Sussex Business Times Issue 377

SBT SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

PLUS

Finance: The Budget Page 21

Eastbourne in Focus Page 29

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne Review Page 42

Eastbourne Tennis Page 44

Refreshing your space Cover Story: The power of design: RAP Interiors transforms office spaces to boost productivity

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SBT Welcome MEET THE TEAM

Lee Mansfield, Managing Director/ Publisher

Zoe Thomas, Editorial

Graham Carn, Financial Editor

Samantha Ash, Business Development Manager

Lottie Dowdeswell, Sales

Simon Skinner, Motoring Correspondent

Harriet Weston, Production Manager

Tim Cobb, Editorial Consultant

Welcome to the special Eastbourne edition of SBT, where we meet the businesses making it big on the Sunshine Coast.

Behind its grand Victorian façade, Eastbourne pulses with life, culture and opportunities for keeneyed entrepreneurs. It may have a reputation as a paradise for retired holidaymakers, but this pretty seaside town has so much more to offer than fish ‘n’ chips on the beach (although this is certainly a bonus). With the up-and-coming media hub of Brighton just a stone’s throw away to the West, London on a direct train line to the north, and Gatwick Aiport just 30 minutes away, Eastbourne couldn’t be better placed as a base for UK business.

In this special issue we meet a number of established companies, local organisations and growing start-ups all thriving here, including ergonomic office innovators Posturite, rural estate agents Hopkins & Partners and up-and-coming publishers On Par. Our cover star this month – RAP Office Contracts, has recently opened an office in nearby Brighton and we take a closer look at their business and the importance of aesthetics in the office. We are also debuting our first Chamber News installment, which this month features ACES giving a round-up of local news and key plans for the future.

With summer well and truly on the way and Eastbourne already looking like something from a holiday brochure, there is no better time to get down here and find out more about the business opportunities that await…and maybe grab some fish ‘n’ chips while you’re at it.

Zoe Thomas Editor

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Contents SBT Issue 377

SBT

ISSUE 377 FREE

SUSSEX BUSINESS TIMES

PLUS

FInancE: ThE BUdgET PagE 21

EaSTBoURnE In FocUS PagE 29

ThE gRand hoTEL, EaSTBoURnE REvIEw PagE 42

EaSTBoURnE TEnnIS PagE 44

REFREShIng yoUR SPacE cover Story: The power of design: RaP Interiors transforms office spaces to boost productivity

RAP Office Contracts www.rapofficecontracts.com

Sussex Business Times Managing Director/Publisher: Lee Mansfield lee@lifemediagroup.co.uk Commercial Director: Simon Skinner simon@lifemediagroup.co.uk Operations Director: Clare Fermor clare@lifemediagroup.co.uk Sales: Lottie Dowdeswell lottie@sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk Editorial: Zoe Thomas laura@lifemediagroup.co.uk Financial Editor: Graham Carn blackstones@btinternet.com Design: Harriet Weston harriet@lifemediagroup.co.uk Subscriptions: Linda Grace linda@lifemediagroup.co.uk Accounts: Amelia Wellings amelia@lifemediagroup.co.uk Published by LMG SE LTD Park View House 19 The Avenue, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3YD 01323 411 601 Printed by Gemini Press, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6NZ 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 Life Media Group 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 Life Media Group LTD 2014 ©

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Welcome

Roll up roll up for another great issue of SBT – your essential guide to business brilliance in Sussex

Spending It! Get the look while travelling with these luggage solutions

Company Profile RAP Office Contracts exceed expectations and through strong teamwork they are a reliable and honest company

Finance Graham Carn, SBT’s Finacial Editor takes a closer look at the budget and what it means for your business

Eastbourne Business Boom We outline some of the business initiatives putting Eastbourne firmly on the map as a regional centre for commerce and retail

Terre Blanche Review Take care of business while Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort takes care of you

Tried and Tested in Eastbourne SBT reviews The Grand Hotel and Bill’s Restaurant, both in sunny Eastbourne

Eastbourne Tennis Tennis puts Eastbourne in the World’s Spotlight

Chamber News This month, we focus on the Alliance Chambers of East Sussex (ACES) to find out about their recent activities

Motoring SBT’s Simon Skinner test out the Range Rover Evoque

Q&As Check a Professional, PAV IT and Brierley & Co gives readers their professional advice

Made In Susex This issue’s homegrown heroes are Serena May from HR Dept

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SBTNews Gold for Safety in Eastbourne For the fifth year running, Eastbourne-based roofing company Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd has won the prestigious Gold Safety Award from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.

Despite the NFRC’s extremely strict assessment criteria, Clarke Roofing has excelled in all health and safety categories.

Owner Frank Clarke said: “As a company we take Health & Safety very seriously and have worked hard to create a culture of safety within the business. We have one of the best Health & Safety records for a roofing company in the country and I’d like to congratulate the team for all their hard work!”

Thousands off Benefits and in Business Thousands of unemployed people across the South East have set up small businesses with support from the Government-funded New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), enabling them to come off benefits and be their own boss.

The NEA was first launched in 2011 as part of the Government’s longterm economic plan to back small businesses and help people into work.

Since then, it has helped to create 900 new businesses across Surrey and Sussex, 920 in Kent and 210 in Brighton.

In the UK as a whole, it has created 40,240 new businesses and helped an average of 2,000 people a month swap benefits for self-employment.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “My message is simple: if you have drive, determination and are prepared to work hard, we will back you.”

Matt Turner, Director of Sussexbased start-up firm Creative Pod said: “I am delighted with the New Enterprise Scheme and believe it is helping many young entrepreneurs get up and running in business. I feel it is important that we encourage the talent of tomorrow to better themselves and the people around them through innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship. This can only be good for our economy.”

Find out more at www.gov.uk/newenterprise-allowance

Startup Competition Victory for Brighton Innovators Brighton-based mobile retail innovators TagPoints has won the Silicon Beach Startup Competition.

The competition final, held in Brighton on Tuesday 22 April, saw TagPoints’ Director Jess Stephens give an impressively polished presentation that wowed the judging panel and led to the company’s win.

Ms Stephens made it through two rounds of judging before the final, in which her confident handling of the judge’s questions tipped the scale in TagPoint’s favour.

The judging panel comprised of local business leaders Darren Fell (from Crunch), Caraline Brown (Midnight PR), Lisa Reynolds (Let Me Do That For You), and Mike Herd (Sussex Innovation Centre). The said they were: “Blown away by the capability of [TagPoints] and how fast it could scale.”

TagPoints is a mobile loyalty scheme allowing shopping centres and stores to

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target customers through their phones using the innovative Beacon technology.

The project has already been launched in the Swan Centre in Eastleigh but the company has plans to expand to a further 11 shopping centres across the UK in 2014.

Ms Stephens said her team is ‘over the moon’ about winning the Silicon Beach Startup Competition and that the prize will be: “Very useful for us at this time of rapid growth.”

The prize in question is a selection of services from Silicon Beach Training, Crunch Accounting, Midnight PR and Clear Business Development, all designed to drive TragPoints forward.

Runners up included Localfunded and Precision Paraplanning, both of which gave strong presentations but were unable to match the ‘exciting opportunities’ presented by TagPoints.

The Silicon Beach Start-up Competition is the initiative of Silicon Beach Training

which offers quality, cost effective training to industry and individuals.

Its training courses allow beginners and professionals to expand their IT, business and management skills through hands-on, interactive classroom-based workshops.

SBTNews HSBC Boosts Business in Sussex HSBC is making £200 million worth of start-up loans available to SMEs in Sussex.

The move reflects growing confidence not just in Sussex but all over Britain. At the end of April the bank released a report showing that economic performance in the UK is out performing the Eurozone, and that a strong recovery could be on the cards for the next two years.

Nikki Wile, HSBC commercial director for Sussex, said: “Business confidence in Brighton has returned,

and there is a huge buzz across city and surrounding area at the moment.

Businesses are investing for growth, which is reflected in the uplift in support we’re providing to SMEs across all sectors. Over the past couple of years, businesses have been cautious and there is still a perception that the support isn’t there, or the time isn’t right. The opposite is true, particularly with trade volumes expected to grow and the domestic market doing well.”

High Hopes for New Gatwick Runway The West Sussex airport has enjoyed a record year of growth since March 2013, fuelling its campaign to build a second runway.

More than 2.7 million passangers passed through its doors last month alone, thanks to new routes to business destinations such as Moscow, Stockholm and Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines has seen a 45% rise in the number of passengers flying from Gatwick in the last year, while Norwegian Air Shuttle saw a massive 65% rise.

As many as 46 of Europe’s top 50 business destinations are now served by low cost line easyJet, which flies directly from Gatwick.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s chief executive, said the airport’s recordbreaking performance over the past year

supports its case for a second runway.

He said: “This has been a successful and exciting year for Gatwick that has seen steady growth, the completion of spending over £1billion on improving the passenger experience and offering new routes that satisfy the demands of business and leisure travellers.”

The Airports Commission will deliver its verdict after the General Election next year.

New CEO at Sussex Enterprise Sussex Enterprise, the accredited Chamber of Commerce for Sussex, has appointed a new CEO to focus on higher productivity and greater profit generation.

“Ana is an inspirational leader who has substantial business experience in both the UK and internationally and we are delighted to confirm her appointment”, said Nick Handley, Chairman of Sussex Enterprise.

Ana, who now lives in Haywards Heath, started her career in aviation and moved on to hospitality before running the London Aquarium.

After that, she travelled to Asia and became vice president of a human resources consultancy in the Phillippines before working for the British Deputy High Commission in Chennal. On her return to Britain, Ana worked in West Sussex for a major supplier to the health sector. She is now delighted to be taking on the role of CEO at Sussex Enterprise.

“I am really excited about my new role and looking forward to working with individuals and organisations for the benefit of Sussex Enterprise member businesses as well as the wider Sussex economy”, she said.

Sussex Companies Go Global Two companies based in West Sussex have made it onto a list of the Central South region’s top 20 companies growing internationally.

Greetings card company Carte Blanche Group Limited in Chichester and food production company Barfoot Holdings Limited in Bognor Regis have both made it onto the list produced by BDO LLP. The list has been compiled as part of Central South Mid-Market study to coincide with the government’s drive to back international ambitions of

medium-sized businesses through UKTI trade advice and an intensive support programme.

‘Mid-Market’ businesses are privately owned companies with turnovers between £10m and £300m and, according to BDO, they represent 9% of the region’s companies and employ 45% of the workforce.

Arbinder Chatwal, director at BDO in Southampton and head of the firm’s India Advisory Services, said: “The companies we have identified are trailblazing for other

MSBs who need help to understand their potential for international success. Doing business in international markets is no longer confined to the region’s biggest businesses.”

To find out more about BDO’s Central South Mid Market campaign, contact Cheryl Martin at BDO’s Southampton office on 02380 881 700 or via email Cheryl.martin@bdo.co.uk

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From Concept to Completion

The power of design: RAP Interiors transforms office spaces to boost productivity

Profile

Interior design can shape the way we live our lives – from the way we utilise and navigate spaces, to the emotions and

facilitate good morale, it is important to make the working environment not just comfortable and functional, but also attractive, inspirational and reflective of the company’s core values.

continues to rapidly grow and has since added offices in London and Brighton to their headquarters in Kent.

RAP’s Philosophy RAP works around a core of moral values in order to achieve the best for their clients. These ideas we associate with including honesty, respect, certain materials, colours “By understanding the client’s own communication, health and and textures. Office business aspirations, the team aims safety, and environmental environments in particular care. By upholding these have the power to change to bring these unique visions to life values, the team hopes to the dynamic and level of through tangible, buildable designs” build a solid relationship with productivity within a team all clients from the ideas stage of people. This is why RAP right up to completion.

Interiors, based in London, Clear communication is Brighton and Kent, place RAP’s History an essential part of RAP’s philosophy. the clients’ own ideas, personalities and RAP started out in 1988 as a family By providing one-to-once consultancy, requirements at the centre of everything business called RAP Office Contracts they aim to get to know their clients’ they do. but reformed recently as RAP Interiors aspirations, identities and tastes to Astonishingly, we spend on average after repeated requests from clients to minimise complications during each of 32% of our waking lives at work. For add interior design to their furniture and project’s completion and ensure the end desk workers, that’s the equivalent of fit-out services. Now, with over 20 years product is exactly what the client wants.

86,480 hours spent at the office. To experience in the sector, the company This is important, as personalisation foster productivity, inspire creativity and

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Company Profile

lies at the heart of every design.

By understanding the client’s own business aspirations, the team aims to bring these unique visions to life through tangible, buildable designs that last.

As with any creative project, people can have differing ideas in their heads about what they want. RAP’s innovative 3D CAD presentations avoid this problem by enabling clients to virtually ‘walk through’ their future design, giving them a chance to make alterations before they are physically put in place. In addition, 2D space planning, mood boards and fabric and colour samples are all used to inspire clients and help them make good decisions.

RAP’s Services As well as creating office spaces people enjoy working in, RAP also develops schools, care homes and healthcare environments. These projects all provide their own unique challenges, which RAP takes care to overcome in respectful and creative ways. For instance, some clients require sensory environments, extra safety measures and other specialist spaces designed to facilitate care, rehabilitation and learning.

RAP also offers individual products, such as office furniture, flooring, partitions, movable walls, air conditioning, commercial electrics and PC solutions – as well as services such as electrical testing, data cable installations and project management.

For any office refurbishments, designs, or installations, RAP will find a bespoke solution for you.

RAP’s Corporate Responsibility RAP consider it important to give back to the community. This is why they regularly support other organisations that benefit others. Just some of the causes they support include CXK charity, which supports children and young adults to build skills, confidence and aspirations, and Computers 4 Africa, which encourages businesses to donate old computers to schools and colleges in Africa.

