NEWS
NEW APPOINTMENT FOR VISIT KENT ’ S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Visit Kent have announced that Joanna Richardson , head of marketing , brands and communications at Shepherd Neame , will be joining the board for the first time .
With an Executive MBA and a BA in Modern Languages , Joanna was appointed to her current position at Shepherd Neame in 2018 , after over 15 years ’ experience in the international drinks and hospitality industry . In her role she has developed , led and embedded a new consumer-centric integrated marketing strategy across all parts of the business , step-changed the approach to recruit new audiences and reappraised the existing consumer-base through a variety of brand , PR , pub and partner initiatives . Joanna also champions a strong commercially focused digital approach and has pioneered a new social media strategy which has resulted in significant reputational and consumer loyalty gain .
Since relocating to Canterbury in 2018 , she has been a vocal advocate of the amazing breadth of experiences Kent has to offer .
Visit Kent chief executive , Deirdre Wells OBE commented : “ We are delighted to welcome Joanna to the board of Visit Kent . Her marketing expertise and role in one of the largest businesses in the Kent visitor economy will be hugely supportive as we work to rebuild the tourism industry post-Covid .”
On her new appointment , Joanna added : “ I am delighted to join the board of Visit Kent at a time when rebuilding the visitor economy and consumer confidence in the fantastic experiences Kent has to offer is so important .”
SHEPHERD NEAME SHORTLISTED FOR PUBLICAN AWARD
Britain ’ s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame has been shortlisted in this year ' s Publican Awards category of Best Tenanted / Leased Pub Company . Judging will be undertaken during the next few weeks and , having won the award last year , they ’ re very much hoping for a repeat win when the winners are announced on March 30 .
Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham , Kent for over 300 years . Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire , which carries the Royal Warrant , its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager , Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale and Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager , and the Whitstable Bay Collection . It also brews international lagers under licence including Samuel Adams Boston Lager , and is the sole UK distributor for premium Thai lager Singha .
The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and 320 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East , from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline .
PHOTO : TENANTED TRADE OPERATIONS MANAGER GREG WALLIS , DIRECTOR OF RETAIL AND TENANTED OPERATIONS NIGEL BUNTING WITH PRESENTER JESSICA POW OF HGEM AND HOST ROB BECKETT IN 2019
FAMILIES TO BENEFIT FROM ONLINE LEARNING PORTAL
Thousands of families across the UK will have access to vital home-schooling support , thanks to a new online service launched by Kent-based educational supplier KCS .
Working in partnership with The Education People and lesson-planning experts , PlanBee , an independent partner made up of former teachers and experts in lesson-planning , KCS is launching KCS Connect ; a home-learning and support hub for children of all ages and abilities .
The site will offer access to free education resources including lesson plans , worksheets and guides , as well as the opportunity to access discounted materials such as stationery , arts and crafts , puzzles , games , and sports kits .
Paul Ratcliffe , group marketing manager at KCS , said : “ Having worked with schools and nurseries for more than 90 years , we understand the challenges parents are facing in these difficult times . Connect was launched in direct response to the needs of parents , teachers , carers , and learners across the country , who suddenly found themselves thrust into the world of learning at home .
“ We have worked hard with our partners , The Education People and PlanBee , as well as our hundreds of product suppliers , to develop Connect with inclusivity in mind . Learning is not just about textbooks ; it ’ s really important that youngsters have access to tools that allow them to socialise , play and better understand the world around them .
“ We look forward to providing learners and carers with this service for as long as it is needed .”
To learn more , visit www . kcsconnect . co . uk .
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