PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE - SUSSEX - ISSUE 15

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SUSSEX EDITION . ISSUE 15 . 2015

JEREMY TAYLOR LAUNCHES

THE GATWICK DIAMOND BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 WE INTERVIEW

NATWEST CEO LES MATHESON ON A BUS! THE BIG STORY

ANGELA MERKEL

THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN ON EARTH

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WELCOME

ISSUE 15. 2015

RBS ON THE BUS

The summer vacation is now just a memory and we look forward to a prosperous fourth quarter and, as always, you can reply on Platinum to bring you all the news, views and opinion.

There is nothing better than an unexpected day and that

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is certainly what we got when we had the pleasure of interviewing the NatWest CEO Les Matheson on a double decker London bus in the middle of Jubilee Square in Brighton. The NatWest Entrepreneurial Spark has roared into life in a determined effort to give a head start to selected start-ups from across the area and we will be bringing you all the exclusive news over the coming months.

The region’s leading high flying law firm DMH Stallard has partnered with the high flying i360 and we find out what the union holds, Godfrey Investments explain more

Interview with Les Matheson, RBS CEO for UK Personal & Business Banking.

CHINA CRISIS? Does China really matter that much to our economy? ask Skerritts’ Head of Investments Andy Merricks.

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about their company and their ambitious plans, Skerritt Wealth Management asked if there is really a crisis in the Chinese market and Hilton explain their connection to champion cricketer and all-rounder, CB Fry.

JEREMY TAYLOR

And we are proud to announce our exclusive sponsorship, for the second year running, with the 2016 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. The categories are announced along with the sponsors and Jeremy Taylor explains how to enter.

Maarten got hold of a 155mph super hot hatch and went for lunch at the glorious Buxted Park Hotel. Its a tough life but as he will tell you, it’s all work, work, work! He also started writing the profile of Angela Merkel and ended up lost in admiration for the most powerful woman on earth.

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yourselves on the beach, we have been hard at it to bring

WILD ABOUT CHRISTMAS

you another bumper edition of the region’s favourite

How CharityLine has

So as you can see, whilst you have all been sunning

business publication.

Maarten & Ian

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards are back, and we met the man behind their success.

helped Sussex Wildlife

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Trust with their crucial Christmas campaign.

Platinum Business Magazine, Sussex

THE SERIAL DISRUPTOR Teliqo’s Simon

4

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Hochhauser is revolutionising how business telecoms systems are supplied.

THE TEAM

AT A GLANCE 6 Local News 10 Natwest: Avoiding fraud 12 Interview: Les Matheson, RBS 15 Institute of Directors 16 1066 Awards 19 Acer competition 20 National News 24 The Big Story: Angela Merkel 32 Skerritts - Investments 34 Kreston Reeves - Accounts 37 Big Beach - Marketing 38 Gatwick Diamond Awards 42 Interview - Simon Hochhauser 46 DNH Stallard & Brighton i360 48 Bennett Griffin - Legal 50 Style 52 Anger Management

55 Hastings Direct 56 Nova Direct & Sussex Wildlife

Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

Trust

59 Young Startup Talent 60 Richmond Hill Hotel 63 School Open Days 65 Motoring 70 Hilton London Gatwick 72 Jo Rogers - Marketing 73 easitNETWORK 75 Rawlison Butler - Legal 76 Interview: Godfrey Living 81 Business Scene 82 Business Awards 84 Buxted Park Hotel 86 Emma Pearce - Networking 87 Chambers of Commerce 96 Denbies Wine Estate 98 Wise Words: David Sheppard

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

Lynne Edwards - Commercial Property lynne@portfoliopublications.co.uk Tel: 07931 537588

Amanda Spicer - Senior Designer

Julia Trevett – Accounts Manager 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.

Directors: Maarten Hoffmann and Ian Trevett

THE BIG STORY ANGELA MERKEL One of the most influential women the world has ever seen?

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5

{ NEWS }

LOCAL NEWS A DAY FOR YOUR GROWING BUSINESS It’s a day for everyone: you’ll meet entrepreneurs, managers, employees, CEOs and freelancers from business, charities and social enterprises. There are 20 workshops, panels and conversation sessions to help you design your plan for growth. Growth in profits is not the only focus of the day; growth covers personal development for teams as well as individuals and leaders; and of course, evolution and expansion in terms of business. This year’s Brighton Business Summit will be on Friday October 16th at the Clarendon Centre, New England Street, Brighton.

Organised by the Brighton Chamber of Commerce, the theme for 2015 is Growth. Two keynote speakers are Nikki Gatenby, Managing Director of Propellernet, one of the most progressive search marketing agencies in the UK, and Jim Duffy from Entrepreneurial Spark, which promotes business start-ups and helps them grow. Sessions include: Head honchos that inspire growth, Growing your reputation, How to be a Digital Nomad, Take the money and run and much more. Special guest speakers include Kristen Forbes, Monetary Policy Committee member, who will talk about growing your business in a global economy, and there’ll be an exclusive game changers interview with MD Giles Palmer of Brandwatch. “I am really excited about the line-up and sessions we have planned for this year’s Summit. A third of the tickets have already sold. It’s the best networking event for me in the year.

This year there’ll be lots that is new including 4 delicious nourishing and tasty meals throughout the day, entertainment and not a dull moment to be had” says Sarah Springfield, Director, Brighton Chamber.

PACIFIC HOUSE Pacific House, the first office centre on Eastbourne’s emerging Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park, has now been completed. Twenty two prospective tenants viewed the offices on the first open afternoon recently with a number reserving offices and further viewings booked. Philip Johnson, Director of Locate East Sussex, said: “Pacific House provides an excellent space for Eastbourne’s increasing numbers of fast growing businesses and start-ups, as well as for companies new to the area. This is a prestigious development within Sovereign Harbour Innovation Park and has good transport connections and parking, so it’s not surprising that it has generated a lot of interest from prospective tenants already. There are 11 small suites on the ground floor, six medium-sized offices on the first floor and two large offices on the second floor. In addition to the office suites, Pacific House incorporates a light-filled atrium, break-out areas for informal meetings and a conference room. It is designed to be a low-energy building with parking spaces for 130 cars. Developer Sea Change Sussex – the not-for-profit regeneration company for East Sussex - has already received a significant number of letting enquiries from companies in Eastbourne and further afield. Buckingham Group Contracting began construction work for Pacific House in September 2014 and completed the project on schedule.

MIDNIGHT SHORTLISTED Midnight Communications has been shortlisted for six awards at the forthcoming CIPR PRide Awards 2015 - more than any other agency.

Midnight has been recognised for its outstanding work across the South of England and Channel Islands region, and has been nominated for several awards including: Consumer Relations Campaign on behalf of Brighton Sea Life Centre; Arts, Culture or Sport Campaign on behalf of Arundel Castle; Regional Campaign of the Year on behalf of Brighton Sea Life Centre; Best Event on behalf of Start-ups Awards 2014; Outstanding Young Communicator; Outstanding Mid-Sized Public Relations Consultancy. For the 11th year running a member of the Midnight team makes the shortlist for Young Communicator of the Year. This year’s finalist is Jessica Beales, who last year was named Freshest Young Professional of the Year at the Fresh Awards. “Not bad for our twentieth year in the business!” said founder and Managing Director Caraline Brown. The CIPR PRide Awards recognise the outstanding talents and achievements of public relations practitioners across the UK’s regions and nations. They are the most prestigious and rigorous awards of their kind and we should be proud to have Midnight in our midst.

“It is the artist’s business to create sunshine when the sun fails.”

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{ NEWS }

“Without the element of uncertainty, the bringing off of even the greatest business triumph would be dull, routine, and eminently unsatisfying.”

SNEAKING A PEEK Did you know the Argus Newspaper is hosting a live webcam feed on its website of the immense structure that is rising on the Brighton seafront?

The Argus is exclusively hosting the Brighton i360 webcam, so that their readers can enjoy watching every stage of the new beach attraction being built.

The i360 has really started to take shape this summer. The steel arrived at our shores by barge a few weeks back and the tower is well on its way. The attraction itself is due to open in summer 2016. At 162 metres high, and with an observation pod gliding slowly up to 138 metres, the i360 will be the world’s tallest moving observation tower and the tallest observation tower outside London. Sited at the root end of the historic West Pier on Brighton’s seafront, the i360 has a slender, elegant design, with a futuristic pod allowing 200 visitors at a time to enjoy 360 degree views over 26 miles of Brighton, the South Downs and the South Coast from Chichester to Bexhill-on-Sea. The visitor centre incorporates a 400 seat restaurant; tea rooms, a shop, exhibition space, children’s play zone and conference and event facilities. The webcam is located on the Hilton Metropole roof. There is a two hour time delay on the webcam feed, but if you manage to catch some of the action, it’s a pretty good view!

AQUARIUM DIVES INTO NEW EXPERIENCE

SOUTH EAST FRAUD SOARS KPMG’s Fraud Barometer, which measures fraud cases with losses of £100,000 or more reaching the UK courts, has found that the national value of fraud rose by 22% in the first half of this year to £385m (£317m in the same period last year). With 160 cases, fraud volume remained virtually identical to the first half of 2014, but the average value of fraud rose from £2m to £2.4m.

Financial institutions are the biggest victims of fraud across London and the South East, with the value of their combined losses up by 1285% compared with the same period last year. This is compared to an average of 503% nationally and is by far the greatest increase across the UK.

An aquatic tourist attraction is looking to carry out further works to strengthen its ageing Victorian structure. The Sea Life Centre opened in 1872 and was designed by Eugenius Birch. The Centre in Madeira Drive, Brighton, has applied for permission to carry out repair works to parts of the seafront attraction, including its Victorian Arcade. The centre’s application for planning permission said the work was in response to structural surveys, carried out on a half-yearly basis since 2011. Restoration and refurbishment will be carried out in the Victorian Arcade, which has already been the subject of safety measures in 2012. The centre’s quarantine room will also be relocated into a service room behind an exhibition area and the existing quarantine area will be turned into a new briefing

Given that the total number of cases against financial institutions in the region has only risen by 11 to 66, this means the region follows the nation-wide pattern of the value of individual cases increasing.

Chris Wheeler, Director, KPMG Forensic in London and the South East, said: “Over half of the fraud cases reaching courts in London and the South East were committed by employees or management, proving that businesses need to be vigilant even with staff in leadership roles and positions of responsibility.”

“Perpetrators were most likely to fall within 46-55 age bracket, which could mean that fraudsters’ daring increases with age and experience, and there were nearly three times as many male perpetrators as female.”

“With the region experiencing an increase in total losses of £5,241,500 due to fraud, these figures should serve as a warning and prompt organisations to put robust fraud prevention systems in place if they haven’t already.”

and changing room for an all new snorkel and dive experience.

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{ NEWS }

LOCAL NEWS PET HEADQUARTERS Pets Corner, which was founded in Haywards Heath and has offices in Brighton and Crawley, wants to build a new HQ that will be at the forefront of environmental sustainability and bring more than 100 staff under one roof. The expanding firm is desperate to buy the freehold – but could relocate outside Sussex if permission is refused. Dean Richmond, managing director of Pets Corner, said: “We want to be as green as possible and build something that is going to represent that. People work with us because they care about animal welfare and sustainability is also something I care about passionately”. Pets Corner is opening 18 new stores this year and by the time the centre is built in two years’ time its workforce could have expanded significantly. An agent for the developer estimates the outline scheme at Northlands Farm would generate 200 to 325 construction jobs over two years, 775 to 995 jobs when finished and add £16 million to the local economy. The centre would create up to £2 million in business rates with £1 million to be retained

by Mid Sussex District Council. Some 17 businesses have already enquired about freehold opportunities.

UPANDCOMING EASTBOURNE Eastbourne has the UK’s highest percentage of young company directors appointed during 2014, a recent study has revealed.

Business analysts have produced a town league table ranking the number of under-25s who became directors last year. The East Sussex seaside resort came top with a total of 1,929 young directors, representing 9.49% of all directors, which is way ahead of second place, Shrewsbury at 7.94%. Philip Johnson, Director of Locate East Sussex, said: “Here in East Sussex, we foster an environment where success in business is achievable whatever your age and this is proven by these amazing figures. We have a bright, skilled and ambitious workforce who contribute massively to the growth of our economy and are helping to make the county a great place to do business. This is reflected in the number of young company directors in Eastbourne who are typically setting up technology companies and benefiting from being part of the town’s strong business community.” It is not the first time that Eastbourne has topped the business league tables. Just two years ago, they had the highest percentage of female director appointments in the UK! Go Eastbourne!

“Sales are contingent upon the attitude of the salesman not the attitude of the prospect.”

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{ NEWS}

“Politics is the art of preventing people from busying themselves with what is their own business.”

IDENTITY BUILDS AWARD WINNING STAND Hampton Court Palace Flower show is celebrating its 25th year this year - The show was first held in 1990 and created by Historic Royal Palaces and Network Southeast. In 1992 Network Southeast announced that it was withdrawing its subsidy, and the RHS was the successful bidder to take the show over. The first RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show was held in 1993, and it has gone on to become the world’s largest flower show. Anglian Home Improvements has been awarded a 4 Star Tradestand Award – the highest accolade available – for its stand at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. They have Identity Signage and Printing of Eastbourne to thank; the business that built the exhibition stand that won the award withstood some gruelling conditions in order to make the feat happen. Mark Chester, Commercial & Technical Director for Identity said “As a long standing client, Anglian Home Improvements always challenge us with stand concepts and venues and this was no exception. We are incredibly proud of the whole team who delivered on every level, from the initial design concepts that we presented, through the construction phase in 35°c heat to the award winning completed project”.

TOURIST PARADISE

CREATIVE ARTS CENTRE RE-OPENS PUBLIC performance will return to a distinctive arts venue next spring after multi-million building work was completed.

International tourists spent £344 million visiting East Sussex last year, up 10% from 2013, while 754,000 visits were made to the county in 2014, up 12% from 2013.

Tourism Minister, Tracey Crouch, said: “East Sussex offers a great and varied mix of sights and experiences. It’s fantastic that so many tourists visited the county in 2014.

Competition for global travellers has never been higher, which is why we must not be complacent and continue to invest and support the UK’s tourism offer. I look forward to working closely with the tourism sector to champion the best of Britain as part of our long-term economic plan and watch places like East Sussex continue to enjoy a growing tourism industry.”

The public performance programme at the University of Sussex’s Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts will begin early next year following the end of an extensive refurbishment.

R H Partnership Architects have worked with the university to transform the Grade II listed theatre which has been closed for eight years into a modern, flexible environment that will host exhibitions, performance, teaching and research.

The space has been adapted to create a state-of-the-art 350-seat auditorium, gallery and display areas designed for art and audio visual installations, rehearsal studios, breakout creativity zones, and a new café and bar.

The centre’s creative director Laura McDermott was appointed in May and will officially take up her post in November.

The Sir Basil Spence designed venue has been renamed after former chancellor Lord Richard Attenborough, including two of his sons who are former University alumni and his daughter Jane Holland and granddaughter Lucy, who were killed in the 2004 Thailand tsunami.

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{ FINANCE }

FIGHTING FRAUD

– the golden rules to protect yourself Gary Chown ACIB MCIBS Chartered Banker Director, Commercial Banking, NatWest Bank E-mail: gary.chown@natwest.com

F

raud today is sophisticated, organised and lucrative. With every sector of the economy facing this threat, businesses

should recognise that there are important steps

massive industry in itself – the cost of fraud to the economy last year was an astonishing £52 billion.

COMMON FRAUDS Here are some of the most common frauds seen today:

Whilst banks are of course targets for

• Telephone (vishing): Fraudsters trick you

fraud, today businesses are firmly in the firing

into divulging security credentials over the

line, with virtually all sectors of the economy

telephone. This includes telephone calls

under threat from fraudsters. Apart from the

pretending to be from the fraud department

constantly changing. Previously it would take

financial loss, fraud can cause difficulties for

of your bank or even the police. They

the form of petty scams. Nowadays, fraudsters

organisations trying to manage cash-flow, lead

manipulate you into providing security

are much more likely to target an organisation

to reputational damage and even see a business

credentials or transferring funds to accounts

via a telephone or a computer. Fraud is a

cease to exist.

set up by fraudsters with the belief that this

they can take to protect themselves.

TODAY’S FRAUD The nature of fraud against businesses is

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{ FINANCE }

“Whilst banks are of course targets for fraud, today businesses are firmly in the firing line, with virtually all sectors of the economy under threat from fraudsters” will keep your money safe.

• E-mail (phishing): you are encouraged to click on a link or document within an email that downloads malicious software onto your computer or directs you to a fraudulent website that looks identical to the official site.

This allows a fraudster to gain access to your security credentials or card information.

• Malicious software (malware/trojan): your computer may be infected with malware by responding to a phishing e-mail, visiting insecure web sites or using an insecure internet browser.

This also allows the fraudster to capture your security credentials or bank card details.

BE AWARE It’s not all doom and gloom. There are some simple but effective steps – the ‘golden rules’ – which any business can take to protect itself from fraud. It is important to remember: • Banks will Never ask for your full PIN and password online; only 3 random digits from each are needed to log-in; • Banks will Never ask you for your PIN and password or any smartcard codes

could be exploited by a fraudster (e.g. to

legitimate payment will be made directly to the

over the telephone: beware of imposters;

prevent them from changing the payee’s

fraudster’s account. There are simple steps that

name on the cheque);

all businesses can and should take to protect

• Banks will Never ask for smartcard codes to log-in; these codes are used to authorise

• Follow-up: stop missing or lost cheques;

themselves from invoice fraud:

payments;

• Always contact the supplier or creditor to

INVOICE FRAUD

CHEQUE FRAUD

validate requests for payment or to amend

Finally, there are some frauds that are carried

Although much of today’s fraud takes place

out against businesses alone. Invoice fraud is

online, fraudsters continue to carry out cheque

an example of this; a request is received by an

fraud against businesses, knowing that large

organisation purporting to be from an existing

amounts of money are often involved in cheque

supplier or creditor. The fraudster advises that

transactions. There are simple steps that

the bank details for the settlement of future

companies can take to protect themselves from

invoices should be changed, meaning that your

cheque fraud:

next payment will be paid into their account. The

• Store cheque books securely, ideally under

fraud is usually discovered when the supplier

lock and key at all times when not being

that sent the genuine invoice chases for non-

used; • Reconciliation:

payment, by which time the recovery of any reconcile

cheques

used

against your statements, perhaps utilising dual review;

approaches

Check the email address or fax number they are sent against your company records.

• It is recommended that payments should have a minimum of two approvers.

This

offers an extra layer of security as all payments would need to be approved by at least two people.

• Consider sending confirmation of payments to the supplier or creditor to ensure that your

funds is highly unlikely.

These

bank details.

• Closely scrutinise all requests for payment.

can

be

made

via

telephone, letter, fax or email. The request is

funds have been received by them.

You can obtain

more fraud and security

• Preparation: when writing or printing onto

not necessarily accompanied by any specific

advice from your bank so visit their website and

an individual cheque, avoid any gaps that

payment instruction but, if acted upon, the next

speak with your Relationship Manager.

11

{INTERVIEW }

ON THE BUS FOR SUCCESS Les Matheson with the StartUp Bus

When the StartUp Britain bus pulled into Brighton in July, PBM took the opportunity to quiz Les Matheson, the RBS CEO for UK Personal & Business Banking, about the new Entrepreneurial Spark initiative in the city.

Why did NatWest get behind Entrepreneurial

of people who are starting up their own

Spark?

companies?

entrepreneurial kind of country. It was said that we are a country of shopkeepers, and that’s only half a step away from being a country that actually thinks in an entrepreneurial way and is very proactive in businesses.

Brighton has a high rate of start-ups, but it’s also one of the worst for start-up failures. Will Entrepreneurial Spark turn this failure rate into something more successful?

