Burlingtons - Winter 2021/22

No 11 l WINTER 2022/23

Celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, promising 12 months of agile business ahead

Young British Artists Introducing the class of 2023

Pitch-side Cheer Thrills & spills of the Six Nations rugby

Independent Learning Benefits of the British public school system

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Trust.

Reliability.

Performance.

Providing a co-ordinated and centralised suite of regulated professional services to our discerning clients across the globe.

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.

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5 Stratford Place, London W1C 1AX - England T: +44 (0) 20 7529 5420 • E: info@burlingtons.group

www.burlingtons.group

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CEO FROM THE

H

appy New Year and I hope you had a peaceful and restful break with family and friends. I always find the festive period a time to celebrate but also a moment to pause for reflection on the past year and the year ahead. Burlingtons has continued to grow through the year with further strategic investments and acquisitions and with international expansion planned for the year ahead, which we will detail in our magazine.

The theme for this issue is the Chinese New Year, which is the year of the rabbit. In Chinese astrology it symbolises patience and luck, virtues I believe will be key to success and happiness in our personal and professional lives.

In the vein of a new year and a fresh start, I am thrilled to announce production and publication of the Burlingtons magazine is being handled by Stewart Dymock and the team at Century One. As you will see in this issue there is a fresh and exciting approach from content through to design – with pieces such as Shopping (page 12), After Dark (page 32) and the exciting new layout of Postcards from the Edge (page 44). I am sure this will be the start of a fruitful collaborative partnership between Century One and ourselves.

Elsewhere in the magazine Alistair Muscat of Integra Private Wealth reflects on the financial markets of the past year and looks to the future (page 52), and Cornwalls Lane also reflect on the year in Gibraltar and the important changes ahead for Gibraltar (page 62).

I hope you enjoy these insights and more in this issue.

Deborah Mills Chief Executive Officer Burlingtons Group Limited

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BURLINGTONS GROUP Deborah Mills CEO Burlingtons Group (deborah.mills@burlingtons.group) Jacob Kett Head of Private Office (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 find out more about Burlingtons Group contact: rory@centuryone.uk 01727 739181

EDITORIAL

Director of Editorial: Stewart Dymock Sub Editor: Denise Burrows Contributors: David Taylor, Rosemary Waugh, Katherine Poole, Claudia Dudman, Mike Williams, James Richards and Andrew Morris

DESIGN

Creative Director: Peter Davies Senior Designer: Caitlyn Hobbs

© 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.

Century One Publishing Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Rd, St Albans AL3 4DG stewart@centuryone.uk 01727 893894 www.centuryone.uk

Burlingtons magazine is published by Century One Publishing Ltd www.centuryone.uk Burlingtons magazine is printed on FSC® mixed credit - Mixed source products are a blend of FSC 100%, Recycled and/or Controlled fibre. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®.

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CONTENTS No 11 l WINTER 2022/23

12 18 THE U LT I M AT E SH OP P I N G

Pick of this season's luxury offerings

To see how we can help with our wide range of professional services please go to our website available on your computer, tablet or smartphone www.burlingtons.group

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T H E SE AS ON

January-April 2023 The top arts, cultural and sporting events to be seen at

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C H I N E SE N E W Y E A R

The Year of the Rabbit promises peace and prosperity in 2023

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YOU NG B R I T I SH A RT I S T S

Next generation contemporary painters – the ones to watch

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POSTCARD FROM XI'AN

A TASTE OF THE EAST

A window on contemporary Asian cuisine

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I N T E RV I E W

Financial focus: Integra reviews last year's markets to shape this year's investments

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E DU C AT ION

The British independent schools system goes under the spotlight

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A F T E R DA R K

Six of the best London dining experiences and top-notch bars

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J U NO

Navigating the complex British education system

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G I B R A LTA R

Expansion in Europe with Cornwalls Lane

66 RU G B Y

Kicking off the Guinness Six Nations tournament at Twickenham with hospitality to suit all

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LU X U RY E C O T R AV E L

From safaris to whale watching, tips to help you plan your next eco escape

78 B OR I S

Webinars that hit the right spot

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T YSE R S I N SU R A NC E

New year, new collaborations: Tysers and Burlingtons Group join forces

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THE

ULTIMATE T h e exp e r i ences and purchas es that are th e p i ck o f the s eas on.

Words Andre w Mo rr is

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A N E W H E I G H T F OR A H I G H - E N D WATC H M A K E R

Founder Willy Breitling describes the Breitling Premier Chronograph Tourbillon Bentley as “unmistakable stamp of impeccable taste” – and anyone who has seen its 18K red gold timepiece, vintage-inspired hands, alligator strap and verdant green dial cannot fail to agree. The watch is powered by Manufacture Caliber B21, certified by the industry body Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, so you can rest assured it will work as hard as you do. Available in limited quantities – only 25 have been made – there are a variety of suave details including grooves on the case-sides, an open tourbillon cage and a sapphire caseback. £39,900 Breitling.com

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A F R E SH S TA RT F OR A S AV I L E ROW L E G E N D

This spring invest in a great coat not only in name. This particular specimen is from Edward Sexton, who recently returned to Savile Row at the age of 80 with a lavish flagship store, 53 years after he first worked on the same street. He still has the prowess to combine traditional craftsmanship with a peacock flair. Woven in Italy, this kneelength coat, in turmeric, takes design inspiration from a classic naval peacoat. Sexton advises wearing with cords or flannel trousers – if you’re unsure it will still pop pleasingly with a deep navy suit. In short: the kind of item you will still be getting compliments on five decades into the future. £1,650 Edwardsexton.co.uk

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T H E SI G NAT U R E ST Y L E OF A E U ROP E A N LU X U RY P OW E R HO U SE

Given his previous role as Creative Design Director of Men’s and Women’s Leather Goods at Givenchy, it is perhaps unsurprising that Montblanc Creative Director, Marco Tomasetta has produced a range of sublime accessories in his new role at Montblanc. Inspired by the classic writing implement of the same name, the range comes in leather in the deepest tone of black imaginable – consider it akin to a perfectly delivered signature. The mountain range pochettes are on-trend but the holdall is our favourite. A smart work bag for the return to the office or a supremely clean look for a dirty weekend – it is your call. £1,595 Montblanc.com

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T W E N T Y F I R S T C E N T U RY B E SP OK E TA I L OR I NG

Anyone can wear a three-piece suit. But a five-piece means you are truly prepared for whatever the day (and night) may hold. Requiring on average 200 hours to construct, the finished article comes complete with jacket, waistcoat, two pairs of trousers (the first high waisted, the second flat fronted) and a ‘Stealth’ overcoat that is so chic you can pair it with a hoodie underneath. One style authority describes wearing Michael Browne bespoke as making you “feel like a dandified outlaw riding into town at high noon”. £25,000 Michaelbrowne.store

5 BELOW DECK: THE NEXT EVOLU TION OF ONBOARD LUXURY

Unveiled at Monaco’s Musée océanographique to considerable fanfair, this shows Four Seasons' next evolution – from hotels, to private jets and now boats. Consider it the result of cherry picking the best elements of a luxury cruise and a private yacht: a floating luxury hotel with 196 passengers, complete with 96 suites, 11 restaurants, a swimming pool and a ‘marina’ to form a private beach club. Still not convinced? As it is considerably more chic than a cruise ship it can access destinations barred for less exclusive boats. From 2025.

Fourseasons.com

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A B E SP OK E T R A I N E R T HAT D OE SN ’ T C O S T T H E E A RT H

Father and son duo George and George Glasgow have emerged as the go-to choice for handmade shoes for tough guys on the red carpet including Jason Statham, Henry Cavill, Sylvester Stallone and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. But times change: and now everyone needs at least one pair of ‘dress sneakers’ in their wardrobe. The Jack trainers are ideal for any work, social or other occasion where you need to just inject a touch of insouciance. Plus the footwear uses 100% sustainable soles, made from the milk of the hevea tree. £350 Georgecleverley.com

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SE C U R E A N U P G R A DE AT T H E OV E R L O OK HOT E L

Recently ranked 88 in Sight and Sound’s greatest movies of all time, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining remains the standard by which all arthouse horror will be judged – in fact the only person who didn’t like it was the original author Stephen King who dismissed the 1980 film as “like a big, beautiful Cadillac with no engine inside it". This lavish new XXL edition from Taschen is two volumes, contains facsimile reproductions of original artworks, exclusive interviews and hundreds of never before seen photos direct from the Kubrick archive. Available as a limited edition of 1000, invest now or see it being sold for prices as unhinged as Jack Nicholson's character. Released February 2023. £1,500 Taschen.com

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T H E A RT OF T H E TA B L E

Known for their eye-catching collaborations with some of the world’s most flamboyant designers – including British breakout Luke Edward Hall and the late great Virgil Abloh – storied Italian porcelain brand Ginori 1735 from just outside Florence celebrates audacity and beauty and delivers truly exceptional craftsmanship – consider this the equivalent of the White Lotus TV show in plate form. While the geometric elegance of the Labrinto has been a favourite for a while, the Malachite range is truly fabulous.

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C ASE I N P OI N T

There are few travel accessories as hardwearing, stylish and covetable as Globetrotter luggage, the definition of international elegance since 1897. Still handcrafted in Hertfordshire, on occasion using machines first developed in the Victorian era, they’ve attracted fans as diverse as Sir Winston Churchill and Kate Moss (one suspects that smoking and champagne would be the other common ground between the two). These latest versions are kitted out with vegetabletanned leather, microsuede interiors and take inspiration from a Lamborghini concept car.

Note: a small number of airlines may ask economy class passengers to check in this suitcase – but if you’re turning right on the plane, you should really reconsider.

From £2795 Globe-trotter.com Andrew Morris has been writing about luxury for 20 years for titles including Maybourne magazine, BA High Life, Soho House and British GQ.

