castle, Denham Gardens, Osborne House and Arundel Castle. Congratulations to all the winners." Turkey Mill has an array of flexible workspaces available both heritage and new, nestled into the landscaping, surrounded by running water, fountains and of course, gardens.
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Turkey Mill helps raise over £6,00 for Kent, Sussex & Surrey Air Ambulance with sponsorship of Bearsted's Classic Car Show
8th August 2023
Turkey Mill strikes again sponsoring another successful Bearsted Classic Car Show with over £6,000 raised to date and still rising On 23 July the annual Bearsted Classic Car and Vintage Retro Show took place on the Green with over £6k raised and funds still coming in. The Bearsted Car Show has been a regular feature on the Kent social calendar for almost 15 years but this year’s event has been the biggest success so far. Crowds gathered from far and wide once again, enjoying a wide variety of refreshments, retro clothing stands and of course to witness the outstanding array of vintage cars and their stories. Philip Hill, founder of Classic Cars & Retro Vintage, said: “A big thank you to everyone who helped run the event, those who attended or advertised and especially Turkey Mill’s sponsorship whose support greatly helped to reach our total!! We have raised over £6,000 for the Kent Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance Trust, £3,500.00 of which was taken on the gates on the day by KSSAA volunteers. Congratulations to all our prize winners who brought some real show stoppers for the crowds to admire. We are already looking forward to next year’s event – watch this space for the date.” This year the Best Post War 1945 Car (Turkey Mill Heritage Cup) was awarded to a Late entry Mercedes 230SL Pagoda 1966 owned by Paul and Debbie Atkinson of West Malling. The Turkey Mill team decided to launch the Heritage Cup last year as a nod to its heritage estate and the original foundations of Whatman Paper - today home to over 75 local businesses that enjoy stunning scenery and grade listed buildings kitted out with modern and flexible workspace. Other awards included The Most Desirable car, sponsored by Butchers Block Restaurant was presented to a No 62 Bean 14 hp. 1923. Dave Parfitt of Bredgar; and last but not least, a No 102 Ford Cpari Mk 1 1971 owned by Ann Magenis was rewarded with the Peter Wilson Annual Cup which was presented by daughter Sally George. On the whole, another marvellous day with the event raising a record total of £6,000 so far for the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance. Stay tuned for next year’s event!
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Turkey Mill triumphs at this year’s South and South East in Bloom competition
17th October 2022
It was a busy weekend for Turkey Mill, as they took home a Gold and the Judges Award in this year's South and South East in Bloom competition. The annual competition which runs across counties Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, East and North Dorset and East Wiltshire, celebrates gardens as well as community spaces. It was the first time they have entered the competition and Turkey Mill took home 'Gold' for Business Landscape Garden. Not only that, but out of an excess of 250 entries, Turkey Mill also took home the coveted 'Judges Award'. Their category of Business Landscape also included the likes of Bluewater Shopping Centre and J P Morgan's office in Bournemouth. Head Gardener, Richard Gare, said “We are thrilled with the results and delighted to have won both the Gold award in the Business Landscape category, as well as the Judges Award in this year’s competition. There aren’t many business parks which have award winning gardens and is something we pride ourselves in and spend a lot of time and effort maintaining.” Comments on the assessors marking sheet included: “...the level of care and attention to detail is outstanding…” and “Of all the sites I visited this year this 20 acre site conveys an air of calm and tranquillity within a variety of landscapes.” The Mayor of Maidstone, Councillor Derek Mortimer, who recently came to the gardens for the Mayor of Maidstone Garden Party, “Congratulations to the gardening team at Turkey Mill for all their hard work and dedication to the grounds over the last year.”