To find out more about the products and services offered by RAP Interiors, please visit their website at www.rapofficecontracts.com

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Meet the Team at RAP Office Contracts

Amanda Carter Business Development Manager amanda@rapinteriors.com

Carolyne Attridge Business Development Manager carolyne@rapinteriors.com

Craig Carter Project Manager craig@rapinteriors.com

Geoff Taylor Estimator geoff@rapinteriors.com

Matt Nott Furniture Manager matthewn@rapoffice contracts.com

Hannah Bain Accounts Manager hannah@rapinteriors.com

Emily Lamb PR, Marketing & Design emily@rapoffice contracts.com

Scott Howard Designer scott@rapoffice contracts.com

Gavin Cons Estimator gavin@rapoffice contracts.com

Scott Lagden Project Manager scott.lagden@rapoffice contracts.com

Rick Anderson Managing Director rick@rapinteriors.com

Julie Anderson Director Julie@rapoffice contracts.com

Nikki Ashenden Bamrah Office Manager nikki@rapinteriors.com

Eddie Borner Site Manager eddie@rapoffice contracts.com

Tom Lord Site Assistant / Labourer refurb@rapoffice contracts.com

Steve Tew Driver and Warehouse Manager refurb@rapoffice contracts.com

Sam Ripley Assistant Project Managerr sam@rapoffice contracts.com

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Untitle

6 & 7, Orchard Industrial Estate Christen Way, Maidstone Kent, ME15 9YE refurb@rapinteriors.com

0333 600 1234

www.rapinteriors.com

Moore House - Brighton

Commercial Services - Kent

“Our office move was a very important occasion in the Company’s history and RAP have created an amazing space with a vibrant, fresh atmosphere. The change internally has been emphatic already!!”

“We have been very impressed with the attention to detail from the team at RAP. You all have exceeded our expectations as a contractor and added value to the project before its even began.”

Alex Sinclair - Director Globetec

Facilities - Commercial Services

Whilst the workplace should reflect the brand of the company, it is imperative that it provides an environment where employees want to come and work, and be highly productive, and stay healthy.

RAP Interiors understands your business and undertaking creative space planning, we make the workplace environment better, increase productivity and maximise your businesses results.

Generating inspiration through workspace design positively influences the performance of the people.

For 25 years we have strived for perfection in all aspects of our project management and we continue to deliver on time.

Contact us to discuss your Commercial refurbishment and we will be delighted to offer advice, our experience and cost saving ideas which will ensure your budget is maximised.

www.officedesignbrighton.com www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

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In the Spotlight

The Big Interview SBT speaks to Dev Biswal, owner of the Ambrette chain of restaurants in Sussex and Kent, about his campaigns for fairer business You’re taking a really active stance on some issues Insight facing the business community. What’s made you take a stand against tax cheats in particular?

I have just returned from a visit to my native India and was devastated by how the country’s infrastructure has been allowed to crumble in recent years. Widespread tax evasion and corruption by the wealthy elite, who feel no moral obligation to make a contribution to society, means there’s no money to repair the roads. As a result over 150,000 people died in road traffic accidents in the past years. We must not allow that attitude to take hold in this country, yet I feel that’s the direction we are headed in.

This is a subject I feel passionately about. The mark of a civilization is one that taxes those that are better off, for the benefit of all. Schools, hospitals, pensions, roads, sea defenses and the like all need to be paid for through taxation.

Personally, I think the taxman should send mystery dinners into restaurants to pay for meals with cash, then ask for restaurants to account for the payment at regular VAT inspections. Honest, decent law abiding business people have nothing to fear.

The owner of the Giggling Squid chain of Thai restaurants, which has 4 restaurants in Sussex shares my belief that tax evasion is endemic. When he came out in support of my statement, he had the windows smashed of his Brighton restaurant.

I urge customers not to pay in cash and for people to support the cause and sign this petition: http://epetitions. direct.gov.uk/petitions/61619 You’ve also spoken out about the need to pay above minimum wage.

Can you explain your stance here?

Paying better wages for the low paid working in restaurants, pubs, hotels

and cafes would benefit both the catering sector and the wider economy as a whole. The short-term pain felt by restaurants’ rising wage bills, would be quickly offset by increased takings – especially if offset by a cut in employers’ national insurance contributions.

Paying a living wage would put more money in the hands of kitchen and waiting staff – which would be spent on the high street, boosting company profits and restoring the balance sheets in the beleaguered banking sector.

Someone working full-time on minimum wage, supporting a child and partner is typically entitled to benefits of around £1500 a month. This means the government is subsidising exploitative employers, many of whom are national and multi national concerns, which make hundreds of millions in profits and pay enormous boardroom salaries and bonuses.

We seem to have a mentality in this country where the wealthiest people need generous tax breaks and enormous bonuses, whilst those at the bottom of the heap need to have their living standards cut But economic history shows that businesses do better when ordinary people have a rise in living standard, not the other way round. Money does not “trickle down” for the rich to the poor. It cascades up.

Do you think these issues are particular to the restaurant trade?

Are they a particular problem for Sussex?

The issues apply to all sectors which has a model based on low paid - retail for example. But the catering sector has more than it’s fair share.

Sussex is an expense place to live and work. People need to earn a living wage.

Why do you think it’s important for business owners to speak out?

It’s very hard for the the poor to make their voice heard or to be taken

seriously. Business leaders have a moral duty to speak out. The recent report by the Equality Trust think tank published The Observer showed that the enormous differential between rich and poor, costs the country. £39bn a year calculated by the burden of lower lief expectancy, chronic health issues and high crime rates.

New jobs being created do not pay a decent wage. We need to create entry level jobs that go somewhere. These days it’s like getting in at the bottom floor of a bungalow.

The Ambrette was named the best Indian restaurant in Britain. How does that feel?

It’s a wonderful feeling and I’m very proud of the work of the whole team in achieving such an accolade. We won several major awards last year. The loyalty and support of of customers, who nominate us more many of these awards is key. It’s great reward for following one’s instincts, daring to be different and serve modern, healthy, authentic “curry-free” dishes using quality, locally produced ingredients.

What are your ambitions for the coming year?

I will open two new restaurants in the coming months. I’m also planning a centralised kitchen for menu development, preparation of marinades and sauces and staff training which should allow us to maintain uniform high standards as we expand. That should be a platform for further openings. I’m keen to open in Brighton.

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In the Spotlight

Out of the Office and onto the Water Dinghy sailing helps keep your body fit and your mind clear – making it an ideal sport for business professionals looking to escape the stresses and pressures of a busy lifestyle

In Sussex the sea is never too far away and for those who live Insight and work here, joining a sailing club is one of the safest ways to make the most of our relatively clean and calm waters.

Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club is a friendly member-run club located on a particularly sheltered part of the town’s award-winning seafront.

SBT recently visited the club to meet Commodore Graham Tomlin and Communications Manager Mark Fryer.

“The beauty of sailing on the sea is the open space,” Graham told us. It’s the biggest playing field anybody’s going to find. There’s 64 miles to France – heaven forbid if you get that far. And the great thing is, anyone can sail. It’s no more expensive than other sports. We have a facility where members can hire club boats for a nominal sum to cover the cost. The club is run on a voluntary basis, so everything we get goes towards building up the club.”

All members get full access to the clubhouse facilities, including a wellstocked bar selling low-cost drinks and a galley offering an excellent selection of snacks and hot meals every Wednesday evening in the summer, and every Sunday lunchtime throughout the whole sailing season. The large terrace at the front of the clubhouse offers an ideal place to watch the races on warm days, or simply to sit and enjoy food, drinks and good company beneath the sun.

“It’s a very flexible sport,” Graham said. “You can come down and then not appear again for two or three weeks.”

This makes it an ideal hobby for professionals and business owners who work long and unpredictable hours.

Mark added that a large number of club members run their own businesses: “We have landscape gardeners, electricians, plumbers and upholsterers. I had some work done on my garden for example and

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I asked someone here to do it for us.”

“I had some double glazing I needed done, so it’s all within the group. You look to people you know first. It’s good for networking,” Graham added.

As well as sailing, the club also hosts regular social events, from BBQs on the terrace to pub quizzes ‘with a difference’ – all offering a good opportunity to network, meet likeminded people and make new friends.

“The social side of the club is very strong,” said Mark. “If you come down here on a Wednesday evening there will be lots of people out on the water but just as many in the club house having a bite to eat, having a drink or whatever.”

For members here, the social side is the ‘glue’ that holds the club together.

This helps to build a stronger sense of community vital for keeping the club running. Graham explained that no one is paid but everyone is obliged to help out occasionally (about four times a year) – whether out on the motorboat acting as safety cover, or upstairs managing a race.

“You get more from the club that way too. You’re contributing to something and you’re learning all aspects of sailing,” Mark added.

One of the greatest appeals of sailing is that the whole experience is completely immersive, from the time spent rigging up the boat, to the moment you’re out on the water hurtling along in a strong gust.

“What I hook into is you have to concentrate,” Graham said. “By

concentrating, all of your problems, work issues, personal, whatever, are forgotten – because you’re concentrating on one subject, and you’re trying to do it properly. It’s very, very therapeutic.”

During the height of summer the clubhouse is usually a hive of activity.

Doors are opened up to family and friends during the annual Sail Week, organised to coincide with Eastbourne’s famous four-day air show, Airbourne, where sailors get a VIP view of the planes from the sea.

“What happens there is members decide that they’re going to have a week off and instead of going to the Algarve, or St Lucia, they spend a week on Eastbourne beach, around the beach and in the water – playing games and sailing.

It’s great fun,” Graham explained.

The club has a very good reputation and often hosts national events throughout the year where champion sailors from all over the country come to compete for prestigious trophies.

To find out about sponsoring a boat with sail and mast branding at an upcoming event, please contact the clubhouse on 01323 720 715.

If you and your colleagues would like to try sailing for a day, the club is happy to organise an open day to accommodate you.

To find out more about membership options, fees and requirements, please visit web.sailing-at-eastbourne.co.uk

Make the most of the summer on the water…

Learn to sail on England’s Sunshine Coast with our full RYA training package.

Join a friendly club with great facilities and enjoy regular racing and social events including quizzes, BBQs and themed nights.

Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club

Whether you’re new to sailing, or you’re looking to get back in to the sport, come along and see how we can help!

Clubhouse tel:

01323-720 715 Website:

www.sailing-at-eastbourne.co.uk

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Money Matters

The Budget and Your Business

On the 19th March George Osborne Finance delivered his fourth budget which Insight received much positive comment and news coverage for two key, and largely surprising, moves he made to help savers and liberalise the pensions market for all those with personal or workplace pensions.

However, with focus on the business sector, here are the Chancellor’s preliminary announcements with the key measures affecting businesses, plus the reaction of the main business organisations and others – all on the timeline that they occurred.

12.34 George Osborne rises in the House of Commons to make his budget statement. The economy is recovering faster than expected but there is still more to do be done, he says. “If you are a maker, a saver or a doer, this Budget is for you.”

12:39 The state of the nation’s finances: Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) statistics show economy grew by three times as much in 2013 than previously thought, Osborne says. The OBR now expects growth in 2014 of 2.7 per cent. It also expects Britain to reach the point where the economy is larger than at its previous peak six years ago. “There is no major economy in the world growing faster than Britain today” Osborne says.

12:41 The OBR predict earnings to

Chancellor, George Osborne

grow faster than inflation this year and in every year forecast, he says. Before we came to office the deficit was 11 per cent, this year they say it will be 6.6 per cent, he says.

12:46 Growth up, deficit set to half and a £42bn reduction in the interest we will have to pay on national debt, Osborne says.

12:50 Taxes in this budget will be down, but so will spending to lock in deficit reduction he says.

12:56 Osborne will increase HMRC’s budget for tackling compliance, give it powers to collect debts from bank accounts, increase compliance checks and take action to curb misuse of Enterprise Investment Schemes and Venture Capital Trusts, among other measures to clampdown on tax avoidance.

12:58 Osborne will continue to direct

© HM Treasury, Crown Copyright 2014

George Osborne’s 2014 Budget, how it might help your business, and what has been the reaction?

fines for LIBOR rigging to military and armed forces, and will also extend it to search and rescue charities, and the Scouting movement. He will also relieve inheritance tax on those who die in service of the country.

13:03 Exports: “We need our businesses to export more build more and manufacture more,” he says. “We’re expanding the reach and support that UKTI offers British businesses” “For decades the British government has been the last port of call when we should be backing businesses that export.”

He will double lending available for export finance to £3bn and cut interest by a third. “We are backing our exporters so that wherever you are around the world you cannot fail to see ‘Made in Britain’” 13:07 Osborne will extend

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 19

© HM Treasury, Crown Copyright 2014

apprenticeship grants for small businesses to create more than 100,000 new ones. Also announces formation of new Alan Turing Institute to boost British research.

13:11 Business investment: Business rates discounts in Enterprise Zones will be extended for another three years. He will raise the rate of R&D tax credit for loss-making SMEs from 11 per cent to 14 and a half per cent.

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) will be made permanent and Osborne will introduce a social investment tax relief of 30 per cent.

The Annual Investment Allowance will be doubled to £500,000, extended until the end of 2015, so starting next month 99.8 per cent of businesses will pay no tax on investments, Osborne said.

13:15 “The fuel duty rise will not take place and it will be 20 per cent lower than it would have been under the plans of the last government” The duty on bingo will also be cut to 10 per cent.

13:16 Osborne will freeze duty on scotch, cider and cut it by 1p for beer to support pubs and manufacturers.

13:22 Income tax personal allowances will rise from £10,000 to £10,500 in 2015, and the higher rate (40p) tax threshold will also be raised. “I can also confirm today that the higher rate threshold will rise for the first time this Parliament, from £41,450 to £41,865 next month, and then by a further 1 per cent to £42,285 next year.”

20 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

13.34 The Chancellor resumes his seat.

Summary of Key new announcements for business: • The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme will be made permanent • The Annual Investment Allowance will be doubled and extended until 2015.

• Export finance available through UK Export Finance will be doubled and UK Trade & investment will be given more resources.

