SBT issue 485

SBT POWERED BY:

ISSUE 485 FREE

CHANGING LIVES ACROSS SUSSEX PREPT, THE INSPIRATIONAL CHILDREN’S FOOD FOUNDATION

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 1

SHARING BUSINESS STORIES FOR 50 YEARS

All business is symbiotic in nature.

You can be inspiring your peers one day, learning from them the next.

In the end, people buy people.

That makes sharing our stories the most compelling way to connect with one another.

What’s needed is a platform to embrace and empower our regional business ecosystem.

Where varied backgrounds and perspectives provide new context.

Harnessing potential, enabling growth.

And at the heart of it, a dedicated term of curators unlocking insights for the good of us all.

So we’re changing the way people think of connecting.

Because we believe in self-reflection, rather than self-promotion.

By demystifying the art of storytelling, we deliver authentic thought leadership through events, publishing and broadcast media.

We come together to discover, share and grow.

But we won’t be limited by geography, or our imagination.

Instead, we’ll seek out local leaders, visionaries and experts, wherever great businesses thrive.

Growing communities, in partnership with the businesses that power them.

And nurturing the enterpreneurial spirit in everyone.

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JOIN OUR COMMUNITY w w w . c o u n t y b u s i n e ss c l u b s . c o . u k

SBTWelcome

W E LCO M E

Welcome to another edition of SBT The arrival of a new year brings with it a customary sense of optimism.

It delivers 12 months of possibilities, for a start. Yet, for many

Sussex businesses, 2025 presents a landscape of both potential and challenges.

Lingering economic headwinds as well as changes to

employers’ National Insurance contributions continue to cast a shadow over many sectors.

However, if you can see beyond these obstacles, opportunities are always waiting to be grasped.

Advancements, particularly in areas like artificial

intelligence, which we regularly feature in this magazine, and renewable energy, offer avenues for innovation

and growth. Don’t forget, the UK’s strategic positioning

as a global trading nation remains a significant asset, and

businesses that can adapt and embrace new markets will be well-positioned to thrive.

Navigating this complex terrain requires a blend of resilience, agility and

a long-term vision. Businesses that prioritise employee well-being, invest

in sustainable practices and cultivate strong customer relationships will be best equipped to weather the storms and capitalise on the emerging tides a new year is guaranteed to bring.

Many local businesses will recognise the benefits of partnering with charitable organisations - like Prept, which we feature on

this issue’s front cover. Others will celebrate milestones and some who go the extra mile, like Rob Starr, will be honoured for their charity work by those in high places.

Here’s to 2025 being everything you want it to be for you personally and your business.

Sam Thomas,

Managing Director

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 3

Issue 485

SBT POWERED BY:

ISSUE 485 FREE

06 CHANGING LIVES ACROSS SUSSEX PREPT, THE INSPIRATIONAL CHILDREN’S FOOD FOUNDATION

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 1

SHARING BUSINESS STORIES FOR 50 YEARS

Cover 485

14 16

Monthly News David Harding explains the key areas that will define successful business scaling in 2025, award win for Best of British Events, MBE for Robert Starr, this year’s top marketing trends, and Prior Media & Marketing marks its first anniversary.

Value Added Partner Stories This month Bruce Bignell, of Evolve, is in the spotlight.

Finance Carpenter Box explains the tax planning considerations businesses can’t afford to ignore in 2025. Meanwhile, Seico Group explains why it should be your business partner of choice.

Legal Joint Managing Director/Publisher Sam Thomas sam@thebusinessgroup.co.uk 07894 762304 Joint Managing Director Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Production & Design Kim Butler kim@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by The Business Group Sussex Ltd. Licenced to TBG by Pixel Publications Ltd Unit 1a Swan Barn Business Centre, Swan Barn Road, Hailsham, BN27 2BY Printed by MCR Media Solutions LTD Unit 35 Bolney Grange Industrial Park Haywards Heath East Sussex RH17 SPB 01273 233558 www.mcrmedia.co.uk 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. 2024 ©

4 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

20

Sam Dickinson, of Mayo Wynne Baxter, offers valuable tips for employers on ‘Sexual harassment in the workplace’, and 365 Employment Law explains what legislation changes to expect in 2025. Bennett Oakley shines a light on divorce and the importance of being represented by an experienced family lawyer.

26

Cover Story

32

Motoring

34

AI

36

Business Growth

38 48 54

This month the spotlight falls on Prept, the Sussex children’s foundation changing lives.

Rivervale’s fleet team is racing up the FN50 rankings.

Free Gen AI courses launched for 2025.

Loch Associates explains how your business can go from good to great.

Networking & Events County Business Clubs Sussex hosts a Christmas party to remember, law firm Rix & Kay supports the Ladies Lunch Club, WoloBall raises over £26,000, spotlight on Ironworks Studios, and what’s on Brighton & Hove Museums this year.

Lifestyle Boxless looks at COP30 and ESG mandates, 21 no-nonsense tips from Gavin Walsh, of Body Fixers, fertility and fitness is explained by Carole Gilling-Smith, of The Agora Clinic.

Wine of the Month Find out what tipple our resident wine expert, Michael Yeoman, has chosen for January.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 5

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Scaling Up Your Business in 2025

In this article, Vistage Sussex Chair David Harding shares insights into scaling up your business. Drawing on his extensive experience both as a business leader and from working with groups of other successful business leaders, David provides actionable strategies and proven approaches to navigate the complexities of growth.

As we step into

Monthly News

2025, the opportunity to scale up your business has

rarely been more

compelling. Often, for business leaders, scaling up isn’t just a goal—it’s a

strategic imperative that can define the

future of your business. Yet, the journey to scaling up is fraught with challenges, and achieving sustainable growth requires a clear roadmap.

What Does Scaling Up Mean for Leaders?

Scaling up is more than increasing

revenue; it’s about creating a business

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model that can handle growth efficiently and ensure growth in bottom line

performance. As a leader, it requires building robust systems, building a

cohesive team, and cultivating a culture that thrives on adaptability. Scaling up

is not about working harder but smarter, leveraging your resources to maximise impact while minimising inefficiencies and streamlining operations.

The Pillars of Scaling Up

To scale successfully, leaders must focus on four key areas:

1. People - Your team is the backbone

of your business and getting the right

people on the bus is essential. Scaling requires not only hiring top talent but also nurturing a leadership pipeline.

Great leaders, grow great leaders!

Empower your team with clear roles, responsibilities, and development

opportunities. Strong leadership at every level ensures stability during growth.

2. Strategy - Get organised! Without a clear, long-term strategy, scaling up becomes guesswork. In particular,

to scale up, a clear marketing plan

is needed to identify future markets, target customers and the most

effective channels to reach them.

As a leader, you must define your

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

core purpose and create actionable

plans that align with your mission. A

well-communicated strategy inspires

confidence across your organisation.

3. Execution - Efficient processes are

essential. Streamline operations, set measurable goals, and hold your

team accountable. Determine the key measure that indicates the speed of

your “flywheel of growth” and ensure your whole team understand the key

role they have in making it spin faster.

Regularly review performance to ensure alignment with your growth objectives.

Execution is where vision meets reality.

4. Cash - Growth consumes cash.

Financial planning and disciplined

cash flow management are critical to

values are communicated and upheld.

than ever. For well organised companies

must make data-driven decisions

modelling and reinforcing this culture.

to stay ahead of the curve, this may well

ensure long-term viability.

• Maintain Focus on the Customer –

Overcoming Common Barriers

base grows as well. You will need to

At Vistage, we understand the

obstacles. Many business leaders

for increased numbers throughout the

advisory groups, leadership workshops

to this are training of staff in customer

provide business leaders with the insights,

Account Managers and establishing an

growth goals. Through collaboration with

sustaining your scaling efforts. Leaders to allocate resources effectively and

Leadership plays a critical role in

with a clear plan for growth and a desire be the best time to act!

As you scale, usually your customer

How Vistage Can Help

Scaling up comes with its share of

work out how to maintain great service

complexities of scaling up. Our peer

struggle with:

entire customer journey. Often critical

and one-to-one coaching sessions

• Leadership Challenges - As your

service, appointing the right Key

tools, and support needed to achieve their

of managing it. Leaders must adapt

effective customer satisfaction survey.

a community of business leaders, you

carefully, delegate effectively, and

• Adaptability – As your business

proven strategies.

leadership within their teams.

your business model; for example, you

As a Chair of Vistage Sussex, I’ve seen

• Operational Inefficiencies - Rapid

or expand into new markets or open at

can transform businesses. Scaling up

business grows, so does the complexity their management style, outsource develop the next generation of

grows, you should regularly review

gain access to diverse perspectives and

may introduce new products/services

firsthand how the power of shared wisdom

growth can expose weaknesses in

new sites. Be prepared to adapt.

isn’t just about resources—it’s about

should prioritise regular audits and

Why 2025 is the Year to Scale Up

leadership focus, you can turn 2025 into a

organisation can handle increased

media reporting, there are some

lines and client facing/support staff for

suggest a promising landscape for

systems and processes. Leaders

mindset. With the right guidance and

process optimisation to ensure the

Peering through some of the negative

breakthrough year for your business.

demands. Know the ratios of reporting

encouraging economic trends that

For more information regarding Vistage

operational efficiency.

businesses ready to scale. With

David.Harding@vistagechair.co.uk

• Cultural Misalignment - A unified

global markets, and a growing emphasis

As your team expands, ensure your

to accelerate growth are more accessible

company culture is vital for scaling.

Membership, contact David at:

advancements in technology, access to

on innovation, the tools and opportunities

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 7

MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Best of British Events wins Small Business of the Year at Sussex Business Awards

Best of British Events has proudly been named Small Business of the Year at the Sussex Business Awards, a recognition that highlights the company’s dedication to excellence, innovation and community impact.

The Sussex Business

Monthly News

Awards celebrates the very best of

business success

across the region,

and this accolade places Best of British Events among an esteemed group of outstanding companies. Known for its exceptional event planning and commitment to its community, the

company has built a reputation for

delivering memorable experiences that bring people together.

The judges applauded Best of British Events for its innovative approach,

8 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

strong community ties and the

measurable impact it has had on clients and partners. The team expressed their gratitude to Loch Associates Group,

sponsors of the Small Business of the

Year category, and to the judging panel for their thoughtful evaluation.

Ryan Heal, Managing Director at Best of British Events said: “This award is a proud moment for our entire team.

It reflects the passion and creativity

we bring to every project, and, most

importantly, the trust and support we’ve received from our community. This

milestone inspires us to reach even

greater heights and continue delivering wonderful events.”

Best of British Events is a multi-award-

winning regional events company based in Sussex, specialising in corporate

fundraising lunches and dinners. Since 2009, the company has raised over a

million pounds for a range of local and national deserving causes.

As it celebrates this achievement, the company looks forward to continuing

its mission of delivering impactful and

memorable experiences for its clients and partners across Sussex and beyond.

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

Hove-based Robert Starr awarded MBE for his service to young people

The start of 2025 brings exciting news for Hove-based businessman and charity founder Robert Starr, who has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours list.

An MBE has been

Monthly News

awarded to Robert

Starr for his service to

young people, general philanthropy and the

work he undertakes for his charity, the Starr Trust, does.

Robert started his first business, Seico, selling insurance from his bedroom

just a few years after leaving school

and now, 34 years later, is still running this business, including a successful mortgage broker business – Seico

Group – based in Hove and London.

In 2008 Robert set up The Starr Trust

working and supporting young people

cancer. He said that he wanted to give

means so much to me and The Starr

charity after losing his father, Edward, to

to help them achieve their goals. This

others what his father gave him – a belief

Trust. We can’t wait to continue helping

that he could achieve anything.

young people to thrive.”