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From £73 Harrods.com

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R E I M AG I N I N G T H E WOR L D’ S M O S T LU X U R I O U S T R A I N

Recently unveiled at Miami Beach, the new Orient Express shows quite how far train travel has come since Agatha Christie described a murderous journey on the rails in 1934. The luxury locomotive has been completely reimagined by Maxime d'Angeac, a veteran of Daum, Hermès and Guerlain for the past 20 years. Set to launch in 2025, the CEO of Accor described it as: “A story inspired by a dream, a timeless train, the object of all fantasies and which becomes a reality.” In terms of what this actually means, expect decadent interiors, cocktails like clockwork and buttons that can summon staff or champagne on a whim. From 2025.

Orient-express.com

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THE

SEASON

JAN

Ess e n tial dates fo r one’s d iar y.

■ 27–29 JANUARY, E X T R E M E

SP ORT S , W I N T E R X G A M E S 2 7 , ASP E N

Take the opportunity to work off some off that post-prandial Christmas weight with a trip to one of the finest ski resorts in the world, Aspen. Indulge in a resort that caters for all needs, from extreme skiing to worldclass spa treatments whilst watching athletes with little regard for personal safety throw themselves off jumps, hare down slopes and flip backwards at the Winter X games.

■ 16 JANUARY – 6 JUNE, T H E SL E E P I NG B E AU T Y, ROYA L OP E R A HOU SE C OV E N T G A R DE N , L ON D ON ( BA L L E T )

■ 22 JANUARY – LU NA R N E W Y E A R Mark the end of the colder days and look ahead to the spring by welcoming in the new year with an open door and some sweet treats (both said to bring good luck). After all, 20% of the world’s population can’t be wrong. 2023 sees us moving into the year of the rabbit, an animal said to be the birth sign of good scholars, social butterflies and creative masterminds. Many traditions abound such as fireworks, crackers and the giving of red pockets containing money.

■ 25 JANUARY –

BU R N S N I G H T

The yearly celebration of all things North-ofthe-border. Take the chance to open some rare single-malt and don your finest bespoke tartan to celebrate the legendary Scottish poet and all-round raconteur Robbie Burns.

Traditional foods such as venison, smoked salmon and, of course, haggis are all a must – dancing the highland fling less so but welcome in the best circles.

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Tick another one off your bucket list with a trip to the stunning surrounds of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to attend arguably the ballet one must see.

Sumptuous sets, Tchaikovsky’s brilliant score and performances that will go down a treat with adults and children alike (and why not indulge in some retail therapy whilst there?).

■ 24 JANUARY – 19 MARCH, VAU LT F E S T I VA L

Billed as the ‘UK’s largest arts festival’, immerse yourself in some new and emerging creative talent over eight weeks at this Waterloo venue. A real opportunity to see grassroots liveperformance at a small but impactful venue.

VAULT 2023 will stage over 500 theatre and comedy shows, from experimental plays to work-in-progress pieces from big-name stand-ups like Luisa Omielan and Jordan Brookes. This festival really does set the agenda for the year ahead.

FEB

■ 26 FEBRUARY –THE OCEAN RACE, LEG 3 The reason we’re including leg 3 here is that simply it’s one of the most gruelling sailing events ever conceived. This leg is a record breaking whopping 12,750 nautical miles and the longest in the history of the event. Bear in mind this is also sailing across the bottom of the world, with Antarctica southwards and the capes of Hope, Leewin and Horn all northwards providing daunting conditions for even the most hardened of crews.

■ 1 FEBRUARY – END OF SHOOTING SEASON

The first day of February sees the end of the pheasant, red partridge, grey partridge (and also later in the month on the 20th the end of the duck and goose) seasons. So, find a friendly shoot with a spare peg and enjoy the very last of the shooting season. Don’t forget your sporting etiquette though with appropriate attire, tips for the beaters and remaining respectful of your fellow guns.

■ 16–19 FEBRUARY, FRIEZE ART FAIR, LOS ANGELES

Get your accountant on speed dial and head out to the City of Angels for a chance to bag yourself a new statement piece from the world’s finest collectable artists. Whilst there will clearly be a US angle, the show will feature both existing and new talent from 22 countries, with an emphasis on previously over-looked talent. The main action will be at Santa Monica Airport, although the fair will have events right across the city.

■ 14 FEBRUARY – VA L E N T I N E ' S DAY Bond Steet surely beckons as we celebrate our loved ones with the annual romantic event.

Show your amour how much you care with a thoughtful gift – perhaps something for her from Asprey or Graff and maybe something for him from Rolex or Richard Mille? How much the eponymous St Valentine would approve of this consumer behaviour is really besides the point.

■ 4 FEBRUARY – 18 MARCH,

RUGBY SIX NATIONS, UK, IRELAND, FRANCE & ITALY

photo courtesy of Aspreys

Watch modern day gladiators commence battle at the Guinness Six Nations rugby. As a team sporting spectacle, there aren’t many finer events to watch, especially considering the long history of rivalries adding to the drama. Strategy combines with raw power as the players get bigger, faster and fitter, and the impacts get quicker and more brutal. England will be led by a new coach and need a good showing whilst France seeks to retain its title. burlingtons

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MAR ■ 14–17 MARCH, C H E LT E N HA M R AC I NG F E ST I VA L Don your hats for the biggest and most prestigious week of the racing season, set near the regency spa town of Cheltenham. Held in a natural amphitheatre, this is the place to see and be seen. For horse-owners, of those with a stake in a horse, winning here can be transformative. From a hospitality perspective, Clare Smyth of Core fame is running an on-site restaurant – book early!

■ 26 MARCH – OX F OR D AND CAMBRIDGE B OAT R AC E

First held in 1829, the ‘dark blues’ of Oxford and the ‘light blues’ of Cambridge have been straining their oars against each other down 4.2 miles of (mostly) the Thames, with university pride at stake.

An excuse for a cracking day out enjoying a key date in ‘The Season’ and essential that one soaks up the atmosphere at one of the riverside hostelries.

■ 10 MARCH – 13 APRIL,

T U R A N D OT, ROYA L OP E R A H OU SE C OV E N T G A R DE N , L ON D ON ( OP E R A )

Puccini’s posthumously published masterpiece continues to enthral opera fans the world over, and this version should be no exception. Set against the background of ancient China, and with a stellar cast and crew, the production is set to match the grandeur of the score and the plot. We recommend the boxes in the Grand Tier or indeed the balcony as a perfect way to impress both business and personal contacts alike.

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■ 5 MARCH – F1 SEASON KO, BAHRAIN Petrol heads rejoice – the F1 season kicks off in Bahrain for what should be an interesting season, with Verstappen/Red Bull looking to build on their all-conquering 2022 season and the impact of the 2022 rule changes bedding in after a full season. Can Hamilton be the come-back kid or will some new blood shine?

■ 19 MARCH – MOTHERING SUNDAY (UK) Treat the most important woman in your life (you know it’s true) to something truly special and thoughtful this year. After the last few years, I think she deserves it, don’t you? Our advice is to avoid the personalised cards thing and think a little more classy with a stunning bouquet of flowers from Wild at Heart or McQueens.

■ 6–9 APRIL, MASTERS, AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, USA

Set amongst the soaring pines and immaculate fairways of the legendary Augusta course, this is one of the four biggies of the golfing world.

Whether you’re minded to fly to Georgia to watch the action up close, or if it just inspires a round at your local club, it’s still a great advert for this very civilised of sports. Don’t say: "What’s with the green jacket?" Do say: "I love the redesign of the 5th."

APR

■ 13–15 APRIL , GRAND NATIONAL,

LIVERPOOL (LADIES DAY 14 APRIL)

In what is seen as the start of the official Social Season, the Grand National has a rich and varied history stretching back to 1829. An intrinsic part of the national psyche and an opportunity for both novices and professionals to indulge in a bit of a wager. Study the form at length or just pick silks that you like the look of – no one’s judging.

■ 29 APRIL – THE KENTUCKY DERBY Grab a refreshing glass of mint julep and book a trackside seat on ‘Millionaire’s Row’ to watch the biggest and most prestigious horse race in north America. Whilst the races form the centrepiece to this week-long festival, there are many a party, gala and dinner to be had to let your hair down and really soak up that southern hospitality.

■ 7 APRIL – MESSIAH, ROYAL ALBERT HALL, LONDON (OPERA)

Incredible vocals? Check. Inspirational music?

Check. Iconic location? Check. What’s not to love about this stalwart (it’s over 280 years old) of the classical music scene. Handel wrote this as a paean to the life of Christ, from birth to death, and this piece of classic culture certainly lives up to the billing – ‘Zadok the Priest’ will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

■ 7–10 APRIL, EASTER WEEKEND With two extra days to your weekend and with many a rabbit, egg and daffodil themed event around the country, there is no short supply of ways to celebrate. It’s also the time of year when the weather starts to turn just a bit nicer and what better way to enjoy a long bank holiday weekend than with an al-fresco Easter lunch?

A Fortnum's picnic hamper is the perfect way to enjoy a spring long weekend.

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Chine se Ne w Yea r

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Chine F ina ncia se Ne l Fo w cus Yea r

YEAR OF THE

RABBIT T h e Ch in e se N e w Year star ts o n 22 J an u ar y an d e n ds on 9 Fe b r u a r y 2 024. 2 023 is the year of th e ra bbi t an d sp e ci fi cally th e wate r rabbi t an d will th e re fore be , we all hop e , syn o ny mous wi th longe vi t y, p eace a n d p rosp e ri t y. This year is b e i ng p re d i cte d as a year of p ro m ise ; a we lcome re spi te from re ce n t years of wars, re ce ssi on s an d p an d e mi cs.

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Wo rds De bo ra h Mills

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Chine se Ne w Yea r

I

n Chinese culture, the rabbit is seen as a tame and tender animal, swift in movement. People born in the year of the rabbit are usually of a soft disposition wanting to avoid conflict. The rabbit is also viewed as the luckiest of the zodiac animals symbolising mercy, elegance, calm and peace, although people who believe that a rabbit’s foot may bring good luck may consider the rabbit for a minute as it clearly brought none to the rabbit!

