Absolute homes july 2013

HOMES JULY 2013 • FREE

INTERIORS

BUSINESS

Summer

House

SUCCESS

STORY The Rise of

Shutterly Fabulous

The BAHBAS

The winners

and the photos

Bathroom

Retreat

TONY COTTEY Sledging the Aussies

JULY 2013

Inside HOMES

THE TEAM

INTERIORS

B USINESS

Welcome...

Summer has arrived... and with it a buoyant property market. We hope you will be inspired by both the homes featured and the interiors ideas in this issue. Our business and sports pages are also packed with local new stories and events.

Lynne For all enquiries contact: Commercial Director: Lynne Edwards Mob: 07931 537588 lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com

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ABSOLUTE Dream Home

Designer: Sally Wynn Designer: Dominic Loosemore Production: Michael Brooks Editor: Ian Trevett Publisher: Alan Prior Absolute Homes is published by: The Pinnacle Group

Beach Life 7

I’d recommend a house on the beach.

By Paul Zara.

Talk Money 7

Absolute Homes and Pinnacle would like to thank the advertisers that appear in this publication for their support, and wish them every business success.

The contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of publishing; nevertheless, we cannot endorse, and readers should not rely solely upon, the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein, without prior consultation with the service provider.

Cover photo: Hove Park Gardens £1,350,000 Marketed by Mishon Mackay Tel: 01273 821800 A stunning family home set in secluded gardens in an extremely popular location of Hove. This characterful property has a charming feel throughout, with a wealth of period features, gardens to three sides, off road parking and a detached double garage.

Image courtesy of Fiona Walker-Arnott, www.fwaphotography.com

Financial advice, a new perspective.

By Claire Cook.

The July collection 10 - 11

A selection of some of the best properties around the City this month.

Dream Home 12 - 13

Take a look inside a house in Hove’s best location.

Orchard Gate 14

Refurbishment brings historical homes to life.

Legal Matters 17

Motors 28 - 31

Maarten Hoffmann test drives the Jaguar XFR and The Ford B Max.

Sport 32 - 36

The Aussies are in town this summer and for Tony Cottey, that means one thing - sledging. He talks about the art of distracting the batsman by means of insult and ridicule. There will more distractions at the cricket and the racecourse, but this time in a much more glamorous way, when the venues become fashion houses. Get glammed up for Ladies Day.

Business 38 - 51

We salute the deserved winners at the Brighton and Hove Business Awards, a great night hosted by Horatios on Brighton Pier.

Howlett Clarke are here to bring you a monthly insight into the latest legal issues, with top tips and advice.

Our Chamber of Commerce President urges businesspeople to get out there and get involved.

The Shutterly Way 20-21

This month we introduce our new Business Round Table feature.

Interiors & Gardens 22-25

And ‘King’ Richard Skerritt demands the return of the real Gutbuster at Brighton’s all night cafe.

Daniel White talks to the brains behind Shutterly Fabulous.

Bathrooms, the ultimate retreat.

By Tara de la Motte.

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Helping you find your perfect Hove property Mishon Welton, 94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2EB

THE DRIVE, HOVE A magnificent detached Edwardian property providing substantial living space over three floors and retaining a wealth of character and original detail. £1,650,000

HILL BROW, HOVE A superb detached contemporary residence of considerable style and quality, providing lovely light and spacious living accommodation.

The property enjoys a South Westerly aspect with landscaped gardens and a heated swimming pool. £1,825,000

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GLENDOR ROAD, HOVE A substantial detached family home of considerable character, together with a particularly pleasant, enclosed, sunny West facing garden. This attractive property is situated in a lovely, tucked away position, just off Hove Seafront. £725,000 HILL BROW, HOVE A spacious detached chalet bungalow providing lovely light and generously proportioned living space, with lovely large landscaped gardens in sought after location. £725,000

wanted

Ms L is desperately looking for a house for her and her daughter having been let down on several occasions! Max £650,000 with a minimum of 2 bedrooms and must be within reasonable walking distance of St Christophers School, hence focusing on the New Church Road area.

01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com

If you are thinking of selling, we would be delighted to give you our opinion on the up to date market value of your home.

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“Our experience and commitment will move you”

Montpelier Street, Brighton, BN1

£499,995 3

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Oozing charm & character by showing off its many period features; including cast iron fireplaces, corniced ceilings & sash windows, this beautifully presented two-storey bay fronted home is superbly placed in the highly desirable Montpelier & Clifton Hill conservation area.

Because you are going to be more influenced by the opinions of your peers than by our fantastic advertising and marketing...

“Regarding both sale and purchase Jason exceeded our expectations in many ways - genuine viewings, expert negotiations, valuable advice and support. If you are looking for a professional but personal approach to home moving then look no further.” K Robinson, Hove “Thank you for progressing my purchase so efficiently and smoothly the whole process only took eight weeks. I first saw the flat was on the market with another agent and I didn’t think to view because the photos and description didn’t excite me, But when I saw it as a new listing with Jason Dean I immediately called you for a viewing and subsequently I offered the full asking price. I would definitely recommend buying through Jason.” Miss McClanachan, Brighton “Jason, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your efforts on my behalf when you recently dealt with the sale of my properties. The service I received was excellent and your patience was especially noted. It will give me great pleasure to do further business with you in the future.” R Driver, Hove

Tel: 01273 727000 Visit: www.jasondeans.co.uk Email: home@jasondeans.co.uk Jason Dean, 1b, Montefiore Road, Hove, BN3 1RD 6

BEACH Life

I’d recommend a house on the beach.

Living right on the beach is a luxury few of us can afford and in this city there are very limited opportunities. The larger blocks of apartments are generally separated from beach by a busy road. There are a few at the western end of the seafront in Hove that are much closer, near everyone’s favourite ice cream shop, the lovely Maroccos. And to the east Marine Gate and the houses along The Cliff get elevated sea views. But they’re nowhere near the beach.

‘It’s a unique experience to wake up each day with the sea so close and a private beach as your garden.’

For that you need to either go out to Shoreham Beach, a strange place with a remote feel but some great modern houses right on the beach, or here in our city, to Western Esplanade, (also known as Millionaire’s Row). Many people think it’s not a great place to live, hard up against the port and its industrial activities. But having recently designed a house there I can see the appeal. It’s the first house you see at the end of the seafront. Crisp white render with a hint of gold (Please note - not real gold!). Looking out towards the sea, you feel an amazing sense of connection and closeness to the water. Sometimes it gets so close it throws pebbles at your windows! The light in the rooms is breathtaking.

Views from the roof are worth a small fortune alone. So no wonder celebs like it there: Zoe Ball and Fatboy Slim, David Walliams, Adele and many others before them have seen the appeal.

So if you ever win the lottery I’d recommend a house on the beach. It’s a unique experience to wake up each day with the sea so close and a private beach as your garden. If you don’t win, then a beach hut nearby is currently for sale for £14,000. The highest price I’ve seen for one of those!

Paul Zara is a director of architects Conran and Partners who have been involved in the restoration of Embassy Court paul.zara@conran.com

Talk MONEY

Financial Advice – a new perspective If you have taken financial advice in the past, you may have used an adviser who recommended a product, you invested, then you never saw him or her again. This was typical of how many advisers worked, this is because they were paid to arrange the policy for you, not to keep an eye on it and ensure it continued to meet your needs. The result has been that people have accumulated pensions and investments over the years and nobody is really looking after them.

In the old days, advisers were probably the biggest buyers of filing cabinets in the UK! Large dusty files accumulated, incoherent piles of paperwork which had to be hunted through every time you needed some advice. You can imagine that it was difficult to get information on clients quickly or to find clients invested in areas which needed to be changed. Unless advisers made a special diary note for their clients, their systems did not support making regular reviews. The system of adviser payment and the lack of workable systems in the old days often limited the service your adviser could practically provide.

What has changed?

In a word – everything! Firstly, advisers are no longer paid ‘commission’ from products they arrange. They may charge an agreed upfront fee (in most cases this can come from the contract if you prefer). The initial fee may often be lower than before, with the adviser then being paid a regular agreed amount for actually looking after your money. Making reviews, and changing your investment funds as necessary, rather than moving providers. The idea is that advisers’ income should not be dependent on selling policies, instead it is from taking a long term view and actually advising and managing your money on an ongoing basis. Often the adviser can also get you discounts on the fund manager’s fees, meaning that the overall fee is still very competitive, a similar fee to what you are already paying but with a whole lot more for your money.

Computers!

At Talk Money, we pride ourselves on being a member of Best Practice IFA Group. They have won many accolades including Best Network 2012 from the Money Marketing awards. This is largely due to their high level standards and their client management systems. No dusty filing cabinets, everything is scanned and we can get clear information about your finances at the touch of a button. This allows us to put a clear and ongoing plan in place for you, and to manage it. You may feel out of touch with how things are going with your money, not any more, you can sign into your client file and get up to date values as often as you wish.

For an independent review of your finances please call me Claire Cook on 01273 224667, I would be very happy to assist. Email: claire@talkmoney.co.uk Web: www.talkmoney.co.uk Talk Money is a trading style of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount invested.

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Kitchen – Bedroom – Living

58 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JD 01273 206016 125 South Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4LR 01444 443777 8

sales@design-interiors.com

www.design-interiors.com

Sackville Gardens, Hove

£799,950 A substantial (2185 sq. ft.) four bedroom, three bathroom semi-detached Victorian house, situated just off the seafront in Hove, with potential to extend into the loft space. There are also three reception rooms plus a conservatory and kitchen/ breakfast room. Mature garden to the rear.

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Buy & sell with the experts.

Four of our favourite properties this week. Visit our website at justinlloyd.co.uk to view all our properties.

Connaught Road, Hove

£375,000 Contemporary triplex apartment in the heart of Hove, arranged over three floors with ‘loft style’ features. Stunning dual aspect living room and open plan kitchen/dining room with double height ceiling. Master bedroom with en-suite plus a second double bedroom and further bathroom.

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Wyndham Street, Brighton

Tongdean Lane, Brighton

£525,000

£895,000

This stunning Grade II listed Regency terrace house is situated just off Marine Parade in Kemp Town. The property is beautifully presented throughout and would make a great home for someone looking to live on one of the most desirable streets in Brighton.

An imposing, extended detached house just off Dyke Road Avenue, with mature rear garden, garage and ample off street parking.

