SBT June 2019 Issue 431

SBT

ISSUE 431

FREE

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

NETWORKING & EVENTS

SBT TRAVEL

RED7: TOP GROUP DESTINATIONS

COUNTDOWN TO BRIGHTON EXPO AN AFTERNOON AT THE BOUNDARY CLUB

TECHNOLOGY HOW TO CHOOSE AN SEO AGENCY

MADE IN SUSSEX HOT YOGA SOUTH

JASON YOUNG TALKS ABOUT HUGELY SUCCESSFUL MANAGED SERVICES BRAND OVERLINE AND SHARES INSIGHTS ON UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS AND FLEXIBLE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, AS WELL AS THE COMPANY’S SUPPORT FOR CHARITY

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

IF YOU WANT TO PLAY SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL WITH OTHER BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONALS THEN JOIN FIRMBALLS 5-ASIDE LEAGUES IN YOUR AREA. We have leagues all over Sussex in Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Crawley, Hastings, Tunbridge Wells and many other venues.

5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL LEAGUES EXCLUSIVELY FOR BUSINESSES TEAM BUILDING - NETWORKING - MARKETING - FITNESS THE UK’S PREMIER SMALL SIDED FOOTBALL LEAGUE IS EXCLUSIVELY FOR BUSINESSES, CORPORATE AND PROFESSIONALS. Specifically aimed at businesses, your firm can now play competitive football where team building, marketing and networking are the goals of the day.

TO JOIN A LEAGUE IN YOUR AREA TODAY: www.firmballs.com

07894 762304

sam@firmballs.com

SBTWelcome Meet the team

Sam Thomas, Managing Director/ Publisher

Lee Mansfield Partner

Greg Carroll, Partner

James Morrison, Production

Welcome to a brand new issue of the Sussex Business Times.

First things first, I am delighted to announced that our brand new website is live - thebusinessgroup.co.uk We have been beavering away behind the scenes on this project for some months - all in a bid to ensure you can easily access past and present features. We hope you find it easier to stay up to date with what’s happening in the local business community.

You can now contact us through the website as well as our social media channels. The website does not impact our print edition.

This month’s cover story is all about Overline. A leading managed service brand, we meet owner Jason Young and discover a little bit about the company’s past, present and future, as well as its support for a recent charity event.

Elsewhere in our pages, we meet D&G, Mayo Wynne Baxter and Oasis Empire, to name a few. We have legal and insurance advice, as well as a helpful technology feature on how to choose an SEO agency.

Belinda Bennett, Editor/ Head of Social Media

Stephen Lawrence Photographer Snap it Now

Contributors

Nicola O’Donnell, Paxton HR Director

Rebecca TurnbullSimpson, Interim Head of Dispute Resolution – Coole Bevis LLP

For June, our restaurant review is something totally different and is brought to you by Brian Lockie of Top Shelf Wines. Brighton Expo is just a few months away, so we find out from Mike Monk what he has got up his sleeve for 2019.

With fresh ideas for group travel, another fascinating history feature from James Dempster and great advice from our experts, I am sure you will find something that adds value to your day.

Sam Thomas, Managing Director

Darran Hunt, CEO SET

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3

Issue 431

SBT

ISSUE 431

FREE

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

NETWORKING & EVENTS

SBT TRAVEL

COUNTDOWN TO BRIGHTON EXPO

RED7: TOP GROUP DESTINATIONS

AN AFTERNOON AT THE BOUNDARY CLUB

TECHNOLOGY HOW TO CHOOSE AN SEO AGENCY

MADE IN SUSSEX HOT YOGA SOUTH

JASON YOUNG TALKS ABOUT HUGELY SUCCESSFUL MANAGED SERVICES BRAND OVERLINE AND SHARES INSIGHTS ON UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS AND FLEXIBLE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, AS WELL AS THE COMPANY’S SUPPORT FOR CHARITY

SERVING THE SUSSEX BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

Cover 431 Overline Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 012 Production James Morrison Web Designer/Developer Tom Alexander Accounts Clare Fermor accounts@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 01323 819 016 Published by The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by L&S Printing Limited Hazelwood Close Worthing BN14 8NP 01903 821005 www.ls-printing.com

All material in this publication is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The views expressed in Sussex Business Times Magazine do not necessarily represent the view of The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Every care is taken in compiling the contents but the publishers of Sussex Business Times Magazine assume no responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from the participation in any offers, competitions or advertisement contained within Sussex Business Times Magazine. All prices featured in Sussex Business Times Magazine are correct at the time of going to press.

Copyright The Business Group Sussex Ltd. 2019 ©

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

06 08 10 14 18 21 22 24 26 32 44 46 53 66

Local News

Breathe scoops two major business awards

National News

CBI issues message to Conservative leadership contenders

Spending It

Just for June - a round-up of must-have seasonal essentials and a few luxuries

Legal

Stamp duty and land tax - the mixed use conundrum

Technology

How to choose an SEO agency

Q&A: Oasis Empire

All your promotional branding questions answered

Charity

The highlight of FirmBalls’ year - its Annual Corporate Football Tournament

Finance: D&G

Putting people first

Cover Story: Overline

Jason Young, the owner of Overline, helps us chart the company’s consistent success

Travel

Red7 shares top destinations for groups

Lifestyle

Dinner with a difference - brought to you by Brian Lockie of Top Shelf Wines

Hotel Review

We sample what the Harbour Hotel has to offer

Networking and Events

Latest news from Network My Club, Gaydio Business Mixer and Brighton Expo

Made in Sussex

Meet Hot Yoga South

CREATIVE STUDIOS

A full service creative agency We are a full service creative agency specialising in design, web and marketing. specialising in design, web and marketing.

Founded by three passionate creatives.

whitespace.studio Studio 3, The Ironworks, 30 Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD 01273 258000 / hello@whitespace.studio

SBTLocal News Horsham-based Breathe scoops two major business award wins in one week “We work hard to develop our own culture and actively encourage other businesses to do the same by signing our Culture Pledge. The Pledge helps businesses commit to investing in their company culture which benefits their people and propels the business forward. To date, over 300 businesses have signed the pledge,” he added.

Sussex-based HR software provider wins prestigious national and international awards for its commitment to people and workplace culture Horsham, 7th June 2019 - Local HR software provider, Breathe, has won two prestigious awards which recognise its achievements as an employer, demonstrating a strong commitment to developing a positive company culture and putting its people first.

Breathe won the Best Tech Place to Work category of the National Technology Awards and this was closely followed by winning a Lotus

Hilton Brighton Metropole owners reveal plans to invest in seafront regeneration Topland and First Base form partnership to rejuvenate Brighton landmark The owners of Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel have announced a new partnership with developer First Base, and are in advanced negotiations with Hilton to redevelop the iconic property, subject to planning approval. If confirmed, the multimillion pound investment would make a significant contribution to the ongoing regeneration of Brighton’s seafront.

Topland - which acquired the Hilton

6 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Award for Culture. The Lotus Awards celebrates the cultural development efforts of businesses in the UK and across the globe and were entered by over 350 companies.

Jonathan Richards CEO Breathe, comments: “We are delighted to have received these two prestigious awards which recognise our achievements as a team. We pride ourselves on being a company built around strong cultural values, and actively promote the benefits of investing in workplace cultural development. This is a very proud moment for us, our partners and customers.”

Brighton Metropole in 2011 - and First Base plan to undertake an extensive refurbishment of all the guest rooms and public areas. The local landmark will be carefully restored to protect its heritage whilst giving the buildings a new lease of life.

In addition, plans are also being developed to deliver much-needed new homes, improve local connectivity and provide a new open and accessible landscaped courtyard.

William Davies, Director at Topland commented: “This agreement will represent a considerable investment into one of Brighton’s best known landmarks.

The plans will support the city’s intention to enhance its reputation as a top tourist destination and help its economy to evolve from being seasonal to one that is sustainable throughout the year.”

In March last year, Breathe relocated to new offices to support its significant growth. The firm develops software for small to medium-sized organisations and HR consultants. Its software is used by more than 6,000 organisations to manage over 200,000 employees - including Huel, AgeUK and Big Issue. The company also works with a network of 500 local and national partners, most of whom are independent HR consultancies.

Breathe recently published its 2019 Sick Report which examines employer and employee attitudes to ill-health related absences in the workplace.

In particular, the report focuses on attitudes towards mental health related absences. The report can be downloaded at https://www.breathehr. com/sick-report-2019

Barry Jessup, Director at First Base, added: “We are delighted to work with Topland to upgrade this Brighton landmark. We will be actively engaging with residents and businesses over the coming months, working together to enhance the hotel and delivering social and economic benefits to the city.”

First Base is one of the most active mixed-use developers in Brighton, currently delivering 320,000 sq ft of commercial, leisure and residential development at the Edward Street Quarter.

Community consultations will commence shortly including a series of residents’ workshops and community meetings.

For further details please visit: www.brightonmetropole.com

SBTLocal News First Base announces partnership with Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce

Mixed-use property developer First Base, owners of Edward Street Quarter, the £120m redevelopment of the ex-AMEX HQ, has today announced a partnership with Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce.

The two organisations will collaborate on a series of breakfast discussion events with local business representatives invited to share ideas and discuss how

businesses in Brighton can be better supported in their quest for growth.

The first in the series will be held on Thursday 25 July, focused on the tech sector. Future events will include design and the leisure, tourism, culture and food sectors.

Liam Ronan-Chlond commented: “We’re delighted to announce our partnership with the Brighton Chamber.

We’re looking forward to hearing from a variety of representatives from different business sectors to discuss what support they need to grow their business in the city.”

“Brighton is gaining a reputation as the Silicon Beach of the UK. In order to keep that, the many small tech businesses in the city will need to grow

MHA Carpenter Box shortlisted for four Accounting Excellence Awards!

and develop. We’re hoping to be able to support that growth – not only with additional workspace – and we’d love to know what that could look like.”

Sarah Springford, CEO of the Brighton Chamber explained: “We’re excited to see what comes out of these breakfasts.

We know there are challenges to growing a business in Brighton, but there are also a multitude of opportunities. We’re delighted to have this opportunity to collaborate with First Base who are clearly keen to invest in the city.”

Edward Street Quarter is the largest commercial development in central Brighton in 25 years, with 110,000 sq ft of commercial space, 39,000 sq ft of retail and leisure units,168 new residential homes and three new public spaces.

and is now able to offer clients an end-to-end service from software recommendations, systems reviews, training and implementation.

The judges were also impressed by the exciting innovations and successes of Nathan Keeley, Partner and Head of Cloud Accounting at MHA Carpenter Box, who has also been named a finalist in the Software Pioneer and Practice Pioneer categories of the awards.

Sussex-based chartered accountants MHA Carpenter Box have been named as a finalist in no less than four categories of the 2019 accountingWEB Accounting Excellence Awards.

Now in their ninth year, the awards celebrate brilliance and innovation across the British accounting profession, with recognition given to individuals, firms and their supporting technology.

After an overwhelming number of entries for this year’s awards, MHA Carpenter Box has been nominated as a finalist in the Large Firm of the Year and Innovative Firm of the Year categories of the awards, reflecting the growth and success of the firm over the last year, as well as the innovative practices they have implemented to make a difference to their clients, staff and community.

The introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) for business on 1 April 2019 gave MHA Carpenter Box the opportunity to focus on the benefits of cloud adoption and to grow its national cloud expertise. The firm developed its own dedicated technology, cloud team and MTD bridging software

Nathan has worked hard to facilitate efficiency within the firm through the adoption of new and existing technologies.

He has run many sessions for accountingWEB’s Practice Excellence website on the subject of cloud software and has spoken at cloud technology events including Xerocon, QuickBooks Connect and Accountex; he has also been a keynote speaker at the annual conference of the firm’s national association MHA, made up of eight of the best independent regional accountancy firms in the UK. Nathan commented: “Being shortlisted for the awards both personally and for the firm is a great achievement and means that we are well placed at the forefront of the move towards a more digital economy. It also shows that we are in a strong position to service our clients both existing and new.

“None of the award nominations could have been possible without the great team we have here at MHA Carpenter Box and it’s an achievement for all who have been involved both in the past and more recently.”

MHA Carpenter Box now has to wait until 12 September 2019 to find out the results at the Accounting Excellence Awards ceremony, which will be held at The Brewery in Central London. www.carpenterbox.com

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

SBTNational News CBI’s Message for Tory Leadership Contenders

Carolyn Fairbairn, the Director-General of the CBI, has written an open letter to Conservative leadership candidates.

Writing on behalf of 190,000 firms, she highlighted frustrations over Brexit and said “the last few years have been tough”.

Ms Fairbairn urged the next party leader to champion business and “work with us in a new era of partnership to build a post-Brexit Britain that is both prosperous and fair”.

Setting out three goals, she said: “The UK has so many strengths. Working together we can approach the future with confidence and optimism.”

The three goals include:

Who Wants to Lead the Tories?

Following Theresa May’s anticipated and somewhat tearful resignation on the steps of Number 10, there is no shortage of contenders to replace her.

She was due to stand down on June 7, after President Donald Trump’s state visit to the UK. While Boris Johnson has been singled out as favourite to be the next PM,

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

1.Setting up Britain for sustained success. The Director General said: “Brand Britain is a powerful calling card. But ongoing uncertainty has raised questions about our stability, and not solely because of Brexit. threats of renationalisation, continued doubts over vital projects like Heathrow, HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, and unreformed business rates are just a few of the other challenges that make investors think twice. It’s time to restore the UK’s reputation as the stable and trusted country to start and grow a business.”

2.Building a bold and compelling vision for the UK’s future on the world stage.

Ms Fairbairn said: “Lift the modern industrial strategy from textbook to reality, so it unlocks the animal spirits of enterprise. Make it long term and cross-party. Don’t allow it to be torn up every time there’s a change at the top. Ensure every policy and business investment is targeted at the same goals, whether tackling climate change, equipping our young people for the future, or reducing the blight of regional inequality.”

3.Back efforts to demonstrate that good business is good for society,

Conservative Party members will have plenty of choice when they the moment comes to cast their votes.