In Chinese mythology the rabbit is the only zodiac creature to have lived with the Goddess of the Moon; hence the birthstone of the rabbit is moonstone. The Chinese also named its first lunar rover 'Jade Rabbit' which roved the moon in 2013. Moonstones may be all very well but someone once said that a carrot was as close to a diamond as a rabbit will ever get.

Legend has it that in ancient times, the zodiac rabbit had a long, furry tail. Every day, he liked to curl his tail round himself and sleep comfortably in his burrow. When hungry, he would pop his head out and lazily eat the green grass at the entrance of his home.

It didn't take long for the grass on the entire hillside to be eaten up by the rabbit, revealing clearly where he lived. One day, a wolf noticed the bare grassy slope and found the place the rabbit inhabited. The wolf lurked outside the burrow waiting for his moment to pounce and ambush the rabbit.

The next morning when the sun came up the rabbit was, as always, hungry and ate the grass beside his burrow as usual. The wolf, timing his attack, bit hard on the rabbit's long tail. The rabbit reacted, kicked his hind legs vigorously to free himself from the wolf ’s jaws and knocked him unconscious for a short while but, when the wolf came round, he immediately gave chase to the rabbit.

A roar then came from the sky and a white dragon stepped between the rabbit and the wolf. The rabbit kept on running for his life until he was exhausted, needing to rest under a tree for a while but saw an ox standing behind a finishing line with a rat on its head and a tiger behind the ox. The rabbit had accidentally crossed the finishing line of the zodiac sign race and hence why, in the ranking of the zodiac, the rabbit comes fourth and the dragon fifth.

It is also said that is why the rabbit has a short, cotton tail as the wolf bit it off.

Some famous 'rabbits' include footballing legends David Beckham and Lionel Messi, who at the time of writing this is certainly the rabbit hero of Argentina progressing his country to the World Cup finals. Animated bunnies have become globally famous with Beatrix Potter’s tales of the escapades of Peter Rabbit, the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, Thumper in Bambi and Bugs Bunny for Disney and Warner Brothers respectively. Albert Einstein was also a rabbit!

In art rabbits symbolise sexuality with purity, often being depicted alongside the Madonna and child. Linked to rebirth the rabbit is seen as the 'Rabbit of the Moon' in Asia and part of Aztec legends. Rabbits and hares appear frequently on coinage of the ancient Greeks and Romans while even Peter Rabbit hopped on the 50 pence coin in 2019.

They have also have been at the heart of some famous songs written by global bands including White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane and Rabbit Heart by Florence and the Machine.

So we shouldn’t underestimate our furry friend. Confucius once said: “If you chase two rabbits you catch none.”

Well, maybe 2023 needs to be the year where we pull one out of the hat and, in chasing this year of the rabbit, we will be able to catch some hope and peace to survive a better, more positive year.

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Chine se Ne w Yea r

“2023 nee ds to be the y ear we pull one out o f the hat an d, i n chasing th is y ear o f the rabbi t , we will be able to catch so m e hope and peace to sur vive a better, mo re posi tive y ear ”

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Yo ung British Ar tists

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PAINTING THE FUTURE Fo rge t N F Ts fo r just a moment, the real co n te m porar y co nnoiss eurs have th e ir e y e s on a new generati o n o f Bri tish p ai nters.

Words Rose ma r y Wa ug h

A

revolution is happening in the British art world – and it’s not the one you think it is. While once upon a time being the hottest young artist in town meant a radical departure from what went before, a new generation of London-based artists have been reclaiming the age-old art of painting. Spearheaded by Millennial female painters, the loosely categorised ‘movement’ is characterised by works which are both fiercely contemporary and timelessly elegant.

Forget investing for the sake of investing, these are artworks worth treasuring for their aesthetic merits as much as their rising auction prices.

Post-pandemic, the international art market has largely recovered well, despite fears of prices levelling off and a shortage of high-quality historic works coming up for sale.

Auction houses Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips have all, to varying degrees, come out swinging. But the biggest take home from recent auctions has been a declining interest in older, white male artists and a huge upswing of interest in female millennials from diverse backgrounds wielding a paintbrush.

At the start of July, a record price was achieved for an Antonia Showering painting, along with a thoroughly impressive above-estimate price for a Flora Yukhnovich. Likewise, Jadé Fadojutimi’s paintings starting hitting the high price points as early as June 2021, despite the continuing uncertainty of the pandemic at that time. In short: oil-on-canvas is on-themoney. And it looks good too.

Here are the names to know:

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Yo ung British Ar tists

REIMAGINED ROCOCO: FLORA YUKHNOVICH

〉

“Forget i nve sti ng fo r th e sake of i n ve sti ng , th e s e a re a r two r ks wo r th treasur i ng for th e i r ae sth e ti c m erits as m uch as th e i r r isi ng auc ti on p r i ce s ”

Interest in the London-based artist Flora Yukhnovich has been steadily building over the past few years – and it's easy to see why. Suspended somewhere between the figurative and the abstract, her lushly coloured works seamlessly blend Rococo reference points with a knowingly modern sensibility. For her most recent London solo exhibition, the artist extended her ever-present interest in artistic depictions of femininity to explore iconic images of Venus in classical art and pop culture. Represented by Victoria Miro, the young artist’s paintings are no longer the investor’s bargain they once were but these sophisticated studies are ones you purchase simply for their poignant beauty with the intention of redecorating a room just so they can serve as the centrepiece. Think crushed rose petals, Wedgwood blues and some cheekily Rubenesque curves, and you’re getting close to Yukhnovich’s aesthetic.

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Young British Ar tists

ABSTRACTED EMOTION: 〉 JADÉ FADOJUTIMI Jadé Fadojutimi uses the canvas as a sounding board for her continued exploration of selfhood, identity and alienation. If that sounds a little bit heavy as a subject matter, rest assured that the result is a startlingly attractive form of painting that instantly hits you with its colourful, lively complexity. While some of Fadojutimi’s paintings play with a spider’s web of hidden space and dark colours, others use pops of near-fluorescent hues and the geometric shapes of childhood.

There’s also something of the ancient about these new works, with many of her paintings evoking memories of stained-glass windows. Like Yukhnovich, Fadojutimi has been ‘one to watch’ for several years now and interest is only set to increase thanks a major solo exhibition at the Hepworth Wakefield this autumn. Don’t be put off, these are worth the bidding war.

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Yo ung British Ar tists

TENDER BEINGS: 〉 KUDZANAI-VIOLET HWAMI To spend any time at all looking at a portrait

by Kudzanai-Violet Hwami is to feel like you’ve had the most personal encounter with the figure staring back at you from the canvas.

The Zimbabwean artist, who grew up in South Africa before relocating to the UK, is a master of the intimate. Often combining elements of collage with painting – plus the use of vintage photography during the creation process – her artworks place her subjects in recognisably domestic settings. She’s a dab hand at a nude and likes to explore the many facets of sexuality, but it’s her less obviously revealing portraits that really create a heightened sense of intimacy. A lone mother cradling a recalcitrant toddler, a lady asleep on an old leather sofa and the image of a cross-legged woman meditating all contain a shiverinducing note of perfect stillness. In some ways well known, Hwami’s artistic genius is still slightly underappreciated and undervalued.

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Young British Ar tists

INTUITIVE CONNECTION: EMMA PREMPEH

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“Prempeh is an artist to start purchasing now – before everyone else gets the same idea”

Emma Prempeh is part of the Royal College of Art’s graduating class of 2022. Critical interest in her work, however, is already starting to hot up – and not in a way that feels unhealthy or short-lived.

Demonstrating a type of wisdom that should be far beyond her years (she was born in 1996), the artist creates warmth-filled portraits and the occasional meditative landscape. Earthy tones of sandstone, chestnut and ochre permeate the world of her paintings, while her calling card is the application of synthetic gold leaf which gradually deteriorates over time to add hints of weathered beauty. Unlike those mentioned previously, Prempeh is an artist to start purchasing now – before everyone else gets the same idea.

LANDSCAPES OF LOVE: 〈 ANTONIA SHOWERING Since graduating from the Slade School of Fine Art in 2018, Antonia Showering has always narrowly escaped being seriously branded the ‘next big thing’.

Perhaps this is because her peopled landscapes evidence a certain maturity that prevents them from seeming trend-led or faddy. The London-born artist drenches her subjects – who are often family members – in an otherworldly aura, which gives them a fainty mythological quality. Greens, pinks, peaches and a glowing sunshine yellow have all featured highly in her work to date, resulting in compositions with an organic sheen. The artist’s signature softfocus look arises from initially painting with the canvas positioned horizontally so the colours pool together.

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AFTER DARK W h e n th e sun go e s d ow n London tr uly co mes to li fe.

He re are six m ust-visi t venues that should b e on e ve r y s e l f- re sp e cti ng reader 's radar.

Wo rds David Taylor

■ V E LV E T WHITEHALL PLACE SW1A

Wherever Salvatore Calabrese opens a new bar those in the know sit up and take notice. Velvet, in the Corinthia London hotel, is the latest creation of the genius affectionately known as the Maestro – drawing on his 40 years’ experience in the world’s best bars. Indulge in a cocktail list of sophisticated classics, including Salvatore’s Martini – his masterpiece using a method developed in the 1980s – and Negroni Svegliato, combining two of Salvatore’s favourites; the classic Negroni and his morning wake-up call. corinthia.com/london

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■ TAY Ē R + E L E M E N TA RY OLD STREET EC1V

It’s no surprise that Tayēr + Elementary has just bagged second spot in of the world’s 50 best bars. It’s actually two venues in one – Elementary is pitched as a modern neighbourhood bar one where you sip on classic cocktails such as their signature One Sip Martini.