With a magnificent 33ft family/cinema/ entertainment room in addition to the principle drawing and dining rooms, five double bedrooms (two en-suite) and a family bathroom.

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Call us now 01273 692424 Email info@justinlloyd.co.uk

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Visit justinlloyd.co.uk

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“Our experience with Justin Lloyd has restored our faith in Estate Agents! I would strongly urge anyone thinking of selling to use this estate agency” Vendor comment, 2013

Kemp Town 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH City 111 Western Road, Hove BN3 1DD Hove 176 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ 9

The JULY Collection Brunswick Place, Hove

Princes Square, Hove

A beautifully presented first floor three double bedroom maisonette flat in a restored Grade II Listed Regency Building in this sought-after central Hove location. The property, with high ceilings, large sash windows and original features, consists of an East facing reception with fireplace, open-plan bespoke kitchen with quartz work surfaces, three double bedrooms and two modern bathrooms. The property further benefits from plenty of storage, built-in TV, Sky satellite, DAB receiver systems, large rear West facing garden and secure bike storage.

This beautiful detached residence in one of Hove’s premier roads just off Hove seafront.

Predominantly southerly orientated and offering views down Princes Crescent towards the sea. Generously proportioned with over 4,000ft² / 371m² of accommodation consisting of five reception rooms, a study, kitchen/breakfast room with utility room, grand reception hall, five bedrooms with the master having an en-suite & dressing room, family bathroom, two further en-suites and a one bedroom annexe. Westerly aspect landscaped rear garden, southerly front garden and double garage with driveway behind an electric gate, and parking.

• Parsons Son & Basley • £1700 pcm • 01273 274002

Waitemata, St John’s Road

Denes Mews, Rottingdean

The stunning redevelopment of this 1840s mews house began in 2003 and the results are simply magnificent. With sensitive restoration of the original building blended with state of the art technology the end product is a luxury home which has the potential for even further development of the basement.

Refurbished mews house off seafront with two double bedrooms, one with ensuite bathroom. Large open plan living room/kitchen/dining room with mezzanine floor above. Located in Hove this property has a south facing courtyard and balcony with sea views. Parking consists of a garage for two cars, with private space for one car outside.

Denes Mews in an eagerly awaited new development of eight glorious townhouses right in the heart of pretty Rottingdean village. Set just three miles east of Brighton, this brings luxury seaside living to a new level. Each home has three bedrooms, a garden or patio and a private integral garage.

All the homes are set behind an elegant security gate and overlook an attractive and quiet courtyard, creating a peaceful and secluded ambiance.

• Brand Vaughan • £675,000 • 01273 683111

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• Mishon Mackay • Prices start at £460,000 • 01273 829300

Brangwyn, Brighton

Bedford Towers, Brighton This unique two double bedroom apartment is house in Bedford Towers, and forms part of the Holiday Inn on Brighton seafront.

Situated on the 10th floor, the property offers a spacious accommodation and incorporates stunning views panoramic views of Brighton Pier and the South Downs.

The property is very well presented, and offers an open plan lounge that is bathed in light by large patio windows and doors that lead out to a stunning balcony area.

• Oakley Residential • £1,850,000 • 01273 688881

• Leaders • £2450 pcm • 01273 720714

To see is to believe and that is certainly the case for this beautiful Mock Tudor property, which has been sympathetically extended resulting in five bedrooms, a 16’ lounge with a magnificent inglenook style fireplace, a separate dining room, a 12’ kitchen extending into a breakfast room and utility room, a study, a snug, a family bathroom and two shower rooms. The landscaped rear garden has a westerly aspect and features a practical lawn area in addition to a decked sun terrace. The original garage has been converted into a useful storage area, however, off road parking is provided by a private driveway.

• Spencer & Leigh • 01273 565566 • Guide Price: £675,000 - £725,000

A selection of some of the best properties in and around the City this month.

Crosshaven, Lewes Crosshaven by Rydon Homes is a stunning new development of just seven, three-bedroom townhouses in Lewes.

Offering the best qualities of both town and country living, these new homes are conveniently located to the north-east of the town centre, with local stores and the primary school nearby.

Each new home provides generous proportions across three storeys and all contain fully fitted kitchens and contemporary bathrooms, as well as private gardens, garaging and parking spaces.

Marine Parade, Kemp Town

• Clifford Dann • 01273 477022 • Prices from £389,950

• Justin Lloyd • £325,000 • 01273 315613

Dyke Road Avenue, Brighton

Badger Brook, Fulking Callaways are delighted to offer this character detached four bedroom cottage with self-contained annexe.

This two storey substantial family home comprises four bedrooms with en-suite to the master bedroom, four reception rooms and kitchen with utility room and larder. There is also a self-contained one bedroom annexe and various outbuildings including a garage and hard standing for vehicles. The jewel of this property is the garden surrounding this property with ponds, trees and mature flowering boarders. Nestled at the foot of the Sussex South Downs in a glorious rural setting situated in a tree lined lane between Henfield and Fulking Village with easy access to Brighton and Gatwick Airport. There is no onward chain. Callaways highly advises viewing.

Stunning two bedroom flat situated on the third floor of this Grade II listed, period seafront building in Kemp Town. The property has stunning south and west facing sea views and would make a lovely permanent residence or holiday home.

The accommodation comprises: entrance hallway, double aspect living/dining room, separate modern fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second bedroom and bathroom. In addition the property benefits from a passenger lift and a share of the freehold.

• Callaways • £850,000 • 01273 735237

A superbly finished and substantial detached residence having many features to note including an outdoor heated swimming pool, manicured gardens, a pleasing marble reception hall and staircase, five bedrooms and three bathrooms, master bedroom suite with terrace overlooking the rear garden, bespoke Cedar wood windows, private driveway and double size garage.

Internal inspection is advised by owner’s sole agents.

Wick Hall, Hove

Preston Park, Brighton

SEA VIEWS ... two words that most dream of! This two double bedroom top floor apartment happens to be situated in one of the nicest areas - being just a stones throw from St Ann’s Well park - it’s perfectly placed between Brighton centre and Hove’s ever increasing selection of boutique style shops, cafes and restaurants.

It boasts a balcony, plenty of storage, a contemporary bathroom and neutral decor throughout. If you are looking for a comfortable happy home then viewing is a must.

A stunning one bedroom first floor apartment forming part of the first floor in this lovely Victorian property having been completely refurbished throughout to a very high standard.

The property is within a short walk to Preston Park Station and Preston Park.

Comprising; large reception room with wooden floors, high ceilings, feature fire place and a south facing bay window. Lovely integrated open plan kitchen with wood block work surfaces. Double bedroom with a lovely fire place. En-suite shower room.

• Jason Dean • 01273 727000 • Guide price £340,000 - £360,000

• Baron Estates • 01273 779777 • £2,500,000 - Freehold

• Cambridge Residential Lettings • £875 pcm • 01273 204037

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ABSOLUTE Dream Home

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Area: Tongdean Avenue, Hove A super detached home in this prestigious and sought after location. Fantastic South West facing rear garden and impressive accommodation.

Brighton and Hove is one of the most sought after residential areas in the UK and this beautiful detached home is situated in one of the most prestigious and sought after roads in Hove. Set in a lovely tree lined avenue in the exclusive Tongdean area.

Set in its own grounds behind electric gates the house is striking in its appearance.

On entering you are immediately struck by the impressive reception hall as well as its fantastic fireplace with beautiful marble surround. The lounge and dining room are beautiful light and spacious rooms, with large picture windows overlooking the rear garden. The music room, kitchen/breakfast room and utility room complete the ground floor accommodation.

The master bedroom is a lovely bright room with a south west double aspect, large en-suite bathroom and overlooks the rear garden. The study has doors leading to the south west facing balcony which also overlooks the garden. Two of the remaining three bedrooms on the first floor also face south west and look out across the garden.

On the second floor the bedroom is extremely spacious with a balcony to the front, access to eaves storage space and with its own private bathroom. It has superb views over the garden and across Hove to the sea.

The rear garden is an outstanding feature of this property facing south west and beautifully laid out with mature trees and shrubs, flower beds and borders. To the front there is extensive parking with a carriage driveway and an integral garage.

The property is listed with Mishon Mackay.

Price on Application • T: 01273 821800

“It it one of the prettiest houses in the best position, in the best road in Hove. A lovely atmosphere, very light, bright and spacious, with a magnificent garden which feels as though you are living in the country!”

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Refurbishment brings historical homes to life at ORCHARD GATE Award-winning property developer Crest Nicholson has brought a collection of historical buildings to life in Shoreham-by-Sea, by giving them a 21st century makeover at its Orchard Gate development.

Orchard Gate’s ‘Legacy Collection’ comprises beautifully refurbished apartments and cottages, situated in the renovated East Lodge, West Lodge and Old Refectory. Originally built in 1901 they still boast all their original character and charm and are not only spacious, but come fully equipped with a contemporary kitchen featuring Bosch appliances and co-ordinating granite worktops.

The luxury bathrooms, designed by Villeroy and Boch, are elegantly finished with Roman glass bath screens, Porcelenosa ceramic tiles and Chrome Hansgrophe mixer taps. The properties also feature oak panelled doors and energy saving gadgets including low energy downlighters to combine the past with the present.

Christine Tiernan, Sales and Marketing Director for Crest Nicholson South, said: “These beautiful refurbished apartments and cottages have proved to be extremely popular.

They are a delightful contrast of old and new, combining unique, historic buildings with all the comforts of modern, affordable living. Anyone interested in viewing these charming properties should contact our sales team to avoid disappointment.”

The collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and cottages at Orchard Gate are only a short walk to the beach and the popular Holmbush shopping centre. Brighton is only a 20 minute drive away and the local town centre offers a good range of shops, bars and restaurants. Shoreham Mainline Station is close by – with direct services to London Victoria in just over an hour.

Prices for a one-bedroom duplexe apartment start from £194,950 and from £374,950 for a three-bedroom terraced cottage.

For more information, please visit the Sales and Marketing Suite at Orchard Gate, which is open daily (10am – 5pm) and until 7pm on Thursdays.

Visit www.crestnicholson.com/orchardgate or call 0870 752 4384.

Buy a new apartment with just £8,248 deposit now!

