PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 17 - SURREY EDITION

The widest-read business publication in the South East

PLATINUM

SURREY EDITION . ISSUE 17 . 2015

CHECK A TORNADO

A business success born out of a freak storm

DON'T LET GO

How to keep your staff

YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE Celebrating 50 years

PLATINUM Plus: Business Funding Guide International Trade Legal Issues Accountancy Wealth Management Business Travel Chamber News Business Style Editorial Opinion Networking Motoring

GO AGOVO

The Weybridge company with big plans

THE BIG STORY

DONALD TRUMP

Genuine candidate or just an attention-seeker?

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WELCOME

24

THE BIG STORY DONALD TRUMP A Presidential candidate - or is it all just one big publicity stunt?

12

CHECKATORNADO

62

HOW TO RETAIN STAFF Recruitment leaders Page Executive on how to build a company culture

Issue 1 Autumn 2015

56

Kevin Byrne has built up CheckaTrade to become force to be reckoned with

FLORIDABOUND FLORIDA BOUND

An exclusive magazine for Florida homeowners based in the UK

The launch of an exciting AngloAmerican magazine

BUSINESS

BRANSON STYLE Jacksonville Golf Package Competition

As the cold autumn evenings draw in, the TV schedules resurrect the usual populist schedules: Strictly, The X Factor and, of course, The Apprentice. It doesn’t bear much, if any, resemblance to the real world of business, but it is always good knockabout fun watching Lord Sugar ruthlessly dismantle the egos of his deluded young contestants.

Across the pond, The Apprentice is all about the over-inflated ego of one Donald Trump.

Or at least it was before he alienated the entire Mexican population and sent the TV executives scurrying for cover. Now he is campaigning for the Republican nomination to run for President.

It couldn’t happen, could it? Does Trump himself really believe in his campaign - or is it just another attempt to promote brand Trump? Read this month’s Big Story and make up your own mind.

Away from the make-believe world of The Apprentice, this edition of Platinum Business Magazine is packed with opinion, advice, news and information from real companies and influential business people. And we can safely say that none of our contributors will be summoned to the boardroom for failing in their task!

Enjoy your Platinum Business Magazine.

Maarten & Ian

Platinum Business Magazine, Surrey October 2015

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI

44 80 4

In association with

CONSULT & SUCCEED Interview with Samuel Tilley, MD of Agovo

GOLDEN STAGE Yvonne Arnaud Theatre celebrates its 50th birthday

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

Platinum Business Magazine is published and owned by Platinum Business Publications Limited.

Issue 17 - 2015

The Team

AT A GLANCE 6

Local News

10 Natwest Care Home Survey

12 Interview Kevin Byrne Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

16 Croydon Business Awards 18 Jo Rogers Marketing

19 Carpenter Box Manufacturing Survey

20 National News 24 The Big Story: Donald Trump Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

32 Lloyds Case Study Avensys

34 Skerritts Investments

36 DMH Stallard Consumer Rights Changes

39 Big Beach Amanda Spicer - Senior Designer

Marketing

40 Gatwick Diamond Awards 43 Caraline Brown Public Relations

44 Interview Samuel Tilley, MD of Agovo Julia Trevett - Accounts Manager

48 Kreston Reeves Accounts

50 Style -

Grooming products

52 Anger Management Dangers of Diesel

55 The Runway Debate 56 Florida Bound Magazine 58 Bennett Griffin Meet the Team

60 Women in Business 61 DMH Stallard Merger News

62 Michael Page Retaining Staff

63 Caraline Brown Public Relations

65 Motoring 70 Mercedes-Benz of Guilford 72 Cranleigh Big Awards 75 President’s Dinner at Foxhills 76 Louise Punter Surrey Chambers

79 Chamber Events 80 Secret Surrey Yvonne Arnaud

82 Institute of Directors

Lawns at RHS Garden, Wisley

Hannah Monkcom - Staff Reporter

Lauren Psyk - Staff Photographer

5

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

25 YEARS Grillo LLP, founded by Tom Grillo, 75, is firm of independent Chartered Surveyor. It has grown from just two people to a team of eleven, including three partners and four trainee graduate surveyors, and is now celebrating 25 years of trading.

Grillo LLP offer residential and commercially property-related services – structural surveys, valuations for all purposes, rent reviews, schedules of condition and dilapidations. They also design and project-manage the modernisation of historic and listed buildings. Their expertise is recognised nationally with their articles appearing in Country Life, tepilo.com and Period Living. “The secret of our growth over the last 25 years here in Godalming,” says Tom Grillo, “is ensuring that every client is comfortable in the knowledge that they are receiving advice from a team of dedicated individuals, who really care about the quality of service provided. Investing in training is a key part of the Grillo LLP ethos and we probably do twice as much training as any other firm.” And it pays dividends. Both Tom’s current partners, David Lewis, 41, and Dominic Earley, 33, trained with him after qualifying.

David Lewis, an assessor for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, says: “We do things which are technically beyond other firms and it can be highly specialised, as in restoring Listed Buildings. Ultimately we are happy to work with entrepreneur developers or pensioners, and it’s very heartening to have families using us over the generations. All because we are trusted.”

BRITANNIC TECHNOLOGIES CONVERGENCE SUMMIT

AMAZON FRESH – WE GUESSED RIGHT! You remember in

Britannic Technologies have announced

the last issue of

the dates of its renowned Convergence

Platinum Business

Summit. Now in its 12th year, the

Magazine we

Summit will take place at Twickenham

questioned whether

Stadium on 12th November. The event

the warehouse in

has proved to be so successful over the previous years that Britannic will also be

Weybridge was

hosting a sister summit at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 26th November.

The event is targeted at midsize to large businesses and focuses on how businesses can utilise technology to improve efficiencies, productivity, and customer service. Jonathan Sharp, Sales and Marketing Director, Britannic Technologies, “The theme of this year’s event is ‘Unified Communications: Redefining the Workplace’. Productivity levels in the UK are trailing behind our international counterparts by 21%. Of course, there are many factors that contribute to this, but by using technology correctly businesses can improve productivity and efficiencies. Businesses need to catch up with the consumers, if they don’t they will be left behind.”

going to be used to store Amazon Fresh Products? Well, the rumours are finally laid to rest; it’s true. Following on from our National News piece on the topic we have also found out that in order to handle the uptake, Amazon, the world’s biggest online retailer, earlier this year leased a 257,855 sq ft warehouse facility in Leicestershire and a larger 304,751 sq ft Logicor facility (a former Tesco warehouse) for a 10year period in Weybridge, Surrey, to cater for the London area.

“The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off due to budget cuts.

6

NEWS

“Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men -the other 999 follow women.”

SATRO STEMX AWARDS The event, held at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking was attended by the High Sheriff of Surrey and local dignitaries, including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Paul Coleman, and the Mayors of Guildford and Woking.

The awards are run by Surrey-based charity SATRO, which aims to inspire young people to gain skills in science, technology, engineering and maths and find jobs in British industry.

Apprentice carpenter and joiner Danny Smith, who works at Kier Living, won a special STEMX award from Elizabeth Kennedy for personal endeavour in recognition of his determination to succeed. Daniel’s trainer at Nescot College said: “Daniel is a great ambassador and has shown other students that with the right motivation, hard work and support you can achieve and build a great future for yourself.” Compere for the evening was former Big Brother winner, TV science boffin and SATRO Patron Jon Tickle. Guests also heard from Alan Foster, Operations Director of McLaren Automotive who talked about his own start as an apprentice and Paul Coleman DL who also spoke about his time as an apprentice. The demand for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills are particularly pronounced in the Surrey area, with its high concentration of digital, technical, pharma and knowledge-based businesses.

Nearly two in five firms requiring STEM employees reported difficulties in recruitment.

SURREY MP REMEMBERED Former Conservative chancellor Geoffrey Howe has died at the age of 88 after suffering a suspected heart attack, his family has announced.

Lord Howe was Margaret Thatcher’s longest serving cabinet minister and chancellor from 1979 to 1983.

His resignation speech in 1990 is widely seen as a key factor in Baroness Thatcher’s downfall as Prime Minister. David Cameron led tributes, saying: “The Conservative family has lost one of its greats.”

The former MP for the East Surrey, Reigate and Bebington constituencies, played a “vital” role in “turning the fortunes of our country around” as chancellor, Mr Cameron added.

Lord Howe’s family said he died at his home in Warwickshire after attending a jazz concert with his wife Elspeth.

STARTUPS AWARDS! Successful Hampshire locals, Cath Kidston MBE and Jon Wright have been selected to judge the Startups Awards 2015 - the UK’s most prestigious awards for start-up businesses.

The business giants, Cath with global fashion brand Cath Kidston, and Jon who changed the face of soft drinks as co-founder of Innocent Drinks, will now put their experience to use in judging the UK’s future business talent.

The Startups Awards are widely regarded as being the launch pad for some of the nation’s greatest homegrown business talent. Now in their 12th year, the Awards recognise Britain’s newest businesses, which have been trading for four years or less.

David Lester, founder of startups.co.uk said: “We are honoured to have both Cath Kidston MBE and Jon Wright judging the 2015 Startups Awards. They will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the judging process. It’s really exciting to celebrate fresh, new businesses. I think 2015 is set to be our strongest judging panel yet!” The judging lineup also includes: David Buttress, CEO, JUST EAT, Nick Wheeler, founder of Charles Tyrwhitt, Holly Tucker MBE, founder of notonthehighstreet.com, Mark Pearson, founder of MyVoucherCodes and Sophi Tranchell MBE, managing director of Divine Chocolate Ltd. The Awards are presented on 27th November 2015 at Vinopolis, London Bridge, hosted by comedian Alun Cochrane. Good luck to everyone involved!

7

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

INHERITANCE TAX HIGHEST IN THE SOUTH More families in the South East pay Inheritance Tax (IHT) than in any other part of the UK, according to the latest official figures. Analysis of national statistics by financial services firm NFU Mutual shows the number of families in the region, excluding London, paying some of their inheritance to the taxman leapt by 16% in the 2012-13 tax year. Elmbridge, Chichester, New Forest, Brighton and Hove, Waverley, Guildford, Reigate and Banstead, South Oxfordshire, Mole Valley, Seven Oaks and Winchester are all paying the highest IHT. Elmbridge in Surrey had the same number of IHT bills as Birmingham and Manchester combined. Nick Connell, financial adviser at NFU mutual said: “Over the past two decades Inheritance Tax has gone from being an issue for the super-wealthy to something that affects millions of people – driven largely by the rise in house prices. New rules about the family home, set to come into force in 2017, will allow some people to hand down a larger inheritance to children and grandchildren. However, people without ‘direct descendants’ won’t qualify for the extra tax break. Planning should start in your 50s, perhaps even earlier if your health or wealth is a big enough concern.” UK figures for the 2012-13 tax year, released this July, show IHT bills have not only increased in number but have also grown in size to more than £170,000 on average.

YOUNG INVENTOR NAMED TOP TECH ENTREPRENEUR The 23-year-old inventor of an inflatable incubator to prevent premature baby deaths in the developing world has been selected by the Royal Academy of Engineering as the UK’s most promising young entrepreneur in the engineering and technology sector. James Roberts has been awarded the JC Gammon Award of £15,000 and money-can’t-buy mentoring and support by the Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Hub as the winner of its Launchpad Competition - a nationwide hunt for the UK’s most talented young entrepreneurs.

James’ winning business, MOM Incubator, has developed a revolutionary inflatable incubator, which can be quickly flat-packed down for easy storage and powered for hours from a car battery. The tiny incubator could be sold for 1/30th of the price of traditional incubators, opening it up to a mass market across the developing world. A huge Congratulations James!

“Marriage is a wonderful invention; but then again, so is a bicycle repair kit” 8

NEWS

“Corporation: An ingenious device for obtaining profit without individual responsibility.”

VOTE LOOMS FOR OXTED Ambitious plans to unlock a £500,000 “treasure trove” to boost Oxted have been unveiled. A five-year scheme to revitalise the “tired” town centre is looming – but it all depends on a vote. Wheels are in motion to gain the town Business Improvement District (BID) status. If the scheme wins the backing of the business community and Tandridge District Council in a ballot it could take effect from next year. Under a BID, town centre traders and firms would pay a 2% levy on the rateable value of their business. This would open up a half a million pound nest egg over the five-year duration of the project.

The funds would then be ploughed back into schemes to boost the town.

Stella Scordellis, who runs SMS Creative Photography in Station Road East, is a member of the Oxted BID Development Group. She said: “Most of us feel the BID would be a good thing to help the town thrive.” In the short term, benefits of extra investment could include more hanging baskets, better seating areas and illustrated maps.

GATWICK DIAMOND EXPANDS A trio of business high flyers has joined the board of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, an organisation that seeks to grow the local economy. The Gatwick Diamond Initiative (GDI) is a partnership

RAVEN HOUSING AWARDED Customer service at Raven Housing Trust has been recognised for a fifth year.

The trust, which provides social housing in the Reigate

of business leaders, colleges and universities, local authorities, and

and Banstead borough, was

government agencies aiming to grow the region’s employment, attracting new

awarded a Customer Service

jobs and securing new investment. Three local business leaders have joined

Excellence accreditation. This

its Board of Directors: Simon Pringle (Co-Founder of Red River Software),

is given to public organisations, which prove they know their

David Bywater (Senior Partner at KPMG in Crawley) and Bob Pickles (Head of

customers and deliver high quality service.

Corporate & Government Affairs, Canon UK & Ireland).

This year, particular recognition was given to Raven for

Speaking of his appointment, David said: “I am delighted to be joining

delivering its service despite the difficulties currently faced by

the Board of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, in particular to support

housing organisations.

businesses in the area which make a significant contribution to the national

Nigel Newman, Raven’s director of operations, said: “The

economy.” Simon added: “I am an avid supporter of this region in terms of its

formal assessment process meant we had to meet a total

potential to be a leading location in a global context. I look forward to working with the Gatwick Diamond Initiative team to drive future growth for the benefit of local people.” Bob said: “Business involvement is a real strength, providing the vision and leadership necessary to drive sustainable economic growth and job creation for the future success of the Gatwick Diamond economy.”

of 30 different requirements including understanding our customers, quality and timeliness of service delivery, handling of complaints and staff professionalism. We’ve ensured a considerable investment in resources, while concentrating on driving costs down. We’re proud to have been recognised once again for our commitment to our customers.”

9

FINANCE

BENCHMARKING REPORT

Ian Wilton, Senior Healthcare Manager, Commercial & Private Banking.

NatWest Bank, West Surrey Commercial Office, PO Box 1, 2nd Floor, G3, 2 Cathedral Hill, GUILDFORD, Surrey, GU1 3ZR Ian.Wilton@natwest.com

A

ccording to NatWest’s recently published 2015 Care Home Benchmarking Report, care homes across the South East

are the UK’s highest performing in regards to fee rates. The benchmarking report is the first to be produced by the bank’s specialist Healthcare team.

Through this report, we are looking to

South East charge substantially higher than

On the whole, the SME care home market

average weekly fee rates. Care homes with

is in good shape. Compared with corporate

good facilities can charge higher fees, which in

rivals, the quality of care is every bit as good.

turn helps them invest in further improvements

However, SMEs might struggle on cost-

and upgrades. It’s a virtuous circle and it might

efficiency, long-term strategy and upgrading

also explain why so many care homes in this

facilities owing to a lack of time and cash.

region are looking to expand.

Across the UK generally, we’ve seen that

The report assessed the performance of

the high cost of lighting and heat is the second

identifying their performance in comparison to

nearly 300 care homes across the South East

biggest expense for care homes – staffing costs

their peers, as well as potential ways to save

of England, analysing data on fee rates and

being the highest. In our sample, the highest

money – or generate more.

occupancy as well as energy spend, buildings

spend on lighting and heat was by specialist

and technology.

homes, followed by nursing homes.

support SME care home businesses by

What we’ve found is that all homes in the

10

FINANCE

“On the whole, the SME care-home market is in good shape. Compared with corporate rivals, the quality of care is every bit as good. ”

Types of heating

Occupancy and number of beds

Some of the most interesting results from

Across all types of homes in the South

this report concern how much care homes are

East, occupancy was broadly in line with the

spending on lighting, heat and other utilities

rest of England – as was the number of beds.

and also how few businesses are making use of new technology to run more efficiently and

Residential had the highest of being used across the regions: From the data analysed, the results showed thehomes following types ofnumber heating en-suites out of all of England’s regions, while the number of en-suites in the other types of care homes was just about on par with the

of care homes in Great Britain use LED lighting, which is relatively inexpensive to install and offers good long-term cost savings for

average across the country.

The high number of rooms with an en-suite suggests a greater quality of property. This may in part be down to the Care Act of 2000, which Gas users Biomass Electricity prescribes that new homes have higher levels 169of facilities. And in this 2 region there are lots 6 of

South West

reduce their overheads. For example, just 16%

businesses.

NatWest provides a specific service to help with this. It’s called the NatWest Mentor Energy Heat pump Oila whole Audit. The UK’s healthcare sector as spends more0than £400 million a year 17 on

South East

facilities 187new homes, hence better 2

1

energy according to the Carbon Trust in 2012, 10 to reduce and there are0often simple measures

London

48 Fee rates 0 1 On average, homes charge a weekly fee of: 56 0 0 • £569 for residential homes

those bills. We have 300 specialist energy 0 1 relationship managers and support staff based 2 UK. They’ve all undergone 14 throughout the

East of England West Midlands East Midlands Yorkshire & Humberside North of England

56 • £671 for nursing homes 1 1 • £1,437 for specialist homes 97 1 0 Homes in the South East region generally

renewable energy accreditation training and 0 4 have knowledge of current energy regulations 1 issues.

0 and compliance

49 charged substantially 2 higher than average 3 weekly fee rates – with nursing homes charging 124 2 1 the highest in its category across the regions.

0 Get in touch

It’s no surprise that 2 private fees are so high, 5 simply because there’s greater wealth in this 51 1 5 region and a higher average income than in

Wales

15

Scotland

Because of this,13 and 786other parts of the country.

10 the good quality of care homes in the South 852 13 23 East, this is generally Great Britain’s most

England Great Britain

profitable region in the SME market.

0

Whether you’re considering reducing your 0 1 energy costs, increasing your fee rates and 0 levels, or increasing 2 your bed your occupancy numbers, our healthcare specialists are based 0 9 throughout the UK and are available to visit you on-site to discuss your ambitions for 3 47 your care home.

3

58

To find out more visit: business.natwest. com/healthcare-expertise

Statistics for the South East and how this region compares with England Residential homes

Nursing homes

Specialist homes

South East

England

South East

England

South East

England

Average number of beds

29

32

39

41

11

11

En-suites (%)

78

67

70

69

66

48

Average weekly fee rates (£)

633

570

809

679

1,728

1,428

Average occupancy (%)

92

95

90

91

91

94

Average annual heat and light spend per bed (£)

573

649

721

716

805

838

Average maintenance spend per bed (£)

1,075

985

1,002

824

1,036

1,467

11

INTERVIEW

CHECKATORNADO When a freakish 100mph tornado ripped apart the small seaside town of Selsey, it left a trail of destruction - but it also gave birth to one of the most spectacular business success stories in the South East.

Kevin Byrne, MD of Checkatrade, tells Platinum Business Magazine how the company was born out of his desire to prevent rogue traders taking advantage of the vulnerable and how his faith has driven him forward.

A

s a child, Kevin Byrne was wracked with anxiety, lacking in any self-confidence and plagued by a feeling of insecurity.

The son of a military policeman, he was moved around the globe, from school to school, never staying anywhere long enough to form any proper friendships. His nervousness manifested itself in a speech impediment, requiring speech therapy from the age of four onwards.

When he was ten, his gregarious father went into hospital for a biopsy to investigate a shadow on his lung. The anaesthetist pumped him with enough anaesthetic to put an elephant to sleep, in act that can only be described as gross negligence. He wasn’t expected to come around, and when he did 20 years of his memory had been wiped out, including any idea that he had a wife or kids.

Unable to cope, he turned to drink with his personality tumbling into a darker place.

As a young adult, Kevin struggled to provide

12

INTERVIEW

“On the TV programme Brassed Off Britain Matt Allwright got a hamster and an 8-year-old child to join the Federation of Master Builders” for his wife and family. He found work as a

had it in my head that I was worth £18,000 a

something was missing. There had to be a

graphic designer and a carpet cleaner, and

year. If I saw one for £16,000, I thought

higher purpose.

had launched a local business directory for the

I’m better than that. There’s one for £18,000

Chichester area, but he was, in his own words,

– I’d circle that. £20,000? Wouldn’t that be

first marriage broke down when I was about 23

bouncing along the bottom.

fantastic, if I can get £20,000? £45,000 and

and that caused me to seek things. I asked God

what do you do? You throw it back in the sea.

to come into my life and at the age of 23 he did.

So people have 10’’ frying pan brains. They

My wife and I really wanted to be pastors and

operate within the realms of what they think

start a church somewhere.

“My problem was that I had a 10’’ frying pan brain,” recalls Kevin.

It is fair to say that this statement warrants an explanation!

It refers to a simple proverb. There are two guys fishing - one catches a big fish and puts it

they’re worth. £45,000? I could never earn that.

It’s not me.”

Now Kevin owns and runs a successful and

“I left Selsey Press because of my faith. My

“We went on a six-month training course and had the opportunity to build parishes in High Wycombe and Bournemouth, and our house

his bucket to take home. The other guy catches

ethical company, and he is an inspiration to

was on the market in Selsey. In the last week

several big fish, and each time he gets a 10’’

would-be entrepreneurs. So what changed?

of the training, a prophet called Jonathan David

ruler out. If it’s bigger than 10’’ he throws it

A trio of unrelated events set Kevin Byrne

came to the church, picked my wife and I – we’d

back into the sea. If it’s smaller than 10’’ he

on a path to success: a prophesy, a gift of

never seen him before in our lives – and said,

puts it in his bucket. Finally the first guy loses

inspirational CDs and a tornado.

“You’re not to be sent out. Your marriage isn’t

his patience and asks why he does this. The second guy says, “It’s very simple. The biggest saucepan I have at home is 10’’. So anything more than 10’’ won’t fit in it.

The Prophesy For 12 years, Kevin worked at Selsey Press, a company that he respects greatly as being at

as strong as it should be.” And he was right at the time. I am still married to the same lady today.

“Your marriage is not as strong as it should

the cutting edge when it came to technology.

be to survive and God’s given you the ability to

“So how does that equate into real life? Well at

He enjoyed the time, particularly the mentoring

make money. Millions are going to pass through

the time I was looking for a job and I

he received from its owner, John Tyler - but

your hands.” It resonated within me.

“That’s a 10’’ frying pan brain,” says Kevin.

13

INTERVIEW

turned into a 16-page book. I called it the Local

their trust in me, but when I started calling

Business Directory. Today every community has

other tradespeople, it was really tough. They

got a little A5 book and I’m pretty sure I was the

would say, “Who are you to ask me for my

first person in the UK to do one.

qualifications? You’ll never get that off the

“About four years go by and one of my

Chichester one off the ground because I could

Saunders, spun me this line about a friend he

just about do that with people that I knew. But

had up near Guildford, asking if I was planning

from that point on it was just horrendous.

on taking my book elsewhere?” I’m bouncing

marketing consultant up in London, who I really

my head all the time and I said no. So I gave him

looked up to, and who was really enthusiastic

all my internal print, all my literature, explained

about the idea. I gave him 40% of the company

how to do it, and the next thing I know he’s doing

straightaway. He passed the shares on to his

it just round the corner, and soon has five areas

wife, Diana, and she was superb on the phone,

locally, and then it’s spread across the whole of

but it was a difficult experience. We took on

the UK. It was like a kick in the guts. Why didn’t I

staff but couldn’t afford to keep them on, and

do it? It was my 10” frying pan brain again.”