Les Matheson (LM): One of the things that

LM: I have, actually. It’s a great question and

NatWest wants to do – it’s our job and our duty,

a great thought. I think we have seen, over the

almost – is to help business and the development

do. We want to help make sure these start-

last four or five years, a lot more entrepreneurs

of business in the UK. Many businesses find it

ups grow and become really successful, big

getting started across the UK. I think you see

businesses. One of the most exciting things

a lot more self-employed people, a lot more

about Entrepreneurial Spark is that more than

people thinking about how to take their own

80% of the companies that have been through

destinies into their own hands, and how to take

the process are still going. It is one of the most

their ideas forward.

successful rates in terms of new businesses

challenging thinking about how they actually get started. What Entrepreneurial Spark does is to give people the tools and the capabilities to actually get the business going, to give the business a spark, hence the name.

The initiative was started in Glasgow and

Britain

has

always

been

quite

an

LM: That is exactly what we’re trying to

continuing and being able to grow.

Edinburgh and was supported by some fantastic entrepreneurs, including Sir Tom Hunter and Ann Gloag from Stagecoach. These are the kind of fantastically successful entrepreneurs who really give something back to the community.

Is this purely an altruistic thing, or does one expect that these new businesses will become loyal NatWest customers in the future?

LM: I think it is not altruistic. There will be some people we help who end up banking with somebody else, and that’s absolutely fine.

But we certainly hope that the association we have with businesses means they will enjoy doing business with NatWest, and that they will understand NatWest’s capability. If it’s suitable for their business, then we certainly hope they come and bank with us. It’s not the main proposition, although it is part of it.

The next generation, the millennials, are reported to be the entrepreneur generation.

Have you noticed an increase in the number

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The StartUp Bus visits Downing Street

{ INTERVIEW } How successful has the StartUp Britain bus tour been?

LM: It’s fantastic, actually. The bus is going to travel something like 5,000 miles, all around the UK. Along the way it did stop off at Downing Street, and David Cameron was delighted to come out. I have to be honest, I didn’t think that they’d actually get the bus into Downing Street.

He (Cameron) got two or three of the guys from NatWest and from Entrepreneurial Spark to go into Downing Street, give him a little briefing, and then he came out, went on the bus, talked to people and was really supportive.

“We hope to be starting up about a quarter of all small businesses in the UK.”

British economy to get back on track.

The greatest satisfaction for me has been seeing more customers coming in and using our products and services and the levels of customer satisfaction increasing. The thing we get most excited about is when customer satisfaction levels go up compared to competition.

What ambitions do the bank have for the next five years?

LM: As a bank we expanded into lots and lots of different countries, and what you’re going to see is us really focusing on the UK and Ireland and making sure that we are doing a great job for customers here. We are aiming to be the number one in terms of customer satisfaction, whether it’s in business banking or in personal banking. You will see that we slowly achieve that across different channels and across different products.

I think that you’re going to see more start-ups coming to NatWest and us helping them to get started. We hope to be starting up about a quarter of all small businesses in the UK. And we also hope, from a shareholder perspective, that the government is able to sell down the share they have (we’re able to get more shareholders), and that we actually start paying a dividend again.

How would you define your role in the bank?

LM: I’m the CEO of Personal & Business Banking across the UK. I’m also responsible for Northern Ireland and Ireland. I look after business banking for NatWest and RBS, and that means businesses with a turnover from £0 up to some £2 million, or businesses with a lending need of up to half a million pounds. So, I look after all the kinds of companies you will see at Entrepreneurial Spark.

I have been here just over five years, so I’m part of the team that have come in the aftermath of the crisis to try and help the bank get back on its feet. We are definitely getting there. Some of the levels of customer satisfaction that we have recorded in the last 2 or 3 months have been the highest we’ve had since records began. So, we’re getting people more and more interested in

The StartUp Bus visits Brighton

banking from a business perspective with NatWest and RBS. After the recession, what do you think the biggest battle for the bank was? Re-establishing the reputation or re-establishing people’s willingness to come in and borrow money?

LM: Again, I think that’s a really good question. I think we have seen following the crisis – and this is true both from a personal and a business perspective – that people are being very wary about borrowing and very wary about being too entrepreneurial and taking too many risks which is very normal after a crisis. And we’ve actually seen people paying down loans and being a little bit more careful. I think that that’s been true up until the last couple of years or so and we’re now seeing a bit more confidence, the economy is growing quite well, we have a consistent government, and so that stability is helping people to have the confidence to start to invest.

So it’s all about confidence...

Fiona Anderson

LM: Absolutely. I was with a small customer in Newcastle who makes kebabs and sells them deep-frozen, and he was taking out a loan to be able to buy new machinery and to buy a little warehouse next to the one that he had. His business, when I was there, had a turnover of about £1.5 million, and, by investing, his business was growing at the rate of about 50% per annum – just fantastic.

From a personal point of view, what attracted to you to the challenge of joining a bank at a time when so much flak was flying around?

LM: I’ve lived and worked abroad in lots of different countries, and I think this is probably true of a number of the management team at RBS, and I felt I wanted to come back and help a British company. I think the industry did go off the rails. I think they were not being as focused on customers as we’d have liked. I think they focused too much on shareholders. I think that we have now redressed that balance. But for me it’s more a personal

Ian Trevett and Maarten Hoffmann talk to Les Matheson

challenge of coming back and helping a British company and helping the

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SOUTHERN POWERHOUSE

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

W

hether under the name of Localism or Devolution to the regions we have been hearing and reading quite a lot of late about central government passing a greater degree of economic (and possibly political?) autonomy to the regions of England.

This may, or may not, come with attached strings such as an elected local Mayor. But whether we embrace it or not this does seem to be the current direction of political travel.

Businesses therefore need to prepare for it, both individually and collectively.

Business in the South East could potentially find itself at a disadvantage as the regional agenda at the moment appears to be dominated by references to the Northern Powerhouse. As an initiative, the idea of promotion of greater economic growth in the North would be hard to criticise. I am sure we would all be happy to see the great cities of the North making an even stronger contribution to UK plc.

The Government has of course made an open commitment to push the initiative by appointing a Minister for the Northern Powerhouse – James Wharton MP – and speaks openly, and often, about improving the infrastructure in the northern region. Whilst there are some

comments from the North-east that “The North” for these purposes seems to be too Manchestercentric, the thrust is nevertheless evident that our region is not automatically going to be looked to first when Government is looking to spend on capital projects, or long-term skills investment.

It is therefore going to be necessary for us to make very strong economic cases when bidding for any funding of Government origin. This means demonstrating that money being spent will produce a clear economic benefit – largely looked at in terms of additional jobs created.

The impact of that will, ultimately benefit the economy of the country since I believe that we remain net “exporters” from business rates.

The recent successes of attracting funding from bids assisted by the Coast to Capital LEP do show, however, that we can still win funding if the proposals are well thought through, clearly demonstrate a net economic benefit and are ready to start if they receive the green light.

Timescales for bidding are often quite short, and it is very hard to work up proposals from scratch when the announcement of the rounds is made. But if schemes are ready to be submitted once the call is made then chances of success

can still be good.

We have an excellent LEP in Coast to Capital, local councils whose economic teams are wellversed in the system and keen to assist, strong local business partnerships and organisations and some great businesses in the area. The organisations can get behind developments proposals, and businesses could also help by assisting in the bids for infrastructure funds.

Our voices will be much more likely to be heard if we speak collectively.

Whilst our growth figures have been good, that does not mean that we cannot still keep improving. Success can indeed breed success and we must not let the northern pointing spotlight put us into the shade.

JUST A THOUGHT Is your business managed, or led?

15

1066 THE WINNERS The finest business from 1066 Country were celebrated at a black tie ceremony, held at Bannatyne Spa Hotel in St Leonards in July.

The event, sponsored by the Federation of Small Businesses, was hosted by Danny Pike of BBC Sussex and organised by Faiza Shafeek, from Johnston Press South Events, who thanked all the sponsors for making the event possible.

Hastings and Rye MP, Amber Rudd said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people representing so many varied businesses.

The area is really beginning to take off in creating employment, which is so important.”

16

Retailer of the Year Award.

Sponsor: Enterprise Centre, Eastbourne WINNER: The Source Hastings Ltd.

Medium Business of the Year.

(10-50) Sponsor: Lawler Davis WINNER: Hastings Printing Company.

Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year.

Sponsor: Hastings Borough Council WINNER: Swan House.

Large Business of the Year.

(50+) Sponsor: Recruitment South East WINNERS: Marshall-Tufflex (& Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors)

Eatery of the Year.

Sponsor: Bannatyne Spa Hotel WINNERS: Pomegranate & The Crown

Large Business of the Year.

(50+) Sponsor: Recruitment South East WINNERS: (Marshall-Tufflex & ) Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors

Best Start-Up Business.

Sponsor: McPhersons Chartered Accounts WINNER: The True Crime Museum.

Outstanding Contribution to the Community.

Sponsor: Hastings Direct WINNERS: Deeday White and John (Tush) Hamilton.

Small Business of the Year.

(1-10) Sponsor: Priory Meadow WINNER: Invest & Fund Ltd.

Young Achiever of the Year.

Sponsor: Platinum Business Magazine WINNER: Solomon Curtis.

{ BUSINESS AWARDS }

SOME OF THOSE WHO WERE HIGHLY COMMENDED Investor in Training Business of the Year.

Sponsors: Let’s Do Business Group and Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce WINNER: Sussex Coast College.

Customer Service Award.

Sponsor: The Best of Hastings WINNER: Click4Reg.

Innovation Award.

Sponsor: Identity Signage and Printing WINNER: The Source Hastings Ltd

Jobseeker Award.

Sponsor: Hastings Works WINNER: Alfie Bilsby.

Business Person of the Year.

Sponsor: 1066 Country WINNER: Tim Pearce of Kurt J Lesker Co.

Overall Business of the Year.

Sponsor: FSB WINNER: The Source Hastings

Small Business of the Year.

(1-10) Sponsor: Priory Meadow HIGHLY COMMENDED: Serenity Hair & Beauty

Small Business of the Year.

(1-10) Sponsor: Priory Meadow HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Studio - Bexhill

Medium Business of the Year.

(10-50) Sponsor: Lawler Davis HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jenco Electrical Ltd.

Medium Business of the Year.

(10-50) Sponsor: Lawler Davis HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Fusion4 Group

Eatery of the Year.

Sponsor: Bannatyne Spa Hotel HIGHLY COMMENDED: Pizzarelli

Best Start-Up Business.

Sponsor: McPhersons Chartered Accounts HIGHLY COMMENDED: Fulcrum Learning (UK) Ltd

Customer Service Award.

Sponsor: The Best of Hastings HIGHLY COMMENDED: Numerical Bookkeeping Ltd.

17

{ ADVERTISING FEATURE}

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18

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19

{ NEWS }

NATIONAL NEWS IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Southampton Football Club has been shortlisted among 18 award categories for the UKTI Growth Business of the Year. During the 2015 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards Southampton Football Club will compete against other finalists, with the winner being revealed at the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards gala dinner, held on 10th November at Park Lane’s Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Gareth Rogers, Chief Executive Officer of the club said: “We have made some bold decisions but these have been based on our values and our on going aim to create a sustainable business model. As a football club we do not operate in the same way many businesses do; fundamentally profit isn’t the marker of our success. We measure our growth on the pitch, in our values, in the perception of the club amongst our supporters and in our commercial streams. As a result, we’re delighted that Southampton Football Club stands alongside some prestigious and powerful companies for the UKTI Growth Business of the Year.”

The club has been nominated following substantial evidence of growth across its business, including in its finances, innovation, customer service, staff engagement, leadership and ethics. An all encompassing range of industries are represented in the shortlists for this year’s awards, with companies from recruitment and children’s clothing, to pet food and online marketing being selected for the chance to win a coveted Lloyds Bank National Business Award. The scale of the finalists is just as varied, with companies turning over less than a million pounds to over £25 million, employing 20 people or over 70,000 people. They will now prepare for live presentations to expert judges who will decide the overall winners that will be revealed at the awards ceremony.

GOOD IKEA

NO EXCUSES

Swedish f i r m Ikea will become the first national retailer in the UK to pay staff above the government’s new National Living Wage from next year. Ikea, known for its flat-pack, selfassembly items, said it would pay all its 9,000 UK workers at least £7.85 an hour from April 2016. The rate for employees in London will be £9.15 an hour. Chancellor George Osborne announced a new compulsory living wage of £7.20 an hour in the Budget earlier this month. He said that employers must pay at least that much to workers aged 25 and over from April, with the rate rising to more than £9 an hour by 2020. The existing minimum wage for those over 21 is £6.50 an hour.

Ikea said it would instead pay all its UK workers - including those under 25 - the rate set annually by the Living Wage Foundation, making it the first national retailer to do so. Rhys Moore, director of the Living Wage Foundation, said: “This is a huge step for the British retail sector and we hope that many other businesses will follow the leadership IKEA is showing on the issue of basic pay.” Ikea is the UK’s biggest furniture retailer with 18 stores and plans to open more in Sheffield, Reading, Exeter and Greenwich in southeast London.

The government has announced the role of a Small Business Commissioner, tasked to deal with late payments for SMEs. This person will address the key issues facing small businesses; the unfair power balance from which big firms benefit and the lack of advice that small businesses have access to. Many businesses have suffered from the strains that come with late payment, and with nearly half of small businesses owners nervous about borrowing; this continues to be an issue.

David Vine, MD of ‘Concur’ says: “A crackdown on late payments is most definitely overdue. This is a battle many small businesses have had to fight on their own for too long. Cash flow can make or break a business, particularly in those crucial early days of growth – so without timely receipt of payment, they’re simply unable to plan, invest and develop. SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy so it is only right that the issue is addressed.” Now the first few steps have been taken, and once the small business commissioner is appointed, it will then be about building on that momentum to show SMEs they have a government that will truly support them. Giving small businesses greater confidence and a stronger voice to demand prompt payment will see more SMEs surviving tough times and encourage growth.

“The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones that do.”

20

{ NEWS }

“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation”

EARTH 2.WOAH! Nasa’s science chief John Grunsfeld called the new world, Kelper452b, the “closest so far” to Earth. It is around 1,400 light years away from Earth and orbits at a very similar distance from its star, though its radius is 60% larger. The new world joins other exoplanets such as Kepler-186f that are similar in many ways to Earth. Kepler-186f, announced in 2014, is smaller than the new planet, but orbits a red dwarf star that is significantly cooler than our own. Kepler-452b, however, orbits a parent star, which belongs to the same class as the Sun: it is 4% bigger and 10% brighter and takes 385 days to complete a full circuit of this star, so its orbital period is 5% longer than Earth’s. The mass of Kepler-452b cannot be measured yet, so astronomers have to rely on models to estimate a range of possible masses, with the most likely being five times that of Earth. If it is rocky, the world would likely still have active volcanism and its gravity would be roughly twice that on our own planet. The new world is included in a haul of 500 new possible planets sighted by the Kepler space telescope around distant stars. “If Kepler-452b is indeed a rocky planet, its location vis-a-vis its star could mean that it is just entering a runaway greenhouse phase of its climate history,” explained Dr Doug Caldwell, a Seti Institute scientist working on the Kepler mission.

“The increasing energy from its ageing sun might be heating the surface and evaporating any oceans. The water vapour would be lost from the planet forever. Kepler-452b could be experiencing now what the Earth will undergo more than a billion years from now, as the Sun ages and grows brighter.”

Platinum Business Magazine has started distribution.

AVOFF Avon’s performance has been deteriorating over the past few years.

The company was last seen as profitable in 2011. In 2014, sales declined by 11% to $8.9 billion. This was due to a grim economic environment, especially in the Latin American region (which accounts for over 50% of Avon’s revenues) and North America (which accounts for more than 10% of its revenues). The company underwent major management restructuring and experienced a significant attrition of its representative base. Further, in Spring 2015, Avon’s sales declined by 18% to $1.8 billion. Avon’s return to its shareholders in 2014 was -44% and was -27% up until June of this year. Avon’s persistent poor performance and eroding representative base has made it necessary for the company to take drastic initiatives. In some attempt to rectify the significant loss Avon Products announced the divestiture of its UK-based standalone skincare brand, Liz Earle. Avon acquired Liz Earle in March 2010 and managed it as a standalone business. Liz Earle contributed 1% to the company’s consolidated revenues and adjusted operating profit in 2014. Liz Earle was acquired for £140 million, cash, by Walgreens health and wellness enterprise.

Avon will use the proceeds from the transaction for the redemption of its $250 million worth 2.375% notes that are due in March 2016.

WHAT DO EU THINK OBAMA? Obama has said that the UK’s EU membership “gives us much greater confidence about the strength of the transatlantic union, the EU made the world safer and more prosperous”. He also admitted that the failure to pass ‘common sense gun safety laws’ in the US was his biggest frustration. Mr Obama said the UK was America’s ‘best partner’ because of its willingness to project power beyond its “immediate self-interests to make this a more orderly, safer world”. He said British Prime Minister David Cameron had been an outstanding partner and congratulated his government for meeting the Nato target of spending 2% of GDP on defence. With just 18 months left in power, he said the area he has been ‘most frustrated and most stymied’ in was gun control ‘even in the face of repeated mass killings’. “If you look at the number of Americans killed since 9/11 by terrorism, it’s less than 100. If you look at the number that have been killed by gun violence, it’s in the tens of thousands,” Mr Obama said. “For us not to be able to resolve that issue has been something that is distressing,” he added.

21

{ NEWS }

NATIONAL NEWS UPS AND DOWNS The average advertised salary drops to £33,696 in June, which is down 0.9% from £34,002 in May, reaching an 11-month low. The number of advertised vacancies hits post-recession high at 1,092,030 in June, up 3.2% from May, but this growth is driven by an increase in lower-paid positions. The five most difficult places to get a job in the UK at the moment are in the North East of England, and it appears a fault line is opening in competition for jobs between the North and the South. Thankfully the National Living Wage (NLW) is set to impact one in 10 new workers across the UK, these workers being everyday heroes such as 15,000 new Healthcare & Nursing employees and 9,800 new Education professionals, both will see job roles advertised with a higher salary.

LOSING OUT

The recent EHRC survey of 3,200 women stated that one in nine mothers have suffered acts of pregnancy or maternity related discrimination in the workplace. In light of the survey, it suggests that as many as 54,000 new mothers risk losing their jobs each year. Leading expert and founder of Parental Choice Sarah-Jane Butler comments, “Despite all the huge strides that women have made since Emily Pankhurst, thousands of women each year still face discrimination in the workplace due to being pregnant or being a mother. The harassment, unfair treatment and negative attitudes that new mothers face is not only damaging to them but also immensely short sighted of the companies they work for. The loss of talent and experience only costs companies more in the long run and throws our so-called progressive society backwards.

It is no wonder that fathers aren’t taking up shared parental leave when they see their partners suffering so badly at their hands of their employers.”

WHAT A RIP OFF Businesses are being rolled over and locked into energy contracts without their permission.

Ivan McKeever, CEO of Sw i t c h M y B u s i n e s s . com, which carried out the study says “Smaller to mediumsized businesses are in a uniquely challenging position: the business energy market lacks the transparency that consumers now have and smaller businesses do not have the resources to liaise with lots of suppliers and negotiate a good deal.” 18.4% of businesses have been automatically rolled over onto a new contract without their permission and a further 16% of SMEs don’t know whether they have been a victim of auto-renewal. The study comes in the wake of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report, which found that UK SMEs are unnecessarily losing £500 million a year on energy. While some energy suppliers have made steps towards making the business energy market fairer, the practice of ‘auto-renewal’ – where businesses are ‘locked in’ to another fixed-term contract without their express permission – continues.

“The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”

22

{ NEWS }

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way.

If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”

THE UK’S PASSIONPRENEURS!

ATTRACTIVE BRITAIN The UK welcomed record numbers of tourists in 2014, with 34.4 million people visiting our shores, spending a record £21.8 billion in destinations across the country. The Prime Minister recently announced the Government’s new 5 point plan to boost tourism in every region of the UK spreading the benefits of one of our fastest growing sectors beyond the capital. A new interministerial group will be formed to co-ordinate and align action across Government to ensure that we have the right infrastructure in place to make it easy for visitors to discover the best of what this country has to offer. The group, headed by the Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, and including ministers from across government, including the Department for Communities and Local Government, BIS, DEFRA, Home Office, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, will focus on five key areas: A better co-ordinated sector: they want to see local attractions and tourism organisations collaborating to grow the sector for everyone not competing. Skills and jobs: Driving and retaining talent in the sector to encourage growth. Common sense regulation: Reforming regulation sensibly to drive competition and improve the tourism offer for visitors. Transport: Forging innovative links between the transport and tourism sectors to help visitors travel outside of the capital. Finally, An improved welcome: Delivering a world class welcome at the Border. The Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Millions of overseas tourists visit the UK every year and most take in the sights of London. But Britain has so much more to offer, from the Cornish Riviera to the Scottish Highlands and everything in between.”