1 bedroom apartments just £131,960 now with Help to Buy* Orchard Gate is ideally located in Shoreham-by-Sea, just 6 miles from Brighton’s vibrant collection of restaurants, bars and galleries.

It is also well placed for enjoying the outdoors, with the South Downs just a short bike ride away.

Now available with Help to Buy* n Buy now with just a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage n 100% ownership for 80% of the price n The remainder is funded by an equity loan from the Government and you’ll own 100% of your new home

1 & 2 bedroom apartments from £164,950 Just £131,960 now with Help to Buy* Also available, 3 bedroom houses from £274,950 Upper Shoreham Road | Shoreham-by-Sea | West Sussex | BN43 6TQ

Marketing Suite and Show Homes open daily 10am to 5pm and until 7pm on Thursdays

www.crestnicholson.com/orchardgate

Help to Buy

0870 752 4384

*Help to Buy is available on the purchase of your primary residence up to the value of £600,000. You must fund a minimum of 80% of the purchase price. The equity loan will need to be repaid when the property is sold or after 25 years i.e. up to 20% of the property’s total sale price. You will also need to ensure you have sufficient funds to pay other fees on completion e.g. legal fees. To be eligible, you must meet the criteria set down by this Government scheme, details of which are available from the Crest Nicholson sales advisor. The amount of deposit required may vary depending on the scheme rules and the lender for the mortgage finance. If you are in any doubt about this scheme please seek independent advice. Crest Nicholson does not provide mortgages and cannot give any financial advice. Typical Crest Nicholson interior. Distances are approximate.

Prices correct at time of going to press. Crest Nicholson South, a division of Crest Nicholson Operations Limited, Crest House, Pyrcroft Road, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9GN. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY DEBT SECURED ON IT.

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“Are you kept up at night worrying about what is going on behind your back?”

“Do you feel cheated and kept in the dark?”

“Do you feel like an equal partner in your relationship?”

“Do you feel alone with no-one to help?”

Here at PARSONS SON & BASLEY LETTINGS we feel that trust is key which is why we choose to be regulated by the nationally recognised Association of Residential Letting Agents.

5 reasons why Parsons Son & Basley is the answer…

Qualified and legally trained agent ARLA’s Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct adhered to Client Money Protection Scheme which protects your finances in the highly unlikely event that you suffer financial loss due to our bankruptcy or dishonesty Professional Indemnity Insurance which ensures you are financially covered in the highly unlikely event of our negligence, bad advice or mishandling of data Property Ombudsman Scheme members, which can award compensation of up to £25,000 and also ensures that you have a redress route in the highly unlikely event of something going wrong

Starting new relationships can be difficult. We will make the transition easy and to make it even smoother – we are offering: 6 Months Rent and Legal Protection including £50,000 indemnity for FREE with any new instructions (for a limited time only)

To enquire please call 01273 274 000 or visit our website www.psandb.co.uk

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First In Letting www.leaders.co.uk

Varndean Road, Brighton £1,895 pcm This superb four bedroom, three storey, two bathroom house in Preston Park is great for commuters. The property also comes with a garage, south facing garden and fantastic views down to the sea. EPC Rating: D

For the perfect blend of stress free letting... ...Leaders infuse quality tenants, experience and care for your property.

Aymer Road, Hove £1,200 pcm

Sussex Square, Brighton £1,950 pcm

Hill Drive, Hove £2,500 pcm

Beautiful first floor two bedroom flat in Victorian conversion, situated in the desirable New Church Road area. EPC Rating: D

Stunning fully furnished two bed apartment in the prestigious Sussex Square area with a large roof terrace. EPC Rating: D

Five bedroom family residence with huge garden in sought after Tongdean location. EPC Rating: C

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Brighton Fiveways Tel: 01273 561534

Brighton North Laine Tel: 01273 675571

Hove Tel: 01273 321721

Brighton Central Tel: 01273 720714

LEGAL MATTERS

with Howlett Clarke

Absolute have teamed up with Brighton’s oldest law firm QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke to bring you a monthly insight into the latest legal issues, with top tips and advice.

Employee shareholder status fails to impress THANKS to the likes of Waitrose and John Lewis, the idea of engaging and incentivising staff by mutualising a business is gaining pace.

For a staff member to own a small share of the company they work for is seen by many as positive and a clever way to encourage staff loyalty and commitment.

However, the Government’s new Employee Shareholder Status – due to come into force later this summer - continues to cause serious concern amongst business leaders and the legal sector due to the current uncertainty about what it all means for employers.

For employees there is equal anxiety over what they have to give away, most notably the right to claim unfair dismissal.

Certainly, as an employment law specialist, I could not currently advise an employer to offer the scheme, partly because it is unlikely any staff member will sign up to it after legal advice.

The scheme works by offering “employee shareholders” shares in a company worth no less than £2,000. In exchange, the employee shareholder will give up the right to request to undertake study or training, request flexible working, not be unfairly dismissed (with some exceptions) and a redundancy payment.

TILES TILES TILES www.tilemates.co.uk Proudly serving the tile industry since 1983

Design Inspiration Quality Sale Now On!!

Tilemates (Brighton) Ltd 60 St Richards Road, Portslade

01273 412 000

The concept of waiving hard fought for employment rights immediately sets off alarm bells, and indeed, the original proposal for Employee Shareholder Status has been widely attacked by unions, politicians and business lobbying organisations such as the CBI. The plan has however been approved by the Lords, following two rejections, based on one major amendment; to increase the minimum share value to £2,000, and with no upper value limit. What remains a concern is that there are still no clear details in the regulations on how the shares will be valued and on employee voting rights.

As a legal advisor, I am encouraged that the Employee Shareholder Status will only be binding if individuals receive independent legal advice. This ruling will ensure that anyone entering into such an arrangement will at least be doing so with their eyes wide open.

But on balance, my view, and that of most of the employment lawyers I have spoken, is that there are not enough advantages in the Employee Shareholder Status to make it an attractive proposition, yet.

For employers, one of the major conundrums is that the value of the shares they offer staff might be far higher than the value of the rights a staff member is giving up, such as a redundancy payment.

For staff, giving up the right to unfair dismissal is a retrograde step, particularly when you consider that in today’s volatile economy, the value of any company share could drop as fast as it rises.

So, the only real advice I can offer to company owners and their staff is to think very carefully before entering into this scheme, and if in doubt, walk away. There are other, far more established ways to reward staff that carry fewer risks and do not erode the rights of employees.

Alex Jones Solicitor and Partner.

8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ

T: 01273 718514

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ickwell Studios Make your house ‘a home’

ickwell Studios is a family business run from a beautiful studio set in idyllic countryside in the heart of Sussex.

Inspiration comes from their rural environment and a combined passion and artistic flare for design and colour to create an unusual, eclectic mix of products.

Specialising in unique handmade cushions, original artwork, prints and greeting cards that bring colour and vibrancy to any home.

Pickwell Studios have been featured in Country Homes & Interiors, Homes & Gardens Magazine and The Daily Telegraph.

The images are digitally produced from oil and acrylic paintings and a variety of other mediums. They also offer a bespoke furniture service, sourcing and upholstering antique pieces in their own fabrics.

To view our full product range, prices or to place an order, please visit our website and e-store at www.pickwellstudios.com @PickwellStudios www.facebook.com/pages/ Pickwell-Studios

“White is the color of fresh milk and snow. It is the color the human eye sees when it looks at light which contains all the wavelengths of the visible spectrum, at full brightness and without absorption. It does not have any hue.

As a symbol, white is the opposite of black, and often represents light in contrast with darkness. According to surveys in Europe and the United States, white is the color most often associated with innocence, perfection, the good, honesty, cleanliness, the beginning, the new, neutrality, lightness, and exactitude”

Tom Dixon White fat pendant light £275.00 Heals www.heals.co.uk

Large white 3D letters £12 Velvet, 66 Church Road, Hove 01273 725992 www.velvetstore.co.uk Top to bottom: Organdy Bunting L7m Ercol Devon 6-drawer chest of drawers £945.00 H75cm x W154cm x D50cm Leather Trug £95.00 H41cm x W24cm x L48cm All from The White Company, 4 North Street, Brighton 01273 447061 www.thewhitecompany.com

Jonathan Adler Dachshund £89.00 Skirrell £115.00 Muse Candle £68.00 All available at Abode, 32 Kensington Gardens, Brighton 01273 621116 www.abodeliving.co.uk

Dualit white canvas coffee system £180.00 Heals www.heals.co.uk

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The SHUTTERLY Way...

S

hutterly Fabulous started life in a Sussex garage over a decade ago and today it is a successful global business. Daniel White reports

During a night out in Brighton when Mark Carter and Murray Clark were chatting over their jobs and plan for the future, after a few glasses of wine and ideas flowing, Shutterly Fabuous was born.

Formed in 2002, Shutterly Fabulous was created out of frustration from their own experiences buying shutters for their home. Finding few shutter companies around at the time, they saw an opportunity to start a new shutter business, with a passion for customer service at the very heart of the company and all they would do.

“It was a light bulb moment really,” Mark explained. “That night we went out and had a few drinks and decided we would do the company. We thought of the name after too many beers and we decided that Murray would give up his work, so he left and I carried on at Virgin (Atlantic) for six months paying all the bills that came in for the company.”

As 2002 kicked off, Mark was Head of Cabin Services with Virgin but, after taking annual leave to catch up on the Companies work load, he soon decided it was time to quit his day job and work full-time on Shutterly Fabulous. However, their path may have changed dramatically were it not for their determination.

“A week after I left Virgin we had a massive flood, one of our pipes burst and it went all through the garage, on top of the shutters and all our new stationary that we had just brought and that was probably our worst moment,” Mark described as he recalled the incident with a sting of pain.

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“We sat on the kitchen floor surrounded by water thinking we’re screwed but we pulled it together and we’ve now been going 11 years.”

Following their previous tribulation with shutter companies, Mark and Murray decided they would build the company on three brand values. To provide a better service than any other, to provide better quality shutters than any other and to ensure it is the lowest price for wooden plantation shutters in the UK. With an estimated 70 per cent of their business coming from previous customers and personal recommendations, they are clearly well endorsed, and it is by maintaining those three values that Shutterly Fabulous has built its reputation.

“First of all you look in the current market, price is important,” said Murray. “It’s a custom made product and it is expensive to manufacture. We have a direct route to the factory and, therefore, we can offer a more competitive cost than other companies can.