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Paul Andrews from Kent Business Radio tells us what it was like to work at Turkey Mill in 'The Turkey Mill Chronicles'
23rd August 2022
Turkey Mill Chronicles - Paul Andrews from BizRadio Paul Andrews, host of BizRadio, recalls his time at Turkey Mill as a machine room boy and later a dryerman, when it used to operate as a paper mill. I started working at Turkey Mill in July of 1970 when I was about 14 years old. I lived in Bearsted and had just left Vinters Boys School up the road. Many of my school mates went on to work at Turkey Mill as it was the nearest place to start working, and the bus stop for the school was just opposite, so we knew the Turkey Mill site well. I applied for a job at the Mill and got called in for an interview, but not like an interview you and I would know today! I was simply lined up against a white wall by the general manager, along with all the other boys, and had my height measured. In the end I got the job as I was the smallest in the line up! My first job at the Mill was a machine room boy, and my job was to crawl into the machines whilst they were still running and oil the bearings or get rid of any excess water - hence why they wanted me for my small build. It was incredibly hard physical work, but a lot of fun. The lads who worked at Turkey Mill had great community spirit and we all got on really well, but we would get up to all sorts of mischief… During the spring and summer months, we would climb over the wall that adjoined Mote Park and go and play football in our lunch breaks. In the ‘beater room’ there were these large metal barrows on wheels, that used to move rags. We would sit in them and push each other down a hill. There was no way of slowing it down, so when we hit the wall at the end it would just throw you out. There were also these large crane hoists which would lift reels, which we also used to attach ourselves to and lift ourselves up into the air like we were on a film set. The lake at Turkey Mill wasn’t like it is today, and was extremely overgrown. We used to tickle pike and fish, as well as use this old rowing boat, which did eventually sink. It was fun trying to explain to our bosses why we were soaking wet when we should’ve been working! The running of the Mill was still pretty Victorian and all steam driven. We didn’t have much to do with the managerial team, and we were very much separated. This, as I understand it, is very unlike Turkey Mill today with Dougie being one of the most approachable landlords and based on site! Some of the older workers liked to joke around with us boys, and would send us on these ‘stupid’ errands, like asking us to line up and ask for some ‘elbow grease’. There was also a lot of rough and tumble, and you did not garner much sympathy if you injured yourself. I was once pushed into a running machine and broke two of my fingers, but instead I was told off for potentially ruining the machine - a far cry from today’s commitment to health and safety. When I was 16, I got put onto shifts and worked as a dryerman. My job was in the dandy roll room, and I would put the watermarks on the paper. The dandy rolls which I used were almost 200 years old, and used for the French Napoleonic Paper and the 1950s bank notes. The amount of history at Turkey Mill was unbelievable and riveting.. In 1972, the miners strikes and 3 day weeks caused the Mill to shut and we were all laid off in 1973-74. This was due to us being steam driven so we needed coal, and we also couldn’t turn off the machines for the 3 day weeks. My first wages when I worked there were £8.50 a week. I paid 5 shillings in tax and half a crown in what is now national insurance, and paid £2 to my mum for rent. The rest I would spend on cigarettes. Looking at Turkey Mill today, it’s fantastic that the owners keep a large part of the heritage - the water still runs, the buildings remain and some of the previous machinery is persevered and on show. But, as a place to work, I imagine it’s a lot more magical with immaculately kept gardens, wildlife a plenty and modern workplaces behind the traditional facades. It’s a joy to return.
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Turkey Mill celebrates 25th anniversary as a thriving business park with VIPs
30th May 2022
Dougie Lawson and the Turkey Mill team hosted a luncheon for local VIPs, friends, colleagues, and tenants, to celebrate 25 years of ownership earlier this month. The sun shone and produced picturesque views, which perfectly showed off Turkey Mill as the unique heritage business site it has become to be known for in the locality. Along with Adrian Spier, Ralph Congreve and Tom Sheldon, Dougie enjoyed welcoming new and old friends in celebration of Turkey Mill’s long running success. The event was held at The Orangery at Turkey Mill (now run by Glow Events), which hosts weddings and events, and is extremely popular, with over 170 weddings this year. In line with Turkey Mill's unwavering commitment to the local community, all food and drinks were procured from local producers. Members of the Maidstone Borough and Kent County Councils attended, along with representatives from Locate in Kent & the Chamber of Commerce. Mark Dance, Conservative Counsellor in Canterbury, spoke at the event on behalf of Sir Paul Carter, former leader of Kent County Council, who was unable to attend due to illness. Other VIP guests included the Mayoress of Maidstone and Paul Andrews, presenter of the Business Bunker radio show who used to work at Turkey Mill when it was a working paper mill. All in all it was a great day to celebrate the achievements and progress Turkey Mill has made over the past 25 years which, despite the global pandemic, has never been more fully occupied as a thriving business park. The team look forward to being involved with upcoming local events including the Bearsted Vintage Car Show, Bearsted Book Hunt and the KAB Charity Golf Day.