The Starr Trust offers grants to young

More information about The Starr Trust

people who need a chance to be the best

can be found here.

believe in them. So far, the charity has

Away from insurance, charities and writing

pounds to over 6,000 young people.

a challenge. In 2022 he completed the

Robert commented: “I’m truly honoured

weeks. Robert is married to Sharon and

that they can be and need someone to raised and given away over two million

to have been awarded an MBE. I love

(Robert is a published author), he loves

52 Olympic triathlons in 52 consecutive

has three children, Asher, Mia and Jesse.

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MONTH LY N E WS SP ON S OR

Top 10 marketing trends in 2025

By Jason Edge, Betterment Agency.

As we leap into

Monthly News

2025, the marketing

landscape continues to evolve at a

rapid pace. With

technological advancements and

shifting consumer behaviours, Sussex

businesses must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. In this article,

we’ll explore what I believe will be the top marketing trends for 2025.

1. Hybrid experiences

In 2025, the line between physical

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and digital experiences will blur even

further. UK brands will increasingly offer hybrid experiences that seamlessly

blend online and offline interactions,

providing customers with more flexible

and inclusive engagement opportunities.

For example, John Lewis has begun

incorporating augmented reality (AR) tools to enhance online shopping

experiences, while Pret A Manger’s app integrates digital ordering with in-store collection. These hybrid approaches

cater to diverse preferences, boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

2. Conversational marketing

The use of chatbots, voice assistants and automated customer service

solutions will become more prevalent among UK businesses. Real-time

engagement through conversational

marketing enables businesses to provide instant support and personalised

recommendations, leading to improved customer experiences. Cost-

effective tools such as Tidio, Drift, or Freshchat are particularly beneficial

for small businesses looking to adopt conversational marketing without

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

significant investment. Additionally, these tools allow businesses to

gather valuable insights into customer preferences, which can inform more targeted marketing strategies.

3. Social commerce

Social media platforms are evolving into major marketplaces, and this

trend is evident in the UK’s adoption of social commerce. Platforms like

Instagram and TikTok allow consumers to make purchases directly through

posts and live streams. For instance, brands like ASOS have embraced social commerce by integrating

shopping features into their social

media strategies. UK businesses must develop effective social commerce strategies to tap into this growing

sales channel, leveraging tools like Facebook Shops and live-stream

events to showcase products and drive conversions.

4. Data privacy and transparency

With increasing concerns about data privacy, UK businesses must be

transparent about their data collection and usage practices. Compliance

with regulations such as the General

Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is not only a legal necessity but also a

way to build trust and loyalty among

customers. Companies that prioritise

ethical marketing practices and clearly

communicate their efforts will stand out.

For example, businesses can implement user-friendly privacy policies and optin mechanisms to demonstrate their commitment to data protection.

5. Sustainability marketing

UK consumers are placing greater

emphasis on eco-friendly practices, pushing businesses to adopt

sustainability-focused strategies.

Brands that align with these values — such as Lush, known for its

sustainable packaging and ethical

sourcing — can attract environmentally

conscious customers. Incorporating

campaigns can drive foot traffic and

sustainability into business strategies

increase local customer loyalty.

footprints, using recyclable materials,

9. Omnichannel-multichannel shopping

help UK businesses resonate with their

and in-store shopping experiences is

the planet. For those that deal more

UK. Businesses that excel in providing

Corp can provide key differentiators on

will stand out in the competitive market.

— whether by reducing carbon

or supporting green initiatives — can

The convergence of online, mobile,

audiences while positively impacting

becoming increasingly seamless in the

B2B, environmental credentials like B

integrated omnichannel experiences

tenders and pitches.

For instance, a customer might explore

6. Influencer marketing evolution

an item online, and collect it in-store —

products on Argos’s mobile app, reserve

The focus of influencer marketing in the

all through a unified system. Ensuring

influencers with niche, highly engaged

to enhancing customer satisfaction.

influencers offers businesses targeted

10. AI-driven customer insights

For example, a local bakery might

how UK businesses analyse customer

blogger to promote their offerings.

such as Google Analytics, HubSpot

connections with their audiences,

for small to medium-sized enterprises.

impactful and cost-effective.

can make data-driven decisions, tailor

7. Interactive video content

ahead of competitors. AI’s ability to

UK is shifting towards micro and nano followings. Collaborating with these

consistency across all touchpoints is key

and authentic marketing opportunities.

AI-powered tools are transforming

partner with a Sussex-based food

behaviours and predict trends. Platforms

Smaller influencers often foster stronger

and Zoho CRM offer affordable options

making their endorsements more

By leveraging these tools, businesses their marketing strategies and stay

Interactive video content, such as polls,

uncover actionable insights ensures that

is gaining traction in the UK. This trend

anticipate customer needs.

immersive experiences that boost viewer

Conclusion

fitness brand might produce interactive

highlight the ongoing innovation

exercises to their preferences. Such

expectations. By embracing some of

but also builds stronger connections

customer engagement, build trust, and

quizzes and choice-based narratives,

enables brands to create engaging and

businesses can better understand and

interaction and retention. For instance, a

These marketing trends for 2025

workout videos allowing viewers to tailor

required to meet changing consumer

content not only enhances engagement

these trends, businesses can enhance

with audiences.

drive growth in an increasingly dynamic

8. Hyperlocal marketing

sustainability marketing, each trend

market. From hybrid experiences to

Advancements in AI and geolocation

offers unique opportunities. Those

to execute hyper-targeted marketing

their marketing strategy will undoubtedly

technology are enabling UK businesses

willing to adapt and innovate as part of

campaigns. Hyperlocal marketing allows

benefit the most in the coming year.

personalised messages. For example,

www.bettermentagency.co.uk

brands to reach specific audiences with a local pub might use geolocation data to send exclusive discounts to nearby

customers during quieter hours. These

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 11

Prior Media & Marketing: celebrating a year of success

A look back at a remarkable year, not just for Prior Media & Marketing but its clients too.

At Prior Media &

Monthly News

Marketing, we pride

ourselves on helping our clients tell their unique stories and

achieve their goals. Last year was

an extraordinary journey, filled with

remarkable achievements and well-

deserved recognition for the incredible

businesses we work with. From securing prestigious awards to amplifying our clients’ accomplishments through targeted media campaigns, we’re

honoured to play a part in their success.

12 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Here’s a look at some of our wins from last year

IT Document Solutions celebrated a milestone win as Reseller of the Year in their category at the national Print

IT Awards. This award acknowledged

their exceptional value and innovation in serving clients across diverse sectors.

They were also Highly Commended

in the Employee Experience category, standing out as a people-focused

organisation among household names like HP, Lexmark, and Sharp.

Bennett Oakley Solicitors had an

exceptional year, earning the Winning Workplace Award at the Burgess Hill

Business Parks Association Awards and the Rising Star of the Year Award at the

national LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards. Its 24-year-old Operations

Director, Samuel Cash, was celebrated for his innovation, leadership and

commitment to excellence - an inspiring achievement! Bennett Oakley is the first

employee owned law firm in Sussex and it has been a pleasure to promote their

modern and inclusive business model

MO N TH LY N EWS SP O N SO R

across a range of publications too.

Best of British Events proudly earned the Small Business of the Year Award at the Sussex Business Awards. This recognition highlights the team’s

dedication, innovation and hard work, with the unwavering support of their

platform, Latest TV, covering the latest

Collaborating with PR platforms, such

harassment laws which came into effect

Platinum Media Group, Sussex World,

led initiatives, such as ‘Gifting A Will’

helped to highlight the outstanding work

in legal news such as the new sexual

as Sussex Business Times, Latest TV,

in October 2024, as well as community

Gatwick Diamond, and many more, has

in support of Martlets Hospice. Coole

of our clients throughout the year.

launching in 2025 and we look forward

We’re proud to celebrate the dedication

Bevis LLP has some exciting projects to sharing more with you soon!

and achievements of our clients, and

has always been central to their mission,

BARCO (Brighton’s Anti Racist

on initiatives that help us to add value

this leading events platform.

first Brighton Bash Carnival, which saw

community at the heart of their success.

Like Prior Media & Marketing, community and it has been an honour to work with

Beyond these accolades, our clients’ exceptional achievements have

gained recognition through impactful media channels.

Coole Bevis LLP was featured twice on Brighton’s leading television

Community Organisation) hosted the

we look forward to continuing to work to businesses which are leading on

some incredible initiatives and deserve

5,000 people attend the event at St Anne’s

recognition for the great work they do.

the city’s diversity. Similar to Pride, this

Are you looking to improve your

calendar, and brought together the

Prior Media & Marketing today!

dance and an array of exciting activities

stephanie@prior-media.com

Well Park in Brighton & Hove to celebrate

event was a highlight of the local summer community for a day filled with music, led by the black community.

marketing strategy for 2025? Contact

07730490004

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 13

VAP STO RI E S S PO N S OR

Value Added Partner Stories Value Added Partner Bruce Bignell, of Evolve, shares his story.

Tell us your story

VAP Strories

I’m happily married

with a beautiful wife and dog, living in

Costa del Worthing. Having grown up in Kent, I went on to graduate from

Brighton University where I fell in love

with the city. Working many jobs, I also supported the growth of a local charity where I led a team of youths and IT professionals in delivering the first

international conference in rural Kenya.

I then spent over six years in London working for an outdoor media owner,

which grew from 10 people to 30-plus.

This, I’ve come to realise, was where my passion for small and scaling

businesses comes from, as you get to

see lessons on “How-to” and “How not to do” when scaling.

I now run, row, swim, dance, and

generally love an adventure. Evolve (started during lockdown) is on a

mission to empower small and scaling

businesses with easy-to-use salestech

the team and business owners actually want to use.

What has been your biggest business challenge to date?

Getting the right people on the bus.

We’re trying to build a world-class service business for the Pipedrive Community, and finding the right people is tough.

What has been your greatest or

proudest business achievement to

said: “I’ve never felt happier in a job.”

About 20 years ago, I said to myself that I wanted to build a business that people wanted to work for. That card showed

My wife and I cycled from Hove to Champagne on a tandem bicycle,

What type of clients do you currently

the cycle from home to Newhaven - 45

work with and who are you looking to meet?

We work with small and scaling businesses who are just getting started with CRM (moving away from spreadsheets), all the way up to £2 billion a year businesses migrating

date?

Probably a Christmas card I received

tired of their current CRM or need to

14 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

people might not know

me that I could, and did.

from SalesForce to Pipedrive. I am

from one of my staff a year ago that

Tell us a story/fact about yourself that

looking to meet businesses who are move away from spreadsheets.

towing our dog Betsy. Our test ride was minutes before our ferry crossing!

How do you define success?

Healthy, wealthy and wise are the three key areas I think about when it comes

to success. Is my lifestyle reflecting the active, strong and mobile life I want to live? Is my family financially free

from the burden of bills and capable of multiple adventures a year? What

lessons did I learn this week, last month, last year to change my future actions?

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 15

FI N A NCE S PO NS O R

Tax planning considerations for 2025 With the new year underway, now is the perfect time to plan ahead for upcoming tax changes. Stuart Noakes, Partner and Head of Tax at Carpenter Box, outlines the key tax planning considerations for you and your business in 2025.

Finance

The 2024 Autumn

deduction from the value of qualifying

number of significant

only to the first £1 million of total value of

Budget introduced a changes impacting

businesses, business

owners and individuals. Notably, the

changes to capital gains tax, employer national insurance and inheritance

tax underscore the need for careful, proactive planning.