I was putting in far more time than Diana and

And then a tornado hit Selsey.

“It was in January 1998, late at night. The next morning I got up and it looked like a bomb had exploded. As far as you could see there were just trees, rubble, tiles, rubbish, everything. It had caused £10 million worth of damage. It was on the national news and in the national media, and the news didn’t go unnoticed.

I’ve listened to what Jonathan has said to you. I

“The next day there was just a barrage of

trust this guy, this guy is very accurate in what

white vans that came into Selsey. Many of them

he says. I don’t feel you should be sent out.” At

were opportunists looking for work, many saw

the time, I was bumping along at the bottom,

an opportunity to overcharge, and some were

never having holidays, with my kids round my

just out to take advantage and rip people off.

feet and not knowing what to do. I was trying to

People who had been victims of the weather

make ends meet because I had given up my full

were now becoming victims of rogue traders.

time job. But I knew in my heart that I had the ability to make money.

“It wasn’t a light bulb moment, but over a period of a few months I was starting to hear

“I started my carpet-cleaning business

all these stories such as someone knocking on

when our first child arrived and we realised

a door and offering to put a tarpaulin up on the

our carpets were too filthy to bring bring a

roof to keep the rain out, and taking cash for

baby home. I got a carpet cleaner’s quote and

the materials and never coming back.

even now I can remember the price, £50. You

“A lot of the overcharging was picked up by

get your carpet cleaned today for half that. I

the insurance companies because they just

thought, “I could do that.” So I borrowed some

couldn’t assess it all. So people were coming in

money off my mum and started cleaning

and charging £500 to put four tiles right but the

carpets evenings and weekends.

insurance company would just pay it.

“I wanted to advertise my services but I had

“There was a person I knew who was a

along the bottom with all negative mindsets in

The Tornado

“Our senior pastor came up and said, “Kev,

ground.” And that was constant. I got the

advertisers, an insurance guy called Eddie

“But I was hearing all these stories and I

there were other issues that made me realise it wasn’t right.

“I sought the advice of John Tyler at Selsey Press, who told me, “Kev, you have made a mistake. You have to give them the company and start again.” I knew that what John Tyler was saying to me was correct.

“We had one directory in Chichester and we had several directories in Surrey - Epsom, Worcester Park, New Malden, Bramber area and Kingston-upon-Thames. I gave them the Surrey directories, kept Chichester and changed the name to Checkatrade.

“I formed a new company with a friend called Richard and started again. About six month later I called some of the traders I had worked with in Surrey and there was no sign of any new directories.

“So I went back to my former partners and said, “Look, if you’re not going to do anything with it, can I have it back?” And they said, “If you buy it off us.” It cost me £5,000 to buy it back.

“I was busy but still bouncing on the bottom I still had to lose that 10” frying pan brain.”

The Inspiration “One day, Richard came into work with box of teaching CDs by an American, Bob Harrison called Awaking the Great Multitude Mind. So I put

no money. I had missed the annual deadline for

was thinking there must be a way of finding out

it on in the car and he spoke of the challenges

the local parish magazine. Thomson’s, Yellow

who is trustworthy. The trade guilds weren’t

of being in business as a Christian; the magnets

Pages and local newspapers were too expensive

doing the job. On the TV programme Brassed

that pulled him and pushed him. He had one

- but I had my skills as a graphic designer and

Off Britain, Matt Allwright got a hamster and an

magnet that said, “Well, you’re a Christian, you

some connections in the church. I approached

8-year-old child to join the Federation of Master

shouldn’t be successful. You shouldn’t have a

a couple of builders, a couple of plumbers and

Builders.

nice car, you shouldn’t have a big house.” And

some others and said, “What if I design a leaflet

“I began to wonder if my Local Business

that pulled him back in business.

and get it printed. We can put a little money in

Directory could ask the tradesmen for their

the pot, and we can all deliver it to our local

qualifications, insurance and for letters

what the Bible actually says about money. And

streets and we might get some work.”

from happy customers. The guys in my

he came to a conclusion through scriptures that

Local Business Directory were happy to put

the way people acted and the attitudes that are

“The flyer never happened. Straightaway it

14

“So he went on a journey of trying to discover

INTERVIEW

“David defeated Goliath - but he did it for money and a position! ” within church are wrong.

be wealthy, you shouldn’t be powerful” to “I’ve

argument or situations whether you are at

got a God on the side of the track going ‘Go on

work or not. You want to live a life of integrity

not, will know the story of the Good Samaritan.

Kev! See how much you can make. See what

whether you are at work or not.

The Good Samaritan is going through an area

difference you can do. See how much you can

where his enemies are. And there’s this guy

change this place.” It just sounds corny but it

who’s beaten up on the side of the road and a

set me free.

“Most people, whether they’re Christians or

You want trust, you want people to trust you whether you are at work or not.

And you need a vision.

“I knew I had a business model that worked.

“There are over two million reviews on our

supposedly good man sees him and passes him

But I just didn’t invest in it and I didn’t push the

site. We work very hard to ensure the reviews

over. But then the Samaritan comes along, sees

envelope. From that point on – it wasn’t instant,

of the tradespeople are genuine to stop

him and what does he do? He takes his wallet

it was over a six-month period – I changed the

people artificially boosting their reputation or

out of his back pocket, and to put it in today’s

way I thought and you’ve got to change the

maliciously damaging a competitor. We look at

terms, he takes him to a local hotel and he said,

way you think, otherwise nothing changes. I’ve

IP addresses, we look at handwriting on cards,

“How much is it going to cost me to put this guy

learned that one of the biggest things to change

we regularly phone reviewers to check they are

in your hotel at full board until Friday (which

people’s direction in life is their expectation. If

credible.

was about three or four days). I’m coming back

you can change your expectation, you’ll change

on Friday. If he needs to stay here a little bit

your behaviours.

clergyman sees him and passes over. Another

longer to recuperate I’ll give you some more money.” So if he hadn’t been a successful guy with plenty of money, he would have been known as the Good Samaritan with a good intention who couldn’t do anything to help.

“When you start pointing that out to Christian communities, they say, “Oh no, there must be more to it than that.” No, there’s not. That’s it, read it.

“Now I’ve changed my viewpoint from “I can’t really achieve anything” to “What can I achieve?”

I can achieve anything. There’s no limit. But saying that, you can’t go from a 10’’ frying pan to a 10 mile frying pan overnight. Your expectations just grow and grow and grow and your actions and your behaviour flow from it.”

The Success “To grow and be ambitious you just employ

“My vision for the next three years is to continue very strongly at the helm of this company. I believe we all have seasons in our life. Just to have one long season and never for it to change is probably a bit boring. But I reckon in three years we will be an absolute rock-solid household name that’s probably covering 40% of the £37 billion industry across the UK. “We have expanded with Checkaprofessional for health workers, lawyers, dentists, architects etc. And we are now launching Checkatrainer to

“Everyone knows the story of David and

more people. You just do more of the things

connect people with the right health and fitness

Goliath - or do they? David arrives to see his

you know work. And you work hard in your

professionals.

brothers and he overhears a conversation

marketing.

where some soldiers are saying, “Goliath

“My revelation was nine years ago and I was

“Being successful has allowed me to make a difference. I established the Checkatrade

comes out every day and he just taunts us. The

employing two people, turning over probably

Foundation in 2010 and this supports a wide

king has said whoever kills Goliath, his whole

£175,000, most of which was going into print.

range of good causes, both in the UK and

family will be exempt from taxes. He’ll have a

Today we employ 225 people and I’m turning

overseas. These include those in need in Nepal,

house and he can marry the king’s daughter”,

over just shy of £15 million now. And it’s just

such as victims of the recent earthquakes and

so he would become wealthy. David defeated

been a rollercoaster. We have been growing 3%

girls forced into prostitution. Nepal has its

Goliath, but he did it for money, exemption from

a month, every month. It has been just stunning.

problems like any country but the people there

taxes and a position!

“There’s a blind spot, there’s a perception that you shouldn’t do things for material gain.

And it’s wrong. How can I help anyone if I’ve got nothing in my back pocket? I listened to these tapes intensely for about six months, it drove my children and my wife insane. And over a period of six months I changed my perception from “You shouldn’t be influential, you shouldn’t

“We win awards, including the Queen’s Award, but the most important thing is looking after our staff and working ethically.

are incredible, showing tremendous courage in the face of adversity.

“Charity work is extremely important to

“We operate something called ‘five pillars’.

me and part of our culture at Checkatrade. We

These are not pillars of work, these are

encourage staff to embark on their own fund-

pillars of life.

You want appreciation, whether you’re in work or not.

You want to be understood in dispute or

raising initiatives and support them, as well as holding company-wide events and activities to benefit those in need.”

checkatrade.com

15

BUSINESS AWARDS

CROYDON ON THE RISE RISEgallery is Croydon’s Business of the Year.

C

roydon celebrated its business success stories and the town’s transformation at a glittering awards ceremony and charity ball. A standing ovation greeted overall Business of the Year winner Kevin ZuchowskiMorrison of RISEgallery as he accepted his award in recognition of the role the business has played in changing perceptions of the town, which is in the midst of a £5.25 billion regeneration programme.

The gallery, which was set up last year, also won the category for Best New Business, and Kevin said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised for the contribution that we’ve put into Croydon.”

Another big winner on the evening was Chequers Contract Services, which won three of the 14 category prizes handed out on the evening – Best Business for Training and Development, Best Green Business and Apprenticeship Provider of the Year.

The mood of celebration was summed up by Malcolm John, owner of Brasserie Vacherin, as he collected his award for Best Food and Hospitality Business: “Croydon is where my passion is, as someone who lives in Croydon,” he said. “This is a great reward and I want to thank Croydon – we will always champion Croydon. There is only one winner and that

winner is Croydon.”

The event was organised by Croydon-based events and marketing company White Label Creative and winners were selected via a vigorous process featuring 25 independent judges.

Event host James Whale, the renowned broadcaster, told guests: “The winner tonight is Croydon. Croydon is sometimes maligned by people who don’t know Croydon, but people here know that it is one of the up-and-coming places, one of the places where people will beg to live in in the future.”

His comments were backed up by Councillor Toni Letts, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for the economy and jobs, who said: “Everyone here is a winner and is helping to build Croydon as a modern European city.

“Croydon is only ever as good as its businesses are successful, and in this room tonight, table after table of people are business successes.”

More than £3,200 was raised on the evening for Croydon Commitment, which acts as the links between businesses and the voluntary and charitable sector.

That included £650 from the auction of a prize of director’s box tickets, donated by Crystal Palace Football Club, plus proceeds of

Kevin Suchowski-Morrison of RISEgallery with the Mayor a prize draw and a charity casino held during the evening.

The awards were also supported by Allianz Global Assistance, Croydon Advertiser, Croydon Business Venture, Handelsbanken, LARK Insurance, Love Croydon Jobs, Sussex Innovation Croydon, Veolia, Wing Yip and the Whitgift Centre.

Councillor Tony Newman, the leader of Croydon Council, said: “It is a truly fantastic event and we were absolutely committed to seeing the business awards back in Croydon.

The employment and investment coming to Croydon make these truly exciting times.”

CROYDON BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS: THE WINNERS BEST MEDIA AND CREATIVE SECTOR BUSINESS Jerrard Wayne Creatives

TECH INNOVATION OF THE YEAR QuidCycle

BEST BUSINESS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE Mulalley & Co Ltd

BEST GREEN BUSINESS Chequers Contract Services Ltd

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Jake Wright (Click Entertainment)

BEST CHARITY AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE Mum’s the Chef

COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY Caridon Property

BEST BUSINESS FOR FOOD AND HOSPITALITY Brasserie Vacherin

BEST NEW BUSINESS RISEgallery

APPRENTICESHIP PROVIDER OF THE YEAR Contract Services Ltd

BEST BUSINESS FOR TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Chequers Contract Services Ltd

BEST BUSINESS FOR MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA Hawk Wargames Ltd

BEST SME BUSINESS Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR RISEgallery

INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR Go2Games.com

16

BUSINESS AWARDS

Award winning chef Malcolm John

Jake Wright entrepreneur of the year Guests play a casino

The team from Futures Supplies

Tony Newman

Mulalley and Co receive their award

Supreme Collective perform

Group shot of the winners

Kate Ward of Cleankill who won 3 awards

Carl Dennie of Jerrard Wayne Creatives receives award from Ian Harvey of the Whitgift Centre

Craig Constantinides of Go2Gamescom

James Whale

Louis Downs (left) of Hawk Wargames

The stage at FairďŹ eld Halls Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison

17

MARKETING

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ‘CONTENT MARKETING’

By Joanne Rogers, Managing Director, Prowse & Co. www.prowse.co.uk

M

any B2B companies in the UK have been slow to recognise the benefits of having a content marketing

strategy. What do I mean? Well, to clarify, what otherwise might be seen as just another piece of business jargon, ‘content marketing’ is defined as any marketing that involves the

Public Relations Marketing Events Research Economic Development

www.prowse.co.uk

don’t promote or share their content.

Here are some positive steps which may

dedicate experienced staff to the task or work with companies (such as my own) that offer

help to maximise the power of content

professional writing, content creation services

marketing:

and that understand editorial processes.

IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

FIND YOUR VOICE A key challenge is creating content ideas

Work out what success looks like. Is it

– and finding a unique tone of voice or angle.

content in order to acquire and retain

outranking the competition on Google or is it

These important elements turn content into a

customers. It’s an inexpensive way to market

having a respected reputation in your industry?

brand and help differentiate a business from

any company or organisation, regardless of

Maybe you want readers to gain trust in your

its competition. Think about your angle. Will it

size.

brand or you are seeking to create some noise,

be a witty, humorous approach or perhaps an

creation and sharing of media and publishing

influence or even notoriety? Considering who

educational, more formal approach? The style

a huge turn-off and companies therefore need

the readers are and understanding why they

might be data-driven content for the media or

to find innovative ways to tell stories without

should care about your content is important.

practical tips for clients…

CREATE AN EDITORIAL CALENDAR

MAKE SHARING EASY

However, blatant self-promotional content is

‘blowing their own trumpets’. Publishing articles (like this!) and creating an online blog are two examples of ways in which to explain the complexities of services and products to

This is a basic, albeit often overlooked, step

There’s little point in creating content if noone is aware of it! Everything you create should

a wide audience. And they work - research

to achieve effective content. Simply schedule a

be distributed across multiple platforms to

undertaken by software firm Hubspot has

calendar of who will be writing what and when.

target multiple audiences. Where does your

shown that B2B companies that regularly blog

Great content won’t write itself! Ideally, a blog

audience hang out? How can the same piece

generate 67% more leads per month than

post should be published at the same time

of content be re-purposed so it’s shareable

those that do not!

each week and email newsletters should be

across multiple networks and outlets?

It is well recognised that the most powerful and influential people in any industry are often thought leaders. Today, they are also content creators who use content to generate opportunities, build brands, sell products and services, recruit teams and create advocates.

Content marketing works, regardless of one’s role or organisation type. If it is meaningful and insightful content, people will share it, link to it and talk about it. However, three reasons why many companies fail at using it effectively are: a) they don’t invest in professional, quality content; b) they don’t execute a consistent content strategy; c) they

18

sent regularly.

DEDICATE ADEQUATE RESOURCES Will there be time to set aside to create the

Ultimately, we know that selling to businesses is about selling products to the people who run those businesses. In my experience, having a point of view or telling interesting stories while producing creative

content on a regular basis? Organisations that

content is an effective way to reach them. Why

have truly effective content strategies either

not give it a try?

Prowse & Co. combines strategic counsel with practical support to help you effectively communicate with your target audiences. The Prowse & Co. team produces well-written, thoughtprovoking content which can be used across your website, blog, online newsroom and publicity materials. If you are struggling to find the inspiration or the time, just give me a call on 01372 363386 or visit www.prowse.co.uk.

MANUFACTURING SURVEY

MANUFACTURING DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH Chris Coopey, Head of Manufacturing at Carpenter Box and MHA, reports on the key findings of the latest Manufacturing Survey conducted by West Sussex and Gatwick-based chartered accountants and tax advisers, Carpenter Box, in conjunction with MHA, the UK-wide association of chartered accountants and business advisors.

O

ver half of manufacturers along the South Coast and in the Gatwick Diamond area are predicting double-digit growth this year, despite struggling to recruit skilled people. The findings also reveal that more than 8 in 10 local manufacturers want the UK to stay within the EU, although 62% want the terms of membership renegotiated. The Eurozone is by far the most popular export market, with 98% of firms who export having it as a destination.

The survey, supported by the manufacturing team at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, sampled predominantly SME manufacturing and engineering businesses and found that a third of respondents felt a lack of skilled recruits was already a barrier to their business growth and therefore wanted more emphasis on skills training in schools and colleges to help develop the next generation of engineers and technicians.

Nine out of 10 companies also said their

production costs would rise in 2015 for the fourth year in a row, primarily through higher wages. It seems, with over 70% feeling unable to increase prices to customers, productivity gains are becoming ever more important.

Meanwhile, red tape continues to be an issue for manufacturers, with 98% stating it was a concern for their business – and with 68% feeling that the burden of regulation was actually increasing.

The survey really does provide a valuable insight into the challenges facing the sector in our area. Although there is considerable growth potential, many companies are struggling to recruit the skilled people needed to help deliver the growth. Whilst there is a developing focus on STEM subjects in our secondary system, a new University Technical College in Newhaven, sponsored by the University of Brighton, and a new engineering campus being developed by the University of Chichester with support

from Coast to Capital LEP, much more needs to be done at every level to produce sufficient numbers of motivated young people with the qualifications to meet the needs of local employers.

Key findings include: 54% of local manufacturers predict growth in excess of 10% for 2015, with a further 34% expecting growth of a lesser magnitude.

35% of businesses have difficulties recruiting appropriately skilled staff and would like to see the government expand skills training in schools and colleges.

80% of businesses in the region undertake some Research and Development (R&D), with 12% investing over 10% of turnover, a figure above the national average.

A copy of the report can be downloaded via www.carpenterbox.com/assets/2015-MHAManf-and-Enging-Report.pdf

19

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

SICK OF THIS Employees working in leisure, culture and sport roles take more sick days than any other industry. Nationally those employed in this field scored highest (3.8 days) with workers in telecoms, marketing and education also featuring high in the sickliest professions. Teachers take above the national average at (3.17) days per year, while those working in the manufacturing industry or industrial labour take the fewest days off sick a year (1.59). The research, which was commissioned by family focussed insurance brand, ‘There’, found that UK workers in government or public services had taken the most sick days nationally in their working life, taking a huge 66 days. While those in environmental, recycling and sustainability roles had taken the least sick days across their career to date, racking up just 18 absences in their working years – almost half the national average (36 days). The average South Eastern employee takes just over two and a half sick days per year! So do us in the South East have a stronger work ethic? Or is there more pressure on us to succeed at our jobs? Most likely a combination of the two.

AMAZON FRESH LAUNCHES 1 HOUR DELIVERIES

Amazon launched its one-hour groceries online business ‘Amazon Fresh’ in Birmingham last month and this month we’ve seen it travel to our capital. However, the launch of Amazon Fresh 1 hour deliveries also paves the way for Amazon to introduce the ‘Internet of Things’ into Britain according to e-commerce fulfilment specialist Parcel Hero. But it warns “hard-pressed” supermarkets better watch out. David Jinks, a spokesman for Parcel Hero in London says: “As ground-breaking as the launch of the Amazon Fresh one hour delivery service is in the UK, it’s clearing the way for something

BRITAIN AND CHINA BUDDYING UP The latest manifestation of the close relationship that Britain is building with China is the announcement that the Chinese central bank plans to issue short-term debt in London, the first time that it’s doing so outside of China. The choice of the UK is no accident. Wooing China has been part of the UK’s strategy for some time. London dominates global foreign exchange trading but would find it hard to hold onto its position if the currency of the world’s second largest economy, and its biggest trader, wasn’t choosing the UK. For China, its currency is on the road towards becoming convertible. As part of its RMB (Renminbi, the official currency of China) internationalisation strategy, China intends to increase the use of its currency overseas and eventually emerge a global reserve currency.

even more significant in the long-term – the ‘Internet of Things’ service – Dash.” Dash, a wireless device for Amazon customers, will eventually enable your fridge to automatically order your milk or a pizza when you run out, or your coffee machine to know exactly when you need your next Espresso fix! Customers using the service are able to order deliveries through the Prime Now app, which commenced in Birmingham early this August.

“A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don’t need it.”

20

NEWS

“Eagles soar, but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines”

ALASKAN DREAM Shell said it would stop drilling off the coast of Alaska after it didn’t find enough oil and gas in its Chukchi Sea well. It attributed the cost of the multi-billion project to a challenging and unpredictable regulatory environment. The move, at a time of falling oil prices, was welcomed by environmentalists opposed to offshore drilling in Alaska. They include actress Emma Thompson who protested with a giant polar bear outside Shell’s London HQ. Shell said the abandoned project represented about £2billion on its balance sheet plus £720billion of future contractual commitments.

Marvin Odum, Shell’s upstream operations director for the Americas said: “Shell continues to see important exploration potential in the basin, and the area is likely to ultimately be of strategic importance to Alaska and the US.” Shell’s chief executive has said there are signs the price of oil could start to recover and warned that prices may spike if they stay low for a long period.

CHIEF TO THE RESCUE

TOPPING UP Men over the age of 65 and women over the age of 63 can get up to £25 a week extra on their state pension, in return for a one-off payment. How much they have to pay will depend on their exact age; the older they get, the lower the cost. The offer is open to existing pensioners and anyone who will reach state pension age before April 2016.

After that date, the new, more generous, single-tier pension will kick in. The current basic state pension is worth up to £115 .95. The new flat-rate pension will be worth up to £155 a week to those who qualify. The new top-up scheme, known as Class 3A contributions, will provide an income that will rise with inflation. Spouses or civil partners will be able to inherit at least half of that income when the pensioner dies.

Those wanting to apply will now have 18 months to do so.

Dave Lewis, chief executive of Tesco, insists he is making progress on the rescue of the UK’s biggest supermarket, despite profits bearing the scars of the fierce fight for shoppers. Mr Lewis took the reins last year in the midst of the biggest crisis in the supermarket’s history as Aldi and Lidl snapped at its heels. In April the grocer announced a staggering £6.4bn loss. Mr Lewis is sure that having put more staff in stores and improving service it has helped to increase their sales volumes by 1.4%. He has also cut process across hundreds of lines, shut Tesco’s final-salary pension scheme, and is moving its main HQ from Cheshunt to Welwyn Garden City in a measure expected to save £250m. “We have delivered an unprecedented level of change in our business over the last 12 months and it’s working,” commented Dave on the steady rise.

21

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

APPLE SPITTING OUT PIPS Both the iPhone 6S and the iPhone 6S Plus are powered by Apple’s latest chip, the A9. Apple suggests the A9 offers significantly more processing and graphical power than its predecessor. But for some iPhone users, there is a problem, thanks to Apple sourcing the A9 chip from two different manufacturers.

The A9 chips used by Apple appear to offer two different levels of performance depending on the manufacturer of the component. Those manufactured by Samsung appear to be drawing more power and offering a shorter battery life than those manufactured by TSMC. Apple may have complicated the process by going with two different manufacturers, but what it does do is offer users a small insight into some of the manufacturing issues around modern computing devices! Well for those of you without one currently, make sure you ask when purchasing yours, “Can I have the TSMC battery powered iPhone6 please?”