“The service that we offer differs in that we employ a lot of our staff directly ourselves. So we don’t just pass the shutters out to a handyman who we don’t know, it has to be done the Shutterly way. The installers have to know how to go into the home, what to put on their shoes, what to wear, how they leave the place; the whole thing is important.

“We’ve also got a fantastic, state-of-the-art paint facility, a factory that enables us to have a unique finish, it’s more expensive and it takes longer to paint but its got a really fantastic finish and it looks crisp and clean years down the line.”

Success in their field has been duly earned but, while some may sit back and enjoy their achievement, Mark and Murray are always looking to develop the company.

With DIY versions of Shutterly Fabulous now trading in America and Canada, as well as an Australian version on the way, they never remain stationary and their latest venture is a new range designed by MBE Kelly Hoppen.

The interior designer and soon-to-be member of the Dragons’ Den panel ordered a number of unique shutters before the idea of an individual range became obvious.

“Kelly used to order shutters for her projects from us but would often request many specific designs and colours. We approached her and suggested we work together to create her own range. She was thrilled at the prospect and we developed the Kelly Hoppen Shutter range in 2008.The design details and colours look fantastic and customers love the range.”

It truly has been a rags-to-riches story for these two driven entrepreneurs as they have risen from a garage project to a global business but, for Mark, it is nothing new.

“Everyone tells us what an amazing story it is but when you’re in it you don’t actually think about it, you just think it was a lot of luck and a lot of hard work.”

www.shutterlyfabulous.com 21

THE BATHROOM - The Ultimate Retreat

T

By Tara de la Motte (Editor of Sussex Homes & Gardens) www.sussex-homes.co.uk

he Bathroom is the ultimate retreat, whether you like a long soak in a hot bath, or prefer a soothing shower, make sure it happens in a beautiful space.

A bathroom is one of the most intimate spaces in the house, where you will find peace and privacy to indulge in all your bathing needs.

The ideal bathroom should combine style and comfort in equal measure. To help you plan and create a bathroom that fulfills all your needs, visit your local bath showrooms, where you will be able to look at the latest design ideas and the most stylish fixtures and fittings for your bathroom. Bath showrooms are also a useful point of reference – they often have display models that you can see in action.

Whether you are updating an existing bathroom, making a new one or thinking of adding a secondary washing facility, good preparation is essential. It is always good to start by working out how much space you have to play with, and then make a list of your aims and priorities. Once you have a general idea of the facilities you wish to install, visit your local showroom and any larger bathroom stores that offer a computer design service to see how various styles of bathroom suite can be arranged within the confines of your allocated space and many larger

bathroom stores offer a computer design service which will enable you to see how various styles of bathroom suite can be arranged within the confines of your allocated space.

Careful thought should be given to the style of bathroom you wish to have; you may wish to create a bathroom that is in keeping with the décor in the rest of the house, or you may like to take the opportunity to introduce modern design elements into a traditional property. Personally, I would keep things simple and elegant that won’t put off a potential buyer when the time comes to sell the house.

The bathroom revolves around key fixed elements.The fixtures – the sink, bath, toilet and shower. There are numerous makes and brands of fixture available.These fixtures come in a variety of materials, shapes, styles, sizes and finishes.

The fittings – the taps and spouts are the jewellery of the bathroom, the decorative hardware that controls, mixes and directs the water flow. Fittings, like fixtures, come in many shapes and styles. Standard metal finishes include stainless steel, chrome, nickel and pewter in polished, brushed or matt.

Handles come in a variety of forms, including crossbar, trispoke, lever, toggle and pull.

Enjoy ~ Lather ~ Soak ~ Unwind 22

Bath and Shower Baths come in all different shapes and sizes. When selecting a bath, make sure that you can submerge comfortably, there is no better way to ensure its performance than sitting in it. Modern style baths come in various materials including stone, stainless steel, reinforced glass as well as the more popular choice being lightweight acrylic.

If you like the more traditional roll top with claw feet for a truly indulgent centerpiece, when buying, it is good to remember these can weigh up to 150kg empty, but today these baths come in lighter weight enamelled steel and acrylic, which is warm to the touch and retains heat well. The best acrylic baths are as good as cast ironed but won’t easily chip.

In addition to the bath every home should have a shower. The shower compliments the bath and it maybe sited with the bath or its own cubicle. The walk in or walk through shower is very much on trend and this is known as the wet room shower. If you have the space then this is worth considering. A rain cloud – inspired deluge shower is the ultimate in showering luxury – this works in any bathroom but a room with a high ceiling is best to get the full effect.

One of the latest developments in bathroom technology is a shower that bathes you in a therapeutic light, releases a fragrance from its aromatherapy module and switches from downpour to a delicate mist at the touch of a button.

Sinks and Toilet Basics Sinks are available in an array of shapes, sizes and materials including porcelain, metal, glass and stone. If space allows, consider embracing chic his and hers basins for the ultimate indulgence.

The latest WC’s are so high-tech, some even have heated seats. For a clean uncluttered look choose a wall-hung toilet with a concealed cistern, these WC’s seem to protrude less into the room especially if you are tight for space. This type also minimizes the visual impact of the WC. If you opt for a more traditional look, there are great reproduction WC’s to choose from in your local bath showrooms.

There is a revolution going on in the bathroom industry due to the arrival of electronic and digital technology. Showers can be remote controlled, baths can fill themselves, toilets have warmed seats, even cleaning and drying functions.Aside from all this, technology can help reduce consumption of both water and electricity.

Finally there is no need to follow trends, just be inspired by new ideas you see, don’t try and copy them exactly. Take the feeling but adapt it to meet your own situation and needs.

Todays bathrooms have become spa-like havens, designed to make bathing peaceful and indulgent, created with sumptuous styling and lavish materials.

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Into the GARDEN

M

idsummer, and the garden is awash with amazing colour. July is the month to really enjoy our gardens. This is a time for al fresco dining, for great summer parties on the lawn drinking pimms or simply relaxing in the garden after a busy day.

For me July is the scented month, scent from fragrant honeysuckles, aromatic lavenders, tobacco plants and the beautiful lilies all filling the July garden with perfume. An additional pleasure will be had from the many bees, drawn towards these aromatic plants.

Scented flowers and aromatic leaves can enrich your garden with many different fragrances. The range of scent is so wide, even in tropical climates there are over a hundred fragrances. These include scents from cocoa, pineapple, banana and lemon plants.

There is a great choice of scented and highly aromatic plants available from your local garden centre. However, establishing fragrant shrubs and climbers such as roses and honeysuckle in your garden takes time. So it is a good idea to buy some quick fillers for your borders and patio for summer-long scent.

FOR QUICK SCENTS...

Heliotropium Strongly scented flowers, smelling of cooked cherries.

Purple or violet flowers produced in late summer.

Phlox Paniculata Has a sweet scent with pink flowers. Flowering in mid-to late Summer; there are many other varieties and colours.

Lilium Regale (Regal Lily) The easiest scented lily for borders and pots. White with pale purple flush.

Nicotina (Tobacco Plant) Tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers in white, pink and red.

Nicotina Alata and Nicotina Sylvestris have the best scent.

Pelargonium (Scented Geraniums) These are available in a range of scents including lemon, spicy, pine, apple and rose.

There are of course many aromatic leaved shrubs for you to enjoy in your garden including Rosemary, Sage and Lavender are but a few.

‘I hope you enjoy your July garden with all its fragrance.’

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‘Gardens are private worlds where you can relax and let the senses unfold.’

Anonymous

guestlist What?

Shutterly Fabulous Rebrand Where?

1

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Havana Spoon Why? Shutterly Fabulous announce a fresh look with their new logo, website and brochures Who? 1. Rhiannon Hill, Danny Draper, Jan Goergen-Makinson and James Dunn

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2. Mark Streeter, Angelina Le-Flay, Amy Taylor and Fern Suppel 3.Phil Lewis, Jane Clark and Alan Rainey 4. Caroline Malik and Sally Pierce 5. Victoria Alvarez, Tammy Godden, Paul Campbell and Neal Cheetham 6. Lorcan O’Donoghue, Helena Gustarsson, Lynne Edwards, Sarah Gibbs and Gemma Keiser 7. Guests and staff listen to the introduction speeches

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8. Danny Draper, Meera Folkes, Rhiannon Hill, James Dunn and Paul Woodford 9. Murray Clark and Mark Carter

If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

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Photos: Rosebery Images

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a new concept in bedroom ur o t i Vis gger i b n eve room! s etail d show s res Add below

Who says the british aren’t adventurous in the bedroom?

www.gapsolutions.co.uk info@gapsolutions.co.uk

Unit B5 Enterprise Business Park I Crowhurst Road I Brighton I BN1 8AF

01273 550050

Sliding 26 Wardrobes I Room Dividers I Walk in Wardrobes I Headboards I Built in docking stations now available!

guestlist What?

Opening of the new Gap Solutions showroom Where?

Hollingbury Enterprise Estate 1

2

Why? The company is growing and expanding into larger premises Who? 1. Cheryl Piper (Rockinghorse), Laurence Elphick (Juice 107.2) and Graham How (Let’s Do Business) 3

2. Analiese Doctrobe (Rockinghorse), Jonathan Dolding (Let’s Do Business) and Samantha Bailey (Brighton Racecourse)

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3.Kirstie Prodger (Rendezvous), Chris Ellison and Julie Chattaway (Gap) 4. Ryan Heal with Paddy Chattaway and Greg Bradley 5. Greg Bradley (Gap) Elyse Young (Zenotti Interior Design) and Adam Mizler (Woolley Bevis Diplock) 6. Greg Bradley, Craig Mackail Smith and Oliver Bradley 5

7. Ryan Heal and Lynne Edwards

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8. Amber Fry and Craig Mackail Smith (Albion 9. Tom Evans helps Jack the Lad cut the ribbon 10. Fifty Shades of Sarah Arnold and Chris Ellison 11. Ambrose Harcourt (front) with Andrew Bradley, Sam Urben, Tomas Marak, Paddy and Julie Chattaway, Lisa and Greg Bradley, Jon Goodsell and Madelaine Hunter,

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12. You can even climb into Gap Solutions shelves - that it is if you are Pixie Le Knott

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If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

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Photos: www.snapitnow.co.uk

27 27

JAGUAR XFR Maar ten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor

I

am sure it won’t be long before l am accused of working for Jaguar Land Rover!

