EDITION 16
M AYA JA M A
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Editor
Sophia Hayes
Deputy Editor
Karen Jones
Sales Director
Sophia Hayes
Features Editor Advertising Executives Features Writers
Creative Studio Manager Designers
Photography Web Development
Frankie Arnold Roxanna Hayes Becky Haggerty Rebecca Hales Luke Vials Scott Giles Shirlene Campbell Ritchie Alexandra Miller Geoff Sanders
Karen Jones Deputy Editor
I’m pleased to once again welcome you to the latest edition of Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham.
Annie Taylor Shermeen Ahmed Sam Alcock Hollie Felstead
Our latest Autumn/Winter edition once again hopefully provides you with plenty of reading material to get your teeth into as the colder months draw in.
Antonia Doyle
It seems like you can’t get away from the star at the moment and she looks set to continue to make an impact in a big way. Our piece focuses on her career so far and the next steps for Maya on her journey to the top.
Amad Tababa Joris Girdzijauskas Tatenda Chuma Van Duong
Contributors
Sophia Hayes Editor
Libby Johnson Robert Johnson Richard Vickery Tara Robinson Katie Niland Gail Webb Paula Moreton David Pardoe
The main focus of our magazines is always our cover features and this year we boast a real rising star. We take a look at the burgeoning career of radio DJ, TV presenter and model Maya Jama.
We have plenty of other great pieces this edition and if you are looking for any lastminute Christmas gifts, or simply want to treat yourself, then be sure to head to our Fashion & Entertainment section. Here you can browse through Harvey Nichols’ gift guides and get inspiration for your winter wardrobe. This section also features a look at an exciting relaunch for Influencer Matchmaker, a multi-award-winning agency. The team tap into their extensive UK and global network of over 2,000 influencers and celebrities to match brands with the highest level of talent. Be sure to check out what they have on offer. Our Travel and Lifestyle section includes some great winter escapes from all over the world. And, with people making a conscious effort to be more environmentally friendly when on holiday we take a look at ecotourism and the ways we can all do more for the environment. The Birmingham and Warwickshire region is home to so many great businesses and once again our Business Matters pages includes a selection of some of the best.
For mailing list and subscription enquiries please visit www.inspirational.uk.com For advertising enquiries please contact: Sophia Hayes 08453 31 30 31 shayes@championsukplc.com
Finally, we wrap up this edition with a look at some of the great events we’ve organised and attended since the last magazine. As always, we were involved in some really great events and we always love meeting and networking with some of the region’s best businesspeople and professionals. Thanks to all our sponsors for their continued support and of course thanks to all the readers. Everyone at Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham hope you enjoy this edition!
Published By
Barrington House, Leake Road, Costock, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE12 6XA Tel: 08453 31 30 31 Fax: 08453 31 30 32 www.championsukplc.com
The Hayes family (from l-r): Matthew Hayes (Managing Director), Jack Hayes (Director), Donna Hayes (Director), John Hayes (CEO), Roxanna Hayes (Director), Sophia Hayes (Sales Director) and Louisa Hayes (Director).
Please note: Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham Magazine is fully protected by copyright; no part of this magazine may be reproduced or reprinted without the complete and expressed permission of the publisher. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, however there can be no liability accepted by the publisher for errors or omissions. Inspirational Magazine can under no circumstances be held responsible for any materials, matter or photographical copy submitted for publication or not within the magazine. We cannot be held liable or responsible for any breaches of copyright from adverts, materials, photography or any other matter supplied by third parties. The views and opinions expressed within this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or indeed Inspirational Magazine or any featured parties.
A M I L L I O N M I LE S FRO M EV ERYDAY The perfect retreat. A twist on tradition. The clatter of hooves. The rolling countryside. The miles of possibility. The feeling of home. Coworth Park.
Perfection just happens.
A S COT +4 4 ( 0 ) 1 344 876 600 DO RCHE S TE R C O LLECT I ON .COM #DCmoments CoworthPark CoworthParkUK CoworthPark
FASHION AND ENTERTAINMENT Maya Jama................................................................................................................................. 8 From the radio to the red carpet
Henley House.........................................................................................................................15 Experts in menswear for all occasions
Harvey Nichols Men’s Gift Guide...................................................................................18 The best seasonal picks for men everywhere
Harvey Nichols Women’s Gift Guide...........................................................................20 Dress to impress this winter
Adrenaline............................................................................................................................... 32 New performance wear to help you step out of your comfort zone
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BEAUTY AND HEALTH Winter Skincare Essentials............................................................................................... 34 Keep your glow throughout winter
Geiko........................................................................................................................................ 38 Get the best new look
Unique Therapies..................................................................................................................41 Keeping your mind sharp and your body energised
SPORTING WORLD Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship.......................................................................46 History is made at the 2019 event
Farmfoods European Senior Masters........................................................................... 52 The Staysure Tour returns to the Forest of Arden
Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship............................................. 56 A new event lands on the Staysure Tour
A Summer of Sport.............................................................................................................62 Re-live one of Britain’s greatest sporting summers
TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE 72
Nuthurst Grange..................................................................................................................69 The perfect wedding location
Eden Hotel Collection.......................................................................................................70 The most luxurious hotel collection in the country
Belle Mont Farm .................................................................................................................. 72 The best place for a winter getaway
Nailcote Hall ......................................................................................................................... 78 Visit one of Warwickshire’s most picturesque venues
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FOOD AND DRINK Pushkar Restaurant............................................................................................................ 90 Marco Pierre White.............................................................................................................91 The Malt Shovel....................................................................................................................92 Finest Catch Restaurants..................................................................................................96
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THE HOME COLLECTION Interior Gift Guide ........................................................................................................... 100 Make sure your home is on trend this winter
Haute De Gamme.............................................................................................................. 102 The Chelsea artist whose commissions are in high demand
Love Your Postcode..........................................................................................................104 The most dynamic property brand in Birmingham
SOCIAL AND NETWORKING Atlantafest Networking Breakfast with Ken Segall National Tribute Music Awards Birmingham, Coventry & Warwickshire Sports Awards
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BUSINESS MATTERS SJ Financial.............................................................................................................................111 For the soundest advice on mortgages and finance
Pattonair.................................................................................................................................112 The global aerospace company making a big difference in the community
Delta Global..........................................................................................................................116 The packaging brand striving for sustainability
The Alternative Adviser....................................................................................................118 Giving you the truth about money
Growth Partners................................................................................................................ 122 Keeping your employees engaged
Fashion and Entertainment
MAYA JAMA: FROM THE RADIO TO THE RED CARPET Even if you don’t instantly recognise the name, you’ll certainly recognise the face, and voice of Maya Jama. A rising star of the television world she is perhaps best known for her presenting role on BBC Radio 1 where she regularly delights millions of listeners. But, away from the fame there is an inspirational story of tragedy and adversity. Despite only turning 25 earlier this year Maya has already achieved plenty. Whether it’s hosting her own show on the country’s biggest radio station, fronting huge awards ceremonies or appearing on the glossy covers of the most high-profile magazines, there isn’t much she hasn’t put her hand to. Add to this the fact that she has one of the most enviable Instagram pages around, things are looking pretty rosy for Maya. But it wasn’t always this way. In fact, rewind a few years and life looked very different for the star. Born in Bristol on 14th August 1994 her upbringing followed an all too familiar pattern for working class children. Maya’s mother is Swedish and father Somalian, but sadly he was largely absent during her early years. In and out of prison for most of Maya’s childhood, most of her memories of her father involved the police knocking on the door and prison visiting orders. This experience certainly had a huge effect on her life and when she was 12-years-old she made the difficult decision to cut-off all contact with her dad.
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Fashion and Entertainment
It’s a decision she would later revisit as part of the television documentary When Dad Kills which focused on how people cope with criminal fathers. In a Guardian interview to promote the documentary she spoke about how visiting her dad in prison made her feel different when growing up. “It was only as I got older that I realised my friends’ families weren’t like mine, that they had dads who were around, not dads who were in prison,” she said. “I wanted to be with my friends, and, instead, I’d have to go on this long drive to see my dad. I started to think, he should make more of an effort to stay out of jail, so he was around to be part of our family. He hadn’t been good to my mum, she was struggling, having to do lots of jobs and raising us on her own. And so, I stopped going to see him. My mum had already stopped, and she left it up to me to make my own mind up.” If this complicated relationship with her father wasn’t distressing enough, her life took a more tragic turn when she was just 16 years old. On 3rd July 2011 she received a phone call from her boyfriend Rico Gordon who was drinking in a pub in Bristol. What happened next will haunt Maya forever as Rico was shot and killed by members of a gang from London. He was an innocent bystander in the shooting, and this horrific experience had a huge impact on the way she lives her life. “It was unreal – the sort of thing that happens in films,” she said. “That experience gave me so much motivation to push with my career. At the time, work was the only thing that made me happy, so I just kept on going with it. Bad things happen, but you’ve got to try to make good things out of that tough situation. That’s what it taught me.” Following this tragedy nothing was going to hold her back. Maya’s career began as a teenager working as a radio
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presenter with Rinse FM and on television with Copa90 and 4Music. In 2018 she joined BBC Radio1 as a copresenter on Scott Mills’ Friday show and is now a regular on the station’s airwaves with her own show taking place every Friday and Saturday. Her trajectory on television has been similar going from a co-presenter on Saturday night game show Cannonball, to hosting reality show The Circle alongside fellow Radio1 DJ Alice Levine. However, perhaps her biggest achievement to date on television came in 2017 when, at 23, she was selected to host the prestigious MOBO Awards. This honour saw Maya become the youngest ever host of the awards and really put her on the map.
Maya’s fame in the media has earned her a huge legion of followers online with over a million users glued to her Instagram feed. As well as the usual glamorous redcarpet pictures and sunbathing photos you’d expect on a celebrity’s feed, she is also keen to use her platform for good, promoting body confidence and mental wellbeing. This all stemmed from an incident while on holiday. After sharing some stunning snaps of herself online she was shocked at the reception she received from fans. While people were keen to praise her fantastic figure, some users remarked how they would “starve themselves” to try and achieve Maya’s “dream body.”
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Fashion and Entertainment Upon realising the kind of reaction her posts had caused, she was quick to point out that people shouldn’t judge themselves by online standards. She said: “I’ve woken up to so many nice comments about the photos which is lovely but I felt the need to write this ‘disclaimer’ as I’ve seen more than a few comments saying things like “I’m not going to eat for a week” and “starving myself for this bod.” Starving yourself won’t get you a bod like that and as much as it is my body they are very flattering pictures like most on Instagram.” Maya continued: “Please don’t compare yourself to what you see on here or to anyone else for that matter, we are all perfect in our own way.” It is this honest and down to earth nature that has seen Maya become a firm favourite among brands as well as the general public. Earlier this year she appeared in Vogue and has worked on campaigns for Adidas, GAP and launched her own collection for online retailer Pretty Little Thing. With everything that’s happened to her both in her personal life and her career you’d be forgiven for thinking that Maya would be overwhelmed. But, as with everything she does she’s taken it all in her stride with her feet remaining firmly on the ground. Speaking to Vogue on how to remain grounded she said: “The thing I get asked most is, ‘How are you so yourself? How do I get that confidence?’ I always respond, ‘Do whatever you would do if nobody was watching; don’t ever hold yourself back because of other people.’ Sometimes I have to sit back and catch my breath a little bit. Hopefully this is the beginning of everything. Whatever I can do, I want to do it - because why the f**k not?” So, having conquered the world of radio, TV and social media it begs the question what’s next for Maya Jama? Well it seems she’s got that figured out too. In an interview with Glamour she highlighted giving something back as something she’s looking to focus on in the future. “I want to do more charity stuff, either going places to help out or benefit other people. I’ve spent so much time on work to be where I am that I can dedicate more time to giving back.” And it seems she’s already made a good start on this ambition. Last year saw Maya become an ambassador for Savera UK, a charity which operates to support those from black minority ethnic communities who have suffered from domestic abuse. Whatever happens next you can be sure that Maya will give it her all and if her career so far is anything to go by more success is surely on the horizon.
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Fashion and Entertainment
THE FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE ROLEX SHOWROOM Take a look inside the brand new Rolex showroom as Johnsons Jewellers proudly unveils its most recent in-store investment.
Johnsons Jewellers, an independent jewellers based in Nuneaton, is proud to showcase their new showroom stocking authorised Rolex timepieces. The jewellers has been a stockist of the iconic watch brand for more than 50 years and has recently undergone a significant expansion and refurbishment. The showroom decor remains bespoke but traditional, crafted in warm walnut tones, royal greens and subtle gold interior. Luxurious limestone walls and stylish cream leather seating complement the lavish glass cabinets that are carefully placed around the showroom. Business Director, Libby Johnson is thrilled that the showroom is now open after a long wait behind the scenes. “The new showroom has been in development for several years and it has taken a lot of work to make it happen,” she said. “We are all thrilled with the end result and look forward to welcoming customers old and new to experience our expanded dedicated Rolex area. The new showroom allows us to present the Rolex watch collections in a luxurious relaxing environment befitting to what Rolex timepieces deserve”.
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Johnsons Jewellers pride themselves on their fine jewellery and an extensive collection of watches to mark every major milestone, that is designed to be worn for years. The luxury showroom will provide a warm sentiment for its customers, allowing them to immerse themselves in the experience. Customers will be able to relax with a glass of bubbly whilst they admire the classic collection on behalf of the store’s very own specialist Rolex team.
To view the Rolex watch collection at the showroom please visit Johnsons Jewellers at 51 Queens Road, Nuneaton, CV11 5JX.
We’re not your typical matchmakers. We don’t help individuals find that one great love, we’re an award-winning brand and influencer agency committed to forming long-lasting relationships between a brand and their target audience using social media influencers to help achieve this.
T: 0203 9580 427 E: contact@influencermatchmaker.co.uk
Specialising in engagement rings, wedding rings and jewellery redesign E: info@houseofsolus.co.uk
A: Unit 4 9 Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter. Birmingham. B18 6JE
www.houseofsolus.co.uk
@HouseofSolus
@HouseofSolus
T: 07920404862 houseofsolusjewellery
Travel and Lifestyle
From luxury hampers and must-have accessories to the most stylish trainers and drinks galore, HARVEY NICHOLS BIRMINGHAM boasts an Aladdin’s cave of sought-after gifts. Products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, in store or via Style Concierge, and online at www.harveynichols.com.
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1: Harvey Nichols The Negroni Hamper, £125
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2: Gucci logo-print leather tote, £1,070
4: Elemis Grooming On The Go gift set, £55 6: Happy Socks Burger & Fries-intarsia cotton-blend socks, £12.50
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5: 1800 Essential Artist Series Silver Tequila, £45
7: Kenzo logo-print nylon backpack, £190
9: Fendi Karl Kollage printed leather wallet, £290 11: Paul Smith striped scarf, £75
| 3: Creed Green Irish Tweed Eau De Parfum (50ml), £165
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8: Kenzo tiger-print T-shirt, £85
10: Black Cow English Strawberries Vodka, £35
| 12: Lakrids No2 salted liquorice, £7.95
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13: Alexander McQueen skull-print cotton scarf, £275
14: Off-White Off- Court 3.0 canvas hi-top sneakers, £415 | 15: Dsquared2 sweatshirt, £320 | 16: Harvey Nichols World Beer Selection, £20
What woman can resist something exquisitely gold! From beauty gifts guaranteed to delight to glittering heels she’s been dreaming of all season long, these are the perfect Christmas gifts from HARVEY NICHOLS that will put a smile on the face of even the hardest to please fashionista.
Products featured are available from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, in store or via Style Concierge, and online at
www.harveynichols.com.
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1: Alice + Olivia Darva rose gold fine-knit wrap dress, £360
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2: Gestuz python-print chiffon shirt, £100
4: Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger gin, £32 6: Rodial Rose Gold Moisturiser Bauble, £20
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5: Malone Souliers Terry Luwolt 85 rose gold leather sandals, £445
7: Saint Laurent Teddy gold leather bucket bag, £1,110 |
9: Sophia Webster Evangeline 100 winged suede pumps, £425 | 11: Soru Jewellery Luna moon and star drop earrings, £260
| 3: Heaven Skincare Gold Bee Venom mask, £352
8: Olivia Burton Celestial 3D Bee rose gold watch, £140
10: Tom Ford Orchid Soleil Eau De Parfum (100ml), £117
| 12: Harvey Nichols I Need Chocolate Biscuits, £10.95
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13: NARS Hot Nights Face Palette, £56
14: Perrier- Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 06, £230 | 15: Fenty Beauty Match Stix Trio, £46 | 16: Bella Freud Je T’aime Jane wool-blend jumper, £340
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Fashion and Entertainment
ONLY AT MAILBOX: BIRMINGHAM’S GO-TO DESTINATION FOR STYLE, INTERIORS AND DINING THIS SEASON If you’re looking for head-turning fashion, unique interiors inspiration and the most memorable venue for a special celebration, step into Mailbox for the very best shopping and entertainment this Autumn. Only at Mailbox can you shop the latest Autumn/Winter trends at Harvey Nichols, before enjoying a long overdue catch up and plenty of giggles over a glass of fizz at one of 16 canalside bars and restaurants. Browse the latest menswear from award-winning independent, Burrows & Hare, before heading to Pall Mall Barbers for a luxury wet shave, and sinking into a sofa at Everyman Cinema, with a slice of freshly cooked pizza served to your seat. Start your weekend being pampered from head to toe at Malmaison Spa, then indulge in some retail therapy at Emporio Armani and James Lakeland before seeking out the perfect party transformation at Nicky Clarke and enjoying waterside cocktails at Aluna with friends.
As the Autumn nights draw in, explore luxurious lighting and inviting interiors at the largest selection of home furnishing brands in the Midlands. Unique to the region, Home at Mailbox brings together a collection of the most essential names in furniture, kitchens, art, lighting, home accessories and gifts. Hosting family and friends for Christmas this year? Browse the latest collections and access expert interior design advice from innovative brands, including MADE.COM, Heal’s, BoConcept, Calligaris and Authentic Furniture. Then toast your exceptional taste with a glass of wine, port or Champagne at Churchills – there are over 300 to choose from! For festive celebrations and Christmas parties with a difference, you’re spoilt for choice. Only at Mailbox will you find fine dining alongside independent eateries. Impress your colleagues and book a much sought-after party igloo at Gas Street Social, or be one of the first to get a taste of new Indian street-food kitchen, Indico, opening this Winter. Looking to get ahead with your Christmas shopping? Your friends and family will love you for choosing Mailbox. From designer accessories and perfume to unique gifts for him and her, check out our range of premium brands including Paul Smith, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Underwear and BOSS. Don’t forget to visit Harvey Nichols’s luxury food and drink collection for the ultimate stocking fillers, their decadent hampers make the perfect gift for every foodie. Or for the beauty lover in your life, head to iconic brands including Fenty Beauty and MAC for pro-worthy eyeshadow pallets alongside cult skincare and supplements.