A new survey has revealed that 80% of British workers would give up their day job to start a new business linked to a hobby or a passion of theirs if money was no object. Nearly half (49%) have little to no interest in their current career. The survey revealed that the age of 45 is the age 56% of us lose the love of our jobs. A new hobby inspires a fifth of us to become entrepreneurs with our passions in mind. For women, running a business linked to a passion for food and drink (26%) is the most common dream whereas for men, it’s their passion for outdoors activity and sport (30%). The research shows that aspiring ‘Passionprenuers’ are most likely to be between the ages of 1824 years (60%). In fact, 31% within this age group are 5-9’ers – people creating a new business idea outside of working hours.

Geographically, London is the top city for aspiring passionpreneurs. 47% of residents are making money from a hobby already, are setting up a business idea or attending an evening course linked to their hobby, with the long-term view of setting up a business.

CROWDFUNDING PROFIT

No business that has raised money via a UK based equity crowd-funding platform has yet been able to offer its investors a profitable exit. Until now that is. E-Car Club has just won the race to do exactly that. The business, which hires out electric cars on a pay-as-you-go basis, raised £100,000 for investors on the Crowdcube platform in 2013. And now it’s been bought by Europcar, the car hire company that operates throughout Europe and beyond.

E-Car Club and Europcar aren’t saying exactly what the deal is worth but they describe the exit terms offered to the 63 investors who put up that £100,000 two years ago as representing a ‘multiple return’. Most of those investors will not have expected to be able to walk away from their investment with a profit so quickly, but the emergence of a suitor in the form of Europcar has accelerated the exit process dramatically. E-Car Club’s sale therefore represents a breakthrough moment. Until now, British equity crowd-funding platforms have had to talk purely theoretically about the potential for investors to make money. Now they have a real-life case study to tell the world about.

23

SUPERWOMAN

By Maarten Hoffmann

“In Angela Merkel, the world has just witnessed the unmistakable return of Germany as the dominant power of Europe�

24

A

ngela Merkel is one of the few people to have migrated to East Germany from West Germany – a path rarely trodden in the rush of humanity trying to go the

{THE BIG STORY } of the vote and formed a second grand coalition with the SPD after the FDP lost all of its representation in the Bundestag.

other way. This move was prompted by her

In

2007,

Merkel

father’s religion: born Catholic, he converted

was President of the European

to Lutheranism and received a pastorate at

Council and chaired the G8, the

a church in Quitzow, which was then in East

second woman (after Margaret

Germany.

Thatcher) to do so. She played

Thus began the rise of a lady who is generally

a central role in the negotiation

recognised as the most powerful woman in the

of the Treaty of Lisbon and

world and the de facto leader of Europe. Merkel

the Berlin Declaration. One

is a riddle wrapped in a conundrum, having been

of her priorities was also

brought up in the East and formerly a member of

to

the Free German Youth (FDJ), a youth movement

economic

that was sponsored by the ruling Socialist Unity

signing

Party. Later, at the Academy of Sciences, she

the Transatlantic

became a member of the FDJ district board and

Council on 30 April, 2007.

Secretary for ‘Agitprop’, dealing with Agitation

Merkel is seen as playing

and Propaganda. Merkel claimed she was

a crucial role in managing

Secretary for Culture, and when Merkel’s ex-

the financial crisis at the

boss in the department contradicted her, she

European

insisted that “according to my memory, l was

levels, and has been referred to

Secretary for Culture. But what do l know? I

as “the decider.”

strengthen the

transatlantic

relations

by

agreement

for

and

Economic

international

believe l won’t know anything when l am 80.”

Merkel advocated a strong

The trouble was, she was not 80, and one might

transatlantic partnership and

therefore reasonably expect her to recall her

German-American friendship.

title. This is the woman who went on to rule over

In the spring of 2003, defying strong public

the largest exercise is democracy in a lifetime –

opposition, Merkel came out in favour of

the European Union. Hence the riddle.

the U.S. invasion of Iraq, describing it as

Merkel’s rise was predicted at a very young

“unavoidable” and accusing Chancellor Gerhard

age. At school, she learned to speak Russian

Schröder of anti-Americanism. She criticised

fluently and was awarded prizes for her

the government’s support for the accession of

proficiency in Russian and mathematics. At the University of Leipzig she studied physics from 1973 to 1978, earning a doctorate as a physical chemist for her thesis on quantum chemistry, after which she worked as a researcher and published several papers.

Merkel entered politics in the wake of the Revolutions of 1989, briefly serving as the Deputy Spokesperson for the first democratically

Turkey to the European Union and favoured a “privileged partnership” instead. In doing so, she reflected public opinion that grew more hostile toward Turkish membership of the European Union. Full Turkish membership would place the entire union in the hands of a country with 74 million Muslims, who would carry an enormous voting bloc, and this has long been deemed unacceptable.

In October 2010, Merkel told a meeting of younger members of her CDU party at Potsdam that attempts to build a multicultural society in Germany had “utterly failed”, stating: “The concept that we are now living side by side and are happy about it does not work and we feel attached to the Christian concept of mankind; that is what defines us. Anyone who doesn’t accept that is in the wrong place here.” She continued to say that immigrants should integrate and adopt Germany’s culture and values. This has added to a growing debate within Germany on the levels of immigration, its effect on Germany and the degree to which Muslim

immigrants

have

integrated

into

German society.

elected East German Government in 1990.

The current appalling debacle we see on the

Following the German reunification of that year,

streets of Calais, protested over by utterly inept

she was elected to the Bundestag for StralsundNordvorpommern-Rügen, a seat she has held ever since.

Following the 2005 federal election, she was appointed Germany’s first female Chancellor at the head of a grand coalition consisting of her own CDU party, its Bavarian sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). In the 2009 federal election, the CDU obtained the largest share of the vote, and Merkel was able to form a coalition government with the support of the CSU and the Free Democratic Party (FDP).

At the 2013 federal election, Merkel led the CDU/CSU to a landslide victory with 41.5%

“During the long night of negotiations over Greece on July 12-13, something fundamental to the European Union cracked”

British and French Governments, hinges on the refusal of Britain to take any more immigrants, ignoring the fact that Germany has taken in over 400,000 since 2012. Over the same period, the UK has taken in only 103,000.

On 25 September, 2007, Merkel met the 14th Dalai Lama for private and informal talks in the Chancellery in Berlin amid protests from China.

China afterwards cancelled separate talks with German officials, including talks with Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries. Unlike many world leaders, she did not buckle and stuck to her guns.

One of Merkel’s priorities was strengthening transatlantic economic relations: she signed

25

accusation: “This is like the Stasi.” And she

the agreement for the Transatlantic Economic Council on 30 April, 2007 at the White House.

The Council, co-chaired by an EU and a US official, aims at removing barriers to trade in a further integrated transatlantic free-trade area.

This project has been described as ultra-liberal by the French left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who fears a transfer of sovereignty from citizens to multinationals and an alignment of the European Union on American foreign policy and institutions.

Der Spiegel reported that tensions between Chancellor Merkel and US President Barack Obama eased during a meeting between the two leaders in June 2009. Commenting on a

“I understand why Putin has to do this — to prove he’s a man.

He’s afraid of his own weakness. Russia has nothing, no successful politics or economy.

All they have is this.”

would know! The newspaper also reported that Merkel was particularly angry because, based on the disclosures, “the NSA clearly couldn’t be trusted with private information, because they let Snowden clean them out.”

Rather

than

resorting

to

a

European

response, Merkel pursued a bilateral pact with the Americans aimed at curbing NSA activities and insisting on a “no-spying pact” between allies. Obama refused but agreed to desist from monitoring Merkel personally. It is alleged that she went into secret meetings with selected heads of European countries to devise technology that would defend against

White House press conference held after the

US snooping aggression. This is phenomenally

meeting, Der Spiegel stated, “Of course the

difficult as the US is the leading player in the

rather more reserved Chancellor couldn’t really keep up with the Obama charm offensive, but to reciprocate for Obama’s ‘good natured’ diplomacy, she gave it a go by mentioning the

for decades. In an angry exchange with Barack Obama, Angela Merkel compared the snooping practices of the US with those of the Stasi, the

sector and it marks the first time that Germany recognised US aggression since 1944.

Russia’s stance has always comprised a mixture of fascination and trepidation for Merkel.

experiences of Obama’s sister in Heidelberg,

ubiquitous and all-powerful secret police of the

making it clear that she had read his

Communist dictatorship in East Germany, where

Soviet history in an attempt to understand what

autobiography.”

she grew up. The German Chancellor also told

makes them tick. After all, if Europe is to stand

soured

the US President that the NSA cannot be trusted

up in its own right on the international stage and

dramatically when the leaks from whistle-

because of the volume of material it had allowed

rebuff America’s crass attempts to spy-then-

blower

that

to leak. Livid after learning that the Americans

placate, Russia would be the obvious partner.

America’s National Security Agency had been

were listening in on her personal mobile phone,

Alas, this plan was doomed after the Ukraine

spying on Germany, and on Merkel personally,

Merkel furiously confronted Obama with the

invasion and Putin’s ostracisation from Planet

Relations

26

between

Edward

the

Snowdon

two

revealed

Not only fluent in Russian, she has studied

Proof that Merkel speaks fluent English

Earth. Nevertheless, Merkel is very good at the long game and is now seen as the go-between for isolated Russia and the West.

Meeting Putin for talks at the Kremlin, she stressed the importance of finding a diplomatic solution. “It’s necessary for us to work, to cooperate, including over complicated situations - the way the situation is now - and try to find diplomatic solutions,” she said at the start of the talks.

Political analyst Lilia Shevtsova said the meeting between the two leaders was highly symbolic. “They are hardly happy to see each other,” the prominent pro-Western analyst wrote on Facebook. “He is trying to retain his seat at the table by turning to the shadows of the past and other people’s glory. But she has not accepted his rules of the game.”

He has shrugged off Merkel’s gesture and instead played up ties with Asia, Latin America

and the dog is a famous one. It was 2007 and

“Angela Merkel compared the snooping practices of the US with those of the Stasi, the ubiquitous and allpowerful secret police of the communist dictatorship in East Germany, where she grew up.”

Merkel was visiting Putin at his presidential residence in Sochi to discuss energy trade.

Putin, surely aware of Merkel’s well-known fear of dogs, waited until the press gathered in the room, then called for his black Labrador to be sent in. The Russian president watched in unconcealed glee as the dog sniffed at Merkel, who sat frozen in fear.

Later, in discussing the incident with a group of reporters, Merkel attempted an explanation of Putin’s behaviour. Her quote, reported in George Packer’s December 2014 profile of Merkel in the New Yorker, is one of the most pithily succinct insights into Putin and the psychology of his 14year reign that I have read: “I understand why he has to do this — to prove he’s a man,” Merkel said. “He’s afraid of his own weakness. Russia has nothing, no successful politics or economy.

All they have is this.”

and Africa. “Everyone we wanted to see was

Merkel is not the first person to suggest

here,” he said in televised remarks. He then

that Putin’s machismo — everything from his

immediately hosted 91-year-old Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who praised him for standing up to Washington and noted that their two countries had been slapped with sanctions.

“That is the reason why we should remain together,” Mugabe said. When the Zimbabwean Butcher is the only person who will talk to you,

you know there is a problem.

Putin is rumoured to be a raging misogynist, and having to deal with Merkel must rankle.

This was demonstrated for the entire world to see in 2007.

The incident of Vladimir Putin, Angela Merkel

harassment of fellow heads of state to his shirtless photos and his invasion of Ukraine are shows of strength meant to mask feelings of weakness. But she has put her finger on this phenomenon with remarkable bluntness. Her female instincts kick in and are right on the money.

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{ THE BIG STORY } feminists. And although her gender undoubtedly affected her career, Merkel very rarely talks about it. Her party has by far the smallest percentage of female members of parliament, even if their leadership and cabinet appear otherwise; she has always worked in maledominated environments. Her path to power has been more a marathon than a sprint, and one during which her ability was frequently doubted.

“Yet all this closeness has apparently made her respect Putin less, not more.”

Her political record on women’s issues is lacking, and many feel she has done too little to promote gender equality. Unresolved issues include equal pay, women’s career prospects and women on boards. Particularly troubling is that Germany has one of the highest gender pay gaps in Europe. This failure was recently criticised by the Social Democrats (SPD). Unlike Merkel, they call for the implementation of a minimum wage as a step towards correcting gender pay inequality. They also support women in higher positions by backing a 40% quota for She has an especially close relationship with Putin (this incident notwithstanding) and unusual insight into how Putin’s Russia works.

Among Western leaders, her relationship with Putin is almost certainly the closest and most important. Yet all this closeness has apparently made her respect Putin less, not more. It is also dangerous, tempting the nuclear-armed and legitimately formidable Russian military into

the women’s vote for her party, compared to 39% of German men. This goes against global trends, where women have begun to lean more towards the left of the political spectrum. But despite her success in the election, only 28% are happy with Merkel’s ‘Frauenpolitik’ and more than half of German women believe that a lot more needs to be done before gender equality is achieved.

women on boards, which Merkel delayed until

Dealing with prejudice throughout her career,

2020. But their criticisms were blunted by

Merkel has been reluctant to emphasise her

questions about the number of women in the

femininity. Years ago, as leader of the opposition

SPD leadership, which does not showcase the

during Gerhardt Schroeder’s chancellorship,

same gender diversity as the top ranks of the

‘Die Merkel’ made a conscious effort to run a

CDU.

gender-neutral campaign and would not have

This brings us to the deeper problem: issues

dared to tackle women’s issues for fear of

of gender remain largely unrecognised and

being labelled and restricted to those issues

unaddressed in German political discourse.

– a common fear among female politicians.

Neither party was willing to address issues

But unlike male leaders in the past, she has

a war in Europe. But at least Merkel, who is in

in gendered terms in their recent national

accidentally been bestowed with the ‘burden of

many ways the pivot point between Russia and

campaigns. The failure of German politics to

representation’, which makes her failure to act

the West, understands what she is up against.

address women’s issues is further highlighted

on behalf of women more visible.

And here is a point that cannot go

by the worrying fact that 46% of women don’t

Her dress style makes a firm statement that

unrecognised. Love her or hate her, Margaret

look to the government for help on women’s

she will not be judged by her gender. A vast

Thatcher was a force to be reckoned with

issues. Merkel managed to secure 44% of

array of trouser suits ensures that little

and stood up to hectoring bullies and maledominated military aggression. If Merkel is to be the confidante of both Obama and Putin, there is an obvious gender connection here. Do women make better politicians than men?

Both ladies were female scientists who became the first women to lead a maledominated Conservative Party, and the first women to lead their countries. But their leadership styles could not be more different.

Where Thatcher ruled with an iron fist, Merkel prefers discussion, deliberation and consensus.

Her nickname, ‘Mutti’ (‘mummy’), is a far cry from the ‘Iron Lady’. Her leadership style – prudent, democratic, and modest – has proven to be hugely successful. She exemplifies a different type of leadership, one that many other women, regardless of political affiliation, can relate to. A survey in August 2013 showed that a third of German women now consider her a role model.

Yet there is a significant similarity: neither Thatcher nor Merkel consider themselves

29

{ THE BIG STORY } her banks to open, to stay in the Eurozone.

comment, whether bitchy or complimentary, can be levied. Needless to say, the perennial

It was an exercise in power politics. Greece

“Germany remains under a shared roof, but it is a German roof that extends over Europe, not the other way around.”

Queen of the May, Karl Lagerfeld, couldn’t help himself when he whined: “Bad proportions, too long pants, too tight jackets. She has scarcely any time to come to Paris, and when she is in Paris to visit President Holland she is very busy.”

Not going to Paris to shop is his benchmark for judging women, which about says it all!

But with fashion not coming to her as naturally as economics, Merkel has got her formula and she’s sticking with it. Her signature

was the immediate object of the exercise, but Angela Merkel was giving a lesson in fiscal discipline to all the other debtor nations of Europe – including France. Germany’s first postwar Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, famously declared: “German problems can only be solved under a European roof.”

This was the concept guiding the creation of the European Union – Germany took the initiative to extend the roof to pool its power with that of

look comprises three-button blazers, often

its neighbours in a revolutionary experiment in

from German designer Bettina Schoenbach, in

surrendering sovereignty. But Europe’s debt

a huge range of colours. Dutch graphic designer

crisis has revealed a change. Germany remains

Noortje van Eekelen even created a personal Pantone chart that runs to an impressive 90 shades. That’s one for every situation Europe’s most powerful woman might find herself in.

In Angela Merkel, the world has just witnessed the unmistakable return of Germany as the dominant power of Europe. After decades of deliberately constraining its power, Germany has snapped its restraints. Instead of aligning itself to the collective interest of a unified Europe, Germany has asserted its own interests. At the extreme, there have been hysterical comparisons with Germany’s Nazi

past. But even moderate and responsible Germans have marked this episode as a turning point in the history of their country: “During the long night of negotiations over Greece on July 12-13, something fundamental to

the

European

Union

cracked,”

wrote

Germany’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, Joschka Fischer. What changed, he said, was “the Germany that Europeans have known since the end of World War Two”.

The German Chancellor put Germany’s demands ahead of those of its European partners.

She

extends over Europe, not the other way around.

This newfound German assertiveness has been called the “return of the German problem” and “the return of the ugly German”. Most dramatically, German newspaper Süddeutsche carried a piece about Merkel, under the headline: “Europe’s new enemy”. There has been talk of a “fourth Reich” or fourth empire.

As Heather Conley of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies puts it, the crisis over Greece is answering the post-World War Two question: “Will Europe develop in France’s image, financially underwritten by the

overruled her core

Germans? Or will Europe follow German rules,

partner,

in

financed and policed by Germany?” The answer

co-management

now emerging is: “Europe will be shaped by

the of

France,

Europe

the

majority

EU

and of

Germany (with occasional French intervention).”

Where’s Great Britain in all this?

governments.

Amid the anger and the angst over Greece

Formally, Greece has

and the European “periphery”, three central

been negotiating its

developments have been largely overlooked.

national

solvency

One is that Germany showed considerable

with

so-called

patience with Greece and Europe’s other debtor

“troika” of institutions

states. This is not the first time Germany has

– the EU, the European

rescued Greece from its own fecklessness.

the

Central Bank and the

As one commentator summarised it in

IMF. But, in reality, the

fewer than 140 characters: “Five years, four

nub of the negotiation

governments, three bail-outs ... and no basic

came

reforms on Greece’s part.”

down

to

Greece pleading with

A German leader today is a democrat, not

Germany, the weakest

a Nazi dictator, and has to operate within

debtor pleading with

democratic constraints. The German public

the strongest creditor.

had reached its limit. The final German offer

And

to Greece had the support of 57 per cent of

Merkel

submitting. laid

down

tough demands for

30

under a shared roof, but it is a German roof that

Germans – another 22 per cent wanted Berlin to go harder still.

Greece’s government

Second is that the Eurozone, and the EU

to raise her taxes,

itself, would have splintered years ago if not

cut her spending and

for Merkel’s determination and Germany’s

repay her debts. If she

strength. Remember all the headlines and

agreed,

would

confident prognostications that the EU couldn’t

receive enough new

stand, that it must shatter under the force of the

loans to allow her to

crisis? This was the orthodoxy. There was no

stay solvent, to keep

inevitability that the EU would endure.

she

Merkel’s Germany has held it together.

Third is that there is a world beyond Europe.

And it’s not all benign. Vladimir Putin’s angry Russian bear is real, and it’s increasingly aggressive. Who will stand up to it?

Among the major European powers, it has so far been Merkel’s Germany that has shown the

dominated the planet of 2.3 billion people. They easily conquered every country in Europe, with one hand tied behind their back, and went on to take over the world. Only the horrific Russian winter and America finally waking up stalled their progress.