• An increase in the value of R&D tax credits for loss-making SMEs. • A freeze in fuel duty.

• A “£7bn package” to cut energy bills for manufacturers.

• Osborne also confirmed that he would extend business rates relief and cut corporation tax to 20p.

Reaction: 13:29 Alistair Bingle, MD at Bishop’s Move, the UK’s largest family owned removals company, has responded to the freeze in Fuel Duty.

He said: “The past 12 months has brought good news to businesses that rely on the roads on which to operate.

The chancellor would have had one eye on the 2015 election.

“By announcing that he’s committed to the fuel duty freeze past the next election then this gives industries, such as haulage, the breathing space in which to plan and grow over the next 18 months and thus, create more job

opportunities.

“However, there was an opportunity there to reduce fuel duty to further bolster the economy. With that said, this news is welcomed by our industry and, as the Help to Buy scheme supports more first time buyers onto the property ladder, we can now simply focus on getting Britain moving once more.”

13:35 Ed Miliband responds with a focus on Britain’s “falling living standards.”

13:54 On the Annual Investment Allowance extension, Vince McLoughlin, partner at tax advisers Russell New comments: “The Government needed to make it easier for small and medium sized businesses to access funding to maintain the perceived growth in the economy.

“Improvements to the Funding for Lending Scheme was required along with a commitment to a permanent increase in the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), which allows businesses to claim capital allowances on certain purchases or investments in their business.

“The temporary limit of £250,000 would have ended in December.

Without an increase, then businesses would have been rushing to maximise the opportunities to use their AIA by planning the timing of their capital expenditure across the rest of this year.”

13:59 British Chambers of Commerce director general John Longworth said: “Business wanted a Budget that was disciplined, focused, and geared toward the creation of wealth and jobs – and that’s what the Chancellor has delivered.

“With a huge confidence gap still separating employers from young jobseekers, we are very pleased to see the Chancellor heed our call to help firms take on and train tomorrow’s workforce.”

“Overcoming that confidence gap means more investment in young people, more apprenticeships, and more jobs, which are critical with more than 900,000 16 to 24 year-olds still out of work.

“Osborne’s focus on investment, exports, house-building and economic resilience passes the business test. By making a better business environment his top priority, the Chancellor has recognised that successful and confident companies are the key to transforming Britain’s growing economic

Money Matters

recovery into one that is felt in homes and on high streets.

“As with any Budget, there were some populist measures that were not at the top of business’s wish list. Luckily, these were far outweighed by considered measures to support business growth and wealth creation.”

14:03 Matt Mead at Nesta Impact investments says: “By setting the tax relief for social investment at 30% this starts to level the playing field and makes investing in social enterprises as attractive as investing in small private companies. “While it is a shame that this will initially only apply to quite small levels of investment and be restricted to certain types of organisations the government are clearly committed to changing this over the next eighteen months. More importantly, this gives a clear signal that impact investing has huge potential as a market.”

14:11 John Allan, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Today’s Budget offered a clear signal for businesses to grow through the increased investment allowance, and with a focus on manufacturing. The £7 billion package to cut manufacturing energy bills will help create jobs and strengthen this key sector.

That said all small businesses need to be bold and brave in 2014. Following today’s fall in unemployment, we know more than half of our members have aspirations to grow with many wanting to recruit and pay more too.”

On the increase in the Annual Investment Allowance he added: “This is something we called for as part of rebalancing the economy. Recent FSB research showed that only two per cent of members knew about the recent increase to £250,000 – meaning most firms hadn’t taken advantage of it. This change should encourage greater investment, and key for Government now is to increase communication about the allowance to encourage take-up.”

15:05 John Cridland, Confederation of British Industry director-general, said: “The Budget will put wind in the sails of business investment, especially for manufacturers.” “This was a make or break budget coming at a critical time

in the recovery and the Chancellor has focussed his firepower on areas that have the potential to lock in growth.”

“The CBI has pushed hard for this significant and much-needed energy package that will help keep manufacturing jobs in the UK, while underpinning vital investment in new energy.

“The doubling and extension of the Annual Investment Allowance, together with making the seed enterprise investment scheme permanent, will be a shot in the arm for many medium-sized businesses.

15:06 Phil Orford, chief exec of the Forum of Private Business, said: “The headlines for business today are on energy policies and export. There are sizeable gains for UK manufacturers here in particular over the next few

Summary: In line with his introduction “If you are a maker, a saver or a doer, this Budget is for you” George Osborne has attempted to support that statement with relevant and meaningful measures that, outside of the political arena, have clearly been well received.

As SME’s - the ‘makers’ and the ‘doers’ – there are now increasing opportunities and financial incentives than they were before the budget which can help make a positive impact and strengthen the economic recovery.

Every business is different in how it goes about what it does, the people within it, and its needs and expectations for the future. The 2014 Budget does provide additional opportunities for new and existing business in various ways, and if you are involved in a business that wishes to take advantage of the changes then a conversation with your accountant, or those that can provide sound financial advice, would be a worthwhile next step. The variety of benefits focussed on in the Budget should not be considered as something only of interest to larger enterprises. They can be enjoyed by all sizes of business and knowledge of what is available to you may influence decision making processes.

Graham Carn, SBT Financial Editor Graham Carn is also the senior partner of Blackstones Consulting – any comments or questions on this article please email blackstones@ btinternet.com

“Business wanted a Budget that was disciplined, focused, and geared toward the creation of wealth and jobs – and that’s what the Chancellor has delivered” years. On export the Chancellor has thrown his weight behind getting more businesses exporting.”

“Our membership is confident about growth but much of that growth is UK based so we needed to see such a commitment, though we will continue to work with the Treasury and others to develop even healthier export subsidies for business.”

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 21

Money Matters

March’s UK Manufacturing Activity Remains Reasonably Robust with Overall demand Rising Activity in the UK’s manufacturing sector remained robust in March with overall demand on the rise and total orders improving, according to the Anna Leach, CBI Head latest CBI Industrial of Economic Analysis Trends Survey.

Overall order books improved in the three months to March, with 29 per cent of firms reporting above average improvements. Export orders and output growth have slipped however, still remained firmly above normal.

Growth is expected to continue to edge up over the next three months.

According to the CBI, 18 per cent of firms said their export order books were above average while 27 per cent reported an under achievement, giving a rounded balance of -10 per cent.

Firms also expect output to grow in the coming quarter with over a third of companies predicting an increase over the next three months.

Anna Leach, CBI head of economic analysis, said: “The picture in the manufacturing sector remains positive. Overall, demand continues to rise and output growth is robust.

“Growth in exports is crucial to rebalancing the economy and ensuring a sustainable recovery. Over the last few surveys, manufacturing export orders have underperformed relative to overall orders as the UK’s domestic recovery has caught hold more quickly than some of our key trading partners – most particularly, the Eurozone.

Welcome Fall in Inflation for SME’s as Economy Continues to Strengthen The UK’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation measure fell to a four year low of 1.7 per cent in February, aided by a fall in petrol prices, official figures have revealed. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report showed that housing and household services as well as clothing and footwear sectors contributed to the fall.

According to the ONS, diesel prices dropped by 0.8p, while smaller price rises in clothing and footwear as well as electric bills and household gas also eased the pressures on inflation. At the same time average total earnings also rose in the three months to January by 1.4 per cent compared to last year.

John Allan, the National Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “This lower interest rate marks a positive development for our members as the economy continues to grow. Small businesses are keenly aware of the importance of keeping the cost of doing business down.

“With more than four in five of FSB members relying on the road networks for their businesses, the reduction in the cost of fuel should help small firms. “FSB members are also telling us they are beginning to raise staff pay so with this lower inflation rate, workers will begin to see feel the increase of wage rises in their pockets.”

UK SMEs are not Paid for 30 per cent of their Working Time!

Small and medium businesses in the UK are not getting paid for up to a third of their time spent working, according to latest research.

The survey carried out by accounting software provider FreeAgent which revealed that for every working hour that a small business owner bills their clients for, they actually spend an additional 30 minutes doing unpaid work.

In a record of work done, a sample of SMEs recorded the time they spent on work-related projects and it was found

that for every 90 minutes spent on a job they would only invoice for one hour, resulting in an average of 30 per cent unpaid time.

Ed Molyneux, CEO and co-founder of FreeAgent, said: “Of course this isn’t necessarily time that’s being wasted - as many small businesses will either invest some of their own personal time into the projects they work on, or carry out important admin they haven’t agreed to bill their clients for - but it may mean that they aren’t working as profitably as they could be.”

Average Cost of Replacing a Member of Staff - £26,595!

Replacing members of staff in SMEs costs an average of £26,595 per employee, new research has revealed.

The report, commissioned by income protection firm Unum and carried out

by Oxford Economics, is based on the major cost implication for an SMEs replacing staff is the lost output the SME experiences during the period a new

22 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

worker takes to adjust. It is estimated that, an SME worker requires almost 6 months to reach an optimum productivity level. Peter O’Donnell, CEO of Unum said: “This report reveals a stark cost implication for small and medium-sized businesses dealing with staff turnover.

“While the logistical cost of replacing an employee will probably come as no

surprise to businesses, the financial impact of having replacement workers learn the ropes is probably a cost that businesses have not before considered. “£26,595 is a startling amount, and I would encourage SMEs to place more emphasis on retaining talent and developing good staff to reduce the cost of staff turnover.”

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Only Way is Green

SBT talks to Steve Cropper, MD of Gemini Print, the largest print business in the region, about the success of operating a print company with exceptional green credentials and the innovative ways it has achieved this Some of Gemini’s reasons for championing green include: Green Product Demand. Demand for environmentally friendly services and products among our customer -ase continues to grow. The majority of customers, irrespective of location, wish to source their supplies from companies that are environmentally friendly.

Consumer Engagement.

Community involvement is another important cornerstone at Gemini Print, and our green practices and credentials definitely enhance our public image.

Attracting Talent. Since promoting our environmentally-conscious practices in the public domain it has actually helped us attract and retain some of the best and highly skilled employees. There is also an almost tangible sense of employee satisfaction and pride in the workplace among our employees.

24 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

1. How important do you see the environment as part of your business strategy?

Green policies lie at the heart of our business. The market for environmentally friendly printing is a growing one. In fact the vast majority of the businesses we work for (our customers) operate stringent environmental policies and we are part of this.

In 1990 we adopted the butterfly as our corporate identity to highlight our unwavering commitment to protecting the environment. Since then, identifying and implementing the best green practices available has been a core ethos of all companies in Gemini Print.

The Value of Being Green is immense.

As the benefits become more apparent (and the alternatives more untenable), it has further strengthened our commitment to sustainability.

Just as natural resources are becoming scarce and costly; our customers, employees and investors are increasingly environmentally conscious.

Championing sustainability allows us to align deeply with their missions.

2. What steps have you put in place to ensure that you have as little impact on the environment as possible?

We are ISO 14001 certified, the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems – this means that any impact on the environment is kept to a minimum. We have invested millions on the latest greener printing technology - so that: • All new machines run alcohol free • We use vegetable based ink • Our printing plates are imaged without the use of any chemicals • Used printing plates are recycled • PDF proofs are used where possible to reduce carbon footprint • Used ink tins are recycled • Used solvents are disposed of by a recognised, certified company • Waste paper is recycled • Gemini Print also has dual FSC® & PEFC™ accreditation.

3. Is there more to do?

You can always do more! Our aims have shifting from a “do no harm” approach to a “do more good” approach.

There is larger scale movement underway at Gemini. Having a

Advertorial

sustainability officer is now the norm in many large companies, particularly in the US, and this is something that we are introducing. This is one person focused full-time on sustainability and green policies within the business.

We have also just developed a ‘green team’. This is to capture the collective passion and expertise of our staff.

With management support, we see a diverse green team building sustainability initiatives throughout the business based on individual, group and company capabilities and strengths.

The Green team initiative has started with three key members of staff, each from different areas of the business.

They focus on cost-effective ways to improve internal operations, from the print floor, to logistics, to our sales forces journey plans and so on. Everything is up for consideration, discussion and improvement.

Like most businesses these days we run a virtually paperless administration process. With recycling boxes in all our staffing area, we compost all our kitchen waste, lighting automatically switches off, energy efficient appliances used etc. We keep abreast of green industry news and analysis, always looking to see if we can improve our green offering or employ any further green orientated procedures and techniques.

4. Has it cost much to go green?

There’s a theory that you have to pick one: economics or environmental performance. That’s nonsense.

Innovation is the way that we have achieved both. Companies that don’t get this, really risk becoming irrelevant to the marketplace.

Yes, of course, we’ve invested millions in the very latest printing technology from litho to digital but this has immediately reduced the impact on the environment while simultaneously increased our levels of efficiency. It seriously reduces paper waste, changed the types of inks used (now all vegetable-based inks) and because this technology runs much more efficiently, it cuts down energy usage substantially. It is the older printing methods and machinery that is not so green.

In truth, Gemini’s green practices are vital to remaining competitive and we have found that our practices are contributing to increased profits.

Steve Cropper and some of the Gemini Print management team

5. Has it been difficult to maintain green standards taking into consideration the tough economic times of recent years?

No. It is part of who we are, and part of the company fabric. From sourcing suppliers to processing, to the machinery we have invested in - it has not been arduous, although it has required us to plan more carefully, invest more selectively and consider the ramifications of every process in minute details.

Spending time putting key systems and procedures in place has paid dividend.

In truth is has produced efficiencies on many levels, as well as making everyone overtly aware of raw material and energy consumption.

For more information visit: www.gemini-brighton.co.uk, www.gemini-print.co.uk www.gemini-west.co.uk and www.gemini-digitalprint.co.uk

GEMINI PRINT The origins of some companies within the Gemini Group can be traced back to the nineteenth century while in the last 40 years the group has undergone significant growth and development. The main expansion came in 1991 with the merger of Gemini Press and Blackburn Print.

The Group has an annual turnover in excess of £15m and is one of the largest and most capable print operators in the region.

