Welcome to the Kent pages hopefully in these pages you will find everything you need to know about the activities of the IoD Kent Branch. If you have any queries or would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact the branch on 01795 435918 or e-mail IoD Kent
Pardon me sir; is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?
Spring had sprung so the top was down on the Mercedes convertible as we wended our way cross-county to Margate for a Kent Ambassadors event a couple of weeks ago. It was my driver’s idea to ride al fresco – as it were. And just to make things clear, when I say my driver, I do not mean MY driver. I had simply cadged a lift.
There is of course no such place as Chattanooga on the Isle of Thanet but that wonderful little ditty by The Glen Miller Orchestra seemed to waft across the fields of budding yellow rape and carry me back to 1941 as I contemplated an evening of nostalgia at the Hornby Factory and Visitor Centre.
I never had a model train set. Cousin George did and the only time I ever played with it I seem to recall I caused the transformer to overheat and fuse the house. Mine became a childhood of kick-around football, climbing trees, playing “knock-down ginger” and nicking sweets. The household budget never stretched to designer toys – although we did come into possession of a second hand Scalextric set, an assortment of battered Corgi cars and a few Airfix model kits. How exciting it was then, to discover later, that Hornby now owns all these brands along with the famous Humbrol Paints (remember the miniature paint pots?)
On arrival, having quaffed the wine, we wandered around the Visitor Centre and shop and then heard CEO Frank Martin tell of the Hornby resurgence over the past decade. This is a fantastic Kent success story and one that we can all draw inspiration from. Acquisitions across Europe have meant that the model train business is truly international now and the snapping up of well known trusted British brands means that today Hornby Hobbies Limited is a London Stock Exchange listed £60 million a year business employing over 200 staff.
A little known fact about the Hornby Visitor Centre though is that it also houses – for the time being anyway – a fascinating collection of models – not just of trains but of British Cathedrals. All made by mysterious model maker William Gorringe over 160 years ago, they languished in the vaults of Canterbury Cathedral until Frank Martin offered to put them on display.
If scale models of Ecclesiastical buildings in a ‘toy museum’ of sorts surprises you (I expect I shall be castigated for calling it thus) be prepared to be even more surprised, for this icon of Kent SME longevity and ingenuity has proved its capacity to blend nostalgia with forward vision by winning the contract to supply die cast models for London 2012. London busses and taxis, indeed even scale models of the Olympic Stadium will be wending their way to the bedrooms of children all over the world as aunts and uncles visiting London for the games take back mementos and souvenirs to the far flung corners of the earth.
By the time my ‘chauffer’ dropped me off at home after the event, another ditty was forcing its way into my mind. “Oh Mister Porter, what shall I do?”
David PhilpottChairman IoD Kent Branch
Kent Branch Newsletter Spring 2012
Kent Branch Newsletter Winter 2011
Click here to view the IoD Exclusive Corporate Hospitality at Charlton Athletic Football Club
Click here to view the IoD Business Breakfast at the Kent County Show, filmed by Kent Business TV
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Many thanks,Kent Branch Committee
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A note of thanks to all of our Marketing Partners for their continued support, they ensure we all get such great value from our events and support the activities of the IoD in Kent: The KM Group, Wilkins Kennedy, Warners Solicitors and Maxim. Also our Associate Marketing Partners: Kent Science Park, Ansacom and Flo-Print Colour Ltd.
We are proud to be working with these outstanding Kent Businesses and all of our members who take such an active role in the IoD and make it the most successful, vibrant and thriving business community in Kent.
KAYE is an IoD Kent Branch initiative aimed at providing networking, information and support for young entrepreneurs. Whether you are a young professional looking to climb the corporate ladder or thinking of setting up your own business then KAYE is the organisation for you. Click here for more information.
This is Kent's preimier awards scheme to recognise and reward excellence in Kent's businesses. We are delighted to be judging one of the categories 'The Entrepreneur of the year award'. By entering KEiBA there can be no better way to reflect on your success, measure your performance, gain positive PR, differentiate your business from its competitors and celebrateyour achievements. Click here for more information and find out how to enter.
As a member you are automatically assigned a branch and encouraged to give your views on local issues and take advantage of networking opportunities in your area. All members are welcome to attend events at any branch.
Debbie Cameron