Remaining candidates are: Boris Johnson, Jeremy Hunt, Michael Gove, Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid, Matt Hancock and Rory Stewart.

that profit and purpose go hand in hand. The CBI said: “Business knows it needs to work harder to show it’s a problem solver, not a problem to be solved. But there’s proof all around us. Building on the example of leading firms, more are making bold changes to improve employee engagement and ownership.”

Ms Fairbairn told the leadership contenders: “These are just three of the opportunities we can seize to show how post-Brexit Britain will be a great place to live, work and run a business.

But the next Prime Minister can only claim the Conservatives are the party of business if they secure a Brexit deal that protects the economy, jobs and living standards.

“We need compromise, consensus and honesty to resolve the Brexit impasse, quickly. Prolonged uncertainty is damaging our economy now – driving up costs and reducing sales. Stockpiling of raw materials and goods among SMEs is at a record high. Billions of pounds in investment are being diverted from the economy, harming future jobs and prosperity.”

No Coal for a Fortnight For the first time in more than two decades, Britain did not used coal to generate electricity for two weeks. In the same period during May, the British record for solar power was broken.

The country’s last two remaining coal-fired plants are due to be ‘phased out’ over the next six years.

SBTNational News Who Really Runs Your Business?

Having a social media account suspended is not just inconvenient and embarrassing, it can significantly impact traffic to your website. If you are a ‘social seller’, the outcome could be far worse.

If you think you run your business, you could be mistaken. As a growing number of UK-based firms are discovering, their success can hinge on the whims of outside influences such as social media giants and payment gateways.

If you have ever had a social media account suspended or a payment withheld for a long period of time, you will know what we are talking about.

Not happened to you? It could.

Business experts suggest firms in the UK protect their revenue streams by using more than one online payment provider. PayPal, for example, can hang

onto your funds for up to 180 days and close your account without warning.

It is worth noting that recompense for the inconvenience of a proven error can be very low. Take a look at complaints upheld by the Financial Ombudsman.

Smaller businesses can be hit especially hard by a delayed payment. In some cases, they have gone under because their cashflow depended on revenue processed by a single payment gateway. With more businesses looking to expand digital sales, giving customers a wide choice of payment options makes sense - for the customer experience and your own bottom line.

Make sure you keep business information up to date and back up all accounts with a telephone number.

Make sure email addresses and telephone numbers are updated before a listed person leaves your organisation or when you make changes. Observe posting limits and rules, and cross everything your account is never accidentally caught in a spam filter.

If your business is hit by a suspension, act quickly. Follow the prompts to resolve the issue. Ignoring a suspension could lead to your account being permanently deleted.

Be aware that some social media platforms are now asking for sensitive documents to validate accounts.

Who runs your business? Make it you.

Letting Agents Hit by New Law New legislation, announced in 2016, has come into effect that bans “unfair” fees charged by lettings agents to tenants in England.

Tenants can no longer be charged for viewings, credit checks, references, or setting up a tenancy.

Consumer charity Citizens Advice claims private renters in England have collectively been paying £13m a month in these fees.

Landlords have warned rents are likely to rise and choice fall as a result of the ban.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 9

Just For June

It is that time of the year when we are all looking forward to unbroken sunshine, holidays and, locally, a boom in tourism. Here are some ideas to make June extra special in your leisure time.

Best BBQ Savour the flavour of sizzling sausages and more with a top of the range barbecue. The Weber Spirit 300 gas BBQ includes a premium cover.

Features: 3 burners with temperature controls; side shelves with utensil hooks; electronic ignition; porcelainenamelled ‘flavourizer’ bars; rust-proof porcelain-enamelled lid with built-in thermometer; warming rack.

£499

Swing Seat

www.johnlewis.com

£499

While away your free time in this luxury garden swing seat. Ideal for couples and families, the Oxford Premium Double Hanging Cocoon even includes a free cover - if you hurry. It is constructed from a brushed 5mm flat round ‘straw’ weave built on a welded tubular aluminium frame. Taupe cushions are included.

Soft Sandals Keep your feet cool and comfortable with these Trace Bay sandals from Clarks. Crafted from premium black leather that improves with age, they feature stitch detailing and a moulded Ortholite® footbed and leather linings. www.clarks.co.uk

£75

www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk

Dive In

Wedding Winner

Make a real splash with this cool gadget. The Ocean Xplorer underwater scooter could bring a whole new dimension to living by the coast. It has adjustable buoyancy and can be used for diving, swimming and snorkelling. It can be used in depths up to 10 metres.

This statement designer hat is perfect for a summer wedding or a day at the races. It features polka dot detailing with netting and is set on a thin headband. Easy to wear, it is designed by Karen Millen and oozes not just style but a touch of fun.

www.coolstuff.com

£208.

99

www.karenmillen.com

£115

Dress Delight

Perfect Picnic We love this luxury picnic hamper. Suitable for 4 people. It includes stainless steel cutlers, luxury cotton napkins, polar fleece blanket, salt and pepper shakers, four wine glasses, retractable corkscrew and bottle opening, fine porcelain plates, large cooler compartment and an insulating duffel bag for wine.

£98.

40

www.regencyhampers.com

Be summer-ready with this Kachel willow printed wrap dress. Featuring a side tie and floaty short sleeves, it is perfect for casual occasions and days out. Available in sizes 6 to 16.

£148 www.anthropologie.com

Summer Suit Look the part but keep yourself cool with this lightweight yet well-made summer suit. Fully washable, it is functional yet refined. It features a 2 button jacket with cuff detailing and is available in sizes 38 to 50 inch chest. Good choice of colour options.

Father’s Day Put June 16 in your calendar and don’t forget to give Dad a treat he will both enjoy and remember.

How about a trip for 2 on the luxury Belmond Pullman Train? This trip includes a glass of Champagne on arrival, a five course lunch with coffee, tea and a bottle of of Laurent Perrier La Cuvee. www.redletterdays.co.uk

www.suitsmen.co.uk

£189

£680

Insurance

Escape Room Industry Craze Escape Rooms, Exit Games, Locked Room Games and Insurance the like mainly follow a simple business model; a group of people are shut (not locked) into a room. With a back story they solve clues in order to complete the ‘game’ and escape within an allotted time.

Research from November 2018 shows the overall industry grew by circa 5%

by March 2019 with 326 escape room companies in the UK, spanning 474 venues, with 1,340 bookable games.

The latest figures show another circa 3-5% growth in the last 3 months.

This is a rapidly growing industry – the BBC stating that there were just 7 bookable games within the UK in 2013 and less than half the current total back in 2015.

Do insurers understand?

Although globally Escape Rooms have been around for many years, UK insurers still consider this to be an ‘emerging market’ despite existing since around 2013. With any new industry, insurers will approach with caution.

Insurers can be quick to decline to provide terms, without an in-depth understanding of the risks/business.

They prefer a knowledge and experience of industry sectors to assess the risks they could be facing to provide appropriate pricing. A lack of historical

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

claims data can also cause the dreaded “no-quote”.

There are many common misconceptions of escape rooms, for example; you are not actually locked in a room, in the main games are not (too) scary, they are not particularly physical more so requiring logical thinking and puzzle solving.

This is where the help of a broker comes in, to obtain a full understanding of your business activities and risk management procedures to source the best insurance cover and terms with insurers.

Inappropriate cover?

Understandably with costs in mind, many new or smaller businesses go online for their insurance, providing seemingly cheaper premiums. Ticking boxes and trying to find the ‘best fit’ for questions being asked is a dangerous practice, one that can ultimately leave you with inappropriate cover or uninsured when you need to claim.

Does the industry require specific insurance covers?

Placing insurance for Escape Rooms requires extra care so insurers can fully understand the different activities for the correct cover to be arranged.

There are the more standard insurance covers such as; Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Money, Contents,

Loss of Revenue etc… but other types of cover can also be considered.

You can purchase Contract Works to insure game builds or re-builds; Personal Accident or Key Person for those members of staff who would have a financial impact on the business if they were to be injured or become ill; Engineering breakdown/business interruption insurance if a key piece of equipment were to breakdown and effect turnover; Cancellation cover – the list goes on…

At Preston insurance Brokers, we work exclusively with a select number of insurance providers, developing their understanding of the industry, negotiating preferential rates and useful optional industry specific covers not normally included as standard.

What can be done? USE A BROKER! Discuss your business in full with a broker. Ensure the business description on your policy documents is reflective of your activities and you have disclosed everything. Take on board advice regarding all the risks your business can face and how you can insure against them.

For help and more information on how you can protect your Escape Room business, please contact Aaron Thorpe at Preston Insurance Brokers on 0333 222 1191, 07540 314 892 or aaron@prestonib.co.uk

Licensed Trade Insurance.

Do you own or manage a Licensed Trade premises?

We arrange specialist insurance for Breweries, Pubs, Clubs, Hotels,Restaurants and Bars including: • Single or Multiple Premises • Industry Specific Covers • Exclusive Quotations • Competitive Premiums • EPOS Systems Reviews • Online Legal Advice For a free, no obligation review of your insurance arrangements, please contact us at: 0333 222 1188 licensedtrade@prestonib.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

Stamp Duty Land Tax: the mixed-use conundrum!

Stamp Duty Land Tax (“SDLT”) is the tax paid on the purchase Legal of properties in England and Wales.

Often, our clients come to us for advice on the SDLT rates applicable to their purchases, especially where these properties are located in rural areas, spread over large areas of land and not used solely for residential purposes. If the property comprises both residential and non-residential elements, purchasers may be able to significantly reduce their SDLT liability (mixed use properties are subject to SDLT at the commercial rate). The illustration below reflects this position.

Mrs Jones intends to purchase a farmhouse in West Sussex for £1,500,000. The land includes agricultural fields, stables and other commercially-used outbuildings. Mrs Jones currently owns a small home in East Sussex but is hoping to be able to fund the farmhouse purchase without having to sell her existing property.

On a purchase price of £1,500,000,

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Mrs Jones’ SDLT liability could be as follows:

1. Residential rate: £93,750 2. Additional residential rate: £138,750 (given Mrs Jones intends to keep her property in East Sussex) 3. Mixed use/commercial rate: £64,500

It is clear that Mrs Jones can reduce her tax bill by more than half compared to the additional residential rate (if she keeps her existing property) and by almost £30,000 compared to the standard residential rate (if she sells her existing property beforehand).

Also, mixed use properties are subject to SDLT at the commercial rate, so that the higher rate SDLT for additional residential properties does not apply.

In order to apply the commercial rates of SDLT, the first step is to establish whether or not property qualifies as a mixed-use property.

What constitutes a mixed-use property? - The legislation The SDLT legislation states that residential SDLT rates apply where the relevant land is ‘entirely residential’.

‘Relevant land’ here means the land which is the main subject matter of the transaction. The definition of residential property within the statute is a dwelling or the garden or grounds of a dwelling.

On the basis of the above, it can be argued that if the property in question does not comprise entirely of residential property then commercial SDLT rates should apply on the basis of it being classified as a mixed-use property.

What constitutes a mixed-use property? – HMRC’s stance However, HMRC’s manual SDLTM00365 leads to uncertainty on this point as it states that:

“A building that is used only partly as a dwelling may nevertheless be suitable for use wholly as a dwelling.

Its overall suitability will be judged from the facilities available at the effective date. For example, if two rooms of a house were in use as a dentist’s surgery and waiting room at the effective date, HMRC would nevertheless normally consider this property suitable for use as a dwelling.”

A strong test here is whether the loss of some or the entire alleged nonresidential parcel of the land would actually deprive the occupier of their reasonable enjoyment of the residential parcel. If not, then that would be a strong indication of mixed use.

Examples In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of queries from HMRC on transactions where the commercial rate of SDLT has been applied as a result of the property being classified as mixed use. For example, in one case, a rural estate comprising a manor house with parkland failed to qualify for mixed use rates for SDLT on the basis that there was no statutory definition of garden or grounds. The guidance in the SDLT manual provides that ‘garden or grounds’ includes land which is needed for the reasonable enjoyment of the dwelling having regards to the size and nature of the dwelling.

Clearly, a large amount of agricultural land included with a dwelling is clearly more than that which is needed for the reasonable enjoyment of the dwelling and therefore is mixed use. Therefore, whilst not all hope is lost, one thing is clear that strong evidence is required to show HMRC that the land is not purely residential by nature. We have successfully helped clients in providing sufficient evidence to HMRC of mixeduse land ranging from photographs of paddocks or animals grazing to copies of agricultural agreements or grazing

Sarah Cardew

licences. Despite the increased HMRC scrutiny, we have successfully argued for the mixed-use rate to apply to rural property purchases, one client even saving over £100,000 in additional SDLT. If a purchaser intends to initially purchase a solely residential property and then purchases an adjoining piece of non-residential land in a clear attempt to rely on mixed use rates for SDLT, HMRC is likely to demand full payment of the residential SDLT rate for at least the residential parcel of land.

Summary Unfortunately, the applicability of the commercial rate to mixed use properties remains uncertain. Nonetheless, provided that appropriate evidence can be produced, it is possible to argue for

the mixed-use rate.

Given that property transactions like this often involve large numbers together with the increase in HMRC’s scrutiny in this area of law in recent years, it is now more important than ever to seek professional tax advice before making such purchases.

Sarah Cardew, Tax Partner and Anamika Pandey, Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell.

Please contact on 0370 1500 100, sarah.cardew@irwinmitchell.com should you need advice.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

Sussex solicitors go from strength to strength Award-winning solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter further Legal strengthened their position as the leading law firm in Sussex when they completed their merger with established Crawley solicitors, Russell & Co recently.

This merger is the fourth that the law firm will have completed in recent years having previously added offices in East Grinstead, Storrington and Pulborough.

The completion of this deal means that Mayo Wynne Baxter will have eight offices in Sussex including those long-established bases in Eastbourne, Seaford, Lewes and Brighton.

Russell & Co have been serving the Crawley Community since 1987 and share the Mayo Wynne Baxter brand values of delivering exceptional service through outstanding people. Partners Alison Kinnersley and Grant Parker and their team bring a wealth of experience to Mayo Wynne Baxter.