They keep sending me cars that are startlingly good and yet we all expected the opposite to be the case when Tata of India got hold of the company. We have no experience of India being able to build or design cars and with the standard of the driving and the state of the roads in the country, we were wise to be skeptical. But all those negative thoughts can be banished as, so far, they are turning out world class cars and for that l am eternally grateful, as l have had a long affair with Jaguars in my miss-spent youth and would have silently wept if they had screwed up.

So we turn to their executive cruiser/brute the XFR that has just been delivered to my driveway. It has all the expected Jaguar refinements and a few more besides.

The drive is quite soft on first impressions but hit a few buttons and the XFR opens up a whole range of previously veiled ability. It’s not as precise as the BMW M5, but the XFR has its own character and is

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very easy to hustle. It can be a hooligan and you have to poke it a bit to get it angry - after that, it’s sublime. But do get it angry, as l can assure you that the experience will ruin many other cars for you.

The XFR is certainly a decent road car first and a petrol heads dream second, so the ride is firm but not intrusive, the auto box almost totally unfelt and the ambience one of determined progress. It can be very docile which is a nice surprise for something with 510bhp.

The performance is impressive from the all-new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 510bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds.

A more impressive figure is a 50-70mph time of just 1.9 seconds - that’s devastating when you use it to overtake a Skoda enough to make your eyes widen. There’s a limiter at 155mph, though rumours abound that an unrestricted XFR would hit around 198mph. And there is an even quicker S version which will make you think you have died and gone to heaven.

On the inside, there’s not a great deal that sets the XFR apart from the standard XF,

so the quality seems as per the standard version. There are a few extra badges, some nice bolstered seats, a speedo that is forced to read much higher, but otherwise this is an XF. That means no really bad problems have arisen quite yet and that Jaguar seems to have a handle on what makes a car feel just a little bit special.

And we now come to that word ‘character’. So few cars have it in these days of automotive perfection and one tin box feels much like another. Except for the Jag, which brings memories flooding back of the days when cars had real personality and you actually felt a human affection for them. The XFR is very easy to like as it is very easy to drive, easy to park, easy to get five adults in, good size boot and of course, your right foot can unleash Armageddon.

The only real nod to what this car can do is the deeply bolstered seats that hint at the G forces to come. It turns in brilliantly, has almost endless grip and the electronics allow you to get on the gas really early in a corner – easily making it the equal of the BMW M5 through both fast and slow corners.

The Jag, brings memories flooding back of the days when cars had real personality and you actually felt a human affection for them.

You’ll be struggling if you want really decent mpg from a supercharged 5.0, and my test returned just 14.8mpg, although l do have quite a heavy right foot but l am sure with care, you could get this up to 14.9.

LIKE: Refinement, Power, Character DISLIKE: I can’t afford it!

ALTERNATIVES: BMW M5, Audi RS6, Mercedes C63

If you want the best all-round highperformance saloon, the Jaguar XFR is the answer. It’s the equal of the BMW M5 dynamically and for sheer performance; yet is far easier to live with day-to-day and far more compliant when you’re not in the mood for maximum attack.

Although the competition, in the shape of the BMW M5 and Audi RS6, are mighty fine cars, the XFR has a finesse that the others lack and unlike these cars, could be safely driven by your granny and then handed over to Schumacher for a very impressive lap of Silverstone.

In other words, the XFR is an everyday car that can be driven every day regardless of conditions, traffic or driver ability. It is simply a great all-rounder with a top end that can only be really tested on an autobahn.

TECHINICAL STUFF Engine: 5 litre Supercharged Price: £65,415 Fuel Consumption: 24.4mpg Performance: 0-62mph 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 155 limited

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MOTORING Snippets

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow turned up at the Audi showroom in Piccadilly this month for the launch of their rocket estate, the RS6 – a practical estate car with the performance of a supercar. Priced at £76,985, the first one will be auctioned at Elton John’s White Tie and Tiara Ball and all proceeds will go to Elton’s Aids Foundation. At that price, l think l might have prevented her from writing on the leather interior.

The all new Range Rover has just been voted Car of the Year 2013 in the Car Dealer magazine Power Awards. This is voted for by all model dealers and as the previous model was good, l cannot wait to get my hands on the new one.

Watch these pages….

The new Chevrolet Camaro is to go on sale in the UK at the end of the year with a starting price of £35,320. It’s a good looking car but with a 6.2 litre engine, l am not sure how many they will sell as you would be hard pushed to get more than 18 mpg – do the Yanks know the price of petrol in this country?

Hurray – at last middle lane hoggers will be fined. Surely, we could go further and hang them. Along with caravan owners, they are the least popular motorists on our roads yet, everyone l speak to claims not to be one. Odd.

.co.uk 30

The FORD B MAX

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o doubt you will of seen the clever TV commercial that shows a guy performing a high dive through the sliding door of a small Ford car – this is the B Max, but what’s so special about it? l hear you ask.

In short it is the first car that has managed to do away with the B pillar. This is the part of the car that the rear doors normally connect to and affords cars the structural integrity that prevents the occupants from being crushed in a roll over. Big deal, l hear you say.

What you get from this mini design revolution is space. Both rear doors slide back against the car and, if you are so inclined, you can leap straight through the car. In real life situations, this means that when parking in a tight spot in a car park, you can always open the doors and when trying to get the nippers out of their car seats, you will find that it is easier in this car than almost any other. It also helps enormously when you are loading large objects into the car and the clever sliding doors also stop the little terrors from taking out passing pedestrians when they fling the door open.

The B Max is a small car without doubt but certainly feels like a big car – delusions of grandeur that are not deluded at all. It feels large but in fact is about the size of a Citroen C3 Picasso or Vauxhall Meriva but the door design makes it feel much bigger and if you flatten the back seats and open the hatchback, you get the space feel of a mini transit van. Then we have the new 1.0 litre Eco boost engine that sounds about as powerful as a hairdryer but in fact flies along at quite a lick needing fuel about once every two years and was voted Engine of the Year in 2012. The breadth of operational range is remarkable and it is very flexible and blissfully straightforward.

Everything is designed well and works as it should and you get neat little features such as cruise control, rain sensitive wipers, quick clear windscreen and 16” alloy wheels.

This sector of the market is crowded to say the least but the cracking little engine, the cool sliding doors and the ultimate load space firmly place this car close to the top of the tree. And what is it about kids and sliding doors – they seem to love them and l have become quite a fan too.

LIKE: Funky doors, load space, cracking engine.

DISLIKE: Not much really – it does what it says on the can.

ALTERNATIVES: Citroen C3 Picasso, Vauxhall Meriva .

Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

TECHINICAL STUFF Engines: 1.0 Eco boost Prices: As tested £18,595 Fuel consumption: 57.7 Performance: 0-62 mph 11.2 seconds Top speed: 117 mph

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7 – 9 AUGUST 2013

LADIES DAY THURSDAY 8 AUGUST What will you be wearing?

www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk For race times and full details please visit our website.

Our monthly column from the Sussex County Cricket Club legend

Tony Cottey Sunshine, Australia and Ice Cream

J

uly is really going to be a bumper month for cricket this season. T20 cricket has migrated a little bit to the month of July and also, as it is an Ashes Summer, the touring Australians are playing a 3 day match at the BrightonandHove. com County Ground. In 2009 which was my first year back at Sussex we had a 4 day match v Australia where the temperatures must have 90 degrees on all four days and the ground was bursting at the seams. We had over 1000 guests for hospitality over the match and a capacity crowd of 7,000 for each day. My highlight of the match though? Definitely Carl Hopkinson’s Century! I’d played quite a bit with Hoppo at my time at Sussex and to see him get a 100 against Brett Lee and Co was a special moment.

So on to this year’s match v Australia. We have a 3 day match starting on Friday July 26th through the weekend and finishing on Sunday July 28th.

Again the response has been fantastic with over 1000 hospitality guests already booked in and an expected sell out on each day. There are seats still available so what a great opportunity to a close-up view of the tourists. I will be running another Where Cricket Meets dinner on Wednesday July 24th and I am hoping to have a current test player as my after Dinner Speaker. So again keep your eyes open for information on the dinner.

I love looking back down memory lane as you are all probably aware. One stand out memory for me was playing against Australia A at Neath in West Wales (A place where men are men

and sheep are scared). They had a pretty ordinary team which included Langer, Ponting, Law, Gilchrist etc...!

There is a lot of verbal abuse called sledging in cricket, none more so than when playing against Australia. It usually questions the nature of your birth, in my case how vertically challenged I am or even your sexual preference. In Glamorgan’s case, the mention of sheep reared its ugly head once again.

I suppose the idea came from the Glamorgan v South Africa match earlier in the season when they used a different sledging tactic. Jonty Rhodes, Hansie Cronje and Allan Donald all starting speaking Afrikaans and adding Cottey or Croft after their chat and laughing out loud, hysterically. All this was designed to get under our skins and make us less focussed on our batting. It certainly worked with Robert Croft, he hated it, lost his temper and eventually his wicket. But this sowed a seed for Crofty.

Crofty can speak a bit of Welsh , if not fluently.

My Welsh was about 50% and no one else in the team had any Welsh language skills whatsoever. This did not deter Crofty though.

He decided we would employ the same tactic in Welsh against the Australia A side. He gave everyone a phrase in Welsh and he and I would babble away in Welsh. I was at 1st slip while he was bowling his off spin. I have to say it was a great laugh, seeing the Aussies and how they reacted. We even had a lad called Neil Kendrick a left arm spinner from Bromley in

Kent shouting “Hufenia Langer” as he passed him. Roughly translated it meant “Ice cream Langer” So there was no rhyme or reason to it, but everyone was laughing hysterically at Justin Langer.

It really affected him too as Crofty got him caught 1st slip by yours truly... For 147 though!

Needless to say we didn’t employ that tactic again!

Anyway on to this year’s match v the Aussies.

What a great opportunity it will be to get yourselves down to Hove and watch a fantastic 3 days of cricket. There are still tickets available and I’m sure there will be plenty of sunshine to accompany the Aussies and maybe the odd ice cream!