1. Inheritance tax (IHT) The Chancellor announced two

considerable changes to IHT that will have effect from 6 April 2026:

• Agricultural Property Relief and Business Relief can, at present, provide a 100%

16 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

assets. From 6 April 2026, this will apply agricultural and business property in an

estate. Above that value, the relief will be restricted to 50% of asset value.

• Shares quoted on certain markets of

recognised stock exchanges, such as

AIM, have been eligible for 100% relief once they have been owned for two

years (provided the company carries

on a qualifying trading business). This

extended to land managed under an

environmental agreement with, or on

behalf of, the UK government or other approved responsible bodies.

From 6 April 2027, an individual’s

unused pension savings will be treated as part of their estate for IHT purposes (currently there is no IHT charged).

This may have a considerable impact on the tax and investment planning arrangements of individuals.

relief will be restricted to 50% of value

2. Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

value, from 6 April 2026.

From 30 October 2024, the main rate

for any such shares, regardless of total

Meanwhile, from 6 April 2025,

Agricultural Property Relief will be

of CGT for gains realised by individuals and trustees on the disposal of all

assets is 24% (other than receipts of

F I N A N C E SP O N SO R

carried interest, which remains at 28%).

Previously, the rate was 20% with a

special rate of 24% applying to gains realised on the disposal of residential property that was not exempt under

principal private residence (PPR) relief.

Where the gain can be matched against a taxpayer’s basic rate band, the rate

is now 18% for all assets. Previously, it

was 10%, except for residential property and receipts of carried interest.

From the same date, the CGT rate payable by trustees and personal

representatives increases from 20%

to 24% (other than receipts of carried interest, where it remains 28%).

The CGT annual exempt amount

remains £3,000 for individuals and

estates and £1,500 for most trusts.

Furthermore, from 6 April 2025, the

special rate of tax payable when Business Asset Disposal Relief is claimed will

increase from 10% to 14% with a further increase to 18% from 6 April 2026.

3. Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs)

From 6 April 2025 the rate of employer NIC will increase from 13.8% to

15% and the threshold above which employers start paying employers

NIC will be reduced from £9,100 per

employee per year to £5,000 per

will pay no NICs in the next tax year.

employee per year.

Information correct as of 18 December 2024.

However, eligible employers will see

an increase in the annual Employment

Plan ahead with our Investment and

Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500.

Tax event

will only be liable to pay employers

When: 8am-10am, Wednesday 5th March

This means that, in effect, employers NIC when the total liability exceeds

Where: South Lodge Hotel, Horsham

also be available to businesses whose

Our upcoming Investment and Tax event

£100,000 (previously such businesses

tax planning strategies for the 2025/2026

£10,500 per year. The allowance will employer’s NIC liability exceeds

will provide you with practical financial and

have not qualified for the allowance).

tax year. Find out more and secure your

Despite the rise in NIC rates and the

investment-tax-2025

place here: www.carpenterbox.com/

drop in the payment threshold, the

government believes that the increase in the Employment Allowance means

that 865,000 small business employers

Get in touch with our award-winning tax team Our team is helping clients recalibrate their tax strategies to stay compliant and tax efficient. We can undertake a review of your financial affairs, check that you are not paying more tax than you need to and to see whether any structures you set up in the past are still appropriate.

If you would like more detailed one-to-one advice from our award-winning* tax team, get in touch with one of our friendly advisers on 01903 234094 or visit www.carpenterbox.com

*Carpenter Box was named national ‘Tax Team of the Year’ at the 2024 Accounting Excellence Awards.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 17

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Why should your business consider partnering with Seico Group?

Confidence and trust is a key driver of new business to Seico Group, especially when it comes to mortgages and commercial finance.

Some companies

Finance

partner with Seico

because it is core to their business but

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inhouse expertise or an established

Other businesses want to broaden

or commercial borrowing needs.

mortgages as complementary and

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out the services they offer and see helpful to their customers as well

as generating an income stream for their company.

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Partners benefit from being able to

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PRESENTATION | 2024 | CONFIDENTIAL | DO NOT DISTRIBUTE

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 19 PRESENTATION | 2024 | 2024 CONFIDENTIAL | DO NOT PRESENTATION | CONFIDENTIAL | DO DISTRIBUTE NOT DISTRIBUTE PRESENTATION | 2024 | CONFIDENTIAL | DO NOT DISTRIBUTE

LEGAL S PO NS O R

Sexual harassment and the workplace

By Sam Dickinson, Equality and Diversity Partner at Mayo Wynne Baxter.

While much was said

Legal

in the press about the government’s new

Employment Rights

Bill last month, the Bill

itself was lacking in crucial detail.

That detail will be determined by

Regulations which themselves won’t be made until next year, after the

replies to the numerous consultations

that are currently underway have been considered. This means that we won’t

be seeing any new laws come into force for quite some time so, for now, it is,

largely, business as usual for employers.

That said, one change in legislation that

has already taken place, and about which employers must be aware, is the duty to prevent sexual harassment which came into force on 26 October 2024.

20 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

What is harassment?

those who are subjected to unwanted

discrimination that sits alongside other

behaviours such as inappropriate

discrimination and victimisation) and is

sending sexually explicit emails.

Harassment is a specific form of

conduct of a sexual nature which includes

forms of discrimination (such as indirect

touching, sexual jokes or gestures or

prohibited under the Equality Act 2010.

The Equality Act also forbids less

For many years harassment related to

favourable treatment because an

gender reassignment, religion or belief

unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.

age, sex, sexual orientation, disability,

employee submits to or rejects

has been prohibited in the workplace.

This might arise where a manager

Harassment is defined as unwanted

because they’ve previously rejected

refuses somebody a promotion

conduct related to one (or more) of these

that manager’s sexual propositions.

or effect of violating dignity or creating

Who can be liable?

humiliating or offensive environment.

by an employee in the course of their

When is comes to sexual harassment

also been done by the employer. The

characteristics that has the purpose an intimidating, hostile, degrading,

there is an extra layer of protection for

Under the Equality Act, anything done employment is treated as having

employer can be liable for harassment,

L EGA L SP ON SO R

irrespective of whether the harassment

is done with the employer’s knowledge.

Is there a defence to harassment claims?

One way of defending a harassment claim in an employment tribunal is to persuade the tribunal that your

company took ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent your employees’ committing acts of harassment. This is a narrow

defence and hard to run successfully.

What’s new?

From 26 October 2024, the law went

one step further by introducing a new proactive duty on employers to take

reasonable steps to prevent (specifically) sexual harassment in the workplace.

If an employer loses a sexual

harassment claim in a tribunal, then the tribunal can uplift compensation by up

to 25% if it finds that the employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

Remember that compensation in

harassment claims is unlimited – 25%

on top of a hefty initial award could be a massive financial hit for a business.

What should employers do now?

There are lots of things a business can and should be doing now, not just to

prevent legal claims arising but to ensure that their workplaces are respectful and safe places for all.

Carry out a risk assessment to identify where the risks of sexual harassment

arising in your workplace exist. These hot spots will be different in different

workplaces and your employees may be best placed to identify them so

involve them in this process. A good

risk assessment should be based on an honest and critical look at the culture in your workplace.

After the assessment has been done,

consider what steps you can take to

reduce or remove that risk. Consider which are reasonable to take bearing in mind the time, cost and potential disruption caused by taking the step. Lastly, implement any reasonable steps identified.

Having a robust anti bullying and

harassment, and equality and diversity policy in place and a clear and robust grievance policy, setting out how

employees can raise issues, is vital. But

policies alone are not enough. A business can have several, but if managers don’t

Sam Dickinson

live up to the values that the organisation says it stands for, policies are worthless.

Training is crucial but not just a box

ticking session; training must be tailored to the reality of working life in your

business and should include the risk

of harassment from non-employees as

well. Consider going through workplace-

specific scenarios and giving clear advice to employees as to how to deal with any third-party issues that are likely to arise.

We may think we know what bullying,

harassment and sexual harassment look

like in the workplace, but the experience of all survivors is different – what might be camaraderie and ‘banter’ to one

person could be unwanted, hurtful, or degrading to another.

Managers and supervisors should get

extra training on identifying and handling equal opportunities and harassment

issues. If those who are perceived to be

at the top of the organisational hierarchy are seen to take harassment seriously, then others will follow.

Management training should

acknowledge that harassment and sexual harassment do not always happen in

plain sight. Managers should be trained to listen effectively and empathetically and to actually ‘ask the question’ in

Managers should familiarise themselves with what could be indicators of

a workplace where harassment is

occurring. These include increased

time off work, changes in behaviour and reduced productivity and engagement.

It should go without saying that any

complaints of harassment must be dealt with immediately, and employees must be able to see that decisive action is taken where appropriate.

It is a statistical fact that sexual

harassment in the workplace is mainly an issue for women. It’s important for

workplaces to consider the importance

of men in preventing sexual harassment in the workplace and for male

colleagues to be coached to stand up for females in the workplace to fight sexual harassment at work.

With Christmas approaching it is important to remember that staff socials, such as

Christmas parties, are seen as extensions

of the workplace. This means that there is a strong probability that employers will be held liable for any harassment that takes

place during staff parties, even if they are held off the premises.

www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

the first place to bring an employee’s experience out of the shadows.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 21

LEGAL S PO NS O R

Employment law changes in 2025: key developments to watch

By Alex Jones, Managing Director of 365 Employment Law. As we look ahead

Legal

to 2025, several

anticipated changes in employment

law in the UK are

set to impact both employers and

employees. Below are some of the key developments expected to shape the employment landscape in the UK. 1. Minimum wage increases The national living wage (NLW) increase will come into force on 1 April 2025.

NLW will increase by £0.77 to £12.21.

For 18-20 year olds, minimum wage will increase by £1.40 to £10 an hour, and

for 16-17 year olds by £1.15 to £7.55 an

hour. Employers will need to comply with this new minimum wage.

22 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

2. National Insurance increase for employers

government is enhancing the employment allowance in two ways. It will become

available to all employers, removing the

From 6 April 2025, the government is

current restriction limiting it to employers

national insurance contributions (NICs).

of less than £100,000. Furthermore, the

Two of these changes represent tax

through the allowance will increase from

implementing changes to employer

with an annual employer NICs liability

maximum amount employers can save

increases. The secondary Class 1

£5,000 to £10,500.

will be lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 per

In addition, the government plans to

Class 1 National Insurance (employer)

limit for 2024-25, which is the

to 15 per cent. Additionally, the rates

paying national insurance.

contributions, which apply to taxable

3. Statutory payments increase

national insurance (employer) threshold year, while the main rate of secondary

increase the Class 1 lower earnings

contributions will rise from 13.8 per cent

threshold at which employees start

for Class 1A and Class 1B employer

benefits-in-kind, will increase accordingly.

To partially offset these increases, the

Statutory payments are legal

entitlements granted to employees in

L EGA L SP ON SO R

certain circumstances such as illness, maternity, paternity, or bereavement.

From April 2025 several statutory

payments rates in the UK will increase.

The statutory sick pay (SSP) will

rise from £116.75 to £118.75 per

week, with a qualifying threshold of

£125 per week. Under the proposed

Employment Rights Bill, sick pay could soon be payable from the first day of

being ill, however this will likely not be in effect by next April.

The statutory maternity pay, maternity allowance, statutory adoption pay,

statutory paternity pay, statutory shared parental pay, and statutory parental

bereavement pay will rise from £184.03 to £187.18 per week.