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Chief Executive, Chris Randall, said: “We are delighted to announce the merger with Russell & Co. This is a great move for both firms and means that clients in Crawley will have access to a much broader range of legal services.

“This central Crawley office in Queens Square extends our reach into West Sussex and is a further step towards Mayo Wynne Baxter being the dominant law firm in the county.”

The announcement of this merger follows previous news that the firm has invested heavily in communications and information technology to further improve its existing industry-leading client service delivery. This is to be further enhanced by the introduction of a secure web portal to allow clients to have direct 24-hour access to their matter.

The new Crawley office will benefit from these enhancements and Crawley clients will be offered the firm’s innovative Satisfaction Guarantee whereby if they are not completely

satisfied with the service received, they can deduct up to a maximum of 20% off their fee. No quibble.

“Russell & Co have been serving the Crawley Community since 1987 and share the Mayo Wynne Baxter brand values of delivering exceptional service through outstanding people” Mayo Wynne Baxter has had a long standing association with Crawley and has been a main sponsor at Crawley Town FC since 2013 and operated an office at The Beehive in Gatwick. They are Diamond listed by the Gatwick Diamond Business Association and are previous winners of the Gatwick Diamond Business Award for Corporate Responsibility.

Together Stronger We are pleased to announce that we have now merged with Russell & Co in Crawley.

Call us on 01293 561965 12-13 Queens Square, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1DY

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

Technology

How to choose an SEO agency In an industry where jargon and meaningless statistics are too often used to mask a lack of any discernible work, we feel our clients deserve a measure of success that is based on ROI, not numbers.

So, it is with this in mind I wanted to put together some Technology useful questions for any business to ask when searching for a new SEO/ Digital Marketing agency. By getting clear answers to these questions you will be in a far better position to make an informed choice rather than being overwhelmed by a sales pitch and impressive numbers often pulled out of thin air.

Like many business owners and employees these days, you are probably sick to the back teeth with being offered

18 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SEO services via junk email or poor quality sales calls. It is a sad fact of the digital age that unscrupulous people feel they can make a quick buck from what is often a confusing and unknown world.

However, in among this confusion there are some very good, hard working, and highly skilled SEO agencies offering businesses a real means to reach out to customers and dramatically improve both traffic and enquiries.

If you are looking to move into this type of internet marketing, there are a few simple questions you can ask that will easily weed out the “churn and burn�

scammers from the top-notch search marketers.

How do you report the work you do?

This is a fundamental factor for any business looking to spend money with an SEO agency. If you pay for a service, you should be able to see what that service entails and what work has been completed each month.

It is all too common for an agency to simply say they have done the work but insist sharing any details would compromise them. This is, frankly, an unacceptable response often used to cover up the fact no work has been

LH Image - Aaron, Tom & Sara. RH Image - Louisa, Mike & Justin

done at all. Would you really be happy to work with anyone who cannot account, in detail, for the time you pay them for?

“A good agency should show you historic results and case studies and give clear evidence of success without making promises they are sure not to keep” How do you report results?

Another huge factor in making sure you’re getting value for money is how the results of the campaign are reported to you. Gone are the days of just searching for yourself and seeing if you ranked higher than yesterday.

Google recognises your searches and will invariably show your site above others because you are on it all the time.

You need an accurate measurement of ranking gains to justify your spend. A good agency should have dedicated software that will clearly show each term’s movement over time. This should be accessible to you at all times and not just a screenshot sent once a month.

Do you promise results?

This is a very counter-intuitive thing to consider, but not when you are aware of the environment in which it sits.

Google is constantly changing how it works to make sure users get the most suitable and useful results. This means it is impossible to predict what factors it may include in the future when selecting results. The job of an SEO agency is to pre-empt, protect and ensure client sites profit from these changes in order to grow their rankings. When you consider this, it’s also important to remember any kind of guaranteed results is at best hopeful and at worst simply made up.

A good agency should show you historic results and case studies and give clear evidence of success without making promises they are sure not to keep. A skilled agency will be confident enough to tell you they will get results as fast as they can, but that they cannot 100% predict what Google will do nor how much your competitors might suddenly spend on SEO. There are many more factors involved in choosing a good SEO agency, but these three questions should give you some idea of the type of people you are dealing with. You should also try and

speak to some of their existing clients, and make sure they have a non-compete agreement in your area so you don’t end up fighting your main rival and both paying the same company. Also ask if they outsource work or do it all in house.

SEO stardom

JoA2836 - Artemis - Meeting Room 2_A1 Interior_AW.indd 1

26/09/2018 17:03

Outsourcing is fine but ideally it should only make up a very small part of the work on offer, otherwise you are just paying a middle-man for work with quality you cannot control.

All of the team here at Artemis hope you’ve found this article useful.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally if you have any questions, or if we can help in any way: matt.rosine@artemis.marketing

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19

CHARITY 7 GOLF DAY FRIDAY 2ND AUGUST 2019 MID SUSSEX GOLF CLUB, DITCHLING ALL FUNDS RAISED WILL BE GOING TO ROCKINGHORSE CHILDREN’S CHARITY Prizes: Hole in One Car oliday, New H e v si lu c n All-I cash! or £10,000

ENTRY INFORMATION • • • •

£250 per team or £65 per person Teams of Four Stableford Points 9am shotgun start

Register now at: events@searchseven.co.uk

WHY ENTER? • Great prizes for nearest pins and longest drives • Chance to win a new car or an all-inclusive holiday • Dinner included • Refreshment Buggy • Sweepstake, Auction and more Sponsorship opportunities available

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk THANK YOU FOR HELPING US TO RAISE JUST UNDER £40,000 TO DATE – LET’S KEEP GOING!

Q&A

Q&A: Mark and David from Oasis Empire Q&A

What products can be branded?

Almost anything can be branded.

You name it and we will brand it. We have supplied everything from your conventional branded pens, mugs, keyrings, lanyards, cotton shoppers and umbrellas through to wellington boots, dog t-shirts, deckchairs and apples.

Can you tell us an interesting project that you’ve been working on recently?

Yes, we have been working with the Worthing Town Centre Initiative and we have just delivered a range of items to help them promote the town over the summer. The products this year include branded sunglasses, branded bucket and spade sets, branded deckchairs, branded beach balls and a fully bespoke branded 3 x 3 metre gazebo.

The famous I Love Sunny Worthing cotton tote bags, which we supply every year, will be orange this year. We use a different colour bag each year, as these have now become a bit of a collector’s item. For the Worthing Food Festival in September, we are also supplying all the re-usable plastic branded pint glasses along with lots of printed banners, flags, bunting and of course we will be printing the Food Festival event guides for this event.

What are the lead times like, and do you have minimum orders?

Lead times have reduced greatly over the last few years due to customer requirements and the advances in printing technology. Depending on the products, most things can be delivered in around 2 weeks. We also offer a large selection of items that can be branded and delivered within a few days.

Minimum order quantities vary

depending on the product but generally to give you an idea cheaper pens would be from 250 pieces and higher value items like power banks and umbrellas would start from 25. We are happy to give help and advice to anyone who is looking to source branded products as we pride ourselves on suggesting products that are within our clients budget and deliverable on time.

What makes you different from your competitors?

We’d like to think we are very different from our competitors. We are much more pro-active than our competitors.

We take the time to understand what our customers are trying to achieve whether that be an awareness campaign, a new product launch or just making sure that their company (and brand) are visible to their own customers. We offer a free sample and pre-production visual service so that our customers can see the items firsthand rather than crossing their fingers and hoping their expectations are met.

For those customers with limited space (and those that want it) we offer a local

storage and distribution solution. This can help customers with planning marketing campaigns and can often save them money as we can offer better rates on the larger volume orders. We are happy to discuss these options if this is of interest. We can also offer a fulfilment and mailing service as part of the package.

What do you see as the key growth products this year?

This year we are seeing a large increase in enquires for environmental and green products. The cotton shopper (bag for life) continues to lead the way as the must-have branded product as these offer a great visible branding area.

There is also a very high demand for the re-usable coffee cups which are now available in recycled & recyclable plastics and we can even supply these cups manufactured from sustainable bamboo! Last summer saw a massive spike in orders for water bottles, used both internally for staff and the followers of the TV show ‘Love Island’! Having a record heatwave also helped drive sales towards this corner of the market.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

The Highlight of FirmBalls’ Year

Networking through sport has many positive benefits - one is raising money for a charity that supports local initiatives. Sam Thomas explains how FirmBalls’ annual tournament has raised tens of thousands of pounds in just four years.

Charity

Let’s kick off by asking what the FirmBalls tournament is…

It is the one time in the year when we bring the business community together in Brighton for a football tournament that really does have the power to change people’s lives.

In four years, the event has raised a staggering £44,000 for our chosen charity, Albion in the Community (AITC).

AITC, which is the official charity of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, uses the money to help the local community by funding some of its many local initiatives and sessions, which are aimed at supporting a diverse range of people and needs.

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The aim of the FirmBalls tournament is to bring businesses together in one place, on one day for a sporting occasion that is positive, fun and rewarding on multiple levels.

Where is the tournament held?

The tournament is held at the Amex Stadium, home of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. This year, the event was staged on May 23. Holding the event on a Premier League pitch gives everyone the chance to experience world-class sporting facilities in a competitive environment that is also friendly and fun.

Who hosts the event?

We are extremely grateful to AITC for allowing us to host the tournament. It is a fantastic charity and everyone at

FirmBalls is delighted to be working with them; we’re truly honored to support the great work it is doing across Sussex.

Who benefits from the tournament?

Everybody who takes part and plenty of others who don’t. The players get a real sense of occasion while promoting businesses, while all the proceeds of our tournament are donated to AITC to help fund its vital local work. FirmBalls benefits as well by demonstrating how fantastic networking through sport really is. It is a win-win for everybody involved.

How successful was this year’s tournament?

Very. We had 17 teams take part on

the day, representing a wide range of businesses. Many also have teams in FirmBalls leagues across the South East. The event raised more than £12,000, which is truly fantastic.

Who won?

The winners were My Lets. They lifted the FirmBalls trophy after a convincing performance against DM Design & Build. The score was 2-0.

What did the event mean to you?

I am always blown away by the support it receives. The tournament is the highlight of my year. This year was no exception.

Aside from it being a tremendous occasion, it is hugely gratifying to know the good that will come from the proceeds raised. When you look at the range of projects AITC is involved with, you get a sense of its reach. It goes above and beyond to positively impact Brighton and the surrounding area. I am proud to support such a worthwhile

cause and thrilled that the business community gets behind FirmBalls for this event.

How does the tournament fit into FirmBalls’ programme?

It is held at the time of year when all the major professional competitions are taking place - and just as we are getting our summer leagues under way. Our five-a-side football leagues are popular because they are accessible and make networking through sport possible allyear long.

The benefits of networking through football are being realised by more and more firms and professionals. As well as connecting them to others in business, it keeps them both mentally and physically fit.

What’s next for FirmBalls?

We’ve recently launched a new golf league, because the whole idea is to get people networking through sport - not just football. Golf is a great alternative

for those who, for whatever reason, can’t or don’t want to physically kick a ball around. It means that anyone can benefit from networking through sport - regardless of their age or physical condition. Of course, any form of sport improves health and golf is no exception. We are also in the process of launching our new pool league coming soon! So watch this space.

How can people get involved?

Sign up to a league! We have plenty of them in the local area. Further information is available on the website - www.firmballs.com - or people can contact me directly by emailing sam@ firmballs.com.

We have immediate team spaces available in our leagues across Sussex, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings, Littlehampton, Crawley and more. In addition, we occasionally have places available for individuals.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

D&G: Putting people first When some people think about Brighton, the architectural grandeur of the Royal Pavilion, the beach, or a piece of Brighton Rock might spring to mind.

When Domestic & General (D&G) do, they think about their amazing people.

Each and every one of them.

As the UK’s leading appliance care D&G is Finance provider, known for taking care of their customers.

We know them for taking care of their people too. They’ve recently invested £1.4 million into their Contact Centre in Brighton. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, you’ll find new training facilities, a brand new Beach Café social space, a lighter and brighter working environment, and space to grow. It’s created a professional, vibrant and modern working environment that embraces the personality of the local

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

area and the whole team – all 750 of them.

As one of the city’s largest private sector employers, D&G’s investment isn’t purely cosmetic.

Putting people first D&G put people first, not just customers. They know that in order for their people to make customers feel great, they need to feel great too. It sounds simple enough, but a lot goes into creating a happy and successful team. It goes beyond the usual ethos and culture, it’s also based on initiatives

to give drive, focus and practical solutions to help not only engage their people, but make them excited to come to work.

Two initiatives which have made significant improvements in the D&G family have reached the Brighton office: “Exchange” and “Ignite”. These two initiatives are aimed at ensuring issues that matter to our front-line teams are clearly heard, and that the actions, decisions and updates about what matters to the business are clearly communicated in a positive working culture.

When people are completely confident about what they are doing and why, they can do it even better – that’s why training is tailored so that everyone gets the most out of it. In fact, what each individual wants to achieve is paramount, whether it’s to become the next senior leader or to exceed their targets next week. The career progression at D&G matches your ambitions. Nothing is out of reach if you’re willing to put the effort in. It’s up to you to decide what you want to go for, and everyone around you will support you along the way. The solutions are achievable, and the encouragement is genuine.

“The people at D&G are proud to be part of the Brighton community.

They make sure that they support local events, initiatives and charities.

In fact, they’re one of the sponsors of Brighton Pride this summer.”

Finding the right balance People work hard, but that’s not all they do so it’s important that work, works

for everyone too. That’s why D&G are in the process of rolling out more flexibility with shift patterns, full and part time opportunities so that everyone can find the right work/life balance.

Life and work The people at D&G are proud to be part of the Brighton community. They make sure that they support local events, initiatives and charities. In fact, they’re one of the sponsors of Brighton Pride this summer. The office’s newly formed LGBTQ+ group - Pride@Work - will also deliver together on-site events in the run-up to Pride. As an organisation, D&G feel it’s important to understand how diversity plays such an integral role here and demonstrate how colleagues can be supported.