This was a remarkable feat of efficiency.

firmest resolve to resist Russia. While the US under Obama dithers over what she is prepared to defend and what she will resist, Merkel’s Germany has been putting the spine into Europe.

Economically

and

strategically,

German

power is revealing itself to be the solid core of the Western world. And that’s not all bad news.

If we can forgive the barbaric transgressions of their forefathers, Germany could and should be our closest ally. That so-called ‘special relationship’ we have with America is so much tosh and nonsense. It’s all one-way, and to be frank, they couldn’t give a hoot for our thoughts.

“If we can forgive the barbaric transgressions of their forefathers, Germany could and should be our closest ally.”

I have a vague, passing interest in cars and therein lies an excellent example. Germanbuilt automobiles stand absolutely head and shoulders above the motoring crowd and have done for the past 30 years. They do not produce the finest machinery the world has ever seen with slave labour or smoke and mirrors. They work bloody hard, have the finest technical expertise, derived from an exceptional education and iron discipline, and earn a damn good crust from it.

If you can suspend your bemusement at the following example, l think it might emphasise the point. In 1939, this small country comprised 67 million citizens. They followed a deranged maniac, admittedly, but in their devotion and discipline they took to conflict and totally

The difference here is about 70 years and a woman. Mrs Merkel is unlikely to go to war or invade Poland, no matter what Basil Fawlty thinks. Here might be the opportunity for the UK to partner with a country to which we have been inextricably bound throughout history, devoid of aggression and masters of their universe.

Angela Merkel leads a people of determination and hard graft, and as we adopted our own royal family from their fair shores, perhaps we should be realising that allowing Germany to partner with the economic minnow that is France is lunacy. They will only ever be a subservient infant, and perhaps we should step forth and occupy our rightful place

by their side. But perhaps this is only possible once we have another female leader in Britain.

We are likely to be pipped to the post by the Americans yet again if Hilary Clinton achieves her dreams and occupies the White House. It is, perhaps, a measure of just how powerful she has become that Angela Merkel now appears to be influencing youth slang. The compilers of Germany’s most popular dictionary say that the verb “merkeln” is on track to become the most popular “youth word” of the year. Media strategists surrounding the Chancellor who may have fleetingly thought they could seize on the opportunity to encourage more young people to support the German Chancellor will, however, have been quickly disappointed.

The word is none-too flattering, meaning being indecisive, or failing to have an opinion on something – behaviour that Germans often attribute to Merkel.

And this is an issue that dogs most highly competent world leaders. The more they play on the international stage, the more support they lose at home. She has had tough decisions to make and they will never please everyone, but there is one inescapable truth: Frau Angela Dorothea Merkel has taken Germany from a country that was ashamed of its past, content to live in the shadows of the world stage to being one of the biggest players on the planet, the leading state in Europe, one of the wealthiest and most productive countries around and the psychological counsellor of Messrs. Putin and Obama.

It might take a while, but Merkel will one day be recognised as one of the most influential women the world has ever seen.

31

{ INVESTMENTS }

CHINA CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

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

CHINESE WHISPERS (LOUD ONES) It’s fascinating in the investment world how quickly we move on from one major worry to the next. It seems a short time ago that Greece was on everyone’s mind, yet now that an agreement has been reached (however temporary – we will return to this) this has been put to the back of the collective mind and been replaced by China.

The most common question we get at present is “but what about China?”

The recent Chinese stock market crash (correction, pull back, call it what you will) has been well publicised over here, appearing as a feature on numerous news reports. It reminds me of my late Dad, who always used to phone when news headlines shouted about Billions Being Wiped Off Stocks. “You never call me about the Billions Being Wiped ON Stocks headlines, do you, Dad?” I grumbled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about son,” he’d say. “I’ve never seen those headlines.”

32

“Exactly, Dad. Exactly.”

In a similar way, most people in the UK are unaware that the Chinese “A” Share market rose by over 100% before it gave back its 30% in the “crash”. As usual, most private investors waited too long before joining the party as the market was rising and suffered burnt fingers as the bubble burst, but it has raised awareness about China and its effect on the global economy. So how worried should we be by a Chinese slow down? Possibly, not as much as we fear.

JUST IMAGINE THAT CHINA DOES NOT EXIST Hear us out on this one! We’re going to lean heavily upon a research note published by BCA Research for the following comments, but it makes for an interesting perspective.

The perception we have in the West is that China is now a global powerhouse and is somehow ever more central to the global economic wherewithal than is perhaps

comfortable. Its influence is undeniable, and one would be a fool to argue otherwise, but is it as influential as we think?

Comparing the Greek stock market and the Chinese stock market is like comparing Manchester United to Accrington Stanley in terms of size. China has a market cap of some $5.9 trillion, whereas the Greek stock market is smaller in terms of value than Expedia.com. Yet the influences of each may be misinterpreted.

There is an argument that says that the Greek crisis is less about Greece itself and more about the wider entity that is the European Union and the single currency. What happens with Greece could be the canary in the coalmine when and if other peripheral European states enter a similar crisis. On a global scale, what happens in Europe is potentially far more damaging than a Chinese slowdown.

So this is where we ask you to suspend real life for a while. Imagine that China did not exist.

{ INVESTMENTS }

“China has a market cap of some $5.9 trillion, whereas the Greek stock market is smaller in terms of value than Expedia.com. Yet the influences of each may be misinterpreted”

As BCA state, “One’s first reaction may be to say that growth would collapse as exports to China evaporate. But that is looking at only one half of the equation. If China disappeared, everything that China now exports would have to be produced elsewhere. Since China exports more than it imports, over the long haul, that could mean more employment in the rest of the world.”

Much depends upon whether your country is a consumer or a supplier. The popular view is that China is the seat of global manufacturing and that it has been quite clever in lending the US the money (by buying Treasuries – the US equivalent of gilts - and thus the vehicles by which governments borrow money) to buy Chinese goods, thus boosting the Chinese economy. However, there is also the perception that China has been hoovering up the world’s commodities in order to urbanise its population and is thus the world’s major importer as well.

How often do we hear of companies hoping to open the door to sell to China?

In reality, Chinese “true” exports are not as great as we may think. A large share of Chinese imports is only intermediary as they go towards making something that is exported again. For example, China only adds about 4% value to an iPhone, even though there is a Made in China sticker on the back. Who would a slowing Chinese economy affect most? Not the USA, whose exports to China only account for 0.7% of their GDP. Britain, France, Italy and Spain would be similarly only slightly hit as we all sit around the 1% of GDP figure. Germany would

hurt more, with a 2.6% figure, but it is the rest of Asia and the commodity-producing countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Brazil, Australia and Chile that would bear the brunt of a Chinese deceleration.

This is why we maintain our negative stance on Emerging Markets.

So, when we’re asked about China, our reply is along the lines of yes, it is a concern, but there are perhaps other things we should worry about more in the short term.

INTEREST RATES ON THE RISE? Notwithstanding our comments above on China and its importance in the global economy, we appear to be a lone voice when it comes to interest rate expectations in the US. Everyone now seems to be fairly confident that rates are going to go up (not a lot, as Paul Daniels would say) in September, but we’re not so sure. Certainly, if they did, it wouldn’t be a great surprise to see them come down again fairly quickly, reflecting that the initial rise has been a mistake.

Why would you raise rates when you have a potential threat to global growth, such as a Chinese deceleration, and with inflation still hiding, effectively, from view? The US economy is not exactly steaming ahead, and oil and commodity prices remain depressed. We get the sense that interest rates may go up, simply because, well, it’s about time they did. And that would be a dangerous mistake. The same goes for this country. There appears to be absolutely

no reason for a rise, yet one of the MPC actually voted for one at the last meeting. Bizarre.

Interest rates staying on hold for longer could see a market rally take place, even though it should perhaps worry more about the reasons behind rates staying where they are, which would, by and large, be negative. No one ever claimed investors’ logic was easy to understand.

THEY THINK IT’S ALL OVER… It’s not yet. Anyone who thinks that the Greek crisis is over should have a long sit down. Our view is that the conditions Greece accepted (beyond grudgingly) in July are clearly unsustainable and will be challenged within months. Quite what happens next we don’t know, but life in Greece took a turn for the worse a few weeks ago and history shows us that the people don’t stay quiet for long in such circumstances.

Another chapter to the Greek Tragedy is just a few pages away, we fear.

These are our views and are for professional use only.

The information contained within this feature is for guidance only and is not a recommendation of any investment or a financial promotion.

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

33

CHANGES TO TAX RELIEF ON LET PROPERTY

by Martin Neve, Partner at Kreston Reeves www.krestonreeves.com

I

n the Summer Budget 2015 George Osborne announced two major changes to the tax relief available to landlords of residential property.

The unexpected restriction of tax relief for mortgage interest was sufficiently tough to see a drop in the share price of some home builders and banks specialising in buy-to-let mortgages.

The changes in tax relief available to landlords, which will be introduced from April 2016, are examined here.

34

Reform of tax relief on expenditure on residential let property The first intended reform relates to the tax relief available to landlords of residential property for their expenditure on furniture and furnishings.

Landlords have historically been able to claim the “renewals basis” for the replacement of furniture and furnishing, or the “wear and tear allowance,” if the property is let fully furnished.

However, from 6 April, 2013 the renewals basis was withdrawn, which left landlords of unfurnished or partly furnished property unable to claim any tax relief for the replacement of items such as suites, beds, carpets, curtains, linen, crockery or white goods such as cookers, washing machines and dishwashers, and so on.

Until the Summer Budget, landlords of furnished property had a distinct advantage in that they could claim the wear and tear

{ TAX}

The new system will not affect tax relief for expenditure on routine repairs to a property, including furniture and furnishings and fittings in it, which will continue, as now, to be taxdeductible in full. Landlords of furnished holiday lettings can continue to claim capital allowances for furniture, furnishings and fittings used in the property.

Our advice to landlords of unfurnished or partly furnished property is to delay, where possible, any major expenditure on replacement furniture and furnishings such as white goods, carpets or curtains and so on until the results of the technical consultation are known later this year. It should be borne in mind that any expenditure on replacements between now and 5 April, 2016 will attract no tax relief, whereas such expenditure incurred after 6 April, 2016 could potentially, under the new rules, attract 100% tax relief. Also consider making repairs to furniture or furnishings in need of replacing prior to 5 April, 2016, as repair costs will continue to attract 100% relief.

“The owners of unfurnished and partly furnished properties should benefit from the new system.” allowance, amounting to 10% of rents, even if they did not actually incur any costs in replacing furniture or furnishings.

This relief was seen as over-generous by the government and will be abolished from 6 April, 2016. It applies to companies as well as individual landlords. In its place will be a new system that enables landlords of residential property to claim tax relief on costs they actually incur. The government has published a technical consultation which proposes that the new relief mirrors the old “renewals relief,” giving landlords tax relief on the replacement costs of furniture and furnishings from 6 April, 2016.

While the new system could result in higher tax bills for landlords of furnished property, the owners of unfurnished and partly furnished properties should benefit from the new system.

Restriction of tax relief on finance costs The second reform relates to finance costs, such as mortgage interest and fees incurred when taking out or repaying mortgages or loans.

The reform will limit the tax relief landlords can gain from the interest payments on their buy-to-let mortgages. Currently, landlords can offset the interest costs against their entire income tax bill and receive relief at 20%, 40% and 45%, but from 6 April, 2017 tax relief will gradually be restricted to the basic rate of income tax only. This restriction will apply to individuals (including individual members of partnerships and LLPs) only. The reform will not affect companies, but the position of trusts is not yet clear. The owners of furnished holiday lettings will be unaffected by this change.

To give landlords time to adjust, the measure will be phased in over four years as follows: • In 2017/18 the deduction from rental income will be restricted to 75% of finance costs, with the remaining 25% being available as a 20% basic rate tax reduction; • In 2018/19, 50% of finance costs as a deduction from rents and 50% given as a basic rate tax reduction; • In 2019/20, 25% of finance costs as a deduction from rents and 75% given as a basic rate tax reduction; • From 2020/21, all financing costs incurred by a landlord will be given as a basic rate tax reduction.

It will be possible to carry forward any unrelieved interest to future years where the tax reduction has been limited to 20% of the profits of the rental business.

Potentially, the restriction of finance costs could significantly reduce the post-tax income a landlord can make from their letting business.

Since the change does not affect how companies claim tax relief, one response may be to consider adopting a limited company structure. While the rates of corporation tax are due to fall to 18% by 2020, there are many other factors to take into account before deciding to incorporate a property letting business.

Just a thought...

The Rent A Room rules were also changed by the Summer Budget. The annual exemption was increased from £4,250 to £7,500. This is basically an allowance that can be set against the rent received with the balance taxed at the taxpayers marginal rates of tax. No other expenses can be claimed against the rental income, but if Rent A Room applies to you, or could now apply to you in view of the increased exemption, it is clearly worth looking at how these interest relief changes affect you.

For further advice on maximising all available reliefs, minimising your tax exposure and on the possibility of incorporating your business, contact Martin Neve at Kreston Reeves for professional advice specific to your own circumstances.

35

Sussex-based Skerritts have won the industry-recognised Citywire New Model Adviser award for the South East for the 5th successive year. The awards were presented by comedian and TV presenter Clive Anderson.

{ MARKETING }

BIG BEACH GOES BACK TO SCHOOL…

By Louise Walden Director of Big Beach Marketing

S

o a few weeks ago, just before the school holidays, I found myself back at school.

Not the infant or primary kind with very small chairs and cute kids. But the other kind; big building, large library and teenagers… 15 year-olds actually. Scary?

I was disconcerted for two reasons; I hadn’t been to a secondary school since I left my own back in 1989, bringing back some (mainly) unwanted memories as I walked through the corridors. Also, young teenagers – why would they want to listen to me? I must seem ancient to them…

I was at Worthing High School as part of an initiative about professional writers. Their English teacher had brought together a small group of people who used their writing talents to create a career. She wanted to inspire them and show that if you had a skill for writing, there was a multitude of things you could do.

In addition to myself there was a journalist, a blogger and a crime writer, and we had 10 minutes with several groups of 3 or 4 talented young writers.

I must admit that I felt both honoured and nervous to be asked, especially as marketing is such a broad subject, and perhaps not as ‘exciting’ as, say, being an author. But I like a

challenge, and I went prepared with a few slides, examples of brochures I’d written, websites where I’d delivered the copy and a cereal box.

The kids were great, asked lots of interesting questions and had a good grasp of marketing - which got me thinking. We are constantly surrounded by marketing messages: bus stop posters, intelligent banners, email, direct mail through your door, radio adverts, Facebook adverts, LinkedIn posts…

How does a business differentiate itself, not just from the competition, but from the other ‘noise’? You’re not just competing with others in your market for the consumer spend – but for the other ways that consumers (or businesses) could spend their money.

And, of course, the answer is not straightforward. Successful marketing puts you in the right place at the right time, that is, at a business event, or with a personal letter or 1st page on Google. But you need more to make that sale…you need the sales team. It seems obvious, but maybe you should check just how co-ordinated your sales activity is with any marketing that you do. You need the perfect ‘pincer’ movement of Sales and Marketing understanding each other, providing support with insight and information, planning

Big Beach Marketing Tel: 01273 434552 Web: www.bigbeach.co.uk together and reviewing the results to improve performance.

As part of our role as virtual marketing directors, we try, where possible, to work closely with the sales teams in our client organisations.

To seek feedback on the campaigns and copy we provide, but also to gain insight into what gets potential customers interested and sitting forward on their seats when sales people are talking on a day-to-day basis.

It’s all well and good being able to write, but being able to write the right thing, for the right audience, is what will hopefully have potential customers reading your emails, your website, your stand graphics and so on. We don’t profess to be Don Draper in Mad Men; advertising is a skill of its own, but we do try to capture what is unique about your business and successfully deliver those benefits to your desired audience.

Hopefully, the children took away something positive from the experience I shared, and who knows, perhaps one or two will go on to a career in marketing.

For more information on how we write for clients, call us on 01273 434552, or visit www. bigbeach.co.uk.

37

{ INTERVIEW }

TAYLOR MADE AWARDS It’s almost time for nominations to open for the 8th Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. The awards have become the highlight of the business calendar, thanks to the hard work of Jeremy Taylor and his team. Ian Trevett caught up with Jeremy to talk awards and business in the Gatwick Diamond, which straddles Sussex and Surrey (and even a part of Kent).

I

f you have ever attended an event hosted by Jeremy Taylor, Chief Executive of Gatwick Diamond Business, you will most likely have

you give people permission to enjoy being

The 2015 awards were sold well in advance

there, because we’ve all been to far too many

and the attendance of just over 600 was only

dry business events. It creates a relaxed

limited by the space of the venue.

heard his most-used phrase: ‘Maximum glory,

atmosphere, which makes it comfortable for

“The region could probably do with more

minimum work!’ A great sound-byte, but the

people to talk to each other. I was talking to

conference and meeting space to help grow.

success of the awards is most certainly a result

one of last year’s sponsors, who said that our

Effingham Park do a fantastic job for us and the

of maximum, rather than minimum, work.

awards was probably the best event she went

room always looks really, really good.

“We aim to give people glory and do the hard

to last year. What’s great is, in the months

“We’ve obviously got to make sure there’s

work for them”, Jeremy clarifies, although I’m

afterwards, people come up and say, ‘I really

enough space for all the finalists to be there,

sure that wasn’t what he said last time I heard

enjoyed your Business Awards.’

because we want our winners and finalists to be

him on stage.

“We’re in our eighth year of the Gatwick

in the room. It’s about celebrating all of them,

The fact is that when he hosts awards or

Diamond Business Awards and we’re about to

so we keep a proportion of the tickets back for

networking events, you sense there is a bit of

give away our 100th award, so you could say

those who are finalists, but it can be a bit tight

mischief going on, and the tongue is firmly in

this is already our Centenary Year!

on whether we’d get everyone in. But we did.”

cheek. And then there’s his choice of presenters:

“Each year the event gets bigger and bigger

a who’s-who of British comedy. Since Sir Trevor

and the range of businesses is vast. We do

Gather 600 people together, add dinner and

McDonald’s smooth professional stint as host,

know that the awards mean a lot to businesses;

free-flowing wine, it could be a recipe for

the front men have been Tim Vine, Hugh Dennis,

the winners are delighted and the runners-up

chaos and a loss of attention after the first few

Alexander Armstrong and Rory Bremner. This

sometimes find it difficult. But there’s a lot to

awards. However, the awards haven’t suffered

year it is Sanjeev Bhaskar.

learn from taking part as we have a thorough

from the distracting hum of background noise.

feedback process.”

Is it a challenge to keep the crowd onside

“If you put humour into a business situation,

38

{ INTERVIEW }

“I’m working on a way that maybe we can work with schools and join in a school work experience programme. ” throughout the awards?

the people, will you make the party?’ That

“It is a challenge, but one of the best ways

model has carried on for coming up on 25 years

you can do it is a combination of technology and

now. The way we try to represent the business

personality. So you make sure you’ve got the

community, the fact that we have a strong voice

right person at the front of the room who knows

and a strong opinion on many subjects – we got

how to control the room, and then also our AV

that from Brian.”

Partner, Avensys, have invested heavily in their

Jeremy Taylor worked for Cadia in the 1990s

systems to make sure that the sound engages

and returned in 2004. His arrival coincided with

the whole room. Having a round room helps

the launch of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative

because there’s always a good line of sight for

and the establishment of that identity for the

pretty much everyone in the room. There are no

economic area surrounding the Airport. There

pillars, there are no obstacles, everyone feels

are many who claim responsibility for founding

very much a part of it, and then just the way we

the Gatwick Diamond, but Jeremy isn’t one of

structure the evening makes sure that everyone

them. He did decide, however, to adopt it.

is engaged as best we can.

“When I became Chief Executive in 2004, it

“The awards are a major part of our business,

was a part-time job and I had a budget for a

it’s been fantastically useful. The important thing

part-time assistant. We’re now up to four full-

to stress is it’s not just a membership function;

time staff and I’d like to get a fifth person in.

it is for any business within the region. We want

“I’m working on a way that maybe we can

to celebrate the totality of the Gatwick Diamond

work with schools and join in a school work

economy, so we’re not at all parochial about it.

experience programme.

