The ultimate Easter egg
Providing
Drawn from lawyers, accountants, wealth managers, tax and fiduciary advisors and other experts across the globe, we come together to provide a seamless service for all our clients’ business and personal needs. With a history dating back to the 1770s, and Headquartered in the heart of London’s West End, we also have representative offices in Almaty, Geneva, Gibraltar and Malta and a wider international reach through our trusted professional partners.
a co-ordinated and centralised suite of regulated professional services to our discerning clients across the globe.
Iam delighted to welcome you to the Spring 2023 issue of the Burlingtons magazine. I hope you had a wonderful Easter and lots of chocolate eggs!
Spring in the UK – and especially the Easter bank holiday weekend – marks the start of brighter mornings and warmer evenings. It is such a mood booster, as you can feel that summer is just around the corner.
My piece for this issue is about some slightly di erent eggs – the ones produced by luxury jewellers Fabergé. It is a brand I have adored for many years and I am still eyeing up one of its eggs! Do make sure you read my piece as I walk you through the intriguing history of Fabergé (page 22).
roughout the issue, you will nd a curated mix of luxury lifestyle and business ranging from Amy Bennett’s piece on the thrills of horse racing (page 66) to Andrew Pike, Managing Partner of Burlingtons Legal, giving an insight into his career and the changes he has seen (page 52).
Enjoy these articles and many more in our Spring 2023 issue.
Deborah Mills Chief Executive O cer Burlingtons Group Limited
© 2023 Burlingtons Group
Articles and other contributions published in this journal may be reproduced only with special permission from the Burlingtons Group. Burlingtons Group and the publishers (Century One Publishing Ltd) accept no responsibility for any views or statements made in the articles and other contributions reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is accepted for the claims in advertisements appearing in this journal and the publishers reserve the right to accept or refuse advertisements at their discretion.
Burlingtons magazine is published by Century One Publishing Ltd.
Part of the CPL One group. www.centuryone.uk | www.cpl.co.uk
Deborah Mills
CEO Burlingtons Group (deborah.mills@burlingtons.group)
Jacob Kett
Head of Private O ce (jacob.kett@burlingtons.pro)
Henry Mills
Head of Real Estate (henry.mills@burlingtons.realestate)
Peter Young
Head of Tax and Fiduciary (peter.young@burlingtons.legal)
Alistair Muscat
Head of Wealth Management (am@integra-pw.com)
Burlingtons magazine is published by Century One Publishing Ltd
ADVERTISING
For advertising enquiries or to nd out more about Burlingtons Group contact: rory@centuryone.uk 01727 739181
EDITORIAL
Publisher: Stewart Dymock
Editor: Amy Bennett
Sub Editor: Phil Minett
Contributors: Kayleigh Dray, Andy Morris, Kat Poole and Mike Williams
DESIGN
Creative Director: Peter Davies
Senior Designer: Caitlyn Hobbs
Century One Publishing Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Rd, St Albans AL3 4DG stewart@centuryone.uk 01727 893894
www.centuryone.uk
Why
Words: Andy Morris
EMBRACE THE SECOND SUMMER OF BRITPOP
Among the most iconic eyewear of the late 20th century are the Cutler & Gross specs belonging to snake-hipped Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker. e style – the classic 0894 – worn throughout the 80s has now received a new tribute in the form of the 9894. In short: do you remember the rst time?
£380 cutlerandgross.com
e British label of the moment, Drake’s – who collaborated with Fergus Henderson’s classic carnivore restaurant St. JOHN – has provided this rare example of a bomber jacket where you don’t look like you are in costume. In heavyweight ‘crosta’ suede, it’s a luxury reimagining of the classic A-2 ight jacket, made in Italy and nished with Swiss goldplated detailing.
£1,495 drakes.com
Mejuri, the a ordable luxury brand from Toronto, is led by third-generation jeweller Noura Sakkijha and has already attracted fans ranging from Lizzo to Margot Robbie. A choker that commands attention, the Riviere edition is handcra ed in 14-carat solid gold and features more than 4,000 hand-set diamonds.
£3,900 mejuri.com
Ever since the rst Defy wristwatch with a coloured dial emerged in the late 60s, collectors have sought them out for their eye-catching style. e Defy Revival A3691, a reimagining of a classic Zenith watch originally issued in 1971, is housed in a rugged stainless steel case, has a deep-red dial, a steel ‘ladder’ bracelet and a sapphire display window.
£6,100 zenith–watches.com
Want to dress the part for the Côte d'Azur? Try these unlined summer-weight loafers made in the glamorous sun-soaked setting of… Nottingham. Not only do they look t for the terrace of the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the super ex leather sole is the brand’s most foldable – meaning that you can pack them and they’ll spring out looking as good as new.
£470 crockettandjones.com
Now that every single variant of designer trainer has been thoroughly explored, it’s time to invest in some proper shoes. Under the instruction of owner Tim Little, Grenson is a consistently strong choice for formal footwear, thanks to Goodyear welting and robust contemporary style. Invest in a pair of Shrewsbury single-buckle monk shoes – your feet will thank you.
£390
grenson.com
It’s never too early to book your hotel for the XXXIII Olympic Summer Games. e most exciting new Paris destination of the year is set to open in July and is the rst Parisian hotel from the Maisons Pariente group. Inspired throughout by Grand Siècle classicism, it features 50 rooms and 11 suites, a lavish restaurant and bar, all kitted out in an opulent maximalist design from Martin Brudnizki. Bonus: there’s a swimming pool – probably more suited to relaxing than somewhere to stage the 100m freestyle!
legrandmazarin.com
Luxury and privacy should go hand in hand. As such, for a special occasion, consider hiring No.1 e Townhouse, a private property in Westminster owned and managed by the ve-star Great Scotland Yard Hotel next door. Over ve storeys, and with its own private entrance, e Townhouse hosts up to 12 guests for dinner, which can be prepared by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Eksted. Need a nightcap? Order from e 40 Elephants cocktail bar and have the drinks delivered right to your table.
From £2,500 a night greatscotlandyard.com
Still the standard by which all luxury sleepwear is judged, British designer Olivia von Halle is best known for her elegant silk pyjamas. is Amaya Jasmine blue oral cotton-silk robe is the perfect accompaniment – a tribute to the golden era of travel that imbues even the most restful weekend with a sense of globe-trotting adventure.
£390
oliviavonhalle.com
Consider it the Lydia Tár e ect: more and more women now want to dress like the tormented conductor in the Ba a-winning lm. anks to founder Daisy Knatchbull, e Deck was the rst all-female tailor to open on Savile Row. It’s rightly prized for its suiting, and we’re particularly taken with this safari jacket – even if the most exotic creatures you’re likely to encounter this summer are your crocodile-skin boots.
From £2,900 thedecklondon.com
■ 23 APRIL –ST GEORGE’S DAY
Dust o those red-andwhite ags to celebrate the feast day of England’s patron saint. A host of performers will take part in an a ernoon of live events in London’s Trafalgar Square, but why not celebrate with a luxurious English a ernoon tea at e Savoy, a feature at the hotel for more than 130 years.
■ 23 APRIL – LONDON MARATHON
Returning to its traditional springtime slot, a er being staged in October for the past three years because of Covid-19, the London Marathon will see thousands of people running 26.2 miles from Blackheath to e Mall. As well as taking in many of the capital’s most famous landmarks, the event raises huge amounts for charity : a record £66.4m was raised through the 2019 event –the last one before the pandemic.