Pride@Work has a 70-strong membership and are heavily involved with the design and creation D&G’s inaugural Brighton Pride float which will have 100 people from the Brighton team accompanying it. On top of that, they’re also planning events such as a well-being panel, pub quizzes and even a secret cinema.

raised £14,000. Everyone gets in the spirit of the events, from bake sales and Christmas fayres, to sponsoring firework displays and superheroes flying over inflatable obstacles. For over a decade, they’ve also been raising money for Sport Relief and on average, 100 employees contribute to the nationwide fundraising every year.

“The people at D&G are proud to be part of the Brighton community.

They make sure that they support local events, initiatives and charities” By investing in the local community, D&G hope to create value, instil pride and give back to our customers, our people and to our city.

To find out more about joining the D&G team, check out their current vacancies at careers. domesticandgeneral.com

That’s not all.

The Martlets Hospice is D&G’s local charity of the year in Brighton. Most recently the office held a fundraiser and

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

Above and Beyond Tech Overline goes further We chart the continued success of one of the county’s most successful managed service brands, working with everything from Telecoms and the Internet of Things to Cloud, and meet Director Jason Young.

Overline is a a market leader in unified communications Cover Feature and flexible digital solutions. It has been a managed services provider for more than two decades. Its impressive portfolio brings together the very best in cloud and telecoms services, to name a few, to deliver top grade security and futureproofing for businesses in Sussex and across the globe. It offers telephony, IT, wireless as well as broadband networks, and consulting services.

The brand is synonymous with success,

26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

helping clients achieve more with advanced tools and scaleable solutions.

It gives brands the competitive edge while ensuring they are super-efficient and using tech to the very best advantage.

Based in Sussex, Overline works with a broad range of clients. Its online store makes it super-easy for any business to access everything from IT support and site backup to servers and essential computer equipment.

Customers include Westminster Foundation, Roja Parfums, Royal Thai Office of Commercial Affairs, MTS Cleansing, Roscolab with sites in six countries worldwide, and local companies like Rivervale and TSS Facilities among many others. We have been welcoming new clients like VW Heritage and Acorah Software Products Ltd to name a few.

Director Jason Young is the owner of the business. Here, he talks about the company’s recent, bold re-branding and how he plans to move the business forward.

Investment is key to growth. What is Overline doing to invest in its future?

We have invested heavily in our infrastructure. The aim is to go beyond what clients expect from customer services. As well as offering bespoke customer support, our account management team are there to pre-empt the clients’ needs. That is because we like to do things differently.

“Being proactive, rather than reactive, ensures we build meaningful customer relationships.”

Being proactive, rather than reactive, ensures we build meaningful customer relationships. As well as getting to know our customers, we keep them informed about about emerging tech and new products. Our account managers keep in touch with customers on a regular basis, and this service is in addition to our customer services.

Overline doesn’t just want to hear from customers when they experience

a problem. We are passionate about developing real relationships that add value to our association with clients.

You have recently put together a new leadership team. Can you tell us about that?

I have the privilege of working alongside Glenn Ballard, the ex-Vice President of Hewlett Packard, in the Leadership Team. Having worked on projects together previously, Glenn introduced Cath while she was based in the USA while working with Collective Licencing International LLC, who represented Airwalk and Clinch Gear.

Our leadership team is in place to drive the business forward and ensure we meet our goals and objectives over the next five years.

Our brand ambassador Paul Rogers, collaborates with the Sales and Account Management Team to build a strong presence in the South.

Part of the team’s work will be to spearhead Overline’s expansion, both nationally and internationally.

As we move into the next growth phase, we are mentoring and developing our next generation of leaders.

Cath Holt is a recent addition to the team. Can you tell us a bit about Cath?

This has been one of the most enjoyable years at Overline which resonates throughout the whole company. In the last year, working with Cath is working at a different level.

Cath is responsible for spearheading radical changes at Overline to drive us forward. She has created a professional operating team within Overline, implementing more efficient processes and moving us towards a complete digital solution preparing us for the future. As of June 2019, she assumes the role of Operations Director.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

Cover Feature Your re-branding is unique and smart. What can you tell us about it?

The fresh, new visual identity was launched on May 31 - so it’s still really new to our existing clients. Though we may look a little different, we are pleased to say that Overline remains independent and locally owned as it has for the last 25 years.

“We believe our fresh new look, together with the changes we’ve made to our internal infrastructure, will positively enhance the client experience”.

Why did you change the branding?

We believe our fresh new look, together with the changes we’ve made to our internal infrastructure, will positively enhance the client experience.

Overline’s client ethos revolves around the power of great communication, understanding our client’s needs and the power to deliver on time, every time.

How does your branding represent your vision for Overline’s future?

The operations side of Overline has also benefited from investment. Is this connected to changes in the Telecoms sector?

Yes. The telecoms landscape is changing and we are helping our customers adapt. First, we had the introduction of GDPR and now businesses face a new challenge. BT is preparing to shut down its ISDN network from 2020 with a full cutdown schedule to happen in 2025.

The Integrated Service Digital Network has served businesses since the mid 1980s but, in the future, BT will use a single IP network. This means businesses will need to consider voice systems and things like hosting. There are currently around 3 million ISDN users in the UK, so we have expanded

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

our capacity to assist brands as they make the switch.

How are you helping businesses prepare for a single IP network?

We have been proactively supporting customers by providing consultancy services to help them adapt. For example, we explain what the change will mean to their operations. Our telecoms support includes working in an advisory capacity to ensure clients have got the very best telecoms system in place.

I would advise any business not sure about the implications of the ISDN shutdown to contact us for expert advice.

The new Overline logo represents change, growth, and a brighter tomorrow. The pink further demonstrates our boldness and makes a strong representation of our unique vision for the company.

When you invest in unified communications, it’s more than just a one-time purchase decision, we feel it is like a long-term partnership. You are not just buying a solution for today; you are investing in a solid product and the future proof company that stands behind it.

So, what’s changed?

Over the last 18 months, Overline has developed a client-focused approach to ensure we deliver exceptional customer service throughout every stage of the client journey.

We have built a thriving talented team of engineers, technical consultants, and support staff that we are incredibly proud of. Further investments in current

technologies has allowed us to expand our portfolio.

And IT and telephony?

As an established managed services provider, we are seeing the lines between tech and telecommunications converge and, as trusted advisors for thousands of clients worldwide, we understand the importance of delivering a wider range of support services to help our customers get the most out of their interconnectivity.

We provide an extensive range of products and services in these categories. For example, in IT we provide a service desk, support for Microsoft 365, workplace and on site and refresh services.

In telephony, you can choose from cloud telephony, mobile handsets and tablets, mobile tariffs, telephone systems as well as fraud protection and maintenance services.

We have already begun the process of switching out the old with the new‌ we expect to be fully transitioned in the next few weeks.

Why are businesses using Overline for online security?

What cloud services do you offer?

Cloud computing is in vogue because it reduces costs to businesses by removing the need for large, expensive servers. It also protects data and enables customers to get their services and products to market faster.

We currently offer Microsoft Azure, AWS, storage, backup, continuity services and server services.

It has never been more important to take digital security seriously. Our customers trust us when it comes to security consulting. We can help with everything from antivirus, CCTV, door access systems and essential firewalls.

What advice are clients looking for when they use your consulting services?

Predominantly, they are seeking support with Telecoms, Rapid Programme

Assessment (RPA) and, increasingly, project management. Implementing changes needs to be effectively managed to minimise disruption and ensure things work as they should.

Who is your typical customer?

That is a hard question to answer, because we serve customers from a cross-section of industries and sectors.

No customer is the same and our services can be tailored to individual needs. If I had to pick out common traits, I would say they are all ambitious and looking to develop strategies that streamline their processes to make them more efficient and secure.

You started your business when Yellow Pages’ adverts still featured J. R. Hartley looking for his Fly Fishing book. Would you turn the clock back?

Only if the directory was fully downloadable and I could read it on my tablet or mobile while working from home or while on the move. It is

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

The Overline team with Daley Thompson

important to remember that Overline’s portfolio now embraces everything from On Premise to the Cloud, Telecoms to IT as well as the Internet of Things (IoT). We embody what flexible working is all about.

closer to our customers and opened up a wide range of new and exciting opportunities. Having an online shop that offers services businesses are looking for has put us at the forefront of our industry.

Do you think businesses are afraid of technology?

Do you support a charity?

In all honesty, no. I think what holds many brands back is the fear of change.

They think improving their systems will be complicated. The thing to remember is that it is often people, not the tech, that make things complex. As with anything that is evolving, understanding how it works and getting the right support is key.

You have embraced ecommerce.

What has that helped you to achieve?

B2B brands have traditionally been slow to adopt ecommerce, but it works for us. We are able to deliver a seamless customer journey while helping clients obtain the right products and services for their needs - importantly when they need them.

I think ecommerce has brought us

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Yes. In fact, we were recently the headline sponsor of the annual Best of British lunch held for Rockinghorse Children’s Charity. We really admire everything this charity does to support children and their families.

The event we sponsored was a fundraising afternoon with the legendary sportsman Daley Thompson CBE. It took place on May 31, the day we launched our new branding and was staged at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.

It was the 11th time the event had been held there.

It was fantastic to see 500 people from the Sussex business community filling the hotel’s Empress Suite. A three-course lunch was followed by a truly entertaining question and answer session with Daley Thompson.

Comedian Aaron James hosted the event.

“Daley Thompson is, of course, a Double Olympic Decathlon Champion. He now lives in Brighton so was a fantastic choice of speaker.”

Daley Thompson is, of course, a Double Olympic Decathlon Champion. He now lives in Brighton so was a fantastic choice of speaker. With a fund-raising raffle and auction, the event raised an incredible £38,500 for Rockinghorse.

All the money raised will help the charity support young people with mental health illnesses. It will work with the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, and the Love Local Jobs Foundation to provide life-changing trips to Snowdonia National Park.

Find out how Overline can support the future success of your business.

Website: overline.com or Twitter: @OverlineUK Or connect on LinkedIn

SBT TRAVEL

TOP DESTINATIONS FOR GROUPS! RED7 SHARE THEIR CURRENT TRENDS FOR GROUP TRAVEL

MEET THE TEAM MEGAN, GROUP TRAVEL ACE

SBT TRAVEL SPONSORED BY BRIGHTON TRAVEL EXPERTS - RED7

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

Top destinations for groups!

Red7, the Group Travel expert, share their current trends for group travel; whether it’s a team building trip, reward-based travel, convention or strategy away ‘day’, Red7 can create the perfect itinerary for UK and European business travel.

61% of our enquiries in 2018 were for overseas Travel destinations. 50% of our overseas enquiries are for Spain - which enjoys all-year round sunshine and offers some of the best value accommodation. So, what do our top destinations have to offer?

Cosmopolitan Catalonia A long-time favourite with groups,

32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Barcelona is cosmopolitan and cool and offers up everything you want for a fabulous fiesta weekend. This is a true sunny delight on the Catalan coast with sleek hotels, cafes and tapas bars, Gothic architecture to see and vibrant nightlife to explore. Chill out on a catamaran cruise, relax at one of the best voted beach clubs in the world, channel your inner footballer as you tour the FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium, enjoy tasty tapas or head out for a very special race day at the ultra glam Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Sleek, chic and perfectly located. We have hand-picked hotels with stunning amenities such as an indoor pool, full spa and fitness centre, ideal for your group to relax in. For a bit of culture, they’re located by famous attractions such as the Barcelona Design Museum!

If you’re on a budget, let us sort your out a great value, but still great quality, 3 star centrally-located apartment.

Where better for a group to chill out in this fantastic city than a beach club?

A proper urban oasis, this Barcelona hotspot is on point with its gleaming sunbeds, glistening rooftop pool

street and ask for a ‘kurzstrecke’— this will get you a ride of up to 2km for just 5 Euro—perfect for getting back to your hotel after a night out.

Alternatively, ask us to arrange your private chauffeured vehicle.

and organic seaskin spa treatments.

Book into one of the premium Balinese-style hammocks, enjoy the chilled-out beats from the resident DJ, pop open the champagne and feast on signature fusion food all while enjoying stunning Barcelona skyline.

Head out on a catamaran cruise to enjoy fantastic views of the Barcelona coastline and its stunning architecture from the glistening waters of the Mediterranean. It’s a perfect way to relax or party whatever you choose.

You’ll see several of Barcelona’s gorgeous beaches (perfect for a day of sunbathing) plus Port Olímpic—the Olympic Harbour built to hose the 1992 Olympic sailing events—the stunning Porta d’Europa drawbridge and the luxury yachts at the modernists Port Forum marina.

Take your party on a fantastic fiesta night with a great flamenco show at a theatre right in the centre of town, then onto one of our favourite tapas restaurants on Barcelona’s harbour.

Get comfy on long wooden tables and get to know your fellow diners as you enjoy some classic tapas: fantastic garlic prawns, patatas bravas, iberico ham, calamari and tortilla and spicy padron peppers come piled high and the cocktails are stunning. The atmosphere here is always buzzing and the burgers are great too.

“Relax in modern comfort in a 4 star hotel, including a fitness area with a sauna, which is perfect after an exciting day of sightseeing and activities.”

Stay in a hotel located right in the heart of the Mitte district, near Torstrasse, Museum Island, Hackesche Market and Friedrichstrasse. You’ll be based a short distance from Berlin’s fashion designer boutiques, trendy bars and a huge range of international restaurants and traditional Berlin courtyards.

Alternatively, stay in a quiet zone in Berlin’s vibrant district Friedrichshain.

Relax in modern comfort in a 4 star hotel, including a fitness area with a sauna, which is perfect after an exciting day of sightseeing and activities.

Discover about German beer on your very own private guided brewery tour.

The tour is a great chance to see how some great German beers are made, alongside getting a very important taste of the delicious beverage. Explore the last relics of Marxism-Leninism in Berlin. The Berlin Trabi Safari is the insider tour for everyone who wants to see Berlin in one of these unique old vehicles. You will get to see some of Berlin’s top sites such as Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and Unter den Linden. Experience up close and in person the history of the divided city and its way to the future.

