When semi-retirement beckoned, local businesswoman Anne Nelson decided against the idea.

Instead, she has launched two new businesses from her offices in Bells Lane, Tenterden.

Having served the people of the Weald for 21 years with her husband, Justin, at the Nelsons Legal practice, she was faced with a tough decision when Mr Nelson decided to semi-retire earlier this year.

Mrs Nelson decided that semi-retirement was not going to suit her.

“The decision was a simple one really,” she said. “Having such strong relationships with the people and businesses in our town meant that we had to keep doing what we do best.”

Mrs Nelson formed a new practice of licensed conveyancers with Malcolm McLean, a solicitor with over 30 years of residential and commercial conveyancing experience.

“Having known and worked with Malcolm for many years, he was my first choice to move forward with,” she said.

Nelson McLean officially opened for business last month.

“I love dealing with people too much to retire. When your working day is mainly looking after the important needs of clients that have become friends, it really isn’t work at all...” - Anne Nelson

Mrs Nelson said: “We have been so touched by the loyalty people have shown to us and to have received so many instructions from new and known clients alike.

“We had been providing business services for years to clients at Bell House but I decided to formalise and relaunch the business with its own identity – Bell House Business.”

As well as providing all the normal services of a business centre, Bell House Business offers personalised call answering, a virtual office service, meeting rooms and many other small tasks from shredding sensitive documents through to postal services.

Mrs Nelson added: “It’s been a fantastic period for Bell House. We are seeing new clients almost daily and our businesses continue to grow and develop.

“I love dealing with people too much to retire. When your working day is mainly looking after the important needs of clients that have become friends, it really isn’t work at all.”

Mrs Nelson retired as honorary secretary of the Tenterden & District Chamber of Commerce in September after just over five years service.