■ 26 APRIL–1 MAY – SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE
WHISKY FESTIVAL
What better way to taste, discover and invest than by visiting some of Speyside’s world-famous whisky distilleries. From whisky school to tours and tasting, this festival o ers everything to entice the whisky connoisseur. Book a room at historic country house hotel Blervie House to enjoy a touch of luxury in the Scottish Highlands.
■ 30 APRIL – AZERBAIJAN GRAND PRIX
Get ready for 51 laps of adrenaline as the fourth race of the F1 season takes place in Baku. With Max Verstappen and Red Bull maintaining their stranglehold, with wins in Bahrain and Australia already this season, can anyone knock them o pole position? Book the Ultra Grand Prix package to be a guest of Aston Martin Red Bull Racing and experience pit-lane walks, meet the drivers, and enjoy accommodation at the ve-star Hilton Baku.
■ 26 APRIL–13 MAY – RICHARD III
A er the success of her production of Richard II at Shakespeare’s Globe (pictured), outstanding actress Adjoa Andoh takes on the role of one of the Bard’s most iconic villains, Richard III. Staged at the Rose eatre in Kingston, London, this production is sure to be one of the hottest tickets in town this spring.
Soak up a right royal occasion with the coronation of King Charles III, which takes place at Westminster Abbey, 70 years a er his mother was crowned Queen Elizabeth II. Make the most of this unique event by booking a signature suite at the iconic Shangri-La hotel in e Shard and celebrate with panoramic views of London.
■ 19 MAY–27 AUGUST
Enjoy dynamic new productions alongside the favourites, in a quintessentially British setting on the edge of the South Downs in East Sussex. Don black tie and pack up a luxurious picnic to enjoy before experiencing world-class opera. is year there will be new productions of Don Giovanni, Semele and Dialogues des Carmélites, as well rm favourites, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream
■
You don’t have to be green- ngered to enjoy a trip to the iconic Chelsea Flower Show, where horticultural delights from around the world are brought together in a stunning show of sights and scents. Don’t miss Chelsea Late on Friday evening, billed as a magical evening of live talks and demonstrations, teamed with music and great food.
■ 25 MAY–4
For 11 days, crowds descend on the small town of Hay-on-Wye, South Wales, for a wide-ranging programme of writers, artists, academics, musicians and performers. e list of speakers reads like a who’s who of the very best of global talent, all taking part in an unmissable event.
■ 28 MAY–11 JUNE – FRENCH
e French Open o ers an unparalleled opportunity to team world-class tennis with the very best that Paris has to o er. Watch the biggest names on the circuit clash on the clay and then unwind with an evening of gastronomic delights at the three Michelinstarred Alléno Paris au Pavillon Ledoyen, in the Jardins des Champs-Élysées.
■ 13 JUNE–20 AUGUST –SUMMER EXHIBITION AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY
Since 1769, the annual Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy, at Burlington House in Piccadilly, has showcased the very best of emerging and established artists. Invest in a unique piece of art, then stroll down to the Dorchester to indulge in the decadent tasting menu for two by chef Alain Ducasse.
■ 15-18 JUNE – ART BASEL, SWITZERLAND
Mix a long weekend in beautiful Basel with a four-day fair that brings together more than 4,000 artists from ve continents. Once you have had your ll of art, enjoy a culinary experience at the 300-year-old Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, at chef Peter Knogl’s three Michelin-starred Cheval Blanc restaurant.
■ 17 JUNE – TROOPING THE COLOUR
Trooping the Colour has taken place for more than 260 years, marking the o cial birthday of the British monarch. Some 1,400 soldiers, 400 musicians and 200 horses come together in an spectacular display, moving from Buckingham Palace down e Mall to Horse Guards Parade. For the rst time, King Charles III will take the salute at the event that closes with an RAF y-past.
■ 20-24 JUNE – ROYAL ASCOT
Dust o your top hat for one of the highlights of the British summer season, where pomp and pageantry mix with top-class horseracing on the Royal turf. Book a private box or enjoy lunch at one of several ne-dining restaurants with Michelin-starred chefs. From Champagne in the car park before racing, to the traditional singsong around the bandstand at the end of the day, this is an unmissable experience.
■ 27 JUNE–2 JULY – HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA
ere may be a waiting list of between ve and eight years to become a Member of the Stewards’ Enclosure, but why not savour the action – and an electric atmosphere – from a private island? Enjoy a four-course lunch on Temple Island and, of course, a few glasses of Moët & Chandon Champagne, one of the o cial partners of the event.
Taking place in 21 stages over 23 days, the 3,404km Tour de France will pass through some of the most beautiful scenery as it heads from Bilbao, in Spain, to the Champs Élysées. Whatever stage you choose to view in person, you are guaranteed high-octane competition, as some of the world’s best athletes battle it out for the iconic maillot jaune (yellow jersey).
■ 3-16 JULY –WIMB
Champagne and strawberries abound as the stars of the circuit battle it out in the world’s oldest tennis tournament. Secure your Centre Court seat to be at the heart of the action, with packages, including award-winning cuisine, private dining tables and ne wines, starting from £775pp +VAT.
e Royal Liverpool Golf Club plays host to e Open Championship for the rst time since 2014. e Royal Liverpool links rst played host to the event in 1897 and it is returning to Merseyside for the 13th time. A range of hospitality packages are on o er to ensure the best of views and ne dining, so you can enjoy every moment of the tournament.
One of Europe's largest festivals of jazz and blues sees 130 concerts, spanning the entire history of the music, take place in theatres, parks and clubs throughout the Scottish city, . Plan your visit to include one of Edinburgh's four Michelin-starred restaurants, including the hidden gem that is Condita. With just six tables, the tasting menu is by reservation only.
Cowes Week has been a highlight of the summer season since 1826, when the future King George IV instigated a race at the Royal Yacht Club on the Isle of Wight. Why not charter a luxurious sailing yacht or power boat to keep close to the action, then enjoy the Friday-night reworks in comfort, with dinner on board.
Springtime may be synonymous with eggs, but some are prized above all others – the fabulous pieces created by Fabergé. The name evokes images of the lavish world of the last tsars of Russia and the priceless treasures created by Peter Carl Fabergé, renowned as ‘the last of the great goldsmiths’
Words: Deborah Mills
Fabergé was the son of a St Petersburg goldsmith: a man who dedicated his life to the creation of priceless treasures for the Imperial family. e Fabergé name traces back to 17th-century France and the reign of Louis XIV. Of Huguenot stock, the Fabergé family was persecuted and ed to Russia, eventually settling in St Petersburg – then capital of Russia and home to the Imperial Court –which had been created at enormous expense by Tsar Peter the Great from marshlands close to the Finnish border.
Fabergé’s international reputation spread when he was invited to make copies of a number of Scythian treasures from 400BC. e results were so perfect that the Tsar was unable to see any di erence between the originals and the work of Fabergé. e pieces were subsequently exhibited at the Nuremberg Fair of 1885, where Fabergé was awarded the gold medal. is followed his gold medal at the Pan-Russian Exhibition in Moscow in 1882, but many more honours were to follow.
Fabergé’s work re ected the highest traditions of European applied art, using the nest materials and the best cra smen in his workshops. Changing from the then contemporary heavy pieces of precious stones and metals to less expensive stones and natural minerals from Russia – guilloche enamel, deep-green jade, black obsidian, rock crystal and quartz – his creations were restrained elegance.
BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
Fabergé’s reputation continued to grow from the end of the 19th century with
his appointment, by Alexander III in 1885, as Court Jeweller to the Tsars, which transformed him from a ne cra sman into an international, highclass – and very royal – brand.