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Fancy fitting some culture into your day? Explore Castle Fine Art’s brand new flagship gallery, and work from renowned artists including Bob Dylan and Lorenzo Quinn. Relax in the luxurious viewing room or take a guided tour with one of the gallery’s experienced art consultants, whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of bubbly or two, or make a weekend of it and explore everything that the city has to offer this Autumn with an overnight stay at Malmaison or AC Hotel. Located in the heart of the city, with an award-winning 24 hour carpark, Birmingham’s iconic lifestyle destination has everything you need for style, home & interiors and dining.
Find out what’s here waiting for you at www.mailboxlife.com .
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DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF PANTO WITH X-FACTOR STAR ANDY ABRAHAM With leading roles in Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk already under his belt, former The X Factor finalist Andy Abraham is no stranger to the panto limelight. This Christmas, he makes his Rotherham debut at the Civic Theatre in Sleeping Beauty, taking on the role as the heroic King Hugo.
Jamie Gray Photography
Fashion and Entertainment
Ahead of his performance, we caught up with Andy to chat to him about rehearsing his lines, getting into character and his favourite panto moments from yesteryear.
Obviously singing is a great asset but what other skills have you transferred over from your day job?
What do you love about doing panto?
I would say stage positioning, speaking with confidence, and really connecting with the audience.
I love the uniqueness of panto. It’s quintessentially British and you can’t get that anywhere else in the world. Every show has a new comedy feel to it, and you get to revel in over-the-top characters. There’s always a little bit of you in there, but it’s really an opportunity to go outside your comfort zone and do something new, which is exciting to me.
How was your first experience doing panto? I had a fun time - I played King Crumble in Jack and the Beanstalk in Weymouth. It’s a really lovely place by the sea and the Pavilion where we performed is really historic. I also spent a fair bit of time with the cast prior to rehearsal, so it was a good way to relax any nerves and get to grips with what I was doing. I love audience interaction, singing and performing, so once I got on stage I was fine!
Do you spend much time with the cast and crew outside of the performances and rehearsals? Yes, when possible, but we’re with each other so much during the pantomime run anyway that you really get to know one another. It’s important because it makes it all the easier to move on, say if something goes wrong, or if there’s a chance for a bit of ad-libbing. It adds to the fun.
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When you’re singing, you might get the odd opportunity between songs to interact with the crowd and tell stories, but with acting and panto, you get to really pause and dig out those moments for an extra laugh or moment of tension. I’ve really enjoyed taking those extra few moments to soak up the spirit of panto.
Any tips for those thinking of getting involved in panto? I’d say do it - it’s fun, you make great friends, and you learn so much about the stage and entertainment. It’s much more than just being silly on stage for a few hours, which of course is fun, but you also get to experience a new side of yourself and learn some great skills along the way.
Do you hope to continue panto for the future? Music is my first love and I’ll always write and perform, but I’ll do panto for as long as I enjoy it. Right now I’m having a blast, so I certainly imagine myself doing it for the foreseeable future. Sleeping Beauty runs from Friday, November 29th, 2019 until January 5th, 2020 at the Rotherham Civic Theatre.
Tickets are available on 01709 823621 or from www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk For more information on Andy and bookings, visit www.andyabraham.co.uk.
Influencer Matchmaker mark industry growth with a colourful re-brand By the end of this year, influencer marketing is expected to reach its highest market worth yet as world leading brands scramble to feature the prominent stars in their marketing campaigns.
And during the re-brand, the team behind the agency kept the market’s promising future in mind, acknowledging the importance of creating authentic content which audiences can trust.
What this means, aside from being fantastic news for the economy, is that things are going to start getting a lot more competitive. The marketing industry has long been a case of shouting the loudest, but as demand rises for influencers, it’s going to be increasingly tougher, but equally much more important, for brands to be heard above the noise.
“By the end of this year, influencer marketing will become an $8 billion industry,” said Amelia Neate, the Senior Manager at Influencer Matchmaker.
This is why one of the leading influencer marketing agencies has undergone an exciting re-brand as its expertise in matching influencers and brands in genuine partnerships goes from strength to strength.
“That’s why it is vitally important that the relationships between brands and influencers are genuine and authentic. Our skills are in matching the two – which is what gave us the idea for our new name.”
Newly named Influencer Matchmaker, formerly Influencer Champions is based in Loughborough, boasts more than 120 members of staff and has built on its 15-year track record of forming successful brand partnerships with some of the world’s top businesses. The business goes beyond the industry norm by taking the heavy work out of campaigns for brands by handling all the contracting, legalities, logistics and fees that come with it.
The agency’s re-brand is the culmination of more than six months of hard work, with a fresh new website, logo and accompanying literature all branded in an eyecatching fuchsia colour scheme.
Thus far the agency has been the trusted campaign partner for brands such as Amazon, Cartoon Network, McDonald’s and eBay to name just a few.
“People love the influencers they follow on social media because they are engaged with what they post and trust their recommendations.
“We spend so much time investing in the brands and influencers we work with that we thought we should indulge in a little TLC ourselves,” explained Amelia. “We share their passions and are committed to helping brands to reach and engage with wider audiences. “We’re really excited about our fresh new look and
believe this will help us take the service we offer to the next level.” The agency will also continue to develop its management of top influencers including food blogger Recipes from a Pantry, globe-trotting influencer Travel Mad Mum and Silk Fred model Naomi Millbank-Smith, as well as having access to more than 2,000 other influencers and celebrities. “Our aim is to help the brands we work with to gain a core understanding of what defines tangible results – from the right audience and engagement, through to new followers and the ways in which you can capitalise on your investment. “We want to help them recognise how successful influencers can be in helping them to get the results they are after and to create that special ‘brand love’.”
Let us help your brand find the love it has been looking for. T: 0203 9580 427 E: contact@influencermatchmaker.co.uk InfluencerMatchmaker InfluencerMatchmaker InfluencerMatch
www.influencermatchmaker.co.uk
Fashion and Entertainment
CHASE ADVENTURE WITH ADRENALINE CLOTHING A new range of clothing is being brought to market in the form of Adrenaline – performance wear that encourages people to step outside of their comfort zones and dive into the unknown. Have you ever really lived? Have you experienced a moment when you felt alive because ultimately you were frightened to death? For a split second, lightning runs through your veins, your pulse goes off the scale, your imagination catches fire and you engage with every element on Earth. And, in that moment, you cut the cord and let go. Life in free fall. Your mind stops wandering, your eyes stop rolling – fight or flight? It’s now or never. Have you ever had a moment like that? When everything you’ve seen before, everything you thought was real and every trauma, every naked piece of flesh fails to mean anything anymore. You emerge from the coma you called life, and finally, it hits you. Just because you’re breathing doesn’t mean you’re living. Feel the rush. These are the words and inspirational thinking behind brand new performance wear brand Adrenaline. The brand has a specific interest in extreme sports and is on a mission to encourage wearers to fuel their own adrenaline rush.
Men’s clothing starting from £30.00
“Adrenaline is commonly used to describe the physical symptoms that happen to us when our body goes into fight or flight mode,” said Stuart Crowther the brand’s Founder and Managing Director. “But when it comes to what engages that mode, it becomes far more individualised. For some an adrenaline rush comes when scaling great heights or jumping out of an aeroplane thousands of feet up in the sky. For others, it could take the form of racing around a track at high speed or quite simply stepping into a room full of strangers. “These varied and individual meanings behind an adrenaline rush is what inspired our clothing.” As part of that same mission to fuel everyone’s adrenaline rushes, Stuart and his team have developed and curated clothing that allows people, no matter what their chosen activity, to perform to their maximum ability. Their debut collection – they’re releasing clothing range by range – will be brought to market soon via their e-commerce website and is what Stuart describes as “athleisure”. It will feature t-shirts, long sleeved tops, sports bras, shorts, leggings and hoodies for men and women in a range of different colours which can be worn to work out, or day-to-day. Next to launch will be their ‘Junkie’ range which takes inspiration from street and urban fashion with slogan t-shirts, shorts, tracksuits and hoodies followed up by the innovative Energy Return Technology (ERT) range. ERT - a term coined by Adrenaline – is performance clothing made from a 6.6 microfiber yarn with built in FIR (far infrared ray) properties. The mineral additive found in the yarn converts the thermo energy of the human body
Women’s clothing starting from £22.00
into FIR and reflects it back to the skin tissues causing deep, gentle heating. The gentle heat emitted by the fibres energizes the body and helps to return energy back into the body giving the wearer the benefit of performing longer by reducing fatigue and helping the body to recover quicker. This FIR technology will shake the performance wear industry and be knitted into the base layer garments including tech hoodies, t-shirts, training bottoms and shorts. Adrenaline’s new e-commerce website where their debut range can be purchased is launching soon. Keep an eye out on www.weareadrenaline.com or contact info@ weareadrenaline.com for more information. Stuart’s top four things to fuel your adrenaline rush
1. Speed round a racetrack High speed is something that naturally gets our heart rate going and in turn releases adrenaline. To experience this at its peak supercar or motorbike track days are a must. For some though, adrenaline might actually come when letting go of control, in which case you might benefit from giving up the steering wheel and taking up a passenger experience.
2. Take up boxing It might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think about adrenaline rushes, but boxing relies on reflexes and is very much a sport where you have to have your wits about you. The ‘rush’ in boxing not only comes when your arm is being lifted as the winner, but also when you’re ducking from your opponent’s flying punches.
3. Experience Snowdonia’s zipline Set 500 feet above an old slate mine, Snowdonia’s zipline in Wales combines adrenaline pumping height and speed in one go. The fastest in the world and the longest in Europe, the zipline reaches speeds of more than 100mph all while you are lying in a cocoon like bag unable to move.
4. Take the leap of faith Men’s GraphiteTech Zip Hoodie £60.00 Men’s Black Shorts £30.00
Skydiving is something that is on everyone’s ‘bucket list’ but how many of us actually tick it off is questionable. Why? Because the moment when you are peering over the edge of the plane, getting ready to tip forwards is a moment of sheer fear that many dread. But if you are one to chase adrenaline, then there is nothing quite like it.
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Beauty and Health
WIN THE FIGHT AGAINST WINTER WITH 6 SKINCARE ESSENTIALS
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Make sure your skin transitions seamlessly into a new season with these six skincare products that will protect you from top to toe. Oh the joys of winter – dry hands, chapped lips, breakouts, dull skin the list of miserable cold weather side effects goes on… Short of migrating to warmer climates for the winter period – we’re strongly considering a trip to Australia how about you? – sadly there is nothing we can do to stop winter setting in on our skin. But if you go into battle armed with the right tools you might just come out on top.
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Liz Earle - Your Daily Routine
SkinGlo - Collagen Drink
The saving grace of skincare, Liz Earle’s wonderful Daily Routine kit is the perfect place to start on your search for the ultimate winter toolkit.
Unlock the secret to a beautiful complexion with this unique collagen supplement that revives your skin from within.
For £69, the routine kit includes full size Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic, Superskin Moisturiser, Gentle Face Exfoliator and two pure cotton cloths. After a day spent outside, run the cloths under warm water and feel makeup and impurities melt away. Carry out for the full four step routine three times weekly for the best results.
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The tropical tasting collagen supplement helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, restores volume to the skin and gives a brighter appearance to complexion – without the need of any invasive injections. Drink one sachet – either straight up or diluted in water – every day and see results in as little as just two weeks. For long-term effects it should be used as part of your daily routine. Packs of 14 are available for £54.99.
3 The Body Shop - Vitamin C Glow Protect Lotion, SPF 30 Many people ditch the SPF as soon as the sun clocks out for a few months, but UVA rays, which penetrate into the skin’s thickest layer, are still very much on the rampage in winter. Moisturiser is an easy way to incorporate SPF into your daily skincare routine and The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow Protect Lotion is the perfect product to do it. It has an SPF 30 so you can feel reassured that your skin is properly protected even on rainy days. Priced at £15, your skin will glow with natural radiance and remain hydrated all winter long.
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4 La Roche-Posay - Cicaplast Levres Barrier Repairing Lip Balm Sore lips are perhaps one of the biggest irritants to come with winter and is a look nobody can carry off well. La Roche-Posay’s excellent formula lip balm targets chapped and irritated zones with a thick repairing barrier that rebuilds the epidermis on the lips. With 5% concentrated panthenol, this balm helps to enrich lips and achieve a visibly softer and smooth surface.
5 Darphin - Hand and Nail Cream With constant exposure to all the harmful and frosty surroundings, dry knuckles can be extremely painful and if you are prone to dry skin it might be something you dread when winter comes around. Darphin is the solution with its super hydrating rose water hand and nail cream. With a supportive moisture barrier, the cream also aids in conditioning the cuticles with a non-greasy finish. For £29.33, it leaves hands feeling and looking noticeably smoother.
6 Chanel - Le Blanc De Chanel Multi-Use Illuminating Base Finally, we have the ultimate primer that prolongs your makeup hold all day. The iconic primer used by professional artists evens out imperfections on the skin and gives it a long-lasting illuminating radiance. The £38 multi-use primer can be used both as a base for perfect skin texture, or on top of your makeup to help reduce the appearance of pores and to radiate a subtle glow.
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HIGHFIELD DENTAL CLINIC It’s special, it’s unique, it’s your smile.
Practising dentistry for over 20 years, Highfield’s Dr Nazanin ShojaAssadi and Dr Fash Shoja-Assadi understand the importance of a confidence boosting smile. Highfield dental clinic, based in Edgbaston are experts in smile rejuvenation, helping to perfect their smiles, giving them the confidence they desire.
Dr Fash and his team are at the very top of their game. Trust me, you will not find a better, more sensitive, more knowledgeable dentist anywhere in the world.
- Aidan
The state of the art private clinic offers outstanding levels of patient care, as well as delivering high standards of aesthetics, Highfield also provide general dentistry including emergency care and paediatric dentistry. At Highfield we do not just specialise in teeth we also offer botox/fillers, body sculpting and facial/skin rejuvenation. Example of Dr Assadi’s work
Treatments at Highfield include: • Cosmetic smile makeover
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Highfield Dental Clinic Highfield House, 2 Highfield Road Edgbaston Birmingham B15 3ED www.highfielddental.co.uk
At Highfield Dental Clinic I have never felt under pressure or pushed into anything and every member of staff did everything they could to make me feel comfortable. Now my treatment is complete I have the smile I’ve always wanted! My smile is even better than what I expected, I’m so happy with the result! Thank you!
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Highfield Rejuvenation Centre High eld Clinic
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25/03/2013 14:32
Beauty and Health
FEEL FREE AT GEIKO: DIGNIFIED, DISCREET AND STYLISH HAIR LOSS SOLUTIONS Hair loss, whatever the cause, can be a particularly sensitive issue and may lead to a decrease in self-esteem. For some, this may even involve a courageous personal battle for which this is just one of the side-effects.
While NHS wigs are available, this can be a clinical, impersonal service, feeling more like a hospital appointment. Women may feel they have lost their femininity and long for that salon pampering experience. Turning this journey into an easier process has been the inspiration behind Geiko Salon’s Feel Free hair loss solutions. A luxurious, bespoke in-salon service, Geiko provide beautiful natural looking wigs and hair pieces, styled and coloured for the individual. For both ladies and gents, Feel Free is about a pampering experience that centres around escapism. It makes choosing, styling and maintaining a wig or hair piece very similar to a regular salon experience, while boosting self-esteem and allowing wearers to simply feel like themselves again. Offering premium quality real and synthetic wigs as well as custom options; skin tone, facial shape and lifestyle are all carefully considered upon consultation. Personal appointments involve measuring, fitting and styling services where there isn’t any rush or pressure and Geiko will offer as much help as is needed. Out of hours private appointments are also available on a Sunday as well as regular salon hours. Once a wig is fitted, wearers are shown how to care for it and supplied with specialist products. A return appointment is then
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scheduled within 4–6 weeks for a follow-up session, where the wig is removed before the scalp is cleaned and checked before reapplication. Feel Free is above all about giving the individual the chance to regain confidence and bring back a little normality with a truly beautiful and natural looking hair piece. Call Paula at Geiko on 01926 885859. feelfreehairlosssoloutions.co.uk
Hairdressing for Leamington Spa www.geiko.co.uk 12 Park Street, Leamington Spa 01926 885859
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19/04/2018 17:02
Beauty and Health
DISCREET AESTHETIC TREATMENTS IN THE HEART OF ENGLAND Hampton Clinic is a hidden gem of aesthetic excellence, nestled in the 45 acre woodland estate of Hampton Manor, a boutique hotel which boasts its own Michelin starred restaurant, Peel’s. The Clinic was established in 2014 by Dr Lorraine Hill following 20 years as a GP in the NHS. Over the past five years it has become not only a beauty and aesthetic clinic of excellence, but also a wellness centre offering functional medicine, nutritional therapy, counselling and podiatry. In her previous career, Dr Hill’s areas of special interest were women’s health, dermatology and minor surgery. “Aesthetics has blended all the best aspects of my career into one job, offering injectables for beautification, ZO skincare for great skin health and intimate female rejuvenation. It is a joy to take people on a journey of restoration.” The Clinic has recently unveiled its new ‘Garden Room’ - an immersive treatment room where up to three guests can enjoy being pampered together while feeling at one with nature. Located in the calm and tranquillity of the manor’s stunning woodlands it makes for the perfect place to recharge batteries and truly unwind. Since Hampton Clinic opened its doors five years ago, it
has gone from strength to strength, seeing two significant extensions over the past two years, as well as a rapidly growing team. The clinic is proud to offer state-of-the-art machines, products and services. The most recent additions include standard and advanced electrolysis, radio-frequency skin tightening and Morpheus8 for deep lifting and sculpting of the face; this is in addition to the established services of Coolsculpting, Ultherapy and Hydrafacial. At this time of year, laser hair removal and IPL skin rejuvenation are especially popular. Hampton Clinic is one of the busiest coolsculpting clinics and as a result Dr Hill has become the most experienced medical Doctor providing Coolsculpting in the UK. She was the only UK Clinic to be invited to the coolsculpting world expert summit to share with the most experienced doctors worldwide and hone her sculpting skills. Hampton Manor in partnership with Hampton Clinic make for an alluring destination for clients wanting pampering, rejuvenation and a luxurious stay. Clients relax during their treatments and can expect to see thriving wildlife in the woods. Dr Hill and her team are proud of the high standards of safety and hygiene whilst delivering a cosy, rustic, home from home environment. They have received Safe Face recognition as an excellent clinic, and for the two past years have been nominated for ‘Best Clinic - Midlands and Wales’ in the Aesthetics Awards.
www.hamptonclinic.co.uk Book now 01675 760644
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Choose your aesthetic practitioner wisely, check they are Save Face registered, check their credentials, ask how many treatments they have done and look at their before and after photos.