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Turkey Mill's Grand National winner!
27th April 2022
Last weekend millions watched 39-year-old Sam Waley-Cohen win the Grand National on Noble Yeats, making him the first amateur jockey to win the famous steeplechase in 32 years. It was his 10th attempt and was his final race before retirement. Sam is the only amateur jockey to win both the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup. Almost as surprising are Wayley-Cohen's links closer to home at Turkey Mill, the 20 acre business park in Maidstone. A dentist by trade, his business, Portman Dental owns a group of private clinics, one of which - Fresh Dental - is located at Turkey Mill in Maidstone, alongside a number of health & wellbeing tenants and a mix of 70+ other businesses. Cohen's dentistry links were alluded to in his recent The Daily Telegraph interview, where he said if he won, he would fix stable lad Mick Molloy’s missing tooth. A promise he said he would of course honour. Who knew? We just wish we had backed him at odds of 50-1 ………
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Last year's winner Turkey Mill kicks off Maidstone in Bloom with Mayoress visit
21st April 2022
Turkey Mill welcomed the Mayoress of Maidstone and her husband this week to mark the opening of this year’s Maidstone Borough in Bloom competition. To mark the occasion a Jubilee Rose was planted in the historic Walled Garden. The competition celebrates anyone in the borough who enjoys creating beautiful gardens, including residents, businesses, and community groups. Working alongside Coolings Garden Centre in Bearsted and Leeds Castle, the borough will award the winners of each category with a trophy and two adult annual tickets for Leeds Castle. Categories include best front garden, best back garden, best planted pot, trough or hanging basket, best allotment plot, best pollinator friendly garden, best display of jubilee colours, best commercial garden, and best community project. Turkey Mill, who won best commercial garden last year, gave the Mayoress and her team a tour of the grounds along with Ian Hazon from Coolings Garden Centre. Dougie Lawson, Estate Manager of Turkey Mill said, “It was such a delight to have the Mayoress come to visit the gardens and plant a rose in the Walled Garden, which is used by both office tenants and wedding guests. We pride ourselves on our gardens, so it was a great opportunity to show off the work of our gardeners, Richard Gare and team.” The competition opened on the 21st of April and entries can be made up until the 1st of July. Judging will then take place from the 4th of July, where judges will start inspecting the gardens. There will then be an awards ceremony at the end of July, date to be confirmed.