Did we mention the beer? The Beer is great. The long tables and benches in Berlin’s Biergärten (April to September) and Bierkeller (during winter) are perfect for groups on tour.

Head East... beautiful Berlin It’s easy to get around: at weekends Berlin’s extensive public transport network (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses and trams) runs 24 hours. Hail a cab in the

Fancy a seriously long bar crawl? Or just picky when it comes to picking somewhere? You’ve come to the right place. Berlin has a LOT of bars and very few are bad. From Absinthe to margaritas, Biergärten to wine bars, (and let’s not forget that the cafés here serve alcohol too) Berlin is a city that

knows how to drink. The partying is seriously cool. There are literally thousands of achingly cool places to hang out and party.

In summer, head for a beach bar on the River Spree, with a floating swimming pool and yoga classes (and saunas in the winter). After dark, Berlin has so many clubs to choose from, but don’t miss some of the famous riverside clubs, which are particularly great in summer.

Luxurious Lisbon Europe’s sunniest capital has a wild, oceanic spirit, cosmopolitan shopping and lively nightlife, which gets ever better as they years go by. Wander around its winding cobbled streets, explore the magical castle on a hill and chill out on one of cafes around its vast seafront square. Explore the city using its bright yellow trams then check out the gorgeous beaches of Estoril and Cascais for some chill out time and a spot of surfing. And, don’t leave without trying the freshest of seafood.

Lisbon has beautiful beaches to explore and great cafés where you can chill, but for group activities with a wow factor nothing beats a day karting at Europe’s longest race track.

For a relaxed evening out, and if you want someone else to take the social strain, try a guided bar crawl in the streets of Bairro Alto. This quiet quarter by day transforms after dark into a bustling nightlife hub. Your Englishspeaking guide will navigate the complex grid of narrow streets and alleyways finding the best drinking spots, ensuring you all have a relaxed, fun-filled night.

Closer to home….

Classy Cambridge Cambridge is famously known as being the city which is home to one

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

of the most highly ranked, oldest and prestigious universities within the United Kingdom. Although the city comes with high-tier popularity, the city runs on the tranquil vibes of the River Cam, extravagance of the architecture and the vibrance of the nightlife. Take your pick from our hand-selected Cambridge hotels, all minutes away from the bustling city centre.

Cambridgealso plays host to an impressive number of pubs, more than 100 in fact; so the lazy afternoon can merge into a great, late night!

Breath-taking Bath

As England’s only UNESCO World Heritage City, Bath is a spa-escape favourite and is the only city in the UK to have natural hot springs as well as the best preserved Roman Baths, datingback two thousand years. Dive head first into the history and culture of the attractions before heading to the spa with your group to relax on a rooftop pool overlooking the city of Bath. Stay in a charming Georgian Grade II listed country house with views from your room of it’s stunning garden.

After painting the town red, catch some serious z’s in a luxurious four poster bed and re-energising the next day with your delicious breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant.

For a bit more privacy, hire a sweet cottage for the duration of your stay.

Set in a serene location, you’re the perfect distance away from the hustle of the city and a short trip to the

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

city centre. In need of a post night-out pamper?

Treat your group to a relaxing afternoon at Britain’s original natural thermal spa. Melt into the steamy baths, enjoy spectacular views over the City of Bath, soak in the mineral-rich waters and bubbling jets of the open-air roof-top pool, or become a Roman Goddess as you float in the thermal waters of the Minerva Bath. As you breathe in the calming lotus flower and eucalyptus vapours of the Aroma Steam Rooms, you and your group will have never felt relaxation like it.

“We save you time and effort in the planning stage, but more importantly we make sure the trip runs smoothly so you can focus on your objectives.”

Rob Reaks, Head of Sales and Marketing said, “it’s important to get things perfect for a business trip, otherwise your focus and energy is deployed in all the wrong ways! You want your team happy, stress-free and well organised...that’s where an expert like Red7 is so important. We save you time and effort in the planning stage, but more importantly we make sure the trip runs smoothly so you can focus on your objectives.

Our resort knowledge ensures that accommodation is top-notch and location-wise you’re not spending loads of time on transfers between activities and the airport/hotels.”

Trust the experts! With over 30 years’ experience of group travel, you’re in safe hands with Red7.

ABTA / IATA Members and ATOL protection for your peace of mind.

01273 872200. www.redsevenleisure.co.uk/groupweekends/

Meet the Team…. here’s Megan, one of our Group Travel Aces

When did you join Red7?

February 2016

What is the best Red7 location you’ve visited?

USA...Has to be New York! I’ve been lucky to travel there 4 times, shoppers paradise and it’s like you’re in a movie set.

Europe...Girls holiday to Zante, lots of partying and sunshine - was really fun though needed another holiday to recover from that one!

What is your absolute favourite Red7 activity?

I enjoy cocktail making, learning how to make my favourite cocktails with some fun games thrown in. I also enjoy Go Karting even though I’m not the best!

What is your top moment of all time and why?

Going to an underground 80’s club in New York for my 21st birthday, got to party with proper New Yorkers and I do love a bit of 80’s music and of course being able to drink in America is always a plus!

THE WORLDS BIGGEST FREE BEACH FESTIVAL RUN BY VOLUNTEERS

SUP | Paddle | Prone Races

July 6 & 7 2019 th

th

www.paddleroundthepier.com

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

PRINTING Full Full service service print solutions -- Digital Digital & & Lithographic Lithographic Print -- Large Large Format Format -- Sign Sign & & Display Display

LS-PRINTING.COM LS-PRINTING.COM

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT LIFESTYLE

HISTORY

VISIT BATEMAN’S

WINE OF THE MONTH

SPONSORED BY LEVELS BOTTLE SHOP

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

COURTESY OF UNCLE GEORGE ANTONI

HEALTH

SBT Wine Club coming soon

LEWIS HATCHETT THE SPORT YOGI

RESTAURANT REVIEW DINNER WITH A DIFFERENCE

HOTEL REVIEW

WE CHECK IN TO HARBOUR HOTEL

SBT LIFESTYLE IS SPONSORED BY FLINT & FLAME.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

The Potting Room Sanderson

Gatsby Albany Opulence

Salvia DESIGNERS GUILD

Blue’s Blue PAINT LIBRARY

Fable Linwood

Mister David LITTLE GREENE

GREAT CHOICE, BR ANDS & ALWAYS GREAT SERVICE & ADVICE

Just visit brewers.co.uk to find your local store 38FOR www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk FURNITURE & GORGEOUS 38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

ACCESSORIES BREWERSHOME.CO.UK

Be Baloo’n away

by Bateman’s Another jewel in the National Trust crown, Bateman’s History is a 17th Century house situated in Burwash, East Sussex. The house is Grade I listed, proving it a property of “exceptional interest”.

Although the property is most often mentioned in connection with Rudyard Kipling, the property is much older, with the mansion dating back to 1634.

Sadly, the house had fallen into disrepair by the time the Kiplings saw it. Even so – “That’s She! The Only She! Make an honest woman of her – quick!” was how Rudyard Kipling and his wife, Carrie, felt the first time they saw Bateman’s. Two years after their initial interest they were able to purchase the property and restore it to its former glory. At the time Kipling was earning £5k a year and the property was sold to him for £9,300. How we would love to see property prices that are twice annual salary amounts today!

As Rudyard’s only heir, John, was killed in World War I and his wife died prematurely, the house fell into the hands of the National Trust.

By now you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of the National Trust. Their vision for restoration and sensitive handling of property is exemplary and with Bateman’s they have ensured that the interior has been retained as it was in Kipling’s time. (Luckily it was fumigated as Rudyard smoked more than Dot Cotton). Access to the study that Rudyard composed so many of his famous works in, is a highlight of any visit.

internally sing “I want to be like youoooo-ooo.”

Even without the Kipling association this is a stunning example of Jacobean architecture, but with the added element of such an iconic figure this really is a must-visit.

There is so much to see and do, but make sure to include an inspection of his Nobel Prize – a highlight to have in Sussex for sure. Hopefully not the last one that this great county brings home.

Who’s next?

Summer is a special time to visit Bateman’s as the grounds are spectacular. Indulge in a walk around the formal rose garden, the orchards and the meadows that inspired one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

Amongst the plethora of interesting items are the original illustrations for The Jungle Book. I challenge anyone to see them and not be immediately transported back to childhood and

By James Dempster - Cobb Digital

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

WINE OF THE MONTH Sponsored by Levels Bottle Shop In the month of Father’s Day we haven’t

White Wine Koshu 2017 Grace Kayagatake. Yamanashi province. Japan.

Price £21.00 Japan isn’t exactly known for its wines but everything this great island puts its hands to it does exceptionally well… think Japanese denim and whisky. They can immerse themselves in the culture of other nations and produce examples of what other cultures are famous for that can exceed your expectations. This Koshu from Grace winery is no exception. Light and floral in style, the freshness and elegance of this wine is quite remarkable. Delicate flavours of Japanese pear, green apple and herbaceous notes of fennel and lemongrass are backed by a thirst-quenching acidity, delicious peppered spice nuances and a tangy finish.

Red Wine ‘Plane turning right’ 2014 (Right bank Bordeaux blend) David Franz. Barossa Valley, Australia.

Price £25.00 Ladies and gentlemen, please ensure that your tray table is securely stowed and your seat-back is in the upright position. Cabin crew cross-check, doors to automatic and prepare for take-off. It’s not often that a red wine from the Barossa Valley can be said to be ‘flighty’, but there’s a lifted, featherlight quality to the aromas of this Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend, which rise from the glass in a way that’s atypical of the region. The palate is pure and glossy with bright damson, blueberry and fresh mint. Don’t be put off by the whimsical label, this is a serious New World red and it’s fantastic to see a winemaker from the Barossa Valley giving a voice to Petit Verdot and old-vine Merlot, not just the ubiquitous Shiraz.

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

messed around with our wine selections.

Yes, both these wines can be described as being on the ‘pricey’ end of the scale but boy oh boy are they both worth it!

Both wines have a real story behind them and their producers, are made in small quantities and really are what the independent wine scene is all about.So, go on, treat your old man, he deserves it!

Recipe of the Month

UNCLE GEORGE’S MOUSSAKA (SUITABLE FOR VEGETARIANS) Serves - 10 - 12 .............................................................

Difficulty level - Moderate

Ingredients: large aubergines cut into 2cm rounds - x3 Waxy potatoes cut into 1cm slices - 1kg (see notes) Medium brown onions - x3

1 and 1/2 rounds feta (see notes) Tinned plum tomatoes - x3

Ground cinnamon - x 1/2 tsp Bay Leaves - x2

Salt and pepper

Tablespoons red wine vinegar - x2 Tsps dried oregano - x2

Tablespoons chopped parsley - x2 Extra virgin olive oil

Vegetable oil (see notes)

Béchamel Sauce: Butter - 150g Whole milk - x2 pints Plain flour - x3 Tablespoons

Green Salad: 2 heads romain lettuce - shredded 1 head crunchy iceberg - shredded 3 green bell peppers - finely sliced 1 jar cornichons - roughly chopped small bunch of dill - roughly chopped 5 Spring onions - Sliced Toss together all of the above and dress with salt, pepper, juice of 1 lemon, extra virgin Greek olive oil

Method Shallow fry potatoes in olive oil till golden brown on both sides. Place in colander to drain.

Fry onions till soft and golden. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, cinnamon. Cook.

Grill aubergine, brushing with salted olive oil, till golden brown on both sides.

Heat oven to 160 fan.

In a deep dish, approximately 30 x 40 cm, start layering, tomato sauce, potatoes, sauce, crumbled feta, aubergine, sauce, potato, crumbled feta.

Now make the Béchamel. Melt butter, add flour to make a rouille. Add salt and pepper. Slowly add milk to make thick white sauce, then pour over layered dish.

Crumble a little more feta on top and cook in over for one hour or until potatoes are cooked through and top is golden.

Notes The feta really needs to be the fresh creamy kind that comes in rounds and is in it’s salted water. Asda do a very good brand in a tall can which is called Yesilova Krembeyaz.

Potatoes - Essential they are waxy ideal Maribel potatoes from Asda.

Vegetable oil - ideally rapeseed which most veg oils are.

This month’s recipe is brought to you by Uncle George info@dasaki.co.uk www.dasaki.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

Lewis Hatchett The Sport Yogi

How you didn’t even realise you were practicing mindfulness Health

from the truth.

I thought that in order to engage with mindfulness I was going to have to join the ashram and throw on the robes. That couldn’t be further

I wasn’t until I read Thich Naht Hahn’s Mindfulness book along with Eckhart Tolles Power of Now that I began to understand that I was already experiencing moments of mindfulness.

To put it simply, a moment of mindfulness is when you are totally present in the moment. You are not dwelling on the past or the future. You are exactly in what you are doing at that moment. As Thich Naht Hahn puts it, ‘wash the dishes for the sake of washing the dishes’. For example, while you wash the dishes you could be aware of the

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

finer details. The water running off the dishes. The feel of the dishes in your hands. The warmth of the water. You are totally in the moment of washing the dishes. You aren’t thinking about your mortgage, your relationships, your work.

You are present.

Now this idea of mindfulness may seem a bit ‘out there’ for some people, but if you really think about it, you would have experienced these types of moments.

Another example would be when you witness a stunning sunrise or sunset.

The ‘holy s***’ moment when you glance up at that spectacular view. Again, you are totally present and experiencing it for the moment that it is.

In sport you could say this is when an athlete is ‘in the zone’. Things are flowing and you are totally in the moment of competition. It is a place

where great things happen, as you aren’t concentrating on elements of your game that don’t serve you. It could be an opinion someone had in the past, a result that happened before or the thought of what might happen in the future. Again, neither of these serve you well to be in the moment and take you away from focusing on what you are meant to be doing right then and there.

So how do you start to gain more awareness of being mindful? Or how long should you be mindful for?

For me, I was never going to be able to start being mindful or start a meditation practice by sitting down for over 10 minutes and being with my thoughts. As an athlete, I wanted to get up and move.