FREEZE AWAY YOUR FAT AT Discreet, Luxurious, Beauty and Aesthetic Clinic No Surgery, No Downtime, Nobody Needs To Know All treatments with Dr Lorraine Hill, a medical Doctor with 20 years’ experience www.hamptonclinic.co.uk | T: 01675 760 644 | E: info@hamptonclinic.co.uk Hampton Manor, Hampton-In-Arden, Solihull B92 OEN
Dr Hill is the UK’s most experienced coolsculpting Doctor with one of the busiest UK clinics, she has gained vast experience in how to sculpt the body skilfully.
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Sporting World
presents Keith Duffy having a selfie with a spectator
HISTORY IS MADE AT THE FARMFOODS BRITISH PAR 3 CHAMPIONSHIP August saw some of the biggest names in golf descend on Warwickshire’s famed golf course for the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship. Here, we take a look back on a week of action. The Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship has seen many a memorable moment over the years and 2019 was no exception. History was made at Nailcote Hall between 6-9 August as Jarmo Sandelin became the event’s first ever non-British champion. The Swedish star put in a stellar performance on the Cromwell Course to clinch victory and the €50,000 first prize that comes with it. As well as this, Jarmo was joined out on the course by a number of Major and Ryder Cup winners alongside some of the most high-profile celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment. If you missed out on the event, enjoy a full rundown of as-it-happened action.
Tuesday 6 August As is tradition the week got going with a Celeb-Am where a number of famous faces took to the Cromwell course. Among them, Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham
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MBE, athletics star Kriss Akabusi MBE and former Wales international rugby star Tom Shanklin. Teeing off in the first group at 8:30am, it was ex-England cricketer James Taylor who took an early lead, scoring +5 (31), including five birdies. But it was former Manchester United footballer David May who came out on top putting in a stunning performance and winning with a score of +1. He fought off competition from the likes of Strictly Come Dancing stars Len Goodman and James Jordan who ended on +2 and +3 respectively. There was also a team aspect to proceedings with Champions Speakers edging out ‘Team Britvic’ and ‘Farmfoods 2’. Champions Speakers finished on -9 (81) just one stroke ahead of the competition. All the winners received their trophies at the evening’s prize giving ceremony and it was event host Tony Jacklin CBE and Nailcote’s owner Rick Cressman who were on hand to present them.
Wednesday 7 August The next day saw the Pro-Am get underway with a variety of big names out on the field, including 1991 Masters winner Ian Woosnam OBE, 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie, 2005 U.S. Open winner Michael Campbell, European Tour star Aaron Rai and the event’s first ever disabled professional, Mike Browne. But it was last year’s champion, Steven Tiley who ended the opening round as the overnight leader. The reigning champion got his title defence off to the perfect possible start scoring five consecutive birdies. With no player ever successfully defending their title, Steven had put himself into an incredibly strong position with a score of -5. Staysure Tour star Gary Wolstenholme MBE also put himself in contention with a stunning round which saw him score -3 scoring five birdies along the way.
Len Goodman
Tony Jacklin CBE and 2019 Farmoods British Par 3 Champion Jarmo Sandelin
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Sporting World
Jasper Carrott
Tony Jacklin CBE and 2019 Norma C Herd Silver Salver winner Matt James
Thursday 8 August The professional championship came to an end on Thursday with overnight leader Steven Tiley and Gary Wolstenholme MBE soon finding themselves neck and neck. Wolstenholme scored three consecutive birdies but fell away after bogies on the 13 th and 18 th. Tiley put in a consistent performance and for some time it looked as though he may become the first ever player to successfully defend his Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship crown. However, it wasn’t meant to be and the momentum swung the way of Swedish player Jarmo Sandelin after he potted a remarkable hole in one on the eighth. He completed his round with a score of -8 meaning that Tiley needed two birdies in his final two holes to win the competition outright.
The Norma C Herd Silver Salver, which is presented to the event’s best performing amateur, went the way of Matt James who scored +6 - two better than last year’s winner David Nelson who finished on +8. In the team competition Jarmo Sandelin and Penny Dawson took the title with a score of -14 the same as second placed Paul Lawrie OBE and Farmfoods’ CEO, Eric Herd. Sandelin and Dawson were crowned winners on countback. The winner of the event’s Super Senior competition - open to those over the age of 50 - was Carl Mason who came out on top with a total of +2 a stroke ahead of Ian Woosnam OBE, and Costantino Rocca. This victory marks the sixth time Mason has won this prize, more than any other player.
Unfortunately for Tiley he wasn’t able to do so and finished with a bogey handing victory to Sandelin who made history as the event’s first ever non-British winner. 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie OBE put on a fantastic spectacle finishing on -7 in joint second place with Tiley. And, Austrian Markus Brier made six birdies to end a stroke behind on -6. Another of the day’s highlights saw European Tour star Lee Slattery record a hole in one on the fourth hole.
48 // Teddy Sheringham
Friday 9 August Warwickshire was hit by heavy rain overnight meaning there were changes to tee times for the Celeb-Am which marked the final competition of the week. Nine holes were played rather than 18 with the likes of Harry Potter actors James and Oliver Phelps, Irish boyband singers Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden, ex-Formula 1 driver turned pundit Johnny Herbert and Ashes winning cricketer Steve Harmison MBE all out on the course.
But it was former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes who reigned supreme with a score of -2. He overcame Scottish actor Craig McGinlay who ended on level par and Ex-Aston Villa footballer Lee Hendrie on +1. There was another team competition and ‘Team Bidfood’ ended on -11 overcoming ‘Typhoo Par Tea’ on -6. An evening dinner then took place where celebrities enjoyed some wonderful entertainment and the chance to raise money for charity.
Tony Jacklin CBE , Michael Campbell, Ian Woosnam OBE, Paul Lawrie OBE
Mark Foster
Interested in being part of next year’s event? For more information on this, as well as sponsorship and hospitality opportunities, get in touch with Benoit Lawrence at event organisers Champions (UK) plc. Call 08453 31 30 31 or email blawrence@championsukplc.com
www.britishpar3.com
Derek and Maria Redmond
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Sporting World
LEVET LIFTS FIRST STAYSURE TOUR TROPHY AT THE 2019 FARMFOODS EUROPEAN SENIOR MASTERS
presents
Amazing eagles, a debut winner and a surprise weather turnout, the 2019 Farmfoods European Senior Masters certainly looks set to live long in the memory. From 3–6 October this year’s Farmfoods European Senior Masters took place at the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Warwickshire. And, all eyes were on Spaniard Santiago Luna to see if he’d be able to successfully defend his crown and once again scoop the €50,000 first prize. But it wasn’t to be, as Frenchman Thomas Levet put in a stunning performance to clinch his first ever Staysure Tour win. And if you weren’t lucky enough to see the six-time European Tour winner lift the trophy in person, then our rundown will fill you in on the full four days of golfing action.
Thursday 3 rd October – Pro-Am team event gets championship underway
The team finished ahead of second placed Margetts who were fronted by Joakim Haeggman. Farmfoods 2 led by Paul Lawrie and SecureAUTH headed up by Philip Price both tied for third. Following all the excitement on the course, an evening dinner was held where prizes were handed out to Mike and his team which included a signed piece of Tony Jacklin memorabilia, a magnum of Moët, a foldaway golf trolley and a pair of Duca del Cosma shoes. The evening also provided an opportunity to raise money for the event’s official charity, the Lord’s Taverners. The UK’s leading youth cricket and disabled sport’s charity put on a range of programmes across the country to engage disadvantaged and disabled children in sport.
As has been the tradition with this event since it was inaugurated three years ago, a Pro-Am kicked off the weekend with 28 teams heading out onto the Forest of Arden course. Each team was made up of one Staysure Tour player and three amateurs with the overall champions claiming a team prize. It was Reynard’s Raiders, featuring professional Mike Reynard and amateurs Steve Reynard, Louis Sanders and Tony Murtagh, who came out on top clinching victory with a score of 93 points.
52 // Ian Woosnam OBE
Friday 4 th October - Event host Peter Baker leads the way Friday was the first day of the tournament proper where a whole host of Major, European Tour and Ryder Cup winners took on the course to get their bid for glory underway. For much of the day it was PGA Tour star Dan Olsen who looked like he would end the opening day on top of the leaderboard, but following a stunning back nine it was the event’s host Peter Baker who finished top of the pack. Baker ended his round by shooting -6 which included a remarkable eagle on the 17th. This performance meant he finished one shot ahead of Olsen. Next came a number of players in third place including Argentinian Mauricio Molina, European Tour winner Markus Brier, Staysure Tour star David Shacklady, Swedish player Jarmo Sandelin, and 2017’s champion Stephen Dodd.
Jarmo Sandelin
2019 Farmfoods European Senior Masters Champion - Thomas Levet
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Sporting World
Iain Carter, Des Smyth, Thomas Levet and Phillip Price
Thomas Levet holing the winning putt on the 18th green
Saturday 5 th October - Tournament heats up as Broadhurst takes the lead Attention remained on Peter Baker going into the second round with spectators eager to see if he could maintain his lead at the front. Sadly, for Peter this was not the case as he fell down the leaderboard after an unsuccessful round which saw him drop a number of shots, including a double bogey and three bogies. However, the Forest of Arden was instead treated to a tussle between some of the event’s biggest names. It was British golfing legend and two-time Senior Major winner Paul Broadhurst who lead the way scoring -4, on a day which also saw him putt a superb eagle on the 4th, to bring his total score up to -7.
James Kingston. They walked away with a Burridge glass trophy, a pair of Duca del Cosma shoes, a Magnum of Moët & Chandon Champagne and a two-night stay at Castillo Hotel Son Vida Mallorca.
Sunday 6 th October – Levet clinches debut win on final day Despite heavy rain overnight delaying tee off times by 30 minutes, spirits couldn’t be dampened on the final day of the tournament. And the action certainly didn’t disappoint. In what was widely regarded as ‘anyone’s game’ due to the hugely competitive and ever-changing leaderboard it turned out to be one of the most exciting final days yet.
This gave him the lead going into Sunday’s final day. Closing in on him just one shot behind was a prolific pack including 1991 Masters winner Ian Woosnam OBE, 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie OBE, Australian star Peter Fowler, former European Tour player Gary Evans, sixtime European Tour winner Thomas Levet and Argentine Mauricio Molina. Saturday marked the end of the amateur championship with Team Wilson taking the win – comprising amateur Jeremy Wilson and two-time European Tour winner
54 / / Huge crowds following Ian Woosnam OBE during the final round
It was Thomas Levet who took charge quickly flying through the leaderboard. His near flawless round faltered on the tenth when he scored two consecutive bogies giving his competitors the chance to strike while the iron was hot. A third bogey on the 16th put him in a vulnerable position but he kept his cool and managed to maintain the lead taking victory by one stroke. He finished on -10 one shot better than Austria’s Markus Brier who had shot -9.
Further down the leaderboard was three golfing icons in the form of 1991 Masters winner Ian Woosnam OBE, 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie OBE and five-time European Tour winner Jarmo Sandelin. The trio all ended on -8 as the tournament came to a close and Levet lifted the silver trophy.
Paul Lawrie OBE on the 18th tee
Thomas Levet with tournament host Peter Baker
The 2020 event will take place from 15–18 October with preparations already underway.
For more information on this, as well as sponsorship and hospitality opportunities, get in touch with Benoit Lawrence at event organisers Champions (UK) plc. Call 08453 31 30 31 or email blawrence@championsukplc.com
europeanseniormasters.com
Peter Baker, Louis Sanders, Tony Murtagh, Steve Reynard, Mike Reynard and Stuart Davis
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Sporting World
presents
FARMFOODS EUROPEAN LEGENDS LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP ENJOYS GLORIOUS DEBUT
The iconic fourth green at Trevose
2019 saw a brand new event land on the Staysure Tour in the form of the Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship. Taking place on the stunning Cornish coast the event truly had it all, so we take a look back at all of the week’s best bits. Stunning views, one notoriously tricky course and an unexpected winner were the talking points of the inaugural Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship.
which along the way threw up plenty of twists and turns culminating with a spectacular win from Frenchman Jean-François Remésy.
The event well and truly made its mark on the Staysure Tour calendar back in June as the championship debuted in spectacular fashion at the stunning Trevose Golf & Country Club in Cornwall.
Thursday 20 June
Here, European Tour legends, Ryder Cup winners and enthusiastic amateurs gathered for four-days of golf,
A team Pro-Am eased players into the event and saw amateur teams of three joined by one Staysure Tour pro. With state-of-the-art golf equipment, Magnum Champagne, designer apparel and experience prizes on the line, competition was rife out on the Championship Course. ‘Team Trevose’ clinched the prize thanks to an impressive 94 point victory. European Tour winner Miguel Angel Martin was the pro leading the team to its success with Lee Cunningham, Matt Gunn and Ben Treleaven. They finished three points ahead of second placed ‘Team Champions (UK) plc 3’ who were headed up by six-time European Tour winner David Gilford and the three amateur players, Ivan Knezovich, Greg Van Laun and Glyn Rowett. The day ended with a black tie gala dinner which saw ‘Team Trevose’ presented with their prizes. On top of this, guests were treated to a fascinating Q&A with 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie OBE and French star Jean van de Velde which gave a unique insight into their successful careers.
2019 Farmfoods European Legends Links Champion Jean-François Remésy.
Friday 21 June The following day was where the action really got underway. The Alliance element of the tournament saw one amateur pair up with one Staysure Tour professional for a truly unique experience. With €50,000 on offer for the winner, the Alliance contributed to the professionals’ overall score, so it came as no surprise that competition was fierce. And, after the opening day it was Swedish star Jarmo Sandelin who was riding high on the top spot shooting -6. This included a remarkable eagle on the fourth and two consecutive birdies. His lead was only slight though as five-time European Tour winner Barry Lane, South African star Chris Williams and former European Tour player Stuart Little all concluded their opening round just one stroke behind on -5. One of the event’s biggest stars, Paul Lawrie OBE sadly had his day cut short when he was disqualified after just five holes for mistakenly hitting Carl Mason’s ball instead of his own. Carl too lost out on his place as a result.
Saturday 22 June Sandelin continued to set the standard on the final day of the Alliance, scoring another eagle on the fourth. Finishing the day on -5, he was joined at the top of the leaderboard by three-time European Tour winner Jean-François Remésy. A steady round for the Frenchman saw him par every hole on the front nine, consolidating his position as joint leader. Truro-based professional Mike Reynard finished the day on -1, meaning the Trevose member was very much in contention going into the final day. After receiving one of the three available invites for the event he lined-up alongside a stellar list of golfing icons. In the Alliance team event, tournament host Ian Woosnam OBE and his playing partner Farmfoods CEO Eric Herd were victorious holding off the challenge from Mike
Paul Lawrie OBE
Reynard and his amateur Tony Murtagh as well as Mauricio Molina and amateur Simon Harding. The pair finished with a total score of -16 over the two day’s play one shot ahead of the teams in second place.
Sunday 23 June On the final day the amateurs stepped aside as the professionals battled it out for that all-important title. In what turned out to be a scintillating final round, Remésy closed by shooting -5, giving him a final score of -10. This was enough to claim victory one stroke ahead of Barry Lane. This win marked Remésy’s first ever victory in the UK to which he commented: “It was my dream to win in England. After 40 years I finally managed to do it. It’s never too late to achieve a dream. I’m just past 55 years old and here we are, so I’m very delighted with this moment.” Another stand-out moment of the day saw Markus Brier hit eight birdies and an incredible hole in one on the eighth. This earned him a magnum Moet & Chandon which was presented to him by John Hayes, CEO of the event’s organisers Champions (UK) plc. The dates for next year’s championship have now been announced and it will return from the 18–21 June 2020. Playing places for the Pro-Am or Alliance event are now available.
For more information on this, as well as sponsorship and hospitality opportunities, get in touch with Benoit Lawrence at event organisers Champions (UK) plc. Call 08453 31 30 31 or email blawrence@championsukplc.com
www.europeanlegendslinks.com
// 5 7 Ian Woosnam OBE
EVENTS Presents
Trevose Golf & Country Club, Padstow, Cornwall
18th - 21st June 2020 europeanlegendslinks.com
Play w Van de Velde
ST_Logo_Port_4C_OnLight_TM.AW
Woosn
Buy a Pro-Am team 18th June 2020 For more information on playing in or sponsoring the event Please contact Benoit Lawrence at Champions (UK) plc on 08453 313 031 or email blawrence@championsukplc.com
- Team of 3 joined by a legend - Breakfast on arrival - 18 holes on the Championship Course - Attend the VIP player’s dinner
£2,000+VAT
To play, sponsor or watch the action,
COVERAGE ON
with the Legends!
Woosnam
se
RemĂŠsy
Play in the Alliance 19th and 20th June 2020 - Play two rounds with a legend on the first two tournament days - Breakfast and lunch on both days in the VIP marquee - 36 holes on the Championship Course - Attend champagne and canapes prizegiving on Saturday 20th June
ÂŁ2,000+VAT
Lawrie
Baker
Become a sponsor and enjoy 18th and 21st June 2020 -
Branding on and off course Pro-Am team places Alliance playing places Integrated social media campaign VIP Hospitality On site 5 star rated lodges
Costs available on request
ion, visit: europeanlegendslinks.com
Sporting World
GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP LEADS THE WAY WITH ICONIC CORNISH PARTNERSHIP The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree as Jack Stein shares an unwavering passion for seafood with his famous father. And now the chef is fronting an exciting new partnership with Cornwall based golf event the Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship. There’s no doubt that the inaugural Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship was a huge success when it arrived on the Staysure Tour in June. Testament to its successful, the 2020 tournament will see a brand-new partnership take place. Jack Stein will be supporting the event in 2020 bringing his passion for food to the championship at Trevose Golf & Country Club. In 2013 Jack took on the role of Executive Chef for the Rick Stein restaurants, pub and cookery school in Cornwall. He was promoted to Chef Director in 2017, to support the growing family business with restaurants outside of Cornwall. This fantastic new relationship will see the combination of Jack’s passion for food and golf with him overseeing the introduction of his own style of street food for the public to enjoy on the course for the duration of the event. As well as the food on the course, Jack will be working with the catering team at Trevose to create a specially designed menu for the Pro-Am dinner which takes place following the opening day’s play on the 18th June 2020. Here, Staysure Tour players and their amateur teams will be treated to a wonderful meal as they enjoy the night’s prizegiving and entertainment.