There is no influence given over whether people are members or not.”

“The first thing we wanted to do was add colour, add a sense of humour, add some vibrancy, helped by all the Chairmen across the

The awards are just one aspect of the Gatwick

years. Every two years I get a new Chair to work

Diamond Business organisation, which

with and there have been some really, really

has been a regular fixture in the area for

good people.

generations.

“David Montgomery is the Chair until June

“We’ve been going for over 60 years. We

2016. I have an Executive Board, Directors, and

started when Manor Royal, Crawley and Gatwick

we are blessed with a very good Treasurer.

Airport were built, as the representative voice

We’re a relatively low-turnover business, but

for the manufacturers on Manor Royal, originally

we’ve got an enormously high profile, and, as

as Crawley and District Industries Association

it’s the members’ money, I’m very aware of what

(Cadia).

we’re spending.”

“The first full-time Chief Executive was in 1991/92, a very bullish chap, a really nice guy,

So where exactly does the Gatwick Diamond

Brian Stow. Brian had a unique style, which was

cover?

something of a cross between Brian Clough and

“The Gatwick Diamond is deliberately fuzzy

Mike Baldwin. He knew a lot of people and had a

in its boundaries to confuse the politicians”,

very high profile within the business community,

chuckles Jeremy. “It’s centred on Gatwick,

and I have copied a lot of what he stood for. Our

obviously, but it goes down to the coast, it goes

programme of free member events started

up to the capital and it’s for businesses who are

under Brian, as he said to venues, ‘If we bring

doing business in the Diamond, and that’s why

we’ve had winners from Chichester, Brighton, London, Kent and Surrey, because, if they’re doing business in this region, they’re benefitting the region.

“We’re a membership organisation, our Articles of Association are all about what we do to represent members and bring benefits.

In fact, we’re just launching an online forum that any business can look at, but if you’re a member, you get access to the good stuff.

There’s exclusive material and exclusive offers for members given by members.

“A lot of people talk about the fact that in business you have to do selling. But actually, people are buying as well, and we neglect the buyers. We’ve created an exclusive area of the website forum called ‘I need a...’, and it is purely for people to put on the products and services that they are going to spend money on.

“We also aim to open it up to tendering opportunities, so we’ll keep an eye on the big companies, and if they’re putting tenders out and they’re in the public domain, we aim to post those. The ambition is that if people are members, they’ll have first go at finding that information.

“Alongside the networking events, we deliver learning workshops and seminars and the content will be available exclusively for the members. They can see the presentation, engage with the presenter or the trainer, ask the questions and get the questions answered as well. So it’s a big advisory service for the membership.”

39

{ INTERVIEW } has been upgraded). The North– South rail network is improving and in fact the Chancellor has signed off a study into Brighton Main Line 2, which is worth looking at. It is to the East, so it curves round Gatwick, to East Grinstead, Lewes, Uckfield, and it will connect Brighton into London with a second line. It makes a lot of sense because the line is pretty much there, it just needs a bit of connecting.

“There is a manufacturing heartland

here,

professional

there

are

services

in

Haywards Heath, East Grinstead has a good mix of manufacturing and

professional

while

Horsham

businesses, and

Reigate

are homes to substantial head offices. And then you look at the strip going up into Redhill, which could be developed.

If

we get a second runway I can see that becoming a logistics heartland for the businesses who are relocated to the North of the Diamond, while there will be a new logistics centre at the edge of Burgess Hill on the M23. So it’s a really good, healthy, vibrant, diverse economy, because an airport brings economic diversity.

And in closing, what are the issues you are working on at the moment?

“The main part of our lobbying is still on the second runway

The gdb Team at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2015

at Gatwick, but we are firm advocates for road and rail

Businesses in the Gatwick Diamond are spread out over a big region, so have you become the social side of the business region?

“I think so. Doing business in the Diamond is different to a city, as there isn’t really an afterhours business culture here. It’s disparate, and also, a lot of people who run the businesses don’t live in the area. There’s a lot of in-commuting and there’s a lot of out-commuting as well.

“Many of the business leaders don’t live in the region or in the town, but you still get that vibrancy. You’ve got a major international airport, fantastic transport links with the developing M23 and the M25, as well as the A27 (once it

40

developments, the provision of

“Alongside the networking events, we deliver learning workshops and seminars and the content will be available exclusively for the members.”

the right skills for our employers, affordable and aspirational housing and, in light of the issues with Permitted Development Rights, the challenges facing our supply of employment land.

“And we also want any business in the region to grow! Join us or enter the Awards … and you might get that glory!”

Nominations for the GDB Awards open 7th October. www.gatwickdiamondbusiness.com www.gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com

The direct route to simplicity

“If you want reliability and call quality, if you want someone you can trust that’s not going to let you down, if you want quantifiable cost savings – then Teliqo offers all of this and more.”

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0203 370 6300 contact@teliqo.com

www.teliqo.com

{ INTERVIEW }

THE SERIAL DISRUPTER

Dr Simon Hochhauser, chairman of Teliqo, is on a mission to revolutionise the telecoms industry following a career as a disrupter, which began long before the term even existed. He fought for video-on-demand when people could only source movies from their local video shops, and is now looking to reinvent the way classical music is accessed. As Ian Trevett discovers, he is not a man afraid of change... ou don’t have to have a PhD in Mathematics and Physics to start a telecoms company, but presumably,

Y

Holography - there’s a very 1980s concept.

quiet; as a means of storage of information it’s

Red Dwarf and all that. Whatever happened to

quite interesting. It’s a very efficient means

holography?

of storing information or recreating optical

it does help. “I’m a Physicist by training, an

“It’s a great storage mechanism,” says

academic originally, specialising in the 1980s

Simon. “Holography is built into a lot of other

in the business applications of optical fibre, and

technologies. But holography per se has gone

I stand corrected. I met with Dr Hochhauser

also holography.”

very, very quiet. As a photographic method it’s

at the Pall Mall headquarters of the Institute of

42

elements. That was the research I did, much of it with optical fibre.”

{ INTERVIEW }

“I soon realised that qualifications meant nothing unless you could apply it and use your skills to solve problems.”

Directors, which is appropriate, as he accurately

“In those days you had to build everything. I

with a view to always delivering something that

describes himself as a serial entrepreneur,

became an entrepreneur, so I moved to the other

people have demonstrated they want; it’s not

and we talked about the future of technology,

side of the fence. The thing I love is innovation

just innovation for innovation’s sake. People

classical music, the Cold War and why Hull is

and change, I really love it, challenging the

want to see movies and television when it’s

different from the rest of the UK.

traditional way. Television was the only way of

convenient to them. We got stymied, however,

But first, some background to Simon’s

watching movies in your house, or you could

because BT was quite slow in those days in

fascinating career. After immersing himself in

rent tapes from the video store. So video on

rolling out broadband.

academia, he made the leap into a high-paced

demand was a very, very novel concept in 1993.

“We needed to be national. Even though BT

life on Wall Street at the late Lehman Brothers

“Video shops were a pain. You had to go down,

had been privatised in the 80s, they still had

in New York. “They were a very active firm,

you had to find it, not know whether it was in or

the culture of a nationalised company, of the

and very innovative. They shouldn’t have failed

it was out and you could only rent it for a set

civil service, and it was very difficult to get that

and probably wouldn’t have done so if the

period. We saw the technologies were already

entrepreneurial spirit. They were reluctant

circumstances had been different. But it was a

available. Broadband was already available,

to invest in broadband and ADSL, which we

very, very high-pressured firm, like they all are,

ADSL had been developed from the late 80s

needed. Because they were so slow, we couldn’t

and we were a group of mathematicians and

and we set up a trial operation of full video-on-

sustain a rapid growth, so we sold the business

physicists working on new products in the early

demand in Hull.

to what has ultimately become TalkTalk TV. I

80s for the firm.

“I soon realised that qualifications meant nothing unless you could apply them and use your skills to solve problems. I always tell young people when they’re starting their careers, it’s about having an analytical approach to solving problems. Anything can be solved and it’s all a matter of how you go about it; you break it down.

When I joined Lehman Brothers, I knew nothing about business or anything. Somebody walked up to me and he said, “Okay, Hochhauser, we want you to work out the basis point difference

moved on to establish other businesses using

“Holography there’s a very 1980s concept. Red Dwarf, and all that.

Whatever happened to holography?.”

broadband. I was a pioneer in broadband in the UK in ADSL. I was what would now be called a ‘disrupter’.

“Not all disruption is good, not all innovation is good, but there are times when people get very, very conditioned by the way they’ve always done things.”

On the face of it, the telecoms is a crowded place, and full of companies that innovate, so Simon’s move into the business connectivity sector with Teliqo seems quite surprising.

attributable to the tax treatment of deep

“It’s that same concept of looking at an

discount bonds.” I looked at him blankly - I had

industry and asking if is there something

no idea what the hell this guy was talking about.

“Hull has a separate telephone network from

about the new inter-connective world which

The analytical approach is to take that sentence,

the rest of the UK, it never was part of BT and

challenges the way things have traditionally

break it into its constituent parts: what is a bond,

it always had its own telephone system. Hull

been done. And there is, and that’s really the

what is a deep discount bond, why would the tax

is a very interesting city. In the 20th century it

basis of Teliqo.

treatment of those bonds be different from any

was the only city to remain out of the GPO and,

“In the industry, it’s all about hosted telephony

other bond. Once you do that, the answer can be

later, BT. It owned its own municipal telephone

where you would install the equipment and the

found.

system. It looked and felt like BT, they had

PBX (Private Branch Exchange) boxes which did

“The main integration of my business and

cream telephone boxes instead of red telephone

what they said on the package and everybody

technological experience came in 1983 when

boxes – interconnected with BT, but it was run

bought essentially the same system.

I set up a technology venture capital fund, one

by Kingston Communications, and originally by

American companies like Avaya, Mitel, Cisco

of the earliest in the UK, for Jacob Rothschild in

Hull City Council.

would develop big systems and then they would

London. The idea was to become a very active fund, starting up businesses, working with entrepreneurs to help them build a business rather than simply investing money. We did this for a number of businesses, both here and in the US, and built quite a nice team for that.

Then I had the idea in the early 90s of videoon-demand, the idea that you could watch any movie, any time, and control your movie viewing - what we now call streaming.

“We built a company up to about 650 people, with offices in Los Angeles to negotiate rights.

Everything was new – the law was new, the idea of video-on-demand contracts with studios was new, technology was new, from the server right the way through to set-top boxes. It was challenging everything, and that’s what I love.

I just love the idea of being able to deliver something based on innovation; innovation

Large

have resellers, smaller companies in different territories, including the UK. “They would install, maintain, provide calls (as they became deregulated), and lines. But essentially they were all doing the same thing, through reselling, which is very good for that market. Then along came the internet and suddenly all this functionality moved into the internet itself. There was no need to have these discreet boxes in the building. The early days of

43

{ INTERVIEW }

Smartphone, integrated with apps that appear on the Smartphone. All of that we’re doing now, today, and we’re integrating it, we’re taking it on. But we’re also not charging them for the costs of doing so. A reseller, typically, has to pay a licence fee to their supplier. For example, in this country, there is a very good product called Horizon, offered by a large network and services company called Gamma, which is based on technology developed by Broadsoft in the United States, and is then sold on, via resellers, to end users. At each stage there’s a margin.”

Simon has an eye on disrupting another Rudolf Nureyev with Simon and his parents, Victor and Lillian Hochhauser in 1978 VoIP were a bit rough, as any technologies are,

CRM system, you’d pay for that. I decided that

but nowadays the quality is, I would say, much

we could do it because we controlled it all, we

better quality than we get on the traditional ISDN

could do it all for a single price, which would

or copper wire. But the traditional method of

undercut the competition, because we have no

reselling somebody else’s technology remained

middleman margin.

because that’s the way the industry is set up.

“It’s like the way Microsoft now distribute

“What this means is the power of internet-

Word and Excel, with a yearly license. It is

driven telephony hasn’t been fully exploited.

‘software as a service’, or SaAS. It’s a generic

We built our own core technology, like I did with

concept, selling software. And everything we do

video-on-demand in the 90s, utilising Open

is software these days; even a telephone call is

Source software, but we built all the customer

software.

functionality and technology innovation around

“So we charge monthly, even for the hardware

that ourselves. And that means that when

you need. But increasingly that will move away

customers want something done, we can do so

from the hardware as it becomes app-driven,

quickly and effectively.

using Smartphones, which you have anyway

market - the way that classical music is delivered.

“There are a lot of music streaming services, but the consumer of classical music looks for music in a different way. They don’t just want a track; they look for a total symphony. They want to compare different works performed by different artists, or concertos.

“Every group of customers has a way of consuming products. The mass market is the youth market – which is very much rock, pop, constantly changing, constantly dominated by the latest trend, and technology follows.

If you’re looking at something which doesn’t change by fashion, which requires a quality of sound, not just on your iPhone, but also on your Hi-Fi equipment, you have to start with the

“The devil is in the detail. Business is all

in offices. All of these things are subscription

about personalisation these days; it’s about

services. I think subscription is really the

moulding, tailor-making – not just in telephony;

name for both consumer as well as business

way back to the technology delivery; suddenly,

you see it increasingly in biotechnology. It’s

services. It’s a set cost; you know where you

you find you’re in a very different world from the

about moulding a solution to the requirements

are in business, you know what your costs are

normal music streaming service. I think jazz will

of a specific customer. So, whereas we’ll all talk

so you don’t worry. Even call charges have

be the same.

about general functionality like integration with

now disappeared. We’ve pretty much fixed all

“For this reason, classical music is a poorly

Customer Relationship Management (‘CRM’)

national and mobile calls in the UK to a simple

served market. Yes, there’s a lot of classical

systems or teleconference rooms, as we aren’t

price. Gradually, that will be with international

music when you look for it on these big services,

resellers, we can respond quickly to bespoke

as well, so the whole world is becoming a

an enormous amount. But you have to look for

requests.

subscription service.

it, you have to find it and probably most people

customer in the armchair. What is it they are looking for? How do they look for it? Work your

“One of our customers needed to integrate

“The next generation, which is app-driven,

have given up by the time they have taken their

our phone service with quite a specialised CRM

won’t require much in the way of a sales force.

CD out of its traditional plastic box and stuck

and a project management software. We did that

So much of what we sell today will be free so

that on. It’s early days. A group of us is working

in the space of a week.

the next generation is totally disruptive; it’s

on that project, which will be announced at

“Another innovation is one price per user per

neither resellers nor anything else. There

some stage. So it’s all about looking at different

month. Up to now you would pay your monthly

will be quickly-developed apps, and they are

ways of innovating.”

charges, your call charges, your installation

worldwide, they are global.

If anyone understands the world of classical

charges, you pay a maintenance charge and

“We are planning for complete co-operation

music, it is Simon. An accomplished violinist and

if you want a conference room, you pay for

with Smartphones. That’s the device for the

chorister, he also happens to be the son of Victor

that. If you wanted an integration with your

future of all businesses. The engine will be the

and Lillian Hochhauser, who for 60 years have

44

{ INTERVIEW }

“My father had brought the Kirov Ballet here in 1961 and Nureyev jumped the barrier as they were coming over from France.” been the foremost independent impresarios of

it’s not economic and not possible in the United

classical music and ballet in Britain. When the

Kingdom. Of course, now we laugh, but you’re

Cold War dominated international relations,

chipping away at people’s preconceived ideas.

somehow they managed to bring some of the

“BT was a very powerful company, and

most illustrious musical artists from the Soviet

then they gradually became more and more

Union to perform in the West. They brought to

entrepreneurial. Now, of course, what are they

London some of greatest musical virtuosi of the 20th century: David Oistrakh, Sviatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostropovich, the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bolshoi and Mariinsky (formerly Kirov) ballets.

Presenting such spectacles was not without risk. “My father had brought the Kirov Ballet here in 1961 and Nureyev jumped the barrier as they were coming over from France.”

Understandably, the KGB and the British spooks closely

monitored

the

couple’s

activities.

Simon’s father must have been some diplomat to survive such attention. “Single-minded, let’s put it that way. He does what he wants,” says Simon.

“To deal with the Russians is generally

shouldn’t matter what a person’s gender or background is. I’m passionate about that. And you’re very much fighting a battle against much more traditional types of views. It’s not easy, but you get there, you always get there.

“You have got to bring people with you. There are two approaches: there is the evolutionary approach,

and

there’s

the

revolutionary

approach, and actually, both are important. They feed off each other. There are some who want instant results, there are some who are willing to wait 10 years for a relatively small result, and you need the pressure of each one on the other to actually get things done. That’s what I found, anyway.

doing? Video-on-demand, sports, everything.

BT is a very large tanker, and a tanker doesn’t turn easily. I became president of a very large communal organisation that was 250 years old to innovate. It’s very much like BT in the sense that it’s been around for a long time, it’s got its way of doing things. And even when you have a very senior position and you want to change things, it’s very difficult to fight; you’re swimming through treacle to change attitudes.

In any large organisation you have very reactionary attitudes.

“BT allowed Sky to steal a march on them. We were pressing them to do all this sort of stuff in the late 90s, early 2000s, 15 years ago. Sky has become the dominant force. But there’s one rule

difficult, even nowadays. They’re going back

in business, and I say this about Google, I say

to form under Putin. But basically it’s about

this about Apple: The large companies will not

dealing with another culture. If you come from another country and you come to this country, you’re used to integrating different cultures.

You want to do well, as a lot of people like him did during that period in business and in the arts and academia and the professions. It is also something that is picked up by the next generation. I have a brother who’s a professor of oncology. He’s not gone the entrepreneurial route, but he’s done very well in his field. My sister is a very accomplished musicologist and pianist. I have another brother who went to live in Israel. He became a senior diplomat and

“One of the things I always encourage our sales force to do is: ‘Don’t sell a phone system’. Listen to what the customer does.”

ultimately the ambassador to India.

be there forever; they will be replaced. Microsoft had a big wobble, but is now finding its way again.

IBM: people used to say you don’t get fired using IBM. And if you’d said IBM will be challenged one day, they would have laughed at you.

“Microsoft saved Apple. Apple was going bust and Jobs had left and they saved it. They actually took a stake in it, and now Apple is the largest business in the world. But it has to innovate all the time to keep alive.”

Constant innovation does have its limits, though. It only matters if the customers want and understand the innovations.

“One of the things I always encourage our

Simon also possesses impressive diplomatic

sales force to do is: ‘Don’t sell a phone system’.

skills, as shown during his six-year stint as

Listen to what the customer does. Listen to the

President of of the influential United Synagogue,

“It’s like technology, we wanted to bring

way the customer operates, find out about their

which has over 40,000 members. During

broadband technology into the UK in the 90s

business and then adapt what it is you’re selling

his tenure, he campaigned for equality of

and BT were telling us there was no way - and

to the way they operate. Don’t change them,

opportunity for women.

I’m talking at a senior level, the Chief Executive,

work the way they do it. They will change over

“In Orthodox Judaism, like many other

the Chairman level. They were not going to

time, given the power of these technologies,

religions, you have the traditional view of

invest in broadband, which is remarkable now,

but as of today this is what they do, this is how

a woman’s role… I think it’s more cultural,

but to me this was laughable, even then. They

they do it; don’t go in with big boots and start

actually. There are constraints within religion,

said it was just not cost-effective. We pointed to

selling a phone system. It’s about an approach

but to a degree one can bring in modern values,

South Korea in the late 90s, which already then

that recognises the new world and recognises

like the equality of opportunity, freedom of

had 3 million connected customers. I said, if

the needs of a customer.”

speech. Equality of opportunity is essential; it

it’s economic for South Korea, you tell me why

www.teliqo.com 45

{ PROJECT PARTNERSHIP }

SUPPORTING YET ANOTHER BRIGHTON LANDMARK DMH Stallard has offices across Surrey, Sussex and London, and its Brighton roots date back to the 1970s. Since then the firm has played a pivotal role in some of the most inspiring projects the City has seen. Now DMH Stallard has partnered with Spofforths Chartered Accountants to support the next high-profile Brighton development, the Brighton i360, in a partnership that promises much for the wider regional community.