WE NEED WOMEN

NOBEL PRIZE WINNER

Publicly traded companies with male-only executive directors missed out on £430bn of investment returns last year, the accountancy firm Grant Thornton found in its report. Adam Turner, Managing Director of Grant Thornton commented: “With women making up a large proportion of the modern workforce, it is disconcerting there is still a disproportionate gap when it comes to female executive directors. By preserving this inequality, businesses are missing out on a wealth of counsel, insight and leadership that females bring to executive roles. Firms need to realise that diversity is not only a key component of good corporate governance, but also of successful business. Executive teams need to have the right balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge. If firms consider this process carefully and appoint

British academic Angus Deaton has been awarded the Nobel economics

those who are most able to add value to the company, business

prize for 2015 for his analysis of consumption, poverty, and welfare.

success will follow.”

The 69-year-old professor of economics and international affairs at Princeton University was previously at Cambridge and Bristol universities.

His research focuses on health, wellbeing, and economic development.

Professor Deaton had been in the running for the prize several times in past years. The Nobel economic sciences committee said that individuals’ consumption choices must be understood before economic policy promoting welfare and reducing poverty could be formulated. “More than anyone else, Angus Deaton has enhanced this understanding. By linking detailed individual choices and aggregate outcomes, his research has helped transform the fields of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development economics,” the committee members said. Congratulations Angus! Proof that it’s never too late to make an idea a reality.

“Behind every successful man lurks a truly amazed ex-mother-in-law” 22

NEWS

“Right now, this is a job. If I advance any higher, this would be my career.

And if this were my career, I’d have to throw myself in front of a train.”

DODGY DEALINGS? In January, Facebook reported global fourthquarter profits of $701m (£462m), a 34% increase on the same period a year earlier. Total profits for the year were $2.9bn, almost double its profit for 2013. Facebook said at the time that advertising revenue grew by 53% to $3.59bn, with nearly 70% of that coming from mobile ad sales. The social

ROBO-ADVICE! Computer algorithms that offer financial advice will be studied as part of a review into the money advice sector. So-called robo-advice uses computers to help individuals find products that suit their finances and attitude to risk. They are used relatively widely in the US. A consultation this month will see the Treasury and City watchdog take views about the cost of advice. “There is

networking giant says it now has 1.39 billion active users each month, a

lots of innovation going on already,” said

13% increase from a year ago.

Tracey McDermott, acting chief executive of

However, the social networking giant paid just £4,327 in corporation tax

the Financial Conduct Authority

in 2014. Its latest results shows the company as making a pre-tax loss of

(FCA). “We need to assess

£28.5m last year, but the firm also paid its 362 UK staff a total of £35.4m

whether or not [robo-advice] can

in share bonuses. The share bonuses amount to £96,000 on average

provide the services that people need, and to ensure that the regulatory

per UK Facebook employee. It means Facebook’s UK corporation tax

and legal framework allows this to happen.” The suggestion is that

bill was less than the tax the average UK employee paid on their salary.

automated robo-advice could allow people to make decisions without

The average UK salary is £26,500 on which employees pay a total of

having to pay more for a dedicated financial adviser but some are

£5,392.80 in income tax and national insurance contributions. You do the

worried that algorithms would not guide people adequately through

maths…!

their financial choices.

TELEGRAPH FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS The Telegraph Festival of Business is a free-to-attend one-day event providing the essential information you will need to move your business forward. This years event will take place at The Brewery in London on November 10th.

Sessions will focus on Business Disruptors, Export Beyond Europe, Valuing and Exiting Your Business and How to be an Inspirational Leader. Whether you’re the managing director of a support services business, the owner of a traditional engineering business, or the founder of a young, growing retailer or tech firm, the Telegraph Festival of Business is for you.

Breakout sessions will give attendees the opportunity to hear first hand from a host of outstanding speakers including Richard Joseph, the Founder of Joseph Joseph; Charles Rolls the man behind Fever-Tree, Mark Boleat, Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation and Louis Saha, former international footballer and Founder of Axis Stars. A freebie event has never sounded so good!

23

THE BIG STORY

DONALD TRUMP The Serial Disrupter

by Maarten Hoffmann

W

ho is this odd man? Not enough to be a bombastic real estate oddity and later a television personality; he now has his sights set on the top job - President of

the United States of America.

His job application includes remarks concerning the recent Oregon mass college shooting: “Horrible, but these things happen. Let’s give all the teachers guns - that’ll stop it.” Regarding Mexican immigrants: “When Mexico send their people, they are not sending their best, they are sending their worst. Vote for me and l will have every single one of them thrown back over the border and then l will build a giant wall to keep them out.” About the top job: “I will be the greatest President that God ever created.”

I don’t have enough room here to paraphrase all his ludicrous, sexist, racist, homophobic comments, and as a billionaire businessman, he can make all the comments he likes, and good luck to the mentally deficient who soak it up, but if you intend to run for Commander-In-Chief of the most powerful country in the world, it would be advisable to button your lip. But then, that is the point...IF he intends to run. There is a large and growing lobby of folk who know about these things who are clear on the fact that he is just being disruptive and actually has no intention of running for office.

Trump was born in New York in 1946, one of five children of Mary Anne and Fred Trump. Fred was a real estate developer and it was therefore no great leap that “the Donald” followed in his foot steps. He has mixed ancestry with a Scottish mother, born on the Isle of Lewis, and with German paternal grandparents. This would appear to be a slightly touchy subject

“I will be the greatest President that God ever created.”

24

THE BIG STORY as in his 1987 book, The Art of the Deal, he

In 2015, Forbes estimated his net worth at

incorrectly claimed that his grandparents were

$4 billion, and in typical Trump style, this really

Swedish and not German, thereby revealing an

upset him as it was simply not enough. He then

insecurity about his mixed heritage.

published his financial statement to prove that

Trump attended the private Kew-Forest School, where his father was a trustee, and then transferred to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, because Wharton had one of the very few real estate studies departments in US academia. He graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.

He learnt a lot at the feet of his father’s company, Elizabeth Trump & Co, which focussed on middle-class housing in the

this figure should be changed to $8.7 billion.

But none of this was enough and the Trump name was therefore sold as a franchise, and now we have Trump Mortgages, Restaurants, Catering, Ice Cream Parlours, Menswear, Watches, Fragrance, Productions, and so it goes on. Although he is not directly involved in any of these businesses, he has licensed what some might think is his most valuable asset - his name.

borough of Brooklyn, and one of his first projects was to take an apartment complex that his father had purchased for $5.7 million, invest $500,000, raise the occupancy from 35% to 100% and then sell it on for $6.75m. This whetted his appetite for money, success and, eventually, the need for fame.

In 1988, Trump acquired the Taj Mahal Casino in Las Vegas, which led to mounting debt, and by 1989 he was unable to meet loan payments and was on the verge of

“The trouble with Trump is that he rarely, if ever, says anything that he genuinely believes.”

bankruptcy. He was forced to sell his Trump Shuttle Airline and his 282-foot megayacht, the Trump Princess, and was only saved by the unfortunate death of his father, who left $300m to his four children.

It would appear he learnt from this debacle, vowed never to get that close to the precipice again and then began his domination of the

estimate of Trump’s net worth by $125 million following Trump’s controversial 2015 remarks about undocumented Mexican immigrants, which ended Trump’s business contracts with NBCUniversal, Univision, Macy’s, Serta, PVH Corporation, and Perfumania. His full statement

Trump claimed in a July 2015 press release, one month after announcing his presidential run, that his “net worth is in excess of ten billion dollars.” However, Trump has said in the past that “my net worth fluctuates, and it goes up and down with markets and with

was: “The U.S. has become a dumping ground for everybody else’s problems. It’s true that these are not the best and the finest. When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems to us. They’re

New York real estate sector and the city’s

attitudes and with feelings—even my own

skyline with the 2001 completion of the Trump

feelings.” Forbes had said that although

World Tower, a 72-story building opposite the

Trump “shares a lot of information with us

UN Headquarters. Then followed Trump Place,

that helps us get to the figures we publish,”

of driving up the intrinsic value of his name?

Trump International, Trump International Hotel

he “consistently pushes for a higher net

In my view, absolutely yes, as such racist

in Honolulu, Chicago, Toronto and Florida.

worth—especially when it comes to the value

comments make for great sound bites and

Absolutely no ego here, then!

of his personal brand.” Forbes reduced its

certainly stir up the uneducated fanatics

bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”

So is his run for President just another way

25

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THE BIG STORY in the US who have never held a passport

never been one to let the facts get in the way

(apparently, a shocking 54% of Americans

of a good story, or a good method of self-

have never held a passport), but there is little

promotion and TV air time.

chance that the highly intelligent core of that

Finally bored with the second-hand

country would actually put this showman into

fame he garnered by slagging off everyone

the White House. Although, l seem to recall

else, he made his bid for stardom with The

the same statements being made about a

Apprentice television show for NBC and

Hollywood cowboy action hero called Ronald

applied for a trademark against his famous

Reagan.

statement, “You’re fired.” Although originally

A 2011 report by the Center for Responsive

paid only $50,000 per episode, this rapidly

Politics showed that over two decades of U.S.

rose to £3m for each show, making him the

elections, Donald Trump made contributions

highest-paid TV personality, declaring a total

to campaigns of both Republican Party and

payment of $213m for his 14-season run,

Democratic Party candidates. In February

and he received a star on the Hollywood Walk

2012, Trump endorsed Mitt Romney for

of Fame for his contribution to television.

president of the United States and was also

This role slammed to an abrupt halt when

an early supporter of Ronald Reagan for U.S.

NBC cut all ties with him after his Mexican

president.

immigrant statement.

“Trump is a self-created grotesque, a reality TV star constructed to be more shocking and outrageous than any Kardashian, any celebrity gender reassignment, any mass shooter, any accordion-playing YouTube kitty.”

In April 2011, Trump questioned President

But, of course, buried deep within

Barack Obama’s proof of citizenship, alleging

all such egomaniacs is often a core of

that “his grandmother in Kenya said he

uncomfortable truth and common sense.

was born in Kenya, and she was there and

On the mass shootings that are almost a

witnessed the birth.” (Trump’s claim derived

weekly occurrence in the US, he told Chuck

from a discredited transcript of a telephone

Todd of NBC News, “It’s not a gun problem,

interview with Obama’s grandmother,

it’s a mental illness problem. Guns, no

produced by a Pennsylvania pastor opposed

guns, doesn’t matter. You have people that

to Obama’s election.) Trump also questioned

are mentally ill and they’re going to come

whether Obama had good enough grades

through the cracks and they’re going to do

to warrant entry to Harvard Law School.

things that people will not even believe are

He claimed to have sent a team of private

possible.”

investigators to Hawaii, Obama’s documented

Trump has previously iterated the

birthplace, and told The Today Show “they

message that mass shootings and gun

cannot believe what they’re finding.” On April

violence are more the product of broken

25, 2011, Trump called for Obama to end

mental health systems than proof of the need

the citizenship issue by releasing the long

for tighter gun control laws.

form of his birth certificate.Two days later,

Asked by ABC News whether he owes

Obama made a formal statement in efforts

Senator John McCain an apology after

by the White House to put the matter to rest

claiming that Vietnam veteran McCain was

with the release of the long form of Obama’s

not a war hero, Trump said: “No, not at all.

birth certificate. Trump expressed pride at

People that fought hard and weren’t captured

his role in the certificate’s release in a press

and went through a lot, they get no credit.

conference follow-up, saying he hoped it

Nobody even talks about them. They’re like

“checks out” and “we have to see, is it real?”

forgotten. And I think that’s a shame, if you

When asked in July 2015 whether Obama

want to know the truth. People who were not

was born in the United States, Trump said: “I

captured, who went in and fought, nobody

really don’t know. I mean, I don’t know why

talks about them. Those are heroes also.”

he wouldn’t release his records.” Trump has

Trump might have got a little further with

27

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THE BIG STORY occasionally make non-PC statements that

Economic Titans like Trump have a very

resonate with voters, but these have to be

important role to play in politics but becoming

cloaked in “politic speak” so as to rally the

one of them is not the answer. His role, if

believers without firing up the crazies.

played well, can be to prick the pomposity of

His views on the latest Russian

world leaders, to tell the truths that leaders

involvement in Syria are typical of this

dare not utter, to poke the subconscious of

point. When Bill O’Reilly asked him what

the people on subjects that politicians fear

he thought Putin was up to, he stated,

to tackle and to call out the liars, cheats and

“We spent $2 trillion, thousands of lives,

vagabonds that comprise, in part, our political

wounded warriors all over, and Putin is now

classes.

taking over what we started. He’s going

He is right about the Mexican mass

into Syria. He frankly wants to fight ISIS,

immigration that will soon see Americans as

and I think that’s a wonderful thing.” As for

the minority in the US, and could be compared

Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Trump

to the mass immigration into Europe that

said that “maybe he’s better than the kind

will, in time, see the Islamisation of the entire

of people we’re supposed to be backing.”

continent. He is right that the West has utterly

Prior to that, Trump compared President Obama unfavourably to the Russian President. “I will tell you, in

failed to calm the Middle East, but that does not make Putin right.

In business, we have serial disrupters who

this theme if it were not for the fact that the

terms of leadership, he’s getting an ‘A,’ and our

greatly enjoy shaking up the status quo with

Arizona senator, who has limited mobility in his

President is not doing so well,” Trump added.

new products or services that shatter the way

arms following his war experience, received

“They did not look good together.”

we are used to doing things - think Amazon,

the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Silver Star

I cannot disagree with the sentiment in this

Apple and Uber. But in business when it all

and a Purple Heart for his service.Trump,

statement. The West has done an appalling

goes tits up, someone loses a shed load of

meanwhile, received several deferments

job of dealing with the IS crisis, and then spit

money. Play this same game in politics, and

during the war. According to The Smoking

venom from the sidelines when Putin steps

there are lives to be lost and supreme care

Gun website, which obtained selective service

in to do the job his way. The problem is, you

needs to be taken with someone who is purely

records for Trump in 2011, he received four

cannot say such things if you yearn for high

intent on raising their own profile and the

student deferments between 1964 and 1968,

office.

market value of their franchise.

There are some frightening similarities

and later a medical deferment in 1968.

between Putin and Trump. They both resemble

The trouble with Trump is that he rarely, if ever, says anything that he genuinely believes, but rather what will play well in the media and reap him coverage. After the McCain furore, Trump supported McCain’s presidential candidacy in 2008. He donated $28,450 to John McCain’s Victory Committee, a super PAC, and endorsed him on CNN’s Larry King Live that year, calling him “a smart guy, and I think he’s going to be a great President.”

Passion is the only thing that gets politicians into the top job - that, or downright lies that

fictional characters more than real people,

“Trump has never been one to let the facts get in the way of a good story, or a good method of self-promotion and TV air-time.,”

which may help explain Trump’s repeated assertions that he understands the Russian president and would get along with him (“In terms of leadership, he’s getting an A”) while essentially endorsing Putin’s current campaign to prop up Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, a major factor in the mounting tensions between the United States and Russia. So far the bromance has been one-sided, thankfully.

Putin is nothing if not a shrewd operator, and

they somehow get away with, but in the main, it

whoever in his inner circle has been tasked

is passion that rallies the electorate. They can

with making sense of the Trump phenomenon

29

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THE BIG STORY

appeals to deep, ugly currents within human nature and American history. Putin may look

2012 Putin biography “The Man Without a Face.”

No doubt it’s true that Putin and Trump

like a similarly blunt instrument from this

reflect related global strains of populism

distance, an old-time Russian strongman

and nationalism, and that both appeal to the

who invades neighbouring nations, imprisons

deep-seated human yearning for a strong

political opponents and causes voices of

male leader or father figure. But the social

dissent to die or disappear under mysterious

and historical currents that created them are

circumstances. We don’t understand Putin

so different that the comparison is almost

because we know almost nothing about

meaningless in practical terms, and for good

Russian society or Russian political history, and

or for ill the reality of a Trump presidency –

we don’t understand him because the invented

dreadful as that is to contemplate – would look

or self-invented character called “Putin” is not

nothing like Putin’s presidency.

meant to be understood.

Both Putin and Donald Trump have risen to

Trump’s charismatic and unpleasant persona is rooted in the American myth of the

power and prominence as national archetypes

sovereign individual, the John Wayne or Clint

of strength and as “self-made men.” But

Eastwood figure who stands free of laws and

Trump is a self-created grotesque, a reality

social conventions and who views government

TV star constructed to be more shocking and

as a big hoax inflicted on suckers by pencil-

outrageous than any Kardashian, any celebrity

pushing lightweights. Whether you think that

gender reassignment, any mass shooter, any

archetype is more or less sinister than Putin’s

accordion-playing YouTube kitty. Putin, on the

gosudarstvennik, the abstract embodiment of a

other hand, was constructed to disappear

collective identity, is a matter of interpretation.

into a vague idea of Russian greatness and

But it is even more contradictory, and far less

a purposefully generic cloud of pseudo-

functional. Trump can only gaze across Europe

information. He has all but erased his own

longingly and dream of the kind of power

fictional traditions. Trump is a larger-than-life

identity to become the semi-divine avatar of

wielded by the faceless, characterless man

caricature taken from a Sinclair Lewis novel

his nation-state, as Stalin and Peter the Great

in the Kremlin. As fundamentally screwed as

or an early Frank Capra film, a vicious and

and a long line of others did before him. Not for

America is, we should be thankful that he’ll

merciless plutocrat-turned-politician who

nothing did journalist Masha Gessen call her

never have it.

has no doubt advised him to steer clear.

But if Putin and Trump seem like satirical or symbolic figures out of novels or movies, they come from different kinds of stories and, more to the point, from radically different

31

FINANCE

BUILDING UP LONGTERM RELATIONSHIPS

Adam Hill, Relationship Manager, SME, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking 3rd Floor, 2 City Place, Gatwick RH6 0PA M: 07725068880 • D: 0208 253 1486 E:adam.hill2@lloydsbanking.com

M

companies to develop a substantial business

based in Crawley that specialises in audio

plan, which clearly outlines their objectives

visual integration systems, it was essential that

and the services they will provide. It should

we understood the business’ day-to-day needs

bank has lent to a business. But beneath the

include a considerable amount of detail and

and values before discussing the different

surface are the invaluable relationships formed

thought on their on-going strategy, as well as

support packages that we could provide. After

between bank managers and small businesses.

identifying potential barriers and how they can

touring the business’ facilities and spending

A relationship manager who focuses on

be overcome.

time with Markus Wood, the firm’s Managing

ost headlines focus on numbers, whether it’s the annual turnover of a company or the amount of funding a

understanding a business’ needs and putting

It’s essential before any funding is agreed

Director, we had a clearer understanding of

their customer first can help them achieve their

that the bank takes time to understand the

what direction the business wanted to take

ambitions.

business plan, culture of the firm and how it

and how we could help them realise their

operates so that support can be tailored to

ambitions.

Businesses will have a plan for how they want to grow, and banks will work closely with management teams to provide the right

meet the company’s goals.

Banking relationships aren’t based on a one

The primary goal for the business was to expand into new locations across the UK

solution to fit the business’ requirements.

size fits all package. When Lloyds Bank began

and add special interactive viewing rooms

An important step during this process is for

working with Avensys Ltd, an audio visual firm

to its Crawley headquarters. We were able

32

FINANCE

to create a tailored funding package for the company working closely with our commercial finance team and have provided funding solutions of £2.5m encompassing premises finance, working capital and asset funding. This combined funding allowed the business to relocate to a purpose designed premises in the Manor Royal Business District in Crawley and now employs 40 full time and part time employees from the local area. The funding also allowed development of specific areas including a demonstration kitchen, listening rooms for home cinemas, training facilities and showcases for the smart home concept.

Avensys is particularly conscious of its sustainability impact, which is at the forefront of its business model. It has implemented multiple eco-friendly strategies including dual condenser water boilers and energy efficient lighting to keep the company’s carbon footprint low. On observing their green strategy during my initial visits to the business, and as Lloyds accredited environmental and sustainability manager, I was able to work with the Carbon Trust who provided me with tools to ensure that the growth strategy did not lose sight of the sustainability aspect which Markus was keen to achieve. As part of this, Avensys has also been able to utilise Lloyds Bank’s REDUCE model, which focuses on how products can be better built for recycling before they are designed. As a result of this, the business has gained recognition throughout the South East and has been nominated for various sustainability awards.

Avensys was founded 15 years ago, however the relationship between Lloyds Bank and the business began in 2014. By that time it had grown to become a £3million turnover company with plans to break the £6million mark over the next 12 months. Markus, along with support from Lloyds Bank is now identifying strategic opportunities that will help grow the business even further - whether that be trading with international markets or expanding to new locations in the UK. Markus agrees on the importance of having a strong relationship with funding providers.

“As a business it’s important for the people we work with to share our vision for the company and be enthusiastic as we reach our milestones. Adam, and the wider relationship team, have really understood the direction we’ve wanted to take Avensys and their

support and guidance has helped us reach our

up to £1million and approve new lending of

immediate business goals, such as expanding

up to £500,000*, to existing customers at their

our premises and creating interactive viewing

own discretion, so our clients don’t have to go

rooms in Crawley. This expansion has enabled

through a lengthy process to receive vital funds.

us to add more staff to our current 40-strong workforce and increase brand awareness.”

We’re committed to helping Britain prosper and have pledged to grow our net lending by at least £1 billion to SMEs every year until the end of 2017, so more businesses can develop and

“Senior managers can renew loans up to £1million and approve new lending of up to £500,000* to existing customers, at their own discretion.”

drive economic growth. Our year-on-year net growth in lending to SMEs was 5% at the end of June 2015, and we have supported 48,000 start-up businesses in the first half of 2015.

We’ve also formed a strategic partnership with UKTI so that we can better support UK export ambitions of firms in the UK. The partnership allows us to collaborate with UKTI to provide insight, support and introductions for exporters looking at key markets so they don’t have to navigate it on their own.

We manage billions of pounds of assets, but at its heart, ours is a business built on

Lloyds Bank are proud of our commitment to supporting British businesses like Avensys.

They play an important role in helping the economy grow, and we have ensured that

relationships and the real bottom line is people.

To find out more about our commitment to British business, contact Adam Hill, Relationship Manager on number

funding, guidance and additional support is

07725 068880.

easily accessible to small and medium sized

All lending is subject to a satisfactory credit

enterprises.

assessment.

Local decision making is an important part

*Lending discretions of Relationship Managers

of the service we offer customers therefore

varies and some applications may be referred

our most senior managers can renew loans

for further credit checks.

33

INVESTMENTS

OCTOBER, THE MOST DANGEROUS OF MONTHS

By Andy Merricks Head of Investments of Skerritts Wealth Management www.skerritts.co.uk

W

hat is it about October that makes it historically the most dangerous of months for investors? The old adage of course is to sell in May and go away, come back again St Leger Day. If that were true then a number of aged investors would be kicking themselves for not waiting a month or so as the St Leger is in September, and many a ‘Leger investment’ has suffered a sharp dip soon after it’s been made. What tricks might this month have up its sleeve?

Dare we be slightly optimistic? We have just (officially, according to Bloomberg TV) experienced the worst Quarter since 2011, which was when the Greek Crisis first reared its head. Bearing in mind some of the events that have occurred since (the taper tantrum, revised Greek crisis, etc.), that is quite a serious draw down, so has anything changed fundamentally to trigger a longer-term bear market, or is it simply an overdue breather in an even longer-term bull market?