Cheers Cotts

Sledging usually questions the nature of your birth, in my case how vertically challenged I am or even your sexual preference. In Glamorgan’s case, the mention of sheep reared its ugly head 33

LADIES DAY ÂŁ70 fRiday 19tH July 2013 inc vat

day 3 vs. middlesex lV=cc

Best Hat competition Raffle pRizes auctions

Plus More!

aRRiVal fRom 12pm tHRee-couRse luncH foR moRe infoRmation Visit sussexcRicket.co.uk oR call 0844 264 0202

Simon Kirby

Columnists

Welcome to my latest sports column for Absolute Brighton.

A

Mike Donovan

s the Football and Rugby seasons draw to a close I thought I would reflect on a mixed season for our local clubs.

As a season ticket holder at the Amex I was as disappointed as everyone with the loss to Palace. It is never easy to lose in a playoff, but especially hard to lose to your fiercest rival.

I shall be taking my seat in the North Stand again next year though to cheer on the boys, hopefully to automatic promotion this time! However we all know how tough the Championship is to get out of.

It has also been disappointing to read of the uncertainty surrounding Gus Poyet’s future with the Seagulls. He has done a tremendous job and if he does leave, it seems a shame that the end of his time at the club has been so messy.

Lower down the football pyramid it has been a successful season, with Whitehawk Football Club finishing top of the Ryman Premier League, securing back to back promotions, taking them in to the Blue Square South. The Club has recently announced a name change and from next season will be known as Brighton City Football Club.

Peacehaven and Telscombe Football Club also had an incredibly successful season, doing the double by winning the Sussex League Cup and also being crowned champions of the Sussex County League.

The Brighton Blues Rugby Club also enjoyed another victorious season, gaining promotion to the London 1 South division as well as winning the National Cup Final at Twickenham.

As we all turn our attention to the summer sports, and with the ashes very much in peoples minds, it has been a promising start to the season for Sussex Sharks.

We are lucky to have such a thriving sport’s scene in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas and I wish all our local teams’ success in the future.

Moore is a class act

B

righton superstar jockey Ryan Moore is - capable of adding to his legend at Glorious Goodwood and beyond in the St Leger and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe before the flat season is out. You only have to look at what he has already done this campaign.

Moore proved just why he is considered the best big-race winner of his generation in venerated circles with a top ride to win his second Derby last month on board Ruler of the World.

But the former Cardinal Newman school pupil in Hove does not attract the publicity his achievements deserve, bearing in mind he has also won the Oaks, the Arc, Breeders’ Cup races and a string of group ones including the Coronation Cup, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

The three-time champion jockey is seen as reticent by the media, which has found him less than effusive when talking about personal matters (although his thoughts on professional ones are insightful). But Lester Piggott was never a big talker and yet deservedly carved a career as arguably the greatest jockey of them all.

Moore is a class act with a will to win to match the Long Fellow. He deserves greater recognition. His mum Jayne and dad Gary, a trainer, and siblings Jamie, Hayley and Josh, are proud of him. His late grandfather Charlie would be. So should those who observe racing. He brings the sport into repute.

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Ladies Day at Brighton Races

Sporting Style - Brighton hosts, not

one but, two Ladies Days this summer 2013.

F

rosts Ladies Day is back at Brighton as part of the Three Day Festival starting on Thursday 8th August.

The date is one that is in every lady’s diary in the city and one not to miss. Everyone looks forward to getting dressed up, seeing what everyone else is wearing and catching up with friends over a glass of champagne.

This year’s Best Dressed Lady wins a stunning Black and White Diamond necklace, courtesy of James Ross Jewellers. Other partners including Ted Baker, Electric and Bang & Olufsen will be giving away prizes in the build-up to the meeting.

General Manager, Stuart Dorn, said “Everyone is very excited about Ladies Day, with a buzz around the city about the day.

Private hospitality is already sold out demonstrating its popularity, but with some packages still available including the Marquee, or the opportunity for Champagne and Pimms with friends, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to seeing everyone here!

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Do not forget the party continues at the Thistle after, and then we have racing and a live performance from Scouting for Girls the following day!”

Ladies Day 2013 at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground takes place on the 19th July 2013 from 12pm, the exclusive event will be a day not to miss – be it a cricket fan or not! It will be Day Three of Sussex’s LV = County Championship Division One clash with Middlesex.

Guests will be able to indulge in an array of glamorous activities throughout the day – from best hat, raffle prizes, auctions to beauty and jewellery. Further details to be released in the coming weeks including a few surprise announcements! Gentleman also welcome. The event will take place in the Montefiore Hospital Boundary Rooms in the south-east corner of the ground.

Tickets cost £70 (including VAT) which includes a drinks reception and three course meal. For more information or to reserve tickets, please contact the club on 01273 666200 or ladies@midnight.co.uk, or the Sussex County Cricket Club Commercial Department on 0844 264 0201.

Gadgets

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networking

LOVE BI T ES

Dates for the diary Julia Chanteray recommends... the best business networking events in town

Here’s my round up of the business networking and learning events you should be looking out for in June.

Ambrose Harcourt’s Business Love Bites Top 5

9th July – Curry Club. Lots of people, buckets of curry, and full on business card swapping. £17.50, book in advance at www. brightonbusinesscurryclub.co.uk 9th July – State of the City. One of Brighton’s most important and biggest business events. Come and ask your question about the issues which face businesses in the city. Free to attend, book in advance at www. businessinbrighton.org.uk

Andrew Mosley General Manager The Grand Hotel

Both sides now – Joni Mitchell.

OK, yes I know it’s the sad bit in Love Actually, but putting that aside, the words, melody and Joni Mitchell’s voice are both amazing backed by an amazing soundtrack – totally relaxing.

11th July – Hove Business Association’s business breakfast, with Chris Piper from the Bank of England. 7.45am at the Cricket Ground, £12.50, book in advance at www.hovebiz.com

Beneath you’re beautiful – Emeli Sande and Labyrinth.

Modern day love song – brilliant combination

17th July – Sussex Cricket Club’s Boundary Club. Excellent food, lots of networking and the chance to watch day one of Sussex v Middlesex after the lunch. Contact James Potten on 01273 827126 to join.

of two talents.

L-O-V-E Nat King Cole.

Jazz. Smooth. Nice!

18th July – Creative Networking. I’m running this facilitated networking session for creative businesses, where you’re guaranteed to be introduced to some of the most interesting businesses in the city. £10, book at www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

Love story – Taylor Swift.

Perhaps not everyone’s first choice but traditional old me likes the happy ending to this one – and

18th July – The Platinum Club. Held at The Grand, this is a peer to peer networking forum for CEOs, MDs and senior directors. If you are interested in attending contact Maarten Hoffman at maarten@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk or call 07966 244046.

you can’t beat a simple cheesey love song now and then!

My resistance is low – Robin Sarstedt.

This is the song my wife and I had our first dance to at our wedding reception 20 years ago. We

18th July – Speed Networking at Brighton Racecourse, 4.30pm, £25. Book in advance at www.sussexbusinessbureau.co.uk

both worked on functions in a hotel at the time we met and got a bit tired hearing the same tunes played at people’s weddings, so decided to be

19th July, 8am, Juice Business Breakfast.

Venue tbc. Register at www.juicebrighton.com/info/breakfast-club.

different! Plus it’s a great tune and the lyrics are

Julia Chanteray helps businesses to make more money and have more fun through her business consultancy The Joy of Business. She does a lot of networking in Brighton.

The Grand, 97-99 Kings Road.

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perfect!

www.devere-hotels.co.uk/thegrand.

Business Julia Chanteray, President of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce takes us

Inside the Chamber Why everyone needs to join in

T

here are so many great things

at the moment. Si and I both really enjoy the

Why some people want to learn everything

happening in the Brighton business

Wayfinder sessions and are happy to provide

they can about running a business and come

community, sometimes it’s hard to

our services on a pro bono basis.

to all the Bite Size Learning sessions, and

keep track of it all. And we must be

We have 30 or so Chamber Ambassadors

why some people carry on doing business

doing something right, as Brighton seems to

who welcome people at events, and have

in the same old way, usually with diminishing

be much more resilient than other places in

special duties of being nice to shy people.

returns.

the UK and across Europe.

Maybe I was feeling a bit shy the other

And why some people don’t seem to

At Brighton and Hove Chamber of

week when I got a big hug from one of the

want to take advantage of all the great

Commerce, our members are doing our bit

ambassadors at the Chamber breakfast –

opportunities the Chamber provides to do

to build our city. We have all sorts of people

it was a good welcome and woke me up

more business, meet interesting people and

taking time out of their busy business lives

anyway.

be inspired by the stories of other business

to contribute to the Chamber and all the

And behind the scenes, I’m constantly

people.

different activities.

amazed by the generosity of people like

So next time you’re thinking that you want

Dave Tester at E-Advantage Solutions is

Richard Excel, Franki Martelli, Lisa Bamford

to increase sales, get out more and make

enthusiastically setting up a Chamber Choir,

and many more people who use their

friends, learn about how to use LinkedIn

and our first Chamber country walk. We

amazing skills to make everything look very

properly – think about coming along to one

have Chamber running Bite Sized Learning

professional and beautiful. Copywriters,

of the Chamber events. Check out what’s

sessions, which help business people develop

coders, sales trainers, accountants all give

happening at www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

the skills they need to run a great business.

their time to help us build a great business

and come and join in.

Without these people donating their time,

community.

we wouldn’t be able to keep the prices

Julia Chanteray

down to the ridiculously cheap price of £25

So why doesn’t everyone do this?

is the director of

for a two hour training workshop.

In fact, why doesn’t everyone join

business consultancy

Si Conroy and myself take it in turns to

in?

The Joy of Business

facilitate the Wayfinder sessions where we

and the President

get 4 business people together to help one

It constantly puzzles me as to why some

of the Brighton and

another with whatever issues they are facing

people love to contribute, and some don’t.

Hove Chamber of Commerce.

It constantly puzzles me as to why some people love to contribute, and some don’t.