DMH Stallard’s Managing Partner, Richard Pollins, tells Ian Trevett why Brighton is such an important part of the firm’s heritage, as well as a key element of its plans for the future.

“We are really excited to be working in

City of Brighton and its people.

partnership with Brighton i360 and Spofforths.

These high-profile development projects don’t come along too often, but when they do we seem to have all the right ingredients to be able to support them.

“The combination of an outstanding team of lawyers and planners, our commercial approach, and the strength of our relationships with so many influential stakeholders in Brighton and beyond is unrivalled. I guess that’s why our track record is so impressive when it comes to working with great businesses to deliver such ambitious projects. I

“During the 1970s we were already making

“We have agreed a long-term contract to support i360 across a wide range of business and legal services”

waves – quite literally. Our former Chairman, Derek Sparrow, was one of the founders and architects of the first Brighton Festival. He often recalls the story about attempting to dye the sea red to launch the Festival - only for all the colour to be washed down the coast to Littlehampton.

Apparently, the story made headline news as local residents pondered the mystery of why the sea had turned into something out of a scene from a horror movie!

“More recently, the projects and developments

am very proud of our firm’s achievements given

have continued to roll in. It was great to see

our work has really had a positive impact on the

in the news last month that Saltdean Lido,

46

{ PROJECT PARTNERSHIP }

“These high-profile development projects don’t come along too often, but when they do we seem to have all the right ingredients to be able to support them” is really innovative, exciting and positive.

“DMH Stallard’s involvement goes back to April 2014, when we worked with Coast to Capital LEP on the financing of the project, and, most recently, we announced our formal commercial partnership to directly support Brighton i360.

“We have agreed a long-term contract to support i360 across a wide range of business and legal services, including employment, commercial contracts and property law. We also plan to launch an exciting new networking event at the i360 aimed at business leaders from the Gatwick Diamond and London, launching in 2016.

“Brighton i360 is the project of the moment, but we don’t take anything for granted. We have clear plans to ensure the firm remains central to Brighton by supporting businesses of all types across the City and throughout Sussex, Surrey and London. It’s not just about high-profile projects, but also about helping business to grow and helping the people who run them and work for them. We recognise the one of the City’s most iconic buildings, was

City is truly a great success story.”

named as one of the most important seaside

So what of the new Brighton i360?

buildings in the country in a list compiled by

“Now that people are seeing it come to life, I

historian Allan Brodie that ‘sums up the best

think the City is embracing it as something that

of the English seaside’. Once again, we are

importance of providing services in a friendly and approachable way, and that approach has served us very well over the years.”

www.dmhstallard.com

working in partnership with the Community Interest Company (CIC) responsible for its redevelopment, and we are helping it realise the ambition of re-opening the Lido to the public in June 2016. As a Saltdean resident myself, this project is close to my heart, and indeed my home.

“Our long-term involvement with Brighton and Hove Albion FC has been well documented.

We have guided the Club through four planning applications, two public inquiries (the latter having been quashed in 2006 following a High Court challenge), and a re-determination before the Secretary of State granted planning permission in 2007. The stadium finally opened in the summer of 2011, and that really was a proud moment for us. It’s been great to continue to support them as they continue to develop firstclass facilities, both at the stadium and at their training ground. The determination of everyone involved to deliver something so positive for the

Richard Pollins (DMH Stallard), Eleanor Harris (Brighton i360) and Alex Spofforth (Spofforths)

47

{ COMMERCIAL PROPERTY }

PAINLESS RELOCATION Jeremy Wootton, Bennett Griffin LLP Tel: 01903 706986 Fax: 01903 229162 www.bennett-griffin.co.uk

F

or any business, moving location is a disruption and distraction from its normal commercial activities. Spending time talking to your lawyer and surveyor at an early stage in the negotiations can help smooth the way to a less stressful and expensive move.

This may seem an odd claim, however this article will help explain how this can be money wisely spent rather than wasted.

More often than not, ‘property’ is not a core activity for most businesses, it’s an overhead and item that really only makes its presence felt in the accounts and on the bottom line. This isn’t a claim that business owners are ignorant of the options and possibilities in relation to property issues, however, for landlords or propertyinvestors and developers, property is their core business.

An added factor to take into account is that property owning landlords and developers looking to sell or lease their business space will market their property from a perspective that is in their best interest, effectively tilting the negotiations in their favour from the outset.

48

Normally the landlord or developer will have been in contact with their lawyer and surveyor in the run up to marketing the property, discussing not only value in terms of rent or price but also specific legal terms for the sale or letting of the property.

Given this background it makes sense to balance the parties positions by taking professional advice at the outset as this can save time and money later on. Indeed the all too common criticism of tenants and buyers lawyers is that they regularly seek to renegotiate the terms once the Head of Terms are issued. Generally, this is because some of the commercial terms within the Heads of Terms are onerous and once fully understood the prospective tenant or buyer will want to see a more balanced deal agreed. Quite often this initial renegotiation is nothing more than time consuming, but it can have an impact on the parties relationship and the collaborative goodwill of the landlord/developer may be eroded by this process.

With all of this in mind it is obvious that

talking to a qualified surveyor can help with advice, especially in terms of value. Their expertise and experience will provide guidance on what is and what is not a good deal in terms of not only the property in question but also the market conditions at the time of the negotiations. A surveyors advice will go beyond value and importantly look at the condition of the building in question.

So why also talk to a lawyer? If the property is to be rented, there’s a whole host of issues arising on the technical terms of a FRI lease.

Firstly, what does ‘FRI’ actually mean? Having an obligation as a tenant to keep a building in good repair and condition goes beyond looking after the paintwork, ‘full repairing and insuring’ means exactly that and unless the property is already in good and substantial repair and condition a new tenant can find themselves taking on a responsibility for putting the building into good repair and condition. Whilst this aspect is an area a surveyor will be advising on, the lawyer can make sure that any limitations which are agreed in respect of a tenants repairing

{ COMMERCIAL PROPERTY }

“If the property is to be rented, there’s a whole host of issues arising on the technical terms of a FRI lease. ”

obligation are properly incorporated in the legal documentation so that these terms endure for the whole of the lease term as well as making sure any liability for dilapidations upon vacating the building are similarly qualified.

Break clauses are often an area of contention when it comes to legal drafting. Landlords will want to make break clauses conditional upon not only the payment of rent up to the date the lease is broken but also the tenant performing all of their obligations. On the face of it, this seems fair, however, there has been plenty of litigation with landlords arguing that items of disrepair to a building mean that a tenant has not fulfilled all of its obligations and break notice is not effective. Getting agreement on the technical terms of a break provision at the outset will save time later as well as the possibility of a deal falling apart if a compromise cannot be agreed when the lawyers are negotiating the detail of the lease terms.

Another area of concern is how you as tenant can either move on and assign the lease or sublet either the whole of the building or sometimes, depending on the configuration of the property part of it. Understandably a landlord will want

to have control over this aspect, the question is how much control is right and tenants can find themselves with a lack of options if these terms are not fully explored and negotiated at the outset.

Whilst all of the above makes sense in terms of leasing a property, a lawyer can also help with negotiating the terms to buy a building.

If a property is located within an industrial estate or business park, even though it is being brought freehold, there may be a technical legal structure in place to deal with the service roads and common parts. In the same way that a leasehold structure will have a service charge a similar arrangement can exist with freeholds and getting a clear understanding at the negotiating stage will save time and money at later date.

Sometimes the seller of a building will want to retain a right to participate in any subsequent increase in value of a building at a later date.

An example of this would be an increase attributable to say a planning consent obtained at a later date. This often called an ‘overage’ or ‘clawback’ and one or two lines within the Heads of Terms on this subject can frequently

result in a disproportionate number of pages of legal drafting. Finding out mid-way through a transaction that the seller and buyer have both got a very different interpretation of what is intended can result in a lengthy additional negotiation, sometimes with the parties going their separate ways and the deal falling through.

Perhaps the most obvious and often least explored area is making sure all of the professional teams are fully appraised of any timetable that has been agreed in the negotiations. Whether it is a speedy or delayed transaction timetable, making sure everyone is geared to up to work to the same schedule makes common sense.

Finally, given that dealing with buying and selling or renting property will be your lawyers day to day business, their experience gained from repeatedly dealing with property transactions will add value to negotiating the Heads of Terms.

49

BEAT THE HEAT A

s I write this, the weather is decidedly, well, undecided. A not quite hot enough mix of cloudy and bursts of sunshine.

I’m hoping by the time you actually read this, we are in the midst of one of our infrequent heatwaves. It doesn’t happen often, but it certainly has an impact when it does – particularly in terms of dressing for work and surviving a sweltering commute. So, what’s the best way to remain looking polished and professional, while keeping your cool?

Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. – Henry James

IT’S TIME TO LIGHTEN UP, GENTLEMEN The shirt should be your starting point. I’m hoping you packed away your heavy winter suits, jackets and trousers weeks ago, but it’s surprising how many men wear the same shirts all year round. Branch out a bit. First, consider the fabric - opt for natural fibres such as cotton, linen or a blend of both. Or even seersucker. More commonly worn across the

50

Atlantic, it can look very smart – think Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird. Although linen is wonderfully light and breathable, it does crease like mad, and a blend keeps those creases at bay. Lighten your colours too – and think beyond white. I freely admit to secretly admiring Michael Portillo in his ice-cream coloured shirt and jacket combinations. His choices of pale yellow, mint green, pink and

sky blue exude summer and have a certain Continental je ne sais quoi. If pastel or bright colours aren’t your thing, the same summery effect can be achieved with a gingham check.

Gingham looks crisp and is much more interesting than the usual stripe; you’ll find it adds a bit of personality to your look without sacrificing formality.

Turning to jackets, cotton, linen (or best yet, a

{ PLATINUM STYLE }

blend) should be chosen in favour of hot, stuffy wool. Choose neutral shades (navy or beige for example) that will go with a number of your shirts, to give you maximum wearability.

Mr. Portillo wears his rainbow assortment of shirts with navy, red and even yellow blazers – but I don’t expect you to go crazy…

For more informal office days, pair your shirt with chinos and a lightweight blazer and you’re ready to go. Keep short sleeved shirts for casual or smart-casual occasions – they can be a bit too informal for daily business attire.

If you’d like to forego a tie, you can button your shirt fully (very modern) or leave the top button undone (depending on the cut of the shirt). You could also opt for a cotton pique polo shirt – just make sure you choose a tailored version with no logos. White, navy and other neutrals are your go-to colours here. A crisp white polo can look really smart under a lightweight suit – try it.

I’m a huge fan of the suede loafer worn without socks. There’s nothing quite like it for evoking a bit of ‘summer on the Riviera’ attitude.

And please – always wear closed toe shoes in hot weather (think suede brogues or chukka boots as alternative options).

SOME FINAL TIPS: 1. I’ve said it before. These four items do not belong in a professional environment: flip flops, shorts, sandals and sports trainers 2. Think light colours and lighter weights for suits and jackets – pale grey check and stone are good options for summer 3. Colour and texture can also be added through details such as patterned pocket squares, ties or socks.

IT’S EASIER FOR WOMEN Arguably, it is much easier for women to dress professionally in the heat, as we have many more outfit options. Some of the same rules apply as for men – lighter weight, natural fabrics are your best bet, particularly cotton, silk or a linen blend.

For more formal days at work, choose sharp separates. Shirts (with or without sleeves) or good quality white t-shirts look great paired with plain or print slim cut trousers. Add a lightweight jacket or a sleeveless longline ‘blazer’ – a creative way to add a tailored touch without bulk. A good quality white t-shirt can also look really sharp and chic worn with a jacket and a silk scarf.

This season, wide leg, fluid trousers abound, in solid colours, prints or stripes. The striped versions are another great way to add some tailoring while staying comfortable.

Choose office-appropriate neutrals as the dominant colour such as navy, black or even khaki. If you’re petite like me, keep loose tops tucked in to streamline your silhouette. With print trousers, choose a plain top and, of course, add heels for height.

Stripes also work their magic by elongating your legs.

If you prefer dresses, choose a simple shift with a contrasting lightweight cardigan (don’t wear a jacket – the frump factor is in danger of creeping in here). Add colour with a contrasting slim belt and structured bag.

If you want to be a bit more fashion-forward, and your office culture allows it, culottes are a fantastic hot weather option. Choose a neutral colour (again, black, white, navy or khaki) and wear them with a crisp shirt or a striped breton. These look great worn with block heels, mules or flat sliders.

Hot weather calls for open toe shoes, but that doesn’t mean they have to be sloppy, or flat for that matter. The new block heel and mule shapes are a great way to achieve both height and comfort.

SOME FINAL TOP TIPS: 1. Keep it minimal. Don’t over-accessorise in hot weather – you don’t want extra jewellery jangling and creating fuss 2. If you’re going bare-legged, exfoliate and lotion regularly – your legs will thank you for it. If you do choose tights, invest in the best ultra-sheers: Wolford Naked 8’s 3. Finally, always wear nude underwear under white clothing as it becomes invisible…

51

{ ANGER MANAGEMENT }

ANGER MANAGEMENT Utterly failed by Maarten Hoffmann

LEADERS URGENTLY SOUGHT I

remember the day when our political class led the country rather than the other way round.

The very definition of the word ‘leader’ is to

• Why did it take the Guardian to reveal that

real interest in what benefits society, what is in

Jonathan Aiken was bent and taking Saudi

the public interest or in digging out stories of

bribes?

cheating, perversion or wrongdoing.

lead. To lead the country on the path as laid out

• Why did it take the Daily Mirror to reveal that

in their manifesto, to do right by the country

Jeremy Thorpe played away with rent boys?

teeth to get elected. One gets the feeling that

and to seek out those who are doing wrong and

• Why did it take the Telegraph to reveal that

they would sell their granny, part exchange their

correct injustices before such actions harm

MPs were disgracefully lining their own

society.

pockets in the expenses scandal?

But no, it seems l am being naive. These days we have a government that is reactive as opposed to proactive. They always seem to be behind the game, reacting to events rather than leading them. If it were not for the press, we would not find out about 90% of the awful events that occur almost on a weekly basis and the government’s answer? Control the press.

Not fix the problem, but shoot the messenger.

Governments want to control the press to avoid being embarrassed by the stories they dig up. Stories that should have been unearthed by the government and dealt with. But no, the UK, and most of Europe, are saddled with, in the

• Why did it take the Mail to reveal the airport

They also have a habit of lying though their

kids or shoot the dog to get into power.

Take the most recent Conservative lie: when the Tories were chasing our votes, they knew

VAT rip off?

exactly which button to press. “We will cap the

As soon as these stories hit the headlines,

amount you can be charged for residential care,

our ‘leaders’ jump into action, denounce the

so that you can have the dignity and security you

offenders and grandly claim that they will do

deserve in your old age,” said the Conservative

something about it. Too bloody late. If it were

manifesto.

not for the press we would not have found out

Notice the emotive words - security, dignity,

about 90% of these scandals as, firstly, the

what we deserve. That solemn promise was

government would never have found out about

made on April 15th, 2015. On July 17th, 2015, it

them, and to be frank, they don’t really care, and

was broken and kicked into the very long grass

secondly, if they had learned of them they would

until at least 2020 (that is, “We wont be in power

have buried the evidence and hushed the whole

then and it will be someone else’s problem”).

thing up.

We are all going to get old and there is genuine

Are we to believe that ministers had no idea

public concern over stories of folk having to

that MP’s were cheating on their expenses?

sell their homes to get care, thus ending what

Of course they did, but there was no benefit to

helped make this country great, inheritance,

them in revealing it. And that’s the key here - of

thus ripping homes and families apart and

no benefit to them. To hell with the public, our

depriving heirs of a decent financial start in life.

• Why does it take the Sun to reveal that the

self-serving political elite only care about events

Care fees and inheritance tax have, in one fell

man in charge of standards in the Lords

that matter to them, damage their standing or

swoop, done away with this generation helping

snorts cocaine from hookers’ chests?

their chances of getting elected. They have no

the next.

main, incompetent, self-serving, ass-covering nincompoops.

• Why does it take the press to reveal the horrors of Saville and Janner?

52

{ ANGER MANAGEMENT }

“This is not the fault of the press. This is the fault of lily-livered, incompetent, self-serving politicians who couldn’t run a corner shop, let alone a country.”

The way we treat our older generation is an

Italian islands over three months ago not give

and allow them to get away with lining their own

absolute disgrace and politicians know that,

them a slight hint that this was going to become

pockets at the expense of the British people.

but, rather than trying to do something about

a problem? Now they react with shock and awe

This is why the first act of any dictator is to close

it, they cynically use it as a ploy to get elected.

as thousands of them have turned Calais into a

down the free press, quick-smart.

The Conservatives lied through their teeth to

third-world war zone and announce they will

Then they have the temerity to look shocked

get elected. Within three months of getting

send a fence and some dogs. You could say that

and hurt when they start to realise what little

their feet under the power table, they dumped

Blair’s bombing of their homelands started this

respect the people have for MPs and the

the pledge with smarmy words: “A time of

whole thing, but l digress.

political class. But as long as we keep falling for

consolidation is not the right moment to to be

The first political reaction was to blame the

their lies, we will always get the government we

implementing expensive new commitments

press for inciting the problem. No, no, no. This is

deserve. And this isn’t a Tory problem, as they

such as this,” drooled the Care Minister, Alistair

not the fault of the press. This is the fault of lily-

are all as bad as each other.

Burt. Obviously, this is not something we could

livered, incompetent, self-serving politicians

Time after time it is the press who dig out the

who couldn’t run a corner shop, let alone a

stories, who get to the bottom of the scams, who

country.

find out how much politicians are taking us for.

have expected them to have worked out before the election! For the above read: “The aftermath of an election victory, with the opposition in chaos, is the right moment to betray old people who have served their purpose by voting for us and dump a policy we hadn’t costed and had no

Gagging the press has been so earnestly

How about banning the Government and

attempted to simply enable governments to bury

putting the newspaper editors in charge of the

their dirty little secrets, hide their incompetence

country? They could hardly do a worse job.

intention of implementing. But thanks for the votes, suckers!”

This issue does not hit ministers, of course, as the majority of them are millionaires, have gold-plated pensions, several homes, unlimited expenses and free health care. I’m alright, Jack, and the rest of us plebs can sod off.

What about the shock of the immigrant crisis that they are now running around like headless chickens to find a solution for? Did the landing of up to 1000 migrants a day onto the Greek and

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

{ SECTION TEXT HERE }

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION PROGRAMME

By Amanda Menahem, HR Director www.hastingsdirect.com

L

ong-time readers of this magazine may recall the round table event hosted by the magazine last August with the aim of exploring how we start to bridge the gap between education and employment. Platinum invited heads of the local universities, educational NGOs and leading directors to a fascinating debate.

Since then, I have been delighted by how Brighton Business School have embraced our vision at Hastings Direct, and from the start seemed to share our goals in wanting to help create leaders of the future to benefit local talent and keep skills within the region. What started as a bit of a moan around the table (albeit a passionate one) quickly became an idea that led to a real solution to a genuine challenge.

On 23rd September 21 Brighton Business School undergraduates will commence our inaugural ‘Leadership in Action’ programme.

This has been designed in partnership with the school and awards 20 academic credits towards achievement of their business degrees. The programme centres around three key elements: • Facilitated modules & master classes taught by a mix of Brighton Business School academics and Hastings Direct leaders • A genuine Hastings Direct business challenge for the students to work on throughout the programme

• Work placement in our Hastings Direct offices The programme aims to teach the undergraduates about key theories of leadership and impart the skills required for effective leadership in practice. It explores the development of personal leadership competence and its impact on delivering tangible results when faced with specific business challenges.

The modules are as follows: • The organisation and its environment: Internal vs external environment and how we encourage and harness innovation • Leadership theories: such as leading through change and the leader’s role in creating and sustaining a positive culture • Leading people: Motivation, culture, creating high-performing teams, recruiting and managing talent, working in teams • Performance management: The role of leaders in creating high performance • Business skills for leaders: managing self, presentation skills, time management, communication and self reflection for continuous learning.