With this appointment began one of the most astonishing examples of the goldsmith’s art: the Imperial Easter eggs – a commission that was to last more than 30 years.
e Imperial Easter eggs were intricate masterpieces of invention, opulence and cra smanship. Royal patronage also led to commissions from the wealthy families of Russia, and soon the love for all things Fabergé had spread to Europe and the world. Everyone wanted to possess some unique object from his workshops –from kings and princes to earls, dukes and great ladies of fashion. e fame of the House of Fabergé spread to Britain, where Edward VII ensured that his wife, Queen Alexandra, received many pieces – as did the stream of ladies who gained his royal approval.
Fabergé lived through one of the most turbulent periods in the history of Russia – and, indeed, the world. However, the calm, patient values of the master cra sman were constantly maintained at a time when change was in the air, accelerated by Russia’s disastrous war against Japan and involvement in World War I, both of which depleted the country’s wealth and manhood.
e Russian Revolution of 1917 spelled global cataclysmic change, with disorder, chaos, violence and bloodshed culminating in the execution of Tsar Nicholas II,
Alexandra Feodorovna, and their daughters and son, Alexei. ey were killed by Bolshevik soldiers in 1918, thus bringing an end to the Romanov dynasty – and marking an end of the House of Fabergé.
Fabergé was forced to ee from his homeland, dying in Switzerland in 1920. e death of the master cra sman was the end of an era, severing the link between the opulence of Imperial Russia and the egalitarianism of the modern world.
Famous owners of the eggs have included Dr Emanuel Nobel, a wealthy Swedish businessman living in Russia, who was the nephew of the inventor of dynamite, Alfred Nobel – now remembered for the Nobel Prize. e ballerina, Zucchi, received such wild adulation from the Russian audience a er one performance that she almost disappeared under innumerable bouquets of owers and was presented with an open box containing a Fabergé necklace of huge diamonds, a gi from
her admirer, Prince Vassiltchikov. Today, the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow has 10 Imperial eggs, and one private Russian collector holds 15. e Royal Collection in London has three. An unknown collector is purported to hold the most expensive Fabergé egg, the third Imperial Easter egg, valued at more than US$33m.
e second Fabergé Imperial Easter egg (Hen with Sapphire Pendant) has become a mystery – no photographs or illustrations exist. e egg certainly contained a hen, covered in gold with rose diamonds, taking a sapphire egg out of its nest. e egg made it to the Kremlin, where it was included in a 1922 inventory, but its subsequent movements are unclear. Some believe it was sold to raise funds for the new provisional government, while others think it might have been lost in the chaos following the Russian Revolution. Its whereabouts today are unknown.
e Fabergé brand lives on, however, displaying a sophisticated beauty that recaptures past times.
“An unknown collector is purported to hold the most expensive Fabergé egg, the third Imperial Easter egg, valued at more than US$33m ”
Fabergé eggs
Words: Kayleigh Dray
For a while, the ballet world stopped spinning. ree years on, and there’s still no getting away from the fact that the coronavirus pandemic has had an enormous impact on the arts. However, there’s also no denying that the crisis has o ered ballet companies a unique opportunity: to do something not just innovative, but utterly transformative – and embrace all the opportunities that digital media o ers.
Above all else though, it has encouraged them to break the rules that we have, for so long, associated with ballet.
A new production soundtracked by the music of Black Sabbath – billed as “the world’s rst heavy metal dance experience” – will premiere in September at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Sadler’s Wells has announced that it will be nurturing a talented queer-led dance collective that explores ideas of community and its intersections with gender, sexuality, religion and class. Cassa Pancho’s Ballet Black will be joining forces with the Barbican to share a moving and inspiring piece of dance that they describe as a “love letter” to activist Nina Simone.
Northern Ballet, too, has announced the launch of its new series, Sketches, which promises to be an eclectic selection of pieces choreographed by the company’s own dancers. e Royal Ballet 2022-23 season features a whopping eight world premieres, including Crystal Pite’s artistic response to the refugee crisis.
Meanwhile, ballerinas everywhere are rapidly becoming social media stars, interacting with thousands of followers every time they share a behind-the-scenes photo or video – and adding an extra layer of intimacy and connection to their performances in the process.
‘Dance-makers and dancers are so inspiring, and the creativity and resilience that has been demonstrated in the di cult times during and since the pandemic has been incredible,’ says Joce Giles, director of learning and engagement at Sadler’s Wells.
‘I think now, more than ever, the role of artists in society is so important, and it’s so exciting to see new artistic voices being given a platform. 2023 is the year that these exciting young artists can ourish, sharing their work – live and digitally.’ e following are the ballet dancers to know:
Lachlan has an incredible year of dance ahead, including e Nutcracker and Black Sabbath: e Ballet, as well as several choreography commissions. Having originally set out to become a tap dancer, though, this passionate danseur aims to avoid one thing that is so o en associated with ballet: the cult of perfection. ‘I hope that when I’m performing a live show people see something real, honest, true, emotional and dramatic,’ he says. ‘And something in and of that moment, because I try never to do the same thing twice. ere’s no life in that.’
Lachlan Monaghan was recently promoted to principal with Birmingham Royal Ballet.
It’s a big year for Rosanna, who is returning to the stage feeling stronger than ever a er taking a year out because of a fractured ankle. One of the most exciting dancers on the ballet scene right now, Rosanna e ortlessly blends the aesthetics of traditional pointe and contemporary dance to create something that feels both light and grounded all at once, projecting the narrative of her performance with gorgeous elongated lines and e ortlessly uid movements. ‘I get so lost in my physicality that I lose track of my thoughts and reality,’ she says. ‘And this enables my creativity as an artist to truly ourish.’ Rosanna Lindsey is touring the UK with Ballet Black.
Photo: Nick Guttridge © Ballet Black
Currently appearing in Wayne McGregor’s full-length contemporary ballet Woolf Works, at the Royal Opera House, Katharina is stepping out of her comfort zone for 2023, and embracing all of the amazing opportunities that brings. Opportunities such as, say, a very exciting end-of-season tour in Tokyo, Japan, to perform Romeo & Juliet and Diamonds by Balanchine. ‘I do think ballet is magical, especially the exchange of human energy between the audience and the dancer,’ she says. ‘And this year has the potential to be the best one yet.’
Katharina Nikelski is a ballerina with e Royal Ballet in London
Born in Birmingham, Elisabeth’s choreographic choices are in uenced not just by her spirituality and German and Zambian heritage, but by her lived emotional experiences, too. e result is a truly unique form of ballet – one that transcends the boundaries and narratives of any one genre or dance culture. Indeed, every performance she gives is so steeped in sensitivity and awareness that it is likely to have a profound e ect on anyone lucky enough to be watching.
Elisabeth Mulenga is part of the Sadler’s Wells Young Associates 2023/24 cohort.
Photo: Jack Thomson
Keen to embrace a new challenge for 2023, Mihael has decided to brave the storm and dedicate himself entirely to the world of freelance ballet in a bid to better explore the unexplored aspects of the artform. Indeed, the dancer – who has overcome myriad di culties and setbacks throughout his career – already has a number of secret projects lined up across Europe, all of which he hopes will showcase his hypermobility. Mihael will be sharing these performances with his 40,000 Instagram followers as a series of surprise announcements throughout the year.
You can follow Mihael Belilov via @mihaelbelilov on Instagram.