Step through a partition to Tayēr, however, and that’s where the magic really happens. Founders Monica Berg and Alex Kratena’s lab-like inner sanctum utilises lesser known, unique ingredients to create an ever-changing mix of drinks that never fail to delight. tayer-elementary.com

■ 6 7 PA L L M A L L PALL MALL SW1Y

A private members' club with a difference – founded by wine lovers for wine lovers, 67 Pall Mall’s raison d'être is for its members to enjoy fine wines at sensible prices. Situated in the heart of historic St James’s, oenologists can call upon any of the 15 in-house sommeliers for tasting notes on the instantly updated wine list, securely store their own vintages on the premises and enjoy fine dining in either The Clubroom or The Members’ Lounge with their choice of grape.

67pallmall.com

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Yo ung British Ar tists ■ ALMA MILL STREET W1S

Alma is the new cocktail bar beneath Sucre – the modern Argentinian restaurant in Soho where executive chef Fernando Trocca has been gaining plaudits for his open fire cooking. The basement bar is fitted out in Seventies luxe – think chocolate and cacao browns with corduroy, velvet and banquettes. While the cocktail menu, created by former Nightjar lead Tony Pescatori, is split into four sections – Creation, Ancestry, Ancient Arts and Metropolitan – each highlighting “forgotten flavours”. Mix in a super hip soundtrack of disco, funk and soul on vinyl for the perfect evening. almabysucre.com

■ RAI WINDMILL STREET W1T

Fitzrovia’s latest offering Rai – named after founder Shrabaneswor Rai and Executive Chef Padam Raj Rai – is already gaining plaudits among the capital’s cognoscenti for its exquisite omakase-style tasting menus. Expertly combining high quality Japanese ingredients such as Hyōgo Prefecture Kobe and Kagoshima wagyu beef with British standouts such as caveaged Dorset cheddar and handdived Orkney scallops, this is fine dining on another level.

The sustainable sourced menu is complemented by handcrafted recycled tableware designed by Rickie Cheuk. rairestaurant.com

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Af te r Da rk

■ BAC C HA NA L IA MOUNT STREET W1K

In the heart of Mayfair on Berkeley Square, Bacchanalia is, as the name suggests, a restaurant devoted to Bacchus – god of wine, festivity and theatre. This GrecoRoman theme is brought to life by Martin Brudnizki’s stunning restaurant design replete with four neo-Classical Damien Hirst sculptures looming over diners. Culinary director Athinagoras Kostakos’ menu features beluga caviar served with pizza fritti, sour cream & ricotta, followed by Fine de Claire oysters and a head-turning 40-day dry-aged 1.2kg bone-in ribeye to share. bacchanalia.co.uk

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Acade m ia

JUNO

THE EDUCATIONAL ROADMAP

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Acade m ia

I f th e th o ug h t o f navi gati ng the comp lex Br itish e d ucati o n sy stem s eems daunti ng , Jun o co uld j ust be y o ur tr usty sat nav o f th e academi c wor ld.

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ith a mission 'to empower students to achieve their best', Juno was established to focus not only on academics but also personal and emotional development, enabling children to achieve educational success. We spoke to the founders to find out how they help UK and overseas families secure access to prestigious British institutions.

Tell us about Juno – what do you do and who would use Juno’s services?

We work with families to establish their children’s educational pathways through school consultancy, tuition and mentors. We stay with them on their journey throughout academia and offer support services for the non-academic side of life as well. We’re not just about helping students to pass exams.

We see a mix of families seeking our services, from those whose children are already excelling, to those who are disengaged, anxious or bored. We have designed our services to cover the entire process through to university and support all children, whatever their skills and needs.

As we emerge from lockdowns and restrictions, we have found there is demand for helping children to re-engage. Often, they have been spending too much time on social media or gaming, or are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety in the face of schoolwork and exams. From issues with integrating and social interaction, to gaps in learning and memory problems, we are unfortunately also seeing more children suffering from anxiety and panic attacks too.

Our team is handpicked, and we all have extensive experience in the education sector. Victoria is our Managing Director and she oversees the company as well as mentoring university students. Antonia has been through the British private education system and Oxbridge relatively recently, and

she fully understands the process. We have Gabriel our Head of Education responsible for our China division and Nicola who project manages the families' requests to ensure all their needs are met.

Why do parents and their children need this kind of academic guidance?

There are so many intricacies to the British private school system! Not only do schools offer different opportunities and experiences but the requirements and timings for applications and entry can vary wildly. We offer support and guidance to navigate the various options for school entry at 11, 13 and 16, as well as for any families looking to change schools outside the standard intake years.

As well as school selection, we help with making vital decisions, whether it be for GCSE, A-Level or International Baccalaureate.

Tell us about the School Consultancy Service

We focus on the child and what is best for them. We work closely with a family to fully understand the type of school that will best suit their circumstances and the individual child. We can then produce a list of suitable schools and advise on application and entry requirements to ensure the family have all the information they need to make the right decisions.

We offer focused examination preparation and testing for targeted schools along with interview training. Our coaching helps discover a child’s ambitions and interests to ensure detailed career directives are available. Our support is suitable for any child, not just for those who are struggling.

We are also able to provide full special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reviews as required, without any waiting list.

What are the benefits of using this service?

With our detailed and properly thoughtthrough roadmap a family can see a clear

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Academia

pathway to success for their child. With support throughout the entire process, our families can feel secure and in control.

Our faculty is chosen for their teaching, mentoring and inter-personal skills and our service is entirely flexible. We liaise with families on a weekly basis to ensure that they are fully advised of their child’s progress. Families can add, alter or remove services as and when they choose.

How do you spot if your child is stressed/struggling and needs additional help?

You will know your child best. If you notice that they have become withdrawn, have started worrying about their future or seem anxious, it’s important to address this. Equally, if they are prioritising instant gratification through gaming or social media over schoolwork, for example, this is also a warning sign.

You offer mentoring, tutoring and academic guidance… When should parents consider using these services?

Our mentoring service offers supportive guidance and strategies for the academic and practical sides of school life. A mentor will help to identify strategies and goals to negotiate the stresses and obstacles that may be worrying a child and holding them back. Any parent who feels their child may need additional help with focus for any reason can use this service at any time.

What are the most common problems you encounter?

There are three main areas where we find families need the most support. Firstly, as we have mentioned, the complexities of the British school system should not be underestimated. We help clarify the steps that need to be taken, and how and when to take them. Secondly, we see a lot of children with gaps in key subjects and/ or a lack of exam preparation. And finally, we find many families are experiencing a lack of adequate SEND support in Maths and English in particular.

What are your revision techniques and why do many teenagers struggle with exam preparation?

We find that teenagers struggle with understanding what and how to revise and often don’t even know where to start.

“A t th e h ear t o f e d ucatio n , o ur me nto r ing s e r vice o ffe rs suppo r tive g u i dan ce an d stra teg i e s fo r th e acad e m i c a nd pra cti ca l si d e s o f sch o ol l i fe ” 38

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We teach them to focus on long-term memory retention and learning and revising consistently throughout the duration of their courses. In this way it’s possible to focus on polishing, rather than learning or relearning, as the exams approach. Cramming is never the answer.

What’s the background to the techniques you use?

Our methodology is informed by research into educational neuroscience and reliable classroom studies. Our tutors are trained in-house in our fivestep cycle focusing on the optimisation, activation and retention of learning.

How do you measure success?

We love to see curious children develop and become able to balance academic studies, extracurricular activities, rest and an involvement with their communities. On a more tangible level, when our students get the results they want and can progress on their path as planned, and our families come back to us to work with younger siblings, we know we have succeeded!

A child who has been through our programme will have many advantages: they will have attended a school where they can grow and achieve and they will have a clear path to their career. Their grades will open doors to the top universities and careers. Just as importantly, they will show increased productivity, have a healthy attitude towards their mental health and an increased capacity for delayed gratification activities.

All these advantages lead to a child with a happier, healthier future.

Are parents putting too much pressure on their kids?

We find it’s more often the child putting themselves under pressure to perform and asking their parents to find them extra support. These days children are very self-aware and want to do better academically and cope mentally. They want to achieve their potential and can recognise when something is holding them back. We make sure they can achieve to the best of their ability by giving them the tools to thrive in a pressured environment.

Talk to us about the foundation side of the business that would give underprivileged children the opportunity to benefit from what you do.

We are dedicated to ensuring that as many children as possible can benefit from our services and so we are in the process of establishing a foundation. This will allow underprivileged families to apply for subsidised support. We are targeting both short and long-term solutions so that we can reach the widest audience.

We are currently looking to partner with companies in the education sector to access amenities and resources. We are very excited about the opportunities.

Acade m ia

Antonia and Victoria founded Juno Education to solve a problem: students who struggle to integrate with their peers miss out on opportunities in the process of a big move. Being prepared properly is essential. The transition to a UK school or university can be highly stressful and demanding and the people most involved in helping students get there should also help them prepare for what life might be like once they arrive.

Juno was created not only to support families through the move, but to help children become culturally aware, resilient and independent; values integral to their learning.

96%

Entry into top choice school

Founders – Victoria Franklin (left) and Antonina Kudrova

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Entry into top three choice institutions

100%

Entry into a Russell Group university burlingtons

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Insura nce

INTRODUCING

TYSERS INSURANCE BROKERS

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A n no un cing a n e w un i o n wi th lead i ng i n suran ce b roke rs Ty s ers , Burli ng to n s Gro up is h e rald i ng i n th e n e w year with exciting par tn e rsh i p p lan s.

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urlingtons Group is delighted to have partnered with Tysers Insurance Brokers as an official insurance partner to further expand the range of professional insurance solutions we can offer to clients. Tysers has many specialist teams providing insurance and risk management solutions to financial institutions, property owners, real estate, corporate and commercial businesses, professions, media & entertainment, and insurance for high-networth individuals.

First established in 1820 in the City of London, Tysers has grown to be one of the UK’s largest independent brokers, with access to both Lloyd’s of London insurers and strong relationships with other specialist insurers operating outside the London market. Tysers has stood the test of time as client satisfaction has always been paramount, and exceptional business retention rates stand testament to this.

“Burlingtons Group is thrilled to announce its partnership with Tysers, an established Lloyd’s of London broker with insurance and risk management expertise across many key areas for our clients.

