NEWS
CROSS BUILDERS SUPPORTS FOLKESTONE EARLY MUSIC
THE KENT LAW FIRM CHANGING HOW YOU SEE LAWYERS
For many people, facing a legal issue and finding the right law firm can feel daunting, but Kent-based law firm Whitehead Monckton has recently taken two major steps towards changing the way people see lawyers.
Already recognised as one of the South East’ s leading law firms, Whitehead Monckton lawyers pride themselves on being different, with a reputation built on listening to clients and responding with clarity, warmth and expertise. The firm has recently become an Employee Ownership Trust( EOT), placing majority ownership into a trust on behalf of their employees and reflecting its longstanding commitment to both its staff and the wider community.
Cross Builders has announced its support for Folkestone Early Music, a local organisation renowned for its skillful recreation of historical sounds and classical concerts using restored period instruments at The Grand in Folkestone.
There are a number of similarities between the ancient buildings that Cross Builders repair and renovate and the concerts that are performed by Folkestone Early Music with their 300-year-old violins, traditional harpsichords and ancient violas to create the authentic sounds and melodies that were first heard centuries ago.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to heritage and craftsmanship. Just as Folkestone Early Music carefully restores and
maintains historic instruments, Cross Builders applies traditional skills and materials when repairing and renovating ancient buildings. Techniques such as natural lime plaster mixed with horse hair, imperial bricks and traditional tools are used to preserve the integrity and character of historic structures.
Folkestone Early Music depends on the support of a group of local residents who value the town’ s cultural and musical heritage and cherish hearing authentic historical music- sounds that once defined an era. With concerts taking place almost every month at The Grand on the Leas, audiences can enjoy performances by leading musicians, including Steven Devine, bringing music from the past vividly to life.
The firm has also undergone a team-led brand refresh designed to reflect each department’ s true client value and their dedication to making legal advice easier to access and understand.
“ We know many people- especially those who haven’ t needed legal help before- still worry about jargon, formalities or simply not knowing who to contact,” said managing director, Christopher Longden.“ Our refreshed brand reflects who we really are- approachable and straight-talking, humans first and lawyers second.”
CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE AT THE KENT APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2026
Building on the long heritage of the East Kent Apprenticeship Awards, which have celebrated apprenticeship achievements for many years, the newly launched Kent Apprenticeship Awards brings together colleges, employers and partners from across the region to recognise outstanding apprentices, alongside the businesses that support them.
The awards are designed to highlight the important role apprenticeships play in meeting current and future skills needs. They place a strong emphasis on those undertaking apprenticeship programmes, recognising the commitment, progress and contribution apprentices make in their workplace, as well as the practical skills they develop along the way.
Many of the apprentices recognised through the awards balance work, study and personal commitments, while making a real and tangible contribution to their organisations. The Kent
Apprenticeship Awards aim to recognise not only achievements, but the dedication and resilience shown throughout an apprentice’ s journey.
Alongside individual success, the awards also celebrate employers who show a strong commitment to running high-quality apprenticeship programmes and investing in future skills for Kent and Medway. These businesses play a vital role in developing talent, expertise and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Founded by East Kent College Group, MidKent College and North Kent College, the awards reflect a shared commitment of putting learners at the centre of skills development and ensuring apprenticeships continue to deliver real benefits for individuals, employers and the wider economy. Nominations for the 2026 award will close on Friday 20 March 2026.
2025 Apprentice Award Winners
Mia Chapman from Sideways Media and Nicola Everett at the 2025 East Kent Apprenticeship Awards gala dinner
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