As the nights begin to brighten, watch the sunset over the city from one of London’s most spectacular terraces
Words: Kat Poole
■ JUREMA, FITZROVIA
Stepping into Jurema, on the rst- oor terrace of e Mandrake Hotel, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that bustling Oxford Street is just a short stroll away. With jasmine and passion ower cascading from the walls, this urban garden is so spectacular it was a global winner at the AHEAD awards. On the menu you’ll nd Mexican-inspired dishes from YOPO, the hotel’s main restaurant, and a smorgasbord of plant-inspired cocktails. And for a more intimate evening, the second- oor Glasshouse — lled with medicinal plants — can be booked for small, special events.
themandrake.com/jurema
On the seventh oor of Stratford’s iconic Manhattan Lo Gardens sits Allegra, a true destination dining spot on the edge of London’s Olympic Park. Come for the food, but stay for the atmosphere – with a minimalist and modern design by Space Copenhagen, it’s an urban oasis with just the right amount of buzz. e vast wraparound terrace and roof garden will reopen in May and coincide with a seasonal shi in chef Patrick Powell’s menu; expect innovative British cuisine with an inventive bar menu to match.
allegra-restaurant.com
Renowned for exceptional sustainable seafood dishes from executive chef Gary Foulkes, the Michelin-starred Angler is a stalwart of London’s sky-high dining scene. But the sleek and sophisticated restaurant, perched atop the South Place Hotel, has another jewel in its crown: an inviting, heated terrace, with picturesque views of the city. In the warmer months, you can dine alfresco (the elegant tasting menu is a gastronomic delight), while dusk colours the skyline around you.
anglerrestaurant.com/at
Not all the city’s spectacular terraces are up on high. e Corinthia’s Garden Lounge is a secret courtyard with a seasonal ambience; during the winter months it is transformed into an alpine wonderland, but as spring arrives so does an idyllic mood and Mediterranean menu more tting of the Amal Coast. And there’s one more thing that sets it apart: a specialist sommelier who, from a walk-in humidor, can help you choose from the nest selection of pre-embargo Cuban cigars.
corinthia.com/london/restaurantsbars/the-garden
ere’s something deliciously decadent about ending the day with oysters, Champagne and a breathtaking city panorama. ose are the specialities at Aviary, on the 10th oor of the Montcalm Royal London House. e restaurant and bar fuses
1920s style with bold, colourful furnishings, and you’ll nd the same level of detail on the southfacing terrace, with intimate lounge-style seating. Inside or out, it’s a charming spot for an evening of delicious wine and dining.
aviarylondon.com
City hotels tend to be a prime location for elevated dining, and Mercer Roof Terrace – atop Vintry & Mercer – is no exception. From this city spot you can see iconic London landmarks, including the Shard and St Paul’s, but that’s just window dressing. e main event is the inventive cocktail menu, using spirits infused with rose, fennel, butter y pea ower and more. For guests visiting the city, the hotel below is exquisitely decorated... the perfect place to rest your head a er an evening watching the night draw in.
vintryandmercer.com
Since its launch three years ago, our Burlingtons magazine has grown quickly as a leading luxury lifestyle publication
Established in 2011 by Deborah Mills, the full-service professional law firm Burlingtons Legal has inherently British roots.
Named after one of the great British landed estates and houses of England, the Earldom of Burlington, the firm’s offices are located directly off London's Oxford Street, one of Britain’s most iconic streets. Despite our deep British connections and values, however, we are a truly global business, with international offices across Geneva, Gibraltar and Malta.
Our international presence and diverse client base has always been a driver for us to be at the forefront of change. In that vein, Burlingtons Group was launched in 2020 as a full professional service offering, covering law, tax and accounting, wealth management, real estate, and white labelling through our private office. Through this full-service offering, we are able to meet clients’ needs all the way through a transaction and beyond, building long-lasting, generation-spanning relationships.
With the launch of Burlingtons Group, we published our first quarterly Burlingtons magazine in spring 2020 – how quickly the time has gone since that first issue! The magazine was created as a luxury lifestyle vehicle, designed to stand out from our competitors and allowing our clients and contacts to write about their specialisms and areas of interest. With that in mind, we have had pieces on foreign exchange, banking, wealth management, art, sharia financing, and much, much more. Within the first year of publication, this array of content led to Burlingtons being recognised as a leading luxury lifestyle magazine by public relations organisation Peretti Communications.
The magazine is now on its 12th issue and has gone from strength to strength , with both circulation and revenue increasing with each publication. Not being limited to one professional discipline , we are in a unique position of having a varied database spanning numerous continents . For example, through Burlingtons Legal, our offices in London, Geneva and Malta give us direct access to high-net-worth individuals, business executives and leading luxury
brands. Furthermore, through strategic acquisitions at group level, we have acquired a stake in a Maltese wealth management company and a Gibraltar-based corporate service provider – again giving us a unique circulation opportunity.
Burlingtons is currently published in both digital and hard-copy format. The magazine has an e-circulation in the thousands, because of social media circulation and hosting across our Burlingtons Group and associated company websites. Our hard-copy circulation is also in the thousands, with a targeted delivery plan for each issue to ensure we cover our core demographics and new readers, to whom specific issues may appeal.
By having a variety of clients provide articles – which they, in turn, share with their customers – we truly have a varied distribution network, which is further enhanced by our international satellite offices and acquired businesses.
When we moved the magazine publication across to our partner agency Century One, we had two key areas on which we wanted to focus – advertising and distribution, which really go hand in hand.
With this issue, the magazine has its highest level of paid advertising and we are forming further strategic partnerships, spanning multi-issue advertising deals.
Most importantly, Burlingtons has kept its key luxury lifestyle and insightful business appeal, while opening up greater distribution networks. As of this issue, we are delighted to share that we have doubled our hard-copy circulation because of the phenomenal demand from our distribution partners.
Starting as a quarterly magazine during the pandemic, the magazine has grown to be a key part of our group philosophy and strategy, and we cannot wait to see it grow further.
The role of CFO is essential in ensuring the smooth running and growth of a business. Steven Strauss, chief financial officer of the Burlingtons Group, explains why
As someone in the rather fortunate position of being group chief financial officer (CFO) for two fantastic businesses, I was delighted to be asked to discuss this role and its impact on a business. Of the two organisations at which I am CFO, one is an innovative, true one-stop professional services firm, and the other is an innovative fintech investment incubator, delivering a number of regulated financial solutions.
Both operate within highly regulated environments, providing world-class service to clients. I am, of course, referring to Burlingtons Group and Quantum Financial Holdings.
When asked to write this article, I thought I would cast my mind back to key issues that have arisen over the past few years.
I think it is fair to say that the UK economy has been through some very interesting times recently. We have had political uncertainty and turmoil; had to live through Brexit and the issues arising from it; had what has clearly become a cost-ofliving crisis; and had to manage the Covid-19 pandemic , as well as the impact of the unfortunate events in Ukraine.
Putting all these issues to one side, British businesses operate within one of the most complex tax systems in the world. Despite promises from successive governments over the past few years –and, indeed, longer – the UK tax system continues to become ever more complex, with Brexit merely adding levels to this complexity.
It may seem odd to focus on tax as a key issue, but one only has to look at the impact of former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini budget to see what can happen when scal policy is misjudged – or introduced in a way that provides less than full clarity.
So, what is the role of the CFO, and how do we manage all of the above? How does the role allow businesses to navigate the complexities of the UK tax system, and deal with the challenges arising from political turmoil , the costof-living crisis , and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which – while perhaps not now seen to be as deadly as previously –is still having a significant impact on many people on a day-to-day basis.
The first part of the question is fairly easy to answer. The CFO is, ultimately, responsible for managing the financial actions of a company. The role includes management of the historical data and performance, as well as the forwardlooking side of tracking cash flow, financial planning, and identifying the business’s strengths and weaknesses. The CFO must also put in place strategies to focus on those strengths and manage the identified weaknesses as effectively as possible.
