back to top

Maxim helps get Buckmore Park the green light to invest in its future

July, 2025

The news of Buckmore Park’s success in securing permission to invest in The Paddock, the proposed motorsport-themed centre at the much-loved Kent karting circuit, has now been told.

Never an agency to steal the thunder from its client until after the news has landed, Maxim is now delighted to let people know that we were part of the team, alongside planning consultancy DHA, and Morton Scarr, the architect.

Helping to frame the story forcouncil leaders, the public and press, Maxim supported the track’s owners Rich and Leonora Martell-Surtees, the daughter of John Surtees who was the circuit’s former owner and seven-times motorcycle world champion and Formula One world champion, through the planning process.

Maxim worked closely with the owners and project team and announced the news of the plans to a fanfare of local media coverage, including television and radio interviews with BBC South East Today, ITV Meridian, KMTV, and KMFM, as well as the local newspapers, online news sites, and region’s business press. 

Recognising that local politicians like to hear about potential developments first, we made a point of informing senior councillors at the planning authority Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, as well as tourism industry champions Visit Kent, and business representatives Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

A CGI image showing a modern building, a drive, and some sports cars.

A CGI of how the approach to The Paddock would look.

Media activity, combined with stakeholder briefings, was followed by letters to local residents and a dedicated page was loaded to Buckmore’s website. Recognising the value of galvanising the support of their existing customers, Buckmore’s team took on responsibility for contacting them via email and their social media channels.

Thanks to a positive reaction from councillors, the public and the press to the proposed investment, and to the strong application itself, planning officers could grant permission, so avoiding the delay of the application having to go to the planning committee.

With the ambition to open in 2027, the team at Maxim is looking forward to getting an early place on the starting grid and watching the racing action from The Paddock.

Andrew Metcalf - Director

Andrew Metcalf

Maxim / Managing Director

posted in: maxim/client news, media relations, public relations,

we'd love to work with you

get in touch
tendentious-parliamentary