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Turkey Mill sponsors the Bearsted Classic Car and Vintage Retro Show on the Green
25th February 2022
Business oasis Turkey Mill has become a principal sponsor of the Bearsted Classic Car and Vintage Retro Show on the Green which takes place on 24 July 2022, in aid of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust in what will be its 14th annual show. \r\n Many of Turkey Mill\'s tenants come from Bearsted and the team behind the business oasis in Maidstone want to show their support for such a worthwhile cause. \r\n As part of the sponsorship, a new award will be announced. The Turkey Mill Heritage Cup will be awarded to the car with the best heritage, decided by Dougie Lawson and the Turkey Mill team. \r\n Dougie Lawson said: \"We have always wanted to be involved with the Classic Car show in Bearsted and are delighted that we have had the opportunity this year. We will be sponsoring alongside Haynes of Maidstone. We will ensure plenty of support and bring our own heritage motors down to boot. After all, we are the business oasis driving growth for Kent companies for 25 years!\" \r\n There are 200 spaces for classic cars, which must be over 30 years of age, and the cars will be entered on a first come first served basis. They must be there parked between 10-4pm. \r\n To enter, complete the form on the following link: https://forms.gle/bst5ZuJx3hbk8v4p8 \r\n
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Turkey Mill ranks top for air quality in the South East
26th January 2022
Climate change and air pollution has risen to the top of business requirements when looking for new office space, following COP26 and the global pandemic as the owners of Turkey Mill in Maidstone, Kent have found. Last year, Upper Stone Street in Maidstone was dubbed the most polluted street in Kent, with the Kent Messenger reporting that it consistently failed to meet the safe levels of air pollution. Even more worryingly, in 2018, the 500-metre stretch of road was found to be one of the worst hotspots for unclean air in the country - a plaudit repeated in 2019 and 2020 too. However, Turkey Mill, a historic paper mill turned Business Park located just 1 mile down the road, is presenting a very different story and have repeatedly taken readings which are the lowest in the area. In parallel, they have seen demand and enquiries rise significantly post pandemic from companies looking for a better level of wellbeing for staff, and plenty of fresh air is also on their agenda. With over 75 tenants with office space at the 20 acre park, it currently has over 95% occupancy which demonstrates its popularity post pandemic where many other parks have seen vacancy levels spike. Located just outside of the town centre and near the M20 corridor, Turkey Mill is an example of best practice when it comes to multi-tenanted office space with an abundance of fresh air and greenery - demonstrating it is possible for this area of Kent to have clean air. They have an average reading of just 12ug, which is almost three quarters lower than Upper Stone Street’s current monthly average of 46.2ug/m3 (previously peaking at just under 80ug/m3). Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increased awareness placed on health and wellbeing, particularly the environment we live and work in. Air toxicity has been a key consideration, especially after experiencing the benefits of lower levels during the various lockdowns, after the public were asked to stay at home and only travel when essential. However, with many returning to work and taking up their regular commute, air pollution may worsen - again putting an increased risk on people's health. Air pollution which is caused by air pollutants such as chemicals, smoke, dust, or allergens, can cause a wide range of adverse health effects. In 2017, around 300 people in the Maidstone borough had died prematurely because of the high levels of air pollution, highlighting it as a real and urgent issue. PM2.5, the term used to describe particles suspended in the atmosphere, have a direct link to health problems. Green campaigner Stuart Jeffery has already called out Maidstone council’s lack of effort in combatting the air pollution problem and calls for many motorists to stop sitting with their engines running. In order to combat the problem, the local council have put in place an Air Quality Action Plan as well as an Air Quality Management Area to try and improve the issue. Dougie Lawson, co-owner of Turkey Mill, says: “The impact of air toxicity on health has become extremely clear in recent years, and we want to provide a healthy working environment for our tenants but to also play our part and set by example when it comes to reducing climate change. Turkey Mill is surrounded by 20 acres of land and gardens, and we want to promote this tranquil location in all aspects, including having clean air. With research suggesting that the cleaner the air in an office space, the more productive and efficient workers are - now is the time to really focus in on air quality as a major requisite for the workplace.” Turkey Mill is an unusually well-connected green oasis, with flexible and modern office space. It has shown that it is possible to have low air toxicity readings in this area of Kent and is also working on several environmental initiatives to be announced soon, that will enhance Turkey Mill's sustainability still further.