The second part of the question is more difficult to answer, as there are many strategies to deal with issues facing the CFO. The skill is to ensure that you deliver the best strategy in a manner that is cost-efficient and effective. The role requires you to liaise with the senior management team, but also to motivate the team working for you. It also ensures that the business delivers strong financial management that is well understood, has clear financial practices, and operates with clear controls from top to bottom.
With all of the issues identified earlier, one might think that this is a fairly daunting role. The reality is, however, that working with good people, and for businesses that deliver excellent service, makes you proud to be part of that organisation. One can really enjoy the daily interaction with colleagues, as well as delivering an excellent finance team and financial management.
I hope this brief overview has given some background to the role of the CFO from a personal perspective. In future articles, I hope to focus on some of the fantastic services delivered by Burlingtons Group and Quantum Financial Holdings, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the dynamic growth of both businesses.
Those who have spent time in Greece or have connections with the country will know the scale on which the Greek diaspora celebrates Easter. For many Ellines, Easter is the biggest celebration of the year, especially as it coincides with the weather getting noticeably warmer. Arguably there’s no better time to visit Athens, eat some souvla and soak up the atmosphere than in spring. We all know this most ancient of capitals as the
birthplace of democracy, and the opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture are plentiful; the Parthenon (nearby you will nd the Temple of Athena Nike) is the obvious choice and dominates the city, but it’s worth investigating a little further and visiting the gargantuan Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. If you have time, maybe you can solve the question over the Poseidon/ Zeus debate and the Artemision bronze?
With award-winning bottles and a thriving viticulture scene, English wine is enjoying its moment in the sun
Words: Kat Poole
When a little-known wine from Cotswolds vineyard Woodchester Valley took the highest possible award at the Global Sauvignon Blanc Masters 2022, the world of UK winemaking raised a toast. As the rst English still wine to achieve this accolade, triumphing over established international competition, it was a headlinemaking moment for an industry that until now has been primarily known for its sparkling varieties.
Not least because Sauvignon Blanc vines aren’t usually planted in England, and are more commonly cultivated in the Loire Valley, New Zealand or Chile. But times are changing. English wine is a young industry just beginning to show its potential, making it an exceedingly interesting time to be involved – for growers, makers, investors and, of course, those who simply enjoy drinking a glass or two.
‘It’s a coming of age,’ explains Alex Hurley, winemaker at London Cru, London’s rst urban winery. ‘ ere were wineries planted in the UK around 50 years ago, which was really the investment phase. Carr Taylor and Biddenden are great examples; they saw the possibility before anyone else could even imagine it.’
Since those early days, winemakers have been re ning their understanding of what grows well here. ‘Historically, that has been grapes from Germany,’ says Hurley. ‘But in the past 10 or 20 years, the focus has been Champagne varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.’
Now, as the success of Woodchester Valley’s Sauvignon Blanc suggests, growers are seeing the potential for still varieties – one uniquely positive outcome from an uncomfortable reality. ‘Sadly, it’s due to climate change,’ explains Hurley. ‘Warmer years – as we saw in 2018, 2020 and 2022 – have allowed grapes that may not normally ripen enough to make great still wines.’
Such rapid developments at ground level means the business side of the English wine industry is also moving apace. ‘Until this moment in time, the English wine investment market has been all about buying land, planting vineyards, developing brands and building distribution,’ says Justin Knock MW, director of wine at Oeno Group. ‘To this end, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to expect this has exceeded £1bn over the past 10-15 years. We have seen a surge in the acreage of vineyards planted, a more than tripling of
production – with further growth built in – and an endless string of good news stories about the high quality of English wine and sparkling wine in particular.’
It’s unsurprising, then, that interest has been international. ‘While much of the investment has been local, it’s been notably supported by the major Champagne houses who have become active vineyard developers in their own right, lending a huge amount of excitement and anticipation about the potential for the English wine industry to blossom.’
While there certainly appears to be a positive outlook for English wine, it’s still early days to consider investing in the market. ‘All of this is rather new,’ explains Knock. ‘And so investment in English wine as bottled stock is still virtually not even on the radar, and certainly not as developed as it is for ne wine made in other origins.’
As for the wines one might consider collecting? ‘ ere are few bottles at this stage that I could consider investment grade, simply because we don’t really know the ageing capability of most wines, and few have a long track record of production to even be examined. But the best candidates for me are the rst two releases from 2009 and 2010 of the top wines from Nyetimber – 1086 – and Tillington Vineyard –with 1086 becoming the rst English wine to launch at above £100/bt when it was released several years ago. Holding these in large format will be excellent collectors’ items and I can see them being highly sought-a er in ve to 10 years by champions of the English wine industry who want to show that England can take on the best prestige cuvées of Champagne and stand tall.’
For now, though, there is much to celebrate about the evolution of English winemaking taking place throughout the country. ‘West Sussex has great still varieties,’ says Hurley. ‘In areas north of London, such as Essex, they’re producing standout still wine now, which 10 years ago no-one even knew was possible.’ Even boutique hotel group e Pig –renowned for its locally-sourced approach to hospitality –has its own vineyard, at the site of its newly opened South Downs outpost. ‘ ey are such good supporters of English wine,’ Hurley says. ‘I don’t think anyone can argue against supporting local, buying local, and pairing English wine with local produce.’
We’ll raise a glass to that.
londoncru.co.uk/ oenogroup.com/
■ OXEYE, NINE ELMS
Visit for… a glass of Langham Estate
Corallian Classic Cuvèe. ‘Personally, I really love the balance of this wine between the freshness and the fruit,’ says Gaia Sera ni, Head Sommelier.
oxeyerestaurant.co.uk
■ THE CORAL ROOM, BLOOMSBURY
Visit for… Albourne Estate’s Blanc de Blancs 2014, with its patisserie-like aromas and fresh fruit crispness. And, of course, the breathtaking interior design. thecoralroom.co.uk
■ THE 10 CASES, COVENT GARDEN
Visit for… Brendon Sugrue’s zero dosage cuvée, e Trouble with Dreams. ‘A wine that stands up to the very best grower Champagnes on quality,’ says Alex Pitt, wine manager.
10cases.co.uk
■ UPSTAIRS AT THE GEORGE, FITZROVIA
Visit for… a taste of ‘ e Painter of Light’ Chardonnay from Blackbook Winery, a small and relatively new project located in a railway arch near Battersea Park, and acclaimed for its still wines.
thegeorge.london/upstairs
■ NOBLE ROT, LAMB’S CONDUIT STREET
Visit for… a lively wine list of English Sparkling – try the Hambledon Classic Cuvée. Keep an eye out for its newest Mayfair outpost, opening in April 2023.
noblerot.co.uk
Andrew Pike, managing partner of Burlingtons Legal , explains why understanding client needs is at the heart of the Burlington Group
Having worked in banking for 20 years, and law for another 25, I have seen a lot of changes over the years. Both professions are, at their heart, service industries and therefore have to adapt to the changing demands and expectations of their customers if they want to stay ahead of the game. Gone are the days when business just walked in the door. With the growth of the internet and social media, potential clients are presented with a wealth of reviews and choices. However, customer service has to operate within a regulatory environment and the phrase ‘know your customer’ has di erent meanings depending on the context.