34

No one knows, is the unhelpful answer, but let’s consider a few factors as we try to determine which side of the fence we jump to.

Sitting on it gets one nowhere.

“We would argue that the fundamentals in the developed markets remain fairly sound – profitable companies, low unemployment, reducing personal debt levels – whereas, in the Emerging Markets, they are not.”

No Rise In Interest Rates – Good or Bad? The fact that interest rates didn’t rise in September in the US didn’t really surprise us (we forecast as much), but the reaction of the market wasn’t what many expected. Popular opinion was that a rise in rates would see markets sell off as it would signal the end of QE and the easy policies that have abounded since 2008. What happened was that markets sold off because rates didn’t rise, as the realisation began to set in that the economy just isn’t strong enough to withstand even the smallest of tightening moves by the Fed. The United States will do what’s good for the United States, so we shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that the rates staying flat was some kind of helping hand to a flagging global economy and, in particular, China and the Emerging Markets. We had pinpointed a forward predictor highlighted by BCA Research which suggested that the economies of both

INVESTMENTS

“It reminds me of a farmer I met once who left the light on in his barn to remind him to turn it off when he came in.”

the US and Europe showed signs of slowing six months hence and, against this backdrop, a rise in interest rates would most likely be reversed quite quickly – within a few months – should they have gone ahead. This remains our prediction should Janet Yellen raise rates, as some are expecting, in December.

We heard a commentator recently saying that they should raise rates as it will give them a weapon to use to help a flagging economy in the future. This reminds me of a farmer I met once who left the light on in his barn to remind him to turn it off when he came in. Pointless.

It’s an argument that we’ve made time and again in recent years and it’s one that we’ll continue to stand by for now… if interest rates remain low, money, being what it is, will seek a return from somewhere. If it isn’t getting it from cash, it will look for it from other asset classes, so every time there is a setback in the bond markets or equity markets, cash will buy back into those markets at more reasonable levels as long as the fundamentals are sound.

We would argue that the fundamentals in the developed markets remain fairly sound – profitable companies, low unemployment, reducing personal debt levels – whereas, in the Emerging Markets, they are not. And so, as we seek investment returns for our clients, we will continue to focus on the developed side of the investment fence.

However, volatility will remain high as money continually goes into, then comes out

of, risk assets in search of this return. A kind of investment hokey-cokey if you will. And this is why we feel that those who concentrate on the lower-charging tracker or passive kind of buy-and-hold index-style of investing will lose out to a more active, opportunistic method of investing which will, admittedly, carry with it more risk of timing error. Passive investors could be range bound for some little time whereas active investors will at least have the potential of buying the dips and selling the peaks. Whether they can do it successfully enough to make it any more profitable than simply buying and holding passively is another question entirely.

Anything To Learn From This Summer?

One thing that has become clear – again – is that big does not necessarily mean better when it comes to investment. The rout in the oil price and other commodities has seen the energy and mining-laden FTSE 100 index suffer in comparison to many other indices.

Ironically, probably the best example of an index benefiting from having virtually no exposure to energy – the German DAX – has suffered very badly of late. As an index it is dominated by car manufacturers, which have been clear winners in a weaker Euro, exportled economy but which have now slipped into a fog of their own making through the emissions scandal emanating from under the bonnet of nearly 11 million Volkswagens that were pretending to be something they weren’t.

“Betrug dürch Technik,” as the Germans say (or more accurately, as Paul Jackson of Source Multi Asset says the Germans say). Once again a big company in which small investors feel comfortable holding shares has let them down.

History is littered with such examples. No doubt the sale of Lloyds Bank shares will be oversubscribed by people who will buy them because, well, “We’ve heard of them, so they must be alright”. There’s nothing dodgy about

a household name is there? (Not that we’re suggesting anything anti-Lloyds. It’s just that they’re the next public sale coming up).

Smaller Companies’ Funds Have Been More Resilient The common assumption is that smaller companies are more risky than larger ones, but there is not a great deal of evidence to support this, it seems. Certainly, at a singlecompany level, small companies carry more risk of failure, but in a well-managed fund we are seeing a trend re-emerging of smaller companies’ funds behaving in a less volatile manner than their large cap alternatives. We wrote about this in 2010 as well and history could be repeating itself.

This characteristic could be related to the problems that the emerging markets are experiencing. There was time around 200910 when virtually every single fund manager running a UK large company mandate took pride in explaining that their companies were not really UK companies at all, earning a major part of their revenue from the explosive emerging market population. Now it’s all changed. Since 2008, if you are in the UK and have little or no debt (low interest rates) and you have had and kept a job, you’ve probably never had so much disposable income in your life. Which is why restaurants are full, airlines are raking it in, new car sales have never been higher (even VW until a few weeks ago) and hotels can charge pretty well what they like.

The UK smaller companies sector is dominated by firms whose focus is upon the domestic economy and consumer. There will, obviously, be winners and losers, but that’s why we’d favour a smaller companies fund rather than an index, and is why we will be putting some of our clients’ cash into these areas as we enter the final Quarter of 2015. We also expect Europe to follow a similar pattern to that of the UK as we emerged from our recession, so money will be diverted there too.

Whether or not October has a nasty surprise up its sleeve we don’t know, but we just get the sense that we‘re not entering a long-term bear market just yet and that, after a pretty torrid six months, the end of the year may reward the slightly more adventurous investor.

These are our views and are for professional use only

Skerritt Consultants, Skerritt House, 23 Coleridge Street, Hove, BN3 5AB. Tel: 01273 204 999.

35

LEGAL

KNOW THEIR RIGHTS Businesses take note – Understanding the new Consumer Rights Act now, will save you time and money.

by Tim Ashdown, Senior Litigation Partner at DMH Stallard

O

n the 1 October the Consumer Rights Act 2015 came into force bringing a range of sweeping changes that will impact on

every business in the UK that sells directly to consumers.

The Act is probably one of the biggest shake-ups of consumer law in modern times as it aims to consolidate and reform what has previously been a raft of legislation that was

and DMH Stallard has been working with its clients over the last few months to make sure they are prepared.

Generally, the Act represents a substantial increase in the rights of consumers so our headline message is that businesses should be taking time now to review their standard terms of business along with any documentation

difficult to understand and interpret. The Act

used for transactions with consumers to make

introduces a number of new and important

sure they comply with the new requirements

changes that businesses should be aware of

brought in by the Act.

36

Businesses selling digital content “This is the biggest shake up of consumer law for a generation, bringing legislation in line with the fact many people now buy online.”

The former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable Probably the most radical change is how the Act is now applied to digital content and is in response to more and more consumers buying

LEGAL by the business.

digital products such as online film, games, music downloads and e-books.

Businesses who sell digital products should be especially aware as the Act now defines statutory minimum rights for consumers who purchase such goods. In particular, if a consumer purchases digital content which damages his or her device or other digital content, then the supplier could be responsible for repairing the damage or compensating the consumer.

The financial risk to businesses here could be significant bearing in mind the value of

“One thing that we’ve seen is the new Act dramatically improves the options available to consumers.....”

content, there has been no similar legislative clarification with the supply of digital content from business to business.

So what rights do consumers now have?

One thing that we’ve seen is the new Act

Businesses must therefore keep this in mind when reviewing their terms and conditions with consumers.

Other Practical Steps Businesses should consider All traders selling to consumers, are certified Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

thousands of pounds. consumer rights relating to the supply of digital

neither party raises fairness as an issue.

required to give the consumer details of a

devices that consumers now use often run into Whilst the Act provides clarification on

Courts are now under a duty to consider whether all contract terms are fair, even if

What should businesses do now?

The Act has resulted in consumers having increased protection from the Courts.

It’s really important therefore that businesses review their existing terms and particularly their consumer notices, as the Act now places a greater element of both

dramatically improves the options available to

reputational and financial risk on the business.

consumers for both the supply of services and

The Act treats consumer notices in much the

the sale and supply of goods. Options available

same way as contract terms in that they are

to consumers include the right to reject goods

now subject to the test of fairness and those

for 30 days after purchase; and the right to

which are subsequently found to be unfair

request a repair or to replace goods beyond the

cannot be enforced against the consumer. It’s

initial 30 day period. Where the sale of services

also important to note that written notices must

are concerned, consumers now have rights to

be transparent and brought to the consumer’s

a reduction in price; and in some circumstance

attention in such a way as to ensure the

are entitled to compensation.

consumer is aware of any terms set out

provider and inform the consumer about whether they intend to use that provider from 1 October 2015.

In addition, businesses should now be reviewing their formal complaints policies and procedures and consider formal training for customer service staff to ensure they are aware of the changes in law and any new policies the business is implementing. These are all important issues that businesses should be considering.

DMH Stallard’s specialist Retail Team have provided a comprehensive guide for businesses that can help them comply with the new Act. If you think you are not fully prepared then our team will be able to help you. Email the team at enquiries@ dmhstallard.com for more information

37

Our Philosophy At Skerritts we realise that everyone faces risks in the future and that our client’s long-term financial security is very important.

In particular we recognise that an individual will, in almost all circumstances, want to make provision to protect their family from financial liabilities in the unfortunate event of their death. Furthermore we believe that it is important to consider the long-term financial implications in the event that an individual suffers from a serious illness in the future.

At Skerritts we have extensive experience of reviewing and establishing protection arrangements. Our advisers, researchers and administrators regularly review and implement the following types of protection arrangements on a regular basis for individuals: Due to the fact that Skerritt Consultants Ltd are Independent Financial Advisers, we are able to review protection products across the whole of the market place.

We are therefore able to provide an impartial service which is tailored towards our clients specific requirements and circumstances.

Call us to see if we can start something together.

MARKETING

INNOVATION… A NEW IDEA?

Big Beach Marketing Tel: 01273 434552 Web: www.bigbeach.co.uk

By Louise Walden Director of Big Beach Marketing

L

ooking through my online marketing magazine, I read an article about the UK driving the innovation agenda. Did you

Innovation: the truth The Oxford Dictionary defines innovation

or don’t turn out as expected.

It’s about being conscious that creativity

simply as ‘A new method, idea, product, etc.’

could solve some business problems and

know that the UK is currently a magnet for

which makes it sound easy, accessible and

provide unexpected benefits.

entrepreneurial and innovative talent from

possibly unimpressive. I also know something

around the world? And most large businesses

about it myself: I ran the first Innovation

will have dedicated resources purely for

Programme for a well-known utility a few

innovation?

years ago.

Innovation: it’s become an over-used term

Being ‘innovative’ is not about finding/

Innovation is a spinning plate Once you (gradually) start, you can’t stop.

True innovators need momentum, motivation and energy. If you believe new ideas can

and perhaps the real meaning has been lost.

doing something totally unique in this world.

help your business, it has to be inherent and

Advertising in recent years has made it sound

Of course, it can be great if you do, but it’s rare

nurtured within your business. Everyone needs

magical, like some special alchemy was at

and doesn’t always provide benefit. Innovation

to be involved and doing their job – with a

doesn’t always mean being inventive either;

constant eye on opportunities for improvement

you don’t need a light bulb moment to see

or benefit.

things in different way. Innovation is only in

What’s innovation got to do with marketing?

work. An ‘innovative new hydration system’ doesn’t sound like a great a benefit to us, the consumers. Does your market really care if you are being innovative (or not)? Surely, your potential customers would be more interested in the benefits that the innovation (whatever it is) provides them.

There are obviously industries where innovation is welcome, understood and

relation to your specific and unique set of circumstances.

Innovation can be more subtle, just being

Quite a bit, we’re one of those industries that

open to looking at how you do things now in

both expect innovation within and are expected

order to improve on them - for the benefit

to be innovative for our clients. When I conduct

of your business and customers. It can be

a marketing audit with a new client, I’m trying

an attitude, part of your company culture to

to get an accurate view of their business in

expected. The question is: is your industry

consistently review processes and methods.

order to provide the best marketing advice.

one of them? If it is, are you being ‘innovative’

Inefficiencies are transparent and actively

But as a new pair of eyes, unencumbered by

and actively demonstrating this, or missing a

tackled, using people who have different (and

the detail or history, I see things differently.

marketing trick? And if you’re not innovating,

possibly irrelevant) skill sets. Ideas from

Which means I’m free to be creative with my

what does that say about your organisation,

anyone are welcome, your team feel free to try

recommendations for the business…innovative,

products or services?

new things and learn from them when they fail

even.

39

BUSINESS AWARDS

OPEN FOR ENTRY The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2016 are NOW OPEN for entries.

See: www.gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com

About the Sponsors Gatwick Airport is the busiest single-runway airport in the world. It currently serves more than 200 destinations in 90 countries for around 33 million passengers a year.

The NatWest Commercial Banking team works with SMEs in a variety of sectors, providing bespoke financial solutions to help them achieve their ambitions. They say, “We are proud to sponsor the Business of the Year Award.”

Nestlé UK & Ireland is a subsidiary of Nestlé SA, the world’s leading nutrition, health & wellness company. They are a major player within the UK and Irish food industries, employing 8,000 employees across 23 sites.

Vines Group is a privately owned BMW and MINI franchise group serving the local retail and business community. They say, “The sponsorship of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2016 enables us to show support for all the businesses and individuals who are making a real difference in the local area and beyond.”

B&CE is a not-for-profit organisation operating for the benefit of our members and their dependents. They provide workplace pensions, employee accident cover, employee life cover and employee healthcare.

Central Sussex College supports employers within the Gatwick Diamond by helping them to identify the training needs of their business and to develop their workforce through flexible training and development programmes, apprenticeships and tailored solutions.

Crawley Borough Council’s Green Business Programme (GBP) is a highly successful scheme open to all businesses operating in Crawley. Crawley Borough Council has sponsored the Gatwick Diamond Green Business Award since its inception as it places a high value on sustainable business practice and innovation.

The Federation of Small Businesses is the leading membership organisation for small businesses with over 180,000 members. It offers a range of member benefits, of which the most popular is the 24/7 legal advice line. FSB actively lobbies both government and opposition on issues affecting small businesses.

The Gatwick Diamond Initiative is a business-led economic partnership free to businesses. Business leaders work with the local authorities and government agencies to address the economic needs of the area to ensure it is a world-class place to do business.

Hays is the leading global specialist recruitment group. They are the experts in recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people across a wide range of specialised industries and professions. We operate across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments.

KPMG is a leading provider of professional services including audit, tax and advisory. Their innovative spirit inspires what we do and how we do it, providing valuable benefits for clients, employees and stakeholders. Constantly striving to be better lies at the heart of what makes them different.

Lloyds Bank Commercial says, “We are delighted to be involved with the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards as we share the same passion for encouraging new enterprise and supporting businesses to grow and succeed.”

Optima Systems has been in the business of IT for 25 years and they have seen fads come and go. Digital Marketing is definitely here to stay and, if not already, will become integrated into all businesses. As with IT, which everyone now works with, not against, Digital Marketing needs to be embraced.

PVL UK help save lives and increase brand awareness! They are the biggest supplier of specialist reflective safety markings to the UK emergency services and provide corporate branding for commercial vehicle fleets nationwide.

Rawlison Butler LLP is a leading commercial law firm providing imaginative, practical and workable solutions to their clients in the areas of corporate/commercial, employment, commercial disputes, real estate and private client.

Search Consultancy prides itself on Being Exceptional. As the 30th -placed employer on the Sunday Times Best Companies list and the first recruiter with Investors in People Gold status, they pride themselves on the first-class experience they give to all of their consultants and support employees.

Storm is an award-winning, full-service creative design agency based in the heart of Sussex. As creative people, they love ideas from initial strategy and understanding of your business goals to brilliantly executed campaigns and specialise in delivering maximum return on your investment.

40

BUSINESS AWARDS

Winners quotes Business of the Year 2015 - Patrick Heath-Lay, Chief Executive Officer of B&CE, said: “We are really proud to have won this award. We were commended for our rapid growth in recent times, having high levels of customer satisfaction, and for having strong values at the heart of everything we do.

“This award reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff. It is they who make B&CE what it is, and they should be proud of their work. We are still growing fast and looking for talented people to join our team, so visit our website or get in touch.”

Business Person of the Year 2015 - Keith Pordum told us: “I was delighted to receive this award in recognition of my team’s work in making Bon Appetit the leading hot food vending business in the UK (www.hotfoodvending. com). We are passionate about making healthy, tasty hot food available 24/7 through our automated catering service.”

Digital Marketing Business of the Year 2015 - Sam Garrity of RocketMill said, “We are delighted to have won this award. It means a lot to receive such public recognition for the hard work our team put into campaigns. I would like to thank Chichester College for their sponsorship and judgement of the award, our clients for their continued trust, and our team for making such a success of their work.”

Employer of the Year 2015 - Andy James, UK CEO of 1ST CENTRAL said, “We’re honoured to have been selected as Employer of the Year for the second year running. At 1ST CENTRAL we know that placing our employees at the heart of our business is the best way to improve performance, which is why we have invested so much time and effort in providing them with a positive and stimulating working environment as well as access to a wide variety of training programmes.

“We’re incredibly focussed on the development of our employees, so we’re thrilled that this has been recognised once again by this prestigious award and we hope to be in the same position this time next year.”

Entry deadline Closing date for entries is 20th November 2015 (by end of day). Please note that it may be possible to submit entries after this but the date will be noted: call 01293 813888. Entry is FREE of charge.

How it’s judged The Sponsor is the judge in each category. There is a scoring sheet with feedback which will be returned to the entrant. We check for impartiality between judges and entrants, so if there is any conflict of interest a neutral third party will oversee the judging. This is essential to find the best of the best!

The Ceremony With over a third of the tickets already sold, the Awards Ceremony on the 17th March, 2016 early booking is advised. The Copthorne Effingham Park Hotel is the home of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.

41

ADD SOME PR MAGIC TO BUSINESS AWARDS CARALINE BROWN Managing Director, Midnight Communications, 28 Foundry Street, Brighton, BN1 4AT T: 01273 666200 / M: 07860 757757 E: caraline@midnight.co.uk @KariBrown @MidnightComs

W

hen the leaves start falling and Autumn arrives, thoughts in the business world inevitably turn to

‘awards season’ - and no doubt companies across the county will have spent many an hour

extra – and utilising some clever PR tools - can

an awards triumph is to make it too long and

make a big difference to what you get out of it...

too verbose. Short, simple and to the point is

Network, network, network.

Don’t underestimate just what a huge

this month poring over entries and considering

networking opportunity an awards night can

how best to impress the judges.

be. There will be potential future clients in the

best. Try and tell the story quickly in the first two paragraphs. Do include a short quote from someone senior in the business - but the entire press release should not take up more than a page of A4. Issue it to relevant trade media as

That’s certainly been the case for entrants in

audience and good media contacts too. Prepare

the Sussex Business Awards, which take place

a list in advance of who you would like to speak

in Brighton in December and marks another

to. Building relationships with local media as

year of business excellence in the region. But,

well as representatives from trade and business

as those entries are fine-tuned, balance sheets

publications could be the start of a fruitful

analysed and evidence collated, how much time

relationship that reaps dividends in future. No-

glory lasts an entire year and provides plenty

is spent considering how best to exploit being

one is going to tell your story if you don’t.

of opportunities to boost profile. Re-design all

short-listed - or even of lifting a trophy on the big day?

Maximising the publicity – and the prestige

A picture paints a thousand words Don’t leave it to chance. If you’re a winner,

- your business can receive around awards

make sure you have photos of the night. There

night is about far more than turning up for the

will no doubt be a professional photographer on

ceremony and seeing your company’s name

hand, but also designate someone in your team

in lights. Time and time again winners at the

to take pictures; they will be hugely valuable

soon as possible – and don’t forget to upload it to your own website.

Keep on telling your story The beauty of winning an award is that the

corporate material to include an awards logo – for instance, ‘Sussex Business of the Year’ is a pretty powerful statement to put at the bottom of every email you send in 2016.

Make the most of social media Social media is at its most powerful and

Sussex Business Awards have told me that

for social media as well as for future media

most useful when there is good news to

winning a trophy made a real and significant

interaction. Having a stock of photographs that

broadcast. Upload details of your win on every

difference to their business the following year,

tell your business’ story is a valuable asset for

possible platform – from Twitter to LinkedIn

both in terms of raising profile and bringing in

PR.

and Instagram to Facebook. Seek out other

new clients. So, with careful management there is growing evidence that winning awards is not only good for ego but for the bottom line, too.

Put together a simple press release that is easy to read – and pithy

Here is a quick guide to making the very most

The most common mistake businesses

of ‘awards season’. Just putting in that little bit

make when writing a press release to mark

winners to congratulate on Twitter and re-tweet their replies; it’s a great opportunity to build profile and connections. Every mention on the internet has benefits for your SEO and can help drive traffic to your website.

43

INTERVIEW

CONSULT AND SUCCEED I

n the film Yes Man, Jim Carrey’s character, Carl Allen, pledges to say “Yes!” to every opportunity, request, or invitation that presents itself – which, unsurprisingly,

leads to some extreme circumstances. Samuel Tilley, MD of Agovo, doesn’t go quite as far as Carl, but when his clients have a request his natural inclination is to say yes.

“I pride myself that I always try to say yes, even if it means we have to develop an add-on or create something new. We want to be the company that says yes (unless someone asks for something impossible!)

“The most frustrating thing for me is not being able to say, “We can do that”. I hate saying no to customers or, “Sorry, you’ll just have to work around it.” You should always be able to give your customers what they want. It may cost a little bit more or may take more time but we know from experience that the extra effort upfront is worth it as it means that the customer gets what they need first time around. That said we will be upfront in saying if we don’t believe a customer will need a certain add-on or customisation or if something else will be better suited to their needs. We have a really honest relationship with our customers, and I love that.”

But about a year ago, Samuel found himself in a situation where the Customer Relationship Management system he was representing at that time was no longer offering the flexibility his customers required, so he set off on a mission to test as many CRM systems as he could in order to find the one which would allow him to say that all-important three-letter word.

“We needed to offer something new, because we were otherwise going to lose our existing customers,” recalls Samuel, “and attract fewer new customers, which is no recipe for success. So I researched pretty much every CRM system on the market.”

It’s fair to say that Samuel is a man in a hurry. He left school early, and found himself a job with an IT company.

At weekends, he worked in a shop repairing and rebuilding their stock of home computers, and bought his first laptop from his employers. By the age of 18 he was running first line support within

being given by my managers and believed I could deliver a better service to my customers. It was then that I realised I wanted to start my own CRM re-seller business. I had great relationships with my customers,

the UK IT team at a company called Safetykleen before discovering the

many of whom have come with me along the way. I contacted Goldmine,

potential of CRM systems.

who knew me very well and were happy to back me. So, at the age of 25,

“I saw an advert for a CRM role working with the Goldmine system and I went for it. A couple of years later I got an opportunity to go to Australia

I started my own CRM re-seller company.

“The business has been successful but around 18 months ago we

to work for the biggest CRM reseller over there as a consultant, and then

started to get requests for functionality that we couldn’t help with, and it

returned to work for the same company in the UK the following year.

was at this point I started my search for a new system. The CRM industry

“At this point I’d started to get a bit agitated by the direction I was

44

is so forward thinking, and there are constantly new competitors coming

INTERVIEW

“Weybridge-based Agovo Limited is the CRM company that likes to say yes, says Managing Director Samuel Tilley.”

• Issue the contract •

Close the sale

If someone forgets one of these procedures, that sale may not be completed. So there’s a process, and the CRM can alert them to tell them, “Now you need to do this, and now you need to do that.” That’s just one example. Having defined processes in place prevents mistakes and helps to make businesses more efficient.