In addition, the lower earnings limit (the

weekly earnings threshold for qualifying for all the above payments, except

which means that affected employers will be liable where a specified

fraud offence is committed by their

employees or other associated persons, for the employer’s benefit, and they did not have reasonable fraud prevention procedures in place.

The new offence will come into force on

1 September 2025 and will apply across the UK. This new offence applies to

large organisations, defined as meeting

two out of three of the following criteria: more than 250 employees, more than £36 million turnover and more than

£18 million in total assets. Affected

employers should review their existing fraud prevention procedures in light

of the guidance to see if any changes will be required to ensure compliance

with these new requirements. Fines for a failure to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud will be unlimited.

maternity allowance) will increase

6. Employment Rights Bill

threshold for maternity allowance will

The government’s Employment Rights

to £125 (up from £123), while the remain at £30 per week.

4. Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 introduces statutory paid leave for eligible employed parents whose

newborn baby is admitted to neonatal care. Eligible employed parents will

be entitled to receive 12 weeks paid

leave, in addition to maternity leave and paternity, for instance.

Although the Legislation received Royal Assent on the 24th May 2023, it will come into force in April 2025.

5. New failure to prevent fraud offence The Economic Crime and Corporate

Transparency Act 2023 created a new corporate offence of failure to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud,

Alex Jones

Bill is due to receive Royal Assent this

year, most likely at some point over the

summer. The Bill proposes wide-ranging changes to employment law, from ‘day one’ unfair dismissal rights to greater

rights and protections for trade unions.

The Bill is still working its way through the parliamentary process, with the

Public Bill Committee due to report to

the House of Commons by 21 January 2025. The government published four

consultation papers on some of the more technical aspects of the Bill and these

consultations closed in early December.

Responses are likely to inform further

changes to the draft legislation. We are expecting to see further consultations

force in 2026 and beyond, some of the trade union changes (repeal of

the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 and some of the measures previously introduced by the Trade Union Act 2016) will take effect in 2025, once the Bill becomes law.

During 2025, we are also expecting to see the draft Equality (Race and

Disability) Bill, which will, among other things, make it mandatory for large

employers to report their ethnicity and disability pay gap.

For further advice, either as an

employer or employee contact us at 365 Employment Law. Tel: 01903 863284

ajones@365employmentlaw.co.uk www.365employmentlaw.co.uk

during 2025 on some issues, such as

removing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims.

Although most of the changes outlined in the Bill are expected to come into

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 23

LEGAL S PO NS O R

The Importance of choosing an experienced family lawyer for your divorce Divorce rates in the United Kingdom have long been a barometer of changing societal dynamics, and recent statistics reveal a notable shift.

Approximately

Legal

42% of marriages

in the UK now end in divorce, a stark reminder of the

challenges modern relationships face.

In 2022, the divorce rate fell to 6.7

for men and 6.6 for women per 1,000

married individuals, marking the lowest levels since 1971, when rates stood at 5.9 per 1,000 for both sexes in opposite-sex marriages.

24 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

These figures underscore a significant trend, but behind the data lies the

personal reality of marital breakdowns.

While reasons for divorce are as

varied as the people involved, one

thing remains clear: experienced legal representation is vital to navigate the

complexities of the process effectively.

In recent years, the landscape of

divorce law in the UK has evolved significantly, with reforms aimed at streamlining the process and

promoting amicable resolutions.

However, even in cases where both parties strive for cooperation and

mutual understanding, the intricacies

of divorce law can present formidable challenges without proper guidance.

One of the primary reasons to enlist

the services of an experienced divorce lawyer is to ensure that your rights

and interests are protected throughout the process. From asset division and

financial settlements to child custody

L EGA L SP ON SO R

arrangements, every aspect of divorce carries potential legal ramifications

that require careful consideration and negotiation. Without knowledgeable legal counsel, individuals risk

overlooking critical details that could have long-term implications for their future well-being.

Moreover, divorce proceedings often evoke a range of emotions, from

sadness and anger to confusion and anxiety. Navigating these turbulent

waters alone can exacerbate stress

and emotional turmoil, hindering the ability to make sound decisions. An

experienced divorce lawyer serves not only as a legal advocate but also as a supportive guide, offering invaluable insight and perspective during moments of uncertainty.

Furthermore, the expertise of a divorce lawyer extends beyond legal advice; it

encompasses a deep understanding of the human aspect of divorce. A skilled attorney can help clients navigate the

emotional complexities of divorce with

empathy and compassion, fostering a

seeking an amicable resolution, a skilled

a tumultuous time.

steering the challenges of divorce with

sense of reassurance and stability during

In addition to providing individualised

divorce lawyer is an invaluable ally in clarity, compassion, and integrity.

legal counsel, experienced divorce

How we can help

dispute resolution methods, such

By working with Bennett Oakley

These approaches offer couples

clients with practical, down-to-earth

beneficial agreements outside of

steps, close this chapter definitively, and

reducing legal fees and preserving

uniqueness of every family and situation,

lawyers can also facilitate alternative as mediation or collaborative law.

Solicitors, we strive to provide our

the opportunity to reach mutually

guidance to help you navigate your next

the courtroom, minimising conflict,

embrace a fresh start. Recognising the

relationships wherever possible.

our team will listen attentively and

Ultimately, the decision to seek

you through the process according to

provide personalised advice to guide

the guidance of an experienced

your specific circumstances.

in one’s future well-being and

For more information regarding

services of a knowledgeable legal

don’t hesitate to contact Bennett

divorce lawyer is an investment peace of mind. By enlisting the

Family Law and legal advice, please

professional, individuals can navigate

Oakley Solicitors.

the complexities of divorce with

confidence, knowing that their rights and interests are in capable hands.

Whether facing contentious disputes or

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 25

Prept, the inspirational children’s food foundation, is changing lives across Sussex In the heart of Sussex, a revolution in food education is quietly transforming the lives of children and families across the UK. At its forefront is Prept, a national charity with roots firmly planted in Sussex soil, striving to create a healthier, happier generation through the power of food.

With the support of

Cover Story

local businesses, world-renowned

chefs and educators,

Prept has reimagined

the role of food education in schools,

and the results so far are nothing short of extraordinary.

The challenges we face Today, more than ever, children in the UK

26 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

are at a critical juncture when it comes to their health and well-being. The statistics paint a stark picture:

•O ne in five 10-11-year-olds are now classed as obese.

• Children in deprived areas are twice

as likely to be overweight compared to their peers in more affluent communities.

•G overnment funding for food education has been drastically cut, with a £5

million initiative to revolutionise school

cooking scrapped after just 19 months.

These figures underscore the urgent need for change — and Prept is stepping up to the plate.

From Table Talk to Prept: a bold new vision

Founded in Sussex in 2020, Prept began its journey as the Table Talk Foundation.

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

Tom Surgey, Jessica Aggarwal, Dan Wade, Co-Founders

In just a few years, it has evolved into a dynamic national charity, recently rebranding as Prept to better reflect its expanded mission and ambitions.

Backed by an impressive roster of culinary talent, including Sussex’s own Jean Delport (Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee Gardens) and Steven Edwards (Etch), as well as renowned establishments like 64 Degrees, Nostos, and Wild Flor, Prept is making waves in schools and communities alike.

Prept’s mission is clear: to empower children with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make healthier food choices, foster a love of cooking, and explore career opportunities in the hospitality sector.

Inspiring success: what Prept has

hands-on experience with professional

In 2024, Prept reached remarkable

These achievements showcase the

achieved so far

milestones:

• Over 2,100 children taught

• 135 in-school sessions delivered

chefs and hospitality industry pathways

depth and breadth of Prept’s impact — and this is only the beginning.

SID Youth partnership: making a

• 27 ‘Farm to Fork’ days organised,

difference in Sussex

their food

Prept’s collaboration with SID Youth’s

essential support during school breaks

– which is a Government-funded

communities together to celebrate

young people during the school

• A new parent-child session piloted,

free school meals) group has been

kitchen

to young people who need it most.

launched, offering older students

organising and running activities that

connecting children with the origins of

• 13 holiday clubs launched, providing

HAF (Holidays Activities and Food

• Three food festivals hosted, bringing

programme supporting children and

food education

holidays, particularly those eligible for

fostering family engagement in the

instrumental in bringing food education

• The secondary school programme

HAF providers are typically tasked with

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 27

COVE R STO RY S P ON S OR

promote physical and mental wellbeing, as well as providing nutritious meals.

Together, they have:

• Organised multiple cooking classes during school holidays, helping

children and young people learn life

skills while ensuring they receive a hot

meal helping to alleviate holiday hunger

• Hosted a festival in Sompting,

attended by over 600 young people,

where participants engaged in produce identification and learned about

nutrition in a fun and interactive setting.

• Delivered a Christmas meal for 40

children, an event made possible by Prept’s dedicated team. For some children, this was their only hot

Christmas dinner, highlighting the profound impact of this initiative.

These efforts not only address

immediate food insecurity but also foster a sense of community and

empowerment among participants.

The role of local businesses: spotlight on Vistavis and Kitch

28 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Tony Dorey, Managing Director of

Vistavis (specialist commercial cleaning company), has been a steadfast supporter of Prept’s mission.

Vistavis sponsors Breakwater Academy in Newhaven, where 42.3% of students

are eligible for free school meals (FSM).

The school sponsorship has enabled:

• In-class food education programmes that engage students in hands-on learning.

• Professional ‘Farm to Fork’ days,

where students gain insights into the journey of food from its agricultural origins to their plates.

Dorey shares his perspective on the

school sponsorship: “The work that the Prept Foundation performs in terms of educating the youth on food and nutrition is crucial.

“I have been a part of the programme now for a few years and to see the

results first-hand is truly heartwarming.

We started sponsoring sessions in

schools because we believe in the

cause, but it wasn’t until we visited a

session and saw the difference it made

and just how engaged the children really are that we realised just how important the sessions are.

“Therefore, continuing to sponsor

schools going forward became a no-

brainer. It is a small contribution, but a very satisfying and rewarding one!

“Everyone involved in Prept is so

passionate about what they are doing,

the energy they give off is addictive! It is a pleasure to be associated with them.”

Kitch, the award-winning social media agency which specialises in food,

hospitality and lifestyle is another valued long-term partner.

Pledging 1% of net profits to support Prept’s initiatives. Their contributions go beyond financial support, as they

share their expertise and networks to

amplify Prept’s reach. Highlights of this partnership include:

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 29

COVE R STO RY S P ON S OR

• Collaborating on influencer content

creation for Prept, including a visit to

Plumpton College to create engaging social media reels.

• Inviting Prept’s co-founders to speak at industry events, such as the

launch of Kitch’s latest initiative with KAM Insight.

Kitch’s dedication exemplifies how

businesses can leverage their unique

strengths to make a meaningful impact.

The heart of Prept’s work:

transforming lives through food Prept operates through two key educational programmes:

1. Primary School Programme: This initiative introduces young children to the joys of cooking and healthy

eating. From exploring new tastes

to learning essential kitchen skills,

these sessions lay the groundwork for lifelong healthy habits.