My abiding memory of my rst day at work is walking into the Midland Bank in St Austell, 45 years ago, to hear the assistant manager loudly venting his anger at having to ask customers whether or not they had a home telephone. at was the day that Midland Bank introduced credit scoring for personal loan applications. Credit scoring was introduced as a systemised way of getting to know a customer’s nancial stability and, despite the protests, was here to stay. Automating the process of providing services to customers based on systems rather than personal opinion, allowing the computer to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, was one of the prerequisites for future developments, such as online banking and, more recently, banking apps on mobile phones. at represents progress for many, although o set for some by the disappearance of their local high street branch – according to Which?, more than 5,000 have gone in the past decade. Every silver lining has a cloud somewhere.
Changes in the eld of law have perhaps been less obvious. You can still walk into a high street law rm in most towns,
even though the local bank branch may have closed. Nevertheless, law rms have been changing in recent years and sole practitioners ( rms with just one practising lawyer) are fast becoming an endangered species.
To a large extent, that re ects the increasing regulation faced by law rms. e administration involved in complying with the requirements of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is gradually forcing small rms to merge, as many sole traders are nding the administrative burden greater than they can cope with. It is also harder to nd professional indemnity insurance at an a ordable price, as insurers have come to recognise that a sole trader can’t do everything well.
Over recent years, successive governments have ramped up anti-money laundering legislation and lawyers have increasingly become the gatekeepers. Old stories about how proceeds from the Brink’s-Mat robbery in 1983 helped nance the development of Canary Wharf have been resurrected recently by the popular BBC series e Gold. ese days, however, buying a three-bed semi in suburbia will require you to supply your lawyer not only with your passport and proof of address, but also evidence to show where your deposit is being held and an explanation as to how you came by it in the rst place. According to the SRA, the most common request, when asked how the SRA could best assist law rms, is to stop adding to the ever-growing regulatory burden that lawyers face. Proper regulation is essential, of course, but it doesn’t make life easy for lawyers or their clients.
To be fair, bankers don’t have it easy on that front either. Have you tried opening an account for a company with an overseas address and a parent company in the British Virgin Islands? Don’t hold your breath. e thing is, we all just want to get on with providing our customers with the services they
want with the least inconvenience. Know Your Customer regulations don’t make it easy, but other changes have compensated for that inconvenience.
With the move towards electronic signatures for most documents, and the extensive use of electronic communications generally, paper les are becoming a thing of the past. Post-lockdown, we have also seen wide acceptance of the use of Teams and Zoom meetings, which, combined with (almost) paperless communications, can make transactions more streamlined and user-friendly for clients.
It’s not just the manner in which services are delivered that is important, however. Everyone is di erent and not everyone wants the same thing from a law rm. Some people only want to deal with a lawyer when they have to – when buying a property, for example, or sorting out a boundary dispute. Others, particularly businesses, value an ongoing relationship with a lawyer who understands what they do and how they do it.
at’s where knowing your customer is a real bene t, and Burlingtons has always built its team around people who understand and use the law to nd practical solutions for its clients, based on the nature of their business.
Burlingtons o cially began trading in April 2011, but its roots go back much further, to the 1990s, when the senior partner, Deborah Mills, set up as a sole trader, under the name Deborah Mills & Associates. e rm has gone
through various phases and addresses since then, but many of its current clients go back to those early years. ey have remained loyal because they feel their lawyers understand them and value the relationship that they have built.
Clients like to feel they have someone they can speak to, whatever the problem. at’s why every Burlingtons client has a partner who has overall responsibility for all their matters, and who is available to speak to them about any problems they may have – and I have heard some interesting ones over the years!
Clients look to their lawyers to help with a broad spectrum of needs and being a one-stop shop is becoming increasingly relevant. at is why, over recent years, Burlingtons has not only increased the range of legal services that it o ers, but it has also embraced wider opportunities through the formation of Burlingtons Group, of which Burlingtons Legal forms part (burlingtons.group). Now, as part of a wider group, Burlingtons has access to a whole range of services, including tax and accounting, wealth management, trust services, and real estate – and by building a detailed knowledge of its clients, Burlingtons is now able to tailor a range of services to meet a client’s individual needs.
Not everyone wants that wide a range of services, of course. Clients don’t necessarily want to hear about tax planning when they just want to make a will. at is where being prepared to listen to your customer and really understand their needs at di erent stages in their journey is a real positive.
Knowing your customer is key to good service provision and not just a phrase to be rolled out when onboarding a client. It’s what di erentiates a good law rm from an average one and, at Burlingtons, it is part of our ethos.
So, it doesn’t matter if you want a full English breakfast or just a slice of toast, Burlingtons can provide whatever you need – as long as you show us your passport rst!
“Knowing your client is key to good service provision and not just a phrase to be rolled out when onboarding a client ”
Words: Kat Poole
There’s a trend rippling through the fashion industry, but it’s not something you’ll see on the catwalks. The biggest talking point this season is vintage – and how best to invest. Demand for preloved luxury is at an all-time high, thanks to the potent combination of an ever-increasing interest in sustainable and circular fashion, a desire for premium pieces at more accessible points, and the lure of rare or exclusive products. It’s perhaps unsurprising that during a time of social and economic uncertainty consumers are looking to curate wardrobes that prioritise craftsmanship and the reassuring aesthetic of past seasons.
Of course, certain pieces can also represent a meaningful investment. A 2020 report by Art Market Research showed that designer handbags now have better investment potential than art, classic cars and even rare whiskies, with demand for Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton leading the way. As such, the retail world is seeing rapid growth in luxury resale websites, from global marketplaces such as TheRealReal and Vestiaire to more intimate independent boutiques. Luxury brands are also seeing the opportunity to meet demand directly; Rolex now has a pre-owned programme, and in late 2022, LVMH launched Heristoria, selling vintage pieces from 21 of its fashion houses.
One such resale platform is Lampoo, based in London and Milan.
Founded in 2019, it aims to provide a trusted second-hand luxury shopping service and, in doing so, contribute towards a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. Burlingtons spoke to Enrico Trombini, Lampoo’s founder and CEO, to find out more.
Enrico, what do you think is driving the market for luxury resale?
The resale market is probably one of the most exciting industries to be a part of right now. Over recent years we’ve been witnessing a gradual change in consumers’ purchasing behaviour and how they consume fashion, and now we’re seeing a mass shift in the adoption of resale like never before. Creating a more circular economy is at the heart of our business, but increasingly we’re seeing customers come to Lampoo, as it allows them to buy into brands at lower price points and access covetable pieces from sold-out collections.
Are there certain iconic brands or pieces that have helped drive the interest in second-hand luxury?
Hermès is consistently a top performer for us. The fact that customers can get their hands on a piece that you, otherwise, might have to wait months for via the brand directly is an attractive proposition, and consistently drives customers to our site and store. Alongside Hermès, the big-name brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci always perform well too, as it gives customers the chance to buy into the brand without investing at full price.
What does this mean for the future of trend-led fashion?
Fashion brands are constantly reimagining and reworking silhouettes and motifs from previous seasons, so, in that sense, we’ll always continue to see trend-led sales as a result of vintage renewal. Second-hand provides a natural way to shop current trends with vintage stock, seen with styles such as the Gucci Jackie, an iconic bag for the brand for years, but enjoying a recent revival because of the re-release of the style in current-season stock.
What do you think this means for the fashion landscape in 10 years’ time?
Sustainability and circularity will continue to break further into the mainstream, with more expectation on brands to demonstrate how they are part of the solution, not part of the problem. In terms of consumer behaviour, vintage will continue to rise in popularity, and we’ll start seeing significant growth in vintage and second-hand markets across the world, rather than concentrated in hotspots such as London, New York and Tokyo.