The partnership between Tysers and Burlingtons is an ideal fit for our clients as both share a strong client-first ethos built on trust and excellence,” said Deborah Mills, CEO, Burlingtons Group.

“We are delighted that Burlingtons has chosen to partner with Tysers and we look forward to adding value to their proposition by offering outstanding service and expert guidance with insurance related matters,” continued Chris Jackson, Associate Director, Tysers.

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“The par tnership between Tysers and Burling tons is an ideal fit for our clients as both share a strong client-first ethos built on trust and excellence”

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Tysers can provide insurance solutions for a wide range of financial institutions, from private equity firms to investment, wealth and asset managers.

Tysers specialists understand the requirement for cutting-edge risk management expertise, and will take the time to identify every risk exposure of your business then ensure adequate levels of insurance protection to mitigate those risks.

Tysers can provide insurance and risk management solutions for: ■ Hedge Funds ■ Venture Capitalists ■ Wealth Managers ■ Family Offices ■ Private Equity Firms ■ Investment Managers ■ Banks & Building Societies ■ Investment Funds ■ Family Trusts ■ Cryptocurrency Exchanges & Traders ■ Trust Companies ■ Stockbrokers REAL ESTATE

Tysers insures property owners from the public and private sector and protect a diverse range of properties; from single-site investments to those with multi-location and multi-million pound portfolios.

Tysers can provide a range of services for property

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owners and real estate investors including full management of tenants insurance premiums and documentation, and fully automated online systems for resident’s policy administration including online payments and documents. It can also provide advice and support on Captive and Protected Cell Captive structures and due diligence consultancy for purchasers and vendors.

Tysers also has strong international relationships and is able to insure and support overseas properties and portfolios, together with a local service where required.

Tysers property clients include: ■ Property Investors & Managers ■ Housing Associations ■ Developers & Construction Companies ■ Managing Agents ■ Real Estate Investment Trusts ■ Institutional Property Funds ■ Pension Fund Managers ■ High-Net-Worth Private Individuals

Insura nce

SPORT, MOTORSPORT & ESPORT

Tysers offers a wide range of tailor-made insurance products to individuals, businesses and associations involved in the global sports industry including Motorsport and ESport. It works with some of the biggest names in global sport and offers discreet, service driven insurance cover for every eventuality.

ENTERTAINMENT

Tysers Entertainment combines the expertise of our many dedicated teams including Music & Live Events, Theatre and Venues, and Media Film and TV. Music & Live Events Tysers is a market leading insurance provider to the Music & Live Events industry, providing insurance to a range of clients including festivals, international tours, venues and infrastructure companies. Clients include artistes, talent and touring productions, event managers and promoters, recording studios and record labels.

Theatre & Venues Tysers has worked with productions of every size and has a wealth of experience in the theatre industry, offering bespoke insurance packages that reflect the needs of its clients. Tysers currently advises over 130 theatres and venues in the UK, from fringe theatres to West End and International Touring productions.

Media, Film & TV Tysers has many years' experience in the media industry and understands the particular pressures and time constraints of the industry. Clients range from TV & film production to advertising agencies, post-production companies, lighting and audio visual specialists and broadcasting companies.

PRIVATE CLIENTS

Tysers has been providing personal insurance solutions to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals for more than 40 years and has access to an extensive range of specialist high-net-worth personal lines products.

Working with Tysers high-net-worth team provides a single point of contact, a dedicated personal expert insurance adviser for ‘all risks’ and regular face-toface meetings as required to discuss individual needs, review risks and ensure adequate cover. In the event of a claim, Tysers expert in-house claims team will handle claims on your behalf from the first notification of loss through to satisfactory settlement.

Tysers High-Net-Worth team can provide cover for: ■ H omes & Property – Individual Properties & Global Portfolios, Holiday Homes & Family Estates

■ P leasure Craft & Yachts –Yachts & Super

■

■

■ ■

■ ■

Yachts, Luxury Transportation, Speedboats, Motor Cruisers, Catamarans & Sailboats F ine Art & Valuables – Contemporary, Fine & Modern Art, Jewellery & Watches, Antiques, Sculptures P restige Motor Vehicles – Super Cars & High Performance Vehicles, Sports Performance Vehicles, Classic & Vintage Cars S peciality Collections – Fine Wines & Whisky, Stamps & Coins, Sports & Music Memorabilia T ravel – Luxury Holidays & Cruises, Winter Sports, Single Trips & Annual Travel Schedules A viation – Private Jets & Helicopters T rusts & Family Offices – Single & Multi Family Offices, Private Trust Companies

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Ill ustrati on by : Peter Davie s

Postcard

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FROM

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Xi'an

n keeping with our Chinese New Year themed issue, this month we visit the majestic and fascinating city of Xi’an (also known as Chang’an) in central China. For those of you with an interest in global history, Xi’an is the starting point of the silk roads and the second most popular tourist destination in China, being home to the famous terracotta warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Great Mosque. The history of the city goes back

as far as the 11th Century BC with it being established a cultural and political centre and over time serving as the capital of no less than 13 dynasties including the Zhou, Qin and Tang. Modern day Xi’an offers visitors a wealth of experiences including visits to over 700 historical sites, eating delicious street food reflecting the city’s diverse cultural history and walking in the magnificent Forest of Stele Museum.

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A TASTE OF THE EAST The y say variety is the spice of life, but few countries can lay claim to such a rich array of regional flavours as China. And with 3000 years of culinar y heritage at their fingertips, it’ll come as no surprise that some of the world’s best chefs are giving traditional East Asian dishes their own inventive spins in kitchens all over London. From contemporar y Cantonese to fier y northern cuisine (and ever ything in between), Burlingtons magazine has discovere d the Chinese fine dining restaurants to make a destination as we enter the year of the rabbit.

Words Ka the r ine Po ole 46

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A Taste o f the East

■ A . WON G , PIMLICO With two Michelin stars to its name (the only Chinese restaurant outside of Asia with that honour), A.Wong’s reputation precedes it. But despite its lofty accolades, this sophisticated Pimlico eatery is rooted in culinary craftsmanship. Inspired by his travels through China, Chef Andrew Wong’s menu brings a fresh perspective to a rich and flavoursome heritage, from Silk Road temple cuisines to the Suzhou teahouses of the Ming Dynasty. For a closer look at the master at work, book a seat at the Kitchen Table; and when dinner is over, the Hidden City Bar awaits downstairs – a seductively lit den, inspired by the traditions of imperial kitchens. Order a G&T and make sure to request the restaurant’s own blend of Sichuan peppercorn-infused gin.

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A Taste o f the East ■ H U TON G , THE SHARD, ST THOMAS STREET

‘Occasionally fiery northern Chinese cuisine’ is how Hutong describes its culinary offering, but this only scratches the surface. Up, up and away on the 33rd floor of The Shard, this is a glamorous, highrise establishment with breath-taking views and a menu to match. To dine at Hutong is a gastronomic delight, where traditional dishes are given a refined and refreshing spin by Head Chef Fei Wang – the Sichuan-style deep fried lobster is one such highlight. But a seat at the Shanghai Bar is equally impressive, where you can sip an artisan cocktail with unrivalled views of the London skyline. hutong.co.uk

■ HA K KAS A N , HANWAY PLACE

There are now 12 Hakkasan outposts across the globe, but the Michelin-starred original in Hanway Place is the magnificent destination that started it all. Every inch of the gastronomic experience here feels touched by artistry: Cantonese cuisine is infused with a contemporary flourish, the wine list meticulously curated and cocktails are arranged by four inventive categories: passion, captivation, romance and trust. It’s an intriguing, impressive offering in an equally captivating setting; the stunning architectural interiors, all dark English oak screens and wooden lattices, come from the mind of legendary designer Christian Liaigre. hakkasan.com

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A Taste o f the East ■ PA R K C H I N OI S , BERKELEY SQUARE

This seductive Mayfair establishment is inspired by sumptuous 1930s Shanghai supper clubs, worth visiting for its exquisite interiors alone. Park Chinois is home to some of the finest private dining rooms in London (including a new, standalone addition on Mayfair’s Dover Street), each discrete space uniquely furnished. But for a culinary experience of the more immersive variety, descend the red velvet staircase to Club Chinois and the Wave Bar, where guests can sample the impressive menu while being entertained by world-class cabaret performers. The restaurant will be marking the Lunar New Year with a celebration including Chinese drummers and a spectacular Lion Dance – just another reason to visit. parkchinois.com

■ MEI UME, TOWER HILL

Mei Ume is both a Chinese and Japanese restaurant, but its dedication to honouring two distinct Asian cuisines makes it a worthy addition to this list. The food here isn’t about fusion; instead, Cantonese dishes such as dim sum and the signature Peking Duck sit on the menu alongside Japanese specialities, like hot stone Wagyu beef.

This is a beautiful place to dine; the building was once the headquarters of the Port of London Authority, and Hong Kong-based design firm AB Concept has created a truly sophisticated space – filled with ornate pillars, gilt and silk – inspired by this window to eastern culture. meiume.com

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■ M I N J IA N G , KENSINGTON

There’s nothing like a room with a view. And you’d be hard pressed to find a more perfectly positioned spot than Min Jiang which, from its vantage point on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, overlooks Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. With mirror-lined walls bouncing light throughout the space, dining here feels somewhat like finding a jewel in London’s busting dining scene but, of course, it's the food that makes a visit here really special. Renowned for its authentic approach to Chinese gastronomy, Min Jiang’s signature dish is the legendary wood-fired Beijing Duck, served in two delicious courses. minjiang.co.uk

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Fina ncia l Fo cus

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F ina ncia l Fo cus

E XCLUSIV E IN TE RV IE W

&

RISKS

REWARDS Alistai r Muscat , CEO at In tegra Private Wealth, discusse s the d isrup ti on s fi nan cial i n ve stors face d last year an d p oi n ts to alte rnative i n ve stme n ts an d longe r- te rm te chn olog y se ctor tre n ds to he lp face the volatile an d challe ng i ng ti me s ahead i n 2 023 .

