Managing Director of Lewis & Co, Tunbridge Wells based accounting, financial planning and business consultancy firm servicing Kent and Sussex.

It’s always a treat to read how our local alumni have impacted positively upon the town of Tunbridge Wells.

Thanks to an article by local journalist/business reporter and social media consultant Angela Ward, we were led to reconnect with Gary Cornwell, MD for the past 17 years of local firm Lewis & Co through a press article, much of which is used below.

Gary studied at TWGSB between 1997-2004 and although good at maths, he remembers enjoying PE more than anything else at the time – especially under the guidance of Messrs Hart, Price, Downing and Douse. He played football, cricket and tennis for the school and continued to play all 3 at club level after school as well as coaching tennis at Brenchley and Matfield LTC.

His connection with Lewis & Co began whilst he was still a student at TWGSB, as a work placement.

“Looking back, I was really lucky with how the team at Lewis & Co supported me during those two weeks, particularly the then Managing Director Barney Lewis,” says Gary. “I realise now that work experience for many students means making the tea and doing tedious admin tasks like shredding, but Barney really took the time to introduce me to accountancy and gave me a real insight of what was going on.”

A vacancy arose at Lewis & Co in the Summer of 2003 and he was offered the opportunity to join the firm full-time as an Accounts Assistant.

“It was a case of being in the right place at the right time,” says Gary. “Sixteen years later, I am in the unusual position of having never had a job interview or, indeed, needed to write a CV.”

“I was fortunate to take over a very well-established and well-regarded business,” says Gary. “Initially, it really was business as usual as I grew into my role and now I’m focused on growing the business and bringing a more modern approach into the firm.”

Before his two weeks’ work experience 20+ years ago, Gary had considered becoming a chef and cooking is still something which he thoroughly enjoys. In addition, he supports and is heavily involved with Tonbridge Angels Football Club and, when the sun’s shining, can be found out on the golf course.

Gary has kept in touch with a few friends from TWGSB days and told us they share an annual curry night together every Christmas. One of these mates is in fact going to be his best man when he gets married next year, he was pleased to tell us.

TWGSB wishes Gary and his company continued success and we hope to welcome him back to our alumni reunion dinner next April 24th at the school.