Within the luxury resale segment, I think we are going to see steady, double-digit growth over the next five years. The market will clearly polarise between peerto-peer platforms and consignment service providers such as us. There will be space for a small number of incumbents in each market, each taking a share of an ever-growing several-billion-pound market.
Can you tell us a bit about how Lampoo works?
Lampoo is a luxury consignment service, dedicated to pre-loved designer fashion, that offers an easy and convenient way to buy and sell. Peer-to-peer resale services tend to mean that there’s a lot of effort required to sell your items, while, at Lampoo, a dedicated team takes everything off your hands –collecting the items from your home, photographing, secure storage, and delivery to the buyer once sold. For buyers, shipping and returns are free, and our meticulous authentication processes offer complete peace of mind that they are buying the real thing, in great condition.
The authentication process is carried out by professionals with years of experience in the world of fashion and luxury goods, from both retail and production standpoints. They take into account the special characteristics and quality of the models, materials and handicraft techniques required to make them, as well as the presence of serial codes .
What’s next for the luxury resale market?
My vision of the market is that it will be dominated by two main business models: peer-to-peer and consignment. While the first already shows a few incumbents, the latter is extremely fragmented, and it’s there that we see the opportunity to become a household name by satisfying the demand for an easier, quicker and safer selling and buying experience.
lampoo.com/en
Danni Dance is founder of The Hosta, which sells a curated collection of authenticated pre-owned and vintage bags. These are her tips for finding second-hand pieces to treasure.
■ When it comes to clothing, know your measurements, and ignore the sizing on a garment. A lot of vintage sizes come up small, so ask the seller for the exact measurements of the piece.
■ Ask the seller to see videos of the piece in daylight and on a person, to get a feel for the overall condition. Studio lighting can look very different from natural light — this way, you can see any scratches on the hardware or the leather.
■ Be aware that you’re not buying a brand-new piece. If there are minor scratches or creases, often it adds to the appeal. A bag, for example, could be 30 years old, and have had a life before.
■ Always make sure the seller accepts returns — not everyone does.
the-hosta.com
Increased demand from investors and tenants is fuelling rapid growth in the buy-to-let market. Henry Mills , of Burlingtons Real Estate, explains more
The UK buy-to-let market has experienced signi cant growth in recent years, mainly because of the increase in living costs, as well as growing demand for properties – from tenants as well as investors. As the market becomes more competitive, however, prices continue to rise, making it more challenging for landlords to make a pro t from their investments.
A er the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) increase in interest rates, landlords are facing rising interest costs. Legislation changes have also made it less tax e cient for individual landlords to own properties in their name, rather than as
corporate entities, with signi cant tax deterrents being imposed to move from private to corporate ownership. As a result, landlords have had a harder time keeping up with evolving legislation, maintaining safety standards, and bearing the costs resulting from them. Additionally, they may su er signi cant losses if tenants default on rent payments. Despite these challenges, buy-to-let remains an attractive investment option for those willing to navigate the changing market environment and take calculated risks.
Some landlords may be able to use economies of scale to
reduce rents for their tenants. Furthermore, the increased demand for rental properties could lead to more investment in that market, which may o set the increased costs of maintenance and regulation.
For instance, B oE data shows that the number of xed-rate mortgages agreed in the UK has increased from 51 per cent in Quarter 1 (Jan-Mar) 2016 to 86 per cent in Quarter 3 (July-Sept) 2022. is suggests that UK homeowners are increasingly looking for security in a time of economic uncertainty. As the BoE increased its base rate from 4 per cent to 4.25 per cent on ursday, 23 March 2023, the trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
As for lenders, it’s unclear whether they have become more willing to lend, and more attractive mortgage products aren’t always readily available for buy-to-let investors – although data shows that lenders are putting forward competitive mortgage products despite the BoE interest increases.
Demand for rental properties continues to increase, however, re ecting a shi in the housing market towards a preference for renting over buying. e most recent English Housing Market Survey reported that around 19 per cent of all households in England live in the private rented sector.
As the cost of living continues to rise, purchasing a property has become more di cult for many, making renting a more attractive option. However, navigating the buy-to-let market can be challenging, and it’s important to consider the risks and opportunities involved carefully before making any investment decisions.
e recent rise in interest rates by the BoE has highlighted the need for landlords to have a strong understanding of the legal implications of their investment strategy. Speci cally, with the changes in legislation a ecting the tax e ciency of owning properties as individuals, many landlords may want to explore the bene ts of holding properties in corporate
structures. is requires careful consideration of the legal implications and regulations involved, as well as the associated costs and bene ts.
At Burlingtons Legal, we have expertise in advising clients on the legal aspects of buy-to-let investment strategies, including the use of corporate structures.
If you require more information on these services, please contact Deborah Mills at deborah.mills@ burlingtons.legal
Burlingtons Real Estate has invested in residential rental markets in the expanding cities of Liverpool, Manchester, She eld and Leicester, recognising the unique investment opportunities presented in these areas and, indeed, government investment that is going into them.
Liverpool’s buy-to-let rental market has been booming in recent years because of the in ux of young professionals and students looking for a ordable
housing. Burlingtons Real Estate has focused on providing modern, high-quality and a ordable homes for tenants in the city, tapping into the growing demand for housing in the area and providing an attractive investment opportunity because of the potential for capital appreciation.
Meanwhile, a rise in construction and investment has contributed to the strong economic growth of the East Midlands region. e result is Leicester, Nottingham and Derby becoming the region’s newest buy-to-let hotspots, attracting tenants, developers and investors.
For example, Leicester’s 2023 development of the King Power Stadium and Highcross shopping centre are expected to bring £1.3bn in economic bene ts. is is likely to further increase the region’s economic growth, attracting more investment opportunities in the near future.
Demand for buy-to-let homes in the region is at an all-time high, with Leicester leading the way. is trend is expected to continue as more people move to the city because of increased job opportunities and improved infrastructure. Leicester is also poised to bene t from new transportation links; plans for the development of a new high-speed rail line linking Leicester with Birmingham and other nearby cities is already under way, which will undoubtedly further increase the demand for buy-to-let homes in the area.
Burlingtons Real Estate has, to date, acquired seven available units in Leicester, Liverpool and Croydon.
As the UK’s rental market continues to evolve, Burlingtons Real Estate remains committed to providing innovative and forward-thinking investment solutions. e company’s team of experienced professionals is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the market, including the challenges posed by changing regulations and economic conditions.
If you are interested in learning more about Burlingtons Real Estate’s investment opportunities, or wish to discuss potential investment opportunities in the UK market, please contact me at henry.mills@ burlingtons.realestate
“The recent rise in interest rates by the Bank of England has highlighted the need for landlords to have a strong understanding of the legal implications of their investment strateg y”
Pounding hooves, racing hearts, pomp and pageantry – the Sport of Kings has it all. With the Flat season getting under way in the spring, we look ahead to four of the most iconic races in the British sporting calendar
Words: Amy Bennett
Spring in the air heralds the return of Flat racing – the true Sport of Kings, where excitement and adrenaline meet a cavalcade of drama and glamour.
From sheikhs and royalty to those with just a tiny share in a syndicate-owned horse, horseracing is a sport for all to enjoy. And what better way to welcome the return of the Flat season than to take a closer look at some of the most prestigious races at the start of the British season?
e Grand National may be one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, but it is also one of the last major jumps meetings of the season. As soon as those horses cross the line, attention turns fully to the Flat.