“I made contact with bpm’online straightaway and we discussed an exclusive partnership. We presented our business case along, so if you don’t innovate fast enough, you

customers. What’s more, they are looking at

fall behind and, ultimately, lose out.

these well designed websites on their tablets

“One of the major trends in CRM is design.

and mobile phones so the fact that the CRM

Traditional CRMs have a boxy, 90s feel that is

system can be accessed from any device was

far behind other software on the market. But

ideal.

competitive CRM companies are now starting

“The first time I saw bpm’online, I knew

to show them what we can do; the potential of the UK market; our ability, our experience and the customers we’ve worked with. The fit between bpm’online as the product and Agovo as the service partner is excellent.

So, what exactly is CRM?

to adopt the look and feel of modern social

it was right. The system is fantastic; it’s all

media sites, blogging websites and online

process-driven. Every customer we work with

“CRM is an approach to managing a company’s

stores because people now want to work on

has processes, and they might have a CRM, but

interaction with current and future customers.

the interfaces they are used to as consumers.

very rarely are they linked together.

It often involves using technology to organise,

Most people are on Facebook, and if they’re not

“For instance, a company’s sales cycle might

Wikipedia provides a helpful definition:

automate, and synchronise sales, marketing, customer service, and technical support.”

on Facebook, they’re on LinkedIn or looking

be:

at news sites. When we found the company

• Arrange and deliver a demonstration

bpm’online, we were impressed with the

• Present to director/ decision-maker level

should have one in place, even the smallest of

social look and feel of their system which feels

• Issue a quotation

start-ups.

familiar, less intimidating and really attracts

• Feedback & Negotiations

Typically, Samuel believes every company

“It doesn’t take long before you have enough customers to make it tricky to keep track of them. Even if you’re setting up a one-man band, it can be very soon when the business becomes two or three people. Start at the beginning, get the CRM in place. It’s low cost to get a one-user license. Start as you mean to go on. Get your data and your calls in there - don’t work from Excel.

“A CRM becomes vital once you start to share information. You can get caught out very quickly on Excel. You’ve got too much data and activity to record and you get lost; plus, people don’t back it up effectively and follow the same procedures. Excel is what everyone goes to straightaway, but it soon becomes a complete mess.

“I still meet with companies who are using pen and paper. Nine times out of ten we get called in when a company realises they have an issue they want us to fix. Unfortunately, people typically decide to get a CRM when there’s a

45

INTERVIEW

problem with what they’re currently doing,

means “consult” and “ovo” means “succeed”

nice to the customer again because they’ve got

which generally is too late. If you define your

in Latin; so, “consult and succeed,” together,

to renew. What’s the point in that?

processes early no matter how simple they

which is our aim for our customer and also

are, you have somewhere to build from. If you

now our strap line.

CEO, Katherine Kostereva, is a really inspiring

What does the future hold for Agovo?

woman. I’ve watched her present seminars and

wait until you have a problem, it’s much more difficult to consolidate your data and change your staff’s mind-sets later down the line.

“We tend to find that anyone who has used a

“I want to grow and grow and be as big as

CRM before will invest in a CRM when they first

we can be. My ambition is for the company to

start their new business because they already

be the biggest CRM re-seller in the country,

understand the benefits. If they’ve never done

providing the highest quality service. I want to

that, they will start using Excel. The person who

build a brand with Agovo to be the company

picks CRM first is going to reap the rewards

that people trust to deploy a CRM system for

going forward.”

them.

Samuel has, of course, been through the

“For the immediate future our goal is to be

experience of starting out, and the company

able to help businesses across the UK and

has grown very quickly.

Ireland, starting in our local area. That’s why

“Bpm’online have a similar ethos to us. The

speeches and every time I’m inspired by her business acumen and vision for the future of technology and the CRM industry. She’s a great leader. I’ve also learnt a lot from the Senior Vice President, Michael Rooney and Business Development Director, Andie Dovgan, who are great to work with. We just clicked. They are having great success in America, and I was confident we could help them establish a presence in the UK so we took the opportunity with both hands.

“At the start there were just two of us -

we are working hard to be active members of

“Bpm’online is listed in both the Gartner

myself and Andrea Ingham, who is still with

our local business community and have joined

Magic Quadrant for CRM and in the Forrester

us today. We did everything - support, sales,

the Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Surrey is

Wave™ CRM report. These are massive

training, implementations – we did it all and

such a powerhouse and we’re proud to call the

research firms for the IT industry; they are

it was great. At that time, I had an office in my

area our home.

the two main ones for our industry. There

house to keep costs down. We now own our

“We thrive off helping businesses who are

are hundreds of CRM systems on the market,

office, The Old Post House in Weybridge, have a

looking to implement a CRM system that fits

but only about 20 are actually listed in those

team of 15 and are still growing.

not only with their industry but their individual

reports, so it shows the capability of the

business culture and strategy too. It’s really

product.”

“It has been thoroughly exciting. I’m really blessed that I have a fantastic team around me.

disappointing to see that in the wider CRM

Everyone shares the same vision and buys into

market there are still so many failed CRM

presence here in the UK but, towards next year

what I want to do with the company. I’m also

implementations. A lot of people think, “Let’s

I’d like to bring in an experienced software

lucky that I have a business family behind me

go to the big boys, let’s go to Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics, and that’ll be okay.

sales person to take over the sales part of my

who give me lots of advice; and also friends with large businesses that I can call on when

Because they’re such big names, it’s not going

necessary; having a strong support network is

to go wrong” – and, of course, it can, and it

vital especially when you are just starting out.

does.

“As part of our growth, we have also been

“For us it is imperative to understand a

“Today I’m focussed on establishing our

role and then I’ll start focusing on the partner network. We are looking to build up a partner network across the UK and Ireland, with my first recruitment drive focussed on finding an experienced CRM partner in Scotland and

through a re-branding and name change.

business and learn what makes it tick. We

Previously, the company was called Gold

put so much time into customer relationships

Business Solutions. We had to change it

because it really works. And it makes our job

because we no longer just specialise in the

much easier. If you know what a client does and

Goldmine system. It just wouldn’t work to

how they do it, you know the next steps – and

sell two products, one called Goldmine and

can provide better support. The relationship

one called bpm’online, and the business to be

is so crucial for us. Every member of the

have me as their account manager. I still very

named Gold Business Solutions.

Agovo team, no matter what their job role is

much love to be customer-facing. Infact I prefer

listens fully first, acts second and that wasn’t

to be in front of customers than to just be in the

name and brand identity, we had so many ideas

happening in my previous roles. No-one really

office.

- some of them we couldn’t even pronounce!

cared what the customer wanted; their focus

“It was a long process to come up with a new

We settled on Agovo which really encompasses our company mission. “Ago”

46

Ireland.

“Even when I move over to partner development, I will still have my clients and accounts - I’ll never lose them. It’s very important that I stay with the customers who

“Watch this space – Bpm’online is the future,

was to get the licenses in because that’s the

as is Agovo!”

money. Eleven months later they start being

agovo.co.uk

personal law, financial services

business law

mergers and acquisitions employment law commercial property and development planning advice commercial landlord and tenant intellectual property litigation charities debt collection

the

law force in the

With offices on the South Coast and over 50 specialist and experienced staff.

www.bennettgriffin.co.uk

01903 229999

CHILDCARE VOUCHERS – Get on the bus, before it leaves…

by Paul Roe, Partner at Kreston Reeves

T

he issue of Childcare Vouchers is going to affect many people, lots of employers wanting to do the best by their employees (or maybe gain an advantage in the employment market) and lots of people you know.

Childcare Vouchers have been a good thing for some time now. One of the worst parts of the current scheme, though, is that the selfemployed cannot benefit from it. Surely, this means that anyone who is self-employed can ignore the following and rest easy that, come March 2017, they’ll be able to take part too? Or can they? I’m sure we will all know someone who will be affected.

48

The scheme that runs at present is not perfect but, broadly, does have the following advantages.

The amount you can purchase varies according to the marginal rate of tax you pay: 44 Basic rate (20%) taxpayer: £55/week voucher, max annual tax/NI saving £930.

44 Higher rate (40%) taxpayer: £28/week voucher, max annual tax/NI saving £630.

44 Top rate (45%) taxpayer: £25/week voucher, max annual tax/NI saving £590.

These savings arise since the amount is deducted from one parent’s gross salary (either parent, it does not matter which). It is also important to note that two parents can claim

under the current scheme, and one of them does not need to be working. Note also that whilst the benefit is restricted, those earning over £150,000 a year can still claim.

Because this is a salary sacrifice scheme, even the employer gets a modest saving of the employer’s NIC on the amounts sacrificed for Childcare Vouchers. Apart from some people who may lose some tax credits, and the self employed, everyone is happy. For the ownermanaged business, you might even look at it like this: • My children get some childcare, and • My company gets some tax relief, and • I save money too.

ACCOUNTANCY

Of course, there are limits to how the current vouchers can be used, and it’s probable there will be similar limits under the new scheme due in 2017. Basically, vouchers may only be spent with registered child care providers. Many schools qualify for this (not for any activity which is part of the National Curriculum), rather, many different kinds of after-school clubs.

A full list of registered childcare providers can be found, under various search categories, on http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/

However, the replacement scheme for new entrants after March 2017 is not so beneficial: • Firstly, you will pay money into “your” online Government account. Does anyone else hear alarm bells? How many times can you recall “Government” and IT working together smoothly from day one?

• Once you’ve spent that money from your already-taxed income, the Government will add 20p for every 80p you deposit, up to a total of £10,000. That means the Government will top up a total of £2,000 per child, (£4,000 for children with disabilities).

The eagle-eyed will have spotted that basic rate tax payers will be getting somewhat less, and will be paying for it from taxed income!

• There will be a “simple” online requirement to confirm or re-confirm your circumstances every three months, and at any time you will be able to view the status of the account for each of your children.

• The age up to which the new scheme can be operated will be limited to 12 years, (17 for children with disabilities), whereas, currently, it is limited to the child being in full-time education.

• BOTH parents will need to be working to qualify. You will be pleased to know that periods of sickness, maternity, paternity or adoption leave will be regarded as “working” for this purpose. Despite the latter, this will exclude some who use the current scheme.

So, going back to our example of the ownermanaged business: • My children get some childcare, but • My company loses the tax relief it previously received, yet worse, • I lose some personal tax relief in return for receiving less benefit, which effect increases if I am a higher or top rate tax payer.

The other important thing to note is that the responsibility for administering the Childcare Voucher scheme will shift from employers to parents. Currently, the employer manages the scheme through salary sacrifice, but parents will control the new one and they will need to

remember to update their eligibility information every three months.

So, while in the long term the new scheme will involve less hassle for employers, in the short term employers will need to educate their employees to ensure they understand the differences between the schemes. Employers will also have to ensure that productivity is not affected by employee worries about the change toward ever more expensive childcare, thus leading to increased staff absence.

Benefits for the self-employed Those who are self-employed will, of course, favour the new scheme - principally because they have hitherto not had access to one.

But there is another beneficial aspect to the new scheme. Contributors to the new online childcare account will not be limited to parents: grandparents, other family members, and even employers may contribute to the new account.

This development could give rise to further tax planning for some families. Suppose the grandparents have excess income each year; they live exactly how they choose and still have unused income (and they do not partly finance their lifestyle from accumulated capital). They might contribute £8,000 to child care, in which case the Government will top that up by £2,000.

The family might then feel suitably pleased, having taken advantage of an (unlimited) Inheritance Tax exemption, the childcare having been financed through “normal expenditure out of income.”

So, in conclusion, the self-employed will benefit from the new Childcare Voucher scheme, and indeed, some families may well be able to benefit from a little Inheritance Tax planning too, but for the majority of current Childcare Voucher users the conclusion needs to be: get your child registered under a current scheme to use the vouchers under those rules before March 2017.

Once your child is registered under the current scheme, that scheme will not be closed to you and your children when the new scheme is introduced, it will merely be unavailable to any new applicants after that date. We have no indication of whether the current Childcare Voucher scheme will ever be withdrawn.

Get on the bus before it leaves!

If you would like to talk about this, call Paul Roe on 01293 776152 or your normal Kreston Reeves contact.

49

PLATINUM STYLE

style PLATINUM

GREAT GROOMING GADGETS FOR GUYS… Grooming is no longer just for women.

Savvy guys already know this, and in fact, men’s grooming is now big business.

Mintel reports that the men’s personal care market in the UK was worth £574 million in 2012 and is expected to rise by 6% by 2017. Why? Well, you may be dressing well, but you certainly don’t want your hair, skin or eyebrows to let you down. American entrepreneur Daymond John says it best: “Good grooming is integral and impeccable style is a must. If you don’t look the part, noone will want to give you time or money.”

Furthermore, being well-groomed demonstrates attention to detail and enhances your professional image.

50

G

iven the myriad of products, gadgets and even apps on the market today to help you look your best, there’s no longer an

excuse for not looking tip-top. Read on to find out more…

Go online…

If you are in need of some help but prefer to remain anonymous, there are a number of online resources that can help you look your

Apps: Mr Porter: a shopping app for men allowing you to browse and buy clothing from international designers. The website also contains The Journal, with articles on a variety of lifestyle issues and styling subjects (free on iTunes) Philips Grooming App: to help you find

best (not that I’m trying to do myself out of

everything you ever wanted to know about

a job, you understand). In recent years, the

shaving and beard styling, including ‘how to’

number of websites and apps geared towards

and styling sections and personalised advice

men’s style and grooming has exploded. They can help you put outfits together, advise on how to tie a tie (or shoelaces), and keep you up-to-date with the latest grooming gadgets,

(free on iTunes, with a corresponding video on YouTube) How to Tie a Tie: one of a number of apps

techniques and outlets. Here are a few

available, covering a variety of knots (free on

particularly useful resources:

iTunes)

PLATINUM STYLE Panasonic ER-GN30 Nose &

magnet for moths.

a particularly pleasant item, but

• Wash or dry clean everything you are going

unfortunately, one that becomes

to store, as moths and other nasties are

a necessity as the years pass.

drawn to sweat and food stains. Doing this

This one uses a rotary cutting mechanism (so no chance of cutting yourself) and a ‘Vortex System’ for easy cleaning Philips BG2036 Bodygroom – Samantha Wilding Tel: 07833 084864 Email: Samantha@styleandgrace.eu Website: www.styleandgrace.eu Twitter: @alwayschicUK

for hair below the neck.

Self-explanatory, really.

I’ll leave you to check this one out. Just let me add that men’s body hair removal has now become mainstream, with a wide range of products available and many

Websites

will mean that your clothes are fresh when you get them out next spring • Choose plastic, airtight containers (vacuum clothes storage bags are ideal) and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid cardboard, which can be easily penetrated by pests • Fold everything carefully to avoid creases, and don’t pack it in too tightly • Store your clothes with cedar blocks, which are less toxic than mothballs • Label your

salons offering specific waxing services for

containers,

gents

so you know

Travel accessories

what’s what’s

Czech & Speake Air Safe Leather-Bound

Fashionbeans.com: a fantastic website

any natural and high-quality fabrics are a

Facial Hair trimmer: I know, not

what !

Travel Manicure Set: As Mr Porter puts it:

for advice on men’s fashion, style and tips on grooming. They also regularly rate their ‘top 10’ products (fragrances, skin care, etc) Niven & Joshua: a very grown-up men’s skincare website, featuring exclusive and highend brands, along with advice for the modern gentleman on specific issues, such as acne, hair loss and rosacea Mankind: a site selling products for skin, hair, shaving and body. They also have “masterclasses”, giving step-by-step advice on dealing with ingrown hairs, combating oily skin and a range of other issues

“When you’ve taken great pains to cross all of your sartorial T’s, rough, untended hands

Great gadgets

will let you down.” Invest in a neat manicure

A quick caveat before I begin: I haven’t tried any of these ! They are easy to find online.

The Luna Cleansing System by Foreo: this non-abrasive silicone device uses T-Sonic™ pulsations to remove dirt and prep skin for shaving. It also claims to lessen the appearance of fine lines, and is great for travel. Available on Mr Porter Braun Series 7 799 electric rechargeable wet and dry foil shaver: This was recently reviewed by the Telegraph as one of the five best men’s grooming gadgets. Evidently, it can “read your face” and adjusts its micro

set like this that is made for travel, in a leather case, with a file, tweezers, scissors and clippers. The tools are rust and bacteria resistant and meet international travel regulations Sticky Mitts from Lakeland: an ingenious item to keep your clothes looking good on the go. A quick way to remove hair and fluff from clothing without taking up loads of room in your suitcase A decent washbag: for all your travel-sized products. You want one that is big enough to hold your essentials and that is leakproof, waterproof and easy to clean. The Brooklyn bag from Private White is a luxurious leather option, made here in the UK

Storing your summer clothes Evidently, October is the worst month for

vibrations according to your hair density. It

moth infestation. Keep this in mind when

also has three shaving modes dependent on

putting your summer clothes away for the

skin type and, crucially, only needs a five-

winter. Here are some key steps to take to

minute charge for one cordless shave

avoid those tell-tale holes. Remember that

51

ANGER MANAGEMENT

ANGER MANAGEMENT Utterly failed by Maarten Hoffmann

I SHOULD REMAIN SILENT B

ut l cannot. I hate journalists who come back after a few months and say “l told you so”! But there are times when it is appropriate to comment a second time, not in a vain attempt to reap glory but to push you ever further along the road to understanding that we have all been conned and it is time that there was a public enquiry into who knew what, when and why this was allowed to occur.

I am talking about the great diesel con that has come to the fore, thanks to Volkswagen’s criminal disregard for the law of the land.

And, rapidly, the law of the world. Diesel is the devil’s brew, and l have been banging on about it for years. It is killing the planet and our children faster than anything we have witnessed to date, and has made shed loads of cash for the government, the oil companies and every bugger in between.

In issue 7, l wrote about the ‘Great

brink. Well, we now know this to be total tosh

Environmental Con,’ detailing the fact that the

that was stuffed down our throats lock, stock

WHO had officially designated diesel fumes as

and barrel as the world raced towards a world

a primary cause of cancer, along with asbestos

of diesel cars.

and plutonium (yes, plutonium!), and sold to

This is a serious matter. Tiny particulates,

us as the clean fuel, the fuel that will give you

one of the two most serious pollutants emitted

a gazillion miles to the gallon, surely save the

from car exhausts, are officially thought to kill

polar bears and pull humanity back from the

29,000 people a year, over 10 times as many as die in car accidents, in a toll only exceeded by smoking. The Committee on the Medical

“Well, we now know this to be total tosh that was stuffed down our throats lock, stock and barrel.”

Effects of Air Pollution has also suggested that this may play a part in 200,000 more deaths.

If that were not bad enough, official incentives designed to fight climate change have focused only on carbon dioxide. The campaign group Clean Air in London says that nitrogen dioxide emissions are more than twice what they would have been if we had retained the same mix of cars as in 2000.

Much of the problem is down to EU emission standards, which have long allowed diesel engines to emit much more nitrogen dioxide than petrol versions. In the United States, where equal limits are applied, the diesel expansion has not taken place: just 0.6% of US cars burn the fuel. Worse, though the standards have been tightened so that they look good under laboratory conditions, they have had little effect on real driving: King’s College London scientists say actual emissions from diesel engines have remained much the same since the turn of the millennium, while those from petrol ones have tumbled by 96%.

This is why the VW cheat was so much larger in the US, as they tied to plumb the great untapped market for diesel cars and needed

52

ANGER MANAGEMENT

“Hands up.

Can I say there’s absolutely no question that the decision we took was the wrong decision.” Oh that’s OK then, as long as he’s sorry.”

to cheat the tests to pass emission controls.

a member of the Blair government, admitted

this? Forget VW, what about the ministers in

Because THEY ALL KNOW that it is a killer and

the policy was a mistake.“Hands up. Can I say

charge at the time, who blatantly ignored the

want to move as many units as possible before

there’s absolutely no question that the decision

advice they paid our money to receive? What

we all wake up.

we took was the wrong decision.”

about the idiots in the EU, who are pushing

Oh, that’s OK then, as long as he’s sorry.

This race to convert the country to diesel

“WHO has officially designated diesel fumes as a primary cause of cancer along with asbestos and plutonium.”

engines was started out of total ignorance and a sheer refusal to listen to any voice other than their own entrenched, short-sighted viewpoint, and now there are 11 million people driving diesel cars who not only have to face the fact that they have made a serious mistake but now stand to be heavily penalised for their decision. Duty is soon to be increased on diesel, hundreds of cities are introducing an annual £200 surcharge for diesel cars to enter, and

“Forget VW, what about the ministers in charge at the time, who blatantly ignored the advice they paid our money to receive?”

London is to remove the low-carbon diesel emission exemption from the congestion charge. There is word that London might go

diesel on us every day with mis-guided

overhauled vehicle excise duty so that cars that

so far as to ban diesel cars completely from its

emission regulations? What about the big

emitted a higher level of carbon dioxide faced

streets.

environmental groups, who should have known

In 2001, Gordon Brown, the then chancellor,

a higher level of vehicle excise duty. Labour

The result – the resale value of your diesel

better than to remain silent?

car is about to plummet as no one will want

If you think the PPI scandal was bad, and

official warnings that diesel vehicles emit “10

to buy it, and yet again the British public will

you expect the VW debacle to be larger, just

times the fine particles and up to twice the

suffer from the farcical and ignorant decisions

wait until the evidence finally surfaces about

nitrogen dioxide”. It beggars belief that they

made by headline-grabbing politicians and

diesel. That will dwarf them all as there will

totally ignored the advice and now that they are

the cynicism of VW, who will even cheat to flog

be millions of deaths involved and billions of

all out of office, they don’t have to suffer any

motors. You will now be faced with a car worth

pounds lost. I think this should be regarded as

consequences or repercussions. The current

much less than you thought, and the need to go

a crime against humanity.

Shadow Environment Minister For Energy &

out and buy a petrol or electric car.

introduced the new regime DESPITE countless

Climate Change, Barry Gardiner MP, who was

Don’t you think someone should answer for

No doubt, our revered politicians see it as a form of population control.

53

Do you want to be part of a winning team?

Hastings Direct is an agile and fast moving insurance company which continues to challenge industry convention and remains one of the fastest growing insurance providers in the UK, with over 1.7 million customers. As an ambitious, industry innovator, we are seeking talented individuals to join our multi-award winning team at our head office based in Bexhill-on-Sea. In a culture which recognises achievement and actively promotes career progression, we can offer you the tools to excel and continue to grow with us in the future.

We have a variety of exciting opportunities across an array of business functions including: Senior finance business partner

Acting as an integral link between the finance department and the wider business, this role is responsible for planning, analysing and reporting on the financial and operational aspects of the company.

Insurance claims

Looking to progress your career within motor claims? Look no further! We are seeking third party property damage agents, personal injury MOJ negotiators, technical claims personal injury negotiators and senior large and complex loss handlers.

Risk Executive

Identifying potential business risks and proving departments with advice and guidance on identifying, assessing and managing risk.

Previous experience in a risk related role is essential

Supplier relationships manager

Managing 3rd party supplier relationships and working closely with the head of supplier relations to engage and ensure delivery of services & products.

Commercial Manager

Maintaining and developing relationships with our panel of ancillary partners, in order to maximise our commercial opportunities and remain an industry innovator

Commercial Executive

We are looking for someone with a panache for data and proven experience of interpreting and reporting on analytical trends

Customer representatives for sales, new business and claims

Starting salary of £15,500 with exciting and achievable career development and the opportunity to earn up to £18,500 as you progress.

Claims team leader – full time or part time

To supervise an allocated claims unit and to assist claims management in ensuring the smooth running of the claims department.