30 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

2. Secondary School Programme: By

Prept’s incredible success is only

working with chefs and hospitality

possible thanks to the support of

teenagers to explore the culinary arts

individuals who share its vision.

also emphasises practical cooking

Companies like Exclusive Collection,

ensuring students graduate with both

have already partnered with Prept to

professionals, Prept inspires

as a potential career. This programme

local businesses, organisations, and

skills, creativity, and teamwork,

Focus Foundation and and Higgidy

confidence and competence.

champion this vital cause. But with

One of Prept’s standout initiatives is its

so much work still to be done, the

charity is calling on more Sussex-based

partnership with Plumpton College in

businesses to join the movement.

creation of a state-of-the-art training

“Sponsoring a school through Prept

professional-grade equipment and the

businesses a unique opportunity to

fork’ journey.

the school and tailoring the sessions,

Situated on a working dairy farm, the

with their values while enhancing CSR

that bridges the gap between agriculture

engagement,” says Jessica Aggarwal,

Lewes. Here, the charity has funded the kitchen, giving students access to

starts from just £1,000 and offers

opportunity to learn about the ‘farm-to-

make a real difference. By selecting

companies can align the programme

facility offers an immersive experience

initiatives and boosting employee

and gastronomy.

Co-Founder.

The role of Sussex businesses: a

Supporting Prept is more than just

call to action

an act of charity — it’s an investment

C OV ER STO RY SP ON SO R

in the future of our communities. By nurturing a generation that values health, sustainability, and the joy

of cooking, businesses can make a tangible, lasting impact while also

aligning themselves with a cause that resonates deeply with customers, employees, and stakeholders.

How businesses can get involved There are countless ways for businesses to support Prept:

Every contribution, big or small, helps

but it cannot do so alone.

Looking ahead: the future of food

By partnering with this inspiring charity,

education

As Prept continues to grow, its

ambitions for the future are bold. The charity aims to:

• Expand its reach to more schools across the UK, ensuring no child misses out on the opportunity to learn about food.

• Sponsorship opportunities: From funding school programmes to

supporting food festivals, your company can help expand Prept’s reach.

• Employee volunteering: Encourage

your team to get involved in hands-on activities, from running workshops to mentoring students.

• In-kind donations: Equipment,

ingredients, and other resources are

• Develop new programmes that engage parents, families, and communities.

• Forge stronger links with the hospitality industry, creating clear pathways for

young talent to enter this vibrant and essential sector.

• Advocate for systemic change in

food education, influencing policy to

prioritise the health and well-being of future generations.

always in demand and can make a

The time to act is now

• Fundraising events: Host events,

The challenges facing children today

real difference.

challenges, or campaigns to raise funds and awareness for Prept’s mission.

action. Prept is rising to this challenge,

Prept bring its vision to life.

Sussex businesses have the chance to be part of a movement that is transforming lives, communities, and industries for the better.

Get involved today Prept’s journey is one of hope, innovation, and impact. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to build a strong foundation in food, fostering healthier futures for generations to come.

To learn more about how your business can support Prept, visit www.prept.foundation, follow them

on Instagram at @prept.foundation,

or contact the team directly at info@ prept.foundation or 07568 321223.

— from obesity to food insecurity

— require immediate and sustained

Let’s cook up a brighter future — together. www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 31

MOTO RI NG N E WS S P ON S OR

From zero to 45: how a fleet team is racing up the FN50 rankings Let’s face it – the world of fleet management isn’t exactly the kind of thing you’d bring up at a dinner party. But every so often, a story comes along that makes you sit up, take notice and mutter: “Now that’s impressive.” This is one of those stories.

Imagine jumping

Motoring News

straight into the

FN50 rankings —

fleet’s equivalent of

the Premier League

table — at position 45. Not bad for a

department that didn’t even exist four

years ago. And yet, that’s exactly what this plucky team of eight has done.

So, how did they go from standing start to pole position? Let’s dive in...

Fleet beginnings: building a department from scratch

32 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Back in 2019, the fleet department

at Rivervale didn’t exist. Not a single vehicle to manage, not a single

maintenance contract to service. It

wasn’t until the arrival of a determined team leader — armed with big plans and a loyal sidekick named Sharon

(20 years and counting!) — that things kicked into gear.

But it wasn’t simple. COVID-19 threw its

share of challenges into the mix. Imagine trying to keep operations running when your third-party software provider goes bust mid-pandemic.

That’s what happened when their fleet

management software, ODO, pulled the plug. The team, fortunately, had a Plan B in the works and pulled off a nearmiraculous data migration in record

time. Customers? None the wiser. The team? Exhausted but triumphant.

Fast forward to today, and this small

but mighty team manages over 10,000 vehicles. (Yep, you read that right.)

They’re not just managing — they’re innovating, too.

By bringing vehicle maintenance in-house

MOTO R I N G N EWS SP ON SO R

“Our goal has always been to grow organically while delivering exceptional service.

Securing #45 in the FN50 rankings is a huge achievement for a small but ambitious team like ours. We’re already working toward breaking into the 30s next year” Jaymie Stanbrook, Head of Fleet, Rivervale.

and offering white-label solutions, they’ve turned their competitors into clients.

Or their partnership with Red Bull, where they’re not just managing

they look great in a press release).

marketing fleets for brands like Nestlé

organically and building their own

solutions on the fly, they’ve proven

The real goal is growing their fleet

and Heineken—to developing software

book of business.

time and again that they can take on

fleet needs; they’re also building

To do that, they’re focusing on:

about family vibes and team spirit.

• Transitioning more vehicles from external

relationships with a company that’s all

Through their client Acosta, Rivervale also manages fleets for household names like Nestlé and Heineken.

The result? The team’s gone from

handling a handful of maintenance

units per month to an impressive 80 a week. That’s a serious glow-up in anyone’s book.

What’s next?

So, what’s next for this fast-moving fleet

team? Well, they’re aiming to climb even higher in the FN50 rankings—targeting a spot in the 30s next year.

But it’s not just about awards (though

whatever challenges come their way.

And the best part? They’re still growing.

With a foundation built on hard work,

brokers to their own management.

innovation, and a touch of good old-

• Scaling up their fleet servicing and

continue shaking up the fleet world.

maintenance solutions.

fashioned grit, this team is set to

So, here’s to Rivervale’s fleet team —

• Shouting about their successes—

proof that with the right people, a bit of

isn’t enough. (Watch this space for

anything’s possible.

because sometimes, word of mouth press releases and LinkedIn updates!)

Fleet’s best-kept secret

hustle and maybe a dash of Red Bull,

Keep an eye out for more updates from this incredible team. Who knows? They

might just be topping the FN50 rankings

What makes this team’s journey so

before we know it.

pressure and adapt when the stakes

www.rivervaleleasing.co.uk

exciting is their ability to thrive under are high.

From managing big-name contracts like Acosta—which handles field

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 33

AI S PO NS O R

Free Gen AI course: discover what AI can do for you

What if you could enhance your planning, make smarter decisions, and tackle complex challenges with ease?

Imagine being the

AI

visionary in your

team — the one who not only delivers

exceptional results

but also drives innovation and strategic growth. This isn’t a distant dream; it’s

a reality made possible by Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI).

But here’s the surprising part: AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a skill that elevates

your cognitive abilities. Think of it like learning to play a musical instrument.

At first, you might only manage a few

simple notes, but with practice and the right mindset, you’re soon composing symphonies. Similarly, starting to use AI for basic tasks such as emails and

blogs is just the beginning. There’s so much more it can do.

And the best part? It’s not a technical skill; it’s all about mindset. Anyone

can learn to harness AI’s potential to

transform their work, no matter your role.

34 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Are you being left behind in the AI revolution?

The professional landscape is evolving

just a few hours, she gathered insights into industry trends, competitor

offerings, and client preferences.

rapidly. Those who embrace AI are leaping

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weeks of intense work.

led to a well-deserved promotion.

Feeling overwhelmed, Sarah decided to

Sarah’s story illustrates that AI

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A I SP ON SO R

Introducing our FREE Gen AI course: accelerate your career with AI

There’s good news. You don’t have to navigate this shift alone. We’re offering a completely free, six-day course combining both email and video lessons designed to unlock the true potential of AI for professionals like you.

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AI help you craft world-class queries.

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Day 4: Discover which AI model is

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In a world where complex problem-

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discover exactly what AI can do for you.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 35

From good to great: realise your business potential As a business leader, you’re constantly navigating the challenges and opportunities of running a growing organisation. It often feels like a struggle to keep opposing factors in balance – headcount v business development, engaged team v productivity, profit margins v sanity!

The path to success

Business Growth

can feel daunting.

The good news - you don’t have to take

this journey alone,

and someone who knows the route can make it a far more enjoyable ride.

Loch Associates Group specialises in helping ambitious leaders bring their

visions to life, turning good businesses into great ones. Our holistic approach to looking after your people and your business drives productivity and

engagement, leading to stronger profit

margins. Not to mention feeling like you have someone in your corner, someone who’s got experience of many different

business types, tackled issues arising from people as well as commercial challenges, brought critical observation as well as

cheerleading support. Imagine the benefits that could bring for you in 2025.

36 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

Setting your business up for success

Every business reaches a point where the usual routines stop yielding the

results they once did. Perhaps you’re stuck in a rut, unsure of how to move forward, or maybe you’re thriving but

still see untapped potential for greater success. This is where our expertise comes in.

Create engagement and alignment An engaged team is a productive team, and productivity is directly related to profit. We support leaders to foster an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and aligned with the company’s goals. When everyone is rowing in the same direction, the impact is transformative.

Many leaders find themselves caught

Loch Associates Group’s expertise

focus on strategic vision and long-term

define our vision, and achieve our

refocus, guiding you to:

Darren Austin, Synergee Chartered Accountants.

up in the minutiae, leaving little time to goals. We help you reflect, reset, and

Revisit and refine your vision Your purpose, and how well that translates to your business, is

foundational to success. Our vision

and strategy sessions draw out your

long-term aspirations and distil them into actionable, measurable goals.

has guided us on our journey to people focused goals”

Align strategy with values Have you noticed a disconnect between stated values and actual practice? We can help you identify your core values, ensuring they’re not just words on a wall but principles that guide every decision and action.

BU SI N ESS GR OW TH SP ON SO R

The power of guided reflection

actionable

and good, but true transformation requires

an immediate

Resolutions and fresh starts are all well

changes that make

more than fleeting goals. It demands

difference.

meaningful reflection. Working with Loch

Retaining talent and

to uncover what changes will bring the

Attracting and

a guided process that encourages

will help you examine the past with clarity

driving profitability

greatest future impact.

retaining top talent

Engaging and succinct training, We can see the immediate

impact across the business. Loch Associates Group has helped reshape our business”

Robert Apps, Vodafone Appscape

Empowering leaders and teams

is more critical

than ever. With

increasing costs and competition, a clear vision and engaged

team are essential to profitability.

We’ve seen time and again that a wellaligned team leads to cost savings

For many business leaders, especially

and increased productivity. Employees

entrepreneurial success to organisational

more likely to stay, reducing turnover

might have excelled in a specific area -

knowledge. By fostering a culture

innovation - but scaling a business

authentic selves to work, you build a

owner-managers, the journey from

who feel valued and included are

leadership can be overwhelming. You

costs and preserving organisational

whether it’s sales, operations, or creative

where everyone can bring their

requires a broader skill set, at a time

stronger, more resilient organisation.

for reading business books or time for

A trusted partner for your success

when you’re unlikely to have headspace lengthy training sessions.

What sets Loch apart is our commitment

Our approach combines strategic planning

journey. We’re not a one-off consultancy

to becoming a true partner in your

with practical support, addressing:

or training provider. Instead, we embed

Leadership development

ongoing professional services support

ourselves in your organisation, offering

Who holds up the mirror for you?

that evolves with your needs and

own development. We provide the

encompassing HR, legal, training and

Senior leaders often neglect their

takes advantage of our diverse skill set

coaching and feedback necessary to

coaching, and wellbeing support.

your team effectively.