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As quality Maidstone office supply dwindles, Turkey Mill sees lettings agreed at record speed
19th July 2021
Business destination has kept 95% occupancy throughout pandemic Demand for quality space ensures a constant demand for Turkey Mill with minimal void periods and highlights flight to working outside the city post Covid Over 600,000 sq ft of poor-quality office stock in Maidstone converted into resi via PDR June 2021- A dearth of quality office space in Maidstone has seen workplace locations such as Turkey Mill do deals on the same day vacant space is placed on the market. A business oasis, fronting the A20 and close to Jct 7 of the M20, yet set in 20 acres of lush grounds, Turkey Mill has maintained 95% occupancy from 70 tenants throughout lockdown due to its modern facilities, open spaces, focus on wellbeing and connected yet tranquil location. Since the advent of Permitted Development Rights, over 600,000 sq ft of office stock in the town has been converted into residential with no new development to replace it. At the same time, there has been a flight to quality and demand has remained high for well-located, well-designed and flexible space - as more workers wish to work closer to home and from greener environments, particularly post-COVID. The high occupancy figures at Turkey Mill supports this movement, with no drop in rental levels being achieved and at the nearby Eclipse Business Park, where space is currently intense competition for the 17,000 sq ft Horizon House with a quoting rent of £24.00 per sq ft. Dougie Lawson, co-owner of Turkey Mill, said: “It is clear we are seeing a flight to quality when it comes to offices post Covid-19 against a background of reducing stock. With underperforming older offices being repurposed into residential units, there is a notable pent-up demand for grade A space in the area from local businesses, ex-commuters and even some large corporates. The most recent example of PDR being the planned conversion of the Coleman House office tower with tenants occupying 30,000 sq ft of offices having to relocate by the end of this year. The lack of supply and need for quality has meant there is strong demand for any space in this category which is being let almost immediately, something we have been positively experiencing at Turkey Mill.” In the last six months, Turkey Mill has completed 12 transactions from a combination of new lettings, relocations & lease renewals. Dougie Lawson says: “More and more people have discovered the benefits of working close to home but not at home. Our ability to proactively juggle space to ensure greater flexibility for both new and existing occupiers has no doubt helped our impressive 95% occupancy. We currently have some space available for smaller businesses and have planning consent for Paul Sandby Court, a new office scheme of 23,000 sq ft, where we are looking for a pre-let in order to justify a start of the development. ENDS For press enquiries contact: Laura Gibson, laura@calvermont.com, 07493 722294 Olivia Thornhill, olivia@calvermont.com, 07515 199538 Notes to Editors Turkey Mill is a business destination, blending a unique paper mill history and heritage architecture with modern facilities in an accessible green oasis. Exceptionally connected to Maidstone, Medway Towns and the M20 corridor, open your windows to 20 acres of landscaped grounds and outstanding parkland. With 100,000 sq ft of flexible office space, 600 parking spaces and a refreshing café culture, we are home to more than 70 growing businesses, as well as The Orangery, an award-winning wedding and conference venue. Imagine working in a location so beautiful that people get married here? www.turkeymill.co.uk
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Why flexibility is key for the post pandemic world of work
15th March 2021
The pandemic has been an accelerator of change for many people's working lives. Commuters have reevaluated what's important to them and while some are missing the bright lights and social scene of London, most are leaning towards a more flexible or hybrid way of working - still demanding office space outside the family home, but without the long commutes and rigid working patterns pre 2020. How though, can locations facilitate this more flexible working model, whereby people don't need to be in the office 9-5 five days a week and instead have the option of popping in and out as it suits - whether it be to collaborate or socialise with colleagues, or to escape an unfit home working space? In Maidstone, we have seen over 500,000 sq ft of office space transformed into residential blocks via permitted development rights, due to lack of demand historically. But this doesn't mean there is a lack of demand for office space, moreover it points to demand for a different type of space to work in, space that has lots of space! What we mean by this is the ability to be flexible and enjoy more fresh air and outdoor space that people are yearning for post Covid-19. At Turkey Mill, we are incredibly lucky to have both - acres of beautiful greenery and gardens where our tenants can host external meetings or simply get their fill of fresh air at break times. With managers onsite, there is also the ability to arrange desk moves and space changes to flex space up or down, to best suit requirements. Turkey Mill is able to quickly adapt to support new businesses interested in finding new ways of working, with flexible space, flexible leases and a friendly, welcoming team. This team feels privileged to have already helped a number of tenants evolve their ways of working during the pandemic. If you have an office requirement, personally or as part of a business, talk to us and we'll work out our flexibility to match your needs.