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I

Fina ncia l Fo cus

f you're considering how best to invest in 2023, predicting trends and upturns is key to strengthening your portfolio. It's a complicated marketplace though as we found out when we spoke with Alistair at the end of what has been a tumultuous year.

How would you characterise the past year?

In the financial world, every year brings with it challenges and opportunities and 2022 will be remembered as a particularly difficult year for investors. The year was characterised by a combination of high inflation, a war on Europe’s doorstep and massive supply chain disruptions with China implementing a zero-Covid policy leading to strict lockdowns of entire cities. Another notable highlight to the year was the way global monetary policy switched from an extremely accommodative one to aggressive tightening. Central banks, particularly the US Federal Reserve Bank, seem to have miscalculated the inflationary pressure building in the global economy. This led to sudden interest rate increases not seen since the 1980s.

In terms of client investment portfolios, our main objective for the year was to ensure portfolio stability and capital preservation against a background of significant losses in both the fixed income and equity markets. Our risk management systems worked well during the year, with portfolios managed in a very defensive manner with the objective of avoiding heavy losses. As inflationary pressure abates, we will be looking to add risk to portfolios and take advantage of some very good bargains both in fixed income and in certain sectors in the equity markets.

Which ‘alternative investment’ opportunities are appealing most to your clients in 2023, and why?

Alternative investments have formed part of family office portfolios for many years but have gone mainstream mainly in the past decade with an ever-increasing range of non-traditional financial investments being launched to both professional and retail investors. The fascination with tangible assets as an investment has increased considerably and is bound to grow further in periods when traditional intangible assets do not perform well or are subject to high volatility. We have seen increased interest in asset-classes which are typically well known with clients, particularly in the automotive (both classic cars as well as super cars), aviation (in both direct ownership as well as the lease market) and wine.

We are also experiencing an increased interest by investors in hybrid structures with tangible assets being packaged in traditional financial instruments. As a result, we are currently launching one of these structures in the form of a collective investment scheme targeting sustainable real estate developments based in Malta.

The fund will acquire residential condominiums in the upper market segment that will be utilised in the short to mid-term extended stay market. These structures allow investors to hold a traditional financial asset which is guaranteed by tangible assets, which secures steady returns.

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In what ways will the current geopolitical and economic turbulence affect the investment advice you're giving clients, and their decision-making in 2023?

Our private client services aim to provide long-term stable returns to investors and as such our time horizon is based on a multi-year period. This means that most of the time our structures are positioned to take advantage of longerterm trends and try to weed out short-term noise. That said, markets tend to have cycles and we might be experiencing a new cycle as a result of a significant shift in monetary policy coupled with a challenging geopolitical environment.

In these cycle changes it is imperative that investment portfolios are managed in a very disciplined way and within very stringent risk management parameters. We believe that 2023 will bring with it a fair dose of volatility in the markets but also several opportunities. For this reason, we are already positioning portfolios to balance between risk and reward, and encouraging and advising clients to remain disciplined in their investment approach no matter how loud external influences become.

To what extent are your clients actively seeking and requesting investment opportunities in sustainable technologies, energy and ethical funds?

ESG (or environmental, social and governance) investments have now become part and parcel of most investment

F ina ncia l Fo cus

markets has been the traditional energy sector. Under stringent ESG compliant portfolios, this sector was completely excluded. Given the current energy challenges caused by geopolitical events, clients are now seeking a more balanced approach towards ESG investments and policies, and we believe regulators and politicians will be looking at the current environment to improve the balance between sustainable investments and overall energy needs.

“ We b e li e ve that 2 023 will b r i ng wi th i t a fair d os e o f volatil i t y i n th e ma r ke ts bu t als o s e ve ral o ppo r tuni tie s. . . we are ad visi ng cli e nts to re mai n d isci p l i n e d n o ma tte r h ow l o u d ex te rnal i nf lue nce s b e co m e ”

portfolios and investors would be wise not to ignore such a trend which has been established for several years. Clients do indeed seek to engage in investments that provide steady returns whilst respecting ESG fundamentals. We are now also seeing a healthy debate on the efficiency of the ESG regulations, and this will lead to a more balanced approach towards sustainable investments. For example, this year one of the best performing sectors in financial

Which investment opportunities/areas of activity have most surprised you by their success in recent years?

We believe that in the long term, investment ideas based on strong fundamentals will do well. The rise in the technology sector was based on a growing dependence on technological advancements in different fields, ranging from computing to social media interaction. We are of the opinion that this trend will not change and as such those companies that provide long-term added value will continue to do well. What surprised us is the correlated performance of most companies within the technology sector irrespective of their financial health and profitability. The so called 'stay at home' IT companies had a significant rise in value on a presumption that they would remain successful even after the end of lockdowns and social distancing. Ultimately this was not the case, and this sector was significantly punished this year. We believe that within this area there are some companies which can do well in the long term and that their current share price offers opportunity.

Another area that caught us by surprise in many ways was the way institutional investors started embracing the relatively new and unregulated sector of cryptocurrencies, driving the prices of these assets to astonishing heights.

Recent corrections might be healthy to streamline an asset class which has been impacted by too many issues in a short period of time.

When you were interviewed for Burlingtons magazine in 2021, you referred to "the hype surrounding cryptocurrency investments". What do you think the future landscape for cryptocurrency will look like, given the recent crash of cryptocurrency exchange FTX? The hype and rise in interest in crypto investments was reminiscent to the internet stock era of the early 2000.

And just like the dotcom bubble which burst back then, we are now experiencing a similar scenario developing in the cryptocurrency space. Any investment requires an element of trust to be successful in the long term. Clearly the recent collapse of one of the largest crypto exchanges in the world has had a tremendous impact on the level of trust in crypto investments. We believe that the ideal of a decentralised financial system might be good in theory but less so in practice. How the evolution of this sector will develop is anyone’s guess and the gap between traditional finance and crypto followers has never been so divergent and wide. It is usually in these turbulent times that a sector improves as more transparent and regulated systems come into force and filter through the weak elements in the system.

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I n de pe nde nt Scho ols

A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION A British independent school education will give your child a rich academic experience within a broad and balanced curriculum, while focusing on the whole person, writes Claudia Dudman.

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ducation is among Britain’s oldest and most renowned institutions with a heritage and tradition of excellence, and with origins in the monastic communities of the early 6th century, it spans many hundreds of years. A British independent school education provides a wealth of opportunities and choices. One of these is the curriculum it offers: although schools follow the national curriculum, they are also independent of it and are free to create their own. This means pupils can study subjects that they would not necessarily have access to were they being educated in the state sector.

T H E W H OL E P E R S ON

Pupils at independent schools achieve outstanding exam results, typically sitting public examinations such as GCSEs at age 16 and A-level examinations at age 18, while some schools also offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma as an alternative. Independent schools are renowned for their high standards of teaching and most pupils go on to study at leading universities.

However, although the academic experience forms the basis of an independent school education, it is about so much more than exam results: while students

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are encouraged to reach their true academic potential, this type of education will help pupils grow as individuals as well as prepare them for post-school life.

Students will often learn in an aspirational environment on campuses that are made up of a combination of historic and modern buildings including purpose-built facilities with the latest in technology, laboratories and classrooms as well as impressive performing arts centres, dedicated music spaces and sports pitches. Pupils also enjoy small class sizes and additional support from teaching staff after and before school, and, if in a boarding school environment, in the evenings.

B E YON D T H E C L AS SRO OM

One of the real benefits of an independent school education is the plethora of activities that exist outside of the classroom. Look beyond it on any school visit you make, for example, at an open day where prospective pupils and parents can really get the feel and flavour of a school, and you’ll find clubs and programmes in evidence during lunchtime, before and after school and often on the weekends. Known as extracurricular or co-curricular activities, there can be often 100 on offer at any one school. Activities include music, sport, drama,

I nde pe nde nt Scho ols

“With 21% overseas students, we have residents from China, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Europe, Australia and America…and what’s wonderful about Rugby is that everyone is treated equally, it doesn’t matter where you come from, everyone comes as a blank canvas, so it doesn’t matter their creed or colour or background, everyone is a Rugbian when they come here and everyone has an equal opportunity to establish themselves…no one sits on the bench” Laura Faulkner, Director of Admissions at Rugby School

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“Uppingham had a visionary head called Edward Thring who in effect pioneered the notion of an all-round education and wanted pupils to love what they learn. Furthermore, we have a commitment to full boarding (94% of pupils are full boarders – including weekends) and we have a very careful consideration of how we construct the community within a house.

Ultimately what we’re trying to achieve is a really interesting community of people sitting around a dining room table in their houses.”

Charlie Bostock, Registrar, Uppingham School

Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, fundraising, community service, international trips and debating. It is through these clubs and activities that pupils are encouraged to find something that they excel at and enjoy and which they are often able to develop into lifelong passions and interests.

There is also a broad range of sport on offer at on-site campus schools that include all-weather football, hockey and rugby pitches, indoor swimming pools, tennis and netball courts, cricket pitches, squash courts and horse-riding to name but a few. Matches against other schools are generally played in the afternoon on a fixed day of the week and you’ll often find sport being played on any given day before and after school as well as at lunchtime.

SI N G L E SE X OR C O - E D U C AT I ONA L , B OA R DI N G OR DAY S C H O OL ?

There are a few factors to consider if you decide that this type of education is for your family: one of them is to explore the different types of school available. There are schools that are single sex or those that are coeducational where boys and girls learn together.

Boarding or day school is another consideration.

Pupils live at school when they board and you’ll find that there are different types to explore: for example, the most famous and traditional boys’ schools, like Harrow, Eton College and Radley, are full boarding, where boys are at school 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and leave campus two weekends per term. However, in a co-educational or girls’ school, there are options to board on a weekly basis (where pupils go home at the weekends) or flexi board where parents can pre-select certain nights of the week when their children will board across an entire term. Flexi boarding is also very typical in boarding prep schools, which prepare children for senior boarding school. Children generally attend prep boarding schools from 8-13 years of age. This is a great way for them to dip their toes in the water to see what boarding is like. Learning to be independent, to take responsibility for your possessions and to get on with others, whether you are friends or not, are just a few benefits of boarding.