However, the sooner I realised that you could have pockets of mindfulness throughout the day or you could do tasks in your day mindfully, it all changed.

Health

3 ways to start a mindfulness practice.

1. Breathe It sounds stupid, but breathe. Our breath is the easiest thing to access for us as we have to do it in order to stay alive! However, bringing more awareness to our breath can be incredibly mindful.

Breathing through your nose, start by simply noticing the coolness of the air on the inhale and the warmth of the air on the exhale. If you begin to lose focus, simply return to these two things.

The coolness of the inhale, the warmth of the exhale. You could do this literally anywhere, anytime.

2. Move Whether it’s going for a run or a yoga practice. When we move it can be a great form of a mindfulness practice.

Most people will say that “exercise is my meditation”, which effectively is true.

Whether it’s lifting weights, running, swimming, cycling, those moments

when you are ‘feeling the burn’ in the muscles, you are being mindful of your body. You’re feeling it. Again, I’m sure you aren’t focusing on whether you left the iron on in those moments.

“Whether it’s going for a run or a yoga practice. When we move it can be a great form of a mindfulness practice.”

If it’s something less intense, like walking or yoga. Be mindful of the feeling of your feet connecting to the ground. The feeling within your muscles as you move your body. The areas you feel strong, tight, weaker, stable.

Constantly asking yourself “how does this feel?” will open up to a mindful movement practice.

3. Listen to music Find a song that you are into at the moment. Now really listen to it. Try

to hear the beat of the song, the instruments being played, whether you can hear the strings on the guitar being plucked, the drums being beaten.

Focusing in to finer detail allows you to open up to a much more mindful view.

Give these a go throughout your day, or even try to turn other tasks that you have during the day into a more mindful practice.

Like I’ve said, it doesn’t have to be 20 minutes sitting in a quite place. Break it up throughout your day. Making your everyday tasks more mindful.

If you are interested in starting your own mindful practice, opening up your mind, breaking out of habits that you don’t like, improving your performance, contact me for coaching at lewis@thesportyogi.com

You can also gain free access to online classes by visiting www. thesportyogi.com SBT readers get 30% discount to subscription by using SBT30 at the checkout.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

Dinner with a Difference For this month’s restaurant review Restaurant we really do have something different Review for you. SBT teamed up with Brian Lockie from Top Shelf Wine Services to bring you a true dinner with a difference. Brian works closely with Bouquet Ltd who were not only the suppliers from whom Brian chose the wines for the event, but were also the sponsors of the “Wines of the month” in our last edition.

As a regular dinner party host, as well as trying to impress guests with an eclectic menu I am always looking for new ways to create an enjoyable atmosphere and fun evening. With a young family myself, it is often difficult to get babysitters and go out for dinner.

Therefore, when Brian mentioned to me his new concept of an inhouse wine tasting for me and my guests I jumped at the chance.

There were 8 of us eating in total and I had sent Brian my menu earlier in the week on request so he could look to pair the wines to our dishes.

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Brain arrived a little after 7pm, which was perfect timing as the kids had just gone down and it was just prior to my guests arriving. He got set up and had brought a variety of wines, from English Sparkling, white, red, rose as well a dessert wine and all glasses required for our wine tasting.

As my guests arrived and I was still cooking, we kicked off the evening with an English Sparking wine from Wiston Estate. Brian filled our glasses and began to talk us through the wine.

Wiston Estate - Brut NV. This is an excellently balanced wine, made up of the three classic varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in equal parts. A refreshing, elegant and complete sparkling wine, with a fine complex finish that combines youthful purity of fruit with more mature characters from long lees-aging, this wine is an excellent way to begin a journey with Wiston.

It was clear from our aperitif and the start of the night that Brian’s knowledge was second to none. He engaged with all our guests, asking for feedback and

what flavours and aromas we got from the wine.

After this delightful start I then served our starters. This was a selection of Greek Cypriot Meze consisting of Koubebia (Stuffed vine leaves), Homemade meatballs, Fried halloumi with mint and roasted nuts, Loukanika (Greek Cypriot sausage) in red wine, homemade Tzatzki and Greek style bread.

I didn’t give Brian an easy task as there were many different flavours in the starter. To accompany these Brian had chosen two different wines, a white wine from Spain and a Pinot noir from chile. The white Alabrino was not only mine but a few of my guests favourite and complimented the starters perfectly.

White Wine: Don Pedro Albarino - Spain: A wine from Galicia in Northern Spain with elegant aromas of fresh aromatic herbs and white flowers as well as nuances of white stone fruit, green apple, citrus and pear. The Palate is rounded and full-bodied with a light petillance. (hint of bubbles)

The pinot noir which since watching the film sideways many years ago has become one of my favourite grape varieties was also delicious.

Red Wine: Vina Ventisquero Heru - Pinot Noir - Chile: A deep Ruby red colour more commonly associated with a Burgundy Pinot Noir, the nose on this wine initially reveals aromas of red fruits combining the sweeter flavours of strawberries and raspberries with the slightly tart expectancy of red currents. On the palate, juicy flavours and soft rounded tannins are framed by a distinctive yet delicate back drop of French Oak. Consequently, this wine has the refined aromas and flavours displayed and expected by a quality Pinot Noir.

Prior to serving main course Brian continued to inform our guests about different wines, their history as well as advising with hints and tips for tasting, which my guests and I found fascinating.

After a short break I then served main course, a Lamb Kleftico that I had been slow cooking for about 4 and half hours.

This was served with a Greek salad and potatoes.

For this we had a big powerful, full bodied red, a primitivo which for me was a perfect match for the lamb.

However before sampling this Brian

had chosen a rosé, which I myself am not usually a fan, but this was certainly different from most rosés I have tried in the past. It was quite a bit lighter than a usual rosé and absolutely sublime.

Rose Wine:Estadon St. Louis de Provence - Rosé 2017 - France Among top 10% of all wines in region.

Pale salmon with copper hues in colour with a touch of effervescence. Look for a subtle nose of raspberry, peony and apricot with hints of honeydew melon, wet stone and rhubarb. Dry, medium (+) acidity, medium alcohol. Candied watermelon, peach and orange peel play out on the mid-length palate. This is certainly, a serious rose with a lovely complexity that’s marked by the gentle fruit and delicate floral accents. The structure demands summer patio horsd’oeuvre.

Terre Avare - Primitivo 2016 - Italy: This wine benefits from growing in this dry sunny region producing a fruit centred style of wine with dominant red fruit flavours. Deep ruby in colour with a palate that is considered full rich and rounded.

We had now tasted 5 wines from around the globe, each of which had been a perfect partner for my dishes.

To finish off we had a selection of sweet Greek desserts, baklava, layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup, as well as my homemade Galaktoboureko (Greek custard pie with syrup). Followed by of course a cheese board.

Brian had chosen a dessert wine that he explained could accompany almost any dessert but was also a perfect partner for cheese.

Dessert Wine: Manoir Savonniere Coteaux Du Layon -Dessert WineFrance:

This wine is a Bronze medal winner at the 2015 Paris Wine and produce show and has every right to lay claim to excellence. Full of sweet juicy tropical fruit flavours but with a clean feel on the palate this wine shares a luscious balance between sweetness and welcome yet well balanced acidity.

A wine which will accompany almost any desserts, but it also provides a stunningly good contrast when served with cheese.

This truly was a fabulous evening from start to finish. Brian was informative, engaging and extremely charming which immediately puts everyone at ease and is able to relax and enjoy the evening. His choices of wine, despite a difficult menu were perfect. At the end of the evening all guests have the opportunity to either purchase some of the bottles that they tried, alternatively Brian leaves order forms with you to purchase at a later date (which me and my guests have done).

The whole concept for the evening is fantastic and one that I am sure will not only appeal to people with young families but anyone looking for alternative ways to host a dinner party.

Also if unlike me you don’t like to cook, or fancy a night off, Top Shelf wines have packages that include a chef attending and cooking for you. Brian is a fantastic, knowlegable host and I urge our readers to get in contact and give this ago, you will not be disappointed.

Top Shelf Wine Service, Brian Lockie, Email: BLMGS@hotmail.com, Tel: 07787 553262 Bouquet Ltd bouquet.winesltd@gmail.com 07528 550574

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

Hotel Review: Harbour Hotel Luxury is at the heart of this hotel and right Hotel now this is the place to be in Brighton. For Review the business user, I genuinely cannot think of a more excellent venue in Brighton.

With the launch of the new Harbys Restaurant, I was invited as a guest to review it. I have visited the on-trend bar before, so was interested to see how the hotel, spa and restaurant compared.

Check in was a breeze and I was directed to a fantastic corner suite with a sea view with an unhindered view of the West Pier that felt poetic and poignant. The room itself had all the usual mod cons but with one or two particular extras which really made a difference. Firstly, the White Company toiletries were in abundance and really gave a feel that there was no expense spared in the preparations for guests. The Nespresso machine, white

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

fluffy robes and deep bath were also very welcome indeed and allowed for immediate relaxation. The best finishing touch was free gin and sherry in the room in a sumptuously laid out drinks tray by the window.

After changing, my guest and I went down to the spa which is an underground area consisting of many different coves containing private little areas which make for a refreshingly new spa experience. The usual sauna and steam rooms are there, but the addition of Scandinavian hot tubs, a hydrotherapy pool, and a gym really does mean that guests can enjoy a relaxing time. There are also a number of small rooms set aside with deep set beds and magazines which makes it very easy to lose several hours within the spa. Finally a heated swimming pool which was a personal favourite of mine added the finishing touch to a spa experience which doesn’t just rival but unquestionably outdoes all of the other hotel spas offered along the sea front. I

would definitely return for the spa alone.

After a quick shower and a short spot of work using the free Wi Fi, my guest and I went down to dinner in the newly named Harby’s Restaurant. The décor is very playful and up market although the menu is more swayed towards a diner/bar experience rather than fine dining. Initially I was not overwhelmingly excited by the menu but, what they do, they do very well indeed. We were served by a cheery and friendly waiter named Javier who managed a perfectly honed skill of approaching and disappearing at just the right moments. He was a welcome addition to the whole experience and they are lucky to have him.

The mixologist at the bar was able to whip my guest up a personally tailored “mocktail” and I chose a chilled Picpoul to accompany my food. I chose the monkfish with Prosecco tempura which was mouth-wateringly tasty. My guest had flat iron chicken with Adobo chilli.

“For our business readers there is a gorgeous private lounge space at the back of the restaurant named The Snug.”

The portion sizes were immense and the food was delicious. The restaurant was busy enough but easy to converse and tables set wide enough apart for a comfortably private conversation.

Javier also managed to persuade us into a dessert and we chose to share the S’mores and Chocolate Brownies which was a huge portion and even between us we could not finish. We left perfectly full and very chilled out.

For our business readers there is a gorgeous private lounge space at the back of the restaurant named The Snug. A colourful and private space for up to 30 people, there is the possibility to create a bespoke set menu, or platter

style options for business events.

On that note, there are also great options for business events here.

There are two large bright rooms which can be hired for private business events and hold up to 160 guests.

The hotel will set them up according to your needs and the boardroom / theatre style set-ups appear to me to be perfect for business meetings or presentations. This would be a genuine recommendation as a hotel for any business owners looking to organise such an event in a great location with excellent facilities.

The room itself had everything to encourage a sound night’s sleep. After a deep bath and a cheeky (free) gin nightcap, I settled into the pristine Egyptian cotton sheets and had the best night’s sleep I’d had in a long time. I have to commend the hotel on managing to virtually sound proof the hotel from the busy road outside.

I simply had to indulge in another early

morning dip in the pool, then headed down for breakfast for a fuss free, quick and efficient service. It is exactly how I prefer breakfast to be, especially given I had a long work day ahead and needed to re-fuel and get moving. The staff were brilliant at picking that up.

There was the usual breakfast buffet with fresh fruit and cereal. Our hot food came very quickly and was served with rich fresh coffee and certainly set us up for the day. The staff are a real credit to this hotel. Without exception everyone I came across was friendly and accommodating.

I would not hesitate in recommending this hotel to our readers. In fact I would positively encourage anyone to enjoy this experience for business or work purposes. This wonderful hotel offers luxury at affordable prices. I left feeling like I had spent a few days abroad when in fact it was only a matter of hours. A truly rejuvenating experience.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

Paddle Round the Pier

We spoke with Paddle Round the Pier event co-chair Rob Pelling about the evolution of the festival from its humble beginnings 23 years ago.

Since its inception in 1996 Paddle Round the Pier has grown Charity into the largest FREE charity beach festival in Europe.

The annual event is now a firm fixture on the in Brighton and Hove events calendar, taking place on the beautiful Hove Lawns. The festival now features the very best in water, street & urban sports, live music and family focused entertainment. Over the years the organization has raised over £300,000 for local causes and I am really excited to be a part of this dynamic volunteer lead team.

Two years ago PRTP took the step to

48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

become a charity. This means we are now able to award grants to a greater number of organizations and groups.

Our charitable aim being: 1. The promotion and participation in safe, amateur water sports 2. The advancement and education in water safety & lifesaving techniques Paddle has always appealed to surfers and water-sports enthusiasts, but it seems we just can’t stop people wanting to get involved. With all the usual suspects from Surfing, Kayaking and Windsurfing, to all new sports like Stand-up Paddle Boarding, Kite-surfing and more.

Well before the now more widespread publicity surrounding single use plastics, the impact of large events on the environment is something that PRTP takes very seriously. Since 2012 PRTP has been trying to minimise the use and has taken some great strides to this effect. Since 2017 we began encouraging our vendors to use alternatives such as Biodegradable products and in 2018 we advised all vendors that they must stay away from single use plastic. We are pleased to say that last year all but a couple were able to do so, making the festival circa 95% single use plastic free.

We have also implemented a large

scale recycling program across the site.

This alongside other factors such as minimising the use of generators; having no additional lighting; and encouraging the use of public transport through our partnership with Brighton City Bikes and Brighton & Hove Buses to further reduce the impact of the event on the surrounding environment. This year we even have designated bus route/stop for PRTP which means we can help more visitors ditch the car.