We’re on the lookout for great people, so experience is not required as we will invest lots of time up front in our fantastic training environment.

All we need from you is the flexibility to work when our customers need us and to enjoy working as part of a team. If that sounds like you and you have basic computer and communication skills, as well as the drive to really go places, we want to hear from you.

Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm.

Sat 9am to 5:30pm and Sun 10am to 5pm.

Part time opportunities are also available working evenings and weekends

If you would like to know more about us or any of the above vacancies please visit our careers site at:

www.hastings-careers.com or send us an email to: recruitmentteam@hastingsdirect.com

RUNWAY DEBATE

HAVE THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF HEATHROW’S CASE BEEN OVERSTATED?

T

he economic benefit related to Heathrow expansion would more than halve if international transfer passengers who

never set foot in the UK - or generate a penny

indicate that international transfer passengers only directly boost the economies of other countries.

If Government advice was followed, and

Gatwick’s drops by £1.7 billion to £9.1 billion.

Not only would Gatwick generate the highest net economic value, but the Airports Commission’s own analysis shows a

for the economy - are removed from the

these passengers are discounted from the

significantly better return on investment - with

calculations, according to separate reports by

Commission’s economic appraisal, Gatwick

Gatwick expansion scoring a 2.80 cost-benefit

Deloitte and Oxera.

expansion provides the greatest boost to the

ratio (‘High value for money’ according to

UK economy as Heathrow’s net economic value

Government guidelines), compared to 1.75

falls by £6.5 billion to £5.3 billion, and

(‘Low value for money’) for Heathrow.

Both reports look at the Airports Commission economic analysis, and both

G

atwick has challenged Heathrow to explain how it would meet a new £6bn black hole in its expansion plans.

The Government has stated that it will not meet the costs for road and rail improvements that are required ‘as a direct result of airport expansion’. Heathrow has already ruled out paying the £6 billion bill for road and rail work required to expand Heathrow, including tunnelling the M25.

In Parliament in October - responding to a question tabled by Adam Afriyie MP - Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “In terms of surface access proposals, the Government has been clear that it expects the scheme promoter to meet the costs of any surface access proposals that are required as a direct result of airport expansion and from which they will directly benefit.”

“International transfer passengers only directly boost the economies of other countries. ” Gatwick has said that it will meet any additional surface access costs and will be road and rail ready for a second runway by 2021.

“There is now a £6bn black hole at the heart of Heathrow’s plan. Heathrow has said it won’t meet the bill and the now the Government has done the same,” said Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate.

“As we approach a decision on expansion, Heathrow owes taxpayers, passengers, airlines and Government an explanation of how they plan to meet it as this cost increase alone is almost the entire cost of the Gatwick scheme.”

Mr Wingate said it was becoming clearer by the day that if we actually want something to be built and Britain to get the benefits then Gatwick is the only credible option.

55

MAGAZINE LAUNCH

FLORIDA BOUND Issue 1 Autumn 2015

FLORIDABOUND

Sunshine, regular flights, fantasticvalue properties and a great lifestyle. It is no wonder that more and more Brits are buying holiday or second homes in Florida. Now there is a new magazine specifically for British owners of Florida properties. The “downside” for Founder Andy Fry, owner of Nova Direct and CharityLine, is that he has to spend far more of his time in The Sunshine State...

Are You Florida Bound?

An exclusive magazine for Florida home owners

based in the UK

BUSINESS

BRANSON STYLE Jacksonville Golf Package Competition THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI

In association w ith

A

ll business gurus and motivators agree on one thing: do something you are passionate about. We spend so much of our time working, it makes sense to do something you love. And if there’s one thing

that Andy Fry loves, it’s going to Florida. Florida Bound? It’s not so much a magazine title as a way of life. But Florida Bound means even more to Andy.

It also brings back memories of a dear friend and business partner.

Consider the reasons for buying property in Florida.

“The name is something I am emotionally attached to,” confirms Andy.

“I met Chris Copsey, who used to be a DJ on Southern FM, when we were waiting at the school gate for our kids. We got chatting one day and struck up a friendship. He lived close by, and about once a week I would text him and say, “Cup of tea?” And he would say “Yeah.” And then we’d decide which pub to go to. Without fail, the conversation would always come round to Florida. We both loved the place and went there with our families every year, though, strangely, we never went out at the same time.

“On one occasion, after several ‘cups of tea’, we decided to start up a business together. I was doing some work in the travel industry, so we decided to build a website called Florida Bound. I had support from Virgin, Alamo and Kuoni, who were keen to offer us commission on flights. It was a really good site with information such as the top 10 beaches in Florida and all the out-of-the-way places to go. It wasn’t property-related at all, but it was just about the passion that we both had about Florida.

44

FLORIDABOUND AUTUMN 2015

“One day, about three months after we started the website, Chris was in a supermarket in Hove and just keeled over and died of a heart attack - it was very quick and extremely sad, particularly for his lovely wife Yvonne and the family. We had done the London to Brighton bike ride five times

56

MAGAZINE LAUNCH and then we did the Capital to Coast twice, which was London to Hove, so he was quite

we have found some wonderful places to stay.”

Eight years ago, an opportunity arose to

“I know that there are many British people who share our passion for Florida, so we are

a fit guy. It was terribly sad. And as far as the

work with a company called Contempo. The

creating a magazine that we will mail to all

business was concerned, when he died, I just

Contempo Group of Companies specialises in

the members of the Owners Club of Florida,

moth-balled it.”

property development and management, real

distribute through our travel partners and also

estate sales and holiday rentals in Central

have distribution in Florida through Contempo.

Florida. Contempo also set up the Owners

It is a great audience to reach for companies

Club of Florida for UK-based villa owners,

selling real estate or rentals in Florida as our

times. We’ve been to all the theme parks and

helping owners benefit from savings and

readers already have an interest in property

explored further around Florida - North Florida,

promotions from their partners in the travel

in the state. Also, our readers need flights, car

the Keys, all down the Gulf Coast. I like the

industry.

hire and are looking for restaurants, golf clubs

If the business ceased, Andy’s love of Florida was as bright as ever.

“We must have been to Disney about 50

American people, the food, and you can’t beat a lovely Florida sunset with a cocktail.

Contempo were looking to send annual mail shots to their members and commissioned

and places to go in Florida.

“It means a great deal to use the name of

“About 12 years ago we bought a property

Nova Direct, utilising their experience in direct

Florida Bound as it reminds me of Chris. If he

and then sold it six years later, just before the

mail and marketing. The partnership grew and

was still around he would be telling everyone

crash. The property market kept booming and

Andy has since formed a strong relationship

about it, marketing the magazine and doing a

booming, and it felt like it couldn’t go on forever.

with the group’s Chairman, Don Wherrett, so

fantastic PR job on the title.”

It was good timing; a little bit of gut instinct but

there is a strong representation of the company

a little bit of luck as well.

on both sides of the Atlantic. And now there is

To find out about Florida Bound call Andy Fry on 01444 231400 or email andy@ nova-travel.com

“Since then we have always rented villas and

also a magazine.

“On one occasion, after several ‘cups of tea’, we decided to start up a business together.”

A HUB OF ACTIVITY

ORLANDO –

Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Orlando is central to most of Florida’s most thrilling attractions. The city is filled with so many theme parks, nature reserves , shopping destinations and family attractions that you will never experience a dull moment on your trip to central Florida. We recommend taking extra time to make memories with your family.

Family Attractions Orlando, Florida, USA is home to many major theme parks and unique family attractio ns. Visit Walt Disney World, which is divided into four different parks, each offering a distinctive experience, or Orlando’s other major theme park destination, Universal Studios, where you can ride movie-themed roller coasters at the Island of Adventure, get accepted into the mythical Hogwarts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and see how the magic happens behind the screen at the main park.

You can also add a little wilderness to your adventure by visiting Sea World, Busch Gardens, Discover y Cove, and Florida’s own Gatorlan d! Or discover something strange at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and the upside-down world of Wonderworks.

• Walt Disney World Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom) • Universal Studios (Islands of Adventu re, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Wet ‘n Wild) • Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach • Disney Quest at Downtown Disney • Sea World (Aquatica, Busch Gardens ) • Gatorland • Discover y Cove • Wonderworks • Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium

54

FLORIDABOUND AUTUMN 2015

Live Music & Entertainment Outside of the major parks are many venues and theaters offering live music and entertain ment. See live performances by Cirque Du Soleil and the Blue Man Group or enjoy shows at the Hard Rock Live (dubbed the Coliseum of Rock ‘n Roll) at Universal

Studios CityWalk.

• Hard Rock Live Coliseum of Rock ‘n Roll • House of Blues • Atlantic Dance Hall • Blue Man Group

Museums & Culture The Orlando area is also host to a great number of museums and art galleries including the Orlando Science Museum, the Morse Museum (home of the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany), and the Orlando Museum of Art. After you see all you can in the Orlando area, less than one hour away from the convention site is the Kennedy Space Center, which is a must visit location for space enthusiasts and science fans.

Or if you’re heading west toward the Gulf of Mexico, you can make a destination out of the highly-interactive, family-friendly Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa.

• Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaver al) • Museum of Science and Art (Dayton a Beach) • Orlando Museum of Art • Orlando Science Center

Nature A wonderful detail about Florida being the destination for the 2014 Convention is the diverse landscape. Just outside the bustling tourist attractions are many different nature preserves (Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, Ocala National Forest, Florida Everglades) and zoos where you can get a first-hand look at Florida’s wildlife.

And of course you cannot visit Florida without experiencing the 120,000 miles of beaches !

Sports Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience outside of the theme parks? In Orlando, you can skydive indoors (iFly Orlando), drive at top speeds of 120 MPH (Richard Petty Driving Experien ce), visit professional athlete training facilities (ESPN Wide World of Sports), and golf on Florida’s famed greens.

AUTUMN 2015 FLORIDABOUND

55

57

LEGAL

MEET THE TEAM

From their offices on the South Coast, law firm Bennett Griffin prides itself on offering a full range of legal advice and solutions to their clients, coupled with the highest levels of client care and service. In this issue, they take the opportunity to introduce their Heads of Departments, to find out a little more about them and their background.

Rob Fawcett - Property

Ian Macara – Private Client

As the head of Bennett Griffin’s Property Department, I oversee the work undertaken by both our Commercial Property and Residential Property specialists.

I personally specialise in commercial property transactions and have built up specific experience in advising on transactions involving garden centres and edge-oftown developments throughout all parts of England and Wales.

Both property teams have expanded over the years as we have added further strength and depth in order to be able to advise our clients on all aspects of their property transactions.

Within our Commercial Property Team we have experts in planning and property development, leases, business expansion and relocation and property finance, to name but a few.

I became a partner at Bennett Griffin in 2010 and have enjoyed being a part of the development of the Property Team and the firm as a whole. I am excited about the continued progression of the department and the future of the firm.

I have been a Partner in Bennett Griffin since 2000 and head up our Private Client Team.

We offer professional, personal and proactive advice on Wills, Powers of Attorney, protecting those at risk and Probate Administration.

Our philosophy is to help our clients make conscious choices about their strategic planning for the future, rather than endure the worry about leaving things to chance. We find clients feel empowered when they have predicted, and then taken steps to prevent, problems arising in the first place, or when they have the most appropriate legal documentation in place to provide options for them or their loved ones when confronted by the unexpected contingencies of life.

We have particular experience and expertise in advising clients who are business owners, those who own multiple properties, those in second or subsequent marriages, those co-habiting, those concerned for family or friends living with the challenges of dementia and those with legal responsibility as Attorney or Deputy.

I am a full member of STEP (the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners) which is an international accreditation that focuses on “advising families across the generations”.

I am also one of only 67 Solicitors across the country approved by the Court of Protection to act as Deputy for individuals who lack the capacity to manage their own affairs, as well as being a full member of Solicitors for the Elderly and a Dementia Friend, having taken the firm through Dementia Friends awareness training.

58

LEGAL

Elaine Smith – Company Commercial I am the Partner in charge of the Company and Commercial Department based in Bennett Griffin’s central Worthing office.

Whilst I deal mainly with litigation, my specialist area is employment law. I am a member of the Employment Lawyers Association with a Masters Degree in Advanced Legal Practice.

My department acts for all types and sizes of businesses, from sole traders to listed companies, and we advise in relation to company and commercial disputes, debt recovery, employment matters, landlord and tenant disputes and leasehold enfranchisement and more. We are a ‘one-stop shop’ for all things Commercial We also have the expertise to assist individuals who are experiencing employment issues and a range of civil disputes.

I have been with Bennett Griffin for over 12 years, and together with my colleagues within the department, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer our clients.

Toby Barrett – Personal Injury

Richard Adams – Family

I am the partner in charge of the Personal Injury Team here at Bennett Griffin.

In the Personal Injury Department we specialise in representing individuals who have been seriously injured in accidents.

We have a reputation for our availability and willingness to see our clients at their homes, and to deal with their claims delicately, where necessary, which is what sets us apart when a Sussex-based individual has been seriously injured.

The Personal Injury Team is proud to have recently been recognised in the Legal 500 publication, which ranks the best law firms and legal teams in the UK. This recognition results from the testimony of our clients and the network of professionals with whom we work.

I have been at Bennett Griffin for over 16 years and I have more than 21 years of experience as a solicitor. The majority of my legal career has been spent assisting our injured clients, and my colleague in the Personal Injury Team, Amy Kenward, has spent most of her legal career doing likewise. We are dedicated to offering our clients the best level of legal service and support at a time when they need it most.

I am Head of the Family Department at Bennet Griffin, leading a strong team of experienced lawyers specialising in all aspects of family law and issues arising from divorce or separation, including property and finances, child and parenting issues, and wealth protection.

We have an outstanding reputation for acting with great skill and sensitivity for our clients. We are committed to resolving matters outside of court, having both a mediator and collaborative lawyer within our team, but are also experienced in taking a robust approach within court proceedings.

We regularly act for business owners to protect their interests following a separation or divorce, as well as providing legal advice and assistance to those intending to marry and who wish to safeguard their businesses with a pre-nuptial agreement.

All of the team are members of Resolution, the association of family lawyers that promotes a constructive approach to family disputes, and we have all been awarded the Government’s Help and Support for Separated Families Kitemark, given to those who have demonstrated a vision that includes promoting collaboration wherever possible to reduce conflict and so benefit the children.

I am also one of only two solicitors in Sussex who have been accredited

by Resolution as a proven expert in complex financial and property matters for households with high incomes and/or substantial assets.

For further information about any of the services offered by Bennett Griffin, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01903 229999, or visit our website at: www.bennettgriffin.co.uk 59

BUSINESS SCENE

COAST TO CAPITAL SUPPORTS GENDER DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS

In September, Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) hosted a Women in Business event at Canon UK in Reigate. The event was held to encourage more women in the private and public sectors to consider taking on senior roles in business, in government and on boards.

The speakers included Julie Kapsalis, Vice Principal of Chichester College and Amanda Menahem, HR Director of Hastings Insurance Services Ltd – both of whom are also Coast to Capital LEP Board Members. They were joined by Catherine Noel, HR and Leadership Development Manager at Canon UK. They each spoke about their careers and the challenges of achieving a work-life balance, plus shared tips on how to achieve success in business. An interactive session then followed with guests sharing their experiences.

Following the presentations, facilitated by Kirsten Trussell, Skills Development Manager at Coast to Capital, everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet whilst networking and making new contacts.

Organised by Prowse & Co on behalf of Coast to Capital LEP, the event was a resounding success with guests leaving inspired and empowered.

60

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

DMH STALLARD COMPLETES SECOND MERGER OF 2015

L

eading South East and London law firm DMH Stallard has announced its second merger of 2015, by confirming their agreement to merge with long-established London firm, Ross & Craig Solicitors. The merger will take effect on 14 December 2015.

The merger between the two firms further strengthens DMH Stallard’s presence in London. All of Ross & Craig’s existing team, including their eight partners, will move to DMH Stallard’s existing London office, based in New Fetter Lane. The merged firm will retain the DMH Stallard name, and the London operation will have a total of 23 partners and a turnover next year in excess of £10 million.

The merger follows strong financial performance for DMH Stallard over the last 12 months, with profits increasing by 10%.

The merger further strengthens DMH Stallard’s position as one of the dominant firms in the South East, with offices in Gatwick, Guildford, Brighton and London, and brings the total number of Partners to 60.

Richard Pollins, Managing Partner of DMH Stallard, who led the deal, says: “Following the successful regional merger with the Guildford firm AWB Partnership in January this year, I am delighted to announce our second merger of 2015. It remains our strategy to seek out quality merger partners in London and the region. As with all our merger discussions, we took time to make sure that the merger with Ross & Craig would be one which would benefit both firms, and, most importantly, those clients of our respective firms. The merger with Ross & Craig will bring our turnover next year in London to over £10 million, and over £26 million in total across all of our offices. I’m confident that the merger with Ross & Craig will provide us with a solid platform on which to continue to grow in London as the market improves. I’m looking forward to working closely with our new team in London. The additional strength in depth and expertise that the Ross & Craig Partners bring to the firm will allow us to continue to service our growing client base in London, as well

as supporting our many clients in the region wanting to partner with a law firm who can offer high-level City expertise when required.”

Stephen ten Hove, Managing Partner of Ross & Craig, added: “I endorse everything that Richard has said.

We are delighted to be joining DMH Stallard.

It fulfils our strategy of merging with a firm which will greatly enable us to enhance the range and type of services that we offer to our clients.”

Richard Pollins, DMH Stallard Managing Partner

About DMH Stallard With over 50 partners and a total staff of over 240 solicitors and other professionals, DMH Stallard is one of the most respected and forward-thinking mid-market law firms in the country.

With offices in London, Gatwick, Brighton and Guildford, the firm is committed to building long-term collaborative relationships with clients to provide significant benefits for both organisations.

Its client base is varied and encompasses private clients as well as some of the most innovative and successful organisations in the country, including major financial institutions, FTSE-listed companies, private equity-backed businesses and high-profile public sector bodies. www.dmhstallard.com

61

RECRUITMENT

IT ALL STARTS FROM THE TOP

Staff retention is far easier if your company culture is right

by Steve Revill, Business Manager, Page Executive.

T

he sustained economic recovery means vacancy numbers are rising, albeit gradually in some areas, confidence

hear about more and more new opportunities

Having spent over a decade as a recruiter

if current trends continue. If you consider the

of senior positions across the South East,

seismic impact social media has had on the

I have spoken to, worked with, interviewed

is returning to the candidate population and

recruitment world in recent years, you begin

and represented a vast number of candidates

people are focusing on getting their career

to realise how accessible individuals are

and clients. I have learned a lot during these

trajectories on track again. The job market

becoming to potential employers. As a result,

interactions; how people feel about their

is competitive, more so than it has been for

staff retention is rapidly becoming a hot topic in

businesses and their staff, what makes

many years and strong candidates are likely to

senior management meetings.

employees stay loyal, how management keep

62

RECRUITMENT

“Aside from salary and pension schemes, employees are placing increasing importance on ‘lifestyle benefits’ ”

colleagues. Inclusive, clear and committed

organisations. However, there are some steps

leadership is a component that comes up time

companies can take to ensure higher retention

and time again when candidates discuss what

rates. Interestingly, those who were identified

is important to them. Successful workplace

as “high potential” early in their tenure do

cultures are often based around open and

not tend to complain of a lack of progression

honest feedback. It is always important that

anywhere near as often. If organisations spot

employers create the kind of environment

and nurture talent earlier, they will naturally

where staff feel able to share their ideas,

create a culture where employees feel their

suggestions or concerns. With structured

ongoing development is looked after. It

feedback strategies in place, management have

promotes loyalty, hard work and an eagerness

a mechanism to monitor employee satisfaction

to prove the investment was worthwhile.

levels and remedy issues when they arise.

Perhaps slightly less obvious is the role that

It can also be a good idea to develop a mentoring programme so senior employees

innovation plays in keeping employees happy.

can answer questions, provide support and

Many people feel it is important to be involved

act as a sounding board for more junior staff

with, or at the very least be aware of, the

members. Some of the most successful CEOs

latest sector trends. That doesn’t necessarily

and MDs I have worked with over the years

mean spending a fortune on new software or

have had a knack for identifying when their

design; very often it is simply a case of giving

senior talent are getting close to becoming

people the opportunity to gain knowledge

a little stale. Being slightly ahead with this

externally and bring that back into their place

observation has given them the space to look

of work. Attending industry events is often a

at other ways of using their knowledge and

good way to ensure you are keeping up with

skills before their frustrations begin to build.

or ahead of the competition. Aside from salary

Rotating responsibilities, even for a defined

and pension schemes, employees are placing

period or secondment, is a very effective way

increasing importance on ‘lifestyle benefits’

of ensuring people don’t feel they need to

that respond to their personal circumstances

look outside of the business to broaden their

and aid a healthier work/life balance. Where

horizons. It is also a great way to freshen up

and when appropriate, flexible working

existing processes and styles without having

schemes or work-from-home options can have

to go through the turmoil of on-boarding

a major impact on how an employee feels

a new external hire. Finally, don’t forget to

about working for you. Rigidity in these areas

reward success and don’t let high achievement

their talent motivated and the reasons why top

is sometimes unavoidable, but more and more

go unnoticed. Long-serving employees can

performers leave. There are some common

businesses are finding ways to accommodate

often become active job seekers if they feel

themes throughout and many of these are a

these benefits, which in turn gives them a more

undervalued or under-appreciated by their

direct result of the culture created by company

agile and often more committed workforce. A

current management.

leadership.

surprising number of people also positively

Steve Revill joined PageGroup in 2005, initially working within the Michael Page Finance brand in Surrey before spearheading their launch into the Sussex region. After several years as a Regional Manager he transferred to Page Executive and joined the CFO Practice with a remit to further develop the market for senior finance professionals.

Using his extensive personal network alongside the market’s most established senior database, Steve focuses on search and selection assignments and is the partner of choice to a number of organisations.

So how do you create or maintain the kind

reference small gestures such as an occasional

of company culture that keeps your talented

early finish, a good work social calendar or a

staff motivated and happy? In my experience,

charity partnership chosen by employees.

companies with impressive retention rates

Probably the most common reason people

have often committed to a defined plan that

give for looking to move on is a perceived lack

ensures consistency in the key areas that

of progression or development opportunities.

matter to the workforce, regardless of business

To some extent, this is inevitable and will

change or external market conditions and

always be a factor – particularly with smaller

pressures.

Unsurprisingly, it all starts from the top.

A great workplace has buy-in at all levels, particularly from those in managerial positions. Leaders who embrace and project the values and culture of a business will invariably see that reflected in their

“A great workplace has buy-in at all levels, particularly from those in managerial positions.”

63

E N I Z AGA

M re o m W t E u do N n fi o D t or N

om es i A c . p l o e R v c r a B To orde dy@nova-tr n

a email

MOTORING

MOTORING NEWS MIT UNSEREN HOSEN WIRED EVOQUE ERWISCHT UNTEN Volkswagen has had a bit of a torrid time of it lately and such insane, mindless cheating from one of the worlds largest car manufacturers leaves me speechless. I recently heard that many owners purchased their cars with their PPI payouts and are rubbing their hands together for the inevitable legal battle, that will not only leave VW out of pocket the wrong side of £20 billion, but might well become the new PPI scandal. But before we all slate VW, they are not alone.

Other manufacturers are at it of course and now we see the inevitable, and often ludicrous, mpg claims tested with the obvious results. We all know that most manufacturers lie through their teeth about mpg stats and now it has been proven that most such figures are around 37% inaccurate with some being exaggerated by as much as 74%. My sorrow goes out to the dealer network. People who work their butts off to sell cars, have no hand in this mess and will now struggle to feed their families and pay their mortgages as no one wants to buy a VW at the moment. Unless you are smart, as there are some tremendous deals to be had.

Jaguar Land Rover’s latest offering is the convertible Evoque. Never a company to waste a good PR stunt, they recently placed three of them in wire form in a London Street, no doubt to the fury of the three cars that could not park there that day. I saw the drawings of this over a year ago and voted it a winner and following on from the success of the hard top Evoque, it’s a bit of a slam-dunk really.

SHAKEN AND STIRRED Aston Martin have produced a new model exclusively for the new James Bond movie, Spectre.

Ten DB10’s have been built in celebration of the half century association with the Bond franchise, starting with the iconic DB5 in 1964.

Aston are rarely slow off the mark and if it receives the plaudits that it inevitably will, then expect to see it go into production some time soon.

TRUMPS CAR FOR SALE

NEW TESLA LAUNCHED The long-awaited Model X has been unveiled by Tesla founder Elon Musk and is designed to be the safest car on the road. Every Model X carries a forward-looking camera, radar, and 360 degree sonar sensors to enable advanced autopilot features. Tesla’s over-the-air software updates regularly improve the sophistication of these features, enabling increasingly capable safety and convenience features like Autosteer and Autopark, and bringing the Model X ever closer to autonomous operation. The Model X is the world’s cleanest SUV on the inside, too. The front fascia is designed with a functional duct that pushes air through the first true HEPA filter system available in an automobile

Taking the double-the-price-because-a-celebrity’s-on-the-

allowing

logbook rule as verbatim this week is a Lamborghini Diablo

medical-

VT Roadster. A lovely car, yes, but the $299,999 price tag -

grade air to

£200,000, give or take – is as much as you’ll likely pay for a

fill the cabin,

shiny new Huracan Spyder.

Happily, evidence that potential future president Donald Trump owned the Diablo comes not only in document form, and a Trump presidential sticker in the weeny rear window, but via the carbon fibre roof panel. It’s an addition that was special ordered as opposed to the normal fabric strip and therefore much better for keeping one of the most unmistakeable heads of hair in politics in one piece.

no matter what is going on outside. No VW emissions problems here as, of course, it has no engine.

65

MOTORING

AUDI RS6

I

f you attempted to encourage a stately home to move, you would be disappointed. Yes,

you can fill it with your wares and chattels, but it won’t actually

Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

“The RS6 is a supercar with enough space to move house.

It is, in short, remarkable.”

go anywhere. Alternatively, you

open the taps and this is one of the fastest production cars Audi have ever produced – and that includes, ladies and gentlemen, the R8, which is all skirt and no knickers.

could buy a supercar that will

up the handling. This was great for das

go like stink, but you will fail to get more than

Autobahn but scared the living daylights out of

552bhp, drives all four wheels through an

a hankie in there with you. Here’s the problem:

you on the corners. And at the fuel pump, it was

eight-speed gearbox, a torque-converted

How to drive like you stole it and get luggage,

akin to filling a supertanker every half an hour.

eight-speed rather than a twin-clutch unit, and

the family, the dog and granny in there with

Audi have paid attention to this problem and

the driveline features a self-locking centre

you.

fitted the new RS6 with a 4.0 litre bi-turbo V8

differential and a limited-slip rear differential

that is about as close to a perfect engine as you

to counter some of the natural result of a 55%

will ever find.

weight bias towards the front and four-wheel-

Audi have answered this perennial question.

The RS6 is a supercar with enough space to move house. It is, in short, remarkable.

The RS6 has been around since 2002 and

If going to church or taking granny for a

The glorious power plant produces

drive. It has been on a diet and now weights

gin run, switch a few things off and it is a

2010kg, but you would never know it as the

started life with barn-storming 5.0 litre V10

(relatively) sedate A6 Avant that will drive

engine overcomes everything. Even the idiot

that made it go like a scalded cat but messed

perfectly and serenely. But drop granny off and

driver will, with all the electronic trickery

66

MOTORING turned on, find it quite difficult to prang it.

The interior is a little understated, but then

issues a tuneful, multi-tonal bellow.

You might well be rolling your eyes now as l

this car has no need to show off. The layout is

mention, yet again, the noise. I love V8 engine

perfect, with the crispness of the LCD display

noise when they get it just right. It is just right.

in front of your nose and the fold-out 8-inch

The bellow starts with a sinister growl, but

display above your left hand; the architecture

open the taps and the tune that emanates

has the hi-res highlights required to keep the

from the back end makes Pavarotti sound like

Audi RS6’s interior fresh as a daisy. A desirable

he’s tone deaf. Then, pull off the gas and the

driving position is not hard to find, thanks to

downshift creates a pop and bang that really is

standard electric adjustment, and enthusiastic

quite addictive.

owners will find enough range to neatly countersink themselves behind the dials. If you need more bolstering for those rather-too-rapid corners, there is an array of assorted buttons to snuggle you in further.

Imagine sitting at the lights next to a Porsche 911 GT2. He and his testosterone-filled sports car screaming, “Look at me, look at me!” Then there is you, in your 5-metre-long, 2.1 tonne estate car sobbing, “What has happened to my life?” as the kids are screaming in the back and the dog is drooling over the dash. Green appears and the 911 disappears into your dust, leaving Mr Porky with such a total look of disbelief that you, or in this case I, just laughed until I could no longer see for tears. It really is

Competition? Well, yes there is some with the BMW M5 Touring, the Jaguar XFR-S and the mighty Mercedes E63 AMG Estate, and these are not cars to be sniffed at as they all do much of what the RS6 does. The BMW is splendid, but, for me, it tries a little too hard. The Jaguar is wonderful, but the build quality cannot quite match the Germans. The Mercedes is a very close thing, with a 6.3-litre 518bhp power plant. This car cannot possibly be ignored, and if a gun were put to my head and l had to choose, the only thing that separates them is the fuel consumption and the all-wheel drive.

The Merc’s 6.3 motor is thirsty as hell, with an advertised 22.1mpg, but a real-life 15.4mpg.

that special. And that much fun, as, unless you

The RS6 is not a lot better, but with a stated

know what you are looking for, this appears like

29.4, and in real life closer to 23.0, it is more

a standard A6 estate.

fuel-efficient, and, of course, you get four-

The accelerator pedal is calibrated with

manufacturer who consistently produce their

gentle enough to allow an easy, wafting step-

cars with FWD? I don’t really understand this.

off, and the urgency under foot builds steadily

You rarely know it’s there until you need it, and

as you dig deeper. Only when you get into the

when you need it, you are one of the only cars

last inch-and-a-half, before the carpet halts

still moving. Odd.

when the exhaust finally clears its throat and

Engine: 4.0 TFSI Quattro Performance: 0-62mph 3.8 secs Power: 552bhp Top Speed: 155mph limited Economy: 29.1mpg Price from: £79,085 As tested: £86,540

wheel drive. Why is it that Audi are the only

expert judgement. The first inch of travel is

further travel, does the car really bare its teeth,

Technical stuff:

The RS6 is a titanic monster of a car, and l want one. Now.

67

MOTORING

SKODA OCTAVIA vRS The Joke Backfired Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

What do you call a Skoda with a sunroof? A skip.

What do you call a Skoda at the top of a hill? A miracle.

How do you double the value of your Skoda? Fill it with petrol.

Have you got a wing mirror for a Skoda? Seems like a fair swap.

A

nd they go on and on as there is no shortage of old jokes about Skodas and to be fair, they were generally justified. But the joke is now on you, should you feel that any of these are relevant in today’s Skoda, but then millions of you already know that as, since VW took over the Czech company, they have been producing some excellent models.

The Czech car maker was offered up for sale in 1991 when the new democratic government under then President Václav Havel realised the former state-owned concern wouldn’t survive in the modern world without a partner. Many car makers were interested, but in the end it came down to a straight fight between Renault, which wanted to produce low-cost cars in the Czech Republic, and Volkswagen, whose Chief Executive Carl Hahn was committed to making high quality cars in the former Eastern Bloc. VW’s ambitions, technical prowess and employee package won through in the end.

Václav Klaus, who was part of the original negotiations to sell Skoda 20 years ago, said: “It was VW or Renault and even I, not an expert in cars, was thinking, I buy my cheese in France and my cars in Germany.”

A Skoda has never been high on my list of cars to review when l assemble my quarter’s review list, but l finally succumbed to pressure and took delivery of the Octavia vRS and immediately thought it looked like a mini cab. But this is a taxi with a tiger in the tail as the vRS is very quick, very well planted and well equipped.

Basing it on the Golf GTi running gear is a great start and then mating it to a turbo-charged 2-litre engine that will get it up the road to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, and on to 152mph. There is the feeling that the designers have been skulking around the VW factory, scavenging in the parts bin, but that is not a bad parts bin. A bin, of course, is what their insane emission evasion plans should have ended up in, but l will not digress and will refrain from quoting any Skoda emission stats.

The DSG paddle shift is highly competent, and with 18-inch alloys, rear sensors and dual a/c, this is a lot of car for the money. If rated,

68

MOTORING

one would have to say that of the stable, the Audi is top draw, the VW middle and the Skoda bottom, but if priced right that does not matter a jot. It starts at £16,285, but of course that is not the place to go. At the top of the bottom drawer is the 2-litre petrol TSI 220PS, and at £25,220, it’s good value but troubled by the actual GTi that is only £2,200 more.

Here we get a good-sized boot, great seats, central touch screen and the driving

position is excellent. Its just all a bit too VW. Thats not bad, but individual character has been stifled by the plethora of Volks bits everywhere. It has the exterior character but needs to find its individual inner beauty.

If you want to save the cash, then you would not be at all disappointed with the vRS, and if your business falters and you are forced to seek a new career, it would make a great high speed mini cab.

TECHNICAL STUFF Tested: Octavia TSI vRS DSG hatch Engine: 2-litre Turbo Performance: 0-62 - 6.9 secs Top: 152 mph Economy: Let’s not go there Price from: £16,285 - don’t go there As tested: £25,220 - go here

69

MOTORING

UNDERSTANDING LEASING

There are a myriad of ways one can finance a vehicle purchase, be it one car or a fleet, and professional advice needs to be taken on the best financial route for your company. There are four regular options that can be highly beneficial and we take this opportunity to explain each option.

L

easing is a long-term rental agreement offering the exclusive use of a vehicle for a set period of time at a fixed monthly charge. Leasing helps you avoid any unexpected costs by offering a fixed monthly payment for the term of the lease, meaning you don’t have to worry about depreciation or selling the vehicle as this is taken care of by the leasing company. At the start of a leasing contract, you will pay an initial rental fee - usually equivalent to the sum of three monthly payments - and then make monthly payments for the duration of the contract term. At the end of the contract, usually 24-48 months, the vehicle can simply be handed back without any further obligations. Driving a new car every two, three or four years is just one of the benefits to leasing.

Not only will you be driving a brand new car every few years but leasing also allows you to drive away with fixed lower monthly payments, lower deposits, inclusive road tax and breakdown recovery, flexible contract duration and mileage terms and all vehicles include standard manufacturers warranty.

70

MOTORING CONTRACT HIRE is a finance solution available to sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. It’s a very popular choice for VAT registered companies as they can claim back fifty percent of the VAT on the finance element. Rental costs take into consideration estimated annual mileage, selected models and optional maintenance packages. Once the agreed term has finished you can return your vehicle at no extra cost, provided the vehicle has not exceeded its mileage allowance.This leasing option is an excellent choice for businesses with quick changing or updating fleets, who are looking to minimise their short-term expenditure.

LEASE PURCHASE allows your business to gain eventual ownership of your chosen vehicle. The arrangement consists of a series of monthly repayments, culminating in a ‘balloon’ payment at the end of the contract at which point you can decide to own the vehicle outright or hand the vehicle back.Your business will also benefit from having the time to assess whether they want to take permanent ownership of the vehicle and this can be particularly useful to smaller businesses that want to confirm the reliability and practicality of the vehicle before committing to ownership.

CONTRACT PURCHASE allows you to choose whether or not it is in the best interests of your company to take ownership of the vehicle when the agreement ends. With contract purchase your vehicle has a value guarantee and you are also protected against a future drop in the value of used cars. As such, companies benefit from increased security and flexibility. This makes a contract purchase agreement an excellent option for businesses that are looking to take ownership of a vehicle, without risking its value depreciating, or the financial commitment being too restrictive.

HIRE PURCHASE begins with the payment of a deposit, which is usually between 10 and 50% of the retail value of your chosen model. A term of repayments, usually between 12 and 60 months, is also negotiated. The level of monthly expense that you pay is dependent on three factors: the retail price of the vehicle, the size of the deposit paid and the length of the repayment period. In the short-term, hire purchase can appear an expensive option but in the long run if your company is looking to take ownership of the vehicle, it can work out considerably less expensive in the long term.

One of the central advantages of each of these options is the delivery of a brand new car that will set the tone of your company every time you arrive in a clients car park. What better way to make the statement that your company is at the top of its game than arriving in a beautiful new Mercedes-Benz and at Sandown Mercedes-Benz, we have every model

available from the compact and stylish A-Class, the vast capacity of the E-Class estate, the rugged all-wheel drive ability of the GLE and the smooth luxurious style of the new S-Class Coupe. Whatever your needs and desires, Sandown Mercedes-Benz offers the most comprehensive range of cars available today.

Stuart Head, Group Head of Fleet Sales, Sandown Group Mercedes-Benz Tel: 01483 654541 Mail: stuart.head@sandown-mercedes.co.uk • www.sandown-group.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz of Poole

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford

Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead

Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke

Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester

71

BUSINESS AWARDS

THE CRANLEIGH & DISTRICT BIG AWARDS T

he Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Surrey County Councillor Alan Young, have launched the first Cranleigh & District Business, Innovation & Growth (BIG) Awards.

The awards will highlight, recognise and celebrate the area’s entrepreneurial businesses, from micro businesses to large, from newlyset-up to well-established.

The Cranleigh & District BIG Awards were formally launched and open for entries on Monday 5th October, with a closing date for entries of 20th November.

The winner of the inaugural Cranleigh BIG Award will be presented with a £3,500 cash prize and trophy at a sparkling awards evening on 11th January, 2016 at the Cranleigh Arts Centre. In addition, a Highly Commended entry will receive a £500 cash prize and trophy.

Businesses can submit their own entry or be nominated to win an award. Entrants can be at any stage in a business lifecycle but should demonstrate innovation, commitment to growth and employee best practice. It is not necessary to be a Chamber member to enter the BIG Awards.

Alan Young, Surrey County Councillor for Cranleigh and Ewhurst, is sponsoring the awards alongside One Forty, Informed Choice and Cranleigh Arts Centre. This generous sponsorship has enabled Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce to deliver an entirely free competition.

Richard Graham of One Forty, President of the Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce, commented: “Cranleigh and surrounding villages hold a vibrant business community, often hidden from public view. Alan Young and the Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce want to celebrate their achievements and the Cranleigh BIG Awards represent the perfect opportunity to do so.

“We look forward to receiving entries from a variety of business types across all sectors, ranging from start-ups to established firms, from home-based ventures to internationally trading companies.”

Shortlisted entries will be judged by an expert business panel including Alan Young, Rosemary French OBE and Nick Bamford.

The Cranleigh & District BIG Awards are open to any business, social enterprise or not-for-profit organisation located within Cranleigh, Ewhurst, Albury, Shere, Gomshall, Peaslake, Holmbury St Mary, Forest Green, Ockley, Walliswood, Rudgwick, Alfold, Dunsfold, Shamley Green, Wonersh, Blackheath, Loxwood and all areas in between.

To find out more, businesses should visit www.cranleighbiz.co.uk/bigawards.

Photographs from top to bottom: Cranleigh Village Hall by Jonathan Billinger.

Cranleigh cricket green by Anthony Harrison.

Cranleigh High Street by Colin Smith.

All licenced under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org

72

COMPETITION WINNERS { COMPETITION }

TIME TO RELAX

UNWIND AT DE VERE VENUES HORS LEY PARK WITH A MERCEDES FOR THE WEEK END

A

s we all work far too hard, we thought a competition to win a relaxing night at the magnificent De Vere Venues Horsley Park near Leatherhead, tickets to RHS Wisley and a top-flight Mercedes-Benz for the weekend would be spot-on for this exciting first issue of the Surrey edition of the magazine .

WIN

Horsley Park is part of the De Vere Venues portfolio and is located in East Horsley. Set in 70 acres of stunning parkland, with leisure facilities including health club with gym, sauna and indoor swimming pool, this grand Victorian mansion was built in 1828 and boasts an ornate classical chapel, some wonderful four-poster beds, the dramatic Great Hall, along with 47 flexible training, events and meeting rooms. Having enjoyed a sensation al dinner for two in the Steam, Bake and Grill restaurant, a relaxing night’s sleep and the breakfast of your choice, we have an agreemen t with Mother Nature for the sun to shine all weekend to make the most of the next part of our competitio n, which is a visit to the glorious RHS Wisley Gardens in Woking, to wander through the twisting wisterias, tropical greenhouse and rhododendrons. Wisley is one of the dazzling great gardens of the world.

We cannot possibly expect you to use your own car; therefore, courtesy of Sandown Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Hindhead, we will also supply the and stylish new Mercedes-Benz CLS for you to drive for the weekend.

CLS Coupe and CLS Shooting Brake The new generation are a glorious combination of luxury, style and exhilaration, and as we you to drive a car we have not fully cannot possibly ask tested, our Motoring Editor will review the car in next month’s motoring certainly not be disappointed. section, and you will

TO ENTER: So as to tax you as little as possibl

e, the winner has to answer one

What do the Mercedes-Benz lette

We will accept the answer in English

or German.

simple question:

rs CLS stand for?

Entries to: info@platinumbusines smagazine.com

by August 10th , 2015 with the answer and your name, address, compan y name if applicable and e-mail address. Details will never be passed on to any third party.

Employees of this magazine or their family members or anyone else connected in any way with the competition or competition. Closing date for entry helping to set up the competition shall will be August 10th , 2015. After this not be permitted to enter the date no further entries to the competition will be permitted. No responsibility for whatever reason. The promoter can be accepted for entries not received is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied to any entrant by any third party connected with this competition. will be offered. The prizes are not transferable.

No cash alternative to the prizes Prizes are subject to availability and we reserve the right to substitute any drawn at random on August 11th 2015. prize with another of equivalent value. The winners name will be The promoter will contact the winner to arrange a mutually convenient time his/her agreement to be bound by these to accept the prize. By entering this competition, an entrant is indicating terms and conditions. Prize includes a one night break for two in a Signature sharing a double room. Prize must Double Room complete with dinner be booked and redeemed by 30 September and breakfast, based on two people 2015 on dates subject to availability.

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Moorfield Road Slyfield Industrial Estate Guildford, Surrey GU1 1RU Sales 01483 315824 Service 01483 315826 www.deverevenues.co.uk

Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead Seven Thorns Lane Bramshott Chase Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6DF Sales 01428 768652 Service 01428 768654

www.sandown-group.co.uk

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The winner of a night at Horsley Park hotel, a Mercedes-Benz CLS for a weekend and a trip to RHS Wisley is Yolande Carpenter of White Label The correct answer is Q: What does CLS stand for in the Mercedes-Benz CLS? A: Coupe Light Sport (CLS) Thanks to Mercedes-Benz of Guildford, De Vere Venues and RHS Wisley for providing the excellent prizes.

The winner of an Acer Extensa EM2 series desktop computer is Dr Patricia Kidd from the PANalytical Research Centre at the Sussex Innovation Centre.

The correct answer is Q: What generation Intel Core processors does the Extensa EM2 series use?

A: 4th Generation

COMPETITION

Win an Acer Extensa EM2 series desktop worth over £339.99!

The Acer Extensa EM2 series is built around the business demand for reliable, easy to manage, expandable and thoroughly secure PCs with a cost-eff ective design. With 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors and up to 16 GB of memory, the Acer Extensa EM2 series helps users tackle everyday business tasks such as creating presentations, checking extensive spreadsheets or rapidly editing documents. The spacious hard drive (up to 2 TB) can store large amounts of business data and in addition is capable of dual monitor support which doubles available viewing space and makes it easier to work with multiple applications and documents at the same time.

Acer’s Extensa EM2 series runs on Windows 8.1 Pro, which allows for unified multitaskin g across apps and sites. This Windows is also designed to work alongside existing infrastructure and Windows 7 systems, apps and peripherals. As with all Acer products, this desktop is eligible for a free Windows 10 upgrade when available at windows.com/windows10upgrade Built with business in mind, with valuable utilities, dual monitor support and built in HD graphics, the Acer Extensa EM2 is the perfect desktop catering for your company needs.

TO WIN – simply answer the question below and enter your details: What generation of Intel® Core™ process ors does the Extensa EM2 series use? a. 2nd Generation b. 3rd Generation c. 4th Generation Email your answer to info@platinumb usinessmagazine.com with full contact details including email address .

Terms & conditions:

Congratulations!

For more information visit, www.acer.c o.uk

Entrants must be a UK resident.

• Entry is open from 1st August 2015 and closes at 9:00am GMT on or cash alternative. Only one prize 30th September 2015. • There is available. • Only one entry per will be no alternative prize person is valid. If multiple entries void. • Please allow up to 28 days are discovered, all entries by that for delivery of prize. • Only one person will become null and winner will be selected. • Usual Platinum Business Magazine Terms & Conditions apply.

1

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BUSINESS SCENE

FOXHILLS EXPEDITION I

n October, Surrey Chambers of Commerce held their annual President’s Dinner at Foxhills, the luxury country club and hotel in Ottershaw. It was the first dinner hosted by the new President, Frankie Tierney, Managing Partner of Herrington & Carmichael LLP, the solicitors firm based in Camberley and Wokingham. The inspirational guest speaker was Mark Wood, the explorer who has completed over 30 major expeditions around the world including a solo expedition to the South Pole followed directly by a 200-mile solo crossing of the Arctic Ocean to the North Pole. He also had the honour of escorting the Top Gear team to the North Pole.

Next year, along with two fellow explorers Mark will attempt a daunting 60-day crossing from the Russian Cape across the Arctic Ocean to the North Pole.

Photography: Sarah Martin www.sarahjmartin.com twitter/instagram: @sjmphotouk

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SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE www.surrey-chambers.co.uk One of the biggest tasks of Surrey Chambers is to listen to our members and then represent their interests in whatever situation. Surrey Chambers members were asked about their thoughts on the EU in a recent survey and these responses were part of a national report. Half (50%) of the senior businesspeople polled in the British Chambers of Commerce survey revealed that the concessions the Prime Minister brings back from Brussels will have an impact on their voting intentions in the upcoming EU referendum. The findings from our membership survey demonstrate that many businesspeople have not yet taken a firm position on the question of Britain’s future relationship with the EU – and they have a clear desire for greater clarity from Downing Street. If an in-out referendum were to be held tomorrow, 63% of businesspeople would vote to remain in the European Union, 27% would vote to leave, and 10% are unsure. Yet 50% said their vote could change, depending on David Cameron’s renegotiation package.

Three is better than one Surrey Chambers is supporting a bid for devolution from Surrey and Sussex Councils, known as the Three Southern Counties or the 3SC. Two of the key objectives are completely aligned with what we want for businesses in Surrey: 1) to continue to grow the area as a genuine economic powerhouse through a range of interconnected developments on infrastructure, transport (road, rail and air), housing (including starter and ordable homes - vital for businesses trying to attract new staff to the area), assets and 2) strategic planning and to increase productivity through sustainable economic growth, as well as addressing the skills and employment needs of the area and capitalising on exciting digital opportunities, particularly 5G. As a hugely successful business area and a net contributor to government, we need to make more demands on how money is spent locally, and the chamber will be voicing these messages on businesses’ behalf.