Gemini Print currently consists of five printing companies employing circa 150 staff. Each print business has a key specialist focus, yet all have access to the entire portfolio of the latest and most complex printing technology within the Group.

Gemini Digital provides that very latest digital print services, while Gemini Brighton, and Gemini West (Bristol) are key providers of quality print to their local market. Gemini London is a dedicated print operation for the capital and Gemini Print is a national player, servicing large and complex jobs of any nature.

For more information visit: www.gemini-print.co.uk www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 25

Eastbourne’s Business Boom Revolution From the £85 million development of the Eastbourne Arndale Centre to a major growth in commercial space at Sovereign Harbour, it is clear to see that Eastbourne’s business sector is booming. Here we outline some of the business initiatives putting Eastbourne firmly on the map as a regional centre for commerce and retail

Focus

Eastbourne Arndale Centre extension

Plans for a ninescreen cinema and seven restaurants within the proposed extension to the Eastbourne Arndale Centre have been given the go-ahead.

The exciting new additions to the centre’s existing plans, which include around 23 new stores and extra car parking spaces, brings the total investment by owner Legal & General Property to £85 million.

Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee gave unanimous support to the application for the cinema and restaurants, and work is expected to start on site next year.

Earlier this year it was revealed that H&M will be one of the anchor stores

26 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

opening in the centre’s extension, with many more new names expected to be announced in the coming months.

Simon Russian, Head of Retail Development at Legal & General Property, welcomed the planning committee decision.

He said: “I would like to thank the committee and Cllrs Tutt and Elkin and Stephen Lloyd MP for their ongoing support and encouragement.

“The addition of a state-of-the-art multi-screen cinema and new restaurants to the extension will help to revitalise the night-time economy of Eastbourne, while the 23 large new shops will give the town one of the best shopping offers in the region.

“This is a tremendously exciting development that will attract visitors from across the south of England and act as an important catalyst for Eastbourne’s wider regeneration,” Simon added.

The first retail phase of the extension is expected to open in the autumn of 2016, with the second phase of retail and leisure to open in late 2017.

Timeline for the project:

2014:

Compulsory Purchase Orders being progressed

Mid 2015:

Work expected to start on site

Autumn 2016:

Phase One Retail to open

Late 2017:

Phase 2 Retail and Leisure to open

Eastbourne in Focus

The multi-million pound regeneration of the town centre will bring hundreds of new jobs and attract people with retail management experience from around the South East.

20,000 sqm of commercial space approved at Sovereign Harbour In addition to the extension to the Arndale Shopping Centre, the future economic development of Eastbourne received another boost in the shape of a new innovation mall planned for Sovereign Harbour and council approval for the completion of the remaining harbour development sites.

In March, the council’s planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the modern and flexible three-storey innovation mall to provide work space for start-up companies and SMEs. It is being developed by Sea Change Sussex and is expected to be completed by spring 2015.

The 25,000 sq ft mall at the corner of Pacific Drive and Pevensey Bay Road will accommodate up to 300 employees in the form of 60-70 small companies, fewer medium sized firms or one or two large occupiers. These could be start-ups, existing local firms, established companies attracted from outside the area, or a combination.

Leader of the Council, Cllr David Tutt, said: “We are fully supportive of the Innovation Mall as part of our commitment to provide more employment space and job opportunities within Sovereign Harbour through efficient and flexible work space, all part of our Core Strategy Local Plan.”

And in April, there was also unanimous approval for the application by Sovereign Harbour Ltd for the completion of the remaining harbour development sites.

The approval will take the total amount of commercial space to 20,000 square metres at Sovereign Harbour, in addition to other sites for retail, restaurants and a care home.

Outline consent was given for all sites at this stage, in line with the vision of the Sovereign Harbour SPD. Detailed applications will be submitted for each site as plans come forward.

Meanwhile, a review by Eastbourne Borough Council called the Future Model, designed to modernise how people interact with the authority, is progressing as planned.

Council customers including

“We are keen to stress that RGF grants and loans are available to companies based in East Sussex and those outside the county seeking to relocate to the area” businesses are now able to use the Internet and other self-service technologies to access a wide range of services, often out of office hours. There is also a new focus on those who wish to meet and speak directly to council staff with special teams created to meet customers in the community.

The review is the latest step in a wider plan by the council to align its key services with community and business needs.

Locate East Sussex supports Eastbourne’s growth economy Legal & General is not the only investor who sees massive potential in the town.

Locate East Sussex, the countywide business support service, is partnering East Sussex County Council in the awarding of £4m in grant and loan funding to local companies to helpcreate jobs and boost the county’s economy.

Companies planning capital expenditure projects which lead to the creation or retention of jobs in East Sussex can apply for the latest RGF funding.

Manufacturing, engineering, scientific, bio-chemical, ICT and Research & Development companies are particularly encouraged to apply.

Philip Johnson, Director of Locate East Sussex, said: “As the County Council’s key partner, we are committed to attracting more inward investment to East Sussex from companies planning to expand their current base or relocate.

“We are keen to stress that RGF grants and loans are available to companies based in East Sussex and those outside the county seeking to relocate to the area.”

Cllr Rupert Simmons, Lead Member for the Economy, said: “East Sussex County Council is delighted to have won £4m in Round 4 RGF funding and we are committed to working with Locate East Sussex to ensure these funds make a real difference to the businesses of East Sussex that are seeking to expand and invest locally, and which are so vital to the local economy.”

Locate East Sussex, part of the Let’s Do Business Group, is funded by a partnership of the county, district and borough councils of East Sussex. Its role is to assist companies to expand

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 27

“90% of those in apprenticeships then go into employment with that employer.

There’s no other government scheme since the beginning of time that has hit that conversion rate”

locally, boost local employment through a stronger growth economy and attract new business investment to the county.

Companies wishing to apply for RGF grants should email geoffrey.mann@ locateeastsussex.org.uk or call 0844 4159255, or visit our funding page www. locateeastsussex.org.uk/funding.aspx Eastbourne success noted by David Cameron The success of Eastbourne has reached the ears and eyes of Prime Minster David Cameron.

During Prime Minister’s Questions in April, after being told of the huge success the town is having in bouncing back from the recent economic downturn, Mr Cameron welcomed the news of Eastbourne’s strong record on apprenticeships.

Stephen Lloyd asked the Prime Minister: “In the last few weeks in Eastbourne over £160 million in private investment has been announced, we’ve had 3,000 new apprentices since the general election and unemployment is over 20% down on this time last year.

In short, in Eastbourne we’re coming through tremendously successfully from the difficult economic downturn. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that where Eastbourne goes, the UK follows?”

In response the Prime Minister said: “I’m glad to hear that Eastbourne

28 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

is leading the way, particularly on apprentices. 1.6 million apprenticeships have stated under this government, our target is for 2 million, they are a major part of our economic plan.”

Social housing boost So with investment and new businesses moving into the town, it is crucial that the town’s housing infrastructure is fit for purpose. Eastbourne boasts a wide range of luxury properties in parts of the town and the outer lying villages, but it must also offer affordable housing for people moving into the housing market for the first time and for key workers in some of the lower-paid jobs within healthcare and education.

One example of finding new areas to develop is Coventry Court in Seaside, which is being demolished to make way for new homes.

The building work is part of a major housing initiative which will run over five years to develop affordable housing in the town.

Housing experts from Eastbourne Borough Council and Eastbourne Homes have teamed up to form the Housing & Economic Development Partnership (HEDP) to oversee the scheme.

Coventry Court will offer a total of 23 new homes, which will be a combination of one & two bedroom flats and two & three

bedroom houses. They will be affordable rented or shared ownership homes.

Two other sites will also be demolished in Belmore Road (Seaside) and Tenterden Close (Langney) to make way for new homes, all of which are expected to be completed by the end of next year.

A total of 34 new homes will be created across the three sites and in addition, the empty homes refurbishment scheme will add at least a further 20 homes.

Sue Parsons, Vice-Chair of Eastbourne Homes’ Board, said: “Coventry Court has been identified as a landmark site and gateway into the town and we hope that this project will be a catalyst for regenerating the whole of the Seaside area.”

Malcolm Ward, HEDP Development Manager, said: “The demolition of this building is a symbol of the start of the development of new and affordable council homes stretching over the next few years. Eastbourne is one of the fastest growing towns in the south east and I’m delighted that this project will enable us to tackle a long waiting list to meet housing needs.”

Eastbourne leads the way on apprenticeships White collar apprenticeships are finally receiving deserved recognition as a route into the workplace for many young

Eastbourne in Focus

adults. Stephen Webb, Minister of State for Pensions, and Stephen Lloyd MP visited LMDB Accountants in Eastbourne last week (7 May) to see how the accountancy firm is leading the way in successful apprenticeships with students from Sussex Downs College.

Stephen Lloyd’s advert for the apprenticeship campaign, 100 Apprentices in 100 Days, first caught Mr Diomedou’s attention. Now, Mr Diomedou’s reasons for investing in young apprentices are twofold: it’s funded, and students have a mentor outside of the company.

The liaison between the firm and Sussex Downs College makes for a stable and happy working relationship.

Apprenticeships are beneficial to the students, the college and the employer.

As a result, the local economy benefits too.

Mr Diomedou says: “Apprenticeships are a better way to recruit. One, the apprentices learn your way of working; two, you’ve mentored them, and three, anyone can write a nice CV - it’s only when you get them in that you really know their work ethic.”

Mr Lloyd says: “I’m proud to work very closely with Sussex Downs College, right from the beginning, when I launched 100 Apprentices in 100 Days. We’ve since launched 3000 apprenticeships in Eastbourne – which is more than the previous seven years put together. I think white collar apprenticeships are going to see a huge explosion in the next year.”

He added: “90% of those in apprenticeships then go into employment with that employer.

There’s no other government scheme since the beginning of time that has hit that conversion rate. Eastbourne and Sussex Downs College is leading the way. It enables others in a similar field to realise the benefits of apprentices.”

Sally Bromley, Head of Park College, whose team organises the mentors for the apprentices, comments: “Apprenticeships are increasingly a really positive choice. We’ve got more students opting to do apprenticeships because we’re offering the AAT at levels two three and four. Combined with A-Levels in subjects like Accounting and Maths, students are

choosing to do an apprenticeship and take that route into a profession.”

European connections

Rio by the Sea because of the Football World Cup being held in Brazil. The route will start at Western Lawns and finish at Princes Park.

Game, set and match Eastbourne!

A major part of Eastbourne’s vitality is its residents and the thousands of visitors from all over the UK and Europe.

The town has a vibrant community that supports numerous events during the year.

There is no better example of how the town gels together than the resurgence of the Eastbourne Sunshine Carnival, which takes place on Saturday May 31st from 4pm. More than 25,000 spectators are expected to cheer the 50 plus floats and 1,500 walkers along the seafront.

Legal & General Property, owner of the Eastbourne Arndale Centre, is the main sponsor for the second year.

Eastbourne MP Stephen Lloyd, who was responsible for bringing the carnival back to Eastbourne in 2012 after a 15-year-break, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that, once again, Legal & General Property will be our main sponsor for this year’s Carnival, a highlight in the town’s summer calendar, that promises to be bigger and better than last year.”

Pageant Master David Cooper added: “The entrants are coming thick and fast and with the funding secured, I just know it’s going to be another superb event.”

The theme for this year’s carnival is

Top-class sporting events have played a major role in boosting the town’s allimportant tourist industry. The town has welcomed international women’s tennis to its famed grass courts for nearly 40 years.

Next month (June), former Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwanska has joined the list of top players who will be batting for honours, on the grass, at the Aegon International, in Eastbourne from 14th21st June.

Radwanska who is currently ranked No.3 in the world, will join a host stars for the prestigious tournament at Devonshire Park, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this summer. The Polish player has good memories of Eastbourne, which has seen winners such as Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Virginia Wade, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters.

Speaking earlier this month, as she kicked off her grass-court season in the UK, Radwanska said: “I’m really looking forward to playing at the Aegon International in Eastbourne again this year. Winning at Devonshire Park in 2008 was a very special moment for me, so it’s fantastic to be back for the 40th anniversary of this great tournament.”

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 29

to

Body Zone

Quote SBT mag for 20% off all treatments

30 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Motoring

Let’s Meet in Provence Take care of business while Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort takes care of you

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 31

Nestled between the French Riviera and the beautiful Review Provence region of South France is Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort – a luxurious hotel, golf course and meeting point for business people across Europe.

Despite the rise of webinars, videoconferences and other online communication tools, nothing really beats meeting your business associates and colleagues face-toface. Getting together in a remote location away from the office environment encourages the flow of ideas, strengthens relationships and enables topics to be dealt with directly – without having to bounce emails around or wait for phone calls.

The environment at Terre Blanche Spa and Golf Hotel is ideal for hosting conferences that combine business with serious pleasure. Meetings and seminars can take place all over the hotel, from the sumptuous lounges and sundrenched terraces, to one of the six specialist meeting rooms equipped with broadband and other technological comforts.

Lee Mansfield, MD of Life Media Group and Publisher of SBT recently

enjoyed a four-day stay at the complex.

He said: “In terms of businesses conferences, I would say Terre Blanche would blow most people’s minds because it is just so five star.”

Set in 300 hectares of land, Terre Blanche boasts four restaurants run

by Two Michelin Star Chef Yannick Franques, two championship golf courses and a luxury spa complete with private relaxation rooms and an

said: “At Terre Blanche it’s all about the experience, and service is definitely key to that.”

All meeting rooms at Terre Blanche include full service. The Fayence Room has the greatest capacity of all the conference spaces at Terre Blanche, catering for up to 280 people for cocktails, 220 for dinner, and 60 for a boardroom set-up. For something a little more intimate, try the Montaurox Room Terrace and enjoy an evening with 50 guests surrounded by natural stonework and sculptures reminiscent of a pretty Italian courtyard.