For example, our work with clients often

Team empowerment

but extends into areas like:

grow as a leader, helping you guide

We help your managers level up,

begins with vision and strategy sessions

ensuring they’re equipped to take

Business excellence: A tailored

support those they lead.

improvement, helping businesses create

ownership of their objectives and

Practical tools From operational improvements to

communication strategies, we implement

approach to operational and cultural sustainable systems for success.

Leadership coaching: Supporting leaders

HR and compliance: Ensuring you meet legal requirements while fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace.

There is no one solution, but our ultimate goal is to align your people, processes,

and purpose, delivering tangible results that fuel your ambitions.

Ready to take the next step?

Success doesn’t happen by chance - it’s the result of

deliberate action and a clear

plan. Whether you’re looking

to address specific challenges, prepare for future growth, or

simply find more fulfilment in your work, Loch Associates Group is here to help.

Contact us to discover how we can support you in creating a

business that’s more productive, engaged and profitable.

Laura Acosta

laura.acosta@

lochassociates.co.uk Claudia Yorath

claudia.yorath@

lochassociates.co.uk

at all levels to grow and thrive in their roles.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 37

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

County Business Clubs hosts unforgettable Christmas party: a night of celebration As the year came to a close, County Business Clubs Sussex hosted friends, value added partners and supporters at an event that celebrated the season in true festive style.

Networking & Events

County Business

everyone feeling the Christmas cheer.

legendary Christmas

But the real highlight of the night? The

Clubs’ hosted its now party at the Old Ship Hotel in Brighton —

and what a night it was!

From the moment the event began, the room was filled with the buzz of excitement, laughter and an

unmistakable Christmas spirit. It was the perfect way to reflect on the year

gone by and toast to the future, all while having an incredible time together.

The evening kicked off with a warm

welcome and a beautifully decorated

venue that set the tone for the festivities.

Twinkling lights and festive table settings created a magical atmosphere that had

38 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

music! Craig, Mat and Rich bought a true taste of the West End to the

evening and had everyone on their

feet. The dance floor quickly became the heart of the party, with everyone showing off their best moves. The music was truly amazing.

The CBC Christmas party is not just

about looking back; it was also about looking ahead. As guests shared

laughter and good times, they also took a moment to acknowledge the exciting opportunities the new year holds.

Strengthening partnerships, building new connections and continuing to grow together as a community.

The energy and positivity in the room was a testament to the strong community

County Business Clubs Sussex has built.

It aims to continue to grow into 2025 with lots of exciting things to come.

The organisers are grateful to everyone

who made the event so special and to all the partners, friends and colleagues who have supported them along the way.

Here’s to another incredible year of

collaboration, success and, of course,

more moments like these to celebrate.

County Business Clubs looks forward to continuing its journey and can’t wait to see what the next year has in store!

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 39

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Rix & Kay promotes equality diversity and inclusion Rix & Kay, a leading law firm in Brighton & Hove, is proud to be supporting the Ladies Lunch Club Brighton in 2025.

The law firm’s

Networking & Events

involvement

further supports its ongoing efforts to

advance equality, diversity and

inclusion (EDI) initiatives – both to

the regional communities it serves and within its own organisation.

As a long-time advocate for

gender equality, Rix & Kay fosters

a workplace where each colleague is valued as an individual, and its

commitment to diversity is reflected in its workforce. Right now, almost 75% of Rix & Kay employees are

women and, of the firm’s department leadership team, more than half are represented by women.

It also has a flexible and hybrid working policy that sits at the

heart of its longer-term strategy.

This strategy has been adopted, in part, to allow great female talent to join the firm who

can’t always accommodate

Sarah Rebello, Solicitor at Rix & Kay, is supporting the Ladies Lunch Club events.

the traditional Monday to Friday,

the successes of women in business.

Rix & Kay is a full service law firm with

Kathryn Paisley, who is a Partner and

2025 events again this year.

(Uckfield) and West Kent (Hadlow). The

Board. Kathryn originally joined the

The firm is also committed to educating

across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and London

flexible hours. Previously she had

ahead of legislative changes, including the

entrepreneurs and individuals, providing

career break to raise her family.

harassment in the workplace, which came

of legal services.

9-to-5. A great example of this is

a member of Rix & Kay’s Strategic

The firm will be participating in IWD

offices in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex firm retains a strong regional presence

firm as a Solicitor in 2015 working

businesses on gender equality and staying

and works with business owners,

worked in the City before taking a

new duty for employers to prevent sexual

expert legal advice across a wide range

Rix & Kay’s EDI efforts extend beyond

into force in October 2024.

the workplace. The firm is a vocal

By supporting the Ladies Lunch Club,

and has been involved in empowering

broader community and raise awareness

Women’s Month Conference – a

efforts, the firm remains at the forefront of

supporter of International Women’s Day

Rix & Kay continues to engage with the

events such as Brighton’s International

of gender equality issues. Through these

confidence building event, celebrating

promoting EDI both locally and regionally.

40 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

For more information email Sarah

Rebello sarahrebello@rixandkay.co.uk or visit www.rixandkay.co.uk

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 41

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Supporters raise over £26,000 at Wolo Foundation’s fourth annual WoloBall Wolo Foundation’s annual WoloBall, held for the first time during the festive season, was a Christmas extravaganza at the stunning Buxted Park Hotel.

The Festive Fiesta

Networking & Events

created a magical

night for attendees while raising over

£26,000 to support

Sussex families affected by cancer.

Wolo Foundation (We Only Live

Once) helps to improve the quality of life for families living in Sussex

on cancer journeys. The bespoke

support they offer includes practical help and emotional support,

wellness opportunities and family

experiences. The foundation works

with other charities, local businesses and communities to offer all family members a wealth of services to

support them through diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

This year’s event was proudly co-

sponsored by Elekta and CR Allen &

Sons, who enjoyed an exclusive drinks reception before joining guests for the evening’s festivities. Attendees were

greeted with sparkling drinks, canapés

and even a dedicated Prosecco station to start the night.

The evening was hosted by Jack The Lad from More Radio, whose humour and

charisma kept the energy high throughout

activities like ‘Heads or Tails’, silent and live auctions, a raffle and an advent lucky dip.

Guests were also treated to performances

by Rhapsody Artist Development (RAD),

antics from the mischievous Grinch and the chance to mingle and dance with Father Christmas himself!

Local artist Tony Parsons wowed

guests by capturing the event in a

42 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

live painting, which later became

in the hotel’s cinema room, and some

Guests added extra sparkle to the

holiday treat.

while a 360-degree photo booth

It was certainly a night to remember!

a coveted item in the live auction.

evening with face and body painting,

stayed over to make the most of a pre-

offered keepsake memories.

Wolo Foundation extends heartfelt

The event also provided an opportunity

the volunteers who made the event

initiatives, including the exclusive

businesses and individuals who

programmes. Eight new members

makes Wolo’s mission a reality!

monthly income to support the charity’s

To learn more about Wolo Foundation’s

businesses and individuals to commit

family, or take on a challenge, visit www.

thanks to everyone who attended,

to spotlight Wolo Foundation’s

possible, and the generous local

Wolo 100 Club and Sponsor-a-Family

donated prizes. Your support is what

joined during the evening, securing vital work. These initiatives encourage

work, join the Wolo 100 Club, sponsor a

to regular support, with benefits such

wolofoundation.org.

event access and resources to assist

Statistics show that one in two people

as networking opportunities, priority staff affected by cancer.

in the UK born after 1960 will be

Guests danced until the early hours,

Life is precious – we need to make the

some watched a late christmas film

diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. most of it. We only live once – Wolo!

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 43

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

Ironworks Studios: a premier event space in Brighton for corporate excellence Nestled in the heart of Brighton, Ironworks Studios stands as a beacon of creativity and versatility, offering an unparalleled venue for corporate clients.

This unique space

Networking & Events

has been thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of professional

needs, providing a seamless blend of

functionality, innovation and artistic flair.

Whether you’re planning a conference,

product launch, team-building event, or private networking, Ironworks Studios delivers an experience that is both distinctive and memorable.

A venue like no other

Ironworks Studios is not just a venue;

it’s a canvas where visions come to life.

The studio’s industrial-chic aesthetic, and state-of-the-art lighting, creates

an inspiring atmosphere that’s perfect for a variety of corporate events. The adaptable space can accommodate

44 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

events of differing sizes, from intimate workshops to conferences for 150,

making it a brilliant choice for businesses seeking a venue with a difference.

The venue boasts multiple

configurations to suit different needs.

The main studio is a versatile openplan space that can be customised with modular staging, professional

sound systems and cutting-edge AV technology. Meanwhile, alternative

rooms are available for smaller meetings, brainstorming sessions, or lounges,

ensuring that every aspect of your event is catered for with precision and care.

Tailored services for corporate clients At Ironworks Studios, the team

understands that no two corporate

events are the same. That’s why we offer

a bespoke approach to event planning, working closely with clients to ensure

their specific requirements are met. From initial concept development to event

execution, our experienced team provides comprehensive support, ensuring every detail is handled flawlessly.

Corporate clients can also take advantage of a range of premium services, including: • Technical support: specialist

technicians ensure smooth operation of AV and lighting systems.

•C atering solutions: Partnerships with

local caterers offer diverse menu options.

• Event branding: Customisable

displays and stage backdrops allow for impactful branding opportunities.

• Hybrid event capabilities: With

high-speed internet and advanced

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

streaming technology, Ironworks

Studios is well-equipped for hybrid

charm, creative energy, and excellent

for a diverse range of corporate

location for corporate gatherings.

multinational corporations. A recent

central position, with convenient access

product launch that transformed the

ample parking facilities nearby. The

dynamic LED installations and live

array of restaurants, hotels, and cultural

across the globe. Another memorable

their event experience, whether for team

financial services firm, which featured

transport links, making it an ideal

clients, from small startups to

Ironworks Studios benefits from its

highlight includes a tech company’s

to Brighton’s mainline train station and

studio into a futuristic showcase with

venue’s proximity to the city’s vibrant

demonstrations streamed to audiences

attractions also allows clients to extend

event was a team-building day for a

outings or after-hours entertainment.

breakout workshops in the morning

live music gigs. These events not only

Why choose Ironworks Studios for

in the evening, leaving attendees

provide a unique entertainment option for

Ironworks Studios stands out as a premier

events, enabling businesses to connect with audiences worldwide.

A hub for creative and professional performances

Ironworks Studios is not only a hub

for corporate events but also a vibrant

venue for live performances and cultural showcases. The studio regularly hosts a

variety of shows, ranging from immersive

theatre and cabaret to comedy nights and highlight the venue’s versatility but also

businesses looking to incorporate teambuilding activities or reward staff with an unforgettable experience.

Recent productions have included: • Drag cabaret nights: Featuring some

of the UK’s top drag performers, these evenings are perfect for injecting fun and flair into a corporate event.

• Stand-up comedy shows: Award

winning The Forge Comedy Club hosted

by Stephen Grant can provide a light-

hearted break from business as usual.

• Immersive theatre: Engaging,

interactive performances that captivate audiences and offer a unique twist to traditional team-building exercises.

Strategic location in vibrant Brighton Brighton is renowned for its eclectic

your corporate event?

and a lively drag cabaret performance energized and inspired.

choice for corporate clients due to its

Elevate your next event

technical capabilities and customer-

clients to experience a venue where

continue to choose this venue:

exceptional facilities, expert support, and

1. Adaptability: Whether hosting

the perfect setting for any corporate

unique combination of aesthetic appeal,

Ironworks Studios invites corporate

focused service. Here’s why businesses

creativity meets professionalism. With its vibrant atmosphere, the studio provides

a formal seminar or a relaxed

gathering. To learn more or to book

effortlessly to your needs.

