A WOMAN running two successful businesses in the Tunbridge Wells area is hoping for a double success at this year’s Times Business Awards.
Becky Moran, who part-owns the popular George & Dragon pub in Speldhurst, as well as estate agency TN Lettings has entered two categories this year.
Ms Moran, who was a finalist in 2022, says she is now looking forward to another two chances to win this year.
The Times Business Awards gala dinner will be held on March 30 in the Victorian theatre at Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells.
The George & Dragon, where she is joint leaseholder, is to go up against other entrants in the Best in Food and Drink category, while Becky hopes her agency, TN Lettings will be named Start-Up Business of the Year.
Since taking on the ‘pretty much derelict’ George & Dragon pub in December 2020 with her partner and some family members, Becky and her partners had to work on rebuilding both the pub and the clientèle.
And the customer base is becoming broader, she added.
“We are trying to be a community hub. If you are working from home, come in and have a cup of coffee and get warm. If you want a quick bite to eat, we can do that, too.”
As the pub partnership enters the Times Business Awards, it is trying to raise its profile and expand its customer base.
“The type of customers we get is very important. We are not expensive, but we are catering for a wider and wider clientèle,” Becky explained.
She continued that making connections was important for both her businesses, adding: “Most of my referrals for lettings come from social media.”
She started the agency following a bad experience at the hands of another letting agent for her own property during lockdown. It is now thriving, thanks to a combination of people relocating to Tunbridge Wells and local demand.
“We have quadrupled our turnover and profit is coming,” she said.
Businesses have until February 20 to enter the Times Business Awards. Entry forms are available at: timesbusinessawards.co.uk