2019 Farmfoods European Legends Links Champion Jean-François Remésy.
Jack, born in Cornwall worked as a kitchen porter during school holidays at his parents’ Seafood Restaurant in Padstow. Following his studies, Jack travelled the world experiencing food in Paris, Australia, Japan and the Far East. When he returned to Padstow he quickly rose through the company holding several high-profile roles before his appointment as Chef Director in 2017. In recent years Jack has launched his own cookery course, filmed two TV series - Jack Stein: Born to Cook and Jack Stein - Inside the Box and has released his own cookery book.
The 2020 Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship 18 th –21 st June. Register for FREE tickets by visiting
www.europeanlegendslinks.com
Rick Stein has many restaurants close to Trevose Golf and Country Club in Padstow and St Merryn, as well as in Fistral, Porthleven and Falmouth. The business also has 40 guest rooms across Padstow as well as their world renowned cookery school. Readers can also enjoy Rick Stein restaurants in London, Sandbanks, Marlborough and Winchester.
To book your Rick Stein Experience There are several fantastic Rick Stein restaurants near to Trevose so why don’t you book in whilst you’re visiting for next year’s tournament: The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall Rick Stein’s Café in Padstow, Cornwall St Petroc’s Bistro and Ruby’s Bar in Padstow, Cornwall The Cornish Arms in St Merryn, Cornwall
For all bookings call 01841 532700 or visit www.rickstein.com
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Sporting World
HOW A SUMMER OF SPORT CAPTIVATED A NATION Whether it is convincing ourselves that the England football team will end more than 50 years of hurt at the World Cup, or rooting for the next British hopeful at Wimbledon, sport has a way of bringing a nation together. Read all about how 2019 has done just that, featuring highlights from some familiar faces too. It’s July 2018 - the UK is enjoying one of its best summers in recent history and the England football team has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup, their best performance in the competition for 28 years. Football may not have ‘come home’ as we had all hoped it would but thanks to Gareth Southgate OBE and his now famous waistcoat, the country fell back in love with the spirit of national football. At this point it seemed hard to imagine how the summer that followed could top this. But we scored lucky again as we were once again treated to a remarkable sporting summer with a whole host of Brits becoming sporting heroes.
England become world champions Cricket fever officially hit the UK as the Cricket World Cup took place in England and Wales between May-July. Despite the weather not playing ball during some of the games, the tournament was a huge success and culminated in one of the most dramatic finals in World Cup history. On Sunday 14 July England faced off against New Zealand at Lord’s with the game ending in a draw as both teams
scored 241 runs. This meant an unprecedented Super Over had to take place to determine the winner. Each team faced six balls and again it was a tie with the sides both managing 15 runs. England’s superior boundary count saw them clinch World Cup glory for the first time ever.
Djokovic and Wimbledon
Federer
make
history
at
As well as England becoming world champions of cricket and Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton MBE winning the British Grand Prix on his home turf at Silverstone, ‘Super Sunday’ as it is now hailed also included another iconic sporting event. The men’s Wimbledon final came to an end with two of the event’s most successful former champions facing off. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic went head-to-head on Centre Court in what turned out to be the longest final in Wimbledon history. At four hours and 57 minutes long, the pair couldn’t be separated and for the first time ever a final set tie break was introduced. Djokovic was able to win the tie break 7-3 and lift the famous trophy for the fifth time.
The Lionesses roar again A testament to the progression of the game, the Women’s World Cup dominated front and back pages this summer. When the USA’s Megan Rapinoe wasn’t at the centre of the media’s attention, Phil Neville’s England team were making an impact on the pitch. Equalling the achievement of the men 12 months prior, they made it to the semi-finals. Here, they faced the USA and despite losing 2-1 courtesy of American superstar Alex Morgan (and the ever divisive VAR) the Lionesses left France with their heads held high.
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Off the back what was a legendary summer, we spoke to four British sporting icons on what moments they have enjoyed in 2019.
Alex Gregory MBE, two-time Olympic champion rower. “I’ve really enjoyed watching the new Sail GP this year. It’s a brand new event involving refined catamarans all sailing on hydrofoils at speeds of over 50 knots! Six teams are involved in racing in some of the world’s most iconic sailing locations. “However my favourite sporting moment of 2019 is not a traditional ‘sport’ as such but I’ve loved watching it progress. Mountaineer Nirmal Purjar (an ex-British special forces member) has been attempting to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000m peaks in seven months. Which is seven years faster than the previous record. It’s truly unbelievable physically, psychologically and logistically. Most people will never climb one of these peaks and those that do may only do one in their lifetime!”
Sharron Davies MBE, former Olympic swimmer and BBC Sport presenter “For me it has to be the World Swimming Championships in South Korea. It gave us a good rehearsal for Tokyo next year and my favourite race was the men’s 4X100m relay which saw Great Britain beat the USA. “Adam Peaty MBE put in a great performance and Duncan Scott performed an amazing final freestyle leg.”
Matthew Hoggard MBE, former England Ashes winning cricketer “A lot of my favourite sporting moments this year have involved the heroics of Ben Stokes! He has provided some truly inspirational sporting moments this summer. “However, for England to be named World Champions playing the sport I love the most is my key highlight of 2019. Watching Eoin Morgan captain our team throughout the tournament and to see him raise the World Cup trophy, at Lords has to be my moment of the year!”
All of the sports stars featured in this article are available to book through Champions Speakers Agency. If you want to add a special touch to your next event, contact 0207 1010 553
www.champions-speakers.co.uk
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Sporting World
CHAMPION EMPLOYEE WELLBEING WITH OLYMPIC LEGEND SALLY GUNNELL OBE Create a happier and healthier workplace with Olympic legend Sally Gunnell OBE It was the 5 August 1992 in Barcelona and Sally Gunnell OBE was less than one minute away from achieving a lifelong dream. Crossing the finish line in 53.23 seconds, Sally won gold in the 400m hurdles, joining the legendary list of British Olympians before her who had their name etched in history for their success on the biggest stage of all. During her incredibly successful sporting career she also won gold medals at the World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. To this day she remains the only woman in history to hold the four major track titles concurrently. Now the British athletics legend is using the lessons she learned during her sporting career to support businesses across the UK and internationally. Since hanging up her spikes in 1997, Sally has become one of the country’s most sought after keynote speakers providing insight on a variety of topics including resilience and corporate wellbeing. As well as this, she has created Sally Gunnell Health and Wellbeing which works with companies of all sizes and from a number of sectors creating bespoke programmes
that explain the link between organisational health, performance and results. Dedicated to creating a healthier and happier workplace Sally and her team offer a range of solutions including wellbeing consultancy, wellbeing initiatives, trainers and coaches. Some of the aspects of wellbeing Sally helps to address include: · Physical wellbeing · Mental Health · Sleep · Nutrition · Financial “Each day you must have a purpose,” she said explaining why she made the transition into keynote speaking and how her wellbeing programme aims to help businesses around the world. “You can’t just sail through life and when I was running, I knew what I wanted to accomplish on that day, whether it was a training session or a race. “It is the same in business, you need to know what gets you out of bed in the morning. You want to be the best you can be as a person and it’s all about finding ways of dealing with any forms of stress that is affecting you. “It might be about thinking about what you eat, sleeping better, exercising and what you do to relax as well. Everyone has good days and bad days but it’s all about how you pick yourself up and move on and our programme helps with this.” Sally Gunnell Health and Wellbeing organisation understand that every business is different which means everything they do is completely bespoke.
To book Sally Gunnell OBE for your next event get in touch with Champions Speakers Agency. Call 0207 1010 553 or visit www.champions-speakers.co.uk For more information on the services Sally can provide your business visit www.sallygunnell.com
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Travel and Lifestyle
THE GREAT WINTER ESCAPE With a little help from Travel Beautifully, who specialise in bespoke Caribbean holidays, we have your next holiday in hand. The Caribbean islands are always a temptation, but their blue waters and much needed dose of sun becomes ever more alluring when the weather in the UK makes its inevitable transition. With so many islands to choose from, all offering their own quirks and experiences, it can be a challenge to know where to go, what to do and where to stay. We enlisted the expert guidance of Travel Beautifully, who have worked in the Caribbean for 20 years. Together, we have focussed on Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis bringing together all the best places to eat, sleep and play.
Saint Lucia Eat The Hi Tide restaurant is a must visit at any time of the day – although evening is recommended for a more serene experience – if you are looking to complement delicious food with unparalleled views. The restaurant is perched over the picture-perfect Reduit Beach and has a menu which boasts the best of Caribbean cuisine as well as some world favourites. If you want to truly immerse yourself in Caribbean culture staring with Saint Lucian delicacies, then add SeaGrapes bar and restaurant to your list. In a relaxed atmosphere you can enjoy the freshest seafood while taking in the breathtaking views of Pigeon Island National Park.
Sleep Bay Gardens Resort’s new five-star luxury villas, Waters Edge, is a stunning choice of stay. Located along a beautiful marina, close to the island’s famous Rodney Bay, the venue is enveloped by tropical gardens and long views. A perfect place to indulge in a little tranquillity and elegance, Waters Edge comes complete with a virtual concierge which outlines dining options, shopping recommendations and guidelines of the attractions the island has to offer for guests.
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Waters Edge Villas also offer a complimentary private catamaran tour – the best way to drink in all that Saint Lucia has to offer. You can find out more about these two venues in the later pages of our Travel & Lifestyle section.
Play You won’t grow bored of things to do in the area as there is plenty to explore in Saint Lucia. Spend a day uncovering the beauty of the Sulphur Springs & Drive-In Volcano in Soufriere, or get in amongst the bustling Castries Market where you can enjoy the sights and smells of a traditional Caribbean street market. And when the sun goes down, Rodney Bay Village’s nightlife comes alive with authentic beach shack bars serving up fruity cocktails.
For when the holiday guilt kicks in – the pesky overindulging feeling we all get at some point on our travels – Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, situated on the west coast of the island, puts on unique fitness classes three days a week. The aptly named AbSoLucian, has been created by the resort’s resident fitness guru and includes all kinds of classes including Pilates, power walking, and hill climbing in the bay.
St Kitts & Nevis Eat If searching for the finest island restaurants, venture outside of St Kitts’ resorts. Reef Bar and Grill, in Dieppe Bay, is a seafood lover’s dream boasting the best lobster on the island – a big statement to make but it has the reviews to back it up. Sprat Net in Old Road, the Caribbean’s first British settlement, is another one for the foodies. Some of the island’s best fishermen work for the restaurant who, in the 1990s made the decision to cook the fish they catch. Time it right and you can even watch as your fish is caught our in the sea before being prepared in an open kitchen. The restaurant is a live music regular too so you can get yourself settled for the whole night.
Lavish and chic, the resort is situated on the mountainside, so you can take a stroll through the hills of Mount Liamuiga or dive straight into the sea which is just on the doorstep.
Play Saint Kitts has history to boot with much of the island’s architecture from the 17th and 18th Century. This includes the Brimstone Hill Fortress which is certainly worth a visit. The site is of both historical and cultural significance in the region and the views you can take in from the top really need to be seen to be believed. Saint Kitts is also famous for its Vervet monkeys that roam the island. So be sure to get some snaps of the cheeky primates as you will certainly come across them in all areas of the island. Watch out for your food and drink though as they have a particular taste for fine cuisine and cocktails!
Sleep
So bring your suitcases back down from the loft, unpack your summer wardrobe and leave winter behind you.
Belle Mont Farm, with its luxury villas, cottages and farmhouses is one of the island’s best hotel resorts. All accommodation has been designed by award-winning architect Bill Bensley who has drawn inspiration from the natural landscapes that surround the resort.
This is just a small handful of recommendations from Travel Beautifully, for more information from the experts visit: www.paradise-promotions.co.uk
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FIRE & ICE S PA B RE AK FROM £119 PER PERSON Includes a luxury overnight stay, full English breakfast, a delicious 3 course dinner and the unique Fire & Ice Spa Experience.
01675 238 600 | www.TheBelfry.com ENGLAND’S LEADING RESORT 2019 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
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Terms and conditions apply
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at at
Travel and Lifestyle
THE PINNACLE OF LUXURY IN ST. LUCIA The Bay Gardens Resorts properties are located on the beautiful Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. Whether you’re looking for accommodations overlooking the Rodney Bay Marina, an extraordinary island retreat in the heart of the Rodney Bay or a beachfront walk-out on the stunning Reduit beach, the resort chain provides the ideal location for an exciting, fun and relaxing atmosphere on the island. Guests can now stay at Bay Gardens Resorts new 5-star luxury villas, Waters Edge Villas. Surrounded by tropical gardens and the incredible views of the Rodney Bay Marina, a popular attraction when visiting the northern part of the island, Waters Edge Villas sits ideally along the marina and comprises two private villas. A perfect place for those seeking refuge in a world of tranquility and elegance, these four-bedroom vacation-rental villas are fully airconditioned and offers custom designed amenities. With the addition of Virtual Concierge powered by Alexa, guests now have a new way to access Bay Gardens Resorts’ amenities and services during their stay. It provides dining options, shopping selections and guidelines to explore the island’s most magnificent attractions. Relish in luxury with our in-villa catering option by indulging your palate in an array of island flavours from an award-winning private chef. We bring the finest
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culinary tastes from our Bay Gardens Beach Resort& Spa’s SeaGrapes and Hi Tide Restaurants right to your villa. Pair this with your fully stocked fridge of fine wines. Get the ultimate rest and relaxation retreat at the nearby Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa’s La Mer Spa. An allencompassing spa experience awaits as La Mer Spa, in collaboration with the TripAdvisor top-rated Ojas Spa and Wellness, introduces Ayurveda therapy as part of its health and wellness package. Or indulge in authentic Caribbean experiences right in the comfort of your villa with our invilla massages which are available upon request.
such as concierge service, daily housekeeping, room service upon request and numerous recreational amenities including unlimited Splash Island Water Park passes, unlimited non-motorised water sports activities and much more. Uniquely designed with their own private deck, Water Edge Villas by Bay Gardens Resorts offers guests booking with us a complimentary private catamaran tour collecting you right on your private berth, offering the very best of the Bay Gardens brand!
For a truly authentic experience, enjoy the best of both worlds by taking advantage of our resort-styled privileges
www.baygardensresorts.com www.mystluciavillas.com
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Travel and Lifestyle
Living space at Port Ferdinand
FAMILY, FUN, ADVENTURE Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences delivers an exceptional experience combined with all the amenities and services expected of a coveted, world-class destination resort. Across 2,200 sq ft of living space, guests are treated to year-round sunshine, tropical breezes and turquoise seas, everything else just falls perfectly into place. Whether you’re living here or simply vacationing at our awardwinning resort, it will be a life-changing experience marked by adventure, relaxation and a chance to recharge and reconnect. Our two, three and five-bedroom luxury villa-style accommodations and penthouses display traditional Barbadian architecture and finishes, with floor plans that maximize open living spaces, breathtaking views and privacy. Generous terraces with spa pools, fully equipped kitchens, and beautiful en-suite bedrooms are accented with marble tiles, whitewashed cedar joinery and coral
Beach and Marina at Port Ferdinand
mouldings. Beach elevators take guests from residences on higher floors to the pool and beach. We offer an array of bar and dining options including our poolside restaurant, The Gazebo Bar & Grill and our inhome or on the beach private dining experiences. You can also enjoy casual or fine dining at our sister property, Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences, a short 10-min drive away or complimentary water-taxi. There is plenty to do at Saint Peter’s Bay with a large selection of on-site facilities and off-site options at our sister resort. Lounge beside our beautiful 160-ft lagoon style pool that wraps and winds alongside the beachfront of Barbados, visit the Fitness Centre, enjoy an in-room Yoga, Pilates or Zumba session, snorkel with the turtles, or take up any of our complimentary water sports activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving, wakeboarding, sailing and more. There is always something for the kids too - our youngest guests may spend indoor playtime at The Kids Zone. For a more interactive and educational experience, kids can enjoy classes in Arts & Crafts, Sea Turtle Education and Fitness Fun. We also offer in-suite Babysitting and Nanny services. No matter the type of vacation, Saint Peter’s Bay is one of the best luxury resorts to choose from in Barbados as it offers an array of world-class amenities and services, coupled with luxurious accommodation and authentic ‘Bajan’ hospitality.
For more information, visit www.stpetersbaybarbados.com Pool at Port Ferdinand
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Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences delivers an exceptional experience combined with all the amenities and services expected of a coveted, world-class destination resort. With year-round sunshine, tropical breezes and turquoise seas, everything else just falls perfectly into place. Whether you’re living here or simply vacationing at our award-winning resort, it will be a life-changing experience marked by adventure, relaxation and a chance to recharge and reconnect. At Port Ferdinand, you’ll find a stunning selection of one to three-bedroom villa-style accommodations designed to allow maximum enjoyment of the unique experience that the waterfront resort has to offer. Each beautifully designed villa features over-sized living spaces and relaxing areas, allowing a peaceful yet luxurious haven for a Caribbean family vacation, romantic getaway or a special event.
Tucked away on the eastern end of the property and framed by the tree from which Barbados got its name - the bearded fig tree, the spa has extra special garden views. The resort also offers an array of bar and dining options including a fine-dining restaurant, Dockside at 13°/59° led by internationally acclaimed Chef Larry Rogers, an alfresco pizzeria and in-home or on-the-beach private dining experiences. You can also enjoy additional dining options at our sister resort Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences. A large selection of on-site facilities supplemented by additional off-site options at our sister resort, Saint Peter’s Bay, provide options to suit everyone. Visit Nikki Beach Club at Port Ferdinand, an intimate and vibrant lifestyle
Complementing its tranquil natural surroundings, The Sandbox Tree Spa at Port Ferdinand provides the ideal retreat to nourish and replenish the mind, body and soul. Pool at Saint Peter’s Bay
Pool at Saint Peter’s Bay
beach club set on our beachfront with access to a restaurant and pool, snorkel with the turtles, or take up any of our complimentary water-sports activities including paddle boarding, kayaking, scuba diving and more. Our youngest guests may spend playtime at either The Buccaneer HideoutOutdoor Kids’ Park or The Pirates Den- Indoor Kids’ Club. For a more interactive and educational experience, kids can enjoy classes in Arts & Crafts, Sea Turtle Education and Fitness Fun. We also offer in-suite Babysitting and Nanny services.
Saint Peter’s Bay
The Sand Box Spa and Port Ferdinand
Whether your Barbados dream is a couple’s romantic escape, a wellness retreat or a family vacation, Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences are sure to check all the boxes, combining privacy with exceptional service and stylish living with world-class amenities.
For more information visit www.portferdinand.com // 7 7
Travel and Lifestyle
NAILCOTE HALL A VENUE FOR ALL OCCASIONS Nestled in the heart of England is a four-star luxury country house hotel that can only be described as ‘a venue for all occasions’. Whether these are private, personal or corporate, Nailcote Hall lends itself to a huge range of uses and whatever the customer needs this versatile country house hotel delivers. Nailcote Hall is well known in the golfing fraternity for playing host to the increasingly popular Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship which attracts some of the biggest names in sport, as well as major TV personalities and celebrities. The event returned to Nailcote this year between 6–9 August, with even more top golfing professionals as well as a whole host of famous faces from the world of sport and entertainment taking part. The likes of Manchester United legends Teddy Sheringham MBE and Peter Schmeichel MBE, Harry Potter actors
James and Oliver Phelps, Ashes winning cricketer Steve Harmison MBE, ex-Formula 1 driver turned pundit Johnny Herbert, Irish boyband stars Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy and former Premier League manager David Moyes were all in action. Once again two-time major winner Tony Jacklin CBE was on hand to oversee proceedings as the event’s host with Swedish European Tour winner Jarmo Sandelin coming out on top winning the generous €50,000 prize. Golfing is just one of the many attractions at this incredible hotel, which provides the most amazing entertainment and party nights, running hugely successful charity events, as is the backdrop to hundreds of weddings as well as accommodating some of the biggest names in the world of business and commerce. The conference facilities at Nailcote Hall are second to none, as are the wedding reception rooms, the luxury marquee, the leisure club, the fine dining in the Oak Room restaurant and so much more. The options available to visitors are virtually endless, whether they are looking for leisure and pleasure at the weekends or serious business functions Monday to Friday. Indeed, the hotel’s guestbook boasts high-profile visitors such as the former Prime Minister Theresa May, former Deputy PM Baron John Prescott, former Chancellor Denis Healey MBE and global star of stage and screen, the inimitable Dame Joan Collins. If cabaret is your kind of entertainment, Nailcote Hall puts on a fantastic show that has to be seen to be believed. Love party nights or want an unforgettable wedding reception? Nailcote Hall’s owner Rick Cressman has a saying: “Bring your party to our party!” and offers a choice of rooms to suit everyone’s taste. These include Rick’s Bar which is ideal for entertaining up to 120 people, the massive marquee which caters for up to 300 or a new upstairs clubhouse, which has a superb private area for intimate groups of up to 50 guests. Maybe you are looking to rest your weary head in the most luxurious surroundings possible after a tiring day, or to
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surprise your loved one with a romantic overnight break, or to have your wedding guests stay over for breakfast the next day. If any of these apply, Nailcote Hall has 49 incredible bedrooms, including – of course – the bridal suite, and all are beautifully decorated in the style you would expect for a 17th century building full of English charm. The high quality furnishings and sumptuous beds, including fourposters, are complemented by the most contemporary design and modern facilities such as flatscreen TVs with satellite channels. Nailcote Hall also boasts beautiful gardens and surrounding woodland for those who love to relax out in the open as well as a croquet lawn, an area for playing pétanque and a jogging track. For relaxing indoors there is a stunning Roman style bath 14-metre swimming pool, a well-equipped gymnasium, a jacuzzi and a steam room. On top of all this, one of the major attractions of staying at Nailcote Hall is its location. Located just 10 minutes from Birmingham Airport, close to Birmingham International Railway Station and the National Exhibition Centre. It is also no more than half an hour from Birmingham city centre, 15 minutes from Solihull and Coventry, around 20 minutes from Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, and just 10 minutes away from Warwick University and Coventry
University. The hotel will be even more accessible when the planned HS2 high-speed railway connects Birmingham International with London, Manchester, Sheffield and the East Midlands. Rick Cressman, Owner says: “Nailcote Hall is a home away from home for business travellers and the general public. It is just perfect for birthday parties – whether you’re 18 or 80 – as well as hen parties, charity events and a whole host of corporate activities. And if you don’t have time to enjoy the beautiful gardens, the leisure room, the gymnasium or the golf course, you can always pop in for one of our wonderful Sunday lunches. Freshly carved roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, mouth-watering steak Diane, delightful crêpes Suzette – whatever the customer’s taste, we can cater for it.”
To find out more about Nailcote Hall visit: www.nailcotehall.co.uk or call us on 024 7646 6174
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Travel and Lifestyle
ECOTOURISM – MAKING TRAVELLING MORE SUSTAINABLE As climate change is on everyone’s mind, we take a look at ecotourism and its mighty impact on the environment. People all over the world are starting to stand up and listen to the harsh realities of our world’s future, influenced more by protesting efforts and prominent public figures such as Leonardo Dicaprio and Sir David Attenborough raising awareness. The latter national treasure shared in April a shocking truth that has been heard across the world. In the BBC programme Climate Change – The Facts, Attenborough stressed that “If we have not taken dramatic action within the next decade, we could face irreversible damage to the natural world and the collapse of our societies.” The sheer journey that lies ahead cannot be understated, but we can only hope that with signs such as the UK enforcing a zero emissions law and increased awareness of our own environmental impact, action will be taken. Tourism is undoubtedly an area of particular focus which sees many of us making small but mighty steps to reduce our travelling footprints. Within the industry this is defined as ‘ecotourism’. Defined by the International Ecotourism Society, it refers to “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the
environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” This can be done through building environmental awareness, providing financial benefits for conservation, local people and the private industry, and recognising the beliefs and culture of indigenous people in the community. And while it’s more commonly done by those dedicating large amounts of time to travelling and conservation work, there is increasing behaviour changes, small though they may be, that are actually making a big difference.
Offset your flights International flights account for around 60% of aviation emissions with a return flight from London to New York generating 986kg of Carbon Dioxide per passenger – more than the average person generates in a year in 56 countries around the world. When you consider that 4.5 billion passengers took nearly 45 million flights worldwide last year, it’s clear to see that the amount of CO2 produced is exponentially high. But there is a way to give back. You can now offset flights to make up for the emissions produced by air travel. Carbon offsetting is a voluntary process whereby purchasing an offset contributes to ongoing projects that reduce greenhouse gases. Some of these projects help to restore forests, increase the efficiency of transport and make factories greener.
Don’t take public transport You’re enjoying a city break and need to get to the other side of town. You have no idea of how to get there so jump in an Uber. We’ve all done it but much like aeroplanes most public transport options also release harmful emissions. While the likes of trams and underground rail systems are much better for the environment than cars or buses a simpler solution is to walk.
We’re not suggesting trekking for hours on end across a city but for small to medium size journeys this is the best solution for the planet. In the modern age almost all of us has a map on our phones which can easily help you get from A to B. Plus en route you may discover some hidden gems that you might have otherwise been oblivious to. And, it is a simple way to sneak some exercise into your holiday. A win-win right?
Buy and eat locally Immersing yourself in a new country’s culture is one of the best parts about going on holiday. And you can take this one step further by ensuring everything you buy and eat comes from a local source. Transporting food and goods to many of the world’s tourist destinations has a negative effect on the environment with more emissions being generated in the process. Therefore, it is better to consume goods that have a low carbon footprint. You can do this by ditching the chain restaurants for local delicacies and staying away from the global brands in favour of local stores. Doing this does not only help the planet but also gives back to the local economy and gives you the chance to have a more authentic experience while away.
Use a responsible tourist board Before booking your getaway it is always worth checking out the tourist board of the country you’re going to. A great example of a responsible tourist board is Visit Rwanda – the tourist board for the central African country – who help maintain Rwanda’s reputation as the cleanest country in the continent. For example, since 2008 plastic bags have been banned in the country and if you take one with you it will be taken off you at the airport. They also invest a significant amount of their tourism income back into local communities. Visit Rwanda is also dedicated to conservation, particularly when it comes to the country’s gorillas. Thousands of people go gorilla trekking each year hoping to catch a glimpse of the endangered animals. And, Rwanda is one of just two countries where these spectacular creatures can be safely viewed in their natural habitat with Visit Rwanda organising trips and safaris for visitors to see them up close. As a whole, Rwanda is committed to being environmentally friendly and on the last Saturday of every month it is mandatory for Rwandan citizens to participate in ‘Umuganda’. The practice runs from 8:00am– 11:00am and sees businesses close and traffic come to a stop as people head to their neighbourhoods to sweep the streets and dig drainage ditches.
For more information about ecotourism, its benefits and how you can help, visit: www.ecotourism.org
Travel and Lifestyle
MEET THE NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR SHAKING THINGS UP AT PARK REGIS The appointment of managing director John Angus six months ago, has seen Park Regis Birmingham quite literally reach new heights as he gears up to reposition the hotel’s offering in the city. Since 2017 Birmingham’s Broad Street has been the home of Park Regis – a luxury 253 roomed hotel with a gym, spa, award-winning restaurant and impressive conference spaces.
One more move came for John before taking his seat at Park Regis. As regional managing director at MacDonald Hotels he oversaw the iconic group’s two flagship hotels Randolph in Oxford and Bath Spa.
Despite still being in its infancy the hotel is already enjoying a period of change as the owners have a vision to better marry Park Regis with its desired clientele.
With plenty to boast about and years of experience under his belt, John is in a great position to take Park Regis to the next level. And his first order of business? To ensure that the hotel is performing to its ‘top three’ hotel status.
To help them achieve this, they have enlisted hotel management expert John Angus. And in just six months the new managing director has more than made his mark. John’s previous experience paints the picture of excellence having worked in London and across the UK for some of the most prolific brands including Novotel, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Meridien Leisure Hotels. “I started as a General Manager at Sopwell House in St Albans where I was responsible for the running of the 120 bedroomed hotel,” he said speaking to Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham. “For over eleven years I worked as an Operations Director for Heythrop Park during which time we built the Championship Golf Course and purchased eight other businesses in the Midlands. “From there I was the General Manager for the Five Lakes Resort in Colchester before moving onto a huge venture with QHotels. As their regional director I looked after a group of four different hotels and represented the entire UK as the Director of Golf.”
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“When I first walked into the hotel I said: ‘we’ve got a Porsche but we’re selling it like a Ford’, and that is where the recent repositioning comes in,” he shared. “Park Regis is a four-star hotel and we want to sell it to the type of customer that matches our image and to do so, we must market ourselves in a different way.” With this in mind significant investment has been made across the hotel including cosmetic work in the bedrooms and corridors to enhance the whole image, higher quality photography, frequent and professional social media posts, enticing promotions, and an impactful promotional video which encapsulates the luxury services of Park Regis. In line with this activity, emphasis has been made on the events and conference spaces – which John notes as the hotel’s ‘crowning glory.’ Among these spaces is Level 16 which can cater for up to 250 guests, with its floor to ceiling windows, provides a stunning view over the city – the perfect backdrop for the weddings, parties and corporate occasions it hosts yearround.
“Our strengths lie in our events and our spaces are without doubt part of the hotel’s crowing glory,” John added. “We have just celebrated the first birthday of our conference centre and I am pleased that each month it continues to break records. The demand for Level 16 is enjoying such a surge that people are fighting to get in.” Rather than simply relishing in its success, or resting on his laurels, John proved his commitment to moving the hotel onwards by identifying the need to maximise its corporate capabilities and introducing a new state-of-the-art meeting space. John recently cut the ribbon on The Boardroom – a luxurious self-contained room with working stations and breakout areas. “It truly is the best conference space in Birmingham – it has the views, the luxury finish and the facilities,” he said. “Perfect for more exclusive gatherings, the room can seat up to 14 delegates and features all the technology needed for a seamless meeting including wireless mobile charging stations, a 75-inch television and a built-in presentation wall.” Other notable successes since John took up the position include the launch of the brand-new terrace which made Park Regis one of the only properties in Birmingham to have an external terrace, numerous awards and certifications including the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and a 30% rise in employee retention within the hotel. It’s undoubtably an exciting time for Park Regis and with John at the helm it’s clear to see that the hotel is and will continue to sit among the best hotels in the city. Book your stay, event or conference at Birmingham’s most distinctive hotel.
160 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1DT Tel: 0121 369 5555 Email: reservations@parkregis-birmingham.com
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Travel and Lifestyle
MARGARITAVILLE RESORT ORLANDO: VISIT ONCE OR STAY FOREVER Alistair Brown International Real Estate help people find their perfect home abroad and among his extensive portfolio of resort properties lies the stunning Margaritaville. With its world-famous theme parks, alluring year-round climate and welcoming residents, there is little wonder why Orlando is one of the most visited destinations in the world. Last year the Sunshine State hit record-breaking tourist figures as it welcomed 75 million people – more than one million of which were Brits. And on some occasions, what starts out as ‘just a holiday’ captures hearts and spurs the desire for something a little more permanent. Enter Alistair Brown International Real Estate (ABIRE). ABIRE is a boutique real estate consultancy that brings together the most distinguished properties from around the world.
Headed up by Alistair Brown himself, the business has years of experience in selling properties in global locations such as London, Paris, Tuscany and Spain but places onus on Florida and the Caribbean. As an international brand ambassador of One Sotheby’s Miami group, ABIRE has unprecedented access to unique homes which include current offerings from One Thousand Museum in Downtown Miami, Aventura Park Square in Florida as well as Grove Resort & Water Park and Margaritaville, both of which are in Orlando. The latter resort, Margaritaville, is the most recent addition to ABIRE’s expansive Florida-based portfolio. Spread across 300 acres, hugged by Walt Disney World Resort and encapsulating a sense of community, it’s easy to see why it is a popular destination among holiday goers and property investors alike. A little slice of paradise, the resort boasts an 184-room luxury hotel, vacation cottages and cosy timeshares all of which have been thoughtfully designed to incorporate the comforts needed when away from home. Margaritaville’s incredible range of leisure facilities include entertainment venues, a spa, kids’ club, swimming pools and Sunset Walk – the resort’s outdoor shopping district – which means there is always something to do. And if neighbouring Disney is not enough entertainment, then perhaps the resort’s own 14-acre water park will deliver. Island H20 Live features a wave pool simulator, nine different thrill rides and adult-only areas scattered around the park.
www.abire.co.uk
Beyond the bustling atmosphere of the hotel is where the vacation cottages can be found – a colourful community of two to eight-bedroom cottages available for short trips or permanent holiday homes. Designed by renowned interior company Ethan Allen, the cottages are just a few steps away from the sandy beach and echo the laid-back lifestyle that Margaritaville is known for. With the vacation home rental market becoming a hugely popular alternative to hotels, there has been no better time to invest in Margaritaville. The ability to truly understand their clients is at the heart of ABIRE’s offering, as Alistair points out: “From the very first
conversation, I am thinking about the client; their family, their likes and dislikes and those subtleties and emotional triggers that are important to their lifestyle. “Before we think about a property we need to know why they have made the decision to start the search,” he added. “Everything I learn about them creates a vision, which I then use to hand pick properties for their unique circumstances.”
To discuss your requirements, or to find out more about Margaritaville, or any of the resorts in ABIRE’s property portfolio, contact the team on 0141 483 8484. Alternatively, email info@abire.co.uk.
So, turn your favourite place into more than just a holiday destination by contacting the ABIRE team today.
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Travel and Lifestyle
BEST WESTERN IS THERE FOR WHEREVER LIFE TAKES YOU.
Windmill Village Hotel, Golf Club & Spa
Manor Hotel Meriden With its impressive Georgian façade this delightful hotel nestles at the heart of the village of Meriden, yet is just minutes away from Birmingham International Airport, the NEC and the National Motorcycle Museum. The hotel offers 112 bedrooms and seven meeting/ function rooms including the incredible Triumph Bar, great for get togethers, product launches and more intimate functions. Also, in the hotel is Marco’s Steakhouse, Bar & Grill Meriden a truly delightful bar and restaurant incorporating a private dining/ meeting space. Marco’s is open from noon daily for both resident and non-residential guests to enjoy everything from cocktails and afternoon teas, to lunches and dinners – a true taste of affordable glamour. Main Road, Meriden, Solihull CV7 7NH 01676 522735 www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk
Manor Hotel Meriden
Windmill Village Hotel, Golf Club & Spa Located in the rural countryside, the Windmill Village Hotel offers 105 bedrooms together with an array of meeting and banqueting facilities. Its leisure facilities include a 20 metre pool, steam room and sauna together with a state-of-the-art fitness suite, plus The Spa@ the Windmill which offers a wide range of treatments to help you to relax and unwind. The 18-hole par 70 parkland golf course completes the facilities and buggies and trolleys can be hired. NEW to the hotel is Vault 52 an incredible gin experience bar set in the cellars of the original old house, which offers an insight into the origins of gin through our Gin Master. Vault 52 packages are ideal for team building, special birthdays and events and make an ideal gift. Birmingham Road, Allesley, Coventry CV5 9AL 02473 404040 www.windmillvillagehotel.co.uk
Manor Hotel Meriden Windmill Village Hotel, Golf Club & Spa
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INSPIRATIONAL WARWICKSHIRE & BIRMINGHAM
FOOD AND DRINK At Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham we have compiled some of our favourite eateries from across the West Midlands, so you can read up before you dine out. Famous for winning a whole host of regional and national awards, San Carlo Birmingham offers a modern and authentic approach to Italian cuisine. Their extensive menu includes more than 140 carefully selected dishes to give guests the highest quality of dining experience. The Maltshovel in Barston is where fabulous food and drink can be enjoyed in a quaint country pub setting. All of their dishes are ‘cooked with care and presented with flair’ using only the freshest of ingredients. Live music is also regularly held there, so time your visit right to get the most out of your visit. Award-winning Indian restaurant Pushkar is one of Birmingham’s finest places to eat and 2019 has marked a new era for them with the addition of new Executive Chef Chandra Singh. Set to take the restaurant to even greater heights you can find out more about him later in our food guide. And for the nights when nothing but some home comforts will do, we have provided you with a recipe sure to warm your cockles this winter.
400g plain flour 1 tbsp English mustard powder 100g lard 100g butter
2 eggs beaten (1 for the pastry and 1 for egg wash) For the filling 1kg braising steak such as brisket or skirt, cut into chunks, any sinew and fatty bits discarded 50g plain flour 1 tbsp English mustard powder 3 tbsp rapeseed oil or vegetable oil 250g bacon lardons 2 carrots, cut into small chunks 2 onions, chopped Source: www.bbcgoodfood.com
2 bay leaves 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tbsp tomato purée 600ml beef stock 6 thyme sprigs 150g strong crumbly blue cheese, such as stilton 1 piece marrowbone, about 10cm depending on the depth of your pie dish (optional)
1. First, make the pastry. Put the flour, mustard powder, ½ tsp salt, the lard and butter in a food processor and pulse until combined. Add 1 egg and pulse again. Add 1 tbsp cold water, if needed, until it forms a short pastry. Knead into a ball, wrap and chill in the fridge for 30 mins. 2. Season the steak and toss with the flour and mustard powder. Heat half the oil in a large pan. Brown the meat in a few batches, adding more oil as you need to and making sure you don’t overcrowd the pan. 3. Fry the bacon until beginning to crisp. Tip in the carrots, onions and bay leaves and cook until the veg is soft. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and tomato purée for 1 min, then add the stock, thyme and browned beef. Season, cover the pan and simmer gently for 2½ hrs, stirring now and again to prevent the sauce from sticking. Remove the lid for the last 30 mins to thicken the sauce. 4. Transfer the beef to a pie dish and crumble the cheese over the top. Place the marrowbone in the centre, nestling it into the meat. Roll out the pastry on a floured worktop until large enough to cover the pie and about ½cm thick. Brush the beaten egg over the edges of the pie dish, drape the pastry over, trim the excess and pinch around the edge to seal. Cut a hole for the marrowbone or pie funnel to poke through and brush the top all over with beaten egg. Chill for about 30 mins while you heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
5. Bake for 45-50 mins until the pastry is golden.//
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INSPIRATIONAL FOOD AND DRINK SAN CARLO Birmingham
‘The best Italian restaurant in the UK’ is a bold statement for any restaurant to make but San Carlo has the atmosphere, authentic dishes and service to wholeheartedly back it up. Its Temple Street restaurant in Birmingham is one of the San Carlo Group’s 15 country-wide locations and its multiple award wins speak volumes for what awaits diners. The menu has been lovingly curated to provide the ultimate Italian experience that comes second only to dining in the country itself. From shellfish typically found on the Italian coast and pizza topped with Sicilian tomatoes, to traditionally rolled ravioli and tortellini, anyone that truly appreciates the many wonderful flavours of Italy will find a dish to suit at San Carlo. Those lucky enough to have travelled to Italian shores will have certainly noted the country’s obsession with only ever using the freshest ingredients. This is something San Carlo is passionate about encapsulating across its menus and should you need further proof of its commitment to authenticity, you will be impressed to learn that many of its own ingredients are flown in from Italian produce markets. For every dish on the menu there is a wine to complement with San Carlo’s list comprising 150 stunning selections from Italian whites, reds and rosés to fine wines for when those extra special occasions come around. And for diners wishing to further embrace the culture and drink as the Italians do, half bottles are available.
MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE, BAR & GRILL Leamington Spa, Warwickshire At Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse, Bar and Grill it isn’t just about great food and refreshing drinks, but the overall dining experience. The perfect place to go with family and friends for an evening meal, quick bite or even a few drinks, the vibrant, yet relaxed atmosphere is what sets the eatery apart from others in the region. Providing lunch, dinner, dessert and kids menus, there is something to set everybody’s taste buds alight. Renowned for its steak and grill options, people can choose from ribeye, sirloin, fillet, t-bone and for those special occasions, chateaubriand. The same goes for the restaurant’s steakhouse burgers which are all finished with a sweet barbecue glaze. When it comes to other mains, people can choose from the likes of confit duck leg à la Parisienne with béarnaise sauce, roast rump of lamb à la dijonnaise, a pig mixed grill and much more. The restaurant is also home to a wonderful cocktail menu, all of which are inspired by their drink’s origins and feature everyday favourites such as mojitos and cosmopolitans, as well as more contemporary choices, including Mai Tais, a popular cocktail in Tahitian.
Opening hours: Monday - Friday 12pm - 3pm / 6pm - 10pm Saturday 12pm - 5pm / 5pm - 10pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm / 6pm - 9pm Afternoon Tea Monday - Saturday 12pm - 3pm San Carlo Temple Street, B2 5BN T: 0121 633 0251 E: birmingham@sancarlo.co.uk www.sancarlo.co.uk
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill Best Western Plus® Manor Hotel 127 Main Road, Meriden, Solihull CV7 7NH T: 01676 522 735 www.manorhotelmeriden.co.uk
LEGNA Birmingham
The world is full of Italian restaurants but there isn’t many like Birmingham’s Legna. Believing that the rules of cooking are there to be broken the restaurant focuses on using high-quality ingredients incorporating simplicity and emotion into every dish. This includes wonderful meat and fish dishes such as salt baked bass with spinach, broccoli and gnocchi, wood fired chicken served with asparagus risotto and a green herb puree. Of course, Italian cuisine is nothing without pasta and Legna delivers with that too. This menu includes Bolognese with beef & wild boar ragu, pappardelle and vintage parmesan. As well as this you can sample delicious tortellini with spinach, ricotta and green herbs as well as gnocchi al gamberi with prawns, san Marzano tomato and chilli. Headed up by chef Aktar Islam, he has travelled across Italy during his career studying some of the land’s best dishes. He tries to use the influence he has learned throughout all of his work. They also offer private dining experiences. The Terrace offers an intimate dining experience like no other where guests can sit under the venue’s white blossom trees and enjoy the finest Italian cuisine. Perfect for group celebrations, corporate events and meetings Legna has something for everyone.
Opening hours: Tuesday 12.00pm – 2.00pm / 5.30pm – 9.30pm Wednesday to Thursday 12.00pm – 2.00pm / 5.30pm – 11.00pm Friday to Saturday 12.00pm – 2.00pm / 5.30pm – 1.00am Sunday & Monday closed Legna Islington Gates, 8 Fleet St, Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JH Tel: 0121 201 3525 www.legnarestaurant.com
MANOR HOTEL MERIDEN, MAIN ROAD, MERIDEN, SOLIHULL CV7 7NH I TEL: 01676 522735 WWW.MANORHOTELMERIDEN.CO.UK
With beautiful views across the River Thames, we bring the freshest f ish and shellf ish straight from the Cornish coast to London. Enjoy some of Rick’s most iconic dishes such as Dover sole à la meunière, fruits de mer and Indonesian seafood curry inspired by his travels around the world. BREAKFAST | SET MENU | SEAFOOD BAR 0208 878 9462 | www.rickstein.com Tideway Yard, 125 Mortlake High Street, Barnes
RICK STEIN’S COOKERY SCHOOL Our cookery courses offer the perfect balance of demonstrations by our chefs and hands-on cooking as well as plenty of time to enjoy the fruits of your labour whilst overlooking the Camel Estuary.
Prices start at £35, choose from: - Tasting evenings - One dish workshops - One day courses - Two day courses
- Children’s cookery - Private parties - Four day courses - Cook & stay breaks
www.rickstein.com | 01841 532700 Padstow | Cornwall
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off when you spend £40
WITH OVER 20 VINTAGE YEARS...
EXCULSIVE IMPORTERS OF GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE, FINE WINES & PORT FROM AROUND THE WORLD. Shawbury Wine is a family run business that began trading in 1999. We carry a carefully curated selection of Fine Wines chosen for a variety of drinking occasions. Whether for casual entertaining or exceptional food pairings, you are sure to find the perfect wine on our list. We’re always looking to find wines that are of a superb quality, unique character and most importantly offer an enjoyable drinking experience. We typically avoid large wineries and instead deal directly with small, boutique, often family run winemakers. These people have real passion for their produce and are creating exceptional wines usually in small quantities. If you’d like to any further information on any of our services please contact us further to arrange a visit or a tasting in the comfort of your home or business.
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OUR SERVICE • Personal Wine Advice • Friendly, Professional and Knowledgeable • Corporate Tastings & Gifts • Bespoke Wine Events • Sponsorship and Promotions
CONTACT RICHARD LAMBOURNE - SHAWBURY WINE RICHARD.LAMBOURNE@SHAWBURYWINE.COM • 01675 481 516 WWW.SHAWBURY.WINE
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The Home Collection
Gucci at gucci.com Herbarium Porcelain Teapot
£440.00 Turn the meaning of winter blues on its head by welcoming the colour into your home with small but stunning additions. Colder weather sees us seek solace in the comfort of our homes, so it’s important that you create a place that you enjoy spending time in. The plush, peacock inspired settee by Sofology is the perfect place to whittle away a day in front of the fire. Complement it with a statement stool by none other than Gucci for the ultimate cosy set up. Light up the dark nights with candles by Oliver Bonas who have a vast collection that will not only match the season’s colour palette but smell divine too.
Gucci at gucci.com Herbarium Coffee Cup And Saucer, Double Set
£215.00
SMEG at johnlewis.com Smeg KLF03 Kettle, Blue
Sofology at sofology.co.uk Perle In Plush Peacock
£120.00
10 0 / /
£2,325.00
Amara at amara.com Coral Cushion Green 45x45
£30.00
Pols Potten at harveynichols.com Green Radium Vase Medium
£78.00
Cuckooland at cuckooland.com Dutchbone Dolly Armchair
Visit our website inspirational.uk.com/gift-guide to see more...
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Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com Iko Scalloped Cocktail Shaker
Haut De Gamme at hautdegamme.com
£24.00
New Limited Edition - Giclée Print On 350gsm Textured Art Paper
£750.00
Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com Abstract Orange Blossom & Amber Scented Candle
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Gucci at gucci.com Tiger Jacquard Stool
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Oliver Bonas at oliverbonas.com Luxe Duck Egg Velvet Chair
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The Home Collection
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS UNVEIL LATEST COMMISSION WITH ARTIST, ALEX HALL With one of his eye-catching art installations being seen around the world and the recent unveiling of a major new commission, it’s been a good year for artist Alexander Hall. A new luxury hotel in the historic French city of Lyon is the setting for the latest ambitious project by upcoming British artist Alexander Hall. Two of his eye-catching paintings have taken pride of place in the foyer of the InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu, one of the city’s most iconic buildings. The artwork was unveiled during a five-day celebration in September to mark the official opening of the opulent hotel following major renovation works. And the London-based artist was at the five-star venue to talk about his work. “It has been a really exciting commission and I couldn’t wait to see what they have done to the building and to see my own work in there,” he said. “The hotel is absolutely stunning – they have done an amazing job with it. It was great to be there and to see my paintings in such a lovely setting.”
The Hotel Dieu is housed within a former hospital, on the tree-lined banks of the River Rhône. A hospital has operated on the site since the 12th century, with the current building dating from the 18th century. Its renovation took four years and was the largest private transformation of an historic monument carried out in France to date. Landing the high-profile double commission was a thrill for mixed-media artist Hall. He’s the founder of the fastemerging creative brand Haut de Gamme – an appropriate name, as it is French for “upmarket” or “high-end”. The 29-year-old came up with the idea for the hotel’s paintings after imagining opening a suitcase in a luxury hotel in a beautiful city and asking room service for a bottle of celebratory champagne. One of the paintings is a metaphor for exotic travel: an ancient leather suitcase, of the type usually found in attics but which can nowadays fetch a fair bit at bric-a-brac auctions. The other is a symbol of celebration: a work featuring three bottles of champagne. Champagne bottles, splashed and dripping with paint, have become one of the artist’s signature images which have won him many fans. His work features on the walls of celebrities including Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones, TV personality Denise Van Outen, Formula One racing driver Daniel Riccardo and Hall’s close friend, former Made in Chelsea star Binky Felstead. The commission in Lyon, a city once described as the gastronomic capital of the world, came after he took on an ambitious project for InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.
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He was asked to create a piece of work to mark the company’s 200th hotel acquisition last year. His head-turning installation of 200 individually painted champagne bottles has been seen at InterContinental hotels around the world. Hall travelled to Shanghai – the home of the new InterContinental Wonderland Hotel - where the installation was suspended from the ceiling. He continued on to Singapore, Dubai, Australia and the US to showcase and talk about the life-changing work. “The paintings for Lyon are a spin-off from that commission,” Hall added, “so it’s been a chance to continue my work with InterContinental.
“I was inspired to take, as one of my subjects, an old-school leather 1940s suitcase as InterContinental was founded in 1946 by Juan Trippe. I used logos like Pan Am which the founder had previously worked at for example. “I wanted something that would convey the romance of travel to faraway places; something that spoke of the things you expect to find when you go on holiday, and what you don’t expect. “In the champagne triptych, the three bottles could represent breakfast, lunch and dinner.” Hall worked on the paintings this summer. They are substantial pieces – one metre by one and a half metres. Fifteen limited-edition reproductions of the two originals were created and personalised individually as hand finished prints, these were pre-sold to VIPs of the IGH brand. Hall and other VIPs and guests at the event found themselves at one of the most historic hotel locations in France. In medieval times, it was a resting place for beggars and Rome-bound pilgrims. The site served as a hospital for 800 years and the current building, more than 375 metres long, was started in the 18th century. The hospital closed in 2010 and, following a massive restoration project, opened this year. Guests will find the lobby, and Hall’s paintings, under the building’s stunning Grand Dome, which stands 32 metres high. The hotel’s 143 beautifully designed rooms and suites occupy the eastern façade, with views across the Rhône.
For more about Alexander Hall and his work, visit www.hautdegamme.com
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The Home Collection
LOVE YOUR POSTCODE: THE MOST DYNAMIC BRITISH PROPERTY BRAND Doing things a little differently and shaking up an industry – it’s all part of the day job for the Love Your Postcode entrepreneur. Bobby Singh, 39, is an award-winning business owner, a practicing Sikh, a devoted husband and father and one of the most recognisable leaders in the business and real estate sector. The proud entrepreneur is the brains behind, and quite literally the face of, Love Your Postcode – a business which has brought a breath of fresh air to the real estate and business community. His striking digital billboards, featuring images of himself, can be seen on some of the country’s most prominent establishments such as the NEC and ICC. Through these bold campaigns, the business is marketed as a ‘No.1 Performance &™ Estate Agency’. So, what does that mean exactly? Bobby Singh explains “…Love Your Postcode was created differently from inception. Firstly, we choose not to compete with traditional old school agents or the online sector, but instead chose to create our own market. Secondly we created products that were heavily results focused and backed by a personal guarantee. Thirdly, we challenged ourselves to stand out, create a brand and a make a difference.” “We looked at the various models available and analysed the flaws. The core values were always the same, home-sellers want a distinguished and reputable brand, local expertise, transparency, and care. Speed of sale and a final price that was promised on the outset are also two key factors. I say ‘final’ because too many inflated prices are slowing down the market at the mid to top price bracket.” The business model Bobby has created is undeniably a bold one, but equally it’s one that continues to thrive. And anyone that has had the pleasure of meeting, or speaking to the tenacious Bobby, will know that he’s done it his way, by becoming the face of British estate agency – “I take inspiration from my faith, which is full of stories of valour and great courage.” he added. “Stories that allow me to be proud of who I am and what I represent. Every day I look in the mirror whilst tying my round turban, I think about each layer and the immense amount of sacrifice my ancestors have done for my unique
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identity. This is not just a cloth, it’s not just a thread, it is a million interwoven promises that are upheld by any individual that walks this path”. “Our forefathers have always shown us how to be completely successful in both our spiritual and material lives. This is what I aspire to and daily I keep the principles of truth and integrity at the centre of every decision I make.” But despite riding high on the business’ success, his feet have never left the ground. Trust, care and hard work are the traditional Sikh values that Bobby leads his life by and are what have influenced him to use his business’ presence to give back to the community. Moving from headline sponsorship in 2018 to ‘official property partner’ with Grands Design Live; a channel 4 series that has been gracing our TV screens for twenty years. Kevin McClould was heard quoting, “Mr Singh just can’t put a foot wrong at the moment. We have seen him go from strength to strength since sponsoring ‘Ask An Expert’ last year. The show has really benefitted from his stage talks, impeccable knowledge and charming character.” Recently winning the title of Sikh Businessman of the Year at The House of Lords in West Minister Palace, he takes time out of selling properties to speak at events across the country. As an expert in his field and exuding natural charisma, Singh is called on for his open and honest talks which centre round his journey from PwC to leading the property industry with his brand – he headline sponsored Festival of Enterprise which saw 7,000 businesses leaders and delegates attend across two days. Putting a face to the usually faceless property industry, clients of Love Your Postcode can expect an entirely personal and professional experience when selling, buying, renting a home across the country. And of course, a sprinkling of personality from its founder.
If you would like further information on their much talked about performance approach to property, visit loveyourpostcode.com or call 0800 862 0870.
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BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR ASPIRATIONS WHETHER YOU’RE A FIRST-TIME BUYER OR A PROPERTY MAGNATE Growing numbers of homeowners are building upwards, downwards and outwards to create more space because they may not be able to afford to move to a bigger property. From a lack of property supply to high house prices, Stamp Duty costs coupled with uncertainty around Brexit, it is no surprise that many homeowners are choosing to improve their existing property rather than move. Home projects are considered a good investment as value can be added to the property through the improvements that the capital is used for, but of course, they come at a cost. Getting your finances in order, whether sorting out your savings or obtaining advice on how to fund the long-wished for changes, is the first and most important consideration when it comes to preparing your project.
Choosing the right way to fund the changes could save you money. Low mortgage and personal loan rates mean there are plenty of options when it comes to funding your home improvements. You’ll need expert advice on the funding options available to you, be it a porch or a two-storey extension that doubles the size of your home. Should you remortgage, ask to borrow more from your existing lender or take out a personal loan? With over 50 years of combined expertise, the team at SJ Financial Solutions are your complete and personal mortgage and protection specialists. We will provide you with independent advice and speak to your in plain English. As independent mortgage advisors, we can search the whole market, including specialist lenders, to compare the options available and support you through the entire process.
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Business Matters
PATTONAIR’S COMMUNITY EFFORTS REACH NEW HEIGHTS The past year has been a rewarding one for Pattonair, the leading global aerospace company, with a busy round of events which have reflected its commitment to the local community. Pattonair’s successful year began with the launch of a major sponsorship deal with one of Derbyshire’s top sporting teams. Its partnership with Derbyshire County Cricket Club (DCCC) in a four-year plan gave the Derby-based company naming rights over its ground, with crowds flocking to the Pattonair County Ground for a season of exciting games and events. The move bolstered the firm’s support for the community and celebrated its local roots. One of the highlights of the year was Pattonair’s involvement in Derby’s biggest fireworks extravaganza at the ground. This year’s event saw a local community hero, an inspirational dad who has devoted hours to helping children play cricket, invited to set off the fireworks display. Martin Forster, who uses a wheelchair after suffering chronic spinal injuries in a workplace accident nearly 20 years ago, had been encouraged by family and friends to volunteer at Wirksworth and Middleton Cricket Club. The father-of-three, who spends up to five hours a week coaching youngsters, was recently presented with the 2019 Derbyshire All Stars Activator of the Year award by the Derbyshire County Cricket Board.