Brighton’s website or contact the team

brings years of experience in event

your vision into an extraordinary reality.

execution at every stage.

www.ironworks-studios.co.uk

networking event, the space adapts 2. Expertise: The in-house team

management, ensuring professional 3. C reative edge: The venue’s

your next event, visit Ironworks Studios directly. Let Ironworks Studios transform

info@ironworks-studios.co.uk

connection to Brighton’s thriving arts scene infuses every event with an

element of inspiration and originality.

Success stories

Ironworks Studios has hosted events

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 45

N ETWO RKI NG & EVE NTS S P ON S OR

What’s on at Brighton & Hove Museums: your spring/summer 2025 cultural guide Brighton & Hove Museums are more than just institutions — they are the beating cultural heart of the city, offering vibrant art, history and heritage for everyone to enjoy.

Networking & Events

As a dedicated arts

community and educational programs.

nostalgia, there’s something to inspire

established in 2020,

In 2025, this dynamic organisation is

your calendars and prepare for an

and heritage charity Brighton & Hove

Museums preserves

iconic buildings, curates world-

class exhibitions and delivers vital

pulling out all the stops to make your spring and summer unforgettable.

Whether you’re drawn to immersive

exhibitions, historic homes, or stylish

and rejuvenate your spirit. So, mark incredible season ahead! Read on

to find out more about some of our season highlights and how your business can get involved.

COLOUR: A Chromatic Promenade Through the Royal Pavilion 21 March – 19 October 2025 Step into a dazzling world of colour at

the Royal Pavilion this spring. COLOUR

invites visitors to explore the power and

highlighting bold, glossy hues and muted, mindful palettes.

beauty of colour as it was felt in George

From artist collaborations to hands-on

will take you on a journey through the

a feast for the eyes — it’s an invitation

IV’s era. This immersive exhibition

Pavilion’s richly decorated interiors,

46 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

workshops, this exhibition is more than to feel the transformative magic of

colour. Co-sponsored by an award winning UK paint brand, COLOUR promises to be one of the year’s

most talked-about events. Additional

creative sponsorship opportunities are still available reaching a significant local and national audience.

N ETWO R K I N G & EV EN TS SP O N SO R

Preston Manor & Gardens Reopens Its Doors 5 April 2025 – October 2025 After five years of hibernation, the

historic Preston Manor & Gardens is

ready to welcome visitors once again, with a new story to tell. Step back in

time to the Edwardian era, where the elegance of upstairs society meets the bustling intrigue of downstairs

life. Think Downton Abbey, but with a

the site of ghostly tales. Dare to visit

This atmospheric stately home is

While we’re thrilled to reopen, the Manor

Brighton twist.

steeped in history and mystery. Known as one of Britain’s most haunted

houses, Preston Manor has long been

and decide for yourself!

still needs crucial repairs and restoration.

If you’re interested in supporting this

treasured landmark, get in touch today.

The In Crowd: Mod Fashion and Style, 1958–1966 10 May 2025 – 4 January 2026 Calling all fashion and music lovers!

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery presents The In Crowd: Mod Fashion and Style, a

celebration of the iconic Mod subculture

that redefined youth identity in the 1960s.

From sharp tailoring to bold accessories,

the Mods turned rebellion into an art form,

blending music, fashion, and creativity

show is not to be missed.

aesthetic. This exhibition traces the roots

With an exciting Brighton-born

and music, and its enduring appeal.

the exhibition, further sponsorship

into a modern, quintessentially British

of Mod culture, its influence on fashion

Featuring original outfits, accessories, photography, and ephemera, this

global fashion brand supporting

opportunities are still available,It’s a

chance to partner on one of Brighton’s most exciting exhibitions of 2025.

Make It a Night to Remember: Event Spaces for Hire This year, Brighton & Hove Museums is

unlocking some of its most spectacular

spaces for private and corporate events.

For the first time in years, the Music

Room — one of the opulent State Rooms

at the Royal Pavilion — will be available

for drinks receptions and canapé events.

Why not treat your clients or colleagues to an unforgettable evening in one of

Brighton’s most iconic settings?

To enquire, contact David Purdue, Senior Events Manager:

david.purdue@rpmt.org.uk.

Corporate Membership: Join Our Community Show your support for Brighton & Hove Museums by becoming a Corporate

Member. With four membership tiers

— platinum, gold, silver, and bronze — you can enjoy exclusive benefits like

complimentary event space hire, annual

cultural legacy while supporting a vital

passes, shop and café discounts, and more.

community resource.

Corporate Membership is a fantastic way

For more details, email Kate Rooks at

learn more and start planning your

Brighton & Hove Museums as a

to align your brand with Brighton’s rich

kate.rooks@rpmt.org.uk.

Plan Your Visit With a packed lineup of events,

exhibitions, and new offerings, there’s never been a better time to explore Brighton & Hove Museums. Visit

www.brightonmuseums.org.uk to

cultural adventure today.

Want to partner with us through

exhibition sponsorship or support

charity? Reach out to Kate Rooks, Head of Fundraising, at

kate.rooks@rpmt.org.uk to learn about opportunities.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 47

LI FE STY L E S PO NS OR

Ready to feel unstoppable?

(Here’s the tough love you need)

When it comes to

Lifestyle

health and fitness,

sugar-coating won’t help you. This isn’t about shortcuts or

magic solutions. It’s about straight-

Supplements won’t save you. You

can’t out-supplement a bad diet or a

sedentary lifestyle. Want results? Get

back to basics: eat nutritious food, move daily, and prioritise sleep.

up truths that guide your health and

Cardio is great for your mind but awful

home, and in life.

undone by one chocolate bar. Use cardio

boost your performance at work, at

Here are 21 no-nonsense tips to help you take control:

“Everything in moderation” is why

you’re stuck. Let’s be real, this phrase

has become an excuse to eat junk. If you want real results, you’ve got to make real changes. Cut the junk, no excuses.

You may be dealing with years of bad habits. You didn’t get here overnight, and you won’t fix everything at once.

Focus on the actions that will make the biggest impact. Whether that’s better

meal choices, consistent workouts, or better sleep.

48 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

for fat loss. An hour of running can be for stress relief or mental clarity, not as your primary fat-loss strategy.

Stop drinking your calories. Sodas,

sugary coffees, and energy drinks are

sabotaging your efforts. Switch to water.

progress, but they can’t do the work for

you. Results come from consistency, not from wearing the latest smartwatch.

It’s okay to eat fruit. The world didn’t get fat eating apples or bananas. The

same goes for eggs. Stop demonising

whole, nutritious foods that have been staples for centuries.

Stop winging it in the gym. Going in without a plan is like showing up to a

meeting unprepared. Follow a structured

program and watch your results skyrocket.

It’s simple, effective and, best of all, free.

Lift weights 3+ times a week or lose

Motivation will come and go. Some

if you’re serious about your health and

days, you’ll feel like conquering the

world; other days, getting off the couch will feel impossible. Discipline and

routine are your anchors. When chaos hits, they keep you steady.

Fitness gadgets and apps are tools, not solutions. They can track your

muscle. Strength training isn’t optional longevity. Muscle is your greatest ally.

It boosts your metabolism, keeps your

body strong, and sets you up for a better quality of life in the years ahead.

If you’re out of shape at 50, your 60s and 70s will be tough. This isn’t just

about looking good; it’s about enjoying

L I F ESTY L E SP ON SO R

Fasting, keto, paleo, etc. They’re

grandkids, or even just walk upstairs

all largely ways to control portions.

Above all, take ownership of your

comfortably? Start now.

The label doesn’t matter. What matters

Every action you take, no matter how

your later years. Want to travel, play with

is finding something you can stick to

health. No one’s coming to save you. small, gets you closer to the results

long-term.

you want.

more calories than they think from

All-or-nothing thinking is a trap.

Stop overthinking. Start doing. The life

snacks alone. Stick to proper meals, and

Perfection isn’t the goal. Consistency is.

you’ll see the difference.

You don’t need a perfect week. You need

Snacking is sabotage. You don’t need to graze all day. Most people eat way

Hunger happens. It’s not an emergency.

good weeks, repeated over months.

You’re not going to faint if you don’t eat

Your circle matters. The people you

the second you feel a pang. Let your

surround yourself with can make or

body adapt. It’s part of the process.

break your progress. Positive habits

You can’t go back to old habits. Your “normal” got you here in the first place.

and attitudes rub off. Make sure your environment supports your goals in business and in health.

It’s time to create a new normal. One that supports your goals and your health.

Results take time. Quick fixes are a

Stress and poor sleep will crush

your progress. Even the best diet and exercise plan won’t work if your stress

lie. Whether it’s fat loss, strength gains,

levels are through the roof and you’re

or improved energy, meaningful results

running on four hours of sleep. Fix these,

take months, no weeks. Be patient.

and everything else gets easier.

Exercise is personal hygiene. You

You’re older and wiser. You’ve made

wouldn’t skip brushing your teeth because

mistakes in the past, but now you

you’re tired, so don’t skip your workouts.

know better. Use that wisdom to make

It’s a non-negotiable part of self-care.

smarter choices.

you want doesn’t happen by chance. It

happens by the actions you take today.

About the Author Gavin Walsh is the founder of Body Fixers Coaching, helping busy

executives over 40 take control of their

health, boost their performance and feel unstoppable. With a straight-talking,

practical approach, Gavin has coached countless professionals to ditch

excuses, embrace simple but effective habits and achieve results that last.

When he’s not delivering tough love to

his clients, Gavin is busy juggling family life, staying active and proving that

even the busiest schedules have room for better health.

For more information about Body Fixers and how Gavin can help you transform your health, visit mybodyfixers.com.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 49

LI FE STY L E S PO NS OR

COP30 and ESG mandates: a new era for business sustainability and inclusivity

By Bud Johnston, of Boxless.

In 2025, the global

Lifestyle

spotlight will

turn to Brazil as

it hosts COP30, the 30th United

Nations Climate Change Conference.

Governments, businesses and

NGOs will convene to address the

world’s most pressing environmental challenges and set new goals for achieving net-zero emissions.

Simultaneously, the UK and other

major economies are implementing stricter Environmental, Social and

Governance (ESG) reporting mandates, placing sustainability and inclusivity at the heart of corporate strategies.

This convergence of global and local initiatives presents a pivotal moment for organisations. As regulatory

pressure increases and societal

50 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

expectations evolve, businesses must rethink their approach to

sustainability, equity and inclusion.

Beyond compliance, these shifts offer an opportunity to lead with purpose, creating long-term value for people, the planet and profits.

COP30: a turning point for global climate action

Although scheduled for late 2025 in Belém, Brazil, COP30 is expected

to accelerate global commitments

to combat climate change in the run

up. Following the mixed outcomes of COP28 and COP29, this conference will focus on implementing tangible

actions to limit global warming to 1.5

degrees Celsius. Key topics will include renewable energy transitions, climate

finance, biodiversity preservation and

carbon trading mechanisms.

For businesses, the outcomes

of COP30 will have far-reaching

implications. Governments are likely to announce stricter regulations on emissions and energy efficiency,

particularly for industries with high

environmental impacts. Additionally, there will be greater emphasis on

corporate accountability, requiring companies to transparently report

their environmental impact and outline clear pathways to sustainability.

Organisations that proactively

align their operations with these

global objectives will not only meet

regulatory requirements but also gain a competitive edge. Stakeholders

— whether investors, customers, or

employees — are increasingly favoring companies that demonstrate genuine

L I F ESTY L E SP ON SO R

commitment to environmental and inclusive stewardship.