Once business is over for the day, you can head to the spa for a refreshing swim in the stunning 20m pool, or retire to one of the hotel’s many suites and villas. You can choose the outstanding Prestige Villas, which have their own Jacuzzis and swimming pools, or you can opt for one of the smaller suites, which retain all of the style and luxury of the villas including superb room service and terraces with spectacular views of the surrounding hills.

For those who fall in love with the place, there is even a chance to purchase your own plot of land onsite and immerse yourself fully in this luxurious world. Choose from a site on Bois de Fontmerle, which is the closest to the golf courses, spa and

“We had lunch in the golf club twice and the food was just excellent. Similarly in the evening the food was just fantastic and the service was excellent”

32 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

impressive menu of treatments.

Terre Blanche is also home to the world-famous David Leadbetter Academy, where beginners, professionals and everybody in between can go to perfect their swing and learn the theories and methods developed by Leadbetter himself.

“You are chauffeured all around the estate in golf buggies so if you’re walking anywhere someone will come along and give you a lift. It’s ideal,” Lee

Kids Club; Bois Fleuri, which overlooks the stunning national forest of Bagnois en-Forêt; Bois des Rouvières located at the top of a natural belvedere; or Riou Blanc, set next to a charming wood inhabited by a large variety of bird species.

Whether you choose to visit on holiday, for business, or for a new life in Provence, Terre Blanche will deliver luxury on an immeasurable scale.

To find out more, visit http://en.terreblanche.com, or reserve a stay by calling +33 (0)4 94 39 90 00.

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A Modern Approach to Commercial Letting With over 50 years of combined experience working with clients Focus in commercial real estate, the West Sussex-bred entrepreneurs couldn’t be in a better position to start their own business. Both have reputable backgrounds in the industry, with Andrew running a real estate asset management and investment business for 12 years, and Paul working as Director of Aston Rose – the Commercial Property Consultancy the Partners would later come to buy and rebrand as Brierley & Co. Andrew told us: “We acquired the southern office business based in Worthing of Aston Rose – a commercial property consultancy headquartered in London, in March 2014 and we continue

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to operate from the same modern offices at Yeoman Gate, Worthing.

“Both Paul and I have lived in West Sussex from middle school, although we have worked in other locations. We feel that Sussex is a great environment in which to live and work and, having operated locally in the commercial property sector for many years, we’ve built great local business connections here,” he added.

Having a solid base of contacts is an invaluable asset for any start-up company, but finding a market niche is essential. For Paul and Andrew, the market conditions in West Sussex happened to be ripe for the business they had in mind.

“We have emerged from a prolonged recession and are now seeing a noticeable improvement in the commercial letting market. There is

a tangible difference in the attitude towards risk both from companies and investors when compared with this time last year,” Andrew said.

The partners timed their acquisition of the business with the market upturn in demand for commercial property, fuelled by a boost in business confidence in Sussex and the South East – as well as the wider commercial property industry, which is in turn heralding a growing industrial warehouse market recovery.

Andrew Coe said: “We’re seeing an increased confidence from a range of different sectors, in particular, logistics and distribution companies whose business comes through the internet.

“Our place in the commercial real estate market is clear to us – we have a very broad range of commercial property skills, experience and

Yeoman Gate office park

Rebranded Brierley & Coe has just launched in West Sussex with plans for an innovative and modern way to assist local businesses. Here, new owners Andrew Coe and Paul Brierley reveal their story...

knowledge which enables us to provide ‘rounded’ advice to our clients. We believe this is a unique offering.”

Since acquiring Aston Rose, Paul and Andrew have invested heavily in rebranding and innovation in the latest web, property marketing software and cloud-based IT. On April 28, Brierley & Coe was officially launched, providing a full commercial property advice service encompassing sales, leasing, acquisitions, development and property investments.

Andrew explained that their immediate aim for the business is to provide: “Clear, precise and outstanding advice to both corporate and private clients; to offer a professional, innovative and modern approach to agency services; and to expand the client base of the business considerably.”

In the future, they hope to look at adding complementary specialist real estate services to their offer, as they believe that their brand philosophy will fit well in other localities.

While Paul and Andrew bring a vast amount of industry expertise to their start-up, they admit that the road has not always been smooth: “There are many challenges to setting up a business,” said Andrew, “Including timetable, competition, finance and getting things done on time and so on. One of the challenges that all new businesses face is remaining focused on delivering your vision for the business without compromising.”

The partners have successfully combined their industry knowledge, skills and client base to establish a forward-thinking commercial lets agency.

To contact Paul or Andrew, call their Worthing office on 01903 372000, or visit them at Brierley & Co, Yeoman Gate, Yeoman Way, Worthing.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 35

“Hopkins & Partners will serve in the area of North Hailsham, which is seeing a dramatic rise in the number of building developments thanks to the council-approved Wealden Core Strategy Local Plan”

OPPSOSITE, TOP: Hopkins and Partners Ltd, Herstmonceux Branch BOTTOM LEFT: Neil Gamble, Branch Partner BOTTOM RIGHT: James Hopkins, Managing Partner

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A Place in the

Countryside Hopkins & Partners have set up shop in Herstmonceux to help buyers find their ideal homes in the East Sussex countryside

Personal service, integrity and reliability are three things James Insight Hopkins and Neil Gamble of Hopkins & Partners believe is missing from today’s sales and lettings industry. This is why they have set out with a fresh approach governed by each of these values, alongside the strict code of conduct outlined by the Office of Fair Trading and the Association of Residential Letting Agents.

The business was first started in 2005 by James Hopkins in an office in Hyde Gardens, Eastbourne and has since grown steadily into a team of six based across two offices: one prominent shop front at Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne and a new branch in Gardner Street, Herstmonceux.

The new branch is a welcome addition to the small but ever-popular village in the Wealden district of East Sussex, which currently only has one other sales and lettings agent. Hopkins & Partners will serve all areas in the parish of Herstmonceux, which includes the village of Cowbeech and a number of smaller hamlets. This area at the heart of 1066 country is peppered with an impressive number of beautiful period properties surrounded by wooded hills as well as

the luscious green fields of the Rickney marshes. Other local attractions include the stunning redbrick Herstmonceux castle, the annual Medieval festival and, for parents with young children, the Herstmonceux Church of England Primary School.

Hopkins & Partners will also serve the up-and-coming area of nearby North Hailsham, which is seeing a dramatic rise in the number of building developments thanks to the council-approved Wealden Core Strategy Local Plan.

The Local Plan will guide Hailsham’s continued development until 2027, and looks set to include new schools, workplaces and housing while at the same time preserving important landscape features. A number of large supermarket chains have already realised the retail potential of Hailsham: both Tesco and Adsa have recently opened large branches near the centre of town and an additional 5930 m² of retail space has been allocated for further development. The council is also working on ways to improve access to and the infrastructure within the town by introducing better public transport links.

All of this combines to make the Wealden area increasingly desirable for people looking for a rural property that offers all the perks of a country lifestyle, without being too far from bars, restaurants and

Building Businesses

retail areas – something that James and Neil hope to assist with.

Hopkins & Partners aims to rise above local competition by becoming an integral part of the communities they work in. One of the most unique aspects of Hopkins & Partners is its community spirit, both in terms of its links within Eastbourne itself and its efforts on social media site twitter, where their page currently has over 1,000 followers. Business owner James is a member of the Eastbourne Borough FC committee, and also the founder of ‘Borough Means Business’, the official business networking club of Eastbourne Borough. Following this sporting theme, the company recently announced that it had become an official club sponsor at Eastbourne Rugby Club for the foreseeable future. A spokesperson said: “James’s nephew plays for the youth section and the family business wants to put something back into the club.”

Alongside a strong community presence and willingness to support

local causes, the success of Hopkins & Partners can also be attributed to the skills and qualities individual members of the team bring to the business. Business owner James has lived in Eastbourne and Wealden all his life and knows the local property market inside out. In 2011, he was awarded the Young Entrepreneur of The Year 2011 by Eastbourne Business Awards for being an exceptional individual aged under 30 who has set up or developed a new business, product,

or service. Branch Partner Neil Gamble brings additional expertise to the team, having worked in property sales since 1998 for a number of well-known companies.

You can contact James or Neil at their new Wealden branch on 01323 832064 or email wealden@hopkinspartners.com.

Or, you can reach the Eastbourne branch on 01323 416123, or email eastbourne@hopkinspartners.com

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 37

Healthy Workplaces

Sitting is the New Smoking

According to Posturite CEO Ian Fletcher-Price, bad posture caused by desk-bound office work is contributing to a global scourge of health problems just as serious as the effects of smoking

Sussex innovator Posturite has been developing Insight ergonomic office furniture in the UK for the last 23 years in a bid to reduce musculoskeletal problems caused by bad posture. Now, Ian wants his company’s ‘healthy sitting’ ethos to go global and has launched into the European, American and Asian markets.

The Berwick-based entrepreneur recently took a trip to Asia, where he gave talks to businesses about how ergonomic office furniture can improve the wellbeing of workers and boost productivity in the office.

“So many people today are spending eight hours a day behind a desk on a computer, then going home and spending more time using computers, mobiles and tablets for online shopping, business and so on,” he told us in a recent interview. “Technology may be enhancing some aspects of our lives, but when you analyse the postures we adopt when using these devices, it leaves a lot to be desired.”

He explained that the prolonged use of small devices such as smartphones and tablets can increase the risk of neck and upper limb conditions due to the angle of the users’ head and hands.

“Technology has created more problems,” he continued. “People are

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doing work on a much smaller scale now, so chances are they will be in a poor posture. We’re rearing a generation of kids with text thumb. Our limbs were just not built to do that. My hope is that devices will eventually get bigger again.

It surely can’t get any worse than it already is.”

Research shows that a combination of bad sitting posture and sedentary living contributes to an increase in health conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and musculoskeletal problems including back pain. Some studies even suggest that a few hours a week in the gym or engaging in moderate activity is not enough to offset the detrimental effects of sitting behind a desk all day.

The answer, as Ian and his team of 150 staff at Posturite know, is to invest in ergonomic office equipment specifically designed to hold the body in a natural, comfortable position. Posturite supply a wide range of innovative solutions, including height adjustable desks to enable users to stand while they work, ergonomic mice to reduce hand strain, and kneeling chairs that encourage to spine to sit naturally while strengthening the back muscles.

Ian believes that finally forward-thinking businesses are cottoning on to the power of good posture. He said: “People are starting to realise that sitting all day inevitably leads to aches and pains. More

business owners understand now that they’re going to get left behind if they don’t embrace ergonomics. Some of the top modern companies in Silicon Valley employ their own in-house ergonomists to assist with the latest innovations in order to create the best environment for their employees.

“For them the driver is not regulations, it’s productivity, healthy happy workers, and a better working environment.”

Of course, not all companies have budgets to match Google, Apple or Facebook but, according to Ian: “Posturite equipment is for everyone, regardless of their budget. Good ergonomics need cost no more than standard office furniture. We supply products from £200 to £250 at the lower end.”

This increasing understanding of the need for good ergonomics in the office is reflected in Posturite’s growing success.

According to Ian, the company has grown by as much as 25% since last year, with an impressive turnover of £18 million. For a business that started out in a garden shed in Sussex, that’s not too shabby.

A whole range of ergonomic office furniture, including tablet stands, assistive technology and other work accessories can be found at www.posturite.co.uk

Ian Fletcher-Price

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 39

Success Story

Fresh Approach for

10 Years

W

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

A perfect blend of high standards, strict policy and hi-tech equipment has been the key to Fresh Cleaning’s ongoing success over the last decade. But now that the company has reached its 10th birthday, it’s time for things to step up a notch…

Like many businesses, Fresh Cleaning first came about as a Insight solution to a problem.

Napoleon famously said: ‘If you want a thing done well, do it yourself’, and that is exactly pub owner Lee Mansfield and his staff did when they realised the people hired to clean the pub were not up to scratch – they took over the cleaning themselves. Soon, the team acquired two bigger commercial cleaning contracts and, with the ball well and truly in motion, Fresh Cleaning was born.

In a recent interview, MD Lee told us: “Over the last 10 years the majority of our contracts have remained small local businesses, but in the last year we have taken the leap and introduced health and safety policy.”

Fresh Cleaning is now fully SMAS (Safety Management Advisory Services) health and safety accredited, meaning the company abides by a certain set of standards that clients can trust.

“This means we can tender for bigger jobs,” Lee continued. “We’re still in the South East but we’re serving a much wider area than East Sussex. We’re now working across Kent, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex and approaching London.”

The team currently has a core clientele of 30 clients, which include offices, building companies and language schools. Regardless of who the client is or how big or small the project may

Lee Mansfield, Managing Director (right) and Dale Stephens, Operations Director (left)

be, Lee ensures a code of practice is adhered to each time to provide the best service possible. This, he says, is the key to building an excellent reputation as the company continues to spread out across the South East.

“We stand out from competition because we pride ourselves in our service and standards. We are lucky with the support we have from our experienced staff, and we also have a strict procedure to keep customers happy. For instance, we are 100% responsive in emergencies.

Our response time is extremely quick and we can come to help at any time of the day or night.”

Another key to the business’s success, Lee told us, is its continued investment in cleaning equipment.

“We have all of the up to date equipment,” he explained. “And we ensure it’s the right kind of equipment for

the job – whether it’s to clean a carpet or buffer a floor, we believe the right tools are imperative for doing a good job.

The team has been led by Dale Stephens, who has 15 years worth of experience in the industry and now Darren Sinden has been assigned to take the business forward and drive the company towards ever bigger successes.

Lee said: “We are talking to local councils and other building companies, and with more contracts we expect to double our business in the next five years. We see big things happening for Fresh.”

It’s been a breath of fresh air in the South East for 10 years now, but the next decade could bring even greater successes for Fresh Cleaning.