PRTP gives out an extremely strong environmental message and in 2019 we are excited to have exhibitors such as the Brighton Dolphin Project, RePlastic, Eco-Bricks and many more

demonstrating to the public ways in which they can both reduce and remove plastic use.

Whilst all this is going on within the Land Paddle Village, there is a whole host of water activities open to everyone to participate in. Including the spectacular Paddle Something Unusual or The Big Paddle, where we all grab our board, SUP, kayak, or other paddled craft and set off for as a ‘parade of paddlers’ towards and around the old, now iconic, Brighton West Pier.

There is so much fantastic fun to be had and this year there are lots of great prizes and a chance to try out our huge

20 meter long demo pool. And if you don’t feel like getting into the water come along to enjoy our music stage, ‘Paddle Performers’ stage or to cheer on all those taking part. There are activities for all members of the family including our furry friends with the introduction of the Doggie Paddle last year.

We’re lucky to have the overwhelming support of the water-sports industry, Brighton & Hove City Council and many local businesses, #PRTP19 on the 6th & 7th July is set to be the biggest ever.

For this or any of our other events, register now via our website. paddleroundthepier.com

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

SBTMotoring News Road Toll Fear for Motorists More electric vehicles on the road has led to claims that nationwide road tolls could be introduced.

Financial experts have stated the tolls could cost every driver £700 a year.

A report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance suggests a nationwide system of road tolls could be introduced to make up for a drop in fuel duty.

Fuel tax is expected to earn the Treasury £28.8 billion this financial year. However, electric vehicles are not subject to the duty.

Deer Warning Highways England is warning drivers to be vigilant for deer, saying now is the time of year most crashes involving the wild animals happen.

It says dusk is particularly dangerous because that’s when deer normally feed.

Around 74,000 accidents are attributed to deer every year in the UK.

Driving Licence Warning Over Identity Theft Motorists are being warned not to share images of their driving licence online.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued the advice following concerns that motorists are over-sharing sensitive documents on the internet.

In particular, it says pictures of a driving licence, complete with details such as a full name and address, could leave drivers open to identity theft.

Vehicle owners are being urged to exercise caution when selling a car to a private buyer. The DVLA says the car itself could become a victim of identity theft. It advises not to share snaps of a log boo,k including a vehicle’s registration mark and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

The RAC says: “Criminals can use this information to clone your car, using your car’s details to hide the identity of a stolen or salvaged vehicle which can then be either sold on or used for criminal activity.

“If a cloned car is caught by police, these offences will often be attributed to the owner of the car that’s been cloned.”

The DVLA states sensitive documents should not be published on social media platforms and that anyone concerned about a scam should contact Action Fraud immediately.

Payouts for Theft Hit 7-Year High The insurance industry trade body says payouts for vehicle thefts hit a seven-year high at the start of this year. According to the Association of British Insurers, claims made between January and March were higher than for any quarter since 2012.

Keyless car crime has been cited as a factor. It has previously been stated by researchers that some models are vulnerable. Keyless systems enable drivers open and start vehicles without the need to put a key in a lock.

Testing by Thatcham Research allegedly found six out of the 11 vehicles launched this year had a poor security rating. Official Home Office figures show car theft has risen by 50 per cent over the past five years.

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBTMotoring Reviews Kia Ceed

There is soft touch materials, nice trims that are solidly put in place and stitching affects which give an all-round feeling of comfort, and compliment the comfortable seating. You just get in get comfortable and drive – it’s great.

I really liked this car. I like the look of it from the outside and Kia have made an effort to make the car on the inside look better than its price would suggest. Immediately I got a sense that the car has got everything you need and nothing you don’t, which is quite refreshing these days not to have to work out over engineered infotainment systems and the like

From a space perspective there is a decent size boot with tethers and a low load lip to get stuff in and out.

Back seats drop down easily if more space is needed. Although you can get 3 adults in the back its probably not for long drives, but you can at least get three in the back, and three kids have plenty of room.

when starting off but nothing to o excessive. The gear change is nice and transitions well and finding the biting point on an incline is comfortable without any risk of stalling. The car handles Sussex potholes nicely and is definitely a selling point for a car at this price range.

Talking of price – you can’t go wrong. It is incredible value for money even “fully loaded”. I happen to need a new small car and I very tempted to get one. It’s a great car and where normally I mention a pet peeve with our reviews on this occasion I can’t.

The driving experience is good.

OK the engine is a bit throaty

Volvo S90 includes the seats themselves that can be adapted to suit all shapes and sizes therefore lending them to be super comfortable.

In the back there is enough room for three adults unless you are over 6ft 2 inches tall then your head might start touching the ceiling.

The Volvo S90 is a keeper. It is a good-looking handsome car with great design both outside and inside.

The leather inside sets it apart alongside its stylish buttons and vent shape. A big selling point is the 9-inch touch screen which has an intuitive infotainment system. The buttons are big enough to use whilst driving too There is loads of room and that

There is a hump in the middle of the back that is not excessive and certainly not an issue if three children are in the back or two adults.

Boot space is good, with low load lip, useful tethers and storage space and a void for long items through the middle of the back seat behind the arm rest

you it sounds like a short soft drum roll going over pot holes which is strangely therapeutic. Visibility is good and of course there are buckets of safety features including a seat belt that tightens if going over a hump back bridge bunding you to the seat. The Hybrid is easy to charge and means the car is even quieter.

I found that it finds its gear from starting position well enough and has more than enough oomph to overtake on motorways and smaller roads alike.

All in all, it is comfortable stylish exec car that is good value against its competition

Driving the car is a pleasure it’s quiet and deals with bumps effortlessly, for musicians amongst

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS

BOUNDARY CLUB HARBY’S LAUNCH NETWORK MY CLUB GAYDIO BRIGHTON BUSINESS MIXER COBB LUNCH

SBT NETWORKING & EVENTS IS SPONSORED BY THE NETWORK EXPOSURE GROUP - INSPIRED BY THREE VERY WELL- CONNECTED SUSSEX BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS, NETWORKU IS PASSIONATE ABOUT UTILISING OUR OWN PERSONAL NETWORK AS WELL AS CREATING NEW CONNECTIONS TO HELP GROW YOUR BUSINESS.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

Networking

An afternoon at Boundary Club Networking

This month SBT is delighted to have teamed up with The Boundary Club to give you a run down in our Networking and Events section.

After being a member in the past for many years, it was great to return to The Boundary Club this year for SBT. As always it was a truly fantastic event, hosted by the brilliant Tony Cottey and a great guest speaker with comedian, Jim Tavare. He had quite a story to tell and one he did in his own way that was both entertaining and engaging.

There are so many networking events to attend across the county, but The Boundary Club is one that delivers consistently on all levels. Great food, great atmosphere, great guest speaker, all in a relaxed environment surrounded by so many of the Sussex business community. I was able to meet some new contacts as I always do there, as well as catch up with many I had not seen for a while. It turned out to be not only enjoyable but a very productive afternoon.

I am sure you will be seeing some of The Boundary Club members in various issues of SBT over the coming months.

The next Boundary Club is on 26th June, with Special guest Simon Evans. For more details on what The Boundary Club can offer including membership prices contact theboundaryclub@sussexcricket.co.uk

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

SBT

out and about

Harby’s Bar & Diner launch Thursday 23rd May marked the official launch of Harby’s Networking Bar & Diner, the new dining concept now live at Brighton Harbour Hotel.

The diner vibe was in full swing, with entertainment from The Candy Girls and a Pulp Fiction duo!

Introducing an exciting new concept to Brighton’s seafront, the bar and diner feature bright interiors, relaxed banquette seating, retro neon lighting and kitsch seaside artwork throughout, in keeping with Brighton’s unique style and vibrancy.

The exteriors have been specially commissioned, with illustrative style artwork creating an intriguing and fun seafront statement.

Harby’s is casual dining at its very best.

Thanks to Nick Ford Photography for the pictures

The menu has been developed by Chef Director, John Pollard and is inspired by the seaside. Imagine sensational ice cream parlour desserts, posh fish and chips (monkfish with prosecco batter) burgers and pizzas, plus a whole host of vegan and veggie dishes and small plates, great for sharing.

The Harby’s diner even features its own Harby’s Whip ice cream machine; complete with a dedicated ice cream parlour attendant – for those simply popping in for a sweet treat. Families can expect fun kids activity packs, take home milkshake cups for free refills on future visits and a free Harby’s 99 for anyone under the age of 12, when dining on Saturdays.

The Harby’s Bar is set to become a lively hotspot. Serving up cocktails, craft beers, a wide selection of wines, fizz and spirits, all prepared by a team of expert mixologists and bar tenders.

Featuring an unmissable live events programme and the best cocktails in town; be sure to check out the regular weekly events schedule – coming soon.

That’s your weekend sorted!

To book, call 01273 916916 or email harbys@harbourhotels.co.uk or visit www.harbourhotels.co.uk/hotels/ brighton/dining/harbys-bar-diner/

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

Welcome to New Age Business Networking!

Network My Club uses iconic sporting venues to attract progressive, forward thinking, professional businesses to form a network and environment where they can thrive...

Thursday 4th July, 12.00pm-2.30pm Portsmouth FC Fratton Park, Portsmouth Tuesday 9th July, 12.00pm-onwards Match Day Networking at the Ageas Bowl Hampshire Cricket, Southampton Thursday 11th July, 8.30am-10.30am Brighton & Hove Albion FC The Amex Stadium, Brighton Wednesday 17th July, 12.00pm-2.30pm Reading Football Club Madejski Stadium, Reading Wednesday 24th July, 12.00pm-2.30pm Surrey County Cricket Club The Kia Oval, London

Official Business Club Partners:

01903 898025 | www.networkmyclub.co.uk

56 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

“Network My Club offers an excellent balance between interesting guest speakers, and allowing its members to promote their business to fellow members and guests. This is achieved with the opportunity for group announcements as well as informal networking opportunities over a coffee and a breakfast or lunch, creating a relaxed atmosphere where you can chat to fellow professionals, as well as a soon to be launched enhanced online hub for digital networking within and between the five current locations. There are also regular benefits of sporting events such as race days and match days at the various sporting venues.”

Arbor Cultural

“In today’s fast-paced business environment, I was struck by the time and care the Network My Club team dedicated to getting to know our business and objectives.”

Hero IT Support

“Since joining Network My Club I have met some lovely people who I would not hesitate to recommend to my clients, friends or family should they have requirements for their services. I have also met some lovely new clients for my business. I have brought along guests who in turn have also joined, we can’t all be wrong!”

Yes Promo Products

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 57

Networking

Gaydio Brighton Business Mixer Networking

are provided.

Gaydio Brighton Business Mixer (Bizz Mix) is a monthly network club with no membership.

The concept behind it is for those who attend to mix with oneanother and build relationships. So rather than a formal event with lots of speakers it is all about you, and sharing your  your knowledge and experience with one another on the topics that

The Next Bizz Mix is a mini BBQ on the Terrance with Pimm’s on Thursday 27th June 3-6pm Tickets are available from www.gaydio.co.uk/events/gaydio-business-mixer/

58 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Cobb Lunch Club raises £16,000 for Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Networking

A Brighton-based business networking club has raised £16,000 for a charity that supports people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Last month, nearly 200 Brighton businesses joined together at the Amex for the event which was organised and run by Cobb PR and sponsored

by Skerritts, the independent financial advisers based in Hove.

The keynote speaker was Paul Barber, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and attendees also heard from Gary McMahon, CEO at Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis (OMS).

The charity’s trustees Tony and Linda Bloom also attended the lunch.

OMS is a charity that educates, supports and empowers people with MS in evidence-based lifestyle and

medication choices that improve health outcomes. Professor George Jelinek, who was diagnosed with MS in 1999, developed the rigorously researched recovery programme more than 15 years ago.

“MS touches the lives of so many people and I encourage everybody to promote the work of OMS” Tim Cobb, Managing Director of Cobb PR, also spoke of the great work of the charity and called on the business community to help spread the word of hope and encouragement to people struggling with the impact of the disease.

He said: “I am so grateful to everyone that supported our annual fundraising lunch. MS touches the lives of so many people and I encourage everybody to promote the work of OMS, which

shows that there is light at the end of a sometimes very dark tunnel.”

Auction prizes were donated by a raft of Sussex businesses including a signed Brighton & Hove Albion football shirt, a vineyard tour and wine tasting at Ridgeview as well as a host of restaurant vouchers from some of Brighton’s top hotels and restaurants.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 59

Business

Record-Breaking Networking Expo After a feverish day of activity at Fontwell Park Racecourse on May 2, Mike Monk, the organiser of West Sussex Expo, is busy preparing for the region’s next big networking event, Brighton Expo.

Face-to-face networking gets results. West Sussex Business Expo and Brighton Business Expo both support businesses of all sizes reach out to new people and generate leads.

Mike says: “The number of local businesses exhibiting at West Sussex Expo was high this year. Given the current climate and uncertainties over Brexit, this is a clear indication of how highly-valued our expos are.

“Coinciding with local elections, it was hard to gauge in advance the level of support the event would attract. I wasn’t disappointed.”

Visitors poured through the doors all day. Even before the last stand was packed away, it was obvious the expo had attracted an unprecedented level of support.

“After the figures were tallied up, we could confirm that this year’s West Sussex Expo was the busiest yet,” Mike reveals.

“We had just under 50 stands and more 300 visitors through the door on the day.

“In addition, we had a fantastic range of speakers. In fact, I’ve received a lot

60 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

of feedback about the quality of our speakers and that is a testament to their expertise. It is fantastic to attract so many leaders in their field to a single, one-day event.”

Mike is now busy preparing to host Brighton Business Expo at Brighton Racecourse on October 3.

He says the event will have over 110 stands and is likely to attract well over 700 visitors.

The headline sponsor is Castle Water Limited and NatWest is sponsoring a start-up village.

A big draw will be keynote speaker Sally Gunnell OBE. The Olympic champion is the only track and field athlete to have won Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles. In demand as a speaker, Mike says he is honoured to have secured her attendance at the expo and says many visitors will be interested to hear what she has to say.