Pattonair was delighted to invite Martin, 53, to start the display, said Chief Executive Officer Wayne Hollinshead. “It’s fantastic to see how much his time spent volunteering at the cricket club means to him,” he added. “This underlines our commitment to building strong ties with the community and celebrates the efforts of local people for their work in serving their communities.” As the DCCC’s principal partner, Pattonair also supports its affiliated clubs in various initiatives to encourage youngsters to get involved in the sport. In July, the company invited more than 300 schoolchildren to celebrate the BRM Solicitors’ Chesterfield Festival of Cricket at the town’s Queen’s Park. Drawing inspiration from England’s dramatic win against New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup final, the clash exemplified how true grit and determination can lead to success – something which Pattonair encourages young people to aspire to. In addition to cricket, the company is a proud sponsor of the Derby County Ladies’ Football Club Academy Team which promotes the talent and careers of budding sportswomen. In other community-focused initiatives, Pattonair’s employees took part in the T20 Walkathon organised by the Cricket Derbyshire Foundation, trekking the 20 miles from Trent Bridge in Nottingham to the Pattonair County Ground in July. The event’s proceeds went to the Derwent Ward Holiday Hunger scheme and after-school programme. The company also devoted significant support to the business community. In June, Pattonair was a sponsor of the cricket club’s 1870 Business Club ‘This Girl Can’ event, a campaign developed by Sport England to promote sport among women. The guest of honour, the former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies MBE, gave an inspirational talk to 170 businesswomen where she shared her life experiences and recounted her distinguished sporting career. Beyond the sporting arena, some of Pattonair’s communityled activities reflected the company’s business values while addressing challenges that future industries face.
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In June, Adam Cooper, the company’s quality and excellence director, shared his insights into the world of international business in a talk to 300 students from Littleover School in Derby. He urged them to learn foreign languages to help them succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, describing how his own language skills had offered real opportunities for him to further his career. It came at a time of increasing concerns over a national decline in the number of pupils studying modern foreign languages at GCSE and A Level. In addition, the firm regularly promotes a wide range of graduate schemes with opportunities across the business. These initiatives contribute towards creating stronger ties with its community and identifying potential future employees. Another huge success on the Pattonair calendar was its Autumn Ball in October at The Roundhouse in Derby, attended by more than 300 guests.
The glamorous event raised more than £57,000 for the charity Dementia UK. The condition, described as the biggest health challenge of our time, is a cause that resonated with many members of the company’s staff. The money will pay for one of the charity’s Admiral Nurses – the first in Derbyshire. Pattonair, which has seen another successful year in its role as a major global aerospace supply chain service provider, said its commitment to its corporate social responsibilities (CSR) will continue to go from strength to strength into 2020. “Prioritising CSR as part of Pattonair’s strategic vision demonstrates the organisation’s values and serves as a strong base for engaging employees and the local community,” explained Wayne. “It is vital that we underline our commitment with clear and visible involvement. In the long-term, the challenge will be to increase our strategic ambitions for CSR by reinforcing our values through continuing employee involvement and building additional global relationships based on various initiatives.”
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Business Matters
THE FOUR REASONS WHY PACKAGING IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF GIFT GIVING When it comes to giving a gift, is it still a case of what is on the inside that matters most - or is there something much more exciting about the packaging it comes in? We all know the thrill of receiving or buying ourselves a luxurious gift – and these days the experience is enhanced by the array of creative packaging it comes in. Companies are increasingly aware that they need to ‘woo’ their customers not only with a fabulous product, but the way it is wrapped must also live up to expectations.
1. Beautiful packaging creates an element of ‘theatre’ Pretty Woman is an example I always refer to when people ask me why I believe packaging trumps the gift itself.
Whether it’s an item bought in a shop or online, how those goods are presented can be crucial in ensuring the consumer’s experience lives on, as well as the beginning of customer loyalty.
Everyone remembers the iconic scene in the film when Julia Roberts’ character Vivian steps out in her red dress and Richard Gere presents her with a navy suede necklace box. It’s in that moment, when she sees the luxury finish of what is in front of her, that she knows something special is about to happen.
And, as shown by the huge rise in people sharing their exciting gift-opening – or “unboxing” - moments on social media, how a product is packaged can be a powerful marketing tool.
And it is this ‘something special’ that good packaging creates. An element of ‘theatre’ needs to be created because it builds an anticipation that is often more exhilarating to experience than the product inside.
Delta Global, a business which specialises in delivering luxury packaging solutions, has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Tom Ford, Coach and Radley.
If you’re not yet convinced, ask yourself this: would you be genuinely excited to open something that is wrapped in a plain black bag as oppose to something presented to you luxuriously?
Its CEO and founder, Robert Lockyer, gave us his four reasons why he believes that packaging plays the biggest part in the gift-giving process.
2. It creates an emotional connection with the consumer Similarly, to that feeling of theatre, packaging is one of the few ways in which brands can build emotions with their consumers. No brand has the resources to hand-wrap and personally deliver its products to customers, which means this personal experience needs to be replaced in other ways. For luxury clothing company Ted Baker, it’s as simple as a small rectangular branded card included in all purchases signed ‘With love, Ted x’. It’s a small touch which makes an otherwise giant business feel like a local one. It’s effect? Consumers remember the
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little things and will be much more likely to re-purchase from them again. For Tiffany & Co, just one of the many luxury brands that excel at creating emotions, it’s their iconic duck egg colour box which customers love, becoming as coveted as the gift inside.
3. Re-usability Sustainability is something we at Delta Global consider in every single one of our packaging designs, which means we always think beyond the presentation of the gift. Brands need to constantly look at the re-usability of their packaging so that it remains within the person’s home and isn’t just thrown into the bin after being opened. If brands do it right, then it’s not uncommon for those receiving the product to hold on to the packaging and display it as proudly as they would the gift inside – plus they are helping the environment if they find it another use.
4. Marketing Don’t just assume that because someone has bought from you once that they will again – you need to use your packaging as a way of building your brand. It’s about ensuring zero brand dilution and guarding your brand values through everything you do, right through to how it’s packaged. Think post-sale how you produce even less waste. By ensuring your product looks gift-worthy from the off – that way customers will not want to wrap it further. Try to create something memorable that, if put into a lineup of other brands, is picked out every time without fail. And there is another means of marketing which makes it even more essential to get your packaging right – the rise in ‘unboxing’ videos on social media. The world is infatuated with watching their favourite online celebrities unbox their gifts on YouTube or Instagram. People have literally built careers around unboxing products from brands and filming the process. It’s a simple concept that quite literally starts with the package being held up to the camera. What does it mean for the brands featured? Everything – if the packaging excites viewers. If not, it means that watchers will tune out, or even skip ahead to other, more ‘exciting’ brands.
For more information about Delta Global visit: www.deltaglobal.co
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Business Matters
THE ADVISER WHO IS INVESTING IN THE “TRUTH” ABOUT MONEY When financial expert Anthony Clark set up The Alternative Adviser, he did so with the ambition of giving his customers a clear strategy; one which simplifies their lives and helps them to live the life they want without the fear of ever running out of money. Fast forward to 2019, and Anthony is a trusted adviser to an esteemed list of clients, which includes doctors, lawyers and business owners throughout the East Midlands. Anthony, 52, who works from quirky glass-fronted offices in Stanton-on-the-Wolds, Nottinghamshire, has built up a 30-year career as a financial expert who promises to delve into the “truth” about money. At the heart of his service is the ability to help his highearning clients align their financial choices with their core values, guiding them to the sort of lifestyle they want to live. As Anthony points out, money can’t buy happiness – but if you can use it to create experiences for you and your family, it will change your life. Here, he explains the ethos behind his flourishing business and his own ambitions. In a nutshell, what is it that you do for your clients? I help them to get their financial house in order and keep it that way forever – regardless of what happens to the
economy, the stock market or unexpected events which might threaten to torpedo their plans. Tell us about your story - why did you set up The Alternative Adviser? I’d worked in the financial industry for over thirty years and enjoyed what I did, that said through my own personal experiences both good and bad I knew there was a better way. After attending a conference in San Diego everything came together. I had all the tools I needed to make the difference and have a profound impact for those clients I worked with. I have recognised that most financially successful people often measure wealth by the amount of discretionary time they have. There are elements of our lives that are considerably more important than money and these simply cannot be delegated. I ask clients what is important to them and then create a plan that helps them get their financial house in order and keep it that way forever. What is the most common question you receive from clients when you take them on? How much does it cost! But on a more serious note, my approach is very different, and the key driver is around working with people who are already financially successful. What I do is different because I work with people who already have advisers in place - but quite often I find that those advisers don’t communicate with each other to help clients achieve what is important to them. That’s what I focus on – bringing a level of accountability to everything. Sometimes that leads to fairly drastic action, often it takes up to nine months to help my clients get their financial house in order. Sometimes it’s a case of working with other financial professionals to help them really deliver for a client, so again it is all about accountability. What’s the biggest misconception about money you’ve learnt over the years?
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You have to find a way of flipping it on its head; once you have a passive income, the world becomes your oyster. What about your own financial planning, do you live by your own advice or seek outside help? It’s interesting – my financial house is in order on every level. I have worked hard over the last couple of years to make that the case. I know that should something happen to me, my wife, children and family are all secure for life now. More importantly, we spend a lot of time together. I have a brilliant work/life balance, very much created by learning the habit of saying ‘no’ to the things I don’t want to do and working with people who respect what I do. I live and breathe what I do, and I don’t think there are many people out there that wouldn’t want what I have. And that’s not meant to impress anybody but impress upon them, that actually you can change things and things can be different and great. What does a successful retirement look like to you? It’s funny, I did a presentation a few years ago to about 40 businesspeople. If you ask most of them, it’s not like they have dreams of owning yachts, sailing round the world and all that kind of stuff. For many people who choose retirement, they find it becomes their identity – it is who they are, what they are and how they make their money now that they are no longer working for a living. They must find a new drive and a new passion that ultimately allows them to enjoy their wealth.
That money can buy happiness. It doesn’t necessarily, but if you can use it directly to create experiences for you and your family, or things that you care about, it will change your life. It’s a tool to be used more than anything else. There are too many people out there that have enough money, but don’t know they have enough and continue to work perhaps too hard, or too long. I can show them there is another way and give them the confidence to make different decisions. What do you consider to be the best choice you have made with money? For as long as you are working for money, you’ll always be working. The key to creating financial independence is to have your money work for you. Now that could be through an investment, such as in property or whatever, but so long as you are working for money, you’ll be a slave to a job or even your business.
For me, it is my family. I’m home for them most of the time, and I work for my clients, they are my purpose. I also do some work for charity and make an attempt at playing golf! So certainly, some of those can continue long into my future. Finally, where do you hope to be in the next five years? Well, the big thing for now is that I’d like to see the brand grow from its humble roots. Currently there’s myself and a small team and getting that in place was really intrinsic to what I wanted to do and achieve with The Alternative Adviser. Through it, I can give my clients a personal touch which really gets to the heart of understanding them and their values. I think I’d like to carry on along those lines and continue to help people to achieve a good balance for the future.
For more information on The Alternative Adviser, visit www.thealternativeadviser.co.uk.
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Business Matters
BESPOKE CORPORATE DRIVING EXPERIENCES FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM Everyman Racing is the go-to track day experience for adrenaline junkies and petrol heads looking for their next high-speed fix. Dunsfold Park (Top Gear Track), Brands Hatch Kent, Goodwood Race Circuit (Home to the Revival etc), Prestwold Hall Driving Centre, Elvington Circuit are just a few of the venues that the business has across the country. Nothing feels more exhilarating than channelling your inner self on a racetrack as you test out one of Everyman Racing iconic supercars.
The next day breakfast will be provided before a member of the professional team will host the day’s briefing. Then your experience can really begin.
With Everyman Racing’s corporate team building events, you can do just that with your friends and colleagues.
Your instructor will give you a day to remember with expert tuition what more can you ask for – how often can you do that in a world-famous supercar?
Whether your team are Ferrari fiends or Lamborghini lovers, Everyman Racing has more than 150 supercars to choose from which means you can create a truly tailored experience day.
So, what does a typical Everyman Racing look like?
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Each track day is open to 10 to 100 drivers, everyone is invited for a delicious gourmet meal the night before taking to the wheel, during which an after-dinner speaker will get you motivated for the day ahead.
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Each and every corporate day can be made bespoke to your team with everyone at Everyman Racing committed to giving you a memorable and thrilling experience.
For more information on www.everymanracing.co.uk and to discuss your driving experience call our corporate team on 01509 892260 or email corporate@everymanracing.co.uk
Property investment, simplified Will your financial portfolio fund the lifestyle you desire in your retirement?
At Prosperity, we strongly believe property should form part of any retirement plan. That’s why for the past ten years, we’ve been developing and perfecting a buyto-let product that’s now totally unique to the property investment market. Headquartered in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, the Prosperity group of companies develop and sell buy-to-let apartments to a global investor audience, offering clients affordable access to UK property as an income producing tool direct from the developer. Our success in delivering a bespoke, personal service comes in our ability to offer a solution at every stage of the process, in the shape of a fully managed investment journey. From choosing the most appropriate unit, through to purchasing, mortgage facilitation and onto long term rental and lettings management, Prosperity take care of it all. Your input can be as much or as little as you’d like – one of the reasons why 56% of our clients purchase another property within two years of their first. Suitable for first time investors to established professional landlords, our innovative, high-yielding products are adaptable and designed to both complement and strengthen any existing investment portfolio. Delivering solid, secure buy-to-let investments from as little at £1000 per month, our payment plans include no lump sum options, as well as mortgage free solutions to buying and owning UK property.
One BHM Birmingham City Centre Guide Price £164,995 - £292,995 Predicted yield 6%
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“Today’s investors are far savvier” says Marc Pearce, Head of Sales & Marketing from Prosperity Wealth. “Stand-alone financial products just don’t fulfil long term financial requirements nowadays. People are living longer and have far greater expectations of their future income in retirement. Diversification is key, in supporting a more long-term financial goal.” With a current portfolio of 34 new-build and conversion projects with a GDV of over £400 million, Prosperity has carefully developed its reputation for bringing profitable pre-built and off-plan property investments to market, with an emphasis on key locations where yield and rental demand is high. Reserve property off-plan Prosperity build high-grade residential developments in prime UK locations. Payment options Choose from range of payment plans designed to suit our clients’ financial circumstances. Financing Our in-house mortgage broker Verve, provides residential investment mortgage solutions to a global investor base. Sales & Lettings Management Lamont Estates offers owners a full lettings and management solution.
For further information and a detailed overview of the investment opportunities available, visit
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TAILORED COVER RIGHT DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL THE PLACE YOU CALL HOME IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. But it’s the things that make it unique and the things that make it yours that mean standard cover may fall short. For a more complete approach to insuring your property and contents, and protecting your lifestyle, there’s NFU Mutual Bespoke. To discuss your high value home insurance, call Danny James on 02476 418 373, email Danny_James2@nfumutual.co.uk or visit us at Unit 130, Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, CV8 2LG
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Business Matters
TURNKEY ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS With more than 30 specialist engineering divisions selfdelivering services to clients across a wide range of sectors from its Birmingham headquarters, the adi Group has, since it was set up by Alan Lusty in 1990, always taken a comprehensive approach to devising and delivering robust client solutions. And, in what has so far been an exciting year for the firm, it has recently added a brand new engineering facility to an extensive offering of 12 regional facilities across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
James Sopwith, Group Strategic Account Director, added: “It’s been a pleasure to show clients the new capabilities we have here. Phase 1 of this development will see up to 100 jobs created in the next year and a half. But the fact we already have 30 staff here and will look to push forward towards 200 employees during Phase 2 in Years 3 and 4, marks an exciting expansion of our geographical capabilities. “More importantly, though, it also comes as great news for local jobs and for our clients in the region – current and future – to the needs of whom we can now rapidly respond.”
Located in Rushden, Northamptonshire, the 16,000 sq.ft. site marks a significant investment for the adi Group which will allow it to be more responsive to regional clients while at the same time broadening its geographical footprint and creating up to 100 skilled jobs in the next 18 months.
With ambitious plans to more than double its £80 million turnover to £200 million and employ up to 1,000 members of staff, the firm’s right first time culture ensures it creates and delivers the turnkey solutions that engineer the outcomes – and outputs – clients demand.
Inspired by Formula 1’s ‘right first time’ working ethos, adi counts many of the world’s best loved brands among its loyal clients and brought in 1995 British Grand Prix winner and Sky Sports analyst, Johnny Herbert, to cut the ribbon on the new facility at a special event on Thursday 2 May.
Seamless self-delivery has helped the adi Group cement its status among some of the world’s most sustainable and engaging employers. EcoVadis, a global organisation enabling companies to measure and demonstrate their CSR performance on a rich, multi-tiered scale, recently awarded adi its Gold Accreditation.
He said: “This is a fantastic facility on the doorstep of many of adi Group’s key current and future clients. It enables the adi Group to serve those clients even more efficiently, responding quickly in tune with their evolving needs. “There will be high quality jobs for locals and wonderful training opportunities for what can be a rewarding as well as highly rewarded career. Engineering really isn’t a profession fenced off solely for the benefit of the degreeeducated. And, looking at this facility and hearing the firm’s plans, it is very well placed to inspire the next generation of skilled engineers.”
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Scoring the firm at a huge 73%, EcoVadis rates adi the top 1% of the thousands of companies it assesses in over 110 countries worldwide.
Engineering the Future There is a common misconception that UK manufacturing is in decline but the reality is that the country is suffering from a systemic engineering skills shortage that threatens our ability to produce all we need in the years ahead. But, with a ground-breaking pre-apprenticeship scheme in place, giving 14 - 16 year olds from North Bromsgrove High
School hands-on experience of a real-world engineering work environment, and with a commitment to having 5% of its employees as full-time apprentices, adi is serious about redressing the balance. Dedicated to inspiring the next generation of engineers, the two-year pre-apprentice programme enables GCSE students to get to grips with engineering and gives them the hands-on skillsets and confidence they need as they move into employment.