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C A R E A N D SU P P ORT

You’ll hear the terms pastoral care and wellbeing many times while visiting an independent school because for most a pupil’s happiness is front and centre, with schools placing huge emphasis on and commitment to improving and maintaining each child’s mental wellbeing. At boarding school, students are assigned house parents who are responsible for them as well as a matron, tutor, head of year and a selection of other staff. In many instances, there will also be older pupils who have roles in supporting the younger ones.

At Cheltenham College, a co-educational day and boarding school in Gloucestershire, and winner of Boarding School of the Year in the Independent Schools of the Year 2022 Awards, such is the emphasis on care and support that boarding pupils are treated as if they were their houseparents’ own children.

S OM E F I NA L C ON SI DE R AT ION S …

It is difficult to convey every reason for choosing a British independent school education for your family in a single article, and I hope this piece gives an insight into some of its benefits. There is, however, no substitute for visiting a school and seeing how it operates during the day; a behind-the-scenes glimpse, if you like, where you can soak up the atmosphere.

You’ll meet current pupils and the head teacher and be taken on a tour round the school campus and facilities.

It’s on these visits that you’ll be able to gauge whether the school is as it presents itself on its website. Is it really an academic hothouse or is it more relaxed than you imagined? Does the school fulfil your aspirations and values? Can you visualise your child as a pupil at the school and can you imagine you and your family as members of the school community? Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make for your family, and you will find you’ll reap rewards if you organise your planning, take the time to do the research, talk to other parents and visit each school on your shortlist.

Claudia Dudman is Editor of independentschoolparent.com, the guide to independent schools and Great British education

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T H E B E N E F I T S OF A N I N DE P E N DE N T S C HO OL E D U C AT I ON l

Small class sizes and a low teacher-

to-pupil ratio, schools are also able to develop their own curriculums Outstanding wraparound and pastoral

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care support and in a boarding school environment, it is 24/7. All members of school staff are trained in the safeguarding of pupils l

Extracurricular activities: from a host

of sports and music clubs to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme l

State-of-the-art campus and facilities:

from science blocks and workshops to performing arts centres and the latest football, hockey and rugby pitches

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Y E A R I N R EV I E W

BURLINGTONS GIBRALTAR Pe te r Yo ung re por ts on a ve r y busy year for Bur l i ng ton s i n Gibraltar as the n e w off i ce go e s from stre ng th to stre ng th.

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urlingtons acquired a strategic stake in Cornwalls Lane Services (Gibraltar) in April of last year, a trust and corporate services provider with extensive experience in providing legal, tax and accounting support to family office, private funds and private equity transactions. Cornwalls adopted the Burlingtons brand and formally opened its associated Gibraltar law firm (to support ancillary legal activities) in September. In October, Cornwalls agreed to merge with Capital Trustees Limited, another TCSP in Gibraltar headed by David Frier, with particular specialism in the administration of trusts.

Subject to receiving GFSC consent to the transaction, the combined group will consist of 13 staff ranging from accounting, legal, compliance, company secretarial and administration.

As is always the case, Gibraltar itself has not stood still.

At the top of everyone’s minds at the moment is the issue of the proposed EU treaty regarding Gibraltar following on from the New Year’s Eve Agreement of 2020, in respect of Gibraltar joining the Schengen area and removal of

the 'fence' between Gibraltar and Spain so as to allow fluidity of movement of persons and goods. Note that although no legal deadline was set for the conclusion of the negotiations (which could therefore spill into next year), most commentators seem to be hopeful that the text can be agreed by the end of this year. Whilst the politicians and other parties most closely involved cannot give anything away for obvious reasons (“nothing is agreed until everything is agreed”), they all concur on

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“At th e to p of e ver y one’s mi nds at the mo ment is th e issue o f the p ro p os e d EU treaty regardi ng Gib raltar, followi ng o n fro m the New Year ’s Eve Agreement of 2 02 0” burlingtons

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one thing, that the political will is still there to conclude a treaty which is safe and beneficial for the countries on both sides of the border. Therefore, whilst we still do not know the details relating to mechanisms for immigration, entry into Gibraltar, customs duties, VAT on goods or their equivalent, there are reasons to be optimistic. A well written treaty could be transformative for both sides of the border, and make Gibraltar and the Campo (in the words of the Chief Minister) a “lightning rod for investment”.

Notwithstanding the delay on the above, Gibraltar continues to be on an economically sound footing (albeit like everywhere else, it was heavily impacted by Covid).

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It is notable that the unadjusted GDP per capita for 2021-22 (to end of June 22) was £75,000, behind only Luxembourg.

Most observers will be aware that Gibraltar aims to and has become somewhat of a crypto-hub, and was one of the first jurisdictions to set out a legal framework for the licensing of distributed ledger technology providers. On the regulatory side, the licensing regime consisted of nine broad regulatory principles, designed in a flexible manner to ensure the safety of the public’s investments without stifling innovation. In April, market integrity was added as the 10th principle to the previous nine core principles. This

Yea r in Re vie w

“Gib raltar co nti nues to b e on an e conomi cally s o und fo oti ng (albei t like e ver y w here els e, it was heavily i mp acte d b y Covi d).

It is notable that th e unad juste d GDP p er cap i ta for 2 021 -22 (to end o f J une 22 ) was £75, 000, b eh i nd o nly Luxembourg ”

could not be more relevant in the light of the FTX scandal – whilst FTX did acquire a licensed entity in Gibraltar, it had not yet traded and there was no loss in that regard. It would be difficult to imagine that an FTX scenario could occur in Gibraltar in light of the regulatory regime that exists.

Work continues at the regulator level to fully implement the Gibraltar Authorisation Regime with the UK. In the meantime the Gibraltar/UK Authorisation regime continues in force by virtue of statutory instrument, meaning Gibraltar continues to be the only jurisdiction in the world with financial services passporting

arrangements with the UK. Several firms already take advantage of this, most notably in the banking, e-money and insurance industries. Indeed, it was reported that 30% of all UK motor insurance policies are written through Gibraltar by brokers, which is remarkable given the size of the jurisdiction.

On the alternative investments funds side, Gibraltar continues to prove popular. According to a PWC report issued earlier this year, Gibraltar is in the top three jurisdictions for crypto funds, which perhaps is not surprising when one considers the appetite locally for this type of business. To bolster the Gibraltar offering, there were a couple of big changes at the end of last year/during the early part of this year: ■ The creation of a new type of fund entity, being a protected cell limited partnership which can legally segregate assets and liabilities. This is useful for those funds which need tax transparency and the flexibility that a limited partnership provides; and ■ The creation of a 'dual regime' for those funds that do not wish to apply the Alternative Investment Fund Directive rules to their funds – following Gibraltar’s exit from the European Union, it is now possible to opt out of that legislation.

In summary, whilst headwinds persist in the global economy, Gibraltar continues to punch above its weight in all areas of finance and business, and we are looking forward to 2023.

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Six Na tio ns

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RESPECT ALL

FEAR NONE

I f y o u're a kee n sp o r ts fan then y o u'll know that Febr uar y heralds th e star t o f th e h ig hl y-an ti ci p ate d Six Nati ons. James Ri chards re f le c ts o n last year ' s wi nners and los ers and ch e cks out Twi cke nham ' s V I P h osp i tal ity p i tch -si d e p ackages ahead o f ki ck- o ff. burlingtons

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“The Six Nations is famo us fo r up sets a n d surp rises, as old fe uds b r i ng te n sio ns to b o iling p oint”

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ith the festive season fast diminishing in the rear-view mirror, sports fans will soon be turning their attention to the Guinness Six Nations rugby tournament, which kicks off in February. This annual festival of brutality holds a special place in the hearts of rugby fans the world over as England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France and Italy battle to lift the trophy and settle age-old scores.

FRENCH FIRE AND FURY

France will be tournament favourites after pulling off a famous victory last year, achieving the Grand Slam for the first time since 2010. They will be especially keen to lay down a marker ahead of their hosting of the World Cup in September. With the masterful Antoine Dupont pulling the strings from scrum half, they are the bookies’ favourites and will certainly be the team to beat.

Ireland notched up a year to remember in 2022 with an historic series win over New Zealand, which launched them to the top of the team world rankings. Elsewhere, Wales will be looking to improve on their previous Six Nations campaign and burnish their credentials as a top-notch team.

ENGLISH UNCERTAINTY

England’s prospects are murkier with the side only managing third place in last year’s tournament while suffering three bruising defeats along the way. They look a shadow of the team that notched up a legendary 19-7 victory over the All Blacks in the World Cup in 2019. Their subsequent defeat to South Africa in the final left a bitter taste, and a disappointing autumn season in 2022 was the final nail in coach Eddie Jones’ coffin. His replacement, Leicester coach Steve Borthwick, has only had a few months to rebuild the team. That said, England will have a point to prove, and the Six Nations is famous for upsets and surprises, as old feuds bring tensions to boiling point.

CALCUTTA CUP CLASH

Nowhere will the rivalry be more evident than the annual clash between England and Scotland for the Calcutta Cup, which takes place under the umbrella of the Six Nations.

This historic fixture has the honour of being the oldest international rugby tie in the world, and even the trophy itself holds a place in rugby legend. The original was made in 1878 from melted-down silver rupees belonging to the Calcutta Rugby Football Club who, faced with a diminishing membership, decided to preserve the name of the club by creating a trophy.

The finely-wrought handles are formed by three king cobras, with the top surmounted by an elephant said to be modelled on one of the Viceroy’s own stock.

In 1988, the trophy was badly damaged in post-match high jinks by England’s Dean Richards and Scotland’s John Jeffrey, who allegedly played a drunken game of football with the priceless antique along Princes Street in Edinburgh.