While jumps racing features older horses, with fan favourites returning to action each winter, the pinnacle of a
racehorse’s career on the Flat is at three. Plenty of riches lie ahead for older horses, of course, but only a three-year-old can contest the ve ‘Classics’; the iconic, storied races that mark a career high – and usher in a lucrative stud career.
e ve Classic contests in Britain gave birth to races of similar names across the world – think the Kentucky Derby, Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby), or the lucrative Derbys in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and South Africa, to name but a few.
However, the quintet of British races are the true originals. Four of the ve take place in the opening months of the Flat season, with the nal race – the St Leger, the oldest Classic in the world, rst run in 1776 – due to take place at Doncaster in September.
Racing returns to Newmarket, Su olk, the historic home of British horseracing, in April, and the racecourse plays host to
the rst two Classics of the season in early May.
Both the 2,000 Guineas and the 1,000 Guineas are run over a straight mile. e races take place on the Rowley Mile course, the stretch of turf named a er a favourite horse of King Charles II. It was the Merry Monarch’s grandfather, King James I, who rst started racing in Newmarket in the early 1600s, but it was Charles II who truly cemented its stature, setting up a court in the Su olk market town so as to fully enjoy the sport on o er – as well as the company of a certain Nell Gwyn.
e 2,000 Guineas, open to colts and llies, was rst run in 1809, while the 1,000 Guineas, for llies only, is the ‘newest’ of the ve Classics, run for the rst time in 1814.
Races over distances of four, or even eight, miles were in vogue at the time of Charles II, but speed is king in modern horseracing. As such, the winner of the 2,000 Guineas will, in time, be rewarded with a hugely lucrative career as a stallion, while the future o spring of the 1,000 Guineas
heroine will also be highly prized. is year, the three-day Guineas Festival will coincide with a truly royal occasion, as the 2,000 Guineas takes place on the same day as the coronation of King Charles III. What better place to raise a glass to a new monarch than at the very heart of British racing?
A range of hospitality options is available, so every moment of the action can be enjoyed in luxurious surroundings. Private boxes are available on the fourth oor of the Millennium Grandstand, with panoramic views of the racecourse that can be enjoyed from a private balcony, along with outstanding hospitality in elegant surroundings. Or, for £320 a person, the Champions Gallery restaurant o ers a champagne reception, three-course meal, and a traditional a ernoon tea – plus there’s a tipster on hand to keep the winners coming!
thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket
A month a er the excitement of the Guineas, attention switches to the Derby and the Oaks, both run over a mile and a half at Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey.
e Derby has long been the pinnacle of sporting achievement, taking place for the rst time in 1780. Famously named when the 12th Lord Derby won a coin toss against Sir Charles Bunbury, it was the latter who saw his colours carried to success in the rst-ever running of the race, when Diomed triumphed. Since then, some of the most famous names in the sport have enjoyed success.
First broadcast by the BBC on radio in 1927, the Derby was the rst outdoor sporting event to be televised when John Logie Baird used cameras and the BBC’s transmitter at the 1931 running of the race.
Renowned horse breeder Federico Tesio famously once said: ‘ e thoroughbred exists because its selection has depended not on experts, technicians or zoologists, but on a piece of wood: the winning post of the Epsom Derby.’ No words could give a better insight to the vital importance of the Derby – and the future stud career of the winner.
A day before some of the best colts (and llies) in the land line up for the Derby, a eld of world-class llies will compete in the Oaks, run over the same course and distance as the Derby.
e Oaks, named a er the home of the 12th Lord Derby, is actually a year older than the Derby. e infamous coin toss took place at a party held to celebrate that rst running of the Oaks Stakes, won by Lord Derby’s Bridget in 1779.
Both races, as well as the valuable Coronation Cup, for older horses, are run over the unique horseshoe racecourse on Epsom Downs. Gone are the days when the race was so important that even parliament shut down for the day so MPs could watch, but crowds still ock to the Downs each year, with the traditional funfair inside the track, and open-topped London buses lining the rail on the home straight.
Private boxes, with a private balcony overlooking the racecourse and views of the London skyline, o er a more sophisticated way to enjoy the action on Derby Day. Hospitality packages priced at £929 per person include a sumptuous four-course lunch. A range of other hospitality options o er something for everyone to soak up the atmosphere of a uniquely British sporting event.
thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom
With an increasing number of sustainable luxury travel options, it’s only fitting that the destination itself should be something to shout about.
Whether the tranquillity of a mountain region, the drama of the crashing ocean, or the frenetic atmosphere of a major city, finding the right view from your accommodation really can elevate your experience to the next level
Words: Mike Williams
While there are exotic vacations aplenty that o er stunning views from your room, London can boast some pretty spectacular sights too. Staying high up in the iconic Shard, guests can see for miles across London’s bustling cityscape.
Not only does the Shangri-La’s prime location o er easy access to the best entertainment, restaurants and bars the city has to o er, the suites are located high enough above the frantic hustle and bustle of the capital’s streets to allow you to enjoy the view in absolute serenity.
the-shard.com/Shangri-la-the-shard-london
Not only is every aspect of this hotel the ultimate in luxury, the bedroom views are genuinely breathtaking. What’s more, you can enjoy the resort’s fresh air and mountainous landscape from the comfort of your accommodation’s interior or while relaxing in your private in nity pool.
is ve-star, luxurious hotel is regarded as one of the best allinclusive packages on the market – the perfect place to declutter your mind and unwind, as you gaze across the Caribbean Sea.
jademountain.com
If you’re looking for something a little di erent from gorgeous ocean views in a sun-kissed climate, this luxury resort on the shores of Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada, should certainly t the bill.
Set in the Ban National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Fairmont Chateau o ers visitors breathtaking views of the snow-covered Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Victoria Glacier and the serene Lake Louise. fairmont.com/lakelouise
e planet boasts a plethora of wonderful locations, none more so than Sedona, Arizona, where the Enchantment Resort o ers an all-American experience that introduces you to the spectacular Red Rock Country.
e resort’s luxurious interiors are only surpassed by what lies just outside: a resort that’s set in 70 acres of Boynton Canyon, one of Arizona's most scenic ‘box’ canyons. Apartments boast terraces that give a 360-degree view of the stunning area, allowing guests to take in those amazing desert surroundings to full e ect.
enchantmentresort.com
Italy is renowned for myriad reasons: its food, culture, history, and some of the most stunning views anywhere in the world.
Take this cli op location in Anacapri, which o ers guests a luxury holiday experience with breathtaking vistas of the Bay of Naples and nearby Mount Vesuvius.
At the Hotel Caesar Augustus, you'll have your own private terrace area on which to linger over breakfast and take in the magni cent Italian scenery.
caesar-augustus.com
What is the commercial value of Easter celebrations?
Easter – the Christian holiday marking the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ – can be traced back to the pagan celebration of the spring equinox.
Whatever your beliefs, it is impossible to deny that chocolate is now inextricably linked with Easter – more specifically, chocolate eggs, the modern-day symbol of new life.
Over recent decades, the commercial market around Easter has boomed, especially the demand for luxury goods. A cursory online search shows that it is
not just supermarkets boosting profits; luxury retailers are also seizing the market opportunity. For example, royal grocer Fortnum & Mason is currently selling 25 chocolate Easter eggs online, the most expensive of which is its handpainted bunny Easter egg for £100, the equivalent of £20 for every 100g. Compare that with a Smarties milk chocolate Easter egg, sold at Tesco, which works out a mere £1.05 per 100g.
Chocolate aside, the four-day Easter break provides a growing financial boost for the UK economy: in 2022 alone, retail spending at Easter hit a massive £1.3bn, almost double the £774m spent in 2017.
Easter is a special time of year, but clearly very special for retailers and the nation.