For each module the morning will be spent learning about the theoretical underpinnings of each topic, drawing upon academic study and research. The afternoon will then be led by a Hastings Direct leader who will build upon the

morning’s content by helping students to apply the theory in practice and learn how leadership is brought to life in a real business. There will also be real life case studies and a constant application to the business challenges they’ll be working on.

This is simply great for our business. Our leaders are so excited about getting involved. Not only for their own development but also as an opportunity for them to give something back, to mentor and help others to grow. And, of course, all the best leaders find that incredibly rewarding.

We get to play a part in the development of our future talent. We get to engage with and identify high potential undergraduates for the future and create a pipeline into our business. Boiling it down – we hope to fill our vacancies! I will be very much personally involved and following the progress of the participants. I’m very proud that Hastings Direct with Brighton University are leading the way in providing engaging and real experiences for students that break the barriers between academia and industry.

55

{ BUSINESS AND CHARITY }

WILD ABOUT CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a crucial time for charities and Sussex Wildlife Trust is no exception - but how can a charity maximise the potential sales of merchandise and gift donations at this vital time? The charity decided to commission CharityLine, part of the Nova Direct group, to help with this year’s campaign.

Ian Trevett asked CharityLine’s Hayley Bradbury and Stuart Sutherland how the relationship with the charity developed.

“Last September the Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) joined the Institute of Fundraising, where we host training and seminars,” explains Stuart.

“They took part in one of our courses on the importance of maintaining a clean database and understanding the demographic profile of who their supporters are.

“We give charities access to free training and we cover key topics such as: Why would you maintain your data? What’s in it for you to clean this stuff up? What do your supporters look like?

How are you attracting these people?

“Since the course, we have been working with SWT on projects around their magazines, subscription mailers, and a couple of other bits and pieces.”

Sussex Wildlife Trust focuses on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across the county’s towns, countryside and coast, to ensure that future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and well-being that nature offers. It manages over 30 nature reserves and has over 30,000 members, of which over 4,800 are children.

The charity raised a very impressive £3,236,180 in 2013/14 for their conservation work, a 6% increase on the previous year, but they are always open to new ideas and strategies.

“SWT is a great charity to work with, as they are very open-minded”, says Stuart. “They use us as a sounding board: “We’re thinking of doing this, what do you think? How could it work?

What’s the logistics of it? What are the challenges or the stresses of going through this?”

Photo Credit: David Plummer

56

{ BUSINESS AND CHARITY }

“Many charities go through the same process and the same challenges every single day and without someone like us they would sit there and try in isolation to find a solution to the same common issue. We can help prevent wasting that time, energy and resource and stop them going down blind alleys or we can just give them a solution. We basically just share knowledge and experience with them where we can.

“From there, our relationship has grown and we are working with them on designing their Christmas catalogue, which will go out with their membership magazine. We’re designing the reply form and offering various options such as sending it out with a covering letter, including it in the magazine or using an A5 leaflet with a reply envelope - and for each we can cost it and advise of the benefits and drawbacks.

“The ideal is to try combine the items into a single document. You have to make it as easy for the subscriber as possible. There are many ways you can do this. The key is to ensure a potential customer won’t be asking where I’m supposed to send the reply form to or ask where is the reply envelope. SWT want to encourage people to go online so we promote this on the marketing material, but it is important to not throw up barriers so people can order through whatever method they’re most comfortable with.

“We also advise on postage costs as we easily work out the cheapest method. We can look at the stock as say, “That product can go out in an

Mark Greco Mugs

envelope, so you’re not paying parcel rates”, or “That product can go in a jiffy bag rather than needing to go in a box. These items need to go in a box”.

As well as their expertise on marketing, CharityLine can organise the collection of money and fufilment of orders.

“Direct Debit is by far the best way of maintaining any kind of membership organisation”, says Stuart. “It removes the annual renewal, it removes any kind of expiry, it leaves it in your control as the charity to initiate the collection of the payment. You know where every pound comes from, whereas with lots of other methods you can have anonymous donations or standing orders without the details of the payee.”

“We have several clients that use the warehouse facility”, adds Hayley. “The capacity is approximately 30,000 square foot. They all get a dedicated account manager, and the IT team manage the data that comes in in order to produce the necessary pick & packs and the labels. We fulfil the order and make sure that it goes out the quickest way possible, in the shortest time frame, on time and on budget. So it becomes a pretty slick operation, so when you take a charity like Sussex Wildlife Trust they can use our experience and knowledge and flexibility.”

While it is clear that CharityLine has the resources and expertise, there is another attribute which is equally important - an

Photo Credit: Derek Middleton understanding the ethos and ethics of the charity, as Hayley explains: “One key issue for SWT is the environmental impact, and fortunately this has always been a subject we take very seriously. For instance, we re-use the boxes that deliver our supplies to send out orders. We’ll modify them in whatever way we need to in order to accommodate the product that’s going out. So we suggested to SWT that they might want to put a note on the website to say, ‘So far we have saved X number of boxes from landfill.’ Basically every order they ever put through, they can create this statistic.

“Our culture is that we don’t generate waste.

We’ll say to a client, “Do you know what? Actually, if you tweak the size of that piece slightly you’ll fit another three onto a sheet of paper so there won’t be a waste.”

“We have a policy of using recycled products; the cardboard is all recycled, the paper is FSC and we use biodegradable poly bags. All that is quite poignant for them and therefore we make a conscious effort at our end to say to them that we take seriously the environmental accreditations and always look to reduce our carbon footprint.”

If you would like to talk to CharityLine, then call 0800 368 9701. sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk www.charityline.org.uk

57

Stag House, Upper Bedford Street, Brighton BN2 1GW

{ YOUNG START-UP TALENT }

X E S SUS

SHINING DIAMONDS G atwick Diamond’s business community came together at the Checkatrade Stadium in Crawley to celebrate and mark the launch of the entrepreneurial initiative’s sixth year of running in the Diamond.

Patron, longstanding supporter of the initiative and MP for Crawley, Henry Smith, kicked off the proceedings, saying, “This an initiative that has really gone from strength to strength. I am very enthusiastic and excited to see what new ideas come forward over the coming year.”

The event heard from long-term sponsors Rebecca Gattinesi of Basepoint Business Centre and Matthew Tyson of Richard Place Dobson accountants, who commented, “This is all about encouraging young people and bringing out the talent. Many youngsters have used this as a stepping stone to greater things. Several people have gone on to take their businesses forward despite not having won. We always promote the belief in youth”.

Another, Mark Bennett of Bennett Christmas Insurance, added further, “We have been a sponsor for a couple of years now. And it’s great, we get a lot out of helping some extremely entrepreneurial youngsters”.

New to sponsoring the initiative for 2015 is Nicky Salazar of PSD Ice, who added, “Today’s been very relaxed and enjoyable. I’ve heard some very inspirational stories from some outstanding young people. We are very proud to be a sponsor.”

Some of the Gatwick Diamond YST finalists from earlier in the year came to the launch to share their experience of the initiative and the

success they’ve seen since. We caught up with Will Bower, who entered the initiative with his business Royal Three (royaltythree.co.uk), a youth digital marketing agency for brands looking to generate content ideas and help them deliver their messages to a youth demographic. The young entrepreneur commented that his experience with YST helped him to “focus on developing a business plan and has provided opportunities to network.”

Will has also recently launched an online platform - Crawley TV, which aims to “provide the people of Crawley with funny, interesting and enjoyable video content on a bi-weekly basis.”

This year’s Gatwick Diamond YST winner, Imrich Berta, a former student of Central Sussex College, who won the prize fund with his sushi delivery business – Happy Go Sushi, back in March - also spoke at the event. Imrich has

been using the many connections via YST to grow his business and expressed his appreciation for “the continuous support from the YST team and sponsors of the initiative in helping him to develop and grow the business.” Imrich’s future plans are “to include setting up a catering van so that more people can experience the satisfaction of well-prepared Japanese cuisine.”

The team and sponsors are set to mentor and work alongside a wealth of new young entrepreneurs aged 16-25 in the Gatwick Diamond area. The aim is to help aspiring young talent to start their own businesses not only by being involved with the finalists but by engaging with schools and colleges in workshops across the Gatwick Diamond area to spread the word and encourage a ‘can-do’ attitude to business.

This year’s Gatwick Diamond judges will be Lorraine Nugent, Media Word Waves, Daryl Gaylor of NatWest Group, Matthew Tyson, Richard Place Dobson and Gary Shipton, West Sussex County Times Group, Peter Hitchcock, Thales, and Rebecca Glazebrook of PDT Solicitors.

Ben Towers, multi-award-winning young entrepreneur, also attended the event and added, “What I really enjoy is helping and seeing other people my age succeed. It’s very rewarding.”

The team are proud to announce that the sixth showcase event will be at Lingfield Park Marriott Hotel in March 2016, with the final being filmed at the offices of Thales in Manor Royal.

To find out more, visit www. youngstartuptalent.co.uk

59

RICHMOND HILL HOTEL

By Maarten Hoffmann

A

s an ex-Richmond and Twickenham boy, l always look forward to returning to this idyllic part of London, often forgetting how beautiful it is with the proximity to Richmond Park, the river and central London. It really is quite unique.

I was sad to see the beautiful Star and Garter building at the top of the hill and right next to the park gate, like so many other landmarks, being ripped apart and turned into hugely expensive apartments, but was delighted, on the other hand, to see the beautiful Georgian building that comprises the Richmond Hill Hotel retaining its glory as a wonderful hotel, and having not been there for many years, l thought it was time to pay a visit, having heard that millions had been spent on a refurbishment.

Previously two Georgian houses, it is now combined into one, with the oldest portion dating back to 1726, it is superbly located with 2,500 acres of Richmond Park next door, home to large herds of Fallow and Red Deer and views across

60

Petersham Meadow to the winding River Thames and further outstanding views.

The money has been very well spent. The 142 rooms are fabulously appointed, and my room had an ingenious bathroom arrangement whereby the entire wall that separates the bedroom from the loo slides into position to enclose the bathroom area if you are a little shy. The shower cubicle has twin shower heads that pound you with just the right pressure, and soft and fluffy towels await your exit. The goose down duvets entice you to

remain in bed longer than you probably should, and there are beautiful suites available with full wet rooms. Air conditioning, huge flat screen television, fridge, wi-fi and highly efficient room service ensure that guests want for nothing.

Whilst being shown around by the charming Director of Sales, Gill Bonham, l was surprised to learn that the hotel boasts 15 conference rooms that will accommodate from 5 to 250 delegates.

The flexible sizes and shapes of the meetings rooms ensure that any group, for any purpose, can be hosted, and most have brand-new sliding AV screens, magic whiteboards and break-out areas. Just to add some charm to any event, the hotel can arrange for all the delegates to enjoy a picnic lunch on the Terrace overlooking the river, or actually in Richmond Park itself.

Now there’s a USP you don’t encounter every day.

The largest room is the Ballroom, which is extremely well appointed and will take 200 for dinner or 180 theatre style. I was particularly

{ HOTEL REVIEW}

taken by the Cambrian Room, designed as a board room and enjoying a magnificent bay window and a stylish solid oak board table for up to 14 guests.

As far as conference space goes, this hotel really does have it all.

Their Pembrokes Restaurant just had to be sampled, and dinner comprised a pea and mint soup that was absolutely splendid, followed by a chicken curry with fluffy jasmine rice that was full of flavour. Head Waiter Thomas was a happy soul who seemed to be in ten different places at once whilst always making one feel like the only guest in the dining room. My wife enjoyed seared black bream with fennel puree and sautéed samphire, with which she was absolutely delighted, and the only slight comment here would be the poor children’s menu that comprised burger, pasta, fish fingers and baked beans. With our efforts to feed our children correctly, l am not sure that this was the healthiest kids’ menu that could have been devised, but my daughters ordered

the Pembroke burger with triple cooked chips and tomato, basil and mozzarella salad from the main menu and there was nothing at all left on the plate, which is always a good sign. I thought the costs very reasonable, too, with £20.95 for two courses and £24.95 for three.

Then the perennial problem after an early dinner - what to do with the kids so that we can grab some rare and highly treasured peace and quiet. One mention of the Cedar Health and Leisure Club, with a full gym, treatment rooms and pool and we were alone within seconds as they left skid marks across the dining room floor in their haste. The pool is set in a Scandinavianstyle building to the rear of the hotel and has a great pool, jacuzzi area, sauna and steam rooms, full gym overlooking the pool and a small cafe.

Children are not allowed in the pool after 5.30pm so that adults might enjoy it in peace and l must admit, as there was nobody else in the pool at the time, l broke the rules so that l could get a smidgeon of that peace.

I love this hotel and will certainly return, and the staff really could not do more to assist guests in having an enjoyable and relaxing time.

And consider - the Richmond Hill Hotel is only seven miles from central London, seven miles from Heathrow, three miles from Twickenham stadium, four miles from Kew Botanical Gardens and the Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows, and a short drive from Wembley stadium and the famous grass courts of Wimbledon.

The refurbishment has been a triumph, and it is rewarding to see a famous landmark hotel remain a famous landmark hotel - and then some.

Why would you stay anywhere else?

Richmond Hill Hotel 144-150 Richmond Hill Richmond-upon-Thames Surrey, TW10 6RW T: 0208 940 2247 E: info.richmond@kewgreen.co.uk W: www.richmondhill-hotel.co.uk

Open Morning Saturday 26th September To find out more or to book a place, please contact Admissions 01273 836936 or West by email registrar hppc.co.uk Hurstpierpoint College on Hurstpierpoint Sussex BN6@9JS Admissions 01273 836936

www.hppc.co.uk

{ EDUCATION }

OPEN YOUR EYES AT OPEN DAYS Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent.

Open Days can help, if you know what to look for...

T

he holidays are over and it is back to school for a new year, and time to think about education choices for next

• Read the noticeboards. Is there plenty going

• Remember the purpose of your visit is to get

September. The schools know that decisions

on? Most importantly, try to get a feel for

a feel for the school. If you like what you see,

will be made over the next few months, so they

what goes on in the school when it isn’t an

then do more research. Ask if you can come

are keen to show themselves off in the very

Open Day.

in when it is a normal school day. No-one

best light. In other words, it is the season of the school Open Day. Open Days are a wonderful opportunity to explore potential schools and meet the headmaster, teachers and pupils. But how accurate a picture can you get from an organised tour? Inevitably, the event will be set up to make each school look as attractive as possible, but you can still get a good feel for a school.

So, how can you make the most of an Open Day? Here are our tips: • Always remember that the school is set up to sell a vision to potential parents. So, how

shapes the school. His /her job is to motivate

ranging and inclusive? If cost is an issue, are

and inspire. Did you feel inspired?

they expensive?

should refuse this request.

• Talk to teachers. Do they seem enthusiastic about the school? Do you think they can develop and nurture your child’s curiosity and eagerness to learn? In other words,

•

Ask questions. If there is anything you want to know, this is your opportunity.

Dianne Allison, Head of Admissions, Hurst

would you like them to teach your child?

College, says, “There is no substitute for

• Look around the classrooms. Are they

attending an Open Day when you can meet

stimulating environments? Do you think your

the Head, the teachers and the pupils, as well

child would thrive here?

as view the facilities. You then begin to get a

• Look at the pupils’ work on display. Don’t

feel for the ethos, ambience and spirit of the

just concentrate on the quality, look at how

school. However, it is vital that you follow this

many pupils have work shown. Are they

up with a personal tour, which can be tailored

just showcasing the work of a few talented

to your requirements, allow for a more detailed

pupils?

discussion with the Head, enable you to see the

• Listen to the headteacher. If they give a

school on a normal working day and, above all,

you? After all, if they can’t organise a

welcoming speech, do they have a vision and

to make a more informed decision on whether

successful Open Day, do you

passion? This is the person who leads and

the school might be the right fit for your child.”

well have they done? Have they impressed

want them to organise your child’s education?

• Take your child(ren) with you. Don’t forget it is they who will be going to the school every day. Ask their opinion. Has the school inspired them? They will pick up on things you may not notice.

• Speak to the pupils. How do they feel about the school?

Are they happy? Do they look confident and assured? Are they behaving impeccably?

Are they good role models for your child?

• Ask

about

clubs

and

Pupils at Hurstpierpoint College celebrating A Level Success

activities. Are they wide-

The next Open Morning at Hurstpierpoint College takes place on Saturday, 26th September.

Please contact the Admissions Department on 01273 836936 to book your places.

63

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{MOTORING }

ON THE HORIZON With the automotive industry in extremely rude health, lets have a look at a few interesting new models we can expect in the coming year.

MERCEDES-BENZ GLE

AUDI R8

BENTLEY BENTAYGA

On sale in September, the GLE was formally known as the M-Class and will go head to head with the top SUV’s such as the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport and BMW X5 and is likely to be a corker. From around £50,000.

Available by the end of the year, this is designed to be a 911 killer and the R8 V10 is the fastest production Audi yet. Like me, you might be trying to spot the difference between this and the current model! Prices start at £119,500

The firms first foray into the 4x4 market and named after a mountain range in the Canary Islands. Expect a starting price around £130,000 to take on the top level Range Rovers. Launches in 2016.

BMW 7 SERIES

TOYOTA MIRAI

TESLA MODEL 3

The sixth generation of this model will take the fight to the class leader, the Mercedes S-Class, and is packed with so much advanced technology that it might well drive itself.

Available in October starting at £64,480.

Running on Hydrogen will not detract from the fact that this is one of the ugliest cars l have ever had the displeasure of looking at. Priced at around £60,000, l would advise that an offer of £10 would be £9 too much.

Following on from the success of the S Model, the 3 will share the all electric motor that in Ludicrous Mode will see off the BMW M3.

Available in 2016 at around £30,000.

JAGUAR XF This is the big brother of the new XE and with 75% of its structure made of aluminium, the stats are likely to be very good. It will compete with the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and the Audi A6. On sale in the Autumn from £32,300.

FERRARI 488 GTB The GTB is back and is it only me or are all new Ferrari’s starting to look the same? The 488 is designed to replace the 458 Italia range and is most likely sold out before its even launched in 2016. Expect a price tag of around £180,000.

65

{ MOTORING REVIEW }

Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

AUDI RS3

SPLIT PERSONALITY

TECHNICAL STUFF: Engine: 2.5 litre petrol 362 BHP Performance: 0-62 4.3 seconds Top Speed: 155mph Economy: 34.9mpg Price from: ÂŁ39,995

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N

ot so much a split personality as Jekyll and Hyde. Audi have long been known for their slightly deranged RS models that seem to get slightly more deranged as the years go by.

Try the RS6 Avant for example. A full family estate car that just happens to go from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and proceeds in anger to 155mph, or 174mph if it were de-restricted. And this with the family and all the luggage on board.

Now they have done it again with the release of the all-new RS3, the compact model, but one that nevertheless is as mental as the rest of them. I felt a tad daft driving what is essentially a boy racer, and as there seems to be no way to turn the noise off, it barks and growls at every slight dab of the pedal, and sunglasses and head in hands was the order of the day. But secretly, l really enjoyed it, as once you give it its head, you need to hang on for dear life. This is a very fast car, and the fastest hatch in the country.

The hot hatch market is highly contested, with the Mercedes A45 AMG, BMW M135i, Focus RS and the highly anticipated, new VW Golf R400 due next year. The reason they have become so popular is that they are everyday drivers, with a hatchback and plenty of space. It just so happens they have dropped in a bonkers power plant that is usually mated with a super car.

Plant your right foot on the throttle, and, thanks to the quattro fourwheel drive system, the RS3 flies up the road with ferocious speed.

For even more stomach-turning acceleration, and to hit 62mph in the announced 4.3 seconds, you just need to use the launch control system.

{ MOTORING REVIEW} Turn off the ESC, select ‘Dynamic’ mode in the standard Audi Drive Select, put the S-tronic gearbox into ‘Sport’, hold the brake pedal and floor the throttle. The engine will then be held at 4,000rpm; let go of the brake and the RS3 will launch forwards with just a small chirp of wheel spin from the tyres and, usually, a look of sheer terror on the face of the driver. In my case a maniacal grin so wide it started to hurt my jaw.