The company’s new-look website is coming soon at www.fresh-clean.co.uk

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P 54-57

Profile

Fresh Cleaning Services are a Sussex based family owned commercial and domestic cleaning company. Fresh Cleaning has been established for 10 years. We pride ourselves on the personal touch to each individual client. Our staff are fully trained, achieve high standards which we except and maintain for our clients.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Office Cleaning • Stripping and resealing floors • Carpet Cleaning • Consumables provided • Free estimates and advice • Drive ways, patios and flag stone jet washed • Washroom services • Fully insured • Competitive rates • Testimonies available • Initial ‘spring clean’ to all new contracts • Visits from management to client sites • Monthly audits/reports

Fresh Cleaning Services are a Sussex based family owned commercial and For more information contact us: domestic cleaning company. Fresh Cleaning has been established for 10 years. We pride ourselves on the personal Fresh Cleaning Services LTD touch to each individual client. Our staff are fully trained, achieve Parkstandards View House which we except and maintain for our clients. high

19 The Avenue Eastbourne East Sussex Office cleaning BN21 4YD

Stripping and resealing

01323 411601

floors

Carpet cleaning d.stephens@fresh-clean.co.uk Consumables or 07976 568241 provided d.sinden@fresh-clean.co.uk Free estimates and advice or 07964338026 Drive ways, patios and

flag stone jet washed www.fresh-clean.co.uk Washroom services Fully Insured

Hydro Hote Eastbourne

The Hydro is the perfect c www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 55 41 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Competitive rates Testimonies available from long established

P 54-57 BDM SBT JAN 2013.indd 55

The Crystal 13/02/2014 12:29

On Par:

The Publishing Start-up Built on Integrity

Two friends had a childhood dream of setting up a business together – and two decades on they’re living it. Here SBT meets the young entrepreneurs hoping to make their mark in the publishing industry with creativity and an honest approach to sales

When they were children living in Seaford, best friends Profile Nick J Meldrum and Richard J Hills would sit in a car on Nick’s driveway and talk about how one day, they would start a business together and make themselves some money. Just over a year ago, they registered On Par Promotional Publishing Ltd with Companies House, and that childhood dream became a reality.

“Our previous experiences working for another local publishing company made us want to start a better business,” Richard told us as we settled down for the interview.

The pair revealed that they had both previously worked for Allen Prior, the owner of Brighton-based publishers Pinnacle Group.

“Pinnacle was our closest competitor before it went bust,” Richard continued, referring to the recent notice in the London Gazette on 8 May 2014, stating that Pinnacle Group had gone into liquidation.

“That business was based on hard sales. They were not giving people anything in return. We recognised the importance of building a relationship with clients.”

Nick knew he could do it better – all he needed was someone to do the business side of things. Having run various

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Richard Hills and Nick Meldrum

businesses since he was 16, and with the same vision and sense of integrity as his friend, Richard turned out to be the perfect man for the job.

“Our friends said we would never do it – but we’re doing it now,” Nick said, grinning.

The pair enlisted a talented graphic design team and began publishing specialist brochures for sports clubs.

They started the business from a small office on a farm, where their only

“At On Par, it’s all about relationship building – building a rapport with people”

Start-up: On Par Promotional Publishing

neighbours were livestock and the only noise came from tractors passing routinely outside. Despite their rural location, it didn’t take the bright young men long to build a steady client base of sports clubs.

“We built our businesses mainly on recommendations but we also go and talk to clubs and pitch our services,” Richard told us. “Our aim is to move away from the method we’ve seen used before. At On Par, it’s all about relationship building – building a rapport with people.”

The brochures the team produces are high quality, visually stunning and designed to give sports clubs an effective communication platform, while simultaneously providing advertisers with a well-targeted audience at which they can promote their products and services.

Today the team works from a newly renovated office in the centre of Eastbourne, with pop art prints on the wall, modern lighting and a sign in the window that reads: “Some will, some won’t, who cares, move on”.

On Par Offices

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“If we are putting our name to something, we want to make sure it is the best it can possibly be, without having to cut corners”

ABOVE: Richard Hills and Nick Meldrum OPPOSITE: Brochures created by On Par Promotional Publishing

44 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

The mantra perfectly embodies On Par’s sales philosophy. There are no hard telesales methods here – if the client on the phone isn’t interested, then the team politely moves on.

“I have never made a sales call while I’ve worked here,” Nick said. “I have rung people up and at the end of the conversation they have bought something.”

The team relies on its own genuinely good service to attract clients organically.

“Clubs use brochures as their main marketing collateral, so our services are always in demand,” Nick said. And what’s more – the brochures are completely free of charge for the sports clubs due to being fully funded by ad sales.

On Par will send a team of photographers and writers to the club to gather editorial, imagery and club information that the designers then transform into a visually stunning brochure. These are then distributed to a well-targeted audience, making the brochures ideal advertising vehicles for local businesses.

Allan Saud, Director of Playgolf World and regular client of On Par, couldn’t be happier with the team’s services. He said: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with several publishers in the past, but I must say that working with On Par in creating the marketing brochures for my golf clubs has been a refreshing experience. On

Par kept me apprised of the progress of my brochures constantly and worked very hard behind the scenes to get everything to a fantastic standard. It was important for me to make sure my brand was promoted and projected in the right way and Rick & Nick took all of this on board, liaised with me regarding style, design, content and what I was looking to achieve and the finished product is something that myself and my marketing team are very happy with. Especially as it didn’t cost me anything! We now use the brochures as our main marketing tool to send out when we get enquiries from prospective members or anyone looking for event hire. We will definitely be doing the same with On Par next year.”

Richard said – “If you have a big club and treat them well then they will continue using the services. We aim to build good, solid relationships with all our clients so they feel they can use our services time and time again.”

Nick and Richard rely on their small but talented team to keep the standards high.

“In the office we all have the same passion and we all know what we want to be,” Richard enthused. “We have a fantastic design team that works flat out without ever complaining to get these brochures done – that is such a huge asset to our company.”

The designers are flexible and creative with the ability to design from scratch, or

Start-up: On Par Promotional Publishing

even rework old adverts to bring them up-to-date and make them relevant to each specific brochure. This provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses to attribute themselves to local sports clubs and give their advert the right kind of exposure in the right market.

Currently the team produces around three brochures a month, but they aim to be producing at least six in the near future. They are also launching another company – this time a printing business, by the name of 3 Kings Media.

“In the future we want to offer design, publishing and print – a full package we can offer all in-house. We are looking to expand the office too. We want to use downstairs for print and upstairs for publishing. When the team gets even bigger, we will move to a new, bigger premises in Eastbourne.”

While it’s clear to see that these two young entrepreneurs have their sights set high, they both possess an air of restraint that beguiles their youthful charm.

“It has been a big challenge bringing our business up to this point,” Nick told us. “The biggest lesson to learn is to be offered an opportunity and to say no. It’s

about knowing how to limit ourselves and knowing what we are capable of. If we are putting our name to something, we want to make sure it is the best it can possibly be, without having to cut corners.”

Nick and Richard have forged such a successful business because they have seen first-hand how not to do things.

They have built a business based not on the ability to push sales, but on integrity, good sense and a natural charm

that will, inevitably, help them prosper in an industry that requires noble and creative leadership.

You can find out more about On Par Promotional Publishing LTD by visiting the website www.onparpp.co.uk For all your printing needs visit the site for new the print company 3 Kings Media: www.3km.co.uk

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 45

A Grand Retreat

5 star luxury that is just around the corner...

The Grand Hotel Eastbourne

Address: The Grand, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, England, BN21 4EQ Tel: 01323 412345

46 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

There’s something incredibly decadent about staying in hotels Review when you’re only a very reasonable drive from home, and so much moreso - so indulgent yet so absolutely heavenly when you’re an Eastbourne native and that hotel happens to be the sweeping Victorian work of art known as the White Palace: The Grand Hotel.

Eastbourne’s Grand suits its eponymous definition incredibly well.

Whilst many seaside towns in the UK boast a ‘Grand’ hotel, they tend to be moreso by name than by nature: pretty architecture and plush furnishings they may well have, but I’d argue that none are as truly grand as Eastbourne’s. The sheer magnificence of this epitome of luxuryon-sea is evident from the moment the hotel comes into view and is unmissable until the moment you leave, wherever you may be on the hotel premises. There are elements to the Grand Hotel that you would probably expect: tasteful updated period decor; sprawling suites, dramatic staircases and ubiquitous sea views.

There are also some pleasant surprises: a state of the art heath club and spa; not one but TWO sumptuous restaurants, and staff who unfailingly maintain the pinpoint balance of being searingly polite whilst never coming across as aloof or pretentious. This is a seaside retreat the way the upper class of centuries gone by enjoyed them, with added mod cons (the in-room Nespresso machine, for example, is much appreciated).

We dine in The Mirabelle restaurant,

where the menu is extensive, the piano music is live and the wine is expertly chosen - not by us! Our dishes, from classics like smoked salmon and caviar blinis to the Mediterranean twist of the guinea fowl with chorizo-butterbeans, are perfectly executed, delicious and not inclined to leave room for dessert, though we soldier on whilst vowing to go for a vigorous swim before breakfast.

The calorie-burning benefits of a couple of laps followed by an hour or so in the Jacuzzi and steam room are promptly rendered dubious by the vast cooked and continental breakfast buffet (with cooked to order options) but I maintain that the thought was there.

The Grand’s conferencing and business facilities are in keeping with the rest of the hotel - state of the art in facilities but with an elegant Victorian appearance where appropriate. The only 5 star hotel in Sussex to offer meeting facilities, it offers 17 fully equipped meeting rooms that are equipped to accommodate up to 350 people for talks, seminars, banqueting... you name it, The Grand’s beautiful facilities and attentive staff are at your disposal. All the ‘talking shop’ can be done tucked away within the hotel’s conference room and then its luxurious spa, guest rooms and lounges are there to reward them for a hard day’s work.

Whilst a classic afternoon tea and a stroll along the promenade may not be what we associate with business gatherings these days, I can’t think of a better way to show delegates the timeless glamour of this Victorian seaside getaway. www.grandeastbourne.com

Tried & Tested in Eastbourne

Working

Lunch

Make a lunch date at Bills in Eastbourne

Bill’s

Eastbourne

Address: 153 Terminus Road Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 3 NU Tel: 01323 739963 Email: eastbourne@bills-email.co.uk

The new Bills has just opened in Review Eastbourne, to the great delight of locals who’ve been travelling all the way to Lewes to get their regular dose of the ‘farmhouse chic’ interior and outstanding selection of all-day food.

Here, the SBT team finds out what all the fuss is about – all in a hard day’s work!

Perfect from the outside in, the stylish curved glass windows and black signage make Bills a particularly stylish choice for a lunch meeting – whether to seal a business deal, or just to catch up with friends.

The new restaurant, which used to be the not-so-glamorous Terminus pub, now has the right ambience and just the right music volume to set the mood for a productive time, whether for business, pleasure, or a good dose of both. With its quirky interior of produce on the walls, chunky jars on shelves and mismatched chairs and tables, it gives an instant relaxed and unstuffy feel – a good mix of edgy style and rustic charm.

As soon as we arrived we were welcomed to our table by friendly and – it has to be said, rather handsome staff. The menus arrived and we took to the difficult task of choosing from a large range of very tasty sounding options which, we noted, catered for most dietary tastes with everything from halloumi burgers and steaks, to light bites and pies.

I settled on the duck pie with cheddar mash and red cabbage on the side.

When it came – promptly (always good if you’re taking a lunch break from work), the taste was phenomenal, with the duck seasoned perfectly and the cabbage still crisp, complementing the creamy cheddar mash beautifully.

One of my companions opted for the cheeseburger with skinny fries on the side and she assured me that this too was delicious, with good quality meat and lots of salad. The other went for the healthy option with the avocado and bacon salad, with was lightly drizzled with a sweet dressing and peppered liberally with croutons, crispy bacon, creamy avocado and grated pecorino cheese, giving the dish plenty of flavour and substance.

To finish I had lemon meringue cheesecake, while the others opted for mini doughnuts and hot chocolate sauce dusted with cinnamon – totally heavenly. The lemon meringue cheesecake came in a large glass with a golden top. The tang of lemon ice cream, followed by creamy cheesecake and citrus-edged biscuit cut through the blissfully sweet, airy topping perfectly, creating a fusion of flavours that weren’t too sharp or too sweet.

Throughout our meal the waiter attending us was polite and attentive – never leaving us waiting too long for our food. All in all, we agreed that Bills lives up to the hype, and we’d certainly recommend it for a lunch date. www.bills-website.co.uk/ restaurants/eastbourne

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Tennis Puts Eastbourne in the World’s Spotlight Will your business make the most of this year’s 40th AEGON International tennis championships?

Millions of tennis fans from all over the world are preparing Insight to descend on the Victorian seaside town of Eastbourne next month. Visitors, coaches and international tennis stars will be here for one week starting Saturday 14 June, giving local businesses an ideal chance to entice this influx of potential customers in.

We recently asked Gavin Fletcher, Tournament Director for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA – a key partner for tennis in Eastbourne) how local businesses could benefit from the upcoming tournament. He said: “We are asking local businesses to enter into the spirit of things. They have got to make sure they are welcoming and engage with visitors, perhaps with a tennis theme in a shop window, or any other creative incentives that link in with the tennis theme.”

Eastbourne Tennis Facts

Did you know…

• Over 5,520 tennis balls are used throughout the tournament.

• More than 4,100 litres of water is consumed by the players.

• 1,888kgs of strawberries are eaten by spectators, topped with a beltbusting 518 litres of cream.

48 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Last year visitor spending in Eastbourne exceeded £9 million, much of which was spent with local suppliers. Local hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses were also packed with visitors, 44% of whom stayed overnight for an average of five days.

Four-star family-run bed and breakfast The Sheldon is just a stone’s throw away from Devonshire Park Lawns.

Owner Judith Brown told us: “The tennis certainly benefits us – we are virtually full throughout the tournament and have regulars who book a year in advance. Some even stay in the same room every year!”