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Happy New Year - positive vibes for 2021!
4th January 2021
It's 2021 and this year has to be better than last! Here's why: We expect to see more people wanting to work closer to home without working in the home. We expect fewer people will want to commute by train up to London. We expect people to start prioritising their families and health and wellbeing over work. We expect people to focus on the quality of their surroundings from view and open spaces, to peace and quiet, and to air quality. We expect people will want to build small communities at work and to value the social aspects of being in an office again - even if it's for a shorter period of time. All of this plays to Turkey Mill's advantage. As a well-connected oasis surrounded by beautiful landscaping, we have the best of both worlds: the peace and quiet and open space (with some of the best air quality in the South East), while only being minutes from the M20 and local train stations. Our mix of heritage buildings combined with flexible modern office space is well suited to the future way of working that we expect more and more people and companies to adopt, and we have a number of tenants that focus on health & wellbeing at Turkey Mill. We have seen interest continue throughout all lockdowns and activity continues in terms of new leases, lease extensions or renewals. We cannot wait to welcome new people to our business community and to be a physical business community once again, instead of mainly virtual. Let's make 2021 a good year together!
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Turkey Mill lures Optical Express for innovative, state-of-the-art Kent clinic
1st December 2020
In demand Maidstone office destination Turkey Mill has secured Optical Express as new tenants. The leading eye care experts are opening a community-based ophthalmology bringing the latest ophthalmic vision correction solutions to the area. The new clinic will provide easy and safe access to eye care expertise for residents of Maidstone and surrounding towns and villages, some of whom are vulnerable and will feel safe in the spacious surroundings which lends itself well to social distancing. The clinic replaces a former Optical Express retail and refractive consultation clinic based in the Mall Shopping Centre. Turkey Mill’s business oasis has seen a surge in lettings post-Covid and now has over 75 tenants, with a strong core of health & wellbeing operators lured by the business community set in open spaces and stunning landscaping located just off the A20 but sheltered from noise and air pollution. Dougie Lawson, Director at Turkey Mill, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Optical Express to Turkey Mill for its innovative new clinic. We have a strong base of health and wellbeing tenants as part of our business community – it’s a real focus area for the park as these types of businesses are attracted to the wide-open spaces, beautiful gardens and flexible working available here. Post-Covid, we are already seeing this becoming even more of a focus for new or relocating businesses wanting space outside of London.” In recent months, Turkey Mill has seen other tenants sign up to space including Argo Life, Clear MPW, Konnect Recruit as well as a number of lease renewals, demonstrating the strength of the development as a business destination. For Optical Express, the new Maidstone clinic forms part of a significant programme of investment delivered in Kent this year. This month the eye care provider is also opening a leading-edge state-of-the-art ophthalmology clinic in Dartford Crossways, offering laser eye, Intraocular Lens (IOL) and cataract surgery. The new facilities represent a £3 million investment in Kent and new specialist optometry and ophthalmology jobs in the area. Bilal Ahmad, Regional Director, said: “Our team are so excited to start work at the new clinic at Turkey Mill in Maidstone. I’m very proud that we can help to transform people’s lives with vision correction surgery, and I’m keen to speak to as many local people as possible in Maidstone. Glasses and contact lenses carry so many risks that patients often aren’t aware of, and in the long term they are so expensive too. Helping to educate patients so they can make informed choices about their vision treatment is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job!”