39

s

. t

er o

Giving Financial Planning and Wealth Management a Personal Touch

Giving Financial Planning and Wealth Management a Personal Touch • Pensions

• Tax Efficient Investments

• Family Financial Protection

• Bespoke Personal Financial Plans

• Discretionary Investment Management • Tax and Trust Planning

f

• Pensions Skerritt House 22 Coleridge Street, Hove East Sussex BN3 5AB

City office 8 Laurence Poutney Hill London EC4R 0BE

• Tax Efficient Investments

Tel: 01273 204999 • enquiries@skerritts.co.uk • www.skerritts.co.uk

• Family Financial Protection

• Bespoke Personal Financial Plans Adviser Awards

Adviser Awards

Best RDR Business Transition

Best Wealth Manager

Finalist

Finalist

• Discretionary Investment Management • Tax and Trust Planning

Skerritt House 22 23 Coleridge Street, Hove East Sussex BN3 5AB

City office 8 Laurence Poutney Hill London EC4R 0BE

Tel: 01273 204999 • enquiries@skerritts.co.uk • www.skerritts.co.uk

Adviser Awards

Adviser Awards

Best RDR Business Transition

Best Wealth Manager

Finalist

Finalist

Business Financial Advice from Head of Investments at Skerritts

Andrew Merricks Time to Leave “It’s not whether you’re right or

To have been out of these three sectors for

possible that the gold price will resume its

wrong that’s important, but how

most of the last decade would have meant

march upwards, but why should it? The graph

much money you make when you’re

missing out on a great opportunity. As

shows that on historic measurements, it is

right and how much you lose when

usually happens, most people caught on to

some 140% overvalued against its trend line.

you’re wrong” – George Soros

this opportunity at the latter end of its cycle.

A

The last time it was in this territory was in t Skerritts, we’ve long been

We hear that markets have recovered in the

1979 just before it entered a 20 year bear

believers that successful

last couple of years. Indeed they have. Most

market. It pays no income, it generally does

investment is more about

of them. But if you had invested in any of

badly when the Dollar strengthens (as now)

losing less in the bad times as

the three sectors listed, you would have lost

and its price has almost entirely matched the

it is about making gains in the good. When

money over two years in each of them. The

growth of ETFs which have allowed greater

markets go up, advisers and investors in

key question is whether you should hold on

access to the commodity. If it’s easy to buy,

general think that they are better than they

if you have. Everything goes back up again

it’s also easy to sell.

are. The markets take them higher.

doesn’t it? Well, that can be true, but you may have to wait an awfully long time before

It is no coincidence that emerging markets

Sure, a professional adviser should be able

it does, and there is every possibility that

and natural resources rose almost as one.

to outperform a rising market, but it is very

you could lose more while you’re waiting.

Where do most of these natural resources come from? Many come from Latin America

difficult to make gains, Canute-like, when everything around you is falling. If you can

Take gold as an example. It is perfectly

and Africa. If there is a slow down in demand

hold on to your capital in a reasonable way

for resources, there will inevitably be a

at such times, you provide a platform from

knock-on effect in these regions.

which you can join in the next bull run, which will arrive at some point.

Brazil has already imposed capital controls.

It’s been a great party, but in illiquid markets

It is impossible not to lose money at certain

such as many of the emerging ones, you

times if you invest in anything other than

don’t want to be there when everyone else

cash. In fact, investing in cash now probably

is leaving.

assures you a real loss when considered in conjunction with inflation. Too many people,

We’ve made our exit at Skerritts, within

however, lose money unnecessarily simply

our discretionary managed portfolios. We

through inertia. Anyone who claims to time

may be wrong. That’s the great thing about

markets consistently should be treated

investment. It’s all about opinion. But we

with suspicion, but sometimes you can take

tend to favour being safe than sorry.

clues from the information available and hop out of something for which the signs are unpromising.

Space restricts us from going into further detail on our thoughts, but our views can be

We think that those signs are flashing now

read on www.skerritts.co.uk or, of course,

for emerging markets, resources and gold.

you can call us any time.

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Business

The Mobile MD The Absolute Business interview - Nik Askaroff Profile. The founder and CEO of EMC,

and commercial business development.

He has considerable overseas experience, particularly in the emerging markets of China, Russia and India as well as the USA and most European countries. Nik has been involved in scores of projects ranging from chief executive of a listed electronics company to non-executive director for one of the country’s leading freight forwarders.

My dad was a Russian immigrant and my mum is Austrian. He was born on the day of the revolution - October 10th 1917. He was French Russian and the family saw the dangers of the revolution. It became an unpleasant place to be if you were from a White Russian background and my family were semi-middle class intellectuals. My grandmother took the family out of Russia when my dad was four years old and the family believed that my grandfather had been shot, though he had actually been imprisoned in a camp.

Our family business was in children’s fashion textiles. I took on the role of FD, then MD, taking over running the company from my mum. We made children’s nursery products, duvet covers, cot bumpers, changing mats etc with over 100 sewing machinists in Eastbourne. We sold to the Royal Family and to over 1,000 shops, including Harrods, John Lewis, Selfridges, Galleries Lafayette in Paris and even the USA. It was a lovely manufacturing company. It was on a small scale but exported all over the world and it was here that I learned to love small manufacturing companies and realised how important they are to our country.

Nik Askaroff is one of the highest profile businessmen in the South East. He is a former President of the South Eastern Society of Chartered Accountants, past Chairman of both Business Link Sussex and Sussex Enterprise.

Nik holds board positions with six companies and at EMC focuses on strategy, team management, merger and acquisition work,

They escaped to Paris, the adults trekking thousands of miles over Siberia by sledge, whilst they bribed train drivers to allow the children to hide under the coal bunker on the train journey from Moscow to Paris.

My father was a poor Russian immigrant in Paris and had a hard time being picked on by the other kids, until my grandmother moved the family to Austria. But being Jewish, living in Austria in the pre-war and war years wasn’t the ideal place to be and they spent most of this time in hiding in the country. She re-married Peter Sippl, the Lord Chief Justice in Austria, who was expelled for his role for helping Jewish people in the country. By now, my father was an adult and working in Vienna.

Dad got through the war but when the Soviets took over (control of Austria was shared for several years between the Allied countries), they tried to repatriate him to Russia. All those Russians who returned were shot as soon as they crossed the border.

The Russians gave him a few beatings but he managed to avoid being returned to Russia and certain death. He knew that his luck would run out, so he emigrated to England, penniless in the 1950s. He managed to find work selling ice-creams and then hoovers, and he built up a new life.

On my dad’s advice I studied accountancy and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1980. I was awarded the title of ‘Accountant of the Year’ in 1986. but quickly decided that there must be more exciting occupations than auditing, investigations and tax. One of my senior partners at Grant Thorntons came in and threw his books down and said, “You know Nik, you’d have thought that after 40 years of doing this, you’d think it would get more interesting and less technical.”

I thought to myself that I don’t want to be doing this for 40 years, so I left to move into industry.

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I worked with two of my brothers and it worked pretty well as a second generation company, but then three other brothers wanted to be involved and we encountered the problems of a second generation company, such as how it would be shared out. Business was going well but I wasn’t sure it was enough for six families, so I left them to it. I had always wanted to be in control of my own destiny, so I decided it was time to move on.

I was offered a job by Timberland in 1989, to sort out their European operation, but I decided I didn’t want a permanent job and offered to take it on as a project. I quickly formed a limited company called Eastbourne Management Consultants and that’s when I started working on a consultancy basis. When the recession struck, I had people asking me advice and getting me to help out in various ways. We would get called in for a bit of trouble-shooting and we were up and running. By 1992 we had eight to ten people. I surrounded myself with a team of good accountants, experienced sales directors and production people and we became a mobile boardroom that SME”s could call on for advice as and when they needed help.

The Russians gave dad a few beatings but he managed to avoid being returned to Russia and certain death.

Fashion

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One of the businesspeople said,“I am moving out of Brighton. Can anyone say I am doing the wrong thing?”

No-one could.

In 1992, the Financial Times called us as the ‘first corporate troubleshooting firm’.

Often key staff are overpaid for a lot of their time at work. A good Financial Director costs £60,000 to £120,000 but you might only need their key skills one day a week. It is like the MD who gets involved in tasks that he should be delegating. The boss should be the leader and the strategist. He should be looking outside the business rather than inside the business. Sometimes you have to roll up your sleeves and get involved and sometimes you have to micro-manage, but not all the time. This is where the mobile boardroom comes in. We can supply someone to provide the service an FD or MD does, but only when needed.

In 1994, the country started coming out of the recession, and then companies starting thinking about selling and others were looking to make acquisitions, so we set up a Corporate Finance arm.

We help people raise money, value companies, buy businesses or sell businesses.

I think my skills were honed in the family company.

I learnt about design, manufacture, sales, production and sourcing business. It just happened by chance. I never planned to be a troubleshooter. I am always learning. I have been involved in over 500 projects from the chief exec of a listed company to helping a one man start up. I have taken on board the lessons from all these experiences as you really do never stop learning.

There is a definite work ethic in an immigrant family and there is the understanding that you have to go out and make it work yourself. You have to be in charge of your own destiny. I don’t want to be reliant on someone else. This is something that immigrants understand, though it does become diffused in the second and third generations. I hope that I can pass this ethos on to my children.

Life can be a bit easy for some children now.

We have helped about 200 people become millionaires, many of whom still live in the area, and most of them will have a good word to say about us. We live in the community, so people trust us and they know where we are. Business owners often need help when a company grows as it is always a risky time, and sometimes it is good to speak to someone who is experienced in expanding companies.

Sometimes we invest in a company and one of us might become a director to go on the journey with them. Most of our business comes from referrals, from satisfied clients.

We no longer have a full-time London office. We suffered from our own success as our staff kept getting poached for top-level city jobs.

In the 1980’s I went to a dinner hosted by 3i, the venture capital company with over twenty key senior businesspeople there and the view was that the town was finished. One of the guests said, “ We are moving out. Can anyone say I am doing the wrong thing?” No-one could and half of them had already decided to move out to Gatwick or Crawley.

Luckily the creative and digital industries, supported by the council’s creative hub, moved in and this really did turn it around.

There is also the positive influence of the gay community and the eco economy attracted by the Green MP and councils, although any growth will be hindered by their transport policies, which are certainly bad for business.

We have a good creative sector in Brighton and the council helped with workspaces for these budding entrepreneurs, but the problem is they are too many one-man bands, many of whom have a lifestyle business, where they just scrape together a living. I often want to bring them all together and and say to them, “If you ten get together and pool your expertise, you could have a leading company. If you twenty get together, you could be a world-leading company.” I am a strong believer that one and one can make five.