As well as attracting regular visitors year on year, the tennis also draws in plenty of new visitors. Official statistics show that of all the spectators, 6% have never visited the town before. This gives businesses around Eastbourne the perfect chance to promote their products or services to a much wider audience – many of whom may choose to return in the future.

Of course, where international sports stars go, international media soon follows and this year’s tournament will be no exception, with a number of TV channels and publications putting Eastbourne well and truly in the world’s spotlight. Last year the BBC broadcasted extensive coverage on the tournament, with additional highlights promoting some of Eastbourne’s best features, including the famous Victorian promenade and the nearby Downs.

It was recently announced that

Devonshire Park Lawn will continue to host the AEGON International until 2015, which was of course welcome news for the Carolyn Heaps, Councillor for Eastbourne Borough Council’s Tourism & Leisure department. She said: “It is fantastic news to see world class women’s tennis continue in Eastbourne in what will be the tournament’s 40th year.

Devonshire Park has played a key role in the history of women’s tennis, creating many champions, and we are delighted to continue this partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association. Increasing the draw adds such a strong appeal to the event, for both top players and spectators, and we look forward to this exciting new dimension to the tournament from 2015.”

Eastbourne Tennis

Latest Tournament News Former Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwanska has joined the list of star players heading to Eastbourne this June. Polish-born Ms Radwanska is currently ranked 3rd top player in the world and will be looking for a strong performance at the Aegon International to kick off her grass-

court season in the UK. In a recent statement Radwanska said: “I’m really looking forward to playing at the Aegon International in Eastbourne again this year. Winning at Devonshire Park in 2008 was a very special moment for me, so it’s fantastic to be back for the 40th anniversary of this great tournament.”

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 49

Making Eco Businesses Work & Switching to Electric Vehicles A powerful speaker line up offering practical expertise on how to make, develop and grow eco-technology businesses has been unveiled by the Eco Technology Show, returning to the Brighton Centre on 26-27 June Eco technology has now moved into mainstream business and in response to this, the Eco Technology Show will provide not just the latest ideas but how to turn these innovations into profitable, sustainable businesses.

An extensive conference programme of over 60 seminars will give a 360 degree look at the business of eco technology from the funding schemes available, how to develop routes to market and exporting your business once it’s established.

Key speakers include Stephen Goulding from UKTI who will explain the export opportunities and support available and Mark Bornhoft from Carbon Limiting Technologies and Mark Pitts from the Technology Strategy Board who will showcase UK and European funding schemes. Jane Ollis from Business Support Kent will discuss opportunities for raising funding and developing routes to market for high growth innovative companies.

Nicola Gunstone, Commercial Manager at The Eco Technology Show explains: “We’ve designed our seminars to give visitors the most relevant, highquality up to the minute information possible to enable them to create and

develop profitable eco businesses.”

In addition to receiving expert advice on how to make a business from eco technology, visitors to the Eco Technology Show will also be treated to the UK’s first look at three new electric cars.

The respected clean technology market analysts Navigant Research has predicted that global sales of plugin electric vehicles will grow by 86% in 2014, bringing the total of plug-in electric vehicle stock on the world’s roads to more than 700,000 by the end of 2014.

Although Britain lags behind the leaders, Japan and the USA, our EV market is growing. During 2013, a total of 3,584 plug-in electric cars were registered in the UK and research conducted by the retailer IKEA revealed that one in six of us would be encouraged to switch to an electric car if more charging points were available across the UK. The market is poised for takeoff and, as the network of charging points and options grows, the electric vehicles are becoming part of any business’ green agenda.

It is no surprise, therefore, that the electric vehicle section of the third Eco

Technology Show in Brighton this June features many of the latest vehicles.

Fleetdrive Electric, the UK’s leading specialist provider of low emission business vehicles, will be explaining the logistics of going electric and showcasing the Tesla Model S, the world’s first EV car to get 300 miles from one charge. Chandlers BMW will be showing off their latest ultra-efficient hybrid vehicles, including the i3 and, new for 2014, the i8 which will be seen for the first time at the Show. Mitsubishi will be exhibiting the world’s first plug in SUV; the Outlander PHEV. Cenex, the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technology, will display one of their branded SMART Cars and visitors will see how eco-transport is now a practical choice for smaller businesses and private users.

Show visitors will also be able to test drive a range of low emission cars and electric bikes along Brighton’s seafront.

The Eco Technology Show will be open from 9.30am-5pm on Thursday 26 June and 9.30am-4.30pm on Friday 27 June. Registration is free. Further information can be found on the website www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk.

50 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 01273 957 726 / info@ecotechnologyshow.co.uk / www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk

Eco Technology Show:

Highlights The Eco Technology Show will bring the latest ideas in low carbon innovation to Sussex business’ doorstep at the Brighton Centre this month, 26-27 June.

Now in its third year, the show, which is completely free to attend, has firmly established Sussex on the eco-tech map with its practical approach to cutting business costs and delivering genuine and ongoing benefits to communities, businesses, and cities.

A key highlight of the Show this year will be the transport zone, showcasing the latest electric and low-emission vehicles. Headliners include BMW’s electric i3 and the UK’s first glimpse of the i8 hybrid supercar, Mitsubishi’s Outlander - the world’s first plug-in SUV as well as the ground-breaking Tesla Model S and a range of electric bikes.

Visitors will be able to test-drive some of these vehicles along Brighton seafront, while learning about sustainable fleet solutions in seminars and networking events, and find out how easy it now is to start to go electric with their business fleet.

The emphasis of the show is on practical thinking, not pipe dreams.

“Every visitor will come away armed with fresh ideas on how to install and use the latest energy saving technology, and make the best use of the government incentives that are available,” said Nicola Gunstone, the driving force behind the Show.

Business owners and managers will be especially interested in the keynote speech by Greg Barker MP, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change, who will open the show by promoting the economic benefits of shifting to a lower carbon economy, and explain how the Government will help.

Not surprisingly the Show will also provide a platform for a big debate on our energy future including the implications of fracking, nuclear and renewable energy, and this will be led by Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas.

Energy efficiency is clearly going to remain at the top of the Government’s agenda for a long time to come.

Incentives are here to stay such as the Green Deal, and Renewable Heat Incentive which help businesses and homeowners to make energy-saving improvements, and to find the best way to pay for them. Don’t miss DECCs series of talks on both days explaining itall.

Renewable energy such as solar panels and heat pumps are in the headlines at the moment with the launch of the new Renewable Heat Incentive. Visitors to the Eco Technology Show can find out more about this new opportunity, as well as seeing some of the exciting new technologies and designs at first hand.

Eco celebrity Oliver Heath will also be on hand to explain the benefits of eco refurbishment and energy assessment.

Sean Twohig Group Environmental, H&S, Risk Manager, Jury’s Inn looks at why energy efficiency pays for commercial landlords, Antony Hoyle,

Engineering Contracts Manager, Facilities management, Skandia UK looks at making business travel more sustainable. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear the ambitions of the Brighton & Hove city region plan to develop a super fused economy using the City Deal.

Entry is free. Visit www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk for more information.

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01273 957 726 / info@ecotechnologyshow.co.uk / www.ecotechnologyshow.co.uk

East Sussex Business Pulls Together Each month, Sussex Business Times provides a platform for Sussex Chambers to share their latest news and discuss current issues. This month, we focus on the Alliance Chambers of East Sussex (ACES) to find out about their recent activities and key goals for the future

When 4,000 businesses representing 15,000 members of staff get together, MPs, Ministers and Councillors sit up, take notice and listen…. very carefully.

There are four fairly marginal seats in East Sussex, so with the election next year political parties are keen to talk to local business people and residents of East Sussex.

Recognising the strength of this people power, all the Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Business and the Institute of Directors from across East Sussex met up recently to decide whether they would like to work together as a team. The answer was a resounding “Yes!” They quickly agreed five key goals to help business develop throughout East Sussex and have put these goals to Central Government and local authorities:

ACES Key Goals One Voice For business in East Sussex to influence policy makers and make structured, strategic approaches to all local authorities and Central Government to achieve our goals.

Improve the Road and Rail Infrastructure in East Sussex Improve the A27 and A21; speed up the Hastings / Ashford rail link; reopen the rail link between Lewes and Uckfield.

Connectivity Provide high-speed broadband to rural and urban East Sussex by Spring 2016 and close East Sussex Mobile ‘Not Spots’, those annoying areas where your mobile signal drops out.

Promote East Sussex As the place to do business outside

52 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

Tim Cobb from Eastbourne Chamber meets Nick Clegg

London and develop coastal, urban and rural tourism offers across the county.

Workforce Skills Develop links between business, schools and colleges to ensure all students develop the skills needed for our businesses.

The ACES logo was agreed in March to show a strong and bold organisation that unites networks from many different Chambers, the FSB and the IoD; hence the overlapping Venn Diagram. The ACES website was launched in April 2014 to keep Members informed of events and business news in East Sussex. On the home page there is an important blue button linking to a very short business survey asking 5 questions about the A27 and how it affects your business.

We value your opinion so please take a moment to complete this short survey. www.acesalliance.org

Chamber News

ACES Activity One Voice ACES has already made a big impact in the corridors of power and held talks with some very influential policy makers to discuss their goals on behalf of businesses in East Sussex: • The Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin MP • The Under Parliamentary Secretary for Roads, Rob Goodwill MP • The Minister for Business, Innovation and Skills, Matthew Hancock MP • Charles Hendry, Norman Baker,

Amber Rudd and Stephen Lloyd MPs • Spencer Dale, the Chief Economist of the Bank of England and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee responsible for setting interest rates • Becky Shaw, CEO of East Sussex County Council • Rupert Clubb, Director of Economic Development and Transport East Sussex County Council • Bob Standley Leader of Wealden District Council • Roy Galley Head of Economic Development Wealden District Council • Charlie Lant, CEO of Wealden District Council • The Vice President of the South East Local Enterprise Partnership Derek Godfrey.

Spencer Dale, the Chief Economist of the Bank of England, visited ACES Members late last year and told East Sussex businesses that even when the UK unemployment rate drops below 7% the Monetary Policy Committee will only “start” to think about adjusting interest rates. There will be no change until Mark Carney’s team is confident about the strength of the economy.

Spencer Dale also quizzed ACES business people about the drivers behind our impressive growth in East Sussex, which has been consistently ahead of national average Transport Infrastructure ACES actively supports the 2nd Runway at Gatwick Airport; improvements to the A27 from Lewes to Polegate; improvements to the A21 from Hastings to Pembury and development of a faster railway line between Ashford and

Spencer Dale Chief Economist of the Bank of England

Skills Minister Matthew Hancock

Hastings and Rye MP - Amber Rudd

Locate East Sussex Team

Hastings. You can give your opinion of the A27 improvements by completing the short survey at www.acesalliance. org - look for the blue button. It takes less than two minutes so give ACES your point of view.

Connectivity During a meeting with East Sussex County Council last year a commitment was made to roll out high speed broadband across 90% of the county

by Spring 2016 which will significantly enhance business communications in the rural parts of the County.

In addition, ACES is working with the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) on closing those irritating mobile “not spots” when you drive around the County and your mobile phone signal drops out. Bad enough when you are on the road, but very damaging if you are running your business in a mobile ‘not spot’.

To check the signal in your area, down load the free App by OpenSignal. It points you towards the nearest phone mast, measures coverage in your area and lists the best mobile phone provider in your area too.

Continued on next page

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Chamber News

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East Sussex

SBT, ACES and East Sussex County Council have joined together toImpress bring for Success a heavyweight Business Conference Impress for Success to East Sussex. It will be held in the Impress for Success geographical centre of East Sussex Impress for Success on Wednesday October 8th, so save Impress for Success the date in your diary now. There will be more information on this important Impress for Success business event in next month’s SBT. Impress for Success If you want to get involved with Impress for Success ACES just join your local Chamber Impress for Success of Commerce from the list opposite.

Impress for Success Alternatively, if you have any issue Impress for Success or concerns you would like ACESImpress to for Success communicate on your behalf, speak to Impress for Success your local Chamber of Commerce, the Impress for Success FSB or IoD or email info@edeal.org.uk.

Impress for Success (ACES is co-ordinated by Edeal, the enterprise agency in East Sussex.)

II II II II II II II I

www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesalliance.org www.acesa ance.org C owbo ough CEO and Membe s www.acesa ance.org www.acesa ance.org n next month s ssue of SBT we w be nv t ng the Sussex www.acesa ance.org

Chamber of Commerce to share ts atest news and v ews on bus ness around Sussex the UK as a who e

54 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk

ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES ACES

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce 01424 842892 www.bexhillchamber.co.uk

Bexhill Chamber of Commerce

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www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 55

Test Drive

SBT’s Simon Skinner tests out the Range Rover Evoque SD4

Review

Range Rover Evoque SD4

Since 1948, Land Rover has been manufacturing defining products into the world’s 4x4 sectors and are now sold in approximately 180 global markets. It’s fair to say that, as a company, Jaguar/Land Rover have been riding the crest of a wave with many more cars leaving our shores than remain. That said, the UK economy must be in a better place for their presence and manufacturing in recent years.

Having driven many of these beasts over the years, it was with real intrigue that I took delivery of the new Evoque.

My wheels for the week.

So with this in mind, I step into the Evoque SD4 and decide to head to the woods for trail number one. Hardly the most pressing test the machine will see (or has seen) I’m sure, but proved to be excellent fun burning around the countryside, over the lumps and bumps and through the mud as it did.

This is a car that is very happy to take a pounding. In no small part due to the new, responsive 9-speed automatic gearbox and the world’s first ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive system which seems to enhance its agility.

I think it’s fair to say though, that not many of these carts will see mud beyond the odd puddle in town centres or hills beyond the driveway to the local golf club so here lies test #2.

Practicality.

In real terms, I would expect such a large looking vehicle to offer a spacious accommodation once you’re on board.

The truth is though, that (and especially in the three door version) it’s probably as hard for any rear-seat passengers to enter/exit than a lot of hatchbacks.