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#WATCH the official Turkey Mill video
9th November 2020
The official Turkey Mill video has landed - tell us what you think? During the last days of summer, we managed to shoot the official video for Turkey Mill. While we know that it\'s a great place to work come rain or shine, we were blessed with the weather which meant we could really showcase the stunning landscaping and gardens that the team works so hard to maintain. We decided to produce the video now because post-pandemic we know people will be more conscious about their wellness at work and may think twice about commuting so often and so far. We wanted to show people that there are other options that are still close to major transport connections but that offer open and flexible spaces in a beautiful and tranquil environment and a friendly business community to boot. We really believe Turkey Mill is a business oasis. Have a look at the video and tell us what you think. And, if you like it, please share it across social platforms - we are active on Twitter, Facebook, Insta and LinkedIn: https://twitter.com/turkeymill/status/1320757014855897090 https://www.facebook.com/turkeymill https://www.instagram.com/turkey_mill/ Looking forward to hearing the feedback.
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Catch Turkey Mill Director Dougie Lawson on Biz Bunker Radio!
14th October 2020
Our very own Turkey Mill Director (and on-site landlord) Dougie Lawson was a guest on this week's Kent Business Bunker radio programme joining presenters Paul Andrews and Jules Serkin. Dougie was a hit, with Twitter users and listeners of the show alike very impressed with the history of our beautiful business park and why it's a great place to work - even more so in these strange times where people value wellness and space. Catch the full show here: kentbusinessradio.co.uk/show-498/ Share the show on social tagging in @turkeymill and mentioning #BBunker to get your tweets and business noticed! Well done Dougie!
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Turkey Mill launches refreshed branding to blend heritage with modern working
19th December 2019
Turkey Mill has launched a refreshed creative brand and messaging, to help tell its story across West Kent. Local agency Calvermont helped the leadership team to pick a logo and set of messaging that reflects the park’s rich history and heritage but also demonstrates a more modern, flexible working vibe, that Turkey Mill has become known for. The new strapline will be ‘Turkey Mill, A Business Oasis’ The new message will be ‘A business destination, blending history and heritage with modern facilities in an accessible green oasis.’ And the logo mixes a newer green palette and a bolder more modern font, with a quill-style icon. There is also some heritage but vibrant orange to link to the historic buildings, and a blue to accent the paper mill’s background. New photography of the park has also been taken to reflect the beauty of the working environment and a new marketing and comms campaign will be launched soon.
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Welcome to the Park!
19th December 2019
In the last two months we have welcomed two new tenants to the park. Inline Health, a company that offers services linked to a good diet, achieving a strong and flexible body and a clear and calm mind. Joanna Botley, a legal partner at Ashley Wilson LLP has joined the park, specialising in residential and commercial property law,acting for a mixture of clients – regional, national and international. We will be announcing a new events and networking calendar in 2020, so if you haven’t already met them, this will be a good chance to meet more of the Turkey Mill community.
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Involve Kent move to Turkey Mill
4th March 2019
The move to Turkey Mill helped transform our organisation as part of our growth strategy – our new headquarters is modern, flexible and open plan, on a very attractive and well managed estate. It combines accessibility to town with convenience for parking. The change enhanced staff morale and communication between teams and departments, and gave us a new confidence. We believe the site is a factor in helping us recruit the best quality staff, who are attracted by the site and setting. The office is welcoming and professional facility for meetings with partners and funders and demonstrates that the organisation is sustainable and professional.
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Final development phase receives planning consent
7th October 2016
Turkey Mill Investments have received detailed planning consent for a new three storey office with 98 car spaces. The building, to be known as Paul Sandby Court, will stand in the south west corner of the site with views towards Mote Park and over the Business Park. The be built over three floors and totalling 21,882 sq ft, the building will have two lift and service cores and be capable of sub-division on each floor to provide suites from 1800 sq ft. TMI Estates Director John Hawkins says “There are no immediate plans to start construction but we will look to do the enabling works for the scheme which includes a new bridge over the river as soon as we can” The development is named after Paul Sandby who is a famous painter (1731-1809) and founder member of the Royal Academy. One of his most famous paintings is the view of Vinters at Boxley, Kent with Mr Whatman’s Turkey Paper Mills in the foreground.