ESG mandates: from compliance to leadership

At the same time, major economies, including the UK, are rolling out

enhanced ESG reporting standards in 2025. These mandates require

organisations to disclose detailed

information on their environmental performance, social impact and governance practices. Unlike

traditional compliance-focused reporting, the new standards

emphasize materiality, encouraging

companies to address the issues most relevant to their stakeholders.

One notable feature of these

mandates is the integration of social and governance criteria alongside environmental factors. Issues like diversity, equity and inclusion

(DEI), employee rights and ethical

governance are now recognised as

integral to a sustainable business. This holistic approach aligns with growing recognition that environmental and

social sustainability are interconnected.

For instance, climate change

disproportionately affects marginalised

communities, underscoring the importance of inclusive policies in climate action.

The intersection of COP30 and ESG mandates

The parallel momentum of COP30

Take the example of renewable energy

Turning challenges into opportunities

Transitioning to cleaner energy sources

While the convergence of COP30 and

adoption, a likely focal point of COP30. not only reduces emissions but also creates opportunities to support

underrepresented communities by

prioritising diverse hiring in green jobs.

Similarly, businesses can align their

supply chain practices with ESG goals by sourcing materials sustainably and ensuring that the workers within the chain are treated fairly.

Empowering businesses to lead

Navigating the complexities of ESG

and DEI integration can be challenging.

For many small to medium sized

organisations there often isn’t a perfect fit internally to pick up the reins and

lead on this work. To reap the benefits

of the input, aligning corporate culture

localised strategies. This requires

more than surface-level changes; it

demands a cultural transformation that places ESG and DEI principles at the core of organisational operations.

themselves as leaders in sustainability

and inclusivity, attracting top talent, loyal customers and long-term investors.

Moreover, aligning with these

frameworks can yield tangible benefits.

Energy efficiency measures reduce operational costs, while inclusive

hiring practices enhance employee engagement and productivity.

Transparent ESG reporting builds trust with stakeholders, fostering stronger relationships and brand loyalty.

As the countdown to COP30 begins,

while fostering meaningful change is crucial. Organisations need to think strategically and long term, this is

for everyone’s future. At BOXLESS

we recommend organisations start thinking about the following;

1. Embedding inclusivity into sustainability

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of our

approach. Emphasise the intersectionality of ESG and DEI, ensuring that

sustainability initiatives benefit all

stakeholders, particularly marginalised groups and those most in need.

With the rise of stricter ESG

global climate goals into actionable,

that embrace these shifts can differentiate

adapt to evolving expectations

and local sustainability efforts. For

bridging these frameworks, translating

for innovation and growth. Companies

A call to action for businesses

goals, ensuring businesses can

2. Transparent reporting and

businesses, the challenge lies in

also offers unprecedented opportunities

with sustainability and inclusivity

and stricter ESG mandates highlights the interconnected nature of global

ESG mandates presents challenges, it

accountability

mandates, organisations must develop transparent reporting mechanisms.

Whether you are leveraging qualitative or quantitative data, demonstrating

businesses must take proactive steps to align with the evolving landscape

of ESG and DEI. This is not just about

meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about redefining success in a way that prioritises people and the planet alongside profit.

At Boxless, we are committed to

empowering organisations to lead this

transformation. By combining expertise

in ESG strategy and DEI integration, we help businesses turn ambitious goals into actionable realities. As the world

converges in Brazil for COP30 and as

ESG mandates reshape the corporate landscape, the time to act is now.

Let’s make 2025 the year we move from

talk to action, driving meaningful change that benefits everyone. www.boxless.uk

progress to investors, regulators

and the public is key. Don’t make

compliance just a requirement make it a reflection of authentic leadership.

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 51

LI FE STY L E S PO NS OR

Fertility and fitness: finding the right exercise balance

By Carole Gilling-Smith, CEO and Medical Director of The Agora Clinic.

The recent

Lifestyle

revelations from Olympic cyclist

Dame Laura Kenny

regarding her fertility

challenges have ignited a crucial

discussion about the effects of elite

sports on reproductive health. Dame

Laura conceived her first child easily

but shortly after competing in the 2021 Olympics, she had a miscarriage and a few months later she suffered from an ectopic pregnancy. In the wake

of this media interest, I was asked to

comment on the impact of elite sports training on fertility in an interview

with BBC Radio. This has prompted

me to share some of my thoughts on

fitness and fertility in my first Sussex Business Times article of the year

to coincide with the usual January

drive to shed a few pounds through increased exercise!

52 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

The impact of elite sport training on women’s fertility

changes starting at the higher levels in the brain, which disrupts the hormone signals to the ovary. This can lead to

Dame Laura’s story highlights the

irregular periods or even amenorrhea

on the relationship between the

directly affect fertility by disrupting the

reproductive health. Women engaged

Additionally, the stress associated with

cycling or long-distance running, often

hormonal issues. The psychological strain

to muscle ratio and in a calorie deficit

can further disrupt the delicate balance of

lack of good studies and information

(the absence of menstruation). This can

physical demands of elite sports and

regular release of eggs each month.

in rigorous training regimens, such as

competitive training can exacerbate these

experience a significantly low body fat

results in increased cortisol levels, which

(when the energy demands of training

reproductive hormones.

intake). This is not merely a side effect

Another critical aspect of this hormonal

disturbances that impact the menstrual

a hormone essential for maintaining a

are not met by adequate nutritional

of their training; it can lead to hormonal

imbalance is the role of progesterone,

cycle and the regularity of ovulation.

pregnancy after ovulation. If progesterone

As a woman’s body fat percentage drops

when the time between ovulation and

with a body mass index below 19 kg/

the risk of miscarriage if pregnancy does

levels are suboptimal, which occurs

below a critical level (often associated

menstruation is shorter than 14 days,

m2), it can trigger a cascade of hormonal

occur can increase, making the journey

L I F ESTY L E SP ON SO R

to motherhood even more challenging for elite female athletes.

The impact of elite sport training on men’s fertility health

Male athletes, in particular cyclists, have also been found to be impacted by their training regimens. Numerous studies have indicated that intense physical

activity may lead to decreased sperm count, reduced sperm motility and

increased DNA damage (fragmentation)

in sperm. These factors can significantly

hinder a man’s fertility potential and high

a healthy body composition and

put your mind at ease or alert you to

with an increased risk of miscarriage.

body fat. In women it helps prepare the

to do something about it.

Men may also experience hormonal

the risk of joint pain and back ache

Take-home thoughts

demands of elite training. Lower

ligaments and joints relax to prepare

Dame Laura Kenny’s openness about

DNA damage in sperm is associated

mitigating the risks that come with low body for pregnancy and minimises

fluctuations due to the stresses and

which occur more frequently as the

testosterone levels can negatively affect

the body for childbirth.

libido and sperm production, further

any potential issues so you have time

her fertility challenges serves as a

poignant reminder of the complex

complicating the journey to parenthood.

3. M anage stress levels: Regular

Optimal exercise levels for couples

our brain’s feel-good hormones,

activity is vital for overall well-being,

relieve anxiety and stress as well as

especially for those on the journey to

as elite athletes. But if you are trying to

weight and the menstrual cycle.

a holistic approach to reproductive

impact? The secret is finding the right

or meditation can also alleviate stress.

emotional, and physical well-being

interplay between exercise, hormones

exercise enhances the level of

and reproductive health. While physical

trying to conceive

dopamine and serotonin, which helps

it is essential to strike a balance,

Most of us do not train to the same level

reduce cortisol levels that impact

parenthood. I recommend prioritising

conceive, could exercise have a negative

Practicing mindfulness through yoga

health, recognising that mental,

balance, and approaching exercise

mindfully, ensuring it supports rather than

4. Listen to your body: Individuals

are all essential domains to address.

Whether you’re someone committed

undermines fertility. Here are my top tips:

trying to conceive should be attentive

to regular high intensity training or

1. Aim for balance: In both men and

changes in menstrual cycles or overall

achieving your fitness goals can still

been shown in numerous studies to

exercise routines accordingly. In

dreams of starting a family.

if accompanied by a healthy diet

mass index of between 19 and 25.

At the Agora Clinic, we support all

to their bodies. Notice if there are

just beginning your fitness journey,

women, moderate exercise has

health and be prepared to adjust

go hand in hand with nurturing your

improve fertility outcomes especially

women, try to maintain a healthy body

and in women is encouraged during pregnancy. Activities like brisk

5. Have a fertility MOT: If you have

individuals and couples on their road

to parenthood. You can book a fertility

walking, swimming, or cycling at

started the year with a plan to

health check-up (MOT) with one of our

overall health without the risks

a while, don’t leave it too late to have

touch by phone 01273 229410 or visiting

your ovaries and hormone test if you

You can also sign up for one of our free

are a man, followed by a Consultant

Eastbourne clinic if you want to find out

a leisurely pace can help maintain

conceive, or you have been trying for

expert fertility consultants by getting in

associated with excessive training.

a fertility check – a simple scan of

our website www.agoraclinic.co.uk.

2. Incorporate strength training: Adding

are a women, and sperm test if you

open evenings at either our Brighton or

routine can be beneficial for maintaining

Review of your results that will help

more about your options.

strength training to your exercise

www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 53

W I N E O F TH E MO NT H S P ON S OR

County Business Clubs’ Wine of the Month January 2025 Condesa De Flores Cava Brut As we come into January, it’s typically

WOTM

cold, dark and snowy. Everyone is recovering from the Christmas period in terms of extended festivities and budget spend. For me, January is the hardest

month of the year and so going “dry” is the last thing on my mind! To lighten the load this month, I have chosen a bottle of fizz which is great value at only £6.25 from your local Tesco store and brings a bit of sparkle to the longest month of the year.

My appreciation of sparkling wine started with Cava around 35+ years ago, which was served by my mother, Jan, as an aperitif at family gatherings and celebrations. As a wine, it has always had a good depth of flavour, more robust than Champagne due to the large amount of sunshine in Northern Spain. Cava has always represented great value from typically between £4.50 to £10 a bottle. I would definitely recommend visiting some of the vineyards around Barcelona, if you ever visit the North Eastern part of Spain.

This wine is made from local white grapes Macabeo, Parellada, Xarello grown in and around Barcelona. Condesa de Flores Cava Brut is made using the traditional method and further aged in cool dark caves situated under the winery to produce an elegant wine with delicate mousse and fresh apple and citrus flavours.

Michael’s tasting notes • Golden colour, nice bubbles.

Where to buy?

• On the nose, fruity notes abound with a slight smokiness

This wine is widely available from small and large Tesco’s, it

coming through.

• On the palate it is light fruity, fresh apple and we have tropical notes, delicate honey and pineapple with citrus backbone.

Food pairing for Cava • Works well as an aperitif or with savoury starters such as smoked salmon, mushroom pate or marinated anchovies

54 www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk

well worth buying to drink now or at the end of dry January.

Written for County Business Clubs Sussex by Michael

Yeoman, English Wine Specialist and producer of Spirit of the Downs, award-winning local artisan Sussex brandies, Grape vodka and Boosy Barista Coffee Liqueur.

Did you know?

They’re a family business!

For anyone that wants to explore family creation, the Agora is a leader in inclusive care, conceiving a future filled with possibility.

We offer…

• Donor Sperm Treatment • Fertility & Menopause in the Workplace • Fertility MOT’s • IVF • Egg Freezing • Surrogacy

Clinics in Brighton, Eastbourne and Worthing admin@agoraclinic.co.uk 01273 229410 AGORACLINIC.CO.UK www.sussexbusinessgroup.co.uk 55

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BOOK TICKETS HERE

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