I get excited when I see companies expand and show ambition. Brighton is dominated by lifestyle businesses, where people are their own bosses and work the hours they want to work, but they work very hard and struggle. We need people to grow businesses.

We have some great examples like RDF, FDM, Neilson, RedSeven and Ricardo, so we have plenty of champions, but we will always need more.

For the SMEs the banks’ shutters are down. For the growing business which needs fuel to expand the banks aren’t in business. I don’t blame the banks - it is our money they look after and they have had their wrists slapped. But they have been exploiting their position, charging some extortionate interest rates. There are currently few resources out there for SMEs. If you want to borrow a million pounds it is relatively easy but if you need £50-£250,000, it is really tough. We desperately need start-ups and people taking risks. Without them there will be fewer jobs and employers. At EMC we are trying to help these companies grow and prosper I’d love to see a Brighton Venture Fund to support small businesses. Sometimes the problem is accessing investment.

These work well in Oxford and Cambridge and I think it could work in Brighton, but we haven’t got the same history of companies growing and coming through the other end. The way it works is serial entrepreneurs come together with a venture fund to invest. We have a fantastic innovation centre at Sussex University and Brighton University is doing great work.

It needs a bit of fuel priming from Government and we have lobbied for this. To start, we really need some risk funding of about £10-£20m to start with and it needs to be based on a Portfolio Theory basis i.e. If we invest in ten, four will go bust, four won’t do much and two will go on to pay for the next ten. It needs to be simple and quick just as 3i was in the eighties. It is a big risk but if we want our budding entrepreneurs to build businesses that employ people, then we must take that risk. With interest rates so low, people are looking for new ways to invest and a local risk fund could be an opportunity.

We would be happy to help start a Brighton Investor Network, if we can find like-minded companies. I believe that one of the reasons that we have a lack of big local companies is because the Brighton economy was so poor in the 1980s and 1990s, when there was a lack of start-ups.

At EMC, we are senior businesspeople who enjoy working but we all want to enjoy life as well. Some could retire, but don’t want to stop working. We never advertise jobs - people apply to us. We get regular applications from senior businesspeople and we decide if they will fit in. If there is a good person out there, we will always talk to them. We do lose staff - sometimes people will go and help a company and they will stay on with them. But then they often come back later on for a new challenge. It is all organic and that is how we like it.

Interview by Ian Trevett 45

The Winners

The BAHBAs - The winners 2013.

T

he city’s alive and swinging duo, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, announced the winners of the 8th annual Brighton & Hove Business Awards (BAHBAs) on the Brighton Pier.

The gala business event was attended by over 300 business representatives from across the city including MPs Caroline Lucas and Chuka Ummuna (Shadow Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills).

The title of Outstanding Brightonian was awarded to Martin Perry, who has spent more than 15 years at the helm of Brighton and Hove Albion FC, ten of which were spent fighting tooth and nail for the construction of the £23m American Express Community Stadium.

Other big winners on the night included BrightonandHoveJobs. com who took home Greatest Contribution to the Community and the Dental Health Spa which won the title of Best Customer Service. The American Express Community Stadium was named Best Place to Visit whilst Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival took the Best Event in the City.

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However, it was European Recruitment who were awarded with two awards on the night for Business Beyond the City and Best Place to Work.

Tony Mernagh, chairman of the judges, commented: “The BAHBAs are all about capturing the spirit of Brighton & Hove and recognising the stars of our city - those companies, organisations and individuals that are inspirations to us all.

“This year’s winners are great examples of the city’s business talent and are truly deserving of the titles with which they have been awarded.

They stand as a testament to the success of Brighton’s dynamic and hard-working business community.”

Sponsors included Allied Irish Bank, Brighton & Hove Jobs.com, Cardens Accountants, The Treatment Rooms, The Montefiore Hospital, The British Engineerium, Qualifa, The Eventa Group and media partners The Argus, Absolute Brighton and Juice 107.2FM. Also supported by the MDHUB, Chamber of Commerce, Brighton & Hove City Council and B&H Tourism Alliance.

BAHBAs 2013 WINNERS The Award for Business Beyond The City Winner: European Recruitment Highly Commended: Blue Eyed Sun Ltd Finalist: Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival The Award for the Greatest Contribution to the Community Winner: BrightonandHoveJobs.com Finalists: Grove Lodge Vets, The Whitehawk Inn The Best Customer Service Winner: Dental Health Spa Finalists: Ideal Networks, MWB Essential, The Kitchen Store The Best Environmental Industry Company Winner: Ambiental Finalists: Jurys Inn The Best Event in the City Winner: Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival Finalists: Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce Brighton Summit, Brighton’s Big Screen The Best Independent Retailer Winner: purple-heart.com Finalists: La Cave a Fromage, Kitchen Store The Best New Kids on the Block Winner: Bohemia Grand Café & Late Lounge Finalists: Simply Marvellous Creative, The Learning People The Best Place to Visit in Brighton & Hove Winner: The American Express Community Stadium Finalists: Brighton Marina, Brighton Pier The Best Place to Work Winner: European Recruitment Finalists: Madgex, The Student Room Group The Creative Industries Award Winner: Plug-in Media Finalists: Chilli Pepper Pete Ltd, Kanoti The Fastest Growing Business Award Winner: The Student Room Group Finalists: Crunch Accounting, European Recruitment, Metrodeco The MD of the Year Winner: Nikki Gatenby (Propellernet) Finalists: Alan Margetts (The Kitchen Store), Jeremy Corner (Blue Eyed Sun Ltd) The Professional Services Award Winner: Close Brothers Invoice Finance Finalists: 360 Degree Vision™, Crunch Accounting Outstanding Brightonian Winner: Martin Perry Photos by Julia Claxton

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1

2

3

4

6

7

9

Photos: Julia Claxton and Rosebery Images

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5

8

10

guestlist What?

The Brighton and Hove Business Awards (BAHBAs) Where?

Brighton Pier Why? To celebrate the city’s finest businesspeople Who?

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1.Marilyn ((Laura Nixon) and Elvis (Jim Deveraux) 2. BAHBAs organisers Caraline Brown and Fiona Graves 3. Sarah Springford and Anne Martin 4. The Kitchen Store 5. Caroline Lucas and Trevor Savage 12

13

5

14

6. Andrew Mosley, Frances Duncan and Ryan Heal 7. Ophelia Clunge 8. Marilyn, Elvis, Nerys Lucas and Anna Orme 9. Gary Peters, Caraline Brown, Marilyn Monroe, Chuka Umunna MP, Peter Field, Tony Mernagh, Georgina Angele and Elvis 10. Allied Irish Bank 11. The Treatment Rooms 12. Jane Drew, Kelly Farres and Danni Dayani

15

16

13. Alex Jenkins and Laura Cartledge 14. Popcorn from the Pier 15. Ian Lucas and Ian Trevett 16. John Norris, Jacky Misson and Darren Fell 17. Oasis lead singer Ryan Heal

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49

The King’s Speech

If I was

King of Brighton

Ice-skating, Gutbusters, four hour Happy Hours, Big Beach Boutiques and independent coffee shops - all under the reign of King Richard Skerritt...

M

y first action, not surprisingly, would be to remove the ridiculous 20mph limits that the Green Party have imposed in their relentless attack on car owners. Keep it around schools, at times that children are going to and from school, but elsewhere, the Green Party councillors should be handed scrapers and be made to remove the 20mph markings on their hands and knees as punishment.

My second action would be to remove the

hideous plastic bins that blight the lovely streets of Brighton and Hove and go back to individual bins.

My first big structural change would be to construct a huge ice skating rink running all the way from the Peter Pan playground to the Pier - get people out there having fun and getting fit at the same time. This is what Brighton is all about. This should be well served by bars and live music.

I would then use my regal powers to enforce twice yearly Big Beach Boutiques

I would use my regal powers to enforce twice yearly Big Beach Boutiques on Brighton’s best known resident, Mr Fat Boy Slim

on Brighton’s best known resident, Mr Fat Boy Slim. These would return to their spiritual home of the beach and be free to all Brighton and Hove (and Woodmancote) residents. Outsiders would be welcome, but would be charged, to pay for the clean up.

As punishment for not paying their taxes, as the rest of us have to, I would remove all of the Starbucks and replace these with local coffee shops such as Small Batch. Whilst on my cull of characterless foreign owned food and drink venues, I

The King’s Speech

My Royal demolition team would then demolish the Holiday Inn, the Brighton Centre, the Odeon, Hove Town Hall and the King Alfred Centre.

I would take the Market Diner, the all night cafe, under Royal ownership, reinstating 24 hour opening and making the Gutbuster the eating challenge it once was

would cull half of all McDonalds, Burger Kings and KFCs (keeping half for essential hangover feasts...) and replace these with more Gingerman restaurants - as King, I would obviously get free fare at all times. I would also take the Market Diner, all night cafe, under Royal ownership, reinstating 24 hour opening and making the Gutbuster the eating challenge it once was (two of everything it is possible to fry and tea included).

Ugg Boots and Crocs would be banned in public for anyone over the age of 5, in an effort to improve Brighton’s sartorial standards.

Fridays should officially become POETS day, with all pubs and bars being forced to have Happy Hour from 4pm till 8pm on Fridays

- after a hard working week, it can do wonders for team spirit to have a couple of cheeky drinks with your colleagues.

All Regency buildings would become protected at all times, meaning that there is no chance in the future they could be replaced by modern eyesores. Let Brighton keep its eclectic mix of architectures, but help Hove keep its Regency charm.

I would decimate the number of traffic wardens on our streets, so that people could go about their business without constant fear of finding the dreaded green ticket just for running 5 minutes over their ticket time. Make Sunday morning a parking amnesty (in allocated parking bays) so that people who have sensibly left their cars after Saturday night drinking, are

not lured into driving early in the morning whilst still under the influence.

The traffic wardens that are no longer required would be redeployed as cycle wardens, ensuring that cyclists obey traffic lights and rules of the road like motorists are forced to do. Any cyclists found guilty of these offences, would not only be fined, but would be banned from wearing lycra for a year….

Finally, part of Brighton Beach would have its pebbles replaced by fine soft sand shipped in from The Sahara - this area would be renamed The Royal Beach and would be for the sole use of The King and his invited guests for relaxing by the sea after all, ruling the City can be hard work. www.skerritts.co.uk

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