He adds: “This is someone who knows how to set goals and achieve them.”

A big part of Brighton Business Expo is promoting the exhibitors. This is already under way for confirmed participants.

They are being promoted on Twitter

Business

and LinkedIn. This will continue up to and after the event. If businesses have any special requests, they are invited to make them via direct message on the social media platforms.

Brighton Business Expo is the biggest free B2B networking event in the area.

It is popular because it attracts a wide range of businesses and is held in an accessible, user-friendly location.

“Brighton Business Expo is the biggest free B2B networking event in the area. It is popular because it attracts a wide range of businesses”

Highlights of this year’s event are expected to be speed networking, seminars, workshops and the famous networking wall.

There is still time to get involved.

Stands are available with Bronze, Silver and Gold upgrades. Opportunities are

also available in the expo guide and in official show goody bags.

To book a stand, visit www.b2bexpos.co.uk or call 01273 286133.

Follow Brighton Expo on Twitter @BrightonExpo

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 61

Sussex Chamber

Create your health and well-being strategy through the Sussex Chamber.

With the pressures of work and life, we’re Chamber not always able to be at our best. But how News can you determine who is a ‘well-being’ and who isn’t?

Someone may look like they’re coping with day to day life, but the reality could be far different.

At Westfield Health, they believe it’s time for a positive change. Westfield Health have an exclusive partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce and Accredited Chamber Network which allows them to work alongside you to help your business improve workplace health and wellbeing. How? They give you the insight to enable you to identify signs of the physical and mental challenges your staff face, use a consultative approach to gain an understanding of your challenges and create a bespoke offering to help you achieve your health and wellbeing objectives, improving overall performance.

They are dedicated to making a healthy difference to the quality of life for customers and the communities in which people live and work. Through their Charitable Trust, they have donated over £15m to the NHS and health and wellbeing related charities throughout the UK. It’s in their DNA to improve people’s quality of life, and through insight-led people strategies they can support you to do it to.

Westfield Health has been a partner of the British Chambers of Commerce for over 15 years and are their preferred provider for employee health and wellbeing. The Westfield Health Plan is available to all Members of Sussex Chamber and Members of Sussex Affiliated Chambers and Business Organisations, from sole traders upwards.

What’s the benefit?

Choosing the right health and wellbeing strategy can be truly transformative.

62 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

It can empower staff to make informed and sustainable wellbeing choices to enhance their engagement and performance, help you to attract and retain the best staff to stay ahead of the competition, and lower absence rates to increase productivity.

Who do they support?

Businesses, groups and individuals all have their own needs, and their bespoke approach allows them to tailor their services to give everyone the oneto-one treatment they deserve.

Their experienced team supports corporate organisations to deliver an effective wellbeing strategy, from consultation and awareness building to implementing change and measuring progress.

They work with organisations, groups and trusts to provide health and wellbeing strategies for local communities. They are proud of their long-standing partnerships with organisations such as the British Chambers of Commerce. Their tailored plans can help to spread the cost of essential everyday healthcare, provide fast access to treatment and assist people who care for family members.

Their partnership with Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre provides them with a unique understanding of elite athlete health, performance and injury prevention and they bring this insight directly into the workplace to drive behavioural change and keep your business in front.

Westfield Health help you achieve more As one of the UK’s leading health and wellbeing partners, they have a breadth of expertise and knowledge to help your business. Together, they will create positive change using their wide range of health and wellbeing programmes that can be tailored to you:

•

Wellbeing Journey: A tailored programme of coaching supported through their interactive digital wellbeing platform.

•

Health Cash Plans: Money back towards the cost of healthcare and access to valuable health and wellbeing services.

•

Gym Management: Professionally managed on-site gyms, with custom service options – helping educate staff to be more active.

•

Private Health Insurance: Fast, affordable access to private surgery, getting employees back to health and work quickly.

•

Mental Health First Aid: An internationally recognised course designed to raise awareness of mental health and reduce stigma.

•

Health and Lifestyle Screenings: An overall health assessment designed to give your staff the insight to make informed lifestyle decisions

•

Health Calendar: Engage your people’s interest in their own wellbeing needs with this annual health and wellbeing programme.

•

Wellbeing Workshops: High impact, interactive group coaching designed to encourage your employees to make positive behaviour changes.

Start your health and wellbeing journey today and contact the Sussex Chamber to find out more.

Members of Sussex Chamber, as well as members of Affiliated Chambers are able to access this service.

CONNECT WITH THE LARGEST BUSINESS ORGANISATION IN THE SUSSEX GROW

DISCOVER

Open the door to new business

Unearth export prospects

opportunities through our

and global growth with our

networking, business events, forums

International Trade and Export

and support services.

Documentation Services.

DEVELOP

INFLUENCE

GROW Increase your skills and knowledge Events

Have a voice at local and national

to develop a brighter and better Support

levelsDISCOVER through the powerful and

Services

GROW future with our high-quality Sponsorship training

courses.

Networking GROW

Support Services

Export Commerce network.

DISCOVER International

Support Referrals Services

Trade Services Sponsorship

Documentation Services

Forums Events

Support Services DEVELOP

GROW

influential British Chambers of

Events

Networking Sponsorship

Referrals DISCOVER Global Markets

International Trade Services INFLUENCE

Forums

Training Export Global International Referrals Documentation Markets Trade Services Workshops Services Voice Networking DEVELOP Policy Forums Events Training Apprenticeships Global DISCOVER Young Local and National WorkshopsMarkets Chamber Representation SponsorshipDEVELOP Policy INFLUENCE TrainingApprenticeships Export International Documentation Young TradeWorkshops Services Services Chamber Policy

Referrals Networking Forums

Apprenticeships DEVELOP

Global Young Markets Chamber INFLUENCE

Export Documentation Services

INFLUENCE

Voice

Local and National Voice Representation

Local and National Representation

Training Workshops AS A CHAMBER MEMBER YOU'RE WELL CONNECTED Voice Policy

Apprenticeships

WWW.SUSSEXCHAMBEROFCOMMERCE.CO.UK Young Chamber

Local and National Representation

01444 259 259

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 63

@SussexChamber

SBT

ASK THE

EXPERTS

WE ASK THE EXPERTS TO GIVE YOU THE ANSWERS YOU NEED

EXPERT

Nicola O’Donnell | Paxton HR Director independently by Best Companies. The feedback gives us a valuable indication of how people are feeling and tells us what we’re doing well, and what needs improving. We want to be an employer of choice so we can attract the best and brightest talent. To be placed among the 100 best companies helps put us on the map but a huge amount of work happens before we get to that point and will continue far beyond it.

Sussex-based global technology company Paxton is one of the best places to work in the UK, according to the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for list.

The company, which designs and manufactures security systems, has appeared on the list for two years running. HR Director Nicola O’Donnell tells us why.

What’s the benefit of being on the Sunday Times Best Companies list?

The list is compiled using employee feedback, which is gathered

EXPERT

What is a CRM? CRM - Customer Relationship Management - is a very broad term, but in general any system in which customer data can be stored, with the purpose of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of your relationships with your customers, would fall under this umbrella. So if you’re in business, you 64 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

What’s key to becoming a great place to work?

There are many different factors but our people are the most important part of the business. People make a company great and key to them feeling engaged and empowered is the belief that they can make a significant contribution to the company’s success. Anyone from Paxton can make change happen. We continually listen to our employees to ensure we are evolving and changing to meet the demands of being a modern employer of choice.

How do companies engage people?

The Sunday Times Best Companies list is based on eight key factors of workplace engagement: leadership, my manager, my company, personal growth, my team, wellbeing, getting a fair deal and giving something back.

As a modern, progressive company we’re continually asking employees how they feel about these areas and asking ourselves how we can improve.

Paxton has seen rapid growth in recent years but that’s only been possible because our employees are engaged and believe in what we do.

What’s the most important factor?

For me, it’s My Manager. Managers have the biggest impact. Having a great manager who can create a challenging and supportive working environment where people can learn, grow, develop and do a great job is a key aspect in our employee engagement. Simple actions are very impactful on a day to day basis to ensure or people feel valued and can make a difference in the work that they do.

Darran Hunt | CEO - SET need one, and you’ve probably already got one. Whether a CRM adds value to your business, or just hoovers up time, is another matter (and is the reason we created SET For Business CRM).

pointless. And so the data held by the CRM is naturally incomplete. Trust in the data starts to falter, and eventually everyone starts asking themselves whether it’s worth the effort.

Why does it go wrong?

How is this problem fixed?

A good CRM, well fit for your business, should give you insight into your customers’ needs and behaviours.

It should help you diagnose past successes (and failures!), show you a snapshot of what’s happening right now and help you plan for the future. It should add pace to your activities and reduce error. Too often, however, CRM software feels laborious, designed solely for management analysis at the expense of user experience. What is gained in one area is lost in another - the CRM users who are supposed to put the information in complain that it’s slow, difficult, even

A simple solution is to address the needs of the people entering data. Can a CRM provide excellent management analysis, while also adding value to the regular users? In our case these tend to be sales staff - at its heart our system is a Sales CRM, with prospect and opportunity nurturing at the core. So we began from scratch, asking ourselves: how can we help the sales team hit their targets? How can we make their lives easier? If we can get that right, focussing on core user engagement, then the management analysis will follow.

EXPERT

Can I sub-let my leasehold flat on Airbnb?

In short – the answer is probably no.

Airbnb can be seen as an attractive and easy way of maximising rental income.

However, it is vital to ensure that the wording of your lease allows you to sublet your flat on Airbnb.

It is extremely common for leases to contain covenants restricting how and if you can sub-let your flat, such as NOT to: • sublet without consent of the landlord • cause a nuisance to other occupiers,

Rebecca Turnbull-Simpson | Interim Head of Dispute Resolution – Coole Bevis LLP leaseholders and/or the landlord • do anything to increase or render void the buildings insurance

use as a “private dwellinghouse” or “private residence” and doing so is probably a breach of your lease.

• use the property other than as a single private residence or as a private dwellinghouse

The consequences of breaching your lease can be serious and ultimately may result in you losing your home.

In Uveta Nemcova –v- Fairfield Rents Limited [2016] UKUT 3030 (LC) and Bermondsey Exchange Freeholders Limited –v- Ninos Koumetto (as Trustee in Bankruptcy of Kevin Geoghehan Conway) it was considered that to be a “private residence” there needs to be a

Aside from your lease, other matters to bear in mind are planning law, insurance, health and safety issues, taxation and your mortgage conditions.

“degree of permanence going beyond being there for a weekend or a few nights a week” and that “there is a qualitative difference between letting a property on an assured shorthold basis to a person or family who occupies the same property as their home, and letting the property on a short term let including through Airbnb and other websites”

Airbnb started in 2008 with two flatmates renting out their spare room for some extra cash but, with over ¼ of listings being by hosts with more than 5 sites, it is now a mainstream business for many people. There are increasing calls for regulation by way of mandatory registration, limits on the number of days properties can be sub-let and reducing the “Rent a Room Scheme” tax-free threshold.

With an apparent legal and regulatory clampdown on Airbnb it will be interesting to see where its future lies in the housing market.

These cases have made it clear that short-term subletting on Airbnb is not

Delivering an exceptional range of hot and cold hydration solutions | Bottled Water Coolers | Mains Fed Water Coolers | Water Boilers | Water Fountains | Specialty Taps | Accessories

0344 579 3999

edgarswater.co.uk enquiries@edgarswater.co.uk www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 65

Made in Sussex: Hot Yoga South Brand focus

CJ Roberts: Head Teacher & Studio Director turns up the heat on fitness and wellbeing.

For CJ, yoga has been a life-saver, bringing balance to her life. CJ’s neck and shoulders, which were damaged in a car accident, became pain-free through regular practice. Importantly, she has learnt to focus and be satisfied with what she can give mentally and physically on a class-by-class basis every day, just as long as she’s doing her best.

CJ has extremely high standards and tries optimally in all aspects of her life, always committing to going that extra mile if that’s what’s needed. She truly believes that people of all ages can and should practice yoga, especially those from eight to nine years up.

“Life for young people is quite fast these days and more than anything they need to be in touch with their inner selves and know their limitations to build their self- confidence.”

CJ’s ultimate goal as a teacher, coupled

66 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

with her natural ability to read the body and quickly assess misalignments and potential weaknesses, is to train some yoga champions of the future. CJ teaches a dynamic class, leaving your whole body worked hard. This leaves you energised and refreshed. In her dual role as a studio owner in Brighton and Balham, CJ hopes to enthuse all the students at her studios with her wealth of experience gained from observing how yoga really does heal, change the way we think and behave, but most of all, change the way we interact with people in our lives. ‘Self love, self preservation and a will to succeed, starts with you.’

Bikram Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga conducted in a heated room. The 90 minute classes work all the muscles and joints in the entire body. You bend stretch and twist your body, massaging internal organs. Squeezing, stretching, compressing and twisting both external and internal body has the amazing affect of detoxing all your systems and leaving you relaxed and de- stressed.

Vinyasa Yoga is a flow yoga, working with your breath. Vinyasa Flow links the breath to the movement OR sana.

Flow yoga, in which movement is synchronised to the breath, is used to allow you more movement. In a flow yoga class, because of the smooth way that the poses run together they become like a dance. The breath acts as an anchor to the movement as you flow from one pose to the next in time with an inhale or an exhale.

Hot Yoga South offers Hot Inferno Pilates. A training system that combines Pilates principles with HIIT (high intensity interval training). An intense full body workout designed to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and improve overall health. This simple system works - creating quick visible results.”

You will get long lean muscle mass, burn fat, increase fitness levels, create a strong core, improve circulation and increase flexibility. You will practice on a yoga mat so there is zero impact, protecting your joints and muscles.”

But be prepared to sweat!

For more information or to book a trial go to www.hotyogasouth.com

Oasis Empire Print & design

Large format print

Branded clothing

Signage

Promotional items

Exhibitions

Business supplies

Packaging

01903 228878 enquiries@oasisempire.co.uk www.oasisempire.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 67

68 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk