PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 17 - SUSSEX EDITION

The widest-read business publication in the South East

PLATINUM

SUSSEX 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

MERGE AND GROW

DMH Stallard expands again

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

FLORIDA BOUND

A magazine made in Sussex

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

An exclusive magazine for Florida homeowners based in the UK

FLORIDA BOUND The launch of an exciting AngloAmerican magazine

BUSINESS

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

75

In association with

A NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE Northbrook College opens a Centre for Leadership

61 4

MERGER NEWS DMH Stallard announces their second merger of 2015

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, Sussex October 2015 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

Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

Amanda Spicer - Senior Designer

AT A GLANCE 6

Local News

10

Natwest - Care Home Survey

12

Interview Rob Clare, Mentor at Entrepreneurial Spark

14

Interview Kevin Byrne

16

Brighton & Hove Business Awards

19

Carpenter Box Manufacturing Survey

20

National News

24

The Big Story: Donald Trump

32

Lloyds Case Study Avensys

34

Skerritts Investments

36

DMH Stallard Consumer Rights Changes

39

Big Beach Marketing

40

Gatwick Diamond Awards

43

Caraline Brown Public Relations

44

Interview Samuel Tilley, MD of Agovo

48

Kreston Reeves - Accounts

50

Style Grooming products

Julia Trevett - Accounts Manager

52

Anger Management Dangers of Diesel

55 56 58

The Runway Debate

60 61

Women in Business

62

Michael Page Retaining Staff

63

Caraline Brown Public Relations

65 70

Motoring

73

Jo Rogers Marketing

75 77 80 87

The Centre for Leadership

89

Hilton London Gatwick Airport

Florida Bound Magazine Bennett Griffin Meet the Team

DMH Stallard Merger News

Burt Brill & Cardens Legal

Metropole’s 125 Celebrations Christmas Gift Guide Networking The FSB

91 Eastbourne Business Awards 92 Chambers of Commerce 101 Young Start-Up 102 Working Lunch - The Market 104 Secret Sussex - Beautiful Ink 106 Institute of Directors

Brighton Beach

Hannah Monkcom - Staff Reporter

Lauren Psyk - Staff Photographer

5

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

BRITISH SIGN AWARDS After a fantastic 2015, Eastbourne-based Identity recently announced that their consistent hard work, creativity and exceptional customer service has been recognised by The BGSA British Sign Awards by being finalists in three separate categories. These awards are open to all UK based sign companies and are judged by a panel of independent industry experts.

The diverse range of work is illustrated by the projects that they have received recognition for. 1) Wayfinding: for the work carried out at Kent & Medway NHS in developing the directional signage internally and externally at their multiple sites across the county. 2) Roll-Out: for the synchronised overnight re-branding of Jablite Styropack across their six sites from Sussex to Aberdeen. Internal, external, safety and way-finding signs. 3) Retail Signs: for the nationwide rebranding of Coffee Republic chain of stores including both internal and external signs, wall canvases, point of sale and wall graphics. All will be unveiled at the BSGA’s Gala Award Presentation. Reacting to the news for Identity, Managing Director Michael Gietzen said “We are immensely proud to be finalists in the competition that all of our industry aspires to.” Good luck Identity! www.signage-printing.com

CHECKA-WHAT NEXT?

WINNERS! The Sussex Chamber

If you are local to the region you will have seen the

of Commerce has just

words Checkatrade.com or Checkaprofessional.com

announced that two of

on most labour vehicles around town. If you’re local

their Chamber members

to Sussex then you will know the jingle on the local

Neva Consultants and

radio off by heart. The owner of Checkatrade.com

Creative Pod have been

and Checkaprofessional.com Kevin Byrne CEO of

crowned winners in the British Chambers Awards and

the Checka-Group has now started his new venture,

will both represent the South region in the national finals

Checkatrainer.com. He commented: “I am committed

which will take place at the Brewery, London on the

to my fitness, and that of my employees - good

26th November.

health is invaluable. To think that there are people

Neva Consultants, an East Sussex based independent

up and down the country who are attempting to

vehicle and funding provider for businesses and personal

improve their health and wellbeing, but are instead

users, won the south regional Best Use of Technology to

being taken in by those without the proper skills and

Improve Business Performance Award.

qualifications is disgusting.” The company will also use a review system, whereby

Creative Pod, an award-winning marketing, design and

previous clients are able to use their experience of each company or individual to

print agency based in Crawley won the south regional

create ratings across a range of categories, from knowledge to quality of service.

An overall score will then be generated on each profile, allowing users to quickly identify the expert they are seeking. We have a fascinating interview with Kevin in this issue.

Business in the Community Award.

This is a fantastic achievement for the local Chamber members and for business and enterprise in Sussex. Congratulations Neva Consultants and Creative Pod, and good luck in the national finals!

“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.”

KRESTON REEVES HOST CHINESE DELEGATION Kreston Reeves is one of the leading accountancy and financial services firms located across London and the South East and they recently hosted a delegation of accountants from Shanghai in its London office. Partners and senior managers from firms across the country listened to presentations covering the challenges that are facing the UK profession, inward investment into the UK and the corporate finance market, both in the UK and worldwide. The Chinese delegates were interested in work patterns and career expectations and despite the different histories and cultures between Europe and Asia, there were a number of similar factors affecting both nations.

When asked about the slow down in economic growth in China, which has hardened within the last two years, the main reason given by delegates was the cooling of the debt fuelled by the construction and the estate boom. In addition, China’s large exporters, who employ tens of millions of people, have shrunk by an unexpectedly sharp 8.3% from a year ago. Economic growth has held steady at 7% in the last quarter, which is believed to be due to strong retail sales in China. Whilst retail growth slowed in July, it was still a healthy 10.4% while online is growing at twice that rate. Retail combined with the strong services sector is helping to sustain growth in China albeit at a slower rate.

SUSSEX GRADUATE INTERNSHIP The University of Sussex is offering the opportunity for organisations to benefit from financial support to employ a recent University of Sussex graduate on a 10 week graduate level project.

This is your opportunity to potentially receive £3100 (£3600 for London based organisations) to pay a Sussex graduate to undertake a 10 week graduate internship role. Internships can commence at any time between Monday 16 November 2015 and Monday 11 January 2016. Telephone Andrea Wall on 01273 877528 for more details.

NEW WEBSITE OFFERS MILLIONS A new website www.supplytoeastsussex.co.uk has been launched offering businesses in East Sussex the chance to access public sector contracts worth millions of pounds. The county council created the site as part of its aim to ensure at least half of its spending on goods and services goes to East Sussex businesses.

The launch follows the successful Build East Sussex website, which lists contract opportunities and provides links to business support organisations for construction firms based in the county. The council’s lead member for resources, David Elkin said: “Build East Sussex has been very successful in putting locally-based contractors and suppliers in touch with each other. We’re delighted to be able to build on this success by offering an exciting new service offering opportunities across a wide variety of sectors and from a range of partner organisations.” The new site will be a ‘one-stop shop’ allowing businesses to see contract opportunities from multiple public sector organisations in the area in one place.

People can also receive alerts when tender opportunities are available for their business sector, to help increase their opportunities to bid for work.

The site provides information about funding and resources for workforce skills development, business grants and events. Partner organisations signed up for the service so far include Brighton and Hove City Council, the University of Sussex, Hastings Borough Council, Rother and Wealden district councils and local NHS trusts.

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.

HASTINGS RAIL TO SUPERCHARGE SUSSEX

Extending the high-speed rail link to Sussex would “supercharge” the local economy, creating hundreds millions of pounds, according to a new report. The study was commissioned by politicians and business leaders lobbying for an extension of HS1 from Ashford, Kent to Hastings and Bexhill. It says improved transport in the South East is crucial for economic growth. The line upgrade would mean a 78-minute journey time from Bexhill to Kings Cross and 68 minutes from Hastings. Currently it takes more than 90 minutes to get to Hastings from London and 100 minutes to Bexhill. The economic and regenerative case is being looked at to possibly allow the line to carry high-speed Javelin trains.

NEW CHIEF IN TOWN

Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership has announced that Jonathan Sharrock will succeed Ron Crank as its next CEO in January 2016. Mr Sharrock, who will report to Chairman Tim Wates, has spent twelve years as a senior civil servant in the Department for Transport delivering high profile Government policy to support economic development.

As Chief Executive, he will be responsible for delivering the LEP’s business plan to transform business and economic performance through the region’s Growth Deal.

Jonathan has significant experience of policy development and the leadership of major projects having operated at the interface between government and industry. He joins Coast to Capital having spent the last three years developing the HS2 high speed rail project and was previously responsible for overseeing Government transport interests for the 2012 Olympics. The current CEO, Ron Crank, said: “When I retire at the end of the year, I will do so in the knowledge that Coast to Capital will be in very capable hands going forward. Jonathan’s experience of partnership working across the public and private sectors will be an important asset to Coast to Capital.”

Jonathan said: “I am very much looking forward to joining Coast to Capital and helping to deliver the next phase of economic growth and regeneration across the region. I look forward to working in partnership with business and local government and to ensuring that the LEP helps to drive future success in the Coast to Capital area.”

“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.”

SOUTH EAST SMES RAPID GROWTH

DIANA’S TUNBRIDGE GARDENS

Small and medium-sized business decision makers in the South East are confident about their five year growth prospects, according to the latest Business Growth survey from Santander Corporate & Commercial. The research found that small and medium businesses with up to 249 employees in the South East are predicting 18%, or the equivalent

A new playground has been designed by the award-winning

of £1.5 million, turnover growth over the next five years. The survey suggests

Jennette Emery-Wallis, the architect behind London’s Diana

a strong outlook for short-term growth, with more than half (51%) of SMEs in

Princess of Wales Memorial Gardens and she hopes her new

the South East reporting growing the business organically as an immediate

design could be built on Tunbridge Wells’ Calverley Grounds.

priority. Nearly a third (31%) wish to introduce new products or research and development, which is the highest of any region in Great Britain.

It is hoped the play area will be built on the old Bowling Green.

“The key thing for us is Calverley Grounds is a heritage park

MUM AND WORKING AWARDS

with significant history – we want to make sure the playground

Brighton company Build14Me has announced that they are Headline

boundaries”. The estimated cost of £200,000 would be raised by

Sponsor for the 5th National mumandworking awards 2015 as hosted by

the community and organisers hope the public will get behind

NatWest. Build14Me.com founder Jo Weatherall explains ‘Build14me was

the project, which is the brainchild of the Friends of Calverley

established two years ago to provide good value websites and marketing

Grounds.

support to SME’s from start-ups through to more established companies looking to grow. We build websites, provide SEO services (specialising on local search) and run workshops to help new businesses improve their

tells the town’s story and that it is linked to the spa” Ms EmeryWallis said. “We want it to be very much of Tunbridge Wells.

The Diana memorial was one of the first projects that changed the perception of playgrounds. We want to try and push the

UP FOR GRABS!

internet visibility.”

The awards they’re sponsoring celebrate the UK’s parent-entrepreneurs and those businesses supporting them. Judges and VIP speakers supporting the awards include celebrated businesswomen (and mums) Annabel Karmel MBE, Jacqueline Gold and Caprice Bourret.

These national awards reward and showcase the companies and individuals who are shining examples of how ‘flexible working works’ - organisers are

Has your company innovated a new product, service, system or

looking forward to an exciting, inspiring and empowering event.

process? Contribute a chapter to the book, Business Innovation, and be entered for My Entrepreneur Magazines Business Innovation Award 2016.

Business Innovation is a book showcasing businesses that have introduced an innovation in their sector that has either helped them make or save money, meet customer needs in a new way, improved efficiency or reduce the businesses environmental impact. Contributors to Business Innovation will also be automatically entered into My Entrepreneur Magazines Business Innovation Award 2016.

Business Innovation will be published as an ebook and paperback. It will be marketed worldwide through Amazon, iBooks, Google Books and the publishers website. Visit www. voilasuccess.com to be part of this amazing project.

9

FINANCE

BENCHMARKING REPORT

Gary Chown ACIB MCIBS Chartered Banker Director, Commercial Banking, NatWest Bank E-mail: gary.chown@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

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK

THE ROLE OF THE MENTOR

Brighton’s Entrepreneurial Spark, powered by NatWest and KPMG, is providing a launchpad for a diverse range of start-ups or new businesses. One of the key elements is a mentoring service calling on the experience of experienced businesspeople. PBM spoke to one of the mentors, Rob Clare (pictured with Katherine Swift, OMG Tea), formerly a NatWest Regional Director for Commercial Banking, who has recently launched his own company, Innovation Capital.

How have you found the jump from the corporate world into entrepreneurship?

The corporate world has its challenges, but being an employee is dramatically easier

Presumably, the businesses at ESpark are smaller than the ones you have worked with in the past?

These are the businesses that need more

than having your own business. I think that

help, because they haven’t got a team of

anyone who’s been in an employed role for a

directors and the support. We can help put the

long time probably underestimates the scale of

building blocks in place so they can become

change involved in stepping into starting and

bigger businesses.

running your own business. The stresses and

ESpark is a really good environment for the

strains of being an employee can be significant,

entrepreneurs to grab a mentor and say, “Can

particularly if it’s a large job or a job that you’re

I have a chat?” What we tend to do each time is

not happy in. Running your own business really

just talk about their plans, and things then come

is 24/7; it’s with you in your every waking and

out in the conversation. If I think that they should

sleeping moment.

be doing something different, I’ll tell them. If

Having people around you who can help is invaluable – which is what ESpark provides for start-ups. It also provides the office space, which is important, as when you’re at home it’s very easy to be distracted into doing stuff other than business.

Is it correct that mentorship is very much ingrained in the NatWest/RBS culture?

Yes, staff are encouraged to find mentors;

they have got the guts, the determination and the open mind to listen, then I think they’re probably someone I can help. Then we may identify specific areas to focus on that will help them achieve what they want to do.

Can you mention some of the chiclets you are working with?

There’s taxifone, which is trying to disrupt the freephone taxi services in supermarkets and hospitals by using technology to improve the service. The issue is that it’s a start-up business

having someone to talk to, to listen, to

with a great product, but it’s trying to sell into

challenge and to share is ingrained in the

supermarkets who expect to see a corporate

culture. I was a mentor at NatWest and I’ve

team of people. That’s quite a common issue

benefited from mentors in the past. As a

for very small businesses. They don’t need big

mentor, I was always pressing the point that it

boards of directors, but if you’re trying to win

takes more strength to ask for help and admit

larger corporate contracts, companies expect

that you don’t know something than it does to

to see a team of people and to have a dedicated

keep quiet and pretend that you do. There is

account manager. We are challenging them to

strength in asking for help.

think how they can be perceived as being more

12

corporate without losing their uniqueness.

Then there’s Katherine Swift who has OMG Tea, which distributes organic Matcha green tea, which has fabulous health-giving benefits.

For OMG, it is all about getting into the key supply chains and finding distribution to make it into a scalable business.

What do you get out of mentoring?

I learn from every conversation I have. I’m not the smartest bloke in the room; it’s not me imparting wisdom to people. I learn from them as much as they learn from me. I’m a great believer that you can learn from almost every conversation that you have. I don’t think anyone can have too many contacts, too many conversations. There are people who have been asked to be mentors who say, “I’m not doing it unless I get paid.” But I take a longer-sighted view than that. The guys here are full of energy, they’re full of ideas and enthusiasm. Talking to them lifts me and puts a bit more of a skip in my step as I go through the week.

Innovation Capital helps high-potential SMEs in technology, manufacturing and healthcare to commercialise their business plans and achieve their growth plans through non-executive challenge, guidance and support. The five executivelevel directors provide commercial acumen across all sectors, funding expertise and senior level contacts to entrepreneurs in these fast-growth sectors. innovationcapitalteam.com

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK

ESpark Case Study -

doublesix “At doublesix our mission is to help England win the World Cup. We work with professional football clubs to help identify the next generation of talent through their soccer schools. We’ve built an app that makes it quick and easy for coaches to recommend players directly to the club’s scouting team based on their footballing abilities. We’re expanding scouting teams at youth level, often by ten times, so more children get spotted and fewer slip through the net.

“We’ve been working out of the Entrepreneurial Spark hatchery since August and have really progressed in that time. We started with one championship club, but through the guidance of our mentors we’ve helped improve our sales strategy and are in communication with a variety of clubs now, including two Premier League teams.

Entrepreneurial Spark has given us the confidence and tools to succeed, to better understand our customers and deliver them great value whilst staying mission-driven.

“The publicity from ESpark and the early success of our product has also landed us an invite from Google to attend a workshop on their latest product, currently called Project Tango.”

doublesix.co - @doublesixco

ESpark Case Study -

Lauren Psyk “Three years ago I left a full-time marketing career in London to follow my dream of becoming a photographer.

At the time I had no professional photography experience and a very basic digital camera. Fast forward three years and I’ve started a successful photography business, working with clients including Stonewall, the Royal British Legion and Heineken.

“My work is mostly in portraits, PR and events, although I cover a huge variety of assignments and no two shoots are ever the same. I jumped at the chance to apply for Entrepreneurial Spark - I thought it would be a great opportunity to grow my business in a creative environment amongst a lot of other people who are all on the same journey. The networking and social side of the programme is fantastic. For me, success is not about money, it’s about doing something I’m passionate about and being able to look forward to work each day.

“ESpark is about helping you achieve financial growth but also about developing the right mindset to run a successful business. That means constantly pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and I’ve surprised myself with what I’ve already achieved. One example of this is the 60-second pitch, which we have had a lot of coaching on. Before I joined ESpark the thought of pitching in front of 80 entrepreneurs filled me with terror, and now I’m able to do it! Developing this skill has forced me to get clarity on what my business is about and why people should hire me as their photographer.”

www.laurenpsyk.com - lauren_psyk@yahoo.com @laurenpsyk

13

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

14

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.

15

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

16

“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

17

Make Chestnut Tree House your charity of the year Make Chestnut Tree House your Charity of the Year Adopt Payroll Giving for your employees Take our ÂŁ50 challenge Take part in our Corporate Volunteering days

Contact Sarah Arnold, telephone 01903 871837 and email corporate@chestnut-tree-house.org.uk www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk

T h a n k y ou Registered charity no 256789

Chestnut Tree House is the children’s hospice for Sussex, caring for children with life-shortening illnesses.Your business can really make a difference by getting involved with Chestnut Tree House.

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

LEGAL ADVICE

D.I.V.O.R.C.E.: What will happen to my inheritance?

by Wendy Ryle Burt Brill & Cardens 30 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1FL 01273 604123

L

ast month l spoke about the effects on a business during a divorce. This month, l will deal with inheritance. A frequent question which arises when a couple divorce or separate is : what will happen to an inheritance

received by one party either before or after the marriage? Similarly, will a future inheritance be taken into account? Wendy Ryle, family law solicitor at Sussex law firm, Burt Brill and Cardens, has encountered this issue when advising her clients and provides some guidance.

How will the Court deal with assets which have been inherited by one party in a divorce?

The Court will have regard to the factors laid down by statute for deciding financial matters on divorce. These are much as one would expect and include the financial needs and resources of the couple and any minor children, the length of the marriage, health and disability issues, the earning capacities of the parties, their contributions to the marriage in both financial and welfare terms and any other circumstances which it would be inequitable for the Court to disregard. No one factor has precedence but the welfare of any minor children will be the first consideration.

The law does not make any specific provisions as to how inheritances should be treated. Sensibly, it is felt that each case should be dealt with on its particular facts and circumstances.

Here are some general guidelines:• The inherited assets will often form part of the matrimonial assets and financial resources of the marriage, especially where they have been used for the benefit of the family.

• The fact of the inheritance may justify a departure from an equal division which is usually the starting point after a long marriage • The Court may have regard to the actual nature of the assets which may influence the extent to which the inheritance is included or divided.

• The financial needs of the parties and any minor children must be met first, which may require all or part of the inherited assets to be awarded to the other party.

Can you tell me of any exceptions?

As mentioned above, each case will be resolved by reference to its individual facts and circumstances. For example, there have been a number of reported cases relating to farms which have been passed down through the generations and the Courts have done their best to allocate the farm assets to the party

70

LEGAL ADVICE who inherited the farm, especially where

during the marriage, the more likely it is that

to the family’s lifestyle during the marriage and

there are children who will work on the farm in

it will be treated as a matrimonial asset and

it also had regard to the fact that the wife had

the future.

will not lead to any special treatment or credit

retained sole ownership of the shares.

In one case, the assets included a valuable estate in Oxfordshire. The couple’s wealth had

being given to the party who received it.

Certainly, an inheritance received after the

arisen because of a substantial inheritance

parties separated is less likely to be included in

which the husband had received. The value

the matrimonial assets although its existence

of the assets at the time of the divorce was

may be taken into account.

about £22.3 million including the estate which

A particularly interesting case

was worth £16 million. The Court of Appeal awarded the wife a total payment of £7m to cover the costs of acquiring a new home, meeting her legal fees in connection with the divorce and providing her with capital from which an income could be earned to

A decision of the Court of Appeal in 2011 demonstrates the Courts’ approach to inheritances well – although the significant wealth enabled the Court to ensure that both parties were amply provided for.

In this case, the parties cohabited from 1986

What about future inheritances?

The Courts will rarely speculate about inheritance prospects. Therefore, clients who tell me that their spouse is bound to ‘come into money’ on the death of their parents or other relatives, are usually informed that the Court will not take this into account. The exception is where there may be exceptional wealth and there is a degree of certainty that the other party will inherit.

How can I protect my inheritance if my marriage breaks down?

‘capitalise’ her claims for maintenance against

and married in 1991. The wife had inherited

her husband for the rest of her life. The Court

shares when she was 15 and these were

therefore acknowledged the contribution made

worth £300,000 in 1986 and £700,000 when

said above, that this may be difficult if the

by the husband but gave the wife sufficient

the parties married. They subsequently had

inheritance was received some time ago and

to meet her needs for the remainder of her

three children and the marriage broke down

has been shared or used for the benefit of you

life. Obviously, the cases when there will be

in 2007. During the marriage, the family lived

significant wealth which can result in generous

and your spouse or your children.

on the income from the shares and had a fairly

provision for both parties are rare.

modest standard of living. At the time of the

In short marriage cases and cases where

to you to enter into a pre-nuptial agreement

separation, the shares were worth £28million

the inheritances have been received late in the

which can provide that any inheritances

and by the time of the Court hearing, they were

marriage, the Courts will usually endeavour to

worth £57million. The shares had remained in

already received or received during the

allow the party who received the inheritance

the wife’s name. At the first hearing, the Court

to retain this, or, ensure that it is only used in

awarded the husband £5million, although

so far as this may be necessary to meet the

he proposed that he should receive £18

financial needs of the other party and any

million. The husband appealed that decision

minor children.

unsuccessfully. The Court of Appeal said

The longer and greater the extent to which the inheritance has been used or enjoyed

that £5million was a generous sum when it considered the husband’s needs by reference

It should be clear from what I have

If you are contemplating marriage, it is open

marriage, will be regarded as ‘separate property’. They will not then form part of the communal or matrimonial assets to be divided.

If you receive an inheritance whilst married and want to preserve this, it may be possible (if your spouse agrees!) to enter into a postnuptial agreement stating this and dealing with other financial arrangements to take effect if you and your spouse divorce or separate at a later date.

Either form of nuptial agreement must be completed in compliance with certain requirements to be binding. In particular, full financial disclosure must be given and each party must receive independent legal advice.

These agreements are not automatically binding under existing law but the Law Commission has recommended that they should be enforceable. It is anticipated that there will be legislation to implement this recommendation in the future.

If you or someone you know has a question about inheritance issues in connection with a divorce, separation or other matrimonial situation, I can offer a free initial consultation to Platinum Club members and can be contacted on 01273 604123 or at wryle@bbc-law.co.uk Please note the advice given in this article applies equally to partners in a civil partnership.

71

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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

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

creation and sharing of media and publishing

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

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.

execute a consistent content strategy; c) they

73

GROW YOUR

TEAM IN Up-skilling your existing employees is an effective way to:

Improve your business image Attract new customers Increase staff morale Our Level 2 Qualifications in Business and Administration and Customer Service, with the added value of English and Maths, if required, are available immediately.

Financial incentives and funding available*

* Terms and Conditions apply. These qualifications follow the L2 framework for Apprenticeships.

Contact our Customer Service Team today on 01903 273 114 or at business.solutions@nbcol.ac.uk for more information!

Business Development 17 Liverpool Gardens Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1RY www.northbrook.ac.uk/BusinessSolutions

LEADERSHIP CENTRE

LEADING THE WAY The new Centre for Leadership will be opening in Worthing in November, an initiative by the Business Development department of Northbrook College.

Anne Feldberg, Head of Business Development, and Paul Trew, the new Centre Manager, spoke to Ian Trevett about this exciting new hub for the business community.

Anne Feldberg: “The aim of the centre is to kick-start some real leadership and management communication and to meet the requirements that The Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership has identified. Coast to Capital is driving the skills agenda across the region and has outlined their priorities, of which one of the overriding themes is strong leadership and management to support business growth. So we are meeting a priority identified by Coast to Capital and the government which has been fully supported by the College’s Employer Board who have been instrumental in developing this offer. It is absolutely clear that there is a requirement

for a new and innovated service to support leadership and management development.

“We are confident that this will be of huge benefit across the region. The focus will initially be on supporting Sussex businesses but hope through the high impact we intend to achieve, this will attract interest from other areas. It’s about bringing high flyers, CEOs and directors together to discuss their experiences, their problems and to explore solutions.

“It’s come at a very exciting time as other business initiatives are also being nested within the College which will in turn provide exposure for our students to the

business community. Hopefully we’ll inspire young people to look at career routes into management and to bring forth new ideas in terms of company structures.

“We’ve been working with the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce as a strategic partner for over eight years now. In partnership with the College and the local Council, they are opening The Sphere Business Centre, a new Innovation Centre for new start-ups on the College’s Broadwater site, which will work alongside the new Centre for Leadership. It’s demonstrating a clear message that this is somewhere where you can come along and do business.”

Paul Trew has a wealth of experience in the training sector having run the Financial Services Training College specifically for banks and building societies, in addition to developing commercial business training solutions for a number of significant businesses.

Paul Trew: “We want this to be a centre of excellence and the first choice for businesses to come and discuss what they need to develop their employees and management and to take a look at their organisation and ask, “How is it led? Do we rely too much on one person at the top? How can we transform and change the organisation to actually adapt and adopt new ideas?”

“We will be focussing on advanced leadership skills and transformational leadership, where you actually inspire change in an organisation and inspire people to want to change with it.

“We have in place a range of highly skilled trainers direct from industry, including myself, so what we deliver is not derived from textbooks but real-life, current experience. The majority have run their own business or worked with significant companies, so the standards will be very high.

“We are also offering the ILM (Institute of Leadership & Management) courses - anything from halfday workshop to a full ILM course.

“We’re going to be led by employers. In the past a lot of training companies have made the error of designing courses without consulting. They would go out to the businesses and say, “Look, we’ve got this excellent course. How many people would you like to put on it?” And the reply would be, “Well, actually, none because it doesn’t do what we want it to.”

“We’ve turned that on its head and instead ask, “What would make a difference to your business or your staff? Once we have established that, we will design the solution, deliver it, and then work with the organisation to measure the impact on the business.

“We are looking forward to the official opening of the Centre by Peter Webb MBE, Managing Director of ETI Ltd, on Tuesday 24th November.”

To find out more about The Centre for Leadership please contact Paul Trew 01903 273723 / 07545 206746.

Email p.trew@nbcol.ac.uk 75

Find out how you could benefit from up to 67% funding to help your business innovate and grow.

Haywards Heath-based marine specialists PSM Instrumentation Ltd and the University of Brighton have been shortlisted for an Engineering Excellence Award for their work to re-engineer a ceramic transmitter. The technology must operate in hostile marine environments while maintaining the reliability and accuracy that is essential for safety.

“The KTP team used their academic and commercial expertise to prove the technology base so effectively, that we were able to define a strategy for the continued development of the core product, which will future-proof its competitiveness and route to market.”

Geoff Taylor, Chairman, PSM

A Knowledge Transfer Partnership project can focus on many areas including refining or designing products, opening new markets, improving business and manufacturing systems, marketing, technology and cutting costs and waste. *On average, KTP yields £113k one-off increase in net profit during the programme and projected increase of over £1 million in annual profits before tax. *Innovate UK

Come and meet us: 20 November, 9–11am: Drop in to our coffee morning, at the Research and Enterprise Office, to discuss Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Student Placements and £5,000 Innovation Vouchers available for a limited time.

9 December, 8.30–11am: Research Insights breakfast seminar focusing on Cybersecurity. How safe is your data? Meet experts in data security, and find out more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). For more information contact Susannah Davidson at S.L.Davidson@brighton.ac.uk.

For more information contact: Shona Campbell at ktp@brighton.ac.uk or on 01273 642 426

www.brighton.ac.uk/KTP

HOTELS

HILTON’S HISTORIC CELEBRATIONS Hilton Brighton Metropole celebrates its 125th Anniversary

H

ilton Brighton Metropole celebrated its 125th Anniversary in the recently

refurbished Clarence Suite with

“....along with tales of famous visits, which have included many Hollywood stars, royalty and politicians....”

key local business partners, and hotel supporters, which included a passionate local historian, Kevin Newman, who gave a riveting 45-minute talk with tales from the hotel’s archives.

Guests were greeted with free-flowing Champagne and delicious canapés whilst being entertained by ‘Very Composed’, a local classical music trio. The hotel’s journey through history was proudly displayed for the guests to view, with subjects including Hotel Firsts, Literature, and During the War, to name a few.

1962, to now being one of the busiest Wedding venues in Brighton, along with tales of famous visits, which have included many Hollywood stars, royalty and politicians, the most famous being Winston Churchill, whose visit has been honoured by naming an event room after him where he dined in 1947.

As guests mingled, our Executive Chef treated all to ‘Seaside Delights’, the Hilton Brighton Metropole’s own twist on afternoon

interesting to hear all the historic tales about the building. It was also amazing to see so many people involved, from local musicians Very Composed, and not forgetting Kevin Newman, our local historian.

“The 125th anniversary also couldn’t have happened at a better time as we were able to proudly show off our recent £2 million refurbishment of the hotel, with 185 refurbished guest rooms, the addition Schmoo by the Sea Spa and the fabulous award-winning Salt Room Restaurant. We have also used this opportunity to re-align our hotel offering so

tea, with mini Hailsham lamb burgers, chicken

that our guests get to experience the very best

lollipops, mini fish & chip cones, as well as

of what Brighton has to offer, including our

Exhibits from the hotel’s archive were also on

homemade scones with clotted cream and

popular Sunday Jazz Lunch and Afternoon Tea,

display in purpose-built showcases.

jam, red velvet cake, mini donuts topped with

which have proved to be an instant success.”

Kevin Newman entertained the audience with tales of this iconic hotel, including the grand

chocolate, candyfloss and mini macaroons.

“I was honoured and proud to hold this event

Some of the archives that were used for the 125th Anniversary will be on permanent

opening day, rumours that the Turkish baths

and would like to thank all those who have

display at the hotel, taking people on a journey

could accommodate up to 1000 bathers, how

attended for your continued support,” said

through history.

the Clarence Suite has evolved from a Chapel

Sascha Koehler, hotel Manager, Hilton Brighton

to the first casino in Britain, which opened in

Metropole. “It was a fantastic afternoon and so

Look out for more news to come on local events and offerings #@themetbrighton

77

EDUCATION

LONG-DISTANCE LEARNING A New Zealander who has gone to great lengths to learn

has earned a Master’s in leadership from the

University of Portsmouth.

Delwyn Neill, 42, studied for her MSc in Leadership

not to plan their futures too much just yet!

“My parents are two of my greatest

supporters, and they travelled over to the UK for this graduation too.”

Delwyn is a psychologist at the Institute for Leader Development, a team focused on leader development in New Zealand’s air force, army and navy, and was inspired to study at the

and Management from home in Wellington,

University of Portsmouth because of its strong

12,000 miles away from Portsmouth, via distance

links with military leadership training. The

learning.

university has the contract to train Britain’s RAF

She attended her graduation, accompanied by her husband, sons and parents and said she

personnel in leadership.

She said: “Conducting the research for my

hopes seeing a graduation ceremony might

degree via correspondence meant I had to be

inspire her sons to one day study as hard as their

very self-sufficient, although my tutor was

mother.

always only an email away and was very helpful.

She said: “One of my primary motivations for

“It also helped that my boss was doing the

completing this degree was to show my two boys

same degree at the same time. Although he had

the importance of studying hard. I hope that they

a completely different topic, we were able to

will always remember coming to England to see

motivate each other to persevere. He was the

Mummy graduating and maybe even be inspired

one who first made contact with the University

to study for a degree themselves one day. They

of Portsmouth when he went on a benchmarking

are only seven and four years old, so I’m trying

trip to the UK to compare what we were doing

with leader development to the UK military.”

As the only psychologist on the leadership team within New Zealand’s military, she is responsible for developing and leading selfawareness training and for ensuring that what is taught is based on sound research. She is also responsible for assessing the impact of leader development programmes.

The New Zealand Defence Force sponsored Delwyn’s course.

For information about Portsmouth Business School, its courses and regular events, please visit www.port. ac.uk/pbsevents

Show you mean business – do the Portsmouth MBA

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) will develop your capabilities and enable you to bring fresh thinking to your organisation right from the start of your studies. Not only will it enhance your career prospects but it will allow you to build lasting networks with like-minded individuals.

• Innovative work-based learning • Taught part-time in two day blocks over two years • Generous scholarships

‘The MBA is a key to unlocking the doors to senior and executive level management roles.

The pace of the course allows me to carry out a full time international sales role at the same time as studying.’

Katie Ilincariu Europe and South America Sales Manager, Fosse Liquitrol

78

Come along to one of our Postgraduate and MBA open evenings and listen to a guest speaker, meet the teaching staff and current students in a relaxed and informal atmosphere – for details visit www.showyoumeanbusiness.com.

For more information or to apply: T: +44 (0)23 9284 4888 E: mba.admissions@ port.ac.uk W: www.port.ac.uk/mba

A fully co-educational independent school celebrating 20 years of girls Please visit us at hppc.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Christmas Gift Guide A selection of stylish gift ideas from W Bruford, the official retail partner of Rolex, Tudor, Tag Heuer and many other premium brands

Breitling - Cockpit B50 - £5,280.00 - From WBruford

Baccarat Medicis triple necklace £695.00 - From WBruford & Inspired.

Available in various styles and colours.

Wolf Cub single watch winder in Brown Pebble & Orange Saffiano - £125.00 each - From WBruford - Available in other colours.

Ti Sento - Mother of pearl, silver and stone set hoops -£70.00 + bangle £435.00 - From Inspired by Brufords’

Links of London - Diamond Essential 18ct rose gold vermeil & pave oval bracelet - £180.00 Matching earrings £195.00’

Arndale centre, Eastbourne, BN21 3NW www.inspiredbybrufords.com 80

Wolf Winsor 10 piece watch box with draw - £134.00 From WBruford Available in other colours.

Tag Heuer - Ladies 27mm Aquaracer - £2,900.00 - From WBruford & Inspired

by Brufords

Tag Heuer - Gents 40.5mm Aquaracer - £1,150.00 - From WBruford & Inspired by Brufords

Citizen - L Sunrise - £599.00 - From Inspired by Brufords.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra James Bond Limited Edition - £4360.00 - From WBruford

Swarovski Stardust Deluxe bracelet - £79.00 - From Inspired by Brufords Available in other colours.

Swarovski Crystalline Stardust Pen in black white & grey £24.00 - From Inspired by Brufords

Wold Chloe medium jewellery box with travel case - £175.00 From WBruford Available in various sizes and colours.

11-13 Cornfield Road, Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 3NA www.bruford.com 81

Brighton and Gatwick

Club

The Platinum Club is the only networking event you ever need to attend. Up to 50 senior business leaders coupled with fine Champagnes, hand-made canapés and professional hosting that really does take the ‘work’ out of networking. Networking should never be a work chore. Rather, it should be a highly enjoyable event full of like-minded senior professionals where effective long-term relationships are born.

We accept only four members per business sector and there are still a few memberships available at our Gatwick location. For more information contact:

info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

November / December 2015

INTERVIEW

Downton Abbey author Julian Fellowes

OUT 3rd

HOUSE PARTY

November

The best entertaining spaces

WIN! Gorgeous goodies dinner at Hotel du Vin

Back to the future

Movie and house price nostalgia

&

Fun Festive

Special double issue

The region’s LARGEST property publication

FREE

AWARDS

OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS

S

ussex PR guru Caraline Brown has been honoured by a national awards scheme for her outstanding contribution to the

industry.

Caraline, MD and Founder of Brighton-based Midnight Communications, was presented with an award for Freshest Outstanding Achievement at the Fresh PR Awards in Manchester.

The category recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to PR and was awarded by Paula Kelsey, Fresh Founder.

The award comes at a fitting time for Midnight, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Caraline said, “It was a proud moment for myself and for Midnight to collect the award - a

a real thrill to see so many of them honoured

recognition of all the hard work, by so many

at the Fresh Awards over the years. So, for that

people, that has gone into making the company

contribution to be marked is wonderful.”

such a long-term success.

Midnight is no stranger to awards, having

Year in the Homes Counties (twice).

It was the first PR company in the UK to specialise in the dot com sector and now serves regional, national and international

lifted more than 50 in its history - including PR

clients across all sectors – business-to-

young talent here – we have trained around 200

Week’s Consultancy of the Year, Best International

business and consumer - from its base in

staff since Midnight was born – and it has been

Campaign and CIPR PRIDE’s PR Agency of the

Foundry Street, Brighton.

“We pride ourselves on bringing through

Our services include: • Accountancy & bookkeeping • Audit services • Tax returns • Tax planning

Passionate about business.

• Payroll services • Financial and investment services* • Wealth management We love to make your profits larger and tax payments smaller!

Go to www.carpenterbox.com to see what our clients say or get in touch on 01903 234094

*Carpenter Box Wealth Management LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

www.carpenterbox.com 85

Platinum Business News!

Your future talent-pool of highly-skilled future employees The Careers and Employability Centre, at the University of Sussex, welcomes the opportunity to work with new and existing employers, our Sussex alumni and opportunity providers across all sectors.

We want to make it easy for you, the business community, to engage with the University and your future talentpool of highly skilled students and graduates. We look forward to discussing ways in which we can work together.

Free vacancy advertising for employers We offer a free vacancy advertising service for opportunities which are suitable for our current students or recent graduates. Adverts appear at our online vacancy listing: www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/search and interested candidates will apply to you directly.

One year professional placements A number of courses at Sussex involve a professional placement year. Subjects include Informatics, Business and Management and Product Design. We can help you to recruit a suitable student for your organisation.

Work experience and Internships Work experience is a cost effective way of raising your profile and even trialling potential future graduate employees. We can target current students and recent graduates and have some special funded schemes.

Sussex Santander internships The University of Sussex is a member of Santander Universities UK and we are able to offer a limited number of 12-week internships, with attached funding, for small to medium-size enterprises.

Recruitment fair Our flagship event, Careers Fair, is held each autumn at the American Express Community Stadium. It attracts over 100 exhibitors and up to 2,500 students and recent graduates. We’d love you to be there!

Events Let us host your recruitment presentations or informal drop-in sessions to give you the opportunity to meet students on campus. This is an effective way to reach your target audience.

We also welcome your support and expertise for some of our initiatives such as StartUp Sussex Enterprise, our programme for potential social and commercial entrepreneurs.

Skills workshops and alumni talks Employers regularly visit Sussex to run skills development sessions for our students. Recent events have included presentation skills, social entrepreneurship, commercial awareness, networking and assessment centres. We also welcome Sussex alumni back to campus to take part in careers information

If you’d like to find out more please contact: Linda Buckham, Director, Careers and Employability Centre, Andrea Wall, Employer Engagement Manager, Careers and Employability Centre, The Library, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QL T: 01273 873384 or 01273 678429 E: andrea.wall@sussex.ac.uk W: www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/employers

Please mention Platinum Business Magazine when you contact us.

NETWORKING

THE BUSINESS NETWORK Network Review – FSB Networking & Learning

By Emma Pearce, Marketing Consultant – marketing planning, outsourced marketing and social media training www.pearcemarketing.co.uk Emma Pearce reviews the not-so-small FSB networking opportunities…

T

he FSB may be defined as the Federation of Small Businesses, but their membership profile statistics and

• Business Women’s Supper Club in Brighton

had business owners from a wide range of

• A bi-monthly Ladies Lunch club that rotates

business sectors, including plumbing, asset

between Halland (between Uckfield and

finance, waste management, law, payroll, care,

networking opportunities certainly stand tall.

Golden Cross), Battle and Pevensey in

furniture, marketing, copywriting, accountancy,

You don’t have to be a member to go along to

Eastbourne

beauty and hospitality.

their networking events (although with the networking discounts and other free services the membership is worth it!).

Martin Searle, the FSB’s Development

• Evening socials with a restaurant meal –

Arlene added, “The membership is really

a number are held in Hailsham, but the

varied, and although some are small when they

location varies

join, they grow and stay with the FSB because of

• Share the Knowledge evening events in

the networking, seminars and member benefits.

Manager in East Sussex, said “You certainly

Polegate, where speakers present on a wide

I’ve been a member for over 10 years now and

won’t only meet one-man or one-woman

range of business topics (I did one sharing

find the legal helpline is really useful for both

businesses at our networking events. Six in

tips on the 8-step marketing planning

business and personal advice.”

ten FSB members employ people. Of those,

process)

The format of a typical networking meeting

the average workforce is currently 10.7 staff, including the owner and any freelance contractors. 40% of members do work alone,

• Morning seminars – the most recent on Auto Enrolment Pensions • Co-hosted Business Breakfast events with

but 42% have between 1 and 9 staff and

Wealden District Council – the most recent

6% have more than 20 individuals in their

being at the East Sussex National Golf

businesses.”

There is a wide variety of events on offer in East Sussex via the three branches in this region: • Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden • Brighton & Hove and • 1066 Country.

There are another 9 branches within the Surrey and West Sussex region.

Impressive choice of networking and learning events

The order may vary on the day of the event, but the agenda would typically include: • 30 minutes open networking with everyone attending the event

Club near Uckfield with two speakers and

• Sit down for breakfast/lunch

networking time

• 1-minute round – to speak about your

• Free webinars on a range of topics that are open to everyone – the most recent on cyber security, organised by the Government’s Cyber Streetwise campaign. One of the speakers focused on how small businesses are targeted for various reasons and how you can protect yourselves. (I’m doing a marketing planning webinar on 15 December

business (with a call to action if you are maximising this opportunity!)

• Listen to a speaker for 15 minutes and time for Q&A • More open networking if you wish to stay.

So...has this information opened your mind to trying a few FSB networking events?

You can find out more on the website:

for the Thames Valley FSB team – it is free

http://www.fsb.org.uk/eastsussex. The very

With such a wide choice of events, you are

and open to anyone from anywhere!)

friendly local FSB team are also at many

bound to be able to diarise some networking:

I spoke to Arlene Leake, Chair of the

business exhibitions as well as on Twitter @

• Breakfast events in Eastbourne and St Leonards every month

Eastbourne, Lewes and Wealden Branch. She

FSBEastSussex. They actively lobby and meet

said that the recent ladies lunch club event

regularly with the local councils.

87

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT HILTON. Last chance to book your end of year event at Hilton London Gatwick Airport and receive a complimentary stay for 2 people with breakfast inclusive.

Have a team meeting, hold a private celebratory party and then stay over for just £135.00 per person. (minimum numbers of 100).

For a smaller meeting you can join our joiner parties instead from just £129.00 per person. (minimum numbers of 20).

CONTACT THE EVENTS TEAM AT HILTON LONDON GATWICK, CALL +44 (0) 1293 610 809 OR EMAIL EVENTS.GATWICK@HILTON.COM

South Terminal Gatwick Airport | Gatwick | | RH6 0LL | UK ©2014 Hilton Worldwide

ADVERTISING FEATURE

SKI DESTINATIONS AND WARM HOLIDAYS W

ith the Festive Season just around the corner, everyone is busy organising and preparing for Christmas and the holidays. We are all looking forward to a break following a year’s hard work. Some of us will travel to warm, sunny climates and many of us will choose to head off to the snowy slopes in cooler destinations.

With school holidays running across the Christmas and New Year period, it often provides the preferred season to travel - and the trend for families to travel at this time of year - is unlikely to change. It means that major train junctions and airports are going to be busy with everyone rushing around in chaos.

This can all create a frantic time for many travellers.

It is well-known that travelling, particularly with families, can be an exhausting start to a holiday and therefore it may be a relief for many parents to quite literally begin their holiday the night before! Finding a way to

acquire a special charm, free from crowds while you check the snow report or weather conditions could be the way to relax before you get away!

Finding a calm time before you jet off will also provide the perfect space you need to surf the web and find recommendations, read guide books, study tourist maps and even make those last-minute phone calls to say ‘bon voyage’ to family left behind. Imagine actually enjoying all those tasks over a glass of wine and relaxing dinner. It’s a way to recharge the batteries so that the holiday experience can be all the more enjoyable and enlightening. It sounds so much more inviting than a mad last-minute dash to the airport!

For those holiday makers who travel via Gatwick Airport, there is a comfortable, hassle-free option for everyone. Hilton London Gatwick Airport offers specially-designed deluxe family rooms that accommodate up to 6 people (2 adults and up to 4 kids). The hotel’s

Garden Restaurant, with its sumptuous buffet dinner, is a great family benefit, with kids 10 years and under eating for free.

For couples or single travellers, Amy’s fine dining restaurant is located on the first floor of the hotel. It is contemporary, chic and sophisticated, offering an exceptional gastronomic experience which is fondly spoken of by visitors from across the globe. The menu offers à la carte dining and is a celebration of delicious flavours, using only the highestquality ingredients. Reviews promise an exemplary service and attention to detail.

Taking advantage of a leisurely beginning could be just the solution to avoid a tiring early morning rise and a far too exhausting start to that longed-for holiday. With just a convenient five minute under-cover walk from reception to departure at Gatwick’s south terminal, Hilton London Gatwick Airport is the perfect start to your holiday experience.

gatwick.hilton.com

89

THE BHHA AWARDS GALA 2015

Wednesday 18th November 2015 The Hilton Brighton Metropole Drinks Reception, 3 Course Dinner & Awards Ceremony £20 for BHHA members - £30 for non-members Dress to Impress - (Black Tie Welcome) For Tickets: bhhaawards@gmail.com

The Brighton and Hove Hotel Association (BHHA) Awards will return to the Brighton Hilton Metropole on the 18th November 2015.

Over 300 attended the inaugural event last year and a record turnout for this year’s Gala Dinner is expected.

Sascha Koehler, Hilton GM, is ensuring it will a night to remember.

“The team and I at Hilton Brighton Metropole are delighted to be hosting the BHHA awards dinner for the second year running and look forward to celebrating with fellow hoteliers and the City what a great, versatile and unique offering we have for visitors”.

Whether you have entered the awards or not, all involved in the local tourism industry are invited to the glamorous awards ceremony for a gala dinner, a chance to network with fellow hoteliers & local businesses, and of course, the ceremony itself where finalists and eventual winners will be announced.

A number of sponsors are confirmed including the Argus and Platinum Business Magazine. The judging process is about to begin, so look out for Brighton’s ‘Hotel Inspectors’ roaming the city incognito sampling the superlative hospitality on offer in the city.

Jeremy Ogden, Chair of the BHHA commented: “It’s a rare opportunity for the large and small accommodation providers to get together and celebrate the huge variety that we have to offer, thank our staff and have a great night out. We are incredibly grateful to the generous sponsors whose involvement indicates that we are already on target to exceed last year’s donations to the Argus Appeal and Rockinghorse children’s charities”.

Follow us on Twitter for latest news updates on @BrightonBHHA For tickets email bhhaawards@gmail.com

BUSINESS AWARDS

A GRAND EVENT

T

ickets are now on sale for one of the biggest events in the East Sussex calendar. The Eastbourne Business Awards attracts a wide range of entries from across all sectors

from large international PLCs and public sector organisations to dynamic and innovative SMEs. But the winners all have one thing in common – they are truly excellent at what they do and have proved this by winning at the Eastbourne Business Awards.

The luncheon takes place from 12pm on 13th November 2015 at the luxurious Grand Hotel in Eastbourne.

Tickets always sell out fast, so don’t delay.

All details can be found at www.eastbournebusinessawards.com Sponsors on board so far are:

THE ROTARY CLUB OF EASTBOURNE

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SUSSEX CHAMBER

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND WORK WITH THE SUSSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE of careers advice, preparation of pupils for employment, and engagement with employers.

The Young Chamber scheme is available throughout the whole of Sussex and reflects Sussex Chamber of Commerce’s beliefs of supporting and promoting business and commerce in Sussex.

Research shows there is a growing gap between education and work. Young Chamber stands to make sure more can be done to better prepare young people for the world of work. Sussex Chamber of Commerce will be addressing key areas that businesses are looking for such as, improving communication, team work, resilience, as well as better careers advice and engagement with business in schools.

Ana Christie, Chief Executive of Sussex Chamber of Commerce said: “It is so important to prepare young people and help them gain the skills and experience that businesses are looking for, this is why Young Chamber is such an important and exciting opportunity for young people. It will allow them to learn new skills and make invaluable contacts within the business community in Sussex. It is also an important opportunity for schools, colleges and universities as they are able to support and improve their student’s transition to work.”

A great start for young people Research shows there is a growing gap between education and work. Sussex Chamber believes young people need contact with the business community to gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience to complement their academic qualifications.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND WORK

The Sussex Chamber recognises that schools, colleges and their staff also need asisstance and support which is why we have created Young Chamber, a membership scheme designed specifically for schools, colleges and universities.

Education Membership £149.00

CHAMBER NEWS

Sussex Chamber of Commerce 01444 259 259 www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk info@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

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T

he Sussex Chamber of Commerce has launched a new membership scheme aimed at schools, colleges and universities, under the name of Young Chamber. Its purpose is to help bridge the gap between businesses and the education sector and give young people contacts within the business community, allowing them to gain valuable skills, knowledge and experience to complement their academic qualifications.

As part of Young Chamber, members will be able to take advantage of the many connections that the Sussex Chamber has in the local business community. Members benefit from careers networking events, strategic links with local businesses, talks from local employers, work inspiration experiences, workshops on ‘work readiness’ and access to local business intelligence.

Students are able to gain insight into the world of work, and get the chance to learn about the different careers they could have, as well as the routes that they can take to get there. Furthermore they will learn about what skills that they need to pursue a successful career once they leave education.

As a school or college, Young Chamber helps to meet Ofsted (or relevant school inspectorate) requirements around provision

Access to the full suite of Chamber Support Services provided by the British Chambers of Commerce ■

Access to free HR and Legal Advice

■ ■ ■

Access to networking events Access to local business intelligence Opportunities for promotion through Chamber publications

ACCEssInG loCAl busInEss IntEllIGEnCE

Young Chamber Membership £449.00 Includes everything from Education Membership and all the benefits from the Sussex Chamber Gold Membership. Please contact Sussex Chamber for more information.

■ ■

Business talk with a local employer Company tours

■ ■ ■

Promoting your events to local businesses Access to workshops 15% off training

dEvEloPInG skIlls for thE workforCE

Young Chamber Premier Membership £1,500.00 Includes everything from Young Chamber Membership.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Work inspiration experiences - workplace visits and workshop style activities Access to MP and Policy Events Access to sector specific forums for teachers Careers “speed networking” activites with local employers One free place at the national Young Chamber education summit

Pay As Go Non member schools, colleges and universities have the option to access a range

InsPIrInG thE nExt GEnErAtIon of tAlEnt

of bespoke services, whereas members will receive an automatic discount.

■ ■ ■

A business talk from a local employer Mock interview for 50 students CV writing and job application workshop

■ ■ ■

A visit to a local business for 20 students A sector specific workshop for 25 students Employability support

■ ■

An in-school careers event for one year group Careers fair

■ ■

Apprenticeship signposting “How to days”

Please visit www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/young-chamber/ for further information or call 01444 259 259 Sussex Chamber of Commerce 01444 259 259 www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk info@sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

BRIGHTON & HOVE

MOVING ON

Brighton Chamber has an exciting new office space at Entrepreneurial Spark

by Sarah Springford, Director of Brighton Chamber

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ast month the Chamber team moved from our office in Hove to become one of the Anchor Businesses at Entrepreneurial

Spark’s new Brighton site in Preston Park.

12 months of support.

Successful applicants receive top-notch mentorship and one-to-one support from a

them to develop even more young business across Brighton, Hove and the surrounding areas.”

dedicated enabler to help them to grow their

The Chamber will host events from the

We have enjoyed being in Hove, the growing

businesses, plus desk space in the base at

‘Hatchery’ jointly with Entrepreneurial Spark

café culture, being near to many of our

Preston Park as well as use of phones and wifi

to enable fresh, new entrepreneurs with

members, and being able to get around the

– all for free.

everything they need to grow.

city easily. But we now need a bit more space,

The focus of the Entrepreneurial Spark

Moving is not what it used to be. With so

and the opportunity to work alongside 80 other

programme is on the individual, developing

much in the cloud, businesses are more

businesses was irresistible.

entrepreneurial mind sets and behaviours to

portable. However, we’ve had lots of help from

enable acceleration and growth.

our members, who have expertise in telecoms

We use the bus and cycle most of the time so it won’t make any difference to us getting around to meetings with you all and to events.

Jim Duffy, founder and CEO, Entrepreneurial Spark said: “We are delighted to launch

Entrepreneurial Spark is the world’s largest

Entrepreneurial Spark in Brighton and are

free business accelerator for early stage and

really looking forward to discovering the wealth

growing ventures. Businesses of any sector

of new business talent we believe Brighton

can sign up to the Entrepreneurial Spark

thrives on. The Brighton Chamber does some

programme for up to 6 months initially, with

great work to support entrepreneurs in the

the possibility of this being extended to a full

area, and we’re looking forward to working with

and IT to ensure everything went smoothly.

Get in touch to arrange a look round the new office at 149 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 6AF. Tel 01273 719097 To apply for a place at Entrepreneurial Spark, or to become a mentor: see entrepreneurial-spark.com

CHAMBER NEWS 93

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

CHICHESTER

START OF SOMETHING NEW

by Helen Reeve, Business Development Director

A

Chair, CCCI, Louise Hopkins at Networking Chamber Monthly Meeting, Cobnor Activities Centre

Council with considerable support from other authorities. This will be a real opportunity for Chichester Chamber membership to focus on and engage in the future and function of the City over the next 20 years. And, this is just the start…

We cannot wait to share more of our exciting new agenda with you in January 2016. In the meantime, come and meet us at one of our up-and-coming events, or give me a call or email the office. Chichester has so much to offer, so much to support and so much to give – I cannot wait to be part of its future.

Events Diary Wednesday 28th October – Big Breakfast ‘Inspiration Over Eggs’ with Helen Pattinson, Founder of Montezuma’s @ George Bell House, Chichester Monday 9th November – Networking Chamber Monthly Meeting AGM @ Edes House, Chichester Wednesday 25th November 2015 -Networking Breakfast Meeting for Bank of England briefing @ Chichester Cathedral Enterprises, Vicars Hall, Chichester

Join us: www.chichestercci.org.uk/join t: @ChiChamber F: /ChichesterChamber

CHAMBER NEWS

t my interview for the job of Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Development Director, the Chair, Louise Hopkins, asked me: “Have you ever been to a Chichester Chamber event?,” and my answer was “No.” “Lovely to meet you all, and thank you for interviewing me,” was my thought. However, my honesty was appreciated. Despite having lived in Chichester for nearly 10 years, 20 on-and-off, and starting my own business in 2014, I had never been a member of the Chichester Chamber.

So, starting in the role four weeks ago, I had to ask myself, “Why join Chichester Chamber?”

And the answer was there when I went to my first evening network meeting in September at Cobnor Activity Centre, Chidham. What a fantastic membership of local businesses – connecting, supporting, growing - being part of Chichester’s business community.

And now, to the next 4 weeks, 1 year, 10 years, 20 years! This is an incredible opportunity to drive a thriving and committed group of members to be the true voice of Chichester business people, supporting our community and economy. And how are we going to do this?

• A fresh new look for the Chamber- a new brand and logo for Chichester Chamber that will represent our modern and progressive approach to businesses in Chichester.

• A powerful voice for Chichester - we will continue to represent the interest of our members, or potential members, to key business stakeholders and influencers in Chichester.

• Expand our offering - we already have fantastic networking and event opportunities, but in 2016 we shall expand this to offer more advice and new business opportunities for our members.

We have already started to engage members in an exciting new Public Affairs agenda for 2016. Chichester Chamber is already a valuable consultee for the A27 – having been the first Chamber to welcome representatives from Mott MacDonald to present on the A27 Chichester Bypass. We have also recently added our weight behind the new Chichester City Vision project, embarked upon by the District

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CRAWLEY

EAST, WEST, HOME’S BEST

by Daniel Sibley - NatWest Senior Relationship Manager • daniel.sibley@natwest.com

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hile the UK economy continues to hum along nicely, squally clouds are gathering elsewhere.

There has been a great deal of talk in recent

months of looming interest rate rises in the US and the UK. Once again, however, the likely timing of these has slipped amid mounting concerns about global growth.

Take heed The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, has issued a warning about the world economy.

The institution expects global growth to be lower this year than last as emerging market growth slows for the fifth consecutive year. Lagarde again raised the prospect of a ‘new mediocre’ – permanently low global growth – becoming entrenched. Her warning came as investor withdrawals from emerging market bonds and equities intensified. And that’s a problem that a rate hike by the US Fed would likely make worse. It’s not an issue that can be dismissed as emerging markets comprise over 50% of global GDP.

Weaker But a Fed rate hike is not an imminent prospect. US employment grew by a welcome 278,000 in August and September, but that was the slowest pace of job growth since mid-2012. Unemployment remained at 5.1%, close to the Fed’s estimate of “full employment”. Yet there is no

CHAMBER NEWS

wage inflation whatsoever.

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Slowing US manufacturing growth all but ground to a halt last month, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell by 0.9 to 50.2, with 50 being the magic number that separates expansion from contraction. While firms reported some concerns about domestic consumer confidence, the root of the weakness is falling exports, as the combined effects of a strong dollar and slower growth in other parts of the world bite. Not surprisingly in this environment, prices are falling, further reducing inflation risks and the need for a rate rise.

Balancing act The UK economy is now 6% bigger than it was before the recession, one of the best performances among the world’s leading economies. But growth has been far from even. The service sector has grown by almost 10%, whilst manufacturing is still 6% smaller than it was at the start of 2008. This isn’t a new phenomenon. In the 15 years leading up to 2007, services grew by an average of 2.2% every year, whilst manufacturing managed 0.5%. The recession and recovery have merely accelerated this trend.

FINANCE FOCUS Chamber member, Kreston Reeves, are delighted to offer their wellestablished, complimentary seminar, Finance Focus. Aimed at company directors and financial controllers, delegates will be updated on a wide range of topical subjects, using the example of a growing company to cover issues it will face, thus highlighting vital matters in a practical context.

The event will be held at another Chamber member, the Arora Hotel in Crawley on Thursday 26th November. All are welcome. Kreston Reeves just ask those attending to book via the link at: http://www.krestonreeves.com/news-andevents/30/07/2015/finance-focus-gatwick As is always the case with these popular events, bring your business cards as networking opportunities will be available over breakfast, mid morning break and a buffet lunch.

Upcoming Chamber Events 25th November – Members’ meeting – Basepoint Business Centre – 8.00am – Speednetworking 11th December – Chamber Christmas lunch – Sandman Signature Hotel - £18+vat for two-course lunch For more details, please contact jose@crawleychamber.co.uk or visit the website: www.crawleychamber.co.uk

EASTBOURNE

EASTBOURNE HOSTS THE SPRINGBOKS

By Simon Davies – Headmaster Eastbourne College

S

accommodated. We displayed the trophy on College Field with the iconic Eastbourne College buildings in the backdrop and welcomed a range of visitors. Another highlight was the Springboks’ invitation training session. The sun came out for what was a glorious occasion, with around 500 wide-eyed youngsters and staff from local schools in attendance. The players were very generous with their time and spent about an hour moving down the queue of excited fans eager for autographs.

The pitch preparation epitomises the care taken to ensure everything was perfect for our South African guests. Set out to the same dimensions as the one at Brighton’s Community Stadium, on which the Springboks would play Japan (right down to the small dead ball area), it was watered, tended, spared from all sport for two months, dressed with tonnes of sand, rolled, tweaked and caressed to meet the 17 exacting standards of Head Groundsman Richard Maryan and his team.

The pitches are testament to teamwork, skill, experience, the highest of standards and good old-fashioned graft. It’s not surprising, then, that Richard Maryan recently came second in a national competition to the man who prepares the pitch at Manchester United, and no wonder that our visitors showered the magnificent sward on both training pitches with compliments: ‘The best training pitch – ever!’ and ‘Better than lots of pitches we’ve played matches on!’

Eastbourne College celebrates 100 years of rugby this year, and what better way to mark this anniversary than to host the South Africans?

We’ve also commemorated the centenary with a new scholarship: the Robin Harrison Rugby Award. Thanks to donations from some generous benefactors, a child from South Africa or nearer to home will have the opportunity to study and play rugby at Eastbourne College.

We are very proud of everyone who has helped us step up to the challenge of playing a part in one of the world’s greatest sporting events. Would we do it again? Absolutely!

Eastbourne UnLtd Chamber of Commerce www.eastbourneunltd.co.uk | Tel: 01323 641144

CHAMBER NEWS

o how did Eastbourne come to be chosen by the South African Rugby World Cup 2015 squad as their team base for the World Cup? The answer lies in great teamwork between three Chamber Members, Eastbourne College, the Eastbourne campus of the University of Brighton and the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne.

Months of preparation began over afternoon tea in early 2013 when the College’s Assistant Head Anthony Lamb and its Director of Rugby Robin Giles had a meeting with the Grand’s General Manager Jonathan Webley. Over two years later, on Sunday, 13th September, the Springboks walked into Eastbourne’s Winter Gardens to a tumultuous welcome and wonderful singing by the Eastbourne College Choir.

As Britain’s only five-star seafront hotel, the Eastbourne Grand cannot be bettered, and Eastbourne College provides peerless pitches that over the years have welcomed test tourists from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and have hosted the British Lions as well before a tour abroad. As the College’s indoor strengthening and conditioning facilities had been temporarily relocated to allow a £33 million building project, Eastbourne campus of the University of Brighton stepped in to offer superb indoor training facilities.

Anthony Lamb, Jacqui Lowden (Director of Marketing & Communication at the College) and Sarah Hogg (Director of Sport and Recreation) from the University of Brighton submitted a lengthy application and glossy brochure, and then had a visit from the Rugby World Cup team responsible for finding team bases. After a lengthy wait, a phone call told us that we were through to the next round and could expect representatives from the teams in Pool B to pay us a visit.

Samoa arrived first. We enjoyed meeting them and they clearly liked what they saw. But South Africa turned up soon afterwards, and, as the most highly ranked team in their pool, they had first choice. They chose Eastbourne! We were going to be a team base for the third-highestranked rugby test team in the world! And we had a year to prepare.

Very, very detailed plans had to be made and protocols followed; scheduled building work on the changing rooms was brought forward; timings were checked and rechecked; a Zulu choir was invited; events were planned at the College and elsewhere across the town; and organisations such as the local hospice, St Wilfrid’s, with which the College has been working for more than five years now, were put in contact with the Springboks’ PR team. Rob Cottrill, Chief Executive of the Eastbourne Borough Council – one of the most forward-thinking CEOs in the country – was quick to pledge support.

The Webb Ellis Trophy Tour, with its large entourage, had to be

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ACES

MEMBER NEWS TRADE ASSOCIATION AWARD ACES member Parker Building Supplies’ Financial and Commercial Director is celebrating winning two awards in his role as the Builders Merchants Federation’s Vice Chairman.

Stewart Pierce is part of the team which won two accolades at the Trade Association Forum Best Practice Awards 2015.

More than 250 guests attended the ceremony at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, where The Builders Merchants Federation received the Membership Success of the Year Award and a Skills Development Award.

Stewart said: “This is the first time that the BMF has won an award of any kind, and it is a tribute to the professionalism of the whole team.

I am delighted their hard work has been recognised.”

Parker Building Supplies is an independent timber and builders’ merchant which employs around 250 people across the South East region, and turnover is now in excess of £50milion.

CHAMBER NEWS

HOLLYWOOD STAR JUDGES LOCAL FILM FESTIVAL

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Daniel Fathers, star of Disney’s hugely popular films Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2, has been named as the first of three judges for the inaugural Eastbourne Film Festival Awards.

From actor to host, from rugby player to bull rider, from military soldier to senior management consultant and high-tech sales executive, from trained dancer to race horse owner and horse developer, Daniel Fathers is a quintessential ‘Renaissance man’.

Daniel spent twelve years in the corporate world before deciding entertainment was really where he belonged. Since making that lifechanging decision, doors opened for him to star in major Hollywood films and Broadway theatre productions such as the Tony Award-winning musical in Toronto ‘Mamma Mia!’ and Disney’s ‘Camp Rock’, as Uncle Brown, with the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, (viewed internationally by approximately 200 million viewers) and ‘Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,’ which won the production and 2010 People’s Choice Award for which he is internationally recognised by teens and tweens, making him an ideal judge for the very first Eastbourne Film Festival Awards.

About The Eastbourne Film Festival A new filmmaking competition for young people aged 25 and under, the Eastbourne Film Festival will celebrate the best of young people’s filmmaking across the town and offer them the opportunity to see their work on a big screen in front of an audience of friends, parents, teachers, filmmaking professionals and other young film enthusiasts. The Oscarsstyle red carpet, black tie extravaganza, held in the Birley Centre, Eastbourne on Sunday 8th November, 2015 will showcase the best new films from Eastbourne’s emerging talent, with awards being presented by celebrities and local dignitaries. Information on how to enter can be found at www.eastbournefilmfestival.co.uk.

Battle Chamber of Commerce www.battlechamber.org.uk

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

Crowborough Chamber of Commerce www.crowboroughchamber.co.uk

Eastbourne UnLtd Chamber of Commerce 01323 641144 www.eastbournechamber.co.uk

East Sussex County Council 01273 481570 www.eastsussex.gov.uk

Federation of Small Businesses 01424 754686 Reg Office: 01323 482018 www.fsb.org.uk/eastsussex

Hailsham Chamber of Commerce 01323 310531 www.hailshamchamberofcommerce.co.uk

Hastings Chamber of Commerce 01424 205500 www.hastingschamber.co.uk

Heathfield Chamber of Commerce 01435 865858 www.heathfieldchamber.co.uk

ACES WESTWAYS VENDING SPONSORS BEST4BIZ CONFERENCE 2015 Westways Vending is proud to be sponsoring this year’s Best4Biz Conference. It’s a great forum for introducing local businesses to each other through a B2B exhibition and networking opportunities, all within an exciting conference programme.

Westways Vending was established in 1999 and is now the premier vending supplier throughout the South East. Westways is committed to improving the quality of workplace coffee and to offering healthier choices in their snack and drinks range by using quality ingredients and up-to-date technology.

This month, Westways is delighted to announce that it has recently been appointed as a distributor for Keurig, a new concept in office

coffee vending in the UK. Well known in America and Canada, the Keurig system is suitable for small-to larger-sized settings; and Westways is delighted to be launching this product at Best4Biz. Visitors to the Westways stand will be offered tastings, including Starbucks coffee pods, competitively priced deals and show goodies.

“We hope to impress the delegates so much that they won’t want to leave without ordering a Keurig coffee machine for their office!” said Managing Director Ian Baker.

Further details of the Keurig system can be found at www. westwaysvending.co.uk. Alternatively enquiries can be emailed to sales@westwaysvending.co.uk.

EAST SUSSEX BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2015/2016 At the time of going to press, the best of the best companies across East Sussex had been nominated by ACES Chambers of Commerce and the FSB to compete for the coveted East Sussex Business of the Year Award at the Best4Biz Conference at East Sussex National Hotel in East Sussex.

The nominees have been filmed by the media students of Sussex Downs College to showcase each company and the films will be premiered at the Sparkling Sussex dinner at Best4Biz, sponsored by Westways Vending and Ridgeview Wine Estate.

The award nominees are: Brooklyn Motors Brooklyn Motors has been a Hyundai retailer and repairer since 1989, which makes it the longest-serving Hyundai retailer in Sussex.

C J Thorne Civil Engineers Trading for over 70 years, providing civil engineering solutions throughout East and West Sussex, Kent and Surrey, the Company was founded by Charles James Thorne in 1939 and is a third-generation family firm undertaking contracts of up to £5 million.

Clean Cut Gardening Nathan Peters’ passion is for the outdoors, and gardening in particular, so he decided to turn his passion into a career and set up his own Clean Cut Gardening business.

The Dental Barn creates a relaxed and fear-free patient experience in beautiful surroundings to encourage healthy and happy mouths.

Historic Jewellery Reproductions Historic Jewellery Reproduction has become the leading retailer of a specialist range of historic artifacts and stunning gold, silver and precious stone-set jewellery which are exact reproductions of the original exquisite pieces.

Neva Consultants Offering a comprehensive range of business and personal finance packages across all makes and models of vehicle, Neva Consultants have delivered first-class personal service since 1992.

Richard Soan Roofing Richard Soan Roofing has very strong, old-fashioned beliefs that quality and customer service are paramount, and all their employees buy into that ethos. Everyone engaged by the company is treated in the same way and are part of a big extended family.

Source BMX Offering the best BMX products at the best prices along with the best advice and customer care that only a rider-owned store can give, Source BMX offer only the best BMX brands, which they believe in with a passion.

The Horder Centre Providing healthcare services across East Sussex and into Kent, Horder Health Care strives to be the best provider of healthcare services in a therapeutic environment, providing great places to work, practise medicine and receive care.

Best4Biz Conference sponsors include Westways Vending, East Sussex County Council, ACES Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex, Ridgeview Wine Estate, Basepoint Business Centres, RSE Group Recruitment, Swindells Accountants, Qleisure Corporate Events and Team Building, IT First, UKTI, Sussex Down College and Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

We will bring you the final result of this exciting award, along with a full conference report in next month’s magazine, so watch this space.

www.acesalliance.org

ACES – THE ALLIANCE OF CHAMBERS IN EAST SUSSEX You are automatically a member of ACES, representing 4,000 members across the county, if you are a member of the chambers listed below. This entitles you to share your news stories in these Platinum Business pages without charge.

The Institute of Directors 0207 766 8866 www.iod.com

Lewes Chamber of Commerce 07919 382316 www.leweschamber.org.uk

Locate East Sussex 0844 415 9255 www.locateeastsussex.org.uk

Newhaven Chamber of Commerce 0800 107 0709 www.newhavenchamber.co.uk

Peacehaven Chamber of Commerce 01273 586222 www.peacehavenchamber.co.uk

Seaford Chamber of Commerce 0800 881 5331 www.seafordchamber.co.uk

South East Local Enterprise Partnership 01245 431469 www.southeastlep.com

Uckfield Chamber of Commerce 01825 722607 www.uckfieldchamber.co.uk

Wealden District Council 01323 443322 www.wealden.gov.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

Dental Barn

H T White

Specialist wine merchants supplying wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks to the licensed trade for over 100 years, H T White is based in Eastbourne and delivers across East and West Sussex, Kent and Surrey.

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WORTHING

SPHERE OF CREATIVITY

T

he new Sphere Business Centre, located at Northbrook College’s Broadwater Campus, will be a modern workplace, a place for innovation, creativity and ideas, offering a

comfortable, engaging and welcoming office environment.

The new centre will embrace wireless technology along with space for collaboration or for private working when necessary,

more informal open meeting areas. These reflect modern working

enabling better productivity.

practices of collaboration and moving around to share thoughts

Mark Owen, Managing Director of Mocha Furniture, has been working with Worthing & Adur Chamber on design and installation of a comfortable, engaging and welcoming office environment.

Mocha has designed a space that is functional, interesting to work

instead of the older ‘heads down at the desk’ office norm.

Other attributes which have been included in the design are good connectivity through the ability to ‘plug in and charge’ at each area, and maximum light for comfort and individual well-being.

in and welcoming. There is much competition in the marketplace

There will be no receptionist at the centre, so thought also had to

for serviced offices but the Centre does provide something extra:

be given to the navigation system through signage and design layout.

business support from the Chamber.

Although the work space needs to be a good place in which to

Mark Owen commented: “The challenge was set down and I believe we will be delivering a modern workplace fit for the 21st

work, Mocha also had to consider that the start-up companies based

century in which start-ups will be excited to work. The light, colour

there had to offer something impressive to their visiting clients. So

scheme and layout will maximise the potential for creativity

Mocha had to design an environment with the ‘wow’ factor, which

and innovation, so I’m looking forward to seeing the wonderful

Mark Owen believes he has done – and on a tight budget, too.

businesses which will emerge from the centre in due course!”

Within the centre, there are eight different workplace settings

• Worthing-based Mocha Furniture is a specialist supplier of

offering desk-type working as well as places in which to collaborate

commercial furniture for office, hospitality, educational and leisure

and share ideas, private meeting areas, places to socialise and

premises.

A DAY FOR BUSINESS GROWTH & SUCCESS

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orthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with The Adur and Worthing Business Partnership, are set to host a whole-day programme dedicated to business growth and

local success along with local exhibitors on 28th January.

CHAMBER NEWS

This event will build on the success of our previous showcases and

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the opportunity to meet the buyers of the local council procurement team. You will be able to book onto a speed networking event taking pace over lunch, which will be fun, fast and furious!

This event will be a great way for new, growing and established

will highlight the success stories of the locality and encourage those

businesses to network and connect, to reinforce relationships and

from the larger businesses, such as ETI Limited, Southern Water and

build new ones. Tina Tilley, CEO, Worthing and Adur Chamber said,

Fresh Egg, to get involved with their business community. In addition,

“Last year the Showcase had a great buzz and the atmosphere was

this year there will be an opportunity for an expansion of the area for

amazing. This year we hope to top that and encourage even more

exhibitors, with a strong focus on the “Buy Local” offer.

local businesses to take part”.

The feedback from previous years of our showcase has been really

Chris Coopey, from Carpenter Box, commented last year: “It

positive and the event this year will have a new twist! This will once

was great to meet so many of Worthing’s premier businesses and

again be held at Worthing Town Hall along with a new opportunity

particularly good that some sectors you rarely see at events were

to expand into the Assembly Rooms. There will be keynote speakers

represented.”

and workshops throughout the day covering topics such as starting

For further information to book your exhibition stand and to get

a business, crowdfunding, social media, the future of business,

your ticket for the day, please contact Worthing and Adur Chamber of

success story panels and specialist one-2-one clinics. There will be

Commerce.

WISEUP2 SHORT COURSES Twitter for business – 3rd November Google Analytics – 10th November Email Marketing - 24th November SEO – 1st December

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 4th November – Chamber Chat Members Evening 20th November – Networking Breakfast – Shoreham Airport 25th November – Members Event - Tour of Ricardo 2nd December – Christmas Social – Ardington Hotel 28th January – A Day for Business Growth & Success – Assembly Hall

For further details on all events visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk •

01903 203484

YOUNG START-UP TALENT

EX S S SU

STARTING OUT WITH SUPPORT

by Lorraine Nugent, Director of Young Start-up

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oung Start-up Talent has had the pleasure of working alongside dedicated sponsors, extech, for the past four years in a bid to enthuse and encourage the young business generation and mentor them towards success. The IT solutions management company has sponsored the Gatwick Diamond, Brighton and Hove, West Kent and East Kent regions in the past. The key elements to the synergy between Young Start-up Talent and extech have come in the form of Managing Director Andrew Hookway and Business Development Director Alan Trace. Both have been extremely pro-active in getting involved with the younger community through the initiative and inspiring future entrepreneurs.

Over the past four years they have spent

time delivering workshops in a number of schools and liaising with youngsters who are seeking guidance in the business sector.

Andrew was a 2013 Brighton judge and helped decide who would take away the £50k prize fund the year when Natalie Evans of 42 Juice turned out to be the successful candidtate.

Natalie has since opened her popular juice bar in the South Lanes in Brighton.

Alan Trace was also involved in the initiative in his former career as a Senior Manager of Lloyds Banking Group, when he also sat on the judging panel for two years in the Gatwick Diamond area.

Alan added, “We are proud to have been supporters of YST since its inception. We have been impressed by the quality of the business

ideas and how previous winners and finalists have gone on to develop their businesses.

Today’s young entrepreneurs are tomorrow’s future.” extech have provided Young Start-up Talent winners with brand-new laptops and IT support to assist the growth of their businesses.

Co–founders of Young Start-up Talent, Matthew Turner and Lorraine Nugent, have said, “The enthusiasm and support that YST has received from extech has been wonderful. We are both extremely grateful for their dedication over the past four years.”

For further information on extech fully managed IT Solutions, please visit www. extech.co.uk or the Young Start-up Talent website: www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk.

101

DINING OUT

THE MARKET

by Amanda Menahem

A

s a dedicated lover of all things food and wine (it’s virtually my life), I have fond memories of Graze restaurant. It was

artichoke providing a wonderful earthy note.

Brighton is Plateau and this sounded a similar

This reminded me of the Cep tart l once had at

concept; small plates served at the bar but

Hibiscus in London, an inspired signature dish.

with the ability to have a traditional 3-course

a glamorous, intimate environment serving

It’s impressive when a chef demonstrates a

or any combination thereof. The menu looked

excellent and inventive food with charming

fundamental understanding of flavours with

interesting and appealing- locally sourced and

service. On my last visit, I took an ex boyfriend

courage and flair.

organic produce, essential these days for any

Andy P, now a foodie friend (to be known from

The owner Kate and her team were always

establishment wishing to be taken seriously

here on as ‘The Brunette’ at his request). As

convivial and charming; important ingredients

in this City. The menu is divided into sections;

he knows my greedy ways I can overindulge

in the mix of elements that create the right

nibbles, small plates from the Greengrocer,

without too much embarrassment. Last night

restaurant experience. The others being

Fishmonger, Butcher, Cheesemonger and

in London, over one too many pisco sours, we

lighting, ambience and acoustics. As a diner

Baker. Larger dishes such as steak, burger and

were reminiscing about that visit to Graze. He

you don’t want those elements to be overly

fish of the day plus a comprehensive brunch

reminded me about the three desserts we, or

prominent - if you notice them too much there’s

menu.

rather, I ordered (you see I have a raging sweet

a problem. So it was with concern that I learned

tooth that tends to win out over my healthy

it was closing to reopen as a completely

tapas style dining scene in London (such as

ways once booze has weakened my resolve).

different concept. What, no more artichoke

Barrafina, Polpo and the like). Head Chef Mark

Amongst these were one of the best desserts

chiboud?! But as I learned more about the

Harwood has good pedigree having previously

I’ve ever had; an amazing Artichoke Chiboud.

concept I became reassured, especially as it

worked at Gravetye Manor and the highly

A Chiboud is a classic French custard based

was to be under the same ownership.

regarded Star Inn in Yorkshire. I was fortunate

tart and they’d added a hint of Jerusalem

102

One of my all time favourite places in

Their inspiration is the informal but high-end

enough to be invited to the launch event where

DINING OUT great but not brilliantly cut (this improved on a subsequent visit). Crashed eggs; a take on a Spanish frittata, was delicious although Maarten felt the texture a little soggy. Onto mains. I ordered the fish of the day; Hake with scallops, kale pesto, samphire and crab bisque.

I initially liked the sound of this but on tasting found the dish over salted. Of course samphire is naturally salty in flavour and pesto contains salty parmesan, therefore it’s important that the rest of the dish is seasoned with this in mind. However everything was quite heavily salted with the crab bisque more a salty tomato based sauce. The Hake was beautifully cooked they showcased most of the dishes on the menu together with the highlights of their wine list. A glass of Ridgeview on arrival was a promising start – this is a superb local sparkling wine that easily outshines many of the Champagne houses. The red wine; a Sicilian red Nero D’Avola was full bodied and enjoyably smooth.

of a Friday night but was instead a Tuesday night before an important meeting in London.

So I really needed to go somewhere good but near home. I decided to try the Market on a normal night and check out their standard operation. My dining companion was our fabulous publisher, the wonderful Maarten Hoffman. I arrived first and chose us a table

Onto the food: Venison Carpaccio with pear,

with well balanced flavours. Broccoli and deep fried Kale and Tahini, the Kale providing texture and the Tahini pulling the dish together with a pleasing earthy unctuousness. Scallops with wild boar bacon and honeyed parsnips was fine. Goats cheese churros with white truffled honey; inspired and dangerously addictive; the outside crisp and the goats cheese within light and fluffy. Polenta, mushroom and cream

shin gave me food envy but his verdict was that it was simply OK. I tasted some; the beef was pleasingly melting and tasted herby but strangely lacked the deep beef flavour that usually comes with slow cooking. The Pomme Puree was perfectly cooked but we both felt that a stronger flavoured puree (such as celeriac) would have worked better.

Onto desserts. I loved the Paupers cake with

hazelnut and plum puree – a well thought through combination drawing on seasonality

although lacked a crispy skin. Maarten’s beef

frangelico syrup and Cointreau ice-cream; a

“I loved the Paupers cake with frangelico syrup and Cointreau ice-cream; a proper British syrup pudding poshed up.”

cheese balls made for an excellent canapé. I’d

proper British syrup pudding poshed up. I’d had the chocolate and peanut butter brownie at the launch night and knew it was great so thought l would try the baked popcorn cheesecake. As far as cheesecakes go, this was OK but there wasn’t a discernible popcorn flavour but then Maarten pointed out that popcorn doesn’t really have a strong flavour....

We drank a decent Pinot Grigio and had a great evening. Service was good. It was

happily eat a few of these with drinks. Baby

packed and therefore loud, we found ourselves

Leeks with Romesco and ewes cheese was

shouting a bit but then this is a lively buzzy

OK, as were the artichokes with aioli. Octopus with capers and smoked paprika was less balanced with the capers and smoked paprika overpowering the Octopus. I liked the drinks and nibbles selection, it makes for a perfect Friday night drinks venue on the way home from work.

Alas my next visit did not have the potential

venue and all the better for it. I subsequently knowing Mr Hoffmann is not a man to dine at a bar. I immediately ordered my favourite dishes from the launch night; the Venison and Broccoli dishes. Both just as good albeit I did feel that the venison needed more venison on the plate, especially for £7.50.

Maarten ordered the Iberico ham. This was

returned with a restaurateur friend of mine and dined at the bar, a fun experience. My verdict; while some may consider it expensive (I have had that feedback from others), I think its a good addition to the food scene in this part of town with a great atmosphere, service and offering plenty of choice. On the whole, well thought through dishes and good cooking which l’m sure will develop further as they get into their stride. The menu will be changing monthly which is important to keep the locals interested and returning. I suspect that this will become a regular haunt of mine.

THE MARKET 42 Western Road Brighton BN3 1JD T: 01273 823707 W: market-restaurantbar.co.uk

103

SECRET SUSSEX

THE TATTOOING THERAPIST Hannah Monkcom talks to Lisa Henning, owner of Beautiful Ink, which uses (dry) tattooing as a medical and cosmetic treatment

W

ith one in five adults now claiming to have a tattoo, it is evident that they are losing their ‘taboo’ status. A

to improve scars, burns and stretch marks.

perhaps through over-plucking, alopecia,

She can also do skin peels and sells aftercare

hyperthyroidism or cancer treatment. Medical

products designed for use on damaged skin

tattooing includes creating or restoring colour

tattoo might be something we got on a whim,

such as acne, lines and wrinkles. One of such

to the nipple and areola after breast cancer or

something we regularly enjoy or something

products can even be used for scar prevention!

breast surgery.

our wacky aunt Wendy got that we just don’t

Lisa is a skin expert, she explains, “After a

understand. I personally, have two. I don’t show

wound has healed the care given to the affected

comprises of Dry Tattooing and medical grade

them off but I perceive them as art, so what

area in the first three to six months is vital to

skin peels, a fully rounded service for damaged

about people who get them because they have

achieving an acceptable scar.”

skin, i.e. scars and burns. She also offers

a genuine need? There is a completely separate

There are two sides to Lisa’s company;

The Skin Confidence side of the company

including skin camouflage consultations, using

side to the tattoo industry and that’s what

The Beautiful Ink side of the company

specially designed digital tattoo machines and

Beautiful Ink does.

offers cosmetic and medical tattooing.

creams to cover areas of miscoloured skin

Cosmetic tattooing includes lip colour and

such as vitiligo, port wine stains, skin grafts

created from Lisa’s pleasure for helping

defining eyebrows for those with sparse or

and even tattoos.

people. It is a private skin clinic specialising in

wonky brows, she even creates the illusion

Established in 2012 Beautiful Ink Ltd was

damaged skin treatments, using Dry Tattooing

of eyebrows for those who’ve lost them

You would have thought Lisa has enough on her plate, but on top of these two life-changing services she has also recently set up the Skin AND Ink side of the company where she offers training courses and workshops to teach Dry Tattooing while also offering the chance to purchase a Bomtech digital tattoo machine and RégimA, her skincare range. She is unique as she is the only person in the UK offering Dry Tattooing, impressively 51% of her clients travel from outside the BN postcode area.

So what is Dry Tattooing? It is done using a digital tattooing machine with no pigment, so no ink. The treatment is ideal for scars, burns and stretch marks whereby the body has effectively told itself the wound is healed, thus leaving marks. In order to make the skin wake up and work on the mark again you need to make it think it has been damaged. The needle runs over the targeted area, through

104

SECRET SUSSEX tight or hard burns and scars, the fibrous tissue is gently broken up by the digital tattoo machine, so the skin begins to normalise. This can happen as soon as 2 or 3 weeks after

“There is a completely separate side to the tattoo industry and that’s what Beautiful Ink does.”

good as the skin is going to get and I’d only carry out further treatments on any small areas that hadn’t responded as well as the rest.” Having seen such

one treatment. During the healing

products to give clients as this is how she was

process, if inflammation is kept to a minimum

trained, since using RégimA results happen

she is keen to get more people aware of the

the body produces new collagen and elastin i.e.

sooner and clients more readily return for their

service, hence her selling the digital machines

new skin. New skin forms in the scar tissue,

next treatment. Flat, loose or sunken scars

which helps smooth scars and burns, and

can be treated as soon as 3 months old, raised

and offering training of how to use them. Many

the new skin that forms within stretch marks

scars must be older than 12 months. For some

helps to fill them. Dry Tattooing is a medical

scars i.e. self-injury or post surgery scars she

treatment that needs the correct aftercare, and

requires approval from an external source

as such should never be performed by anyone

before commencing treatment i.e. consultant,

other than a fully trained practitioner qualified

doctor or counsellor.

tattooist, Lisa is keen to teach people how be

Lisa says: “As I work with scars I’m often

safe in this modern society where you can buy

asked how I deal with things. Having previously

a tattoo kit off ebay, so she has a stand at the

been a massage therapist I’m used to seeing

Brighton tattoo convention where she raises

and touching all manner of skins, I don’t mind,

awareness of the treatment, and cautions

they’re healed. But the truth is I’m actually

against its misuse.

quite squeamish, no point telling me the details

Lisa says “I hear and see how bothered

of accidents, operations and wound healing,

some people are when they arrive for

I’ve far too vivid an imagination to be told what

treatment, but with easy chatting, sharing

happened. To go ahead with a treatment the

of information and allowing my client to be

only thing I need to know is how old the scar is,

involved in any decision making, sessions

the rest I can tell by sight and touch.”

positive results on her clients

skin-needling courses simply teach you how to put the device into skin. Lisa will be teaching everything; client selection, the consultation process, the treatment and results that can be achieved and importantly, how to overcome ethical issues with each individual client.

Lisa is also a distributor for RégimA Skin Treatments, so her students (as well as clinics or hospitals) can purchase Dry tattooing aftercare products at wholesale prices. There is also a full range of skincare products including the skin peels mentioned earlier, but to purchase these additional training is required.

So what’s next for Beautiful Ink? Having outgrown her current home-studio she is ready

soon become very relaxed and enjoyable.” Dry

So how many sessions should a client

to set up her own clinic, with room for another

tattooing has quickly become her most popular

have before they see the results? “A client

practitioner. With so many clients travelling to

treatment and has changed the confidence of

has a course of 3 Dry Tattooing treatments,

visit from outside Brighton she needs to be by

many of Lisa’s clients.

spaced over a period of 3 months, they then

the station, and as she’s a unique little business

The aftercare products range is RégimA

need to stop and allow the area to settle and

the North Laine should suit her well. Thank

which boosts results. For the first 6 months

develop for another 3 months before calling

you Lisa for opening our eyes to another, some

offering this treatment she had no aftercare

a final result. This final result really is as

might argue greater, side of tattooing.

Beautiful Ink Ltd, Crown Street, Brighton BN1 3EH. 01273 775188. 07530 978856 • lisa@beautifulink.co.uk www.beautifulink.co.uk 105

INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

A BALANCING ACT

By Dean Orgill Chairman of Mayo Wynne Baxter www.mayowynnebaxter.co.uk • www.iod.com

I

n various pieces over the last few months I have touched upon the issues of mental wellbeing and looking after yourself

physically as key components of your business life.

Recent tragic events in our region have served to highlight that we cannot predict with certainty that we will be able to continue along the paths which we map for ourselves over the long, medium or even short term futures.

In business we must, of course, plan for the future and ensure that we keep things moving forwards. Stagnation can never be the status quo. A business will either be moving forward or it will be heading towards its own extinction.

are where you had hoped to be or not, I would suggest that you reassess to see if you still want to head in the same direction as you had originally planned.

Have things changed in your market, or your business? That might mean that you should adjust your destination or goals.

A good business will be planning in such reviews and reassessing itself regularly.

All of the above is relatively trite, and in all likelihood is just a very gentle reminder of what you already do as good business practice.

But how many of us apply the same principles to ourselves?

How many of us have sat down and

The decaying process might be rapid or it might

considered what we are aiming to achieve

be slow and lingering but if a business is not

personally - beyond a vague intention to

growing it will be fading away.

become the boss, to grow the business or to

Planning is critical. Growth should ideally be planned. Even if every stepping stone cannot be

maximise our incomes?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with those

identified and a SMART target set out in respect

general aims. But it may be more helpful to

of it, at the very a least direction of travel and

us as individuals to define our personal goals

milestones should be set out. Equally important

more closely and perhaps consider why we

is to check against those plans. Review at

want to achieve as well as what we want to

milestones, or stepping stones, and see if you

achieve.

are where you want to be. Then, whether you

106

We all have basic needs for food, shelter

and to provide for our families (insert your own pyramid/graphic here) but our personal requirements and reasoning will vary. Do you know what yours are?

Whilst recommending these processes I would also link back to my initial comments and suggest that whilst planning, you do not forget to factor in some enjoyment of the present.

We must plan, but we cannot live only in the future. Many of us are lucky to be working in an environment which we love. If that is not the case perhaps we should be considering what we can do to change that. If we are lucky enough to be enjoying what we do then we should take a few minutes, on a regular basis, to fully appreciate that.

JUST A THOUGHT Who do your customers view as the most important person in your business?

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No ownership option. Orders/credit GLA 200dGLA Sport200d manual. include VAT at 20% Finance basedbased on a 23 Mercedes-Benz Contract Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial on selected GLA-Class between 1 October and 31 December 2015, registered by 31 March 2016. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. on selected GLA-Class between 1 October and 31 December 2015, registered by 31 March 2016. Subject to availability, offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Credit provided subject to status by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited, MK15 8BA. Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2448457 and has its registered address at Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8BA. Prices correct at time of going to broadcast. ^Available at participating Retailers only on a MerServices UK Limited, MK15 8BA. Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 2448457 and has its registered address at Tongwell, Milton Keynes, MK15 8BA. Prices correct at time of going to broadcast. ^Available at participating Retailers only on a Mercedes-Benz Service Care Contract. Free servicing based on 3 services over 36 months on selected GLA models. Retail sales sold and registered between 1 October and 31 December 2015, excluding AMG GLA models. Terms and conditions apply. Offer is subject to availability from participating Retailers.

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