Largely due to the need to electronically

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roll back the front seats to allow a large enough space to pass.

I would imagine the five door version making this much easier and I expect that most three door drivers consider this ahead of making the purchase, but that doesn’t excuse the boot.

I have been known on occasion to drum in a largely average live band on an odd weekend. Mine is a collection of various parts, modern (Yamaha custom) kick drum, vintage (Ludwig) toms, a large Pearl snare drum and whatever cymbals have the smallest cracks this week.

With the back seats pushed flat and the front seats rolled forwards a little, I (just about) managed to squeeze it in. This left no room for anything else, including the bass player and my thoughts are that the boot (alone) is comparable to an average hatchback too.

The fact is that the Evoque, whilst all Range Rover up front, simply tapers as you go backwards and therefore renders it much less practical than many other cars in its field.

Back on planet earth though, who

Motoring

Range Rover Evoque SD4 in Abbots Woods, Sussex

cares? Most people aren’t trying to get a set of drums into it and there’s plenty of room for the kids school gear/golf clubs etc and I will argue with anyone who doesn’t think that it looks great.

The drive is GREAT FUN! It’s more nimble than many cars half its size and surprisingly, you can see a lot more out of the slit-of-a-rear-window than you’d ever expect. Not that that matters though, the rear view screen in the console, coupled with an incredible sensor package, makes reversing anywhere a doddle.

A supremely comfortable drive with all mod cons on board makes you quickly realize that this car hasn’t sold like hot cakes for no reason.

www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 57

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SBT

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A

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Understanding the Inventory process Some information for Buy to Let Landlords

As a landlord, why do I need an independent property inventory?

An inventory is a written representation of a property, its fixtures and fittings and any furniture or appliances. It also reflects their condition and effects.

A correctly compiled inventory is essential to enable a fair assessment once the property has been vacated by the tenant.

Without one you have no recourse with your tenant for damage incurred during the tenancy period and may have to repair the property at your own cost.

The inventory report can ultimately avoid disputes arising between tenants and landlords, saving stress and reducing void periods whilst disputes are resolved. Think of it as an insurance policy protecting your investment.

What is a Deposit for on a rental property and why do they exist?

Since April 2007 it has been a legal requirement if you take a rental “Deposit” to register that deposit in one of the approved schemes. There is a custodial scheme and an insurance premium backed scheme, but both require you to inform the tenant where their money is and how it is being protected.

What is an Accompanied tenant check in, and why is it so important?

You need to make sure your tenant agrees with the statements in the inventory and the meter readings. The best way to do this is with a tenant check in.

Proactive will meet your tenant with their keys and inventory. We then take them through the document, agree the meter readings and give them some advice on how to care for the property and what their responsibilities are as a tenant.

The tenants then sign the inventory and are left with a matching copy. Your sign copy is returned to you or your managing agent.

This is a crucial part of the process.

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The tenant has the perfect opportunity to annotate the inventory and has been advised on usage of the property by the check in clerk.

Having a signed check in removes any chances of having the tenant not agreeing with the inventory document at a later date should there be a dispute.

Do I need to get my Inventory signed by the tenant? Can’t I just give it to them?

If you do not have a signature from both the inventory company and the tenant the inventory report can be discounted from the evidence pack in the case of a dispute. Your tenant can simply state they never saw an inventory and it will be up to you to prove otherwise.

Remember, proof of postage is NOT proof of acceptance of the document.

Furthermore, if you simply hand a tenant an inventory report and ask them to return it signed they may make annotations, sign it and by receiving it back you are deemed to have accepted their annotations, correct or otherwise.

How do I know my investment property is being looked after?

Once the tenant has been in place for at least 3 months it is wise to find how they are treating the property and whether any suggestions need to be made to them, or if there are any maintenance issues that may need your attention.

Midterms also reduce the risk of void periods between tenancies because if you know the property is being well treated well you can extend the

contracts for longer periods each time, avoiding changeovers.

So what happens when my tenant is leaving?

Proactive will revisit to carry out a full check out inspection of your property using the ingoing signed inventory document. We will then compile a full report separating tenant damages and landlord maintenance issues, as requested by The Tenancy Deposit Scheme.

The check out visit can be with or without the tenant present, but must be independently compiled to avoid a conflict of interest in the return of the deposit.

Having your investment property assessed by an independent, accredited clerk will afford you the peace of mind that the property is being inspected by someone who is qualified to made the correct judgements, based on their professional opinion and up to date with legislation on fair wear and tear.

This means you are far less likely to end up with a dispute as the tenant knows the assessment has been made in an unbiased way.

The adjudicators for dispute cases acknowledge the use of independent companies and in a one of our winning cases it was stated “we take comfort when seeing evidence submissions from independent companies as they have standards to maintain as well as remaining neutral when carrying out any inspection”.

Check-a-Professional Membership Benefits Proactive Inventories are the South’s leading property inspection company and are proud members of check-aprofessional. By joining the scheme we have been able to promote our belief in high quality services, and our

clients have access to exactly what people are saying about us.

Our business grows each year by our reputation, check -a - professional has been invaluable to us in achieving that growth.

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SBT

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We ask the experts to give you the answers you need desire to live here, what with the local school, countryside and proximity to other towns and transport links to Brighton and London. We also want to concentrate on North Hailsham where hundreds of new homes are being built as we expect a gap to emerge for sales and letting services here.

Neil Gamble is Branch Partner at Hopkins & Partners, a Professional Property Sales, Lettings and Management Company based in Eastbourne and – most recently, the small village of Herstmonceux, where they hope to assist buyers looking for rural properties. Here, Neil tells SBT more about the companies plans for the new branch…

Why was Herstmonceux chosen as the location for your new branch?

There was a combination of factors behind our thinking. First of all, James actually used to work for our nearest competitor so he has always had a feel for this particular market. He realised there was a gap for an agent in Herstmonceux full time, so Hopkins & Partners has stepped in to fill that gap. Secondly, Wealden is an improving area in terms of value and people’s

Q&A

Why have you decided to take the leap now?

It’s all down to the improving market with more people looking to buy. We’ve been concentrating on the lettings market now for five years or so, so James is keen to make this return to sales. I’ve been working in sales as an agent for six years and for an independent for 10 years specialising in semi rural upmarket properties, so my experience in this area will hopefully be beneficial to our next business move.

How do you hope this change will benefit your business?

We are really keen to take advantage of the improving market. We have plans on the horizon to expand our business along the same model. In the area we have chosen there is no huge estate agent presence but people are always looking here from all over the UK to settle down with a better quality of life surrounded by the East Sussex

countryside with great schools and transport links across the South East.

What makes Hopkins & Partners unique?

Probably our willingness to be a part of the communities we serve. We have tried to integrate ourselves into the local community. For instance in Herstmonceux we support the local friends of Herstmonceux school and other local causes and James’ community activity in Eastbourne is well documented.

We have always embraced social media, we think it important that if you market yourself as modern and forward thinking that you use every tool available marketing wise.

We get responses from our facebook pages for viewings and whilst not massive we do have followers on twitter. We find it useful for developing relationships with other businesses.

We really want to be the local agent of choice for people who are not keen to embrace the large corporate agents for fear of becoming just another number or stat. we want to provide a personal service which I think we do.

You can contact Neil at their new Wealden branch on 01323 832064 or email wealden@hopkinspartners.com.

Jason Fry from Leading IT infrastructure services and solution provider PAV answers all-important questions about data backup…

Why do I need to backup my data?

There are several reasons why regular backups need to be taken; probably the most important one is to protect against loss of data. It can be an easy mistake to overwrite or delete a file or an email message and the ability to recover the lost information quickly can mean the difference between winning or losing business. As such many

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customers, auditors and insurers are now questioning if a company has a robust and reliable backup procedure in place before awarding business or providing cover. Data backups should ideally be stored off premise or inside an appropriate fire resistant safe.

Additionally there is also the risk of damage to the computer equipment resulting in complete data loss. Granted

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modern day systems are extremely reliable but there is always a risk of hardware failure. During this time it could be extremely difficult for the business to function without access to its applications and data.

I have heard the term Disaster Recovery, what is this?

The term Disaster Recovery is used to identify the operation and procedure of protecting an entire IT system and its recovery in the event of a disaster.

It’s often thought of in the context of a plane hitting the building or a bomb going off but in reality it’s more likely to be a result of a power failure, burst pipe or computer hardware failure. In this situation the entire IT system would need to be recovered and all systems, applications and their data will need to be restored to a fully operational state.

How do I know my backups are working?

Just because your backup systems are reporting that everything is ok does not necessarily mean you can recover from them and the only true way to find out is to carry out a test. It may appear that backup data is being written to a tape or other device but until you actually try to restore the data back, you are at risk of not knowing your data backups are in a fit state.

It’s often difficult or unpractical to carry out regular data recovery testing without impacting the live IT systems.

Also, many businesses cannot afford to have a standby system that that they can use for this purpose. PAV operate a service that enables our customers to test their backups using our equipment, either at the customers site or at our offices. This gives peace of mind that the data is being secured and the backup systems are doing their job.

How does business change affect my data and backups?

Business change such as restructuring, mergers & acquisitions often result in an impact to the IT systems and the amount of data being held. Often this can be overlooked with regards

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to backups and it’s important to ensure that all necessary data is being adequately secured. An audit or health check of the IT system and backup solution will identify any gaps that should be addressed. It’s easy to overlook back-up policies as companies grow, sometimes the way companies have been doing things in the past may not be relevant to how their business looks today; it’s important to ask if the back-up policy has changed with the business PAV recommends that this activity is carried out regardless of change to ensure that everything is covered off. As part of the pavTRANSFORM offering, the discovery health check gives a business piece of mind with an audited report of the current state of the data recovery position.

Can I simplify and speed up my backups?

Taking data backups and securing them off site can be a challenge and may result in complicated routines and procedures. Many businesses approach PAV with problems of overrunning backups which are impacting on day to day operations. This is often a result of business and data growth out-weighing the capacity and capability of the current backup system.

With advances in technology and communications there are new ways that data can now be protected.

Instead of using tapes data can now be backed up to disk at an affordable and efficient rate.

Storing the backup data off site and retrieving it when needed can be time consuming and expensive. With faster communication lines and super-fast broadband available it is now viable to backup data to the cloud although there are still some limitations with this approach and it should be considered carefully.

Yes you can simplify and speed up your backups and PAV offer a number of services and solutions to simplify the backup overhead ranging from tape collection and storage through to

hosted backup and disaster recovery solutions in the cloud.

How do I know my current solution is meeting the business needs?

Managing and meeting the expectations of the business with regards to IT system and data availability is important. Quite often business owners have an expectation around the time to recover IT systems and the point at which data can be recovered. By understanding how quickly you want to recover data, and how far back this data should reach we can help measure the effectiveness of a current solution.

Often the business will look towards its IT team for the recommendations around these recovery variables; however, without consultation with departmental heads it is difficult to reach a composite and appropriate conclusion. A consultation should take place between the IT team and the business to ensure that the business requirements around data recovery are being met or can be achieved within an acceptable timeframe and budget.

With an in-depth knowledge of IT systems and backup solutions PAV are well positioned to advice businesses on the best approach to meet their requirements.

For more information contact Jason on: jason.fry@pav.co.uk or 01273 834000 www.pav.co.uk

0808 901 9042 www.sussexbusinesstimes.co.uk 61

Home Grown Hero

Made In Sussex:

Serena May from HR Dept

Last year entrepreneur Serena May opened an Eastbourne branch of the National HR Dept brand. Here she talks to SBT about her success, and why she thinks Eastbourne is a great place for start-ups

“About two years ago I decided I wanted Brand to start out on my Focus own. I wanted more flexibility in how and when I work and wanted to be more local to Eastbourne.

I realised I was spending 10 hours a week in the car driving to Brighton and there is so much you can do in 10 hours!”

Before her foray into the business world, Serena worked in Payroll at Roedean School. However, around 12 years ago her role started to lean more towards HR. “At the time they did not have a designated HR function and as employment legislation became more complex and time consuming my role just grew and grew. I completed my degree in Personnel Management in 2006 and achieved Chartered Status of the CIPD in 2007.”

Last year, Serena decided to open her own branch of the HR Dept franchise in her hometown of Eastbourne.

“It’s a great place to have a business,” she said. “With a population of 100,000 people, Eastbourne is the second fastest growing seaside town in the UK. I think it’s a great time for start-up businesses. I certainly have no regrets. I have been in Eastbourne for most of my life, since I was eight. I spent a bit of time living in Brighton and

did a bit of backpacking when I was younger and more recently I spent six months living and doing voluntary work in India – but I have always returned to Eastbourne.”

Serena launched HR dept at a time when the demand for HR services was steadily increasing. Tough economic conditions meant more and more businesses were seeking employment law advice and HR support. HR Dept provides support for SMEs in need of

“Starting my own business was never about earning loads of money. It’s about my quality of life and having fun in the process”

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expertise from somebody equipped to deal with people problems and the dayto-day running of business. Alongside an advice line for personnel queries, Serena also offers one-to-one advice on issues such as employment contracts, policies and procedures and disciplinary and grievance issues.

“I love it, to be honest. I certainly have no regrets at all, it’s the best thing I ever did. I kind of wish I’d done it sooner.”

The entrepreneur also has plenty of advice for other people hoping to start a business: “Can I quote Richard Branson?

‘Screw it, just do it’…seriously though, it’s all about attitude. Enjoying what you do is the most important thing. For me,

starting my own business was never about earning loads of money. It’s about my quality of life and having fun in the process. If you enjoy what you do then you won’t feel resentful when you have to put in the extra hours.

Serena remains hopeful about the future of her business and hopes to see it grow over the next few years. She said: “I’ve just taken on an apprentice.

The first year was just really making people aware of what I do – that I was around and what I was doing, and just laying those foundations. This year I want to push forward on that. I’m aiming to have five staff in five years’ time – one a year.”

Find out more about HR Dep by visiting www.hrdept.co.uk

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