Gullands Solicitors

02/10/2026

In many owner-managed businesses, shareholders are often closely involved in the day-to-day running of the company. It is not unusual for senior employees, founders or directors to hold shares in the business.

However, circumstances can change. Relationships may break down, individuals may want to move on, or an employee-shareholder may leave the business entirely. Sarah Astley looks at some of the legal issues:

30/09/2026

As we enter the last day to nominate Maidstone's High Street Heroes we have two food legends of the High Street to thank for their customer service.

Café beck

A breakfast worth coming back for! Café Beck has been nominated every year in Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards, and this customer sums up the appeal:

“Great breakfast, excellent value for money and served quickly.”

Frédéric Bistro

Not sure which w**e to choose? You’re in good hands at Frédéric Bistro, where the food, w**e and helpful staff have earned this glowing nomination:

“Excellent food and fantastic choice of w**e. Knowledgable staff who are always happy to help you choose.”

Raise a glass to great service by nominating your favourite local restaurant or cafe for Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank (UK) and OneMaidstone

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.

29/09/2026

Tomorrow is the last day to nominate Maidstone's High Street Heroes and we have another three businesses in the spotlight today who have provided excellent customer service:

SIM3 Maidstone

It’s the people behind the counter who make a business stand out. At Sims 3 Phone Repairs, Drini gets a special mention from this happy customer:

“Drini is the best in the business always friendly and helpful”

Vieux barbershop


Three words to brighten anyone’s day: you’ve been nominated!

Vieux Barbershop is in the running for Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards, with a customer describing the team as “The nicest guys in town”.


Supermarket

Can’t find what you’re looking for? At Zam Supermarket, the help doesn’t stop at the shelves.

“If you cant see what you want on the shelves – they will order it in for you.”

From ordering something specially to helping customers discover new produce, this nomination celebrates a team happy to go the extra mile.

Nominate your local High Street Hero at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/


Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank (UK) and OneMaidstone

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.

28/09/2026

As we enter our final few days to nominate Maidstone's High Street Heroes we have three fabulous businesses to say thank you to today:

G&T Hair

Great hair and a confidence boost to match! G&T Hair has been recognised by a happy customer for making every visit feel special.

“Always amazing, come out feeling the best.”

Salamander

Unique cards, jewellery, candles and more… you never know what you might discover at Salamander!

Described by one customer as a “treasure trove of gifts”, this local shop has “something for everyone”.

Stainless Steves Custom Tattoo Maidstone

A lasting impression in more ways than one. Stainless Steve’s Tattoos has customers returning year after year:

“Been going to these guys for years for my tattoos best in town :)”

Has a local business earned your loyalty? Give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank (UK) and OneMaidstone

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.

25/09/2026

Today's High Street Hero is the charity Making Miracles – Handmade with Love.

A little help finding the perfect gift can make all the difference. 💕

At Making Miracles – Handmade with Love, the volunteers make choosing something special a welcoming and relaxed experience.

“They made suggestions without pressure and I chose a lovely gift. My boss and his wife loved it.”

Has a local charity made your day? Nominate them for Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank (UK) and OneMaidstone.

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.

24/09/2026

Today's High Street Hero is N2 Sweet Lab on King Street.

Sweet treats and equally sweet service! N2 Sweet Lab has been nominated for Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards, with this customer full of praise for the people behind the counter:

“They are so sweet, the customer service is the best and the prices are really good! The workers are such sweet and honest people!”

Who makes your visits to Maidstone a little sweeter? Nominate your favourite local business now at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank (UK) and OneMaidstone.

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.

23/09/2026

Another town centre business to showcase - The health hut in The Old Library.

Here’s to the people who cheer you on towards your goals! The Health Hut has earned a nomination for Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards, with this lovely feedback recognising their support:

“Helped so many people achieve their goal in life, by helping them with weight, fitness and health advice.”

Does a local business deserve a thank you for helping you along the way? Nominate them now at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank and OneMaidstone.

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.

23/09/2026

Our latest High Street Hero is The Golden Boot on Gabriel's Hill

Expert advice without the pressure, and a warm welcome whenever you visit. Customers at The Golden Boot Shop appreciate a team who take the time to help them find just the right pair of shoes.

“Very knowledgeable and prepared to offer the best advice and to gently guide if there is a more appropriate choice of shoe. I enjoy my visits!”

It’s lovely to see their thoughtful service recognised with a nomination for Maidstone’s High Street Heroes Awards!

Give your favourite local business the recognition it deserves. Nominate now at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank and OneMaidstone

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.

23/09/2026

🏆 Who’s your Maidstone High Street Hero?

Is there a local business you always recommend? Or someone who goes above and beyond every time you visit?

The High Street Heroes Awards 2026 are your chance to recognise the brilliant businesses and individuals that help make Maidstone Town Centre such a great place to shop, eat, work and visit.

The awards are run by Gullands Solicitors in partnership with Metro Bank and One Maidstone BID, and nominations close on 30th September, so make sure your High Street Hero gets the recognition they deserve!

Nominate your High Street Hero here: https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

23/09/2026

Today's High Street Hero is the charity Mid Kent Mind

A listening ear and a warm welcome can make all the difference. Nominated last year too, Mid Kent Mind is once again being recognised for the care and support its team offers the local community.

“The Mid Kent Mind team are passionate, accommodating and all support every individual that walks through the door, emails them or calls in.”

From providing a comfortable space to talk to helping people find the right support, their dedication means so much to those who turn to them.

Has a local charity made a difference to you? Nominate them now at https://gullands.com/high-street-heroes-awards-2026/

Once again, we are delighted to partner with Metro Bank (UK) and OneMaidstone

Have you benefited from fantastic customer service from a business based in Maidstone's town centre? Nominate them here.