Self-delivering Model Building from the ground up as first a supplier of electrical installation services to industry, Alan Lusty steadily added automation, welding and fabrication service strings to his bow. The firm has since kept to a constant growth trajectory, enabling it to broaden the portfolio of services it offers clients. Now, with over 30 core specialisms in its locker, the adi Group has a self-delivering model that enables it to serve as
a one-stop-shop provider of turnkey engineering solutions to clients in the Automotive, Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defence, Pharmaceutical and Petrochemical sectors. With a client portfolio boasting the likes of Rolls-Royce, 3M, Jaguar Land Rover and BAE Systems to name but a few, adi successfully coordinates teams from its UK bases to work on some of the most challenging and technically complex projects of the present day. A key sector for the business is Food & Beverage manufacturing, having built an enviable list of clients in the sector, including Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Muller, Nestle, Weetabix and McCain, as well as a brand new ÂŁ22million construction project with Princes Foods.
For more information on how adi Group’s self-delivering model can create engineering solutions and opportunities both large and small for your organisation, call 0121 451 2255 or email info@adiltd.co.uk.
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Atlantafest 2019
Betley Court Farm Saturday 22nd June 2019
Multi-award winning Autonet Insurance went above and beyond for its employees earlier this year when it hosted a private festival for them.
Atlanta Group staff enjoying the festival
Fleur East’s incredible DJ Set
Headline Act - Tinchy Stryder
One of the local bands performing on the AtlantaFest Stage
Pixie Lott getting the crowd dancing
Snapshot of Ian Donaldson CEO of Atlanta Group, joined by some famous faces in the VIP tent
AtlantaFest - named after the business’ parent company Atlanta Group - took place at Betley Court Farm, near Wrinehill and brought together colleagues from across the group as well as insurer partners and community representatives. The entire event was put together by Champions Events and they certainly didn’t scrimp on the acts as award-winning singer Pixie Lott, The X Factor runner-up Fleur East and rapper Tinchy Stryder all headlined. Tribute artists Kaiser Monkey Killers and Queen Symphonica also brought more entertainment to the festival alongside DJs Nick Sheldon and Deborah Allen who hosted the event. Away from the stage was henna, glitter, face painting and hair braiding stations to get everyone into the festival spirit. Meanwhile Bears Street Food were fuelling festival goers with their flame grilled burgers and pizzas.
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AND Mike Procter and Matthew Hoggard MBE with Lynn Morgan of Tela
Incredible spread from Edgbaston Stadium
New Zealand vs Pakistan ICC Cricket World Cup Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham Wednesday 26th June 2019
The Cricket World Cup was a huge success in 2019. Taking place in the UK the public were struck by cricket fever as England were crowned world champions for the first time. On the 26th June New Zealand took on Pakistan at Edgbaston as part of the tournament and Champions Club invited their members to the match for their second event of the year. Some of the businesses in attendance included adi Group, Champions Speakers Agency, The Belfry, Bloc Digital, Champions (UK) plc, Edgbaston, Gleeds, Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham, Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Tela, Quest, Shawbury Wine and Thomas International. Thanks to Champions Club’s stellar event organisation, all guests were treated to a VIP hospitality experience which included breakfast and drinks on arrival, a three-course lunch, afternoon tea and drinks throughout. The hospitality also included a private balcony where guests were able to take prime position for the cricket action.
Edgbaston cricket ground
England cricket legend Matthew Hoggard MBE was also in attendance taking part in a Q&A with former South African bowler Mike Procter. Here, they discussed their successful careers in the sport. On the day it was Pakistan who came out on top defeating New Zealand by six wickets.
Q&A with Mike Procter and Matthew Hoggard MBE
Members
ICC Cricket World Cup - New Zealand vs. Pakistan
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networking breakfast
Champions (UK) Plc’s CEO, John Hayes and staff with speaker Ken Segall
Jack Hayes greeting guests
Atlanta networking Group staff enjoying the festival Guests
Ken Segall’s book - The Obsession That Drives Apple’s Success
Ken Segall signing books
Guests enjoying the venue
Speaker Ken Segall entertaining guests
The beautiful venue
KEN SEGALL THINK DIFFERENT
Top Floor, The Gherkin, London Tuesday 1st October 2019
Well-known for being the man who put the ‘i’ in iPhone, former Apple Global Creative Director Ken Segall attended a networking breakfast at London’s iconic Searcys at the Gherkin. Attended by a number of high-profile businesses, Ken gave an insight into his incredibly successful career – and what a career it was. For 12 years he played an integral role in Apple and Next’s marketing machines working directly alongside Steve Jobs. In fact, it was due to his recommendation that the Apple products many of us use on a daily basis are the way they are. With Jobs initially wanting to name Apple’s computer the ‘MacMan’ Ken decided that iMac was a better route to go. This decision then led to the creation of the iPhone, iPod, iPad and a whole host of ‘i’ products we use today. He is also the brains behind Apple’s ground-breaking ‘Think Different’ television advertisements and their iconic Super Bowl halftime commercials. The New York Times’ bestselling author has also previously worked as the creative director at Dell, IBM, Intel and BMW and during his speech he championed simplicity in the world of business. Guests of the event were treated to breakfast and had the chance to have their questions answered by Ken during a post-event Q&A.
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EVENTS Presents
The opulant ballroom
Entertainment from Faith Tucker, BGT Semi-Finalist
supporting
The Ballroom, The Dorchester, London Friday 31st May 2019
The annual Rainbows Celebrity Charity Ball returned to London’s luxurious Dorchester Hotel this year, raising money for charity and welcoming a whole host of celebrity guests. This year a masquerade ball theme was in place with guests displaying all manner of glamorous masks. Hosted by former British Olympian Derek Redmond, the main purpose of the event was to raise money for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.
Sponsor Elegantes table, with celebrity guest Sinitta
The hospice provides vital care for children who are suffering from life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and they rely on charitable donations from events such as these to do their work. Some of the biggest names from the world of sport and entertainment were in attendance as renowned television auctioneer Charlie Ross oversaw two auctions. A raffle game also took place with all funds going to the hospice. Various acts took to the stage over the course of the evening to provide entertainment. This included The X-Factor winner Sam Bailey, party band MadHen and a surprise act in the form of Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Rosie and Adam who put on a fantastic skating performance.
David Moorcroft OBE and his wife
Manish Bhasin and wife
Welcome Note from John Hayes, CEO of Champions (UK) plc
Entertainment from Sam Bailey
Chico and guests
Shaun Wallace and Graham Bell
Rosie and Adam, BGT Semi-Finalists 2019
Mark Dolan and Nina Wadia
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Little Fix opening the show
Foreigners Journey performance
Chateau Impney, Droitwich Wednesday 3rd July 2019
Since its launch in 2013, the National Tribute Music Awards has become a highlight amongst the UK’s community of tribute artists. At the event, acts from across the UK came together to find out who will be crowned winners in each of the evening’s special categories. For the first time ever the event was hosted at the French inspired Chateau Impney in Droitwich, where the red carpet was rolled out and a three-course dinner was put on for all guests.
The beautiful setting for the event - Chateau Impney
During the awards presentation, Jimmy Jermain as Cliff Richard scored big as he left with the acclaimed Lifetime Achievement Award. Donna Marie as Lady Gaga did it for the girls taking home Best Female, while Jack Shepherd’s tribute to Ed Sheeran won him Best Male. Lorrie Brown, the UK’s leading tribute to Dame Vera Lynn and the night’s winner of the Music Industry Award brought a surprise to the evening as a congratulatory voice message from Vera herself silenced the room. Welcoming speech from Alan Warner of Champions Music & Entertainment
The event is the only one of its kind in the UK, which meant those from all corners of the country were in attendance. One act and winner of the International Recognition Award, Belinda Davids even flew over from her home in South Africa to perform her stunning tribute to Whitney Houston - and it’s safe to say there were goosebumps all round. Donna Marie as Lady Gaga, Little Fix, ABBA Revival and Jimmy Jemain as Cliff Richard were among the other acts to perform on the stage. The evening was filmed by organisers Champions (UK) plc’s videographers and later broadcast on Birmingham TV, which brought in 84,500 viewers - smashing the network’s average.
Belinda Davids as Whitney Houston
Elite Elton
Sponsors
EVENTS
Great Food, Amazing Prices
Warwickshire & Birmingham
2019 WINNERS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD JIMMY JERMAIN AS CLIFF RICHARD
BEST MALE ARTIST
JACK SHEPHERD AS ED SHEERAN
Jimmy Jermain as Cliff Richard takes homes the Lifetime Achievement Award, with sponsor David Simms, Group Sales Director of Champions (UK) plc
BEST FEMALE ARTIST
DONNA MARIE AS LADY GAGA
BEST NEWCOMER Great Food, Amazing Prices
SIMPLY RE - RED
INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD BELINDA DAVIDS
Best Female Artist, Donna Marie as Lady Gaga with sponsor, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
BEST BAND
HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPELIN
BEST MULTI-TRIBUTE ACT STACY GREEN
BEST THEATRE TOUR
BARRY STEELE - THE ROY ORBISION STORY
Champions Music & Entertainment with Winner of Best Lookalike, Andy Monk as Simon Cowell
MUSIC INDUSTRY AWARD Warwickshire & Birmingham
LORRIE BROWN
BEST LOOK-A-LIKE AWARD
ANDY MONK AS SIMON COWELL
BEST BOOKING VENUE OF THE YEAR P&O CRUISES
Winners of Best Marketing and PR, ABBA Revival with sponsor, MaxiLow
BEST VIDEO PRODUCTION
THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS
BEST MARKETING & PR
ABBA REVIVAL
BEST SOUND & LIGHTING PRODUCTION
TOTALLY TINA
Best Sound and Lighting Winner - Totally Tina with Ben McCarthy from award sponsor Premier Events
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One of the hosts for the evening - Mark Dolan
Phil Irons welcoming speech from Media Partner, The Metro
The Ricoh Arena, Coventry Thursday 19th September 2019
Celebrating the outstanding achievements of Coventry’s business elite, the Coventry Business Excellence Awards landed at the region’s Ricoh Arena earlier this year. From large corporations who are making an impact in the region and beyond, to businesses who are just starting out on their journey, the night provides the opportunity for all companies to be recognised for their contribution to the ever-growing business community.
The evening entertainment, opera-duo; Belle Voci
With 14 categories up for grabs on the night, the atmosphere was electric with nominees all on tenterhooks as they waited to discover if they would walk away with one of the coveted awards. This included the night’s most eagerly anticipated award Company of the Year which went the way of vehicle repair service XL Motors. It was an extremely successful night for the company as they also walked away with the SME Business of the Year award and the company’s director Rob Ally was named Business Entrepreneur of the Year.
Tables all set for guests to arrive at the 2019 Coventry Business Excellence Awards
Other awards handed out on the night included the Excellence in Innovation award which was won by digital infrastructure brand CityFibre and Family Business of the Year went the way of local butchers and catering service Aubrey Allen. A night for business people to unwind, all guests were treated to a delicious three course dinner, entertainment from The Voice finalists Belle Voci and fundraising games, the proceeds from which all went to the official charity partners, the Lord’s Taverners.
Host Lucy Nicholls welcoming guests into the room
Sponsors
Warwickshire & Birmingham
Stand-up bingo prize winner with host Mark Dolan and Tom Warner from the Lord’s Taveners
2019 WINNERS COMPANY OF THE YEAR XL MOTORS
LEADERSHIP TEAM OF THE YEAR GODIVA ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LTD
Aesthetics Events Staff Ltd, winners of the Coventry Rugby Club Award for Professional Services
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR ISTORM®
SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR XL MOTORS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD AESTHETICS EVENTS STAFF LTD
BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Tela Award for Business Entrepreneur of the Year - Rob Ally, XL Motors
ROB ALLY - XL MOTORS
EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD CITYFIBRE
SALES AND MARKETING AWARD AUBREY ALLEN Winners of Cloud Central Award for Excellence in Innovation - CityFibre
EXPORT AWARD MIRIUS - GLOBAL HYGIENE SOLUTION
EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRY AWARD AMCO SERVICES (INTERNATIONAL) LTD
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD GODIVA ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LTD
RETAIL & HOSPITALITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
AMCO Services (International) Ltd - Winners of Janine Edwards Wealth Management Ltd Award for Excellence in Industry
MALLORY COURT COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA
FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AUBREY ALLEN
NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION AWARD MIDLAND LANGAR SEVA SOCIETY
Aubrey Allen, winners of Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham Award for Family Business of the Year
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Athlete Mark Dry awarding West Bromwich Albion defender Nathan Ferguson his finalists trophy for Professional Young Sportsperson of the Year award
Former English footballer Dave Regis awarding winners Birmingham BMX Club their trophy
Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham Thursday 24th October 2019
On Thursday 24th October the great and the good of the West Midlands’ sporting world came together for the Birmingham, Coventry & Warwickshire Sports Awards. Rewarding sporting success across 13 different categories the ceremony took place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground - the home of one of the region’s most famous sporting teams. As well as acting as the home ground for Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and frequently England, the venue also has a number of corporate conference rooms which is where this event took place.
Sponsors of Junior Sportsperson of the Year - Inspirational Warwickshire & Birmingham Magazine
As well as awards which acknowledged success on the pitch, this ceremony also featured the Wellbeing in Sport Award. This award went the way of ‘it Takes Balls to Talk’ following their superb impact on mental health and community outreach as a result of their sporting ventures. Mental health in the sporting arena is an incredibly important topic and the awards were keen to outline how physical and mental health should go hand-in-hand.
Journalist Tom Ross and former English footballer Dave Bennett seated on Edgbaston’s table
A number of famous faces from the local sporting community were in attendance at the event as well as a range of businesses who were sponsoring the night. Technology company Tela acted as headline sponsors with the likes of Leicester Tigers, Birmingham City University, Thomas International and many more also sponsoring.
One of the hosts for the evening - Gail Emms MBE
Sponsors
Memorabilia raising money for the Lord’s Taverners
2019 WINNERS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD JONATHAN TROTT
PROFESSIONAL SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR CHRIS WOAKES
Lifetime Achievement winner cricketer Jonathan Trott alongside host Gary Newbon MBE and sponsor Stuart Hood from Graypaul
PROFESSIONAL SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
AMY JONES
PROFESSIONAL YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR FRAN WILLIAMS
MANAGER/ COACH OF THE YEAR DEAN SMITH
Amateur Sportsperson of the Year finalists with paralympic athlete Nigel Murray MBE and sponsor William Hetherington from Thomas International
AMATEUR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR TULLY KEARNEY
WELLBEING IN SPORT AWARD IT TAKES BALLS TO TALK
COMMUNITY TEAM OF THE YEAR
Wellbeing in Sport winner ‘It Takes Ball to Talk’
BIRCHFIELD SENIOR MEN’S TEAM
COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR BIRMINGHAM BMX CLUB
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
MURIUM ASIM
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Winner of Service to the Community, Murium Asim, alongside actor and boxing legend Joe Egan
IAN COURT
JUNIOR TEAM OF THE YEAR U14 WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY CUP TENNIS TEAM
JUNIOR SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR CASSIE-ANN PEMBERTON
Volunteer of the Year award finalists alongside sponsor Shez Cheema from Tela, Tim Munton and Charlie Williams
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IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Golf masterclass from two golfing legends; Tony Jacklin CBE and Jack Nicklaus
The stunning venue; Wentworth Golf and Country Club
50 years of The Concession Wentworth Golf Club, Surrey Saturday 6th July 2019 50 years has passed since one of the greatest moments of sportsmanship. To mark it, a special celebratory event took place at Wentworth Golf Club to commemorate the event. In 1969 The Concession took place between two-time Major winner Tony Jacklin CBE and legendary American golfer Jack Nicklaus. During the last Ryder Cup match Nicklaus conceded Jacklin’s final putt meaning the iconic trophy was shared for the first time. From this moment, a long-lasting friendship between the two golfers was formed and this event celebrated that very moment. 17 teams gathered on the venue’s West Course to play at the same venue which hosts the BMW PGA Championship. The day, which was organised by leading brand agency Champions (UK) plc, got underway with a verbal masterclass from the pair, giving players tips on the short form of the game and course management.
Team photo
Following the day’s play, guests gathered for a cocktail reception and three-course meal before Tony and Jack took to the stage for a fascinating Q&A. BBC Sport and news presenter Dan Walker hosted the occasion as the duo discussed some of their many career highlights. Renowned auctioneer Charlie Ross took care of proceedings for the charity auction, with proceeds going to The European Tour Foundation, Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, and the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Entertainment on the night was provided by 2019 Britain’s Got Talent star Faith Tucker and renowned pianist Adrian Dixon.
BBC Presenter Dan Walker with Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin CBE
Sponsors
Alistair Brown teeing off
Winning team; Jumping Jack captained by Robin Bagchi
Tony Jacklin CBE and Jack Nicklaus - The Concession
Dan Walker and John Hayes playing the charity game; heads and tails
Evening Q&A, reminiscing the The Concession
Golf day host; BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker
The Ryder Cup
Evening entertainment from Faith Tucker
Evening auctioneer; Charlie Ross
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presents
Evening dinner - Maurice Addsion of M2K Services, Andy Abraham and Tony Jacklin CBE with wife Astrid
Team photo before the shot gun start
Q&A hosted by Dominic Holland with Tony Jacklin CBE
Eric Herd and the Farmfoods team
supporting
Doubletree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort, Scunthorpe Wednesday 24th July 2019 One of golf’s most iconic players, Tony Jacklin CBE’s successful career saw him win two Major Championships and become Europe’ most successful Ryder Cup captain. And, earlier this year a very special event was put on to celebrate one of his greatest achievements. A charity homecoming event was organised by Champions (UK) plc at Forest Pines Golf Club to mark 50 years since Tony’s historic win at the 1969 The Open Championship. Amateur golfers and celebrities including Brian McFadden, Neil Back MBE, John Inverdale, Kriss Akabusi MBE and Matthew Hoggard MBE were invited to join Tony in celebration of his monumental win by enjoying a day out on the course. 24 teams took part throughout the day but before the action really got underway they were treated to a professional masterclass from David Edwards who demonstrated how to play trick shots.
Team Moët and Chandon joined by celebrity Rory Underwood MBE and Tony Jacklin CBE
Following the day’s play, which saw Team Champions and its celebrity team member cricketer Dean Headley reign supreme, a gala dinner took place inside the spectacular venue. Here, comedian Dominic Holland hosted the night with Adrian Dixon, Andy Abraham and comedian Martin Gold on hand to provide the entertainment. A charity event, the day was all in aid of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People who benefitted from funds raised during a charity auction hosted by renowned Olympic athlete Derek Redmond. First place team
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Trick shot maestro - David Edwards
MAKING YOUR DAY
U N FO RGETTAB L E AWARD-WINNING VENUE, EXPERT WEDDING TEAM LUXURY BRIDAL SUITE, RESTAURANTS SPA FACILITIES, GOLF COURSE
01675 238 600 | www.TheBelfry.com ENGLAND’S LEADING RESORT 2019 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
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