Raven Recognition

Guildford College at EXP 2015

Raven’s excellent customer service recognised for fifth year.

BTEC Creative Media (Games Development) attended one of the largest

Raven has once again been awarded the prestigious Customer Service Excellence (CSE) accreditation for the fifth year running.

This year, Raven also achieved another compliance plus – awarded for exceptional work in a particular area – having previously been awarded the most compliance pluses of any organisation by its assessor.

The CSE accreditation is awarded to public organisations that can prove they know and understand

CHAMBER NEWS

their customers and deliver high quality services which

76

are continuously improving. It marks Raven as an organisation that puts its customers at the centre of what we do – and this year, particular recognition was given for doing this despite the difficulties currently faced by housing organisations in our sector.

Nigel Newman, Raven’s Director of Operations,

Guildford College students from A Level Graphics, IT, Media and consumer computer game shows, EXP 2015 (formerly known as the Eurogame Expo).

The event, which took place at the NEC in Birmingham, hosted stalls from a large number of top gaming companies including Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, and YouTube. At the event, students from the College demonstrated their talented tablet art skills using a wide variety of tablets and devices and were given the chance to take part in various exciting oneoff opportunities.

During the three days the students had unique and exclusive access to one of next year’s hottest virtual reality platforms, the HTC Vive. While all other attendees were limited to 2 minutes and 26 seconds each, Guildford College students were allowed 50 minutes in total, giving them plenty of time to try out the device.

They also drew for Ubisoft (the largest company at the show), interviewed staff members and attended seminars run by a range of games companies and universities, had full access to the Cosplay stage during their free time, and four brave students even took to the stage

explained, “The formal assessment process meant we

dressed as Cosplay characters, gaining huge rounds of applause from

had to meet a total of 30 different requirements, including

the crowd! They also taught other attendees how to draw on tablets and

understanding our customers, quality and timeliness

made a mural for their own stand that the Cosplayers could draw and

of service delivery, handling of complaints and staff

photograph themselves in.

professionalism.

“This year we’ve focussed on improving efficiency

The students also got the chance to speak to two of the world’s most famous YouTubers, SyndicateOG and Yogscast, as well as drawing and

and effectiveness as the cuts affecting both Raven and

photographing them. They also spoke to star of the Gadget Show, Jason

its tenants really start to bite. We’ve ensured that we

Bradbury, who told the students that they should join the show again next

continue to support our residents through changes to

year.

benefits, with a considerable investment in resources,

Paul Clarke, A Level tutor in Next Generation Graphics and Creative

while concentrating on driving costs down. We have

Media at Guildford College, said, “It was an extraordinary experience. All of

consistently put our residents first and we’re proud to

our students were very proactive in talking to companies and explaining

have been recognised once again for our commitment to

what we do. They all worked extremely hard and the organisers have

our customers.”

already asked us what we’re planning to do next year!”

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE www.surrey-chambers.co.uk STEM in Surrey

Elizabeth Kennedy, High Sheriff of Surrey.

Surrey businesses have been commended for their work with schools, receiving top STEMX Awards from education charity SATRO. The demand for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills is particularly pronounced in the Surrey area, with its high concentration of digital, technical, pharma and knowledge-based businesses.

Nearly two in five firms requiring STEM employees reported difficulties in recruitment.

SATRO wanted to recognise the support that many local businesses are giving to local schools and students at the STEMX awards, which were held at the end of September.

Louise Punter, CEO of Surrey Chambers of Commerce, presented the award for best public sector business working with schools to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, and Hersham-based Air Products won the commercial sector award.

Guildford accountants BDO gained the award for best school leaver training programme, and Financial protection insurers UNUM, based in Dorking, were highly commended.

The event, held at the WWF Living Planet Centre in Woking, was attended by the High Sheriff of Surrey and local dignitaries, including Louise Punter and Reigate and Banstead Council

the Deputy Lord Leiutenant Paul Coleman, and the Mayors of Guildford and Woking.

Surrey-based charity SATRO aims to inspire young people to gain skills in science, technology, engineering and maths and find jobs in British industry.

Chief Executive of SATRO, Dr Beccy Bowden said: “The STEMX Awards are about celebrating excellence, with particular focus on the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths to our economy. Our business winners provide dedicated support to schools and experiences that can truly inspire the next generation.�

Compere for the evening was former Big Brother winner, TV science boffin and SATRO Patron Jon Tickle. Guests also heard from Alan Foster, Operations Director of McLaren Automotive, who talked about his own start as an apprentice and Paul Coleman DL who also talked about his experience as an apprentice.

Guests were able to view the work of students A level students who had undertaken a science related work experience placement project over the summer which had been organised by SATRO The STEMX Awards are sponsored by the Wates Giving Charitable Programme and the John Coleman Charitable Trust.

77

PRESS IMAGES ‘John Constable: Observing the Weather’

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

For high resolution images please contact pru.chambers@thelightbox.org.uk or phoebe.farr@thelightbox.org.uk all images included with this press release are to be credited (as per below) and are available for editorial purposes only.

www.surrey-chambers.co.uk Weather Watching From 13 February – 8 May 2016 The Lightbox gallery and museum will present ‘John Constable: Observing the Weather,’ a unique new exhibition of works by this world-renowned artist. Constable is most famed for his romantic depictions of English landscapes, which vividly represent land, sea and sky. This exhibition will, for the first time, focus on the scientific approach that Constable took towards accurately capturing the effect of the weather on a landscape or seascape. ‘Observing the Weather’ will bring together a collection of works loaned by national institutions such as the V&A, The Royal Academy and The National Gallery that will demonstrate the detailed artistic processes Constable went through to show how different types of weather can transform a landscape. Constable produced the majority of his weather studies in the early 1820s, when he deepened his scientific knowledge of the weather by reading published pamphlets such as ‘Essay on the Modification of Clouds’ (1803) by Luke Howard and ‘Researches about Atmospheric Phenomena’ (1815) by Thomas Forster.

Original copies of these essays will be displayed in the ‘Observing the Weather’ exhibition next to examples of his cloud studies, which will provide visitors with an exclusive insight into how these academic studies influenced the art of Constable.

The exhibition will also highlight Constable’s scientific approach in depicting landscapes and seascapes. Constable improved his artwork by painting in the same place at different times of the day or in different weather conditions. He would return on numerous occasions to his favoured locations, such as Hampstead, Salisbury Cathedral and Dedham Vale – all of which will feature in ‘Observing the Weather’.

‘John Constable: Observing the Weather’ will be on show at The Lightbox, from the 13th February, 2016 – 8th May, 2016. For further information please visit: www.thelightbox.org.uk.

Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire, from the Meadows, John Constable, 1831 © Guildhall Art Gallery, City of London Corporation

Dedham Vale Evening, oil painting, John Constable, 1802 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Cybercrime over coffee “Online crime is an industry. It’s organised, it’s about money, the yield for the criminal is high and so the threat is persistent.” SSP CCU Brighton 2015

CHAMBER NEWS

Cybercrime – the very term has now entered the business lexicon and strikes fear into most management teams’ hearts. Not only do

78

individuals deal with hack attacks on a daily basis, but businesses, and indeed countries, are under regular attack from sophisticated criminals after our data, our money and our identities. In addition, the attacks are focused on business secrets, business intelligence and intellectual property.

Charles Russell Speechlys and Surrey and Sussex Police have teamed up to help highlight what South East businesses need to be on the alert for, what type of attacks are the most damaging, how we can help ourselves, and why every business needs a plan and internal and external due diligence.

Speakers include Robert Bond, Charles Russell Speechly’s legal expert and author in the fields of data protection, information security and cyber risks, e-commerce, computer games and digital media, will talk about legal and regulatory risks, how and why we should be cyber-due diligent and some of the current reporting initiatives between UK and US Agencies.

DI Andy Haslam, who leads the Surrey and Sussex police Cyber Crime Unit – the first in the South East and one of the first in England and Wales, will cover what the unit can do to help businesses in this area, common Cybercrime threats and how to go about reporting and managing these.

The PCCs and Chief Constables of Surrey and Sussex Police recognised the importance of Cyber Crime and chose to invest dedicated resources to help combat the threat. They were the first police Cyber Crime Unit in the South East and one of the first in England and Wales. They have been operational since November 2014 and have responsibility for investigations, crime reduction and prevention as well as providing a support network for colleagues. The unit has DI Haslam, DS Jak Bowers (honestly) and 4 Detective Constables and an Intelligence Officer. They work closely with a wide range of law enforcement partners as well as academia and businesses.

Charles Russell Speechly /Surrey & Sussex Police Joint Cybercrime breakfast seminar, 11th November, 8am.

To book, visit: www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

CHAMBER EVENTS

DATES FOR THE DIARY For further information go to www.surrey-chambers.co.uk Open 18 Hole golf competition followed by lunch Tuesday 3rd November Swinley Forest Golf Club Member: £123 Non Member: £145 Chamber Connections Spelthorne & Runnymede 08.00 – 09.30 Wednesday 4th November Mercure London Staines Upon Thames Hotel Member: £12 Non member: £20 Chamber Connections Mole Valley 08:00 – 09:30 Friday 6th November Hartsfield Manor Member: £12 Non Member: £20 Canada – Gateway to the North Friday 6th November Holiday Inn, Woking Member: £12 Non member: £20 Surrey Chambers of Commerce is delighted to be hosting a panel event in partnership with the Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce.

Surrey Venues Event 09:00 – 16:30 Tuesday 10th November Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, Guildford The essential event for all conference & event bookers in Surrey.

Business Advice Clinic (Surrey Heath) Tuesday 10th November Basepoint, Camberley - Price: Free

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council needs to hear from businesses! 08.00 – 11.30 Tuesday 10th November Epsom Downs Racecourse Member and Non Members: Free

Corporate Finance Workshop 17:00 – 19:00 Tuesday 17th November The County Club, Guildford Member: £22 Non Member: £37

Heathrow Business Summit 09:00 – 17:00 Tuesday 10th November Park Inn Connecting buyers and suppliers

Chamber Connections Guildford 08.00 – 09.30 Wednesday 18th November Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Member: £12 Non member: £20

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP Cybercrime Seminar 08:00 - 09:20hrs Wednesday 11 November Charles Russell Speechlys LLP, One London Square, Cross Lanes, Guildford Member Rate: Free Non Member Rate: Free Leadership Forum - High Performance Teams 17.30-2030 Thursday 12 November Surrey Sports Park, Guildford Member Rate: £22.00 Non Member Rate: £35.00

Business Breakfast at The Bulldog 09.00 10.30 Thursday 19 November The Bulldog, 556 London Road, Ashford Non Member Rate: Free Member Rate: Free Management for Beginners 17:30 – 19:30 Thursday 19th November Guildford College Member: £20 Non member: £30

Chamber Connections Woking – 08.00 – 09.30 Thursday 12th November Sutton Green Golf Club Member: £12 Non member: £20

Members Networking Evening Wednesday 25th November City Skyline Epsom Member: Free Non member: £30

Badminton Networking 18:00 – 21:00 Friday 13th November Lightwater Leisure Centre Members: £10 Non member: £15

Chamber Connections Waverley Thursday 26th November Lythe Hill Hotel Member: £12 Non Member £20

Golf in Surrey - North Downs Golf club “North Downs, Woldingham’s historic golf club and only 10 minutes from the M25. Great venue for corporate golf days, client meetings or entertaining, and off-site seminars.

Flexible corporate and personal memberships available. Check out the website www.northdownsgolfclub.co.uk or call 01883 652057 for more details.

Quote ‘Platinum’ for the best terms available.

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SECRET SURREY

“The Yvonne Arnaud is a prestigious venue in Guildford; it’s a pillar of Guildford society. ”

THE YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE Half a century and still going strong

by Hannah Monckom

G

Vanessa Redgrave “laid the foundation stone,”

Month in the Country,” starring Ingrid Bergman

imprinting her footprint in the concrete floor

and Michael Redgrave. The theatre had to hold

of what would later become the theatre foyer.

three “opening nights” to allow all the local

as a pianist and singer too. For nearly half

Among the guests at the foundation ceremony

Founder Members to attend.

a century Yvonne Arnaud was a scintillating

were Loelia Duchess of Westminster, Lord and

Rupert and Felicity Pritchett of Taurus

star of the English theatre, an actress with an

Lady Hamilton of Dalzell and Sir Richard and

Wines, current day sponsors of the theatre,

incomparable gift for musical comedy who also

Lady Nugent.

commented: “The Yvonne Arnaud is a

proved her quality in more serious roles on the

The purpose-built, horseshoe-shaped theatre,

prestigious venue in Guildford; it’s a pillar of

stage and screen.

designed by architect John Brownrigg, was

Guildford society. We’ve been coming to this

A long-time Guildford resident, Yvonne had

built on the River Wey, a site provided by

theatre since we were children and feel the

been a supporter of the local arts scene

Guildford Borough Council for a small sum.

arts are incredibly important. It’s a really

and was a Director of the Guildford Theatre

It took two years to build and was only made

lovely partnership to be in.” 50 years since the

Club from its incorporation in 1946 until her

possible by the generosity of hundreds of

first opening gala, and while the theatre-goers

untimely death in 1958.

enthusiastic Guildford and Surrey play-goers,

reflect on its history, they are still keen to see

In 1961 The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Trust

who donated nearly 70% of the original cost in

it thrive in a modern community. Pippa Cleary,

was established in response to local demand

covenants and gifts, a feat led by the Founding

University of Surrey said: “At the university

for the construction of a larger theatre.

Chairman, A.W. Graham-Brown.

we’re right on the outskirts of town, so it’s

The Trust’s patrons included Dame Sybil

After a high-profile fundraising campaign, the

fabulous to be involved with something that is

Thorndike, Sir Michael Redgrave and his

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre opened on the 2nd

so much a part of the Guildford community and

daughter, Vanessa. On September 18, 1963,

of June, 1965 with a Gala performance of “A

to be supporting the arts in Guildford. We at

uildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre bears the name of an actress known not only for her acting, but for her skills

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SECRET SURREY

the School of Arts, the University of Surrey, are particularly keen to help boost all of the arts activity going on in Guildford.”

Today, in the year of its 50th Anniversary Season, the theatre’s Director is James Barber.

He took on the role in 1992 and since then, of the 152 productions created in Guildford, 126 have toured to 86 different cities in the United Kingdom and also to 6 cities in Ireland, Jersey and India. The Yvonne Arnaud has participated in co-productions, including The King’s Speech, The Caretaker, Moon Over Buffalo, Beautiful and Damned and The Old Country. Each play has showcased a star or two, with the likes of Michael Gambon, Rupert Graves, Joan Collins, Diana Vickers, and John Barrowman taking centre stage. All of these productions opened in Guildford before transferring to the West End. In fact, out of 152 productions since 1992, 58 transferred to London, 36 of which were new.

The theatre takes the legacy of Yvonne’s Theatre Club very seriously and still holds weekly classes in their Youth Theatre, which has now developed and expanded to 400 members, aged 6 to 21. Based in the Mill Studio at the theatre, the classes include drama, five auditioned production groups and “Discover Drama” theatre workshops for young people with mild learning disabilities. As well as these classes, the Youth Theatre travels to

schools across Surrey and Hampshire running curriculum-support workshops as well as their Outreach project with Network Rail on level crossing awareness. Off the Level is now a huge success and has been seen by over 10,000 people.

To celebrate the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s 50th Anniversary, some of the theatre’s key corporate supporters joined the staff for a celebratory lunch in the theatre’s Vanbrugh Club. Funding Executive Madeleine Coleman explains why the theatre is particularly fortunate to have the support of many local businesses: “Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is one of the highest-profile arts organisations in the South East and we offer first-class promotional opportunities for those companies interested in aligning their names with one of the country’s most celebrated theatres. Sponsorship packages are tailored to each company’s business needs and include options such as memorable client entertaining in the theatre’s private hospitality rooms as well as advertising promotions, displays and high-profile show sponsorships. It was wonderful that some of our corporate partners were able to join us for the launch of what is going to be an amazing season at the theatre.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our corporate sponsors for their continued support.”

Richard Stovold of Seymours Estate Agents is a theatre sponsor and commented: “It’s really brilliant for our local area to have an independent theatre which stages so many different productions without the necessity of traveling to London, so we primarily became involved to support the theatre. We work with families and I loved visiting the Yvonne Arnaud as a child, so when new families move into the area, we introduce them to the theatre and hope they will continue to visit, and become members, and bring their children to enjoy its work!”

As Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud theatre proudly celebrates 50 years of providing firstclass theatre in Guildford, they also enjoy the success on tour nationwide and in London’s West End. They are offering the chance for you to hold your next event with them. The venue is a great destination for top entertainment, situated in a central location with a riverside setting. Combine that with catering options and an array of unique spaces available for hire and you’ve got the perfect location to hold your next bespoke function. They are also currently seeking new sponsors aligned to their thriving Youth Theatre. Get in touch to know more.

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UX Box Office +44 (0)1483 44 00 00

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INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

GOOD GOVERNANCE DAVID SEALL (Hons) CEng FRAeS MiMMM MIoD David is the Regional Chairman of IoD South. He is a former Chair of IoD Surrey and is an experienced Non-Executive Director. He is retained by DMH Stallard LLP as their Strategic Adviser Manufacturing www.davidseall.co.uk ∕ www.dmhstallard.com

T

he recent events at Volkswagen have shown yet another corporation failing to meet the standards that are expected in business. This follows on from failures such as Enron, BP and Olympus, not to mention the repeat instances within some of the financial services sector.

Whether the ex-CEO Martin Winterkorn or the Board were aware of the sequence of events that enabled someone with some degree of seniority to approve the installation of special software to 11 million cars is not clear. If it was, then some serious malpractice was taking place. If the Board wasn’t aware, then there was a failure within the reporting structure.

This was not the work of a keen bunch of young graduate engineers; it must have been authorised by a senior figure with the aim to hoodwink regulatory tests.

What makes these things happen is the creation of a culture within an organisation which allows these things to take place, or even encourages them. The Olympus scandal involving the concealment of investment losses and covert payments to dubious third parties had been going on for over twenty years before the newly appointed CEO turned whistleblower.

One of the key aspects of creating the right culture within an organisation is to exercise good governance. This creates a framework of processes which help set the culture and enable employees to know what to do and how to behave.

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This summer the IoD released a report written with the Cass Business School with the aim of creating a “Good Governance Index”.

The key to the report was to describe what good governance is and also try to find some empirical measures for it. This has been part of a concerted campaign to promote good governance within business. In fact, some of you may have noticed instances where we have gone on the front foot and directly named businesses that need to improve governance, such as Glencore, BG Group and Sports Direct, as well as the fund management industry and, of course, FIFA! Who could forget them?

“One of the key aspects of creating the right culture within an organisation is to exercise good governance.”

The UK Corporate Governance Code states: “The purpose of corporate governance is to facilitate effective, entrepreneurial and prudent management that can deliver the long-term success of the company.” That sounds very simple to me. Of course, part of this process produces the essential trust that is required in B2B and B2C relationships.

The IoD report then broke this down into

key areas such as Board Effectiveness, Audit/ Risk Accountability, Shareholder Relations, Stakeholder Relations, Business Environment and Remuneration and Reward. It then created instrumental factors within each topic to deliver numerical scores.

When these were tallied up, it produced an empirical score rating the FTSE 100 companies.

You can find the report here: http://www.iod. com/influencing/press-office/press-releases/ fresh-approach-to-corporate-governanceneeded,but before looking I would suspect that most of us could have a guess at which companies were in the bottom ten.

It’s no surprise that these companies are in the media explaining themselves to the mass media quite often. However, it’s difficult to guess most of the top ten as they tend to get on with things with minimal fuss.

One of the potential outcomes of creating this index is that it could start to guide investment decisions, which could add considerable weight to corporations having to improve their governance.

Of course, what’s also important is that the underlying principles of good governance and building trust serve any business well, whether it’s listed or not. So, by taking a look at what good practice looks like, all of us, in businesses of any size, can aspire to be the best and, hopefully, won’t have to face the journey of rebuilding a tattered reputation that VW now face.

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Mercedes-Benz GLA 200d Sport Manual

In addition to being a team of local professionals dedicated to the needs of our fleet customers, we’re also experts when it comes to Mercedes-Benz, which means we can deliver on the things that matter.

£302.00 +VAT Per month and 3 years free servicing *

^

Payment Profile Annual Mileage Advance Rental Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon month £309 +VAT Per 10,000

6+47

£1,812 +VAT

†

Payment Profile Annual Mileage Initial rental 6+35 10,000 £1854 +VAT

Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d 4MATIC SE Auto

Mercedes-Benz+VAT E-Class £392.00 Per month

*

£359 +VAT Per month

†

Payment Profile Annual Mileage Advance Rental Payment Profile Annual Mileage Initial rental

6+35 6+35

10,000

10,000

£2,352 +VAT

£359 +VAT

Please call 0843 9026522 for exclusive Platinum Surrey reader offers.

For further information about every aspect of corporate motoring including the very latest business offers, visit our new fleet website: www.sandownlease.co.uk Sandown Mercedes-Benz Fleet Sales

Sandown Mercedes-Benz Fleet Sales Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-BenzofofBasingstoke Dorchester Mercedes-Benz of Poole Mercedes-Benz of Guildford

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Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz of Poole of Dorchester Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz of Salisburyof Salisbury

0330 159 2090 0843 9026522

† Businessusers Usersonly. only.Contract Contract hireagreement. agreement.

Advance payment applies.

All payments subject at Finance 20%: Finance on a Contract Hire agreement, *Business Hire Advance payment applies.

All †payments subject to VATtoatVAT 20%. based based on a Contract Hire agreement, 10,000 miles per annum. Vehicle condition, excess other charges may apply.

Road Fund Licence for the contract duration.duration.

Guarantees and indemnities may be required.

10,000 miles per mileage annum. and Excess mileage charges may Rental apply. includes Rental includes Road Fund Licence for the contract Guarantees and indemnities may be Orders/credit approvals on selectedonGLA and GLC models between 1 October and 31 2015, December 2015, by registered by 31 March excluding Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 required. Orders/credit approvals selected models between 1 April and 30 June registered 30 September 2015.2016, Subject to availability, offers cannot be 4MATIC. Subject to availability, offers cannot in offer. conjunction with any other of offer.

Some combinations of features/options mayprovided not be available.

Credit provided subject to status and by Mercedes-Benz used in conjunction with be anyused other Some combinations features/options may not be available. Credit subject to status

by Mercedes-Benz Financial Financial UK MK15 Limited, MK15 8BA.correct at time of going to press 4/15.

Services Services UK Limited, 8BA. Prices ^Available only on a Mercedes-Benz Service Care Contract. Free servicing based on 3 services over 36 months on selected GLA models, Retails sales sold and registered between 1 October and 31 December 2015. Terms and conditions apply. Offer is subject to availability from participating Retailers. Prices correct at time of going to press 10/15.

13 RESTAURANTS

12 CAFES

That’s right. Put them down. Now. Or you’ll spoil your enjoyment of all those foodie delights you’ll find at Gatwick. Just remember, don’t eat until you get there. And yes, that includes that chocolate you’ve been eyeing up.

South Terminal: 6 Restaurants, 6 Cafes, 1 Oyster Bar. North Terminal: 7 Restaurants, 6 Cafes, 1 Oyster Bar.

2 OYSTER BARS