The Calcutta Cup will be England’s first fixture in this year’s Six Nations and takes place at Twickenham on Saturday 4 February (4.45pm KO). Passions will certainly be running high, with England determined to reclaim the title having lost to Scotland in the past two years.

Ph otos co ur tesy o f Keith Prows e

GO VIP AT TWICKENHAM

There can be no better setting for this epic tussle than Twickenham, the ‘home of English rugby,’ where 82,000 fans will be cheering both sides to glory. Affectionately known as the ‘cabbage patch’ due to its previous incarnation as a vegetable field, the largest dedicated rugby union venue in the world transforms on match day into a pulsating amphitheatre of gladiatorial combat.

For a truly memorable match-day experience, fans can choose from a range of hospitality packages at the stadium. Individual experiences start from £449 per person (all prices exclude VAT) up to semi-private suites for 30 people for around £47,000.

Executive boxes are perfect for doing business and entertaining clients, and can be booked for a minimum of 10 guests, starting at £949 per person. Expect a champagne reception on arrival at your private suite, a four-course meal, complimentary bar,

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Six Na tio ns the famous post-match ‘Twickenham Tea’ and spectacular views of the pitch from the East stand.

STEAK, WINE AND SCRUMS

Plenty of upscale dining packages await fans, such as that offered by Twickenham’s own chophouse, The Gate. This stylish venue will be serving up choice cuts of premium steak and fine wines selected by the in-house sommelier, as well as the obligatory Guinness and real ales. Tables are currently available for between 4 and 12 people, starting from £649 per person (for the Italy match) or from £1199 per person for other matches.

Included in the package are a four-course meal, a free bar and half-time drinks.

Dedicated gourmands will be spoilt for choice at the Calcutta Cup match, with world-class catering on hand to rival the sporting talent on the field. At The Lock restaurant, 2 Michelin-star chef Tom Kerridge will be serving up a four-course English-inspired menu. As well as the standard perks, this package offers pitch-view tables and a post-match Q&A with the players. With three-andhalf hours of hospitality before the game and two afterwards, there’s plenty of time to truly revel in the experience.

GOURMET MATCH-DAY EXPERIENCE

For the ultimate in match-day opulence, choose The East Wing, which offers a private entrance with dedicated lifts to whisk you up into this stylish restaurant with views over the pitch and West London. Bollinger champagne will be served throughout the day, with the menu curated by Michelin-star chef Tommy Banks, drawing on his family’s market garden in Yorkshire and herd of Dexter cattle. A table for two will cost in the region of £1299 per person.

All of the packages, apart from the VIP suites, offer the chance to rub shoulders with rugby legends past and present. You’ll never get a better opportunity to get that shirt autographed or snap the selfie to make your mates jealous.

The Guinness Six Nations Championship kicks off with Wales versus Ireland on Saturday 4 February at 2:15pm.

For more information on all the hospitality packages available please visit www.twickenhamstadium.com Note: Some Twickenham catering options may have sold out by the time of publication.

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CARMEN IN CONCERT

ORGAN CELEBRATION

Fri 14 April, 7pm

Sun 4 June, 7.30pm

Experience the power and passion of Bizet’s Carmen in concert with Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Featuring some of the world’s finest organists, performing music

by Britten, Jeanne Demessieux, Hans Zimmer and more

Part of Love Classical

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Luxur y Eco Trave l

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY Me n ti o n th e wo rds 'luxur y travel' and y ou're o f te n m e t with c y ni cism and cr i ti cism. Howe ver, in to day’ s e volvi ng wo r ld i t’s p ossible to exp e r ie n ce m e m o rab le, li fe- defi ni ng mo ments an d l os e yo urs e l f in i mmersive getaway s that can si m ul tan e o usl y d r ip i n co mfor t and p lay a p ar t i n th e p re s e r vati on o f our envi ro nment .

Just w h e n pub l ic p ercep ti on is at q uesti onab le le ve ls w h e n co n si der i ng cli mate change and g l ob al warm i ng – esp e cially w hen i t comes to m ill i o nai re p h ilan th rop ists taki ng p r ivate jets to cl i mate aware n e ss summi ts – there are answers to o ffs e t such issues , w hile still o ffer i ng up the ve r y b e st i n luxur y travel . 〉 Words Michae l Willia ms

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FLIGHTS A common misconception is that private travel is one of the worst things you can do in respect of your carbon footprint when jetting off for a much-needed tropical rest. In 2023, that’s not the case because, according to those in the know, we're in a new eco-friendly era of air travel.

We all know that private planes aren’t particularly sustainable. In fact, statistics show that they’re five to 14 times worse for the environment than commercial airlines – but did you know there’s a way around it? SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) is a nextgen development made from 100% renewable waste, meaning it reduces GHG (greenhouse gas) by up to 80% when pitted against fossil fuels.

Companies such as VistaJet have teamed with SkyNRG, a leader in SAF, to reduce the damage; with NetJets also committing huge investment to the practice over the next 10 years, proving it is doable if you’re aware of the technological advancements.

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AC C OM M ODATI ON Spending big on a vacation isn’t always about embarking on the most exhilarating adventure imaginable. Often, people chose to fly away to quite literally escape the insufferable busyness of their lives, which is why a luxurious, relaxing retreat can be a compelling destination for those with frantic, high-powered lifestyles.

There are an assortment of exquisite resorts around the globe, from Bali to Portugal, and Italy to Chile, each boasting a variety of ecofriendly ways in how it operates and exists. These include: hotels situated within rainforests that haven’t removed a single tree around its integrated facilities; the preservation of indigenous flora and fauna as well as its wildlife; serving local, organic produce to guests; and selfsufficiency via solar energy.

Locations that respect local culture and its immediate surroundings are becoming an incredibly desirable trait for holidaymakers, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere stunning and sustainable to escape to.

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H E L I C O P T E R T O UR S Another experience that’s ever-growing in popularity is gazing down upon some of the world’s most beautiful and unreachable-by-foot places via helicopter.

For example, a 20-minute sightseeing tour for three people, plus their pilot, is around 42kg of CO2. Places are now willing to counter these CO2 emissions, assuming you choose to book with those concerned about sustainable practices. Heliflieger.com, for example, has already begun an initiative whereby it has joined forces with PLANT MY TREE to do precisely that. So, for every copter tour they do, a new tree is planted. Customers are also given the option to donate more money so they can plant more trees, thus offsetting any damage being done.

For context, a single tree filters out about 10kg of CO2 annually, with a tree living to around 100 years. Therefore, the 1,000kg intake does its long-term part to negate the emissions of a heli ride.

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WHALE W ATCHI N G Ethical whale tourism is another in-demand attraction to those that can afford it, especially in some of the more glamorous locations worldwide. Whale watching may, on the face of things, appear a fun, fascinating day out but it’s so much more.

Tourists can contribute to its conservation efforts and adhere to its positive practices, observing these intelligent, graceful mammals from the comfort of land in locations such as Hawaii, Seattle, USA, Dominica or Hermanus, South Africa. That way, the noisy disruption of their natural habitat isn’t disturbed.

Alternatively, if you really wanted to get up-close-and-personal to nature, the act of boating alongside a pod of whales is far less exploitative than, say, visiting Sea World. If more people utilised their time and money to witness these creatures in their natural waters – as opposed to behind glass prisons – the demand for the captivity-bred whale entertainment would diminish.

WI L D L I F E S A F A RI When it comes to the thrills of a safari, there are some pointers to consider and, importantly, how ethical it is. Organised officially and doing so with a licensed tour guide is the first step.

There are organisations that offer close-up experiences of animals you would otherwise never be able to come face-to-face with, within a safe, controlled environment. While these offer educational value, if you’re looking to venture out into the wilderness, it’s worth doing your research. Sure, people may query whether a safari can ever benefit nature, and the short answer is yes it can. The important factors are to consider companies that actively focus on protecting the wildlife and observe said species from a safe, respectful and unobtrusive distance.

Kenya’s Hemingways Ol Seki Mara, Vumbura Plains in Botswana, Zannier Hotels Omaanda in Namibia, and other locations like Tanzania and Morocco, are home to a mixture of sustainable accommodation and safari experiences that mirror their planet-friendly ethos of integration.

These places support all forms of local communities, are proactive in conservation practices, animal rehabilitation programmes, and more.

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?

ASK

BORIS Bur l ing to n ' s resi d ent bulld og is h ere to an swer y our q uesti ons.

A

t the start of the year the ambition was to have a Burlingtons Group webinar every quarter, how has that gone and are there any plans you can share for the

year ahead?

It certainly was a great achievement to achieve our goal of quarterly Burlingtons Group webinars this year, especially with such a varied array of content.

The year started off with Alistair Muscat, CEO of Integra Private Wealth, who delivered a fascinating talk on ‘Finding the best investment’.

Alistair offered insight on the more vanilla financial products to the more complex alternative investments. The presentation was ahead of its time in considering the early impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the forthcoming recession. All of this combined led to it being our most attended webinar of the year.

Following on in July was Peter Young, Director of Cornwalls Lane, who looked at ‘Taxation of UK real estate for non-resident investors’. Peter looked at the various taxes

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involved in investment and ownership of UK real estate. Peter’s informative overview ranged from Stamp Duty Land Tax to income tax and capital gains taxes.

Alistair Muscat returned in the third quarter in reaction to the continuing global financial turmoil with the aptly titled ‘Identifying opportunity in a volatile world’. The webinar was heavily interactive allowing investors to ask Alistair their burning questions on how to position themselves in the financial markets.

To round off the year, Paramjit Sehmi (Head of Corporate) and Lydia Mills (Senior Associate) of Burlingtons Legal led a presentation on the register of overseas entities, which was introduced under the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Act 2022.

The next Burlingtons Group webinar will take place in Q1 of 2023 and will be hosted by our insurance partner, Tysers.

For further information on past and future webinars, please contact jacob.kett@burlingtons. pro or alternatively keep an eye on our events page (www.burlingtons.group/events).

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Perfecting the art of shooting since 1835.

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www.hollandandholland.com burlingtons