Honoured to be named best in business

Sue Nelson was named Business Woman of the Year An Ashford entrepreneur has been named Business Woman of the Year 2017.

Sue Nelson received the gong at the Kent Women In Business (KWIB) awards on Friday, March 3, at Maidstone’s Great Danes Hotel.

Her company Breakthrough Funding was founded in 2015 from her conservatory table and helps innovative small businesses get research and development funding.

Breakthrough Funding has helped 175 businesses across the country claim back £6.8 million in tax relief, much of which has been used to create or protect jobs.

Sue said: “The room was full of outstanding businesswomen, so to be named the winner was such an honour.” mmilehamchappell@thekmgroup.co.uk An eye-catching new statue has been unveiled at Godinton House and Gardens.

Tempesta, an ancient marble piece by sculptor Emily Young, now stands against the backdrop of spring flowers in the historic mansion’s wild garden.

Ashford MP Damian Green, the High Sheriff of Kent Kathrin Smallwood and Mayor of Ashford George Koowaree removed a cover to unveil the statue at the venue in Godinton Lane, Ashford.

This piece of marble chosen by the sculpture is known for its natural grain and colour. It has been carved into a classical face emerging from rough rock to produce a contrast between rugged and smooth details.

Two lead statues that used to be on display at Godinton House were stolen from the gardens in 2014 and opened up a debate on their replacement, and Emily Young’s work was a unanimous choice.

Nick Sandford, manager of Godinton House & Gardens, said: “Choosing such an important feature for the garden is a risky business but Tempesta is a fan- tastic success.

“It keeps the collection of Godinton alive following the actions of previous owners buying the best quality contemporary or traditional art.

“We are delighted that this is a first for Godinton, we are honoured to be the first historic property in the country to have a sculpture by Emily that can be enjoyed by visitors.

“The gardens are a perfect setting and Tempesta brings an additional dimension to the visitor experience.”

“It gives visitors an opportunity to see the work of one of England’s finest modern sculptors in a garden open to the public.”

Emily Young said after the unveiling: “This is the first time a piece of my work is on display in a garden open to the public and such a beautiful garden too.”

The gardens are open from 1pm to 6pm daily.

Visit godintonhouse.co.uk for more information.

‘The gardens are a perfect setting and Tempesta brings an additional dimension’

Nick Sandford and MP Damian Green at the unveiling of the Tempesta statue by artist Emily Young, pictured inset