Audi has tweaked the seven-speed S-tronic gearbox to give faster shift times, and, while it’s difficult to notice the cogs changing more quickly, there’s no doubt it fires through the gears slickly. And with the Dynamic mode selected, the flaps in the exhaust are opened so every change up is accompanied by a loud bang, while on overrun or dropping a gear is met with a ‘crackle’ and a ‘pop’. The exhaust is a perfect match for the charismatic five-cylinder engine.

At low revs there’s a distinctive five-pot warble that transforms into a howl near the top end of the rev range.

Die-hard RS fans will also be delighted to hear the RS3 looks like the best RS models, too, with a subtle body kit, trademark honeycomb

grille and lightly flared arches. It can be made to look more aggressive, however, with a choice of colours for the bodywork and wheels and an aluminium-look exterior pack that emphasises the RS3’s square-jawed style. But if you are over 25, don’t! It would be like landing Heidi Klum and suggesting she have plastic surgery.

As the RS3 is based on the more sedate A3 Sportback, it’s also a practical hatchback. Boot space is 280 litres with the rear seats up, and once they’re folded, there’s 1,120 litres on offer.

The Mercedes A45 AMG has another 61 and 37 litres respectively, but the boot is a good shape and there’s plenty of space for rear seat passengers.

With its charismatic engine, prodigious straight-line pace and a comfortable, practical cabin, the RS3 makes a compelling case. While the near-£40,000 sticker price is steep, and the A45 AMG is cheaper by £1,760, it’s tough to obtain super car performance in such a practical, easy-to-live-with package, although it would be a tough call choosing which one to buy.

There’s a sense of understatement to the RS3’s interior that seems odd at first, but it

begins to make sense when you consider the car not so much as the maddest, wildest, hottest of hot hatchbacks on the block but rather as a feeder car for the rest of Audi’s RS performance range.

This is an Audi, after all, and the garish extravagance of volume brands can be woeful.

But l found the RS3’s interior a bit soulless and slightly disappointing. However, this cabin is as immaculately finished as it is pleasingly practical and there really aren’t many other charges you could level at it.

The instruments look pretty stock, until you investigate them closely enough to see the boost gauge inset into the rev counter (handy for timing your launch control starts) and find the lap timer incorporated into the drive computer.

Buy it and you’ll have a highly competent car with five doors, decent cabin space and a goodsized boot – one that, judged against its closest rivals, provides the same distinguishing high quality and sure footed performance that AUDI have traded on for decades.

Just don’t rev it when you collect the kids from school - it can be quite embarrassing.

67

Mergers and Acquisitions Commercial Property and Development Planning advice Commercial Landlord and Tennant Employment Law Intellectual Property Litigation Charities Debt Collection

{ APPOINTMENTS }

PLATINUM TALENT

W

orthing and Gatwick-based chartered accountants, Carpenter Box, is supporting its largest ever intake of

trainees, with eight young people joining the firm’s Platinum Accredited programme on the road to qualification.

Alex Robinson joined following graduation from the University of Bath. Daniel Purkis from the University of Sussex and Mark Hancock from the University of the West of England in Bristol. Katie Bauermeister joined from BHASVIC in Brighton and Jasmine Jasper, Chloe Day, Alannah Morley and Steven Martin have all joined from Worthing College.

Carpenter Box Partner, Chris Coopey, welcomed the trainees on board, commenting: “We have always invested heavily in emerging talent and our latest intake need look no

accreditation as a Platinum trainee development

Gawman, the trainees will work in the Tax

further than our current Managing Partner for

employer, the Association of Chartered Certified

Services, Business Services and Audit &

inspiration – Alan Edwards joined the firm as a

Accountants’ (ACCA) highest global standard of

Advisory Groups at Carpenter Box as part

trainee 22 years ago.

excellence.”

of their training programme, which will also

“We have always aimed to give our students

With a comprehensive training programme

involve them sitting up to 14 exams, depending

the best possible start to their careers which

overseen by HR Manager Susan Perrin and

on relevant exemptions (such as an accountancy

has been underlined by our recent re-

Assurance & Advisory Group Associate James

degree), over the next three to four years.

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 69

{ ADVERTISING FEATURE}

CHARLIE FRY’S BAR

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{ ADVERTISING FEATURE }

What then is Charlie Fry’s connection with Gatwick?

A

part from the fact that Charlie Burgess Fry spent large parts of his life living in the area, to be honest, very little!

However, he is known to have been a horse racing enthusiast in what little spare time he had and apparently enjoyed attending the Grand National races of 1917 and 1918, both held at Gatwick Racecourse. The hotel and part of Gatwick Airport are built on the site of the racecourse and a number of interesting old photographs of the racecourse can be seen in the Charlie Fry’s bar at Hilton London Gatwick Airport.

Born in Croydon in 1872, Charlie Burgess Fry first demonstrated his almost unbelievable all round sports abilities at Oxford, where he represented the University at football, cricket, rugby, athletics, boxing, golf, swimming, tennis, javelin and rowing.

In 1893 he set the world long jump record with an incredible 23’ 6½”, a record which

stood for 21 years. By this time he was playing rugby for Blackheath and the Barbarians and was described as a certainty to play for England – except for the fact that he was also an excellent footballer. He signed professionally for Southampton and played so well in his debut against Tottenham Hotspur that he was immediately picked for the full English side to play against Ireland. He played for Southampton in the 1902 FA Cup Final against Sheffield United, and shortly afterwards transferred to play for bitter rivals Portsmouth.

Charlie Fry had been expected to win gold medals for Britain in the 1896 Olympic Games, until he realised that this would interfere with his main passion, captaining England at cricket in the test series in South Africa.

It was as a cricketer that Fry excelled and England never lost a match whilst he was at the helm. He scored more than 30,000 runs in a long career, including almost 100 hundreds.

In 1901 he scored an incredible six centuries in six consecutive innings, a record that remains to this day and is a testament to one of the greatest cricketers who has ever lived.

In 1921, at the age of 49, Fry retired from first class cricket but not before the England selectors had offered him again the chance to captain England in a vain attempt to delay his departure from the game.

If you ever find yourself in Gatwick, do not hesitate to visit Hilton London Gatwick Airport.

Whether you want to sleep before an early flight, enjoy a delicious meal or follow the latest sport event at the Charlie Fry’s Bar, the Hilton team members will always welcome you with a smile.

Step into a stylish guestroom, decorated in rich, warm tones. Get to work at your desk by accessing the free HHonors Wi-Fi or just relax in the bed and watch TV. Upgrade to a Deluxe room

and benefit from additional features, including a more contemporary design and a mosaictiled bathroom and shower. Work is easy in the large, modern executive rooms offering high speed internet access, a walk-in shower and complimentary access to the Executive Lounge, an exclusive area serving free continental breakfast in the morning and refreshments throughout the day.

For a great dining experience, Amy’s Restaurant is no ordinary airport hotel restaurant! It offers chic and sophisticated dining and an exceptional gastronomic experience, which is fondly spoken of by travellers across the globe. The menu, which offers a la carte dining, is a celebration of delicious flavours, using only the highest quality ingredients and producing irresistible, perfectly balanced dishes.

Amy’s, which is open to non-residents, is well known for its exemplary service and attention to detail.

If you are interested in following a sports event or enjoying a refreshing cocktail, Charlie Fry’s Sport Bar is the place for you. The newly redecorated bar is named in honour of one of the best all-around British sportsmen.

71

GLOBALISATION AND THE SME

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

W

hilst ‘Great Britain’ is currently riding a strong wave of inward investment from foreign businesses and investors,

Public Relations Marketing Events Research Economic Development

www.prowse.co.uk

enabled us to bring fresh thinking and to access

out detailed information in order to make the

best-practice knowledge for our clients’ benefit.

right decisions. Research shows that there is little correlation between the types of barriers

I wonder if British companies are doing enough

a potential exporter faces and the size of a

to anticipate and respond to new commercial

company. Rather, it has more to do with the export

opportunities worldwide?

Why do so few

companies trade overseas?

In these days of ‘born global’, even start-up companies are able to trade internationally, aided by low-cost airline travel and broadband technology. In my view, there is really no better time to have an international perspective.

However, whilst it is easier than ever before to trade overseas, I would question whether many SMEs have the desire or confidence to do so.

Do they want to take the risks which come with international trade or is it simply easier to focus on domestic markets?

Many companies find

themselves trading overseas quite by chance rather than through any clear plan, even though evidence suggests that businesses that research and plan their activities generally achieve greater success.

“Perhaps one way to encourage more business owners to act globally is to raise awareness of export opportunities in easier markets with fewer language, cultural and travel barriers.”

experience of the business and the attitudes of its management team. Key reasons local companies hold back from trading with overseas clients are culture, ambition and lack of knowledge.

Having worked with people from different countries, I have been struck by how confident they are about working across time zones in multi-disciplinary teams, thinking nothing of relocating with their families overseas if that is what it takes. I rarely see this confidence, attitude, or can-do approach in the British working culture.

Perhaps one way in which to encourage more business owners to think and act globally is to raise awareness of export opportunities in ‘easier’ first markets, where there are fewer language, cultural and travel barriers. I also believe there is a need for business organisations to bring

As the owner of a small company which, at one

together those of us who have experience of

time, had more than 50% of its turnover from overseas clients, I know from experience that

Whilst technical barriers to overseas trade are

trading overseas with those who are considering

the benefits of international trade transcend

critical, it is important for companies to adopt

it for the first time. There is much to be gained

increased turnover. During the global economic

positive attitudes towards exporting and to seek

from shared experiences…

crisis, we were able to spread risk in our business by working across sectors and geographical markets globally.

A ‘godsend’ whilst the UK

recession was at its worst!

We’ve also found that being a consultancy with an international outlook has enhanced our reputation. Having a global perspective has

72

Prowse & Co. combines strategic counsel with practical support to help you effectively communicate with your target audiences. We’ll work with you to understand your business and deliver results-driven PR and marketing strategies that use the right channels to reach your audiences. From one-off projects, campaigns and public consultations to a full, outsourced service - discover how we can help at www.prowse.co.uk

{ GREEN BUSINESS }

“Sustainable business practice is a mainstream movement across the whole spectrum of the business community. There now exists a real desire to address transport issues and that is where easit can help”

easitNETWORK T

en years ago Dr Mel Mehmet had an idea; he believed he would be able to encourage commuters to better embrace sustainable transport options if they were made more efficient, affordable and accessible. Today he runs The Queens Awardwinning easitNETWORK, representing over 300 major employers and one million commuters across twelve networks in the South East, and now the scheme is launching for businesses based in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex!

The scheme is being introduced with funding from the Department for Transport via the Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) and is currently FREE for businesses to join!

Reducing transport carbon emissions, improving people’s health and reducing congestion are all stated priorities of government. By bringing together the major employers in an area, easitNETWORK’s generate a critical mass and so enable the introduction and use of far more initiatives that could not necessarily be taken up by one organisation alone. The benefits of this approach are in establishing a working partnership, a sizeable

group that is more effective in lobbying for changes to public transport provision and generating funding for new initiatives.

The success of easitNETWORK has been due to the plethora of sustainable transport initiatives available to its members, from discounted peak time rail travel, exclusive savings on electric vehicles and travel planning to implementing rotational staff parking systems! By facilitating collaboration amongst a range of companies, easitNETWORK helps businesses work together to develop transport solutions which in turn will reduce the environmental impact of commuter journeys and promote healthier, more active life styles. easitBRIGHTON&HOVE membership is open to businesses and educational providers based in the eastern and northern areas of the city centre, although businesses in other areas of the city can also join on request. easitEAST SUSSEX membership is open to businesses and educational providers based in Newhaven, Eastbourne/South Wealden, Bexhill and Hastings.

Mel Mehmet, Chief Executive of easitNETWORK said, “Sustainable business practice is no longer a niche, but a mainstream movement across the whole spectrum of the business community. There now exists a real desire to address transport issues and that is where easit can help.”

The group has been recognised by the Department for Transport and the Highways Agency, having been hailed as an example of best practise, as well as having won a number

travel green

NETWORK

of National Green Business awards, including The Queens Award for Enterprise, The City of London Sustainable Business Award, Highly Commended Award for Reducing Car Use at the Low Carbon Champions Awards in London and The Green Award for Sustainable Transportation and Travel at the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. CEO Dr Mel Mehmet was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours.

For more information please visit www.easit.org.uk, or contact Kip Parker, Membership Manager on tel: 01306 88 66 77 or email Kip@easit.org.uk.

73

DREAM DESIGN

Biggest ever issue OUT 3rd September

Bold ideas for Brighton home from Arch Angels Architects

Health Matters MAN UP!

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THE INTERNET OF THINGS: Developing smart devices Lisa Downs, Commerce & Technology Partner at Rawlison Butler

O

ver the last few years the number of “smart devices” being used in people’s homes has been steadily increasing.

These smart devices form part of the Internet of Things (or IoT), but the current scale of IoT is almost an unknown.

What is clear is that companies who operate in this domain, or are looking to, aren’t fully alive to the significant privacy and security concerns that are, and will be, raised by the IoT. You cannot collect everything, keep it forever and then worry about privacy and security issues later!

Here are a few key messages and thoughts to bear in mind when developing smart devices: • The privacy and security of data generated by the IoT will always be fundamental to its success; data is the lifeblood of the IoT, and with large amounts of data being generated from diverse locations, the potential for cyber-hacking/spying substantially increases • The quality and quantity of data collected will be fundamental to the success of smart devices; being able to understand and predict user behaviour / anticipate user needs will be invaluable, but it has to be done without being intrusive, generating data waste or diluting

the advantages of an intelligent home • Smart devices present new entry points for attackers and they become increasingly unsecure if adequate software update procedures are not put in place • There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the IoT; informed user consent to data collection versus limited user time and technical knowledge must be considered on a case by case basis • Data privacy and security laws need to catch up, but haven’t yet; with the speed at which the IoT is developing, this is a global problem, not just domestic • If data being generated by a smart device contains information that directly or indirectly identifies, or is reasonably likely to identify, an individual, then it will be regarded as personal data for the purposes of data protection laws • Any processing of personal data must be fair and lawful; users must be told about the purpose of any processing of personal data (which is not always easy if a smart device has limited or no physical user interface which users can interact with)

• There will always be a mismatch between what a user understands they are buying and how a smart device behaves • Privacy concerns/issues should be taken into consideration at the earliest stages of design - privacy by design – so that issues such as data minimisation, data accuracy and data retention periods can be better addressed • An IoT privacy impact assessment should be conducted before any new smart device is launched Over time there will be smart devices that are trusted and those that are not; make sure yours is one of the trusted ones, with solid data privacy and security protections built in.

If you are a company operating, or looking to operate, in this domain and you would like further advice on how to ensure your smart devices get onto the “trusted list”, please contact Lisa Downs (ldowns@rawlisonbutler.com or 01293 527744).

This document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this document.

75

{ INTERVIEW }

The Godfrey Team

AN UNEMOTIONAL INVESTMENT Developing and selling a property is hardly an exact science, but the people behind Godfrey Investments and Godfrey Living are determined to remove the emotions involved and limit the uncertainties. After 20 years in the financial services industry, Sasha Davies and Amanda Godfrey are applying the models and processes that are essential in the corporate world, with the aim of maximising returns on investment and minimising risks. Interview by Ian Trevett.

D

espite the shortage of land and the general upward trend in property prices, property investment remains an activity to be avoided by the faint-hearted. Countless developers have fallen foul of expensive construction delays, project creep and the whims of architects. But all such headaches are eminently avoidable if you apply strict business

76

planning at the onset and throughout the project, according to Amanda Godfrey and Sasha Davies.

Sasha Davies (SD): We were in the corporate world for 20 years, so we’re very processdriven, which is an advantage as a developer.

We work with very strict financial models, so most of the time we don’t develop as much as others do because we know where our sweet

spot is and we concentrate on finding those opportunities. The reality is that we develop less than other developers, but the projects we do undertake bring a much higher return on our investment.

If it doesn’t fit the model, we don’t do it, so there’s no emotional decision. Even though we’ve had to learn not to be emotional, it’s

{ INTERVIEW }

“When we find a development or a potential opportunity, we’ve worked out what that is going to look like all the way to the day it finishes.” purely based on the financial model; it’s quite complex, but it definitely works for us.

Amanda Godfrey (AG): Our corporate background allows us to be process-oriented, but within a small business. When we find a development or a potential opportunity, we’ve worked out what that is going to look like all the way to the day it finishes; we try to de-risk the whole project all the way through.

We also try to identify opportunities that will allow us to make fast decisions and not get stuck on something that is going to sit in planning for a year. It might mean that we end up looking at about 100 development opportunities a year but only buy three. So we have quite a sophisticated model that sits behind our decision process, and that reflects our financial process as well. It has to meet certain criteria before we’ll even look at it.

You have to take emotion out of most decisions.

Emotion is quite a big thing in property. People often have unrealistic ideas about the worth of their land, and that’s a difficult conversation to have with people. We find the best way is just to be very factual and non-emotional.

SD: You start the journey being very nonemotional, but when you build something, you become emotionally invested in it, and then you’re selling it on to somebody who’s making the biggest emotional decision they’re ever going to make. So it’s quite a journey.

AG: We understand what is important to an investor. It is actually just about the return on their investment.

Godfrey Investments was started nearly six years ago as a development/investment company. Starting with a development in Hove’s Upper Drive, the company have developed or re-engineered a host of properties in the Brighton, Hove and the Worthing area. However, development is only one aspect of the service offered.

SD: As the portfolio grew we became more disenchanted with way properties are sold. You put your heart and soul into a development; it’s blooming hard work. And then you hand it over to an agent to sell it for you and they don’t necessarily share the same passion about the property. They just point out where the bathroom and lounge are, and it’s a very flat experience. It didn’t really work for us.

When people came to our sites and said, ”We’re are more a wholesale agent. So if you were really interested, can you show us around?”, we a property investor and you had five or six could bore them about the insulation and the properties in your portfolio, you could come drainage and whatever they wanted to know. to us for the management and rental of those Hass, who runs all our construction and sites, is properties. And if you wanted to freshen it up, brilliant at selling a flat because there’s nothing we could sell for you, we could exchange with he doesn’t know about it. other investors, and it would become a hub for Buying a home is the biggest investment property exchanges and deals. It’s a little bit you’ll ever make in your life. It’s about where more sophisticated. you live, and that shouldn’t be taken for granted. In terms of the city, there are, obviously, other People are very complacent about that. And if people doing property investment. Are you you were going to buy the most expensive watch different from the others in the way you do it, in the world, you’d have the most expensive or is it quite a similar approach? experience; it would be a great experience.

AG: Most developers we know will outsource You’d be taken in, you’d be looked after. It doesn’t the whole build, and they will sell via an agent, happen with property. Instead, it’s a high street so we are different. experience.

SD: If we were to put corporate heads on Whether you’re spending £250,000 on a flat for a minute, we would ask, “What is our value or £2 million on a house, that experience should story, what makes us different?” It’s exactly that. still be a big thing. The feedback we’ve had is, Every time they hand over the project to the it’s not a great experience for anyone. main contractor to build, they are losing a little AG: If I walked into a jewellers in the Lanes control. Then they get their finished product and with £200,000, they’d shut the doors and you’d they’re handing it over to an agent to sell or rent; be a VIP for the day. Well, in my mind it should be they’re losing a bit of control again. Maybe we’re exactly the same process here. A jeweller would just control freaks! But we do have that whole be very specific: what type of diamond, what cut, process sewn up from beginning to end, which what’s the size of your finger?.

SD: We started to think Queens Park Villa - Their next project, transforming a listed about how we could sell and villa into residential apartments rent our own properties, our own portfolio. And so, Godfrey Living was born. Godfrey Living is an estate agent, but with a difference. We initially set up Godfrey Living to rent our own properties and sell them. Then people were coming back to us saying, “What will you be building next? We don’t want to buy this one, but what can you do next?” So we were growing a small customer base that was saying, “What else can you do for us?” And although we weren’t actually looking for customers, people keep coming to us, and now we sell and rent for other people.

Unlike high street agents, who we call retail agents, we

77

{ INTERVIEW } means we are not diluting what we are trying to produce.

We’ve got three business: Godfrey Investments that looks after our portfolio and looks for our next investment; then there’s Godfrey Design & Build our construction business, and Godfrey Living. So we’re the agent as well. We look after the whole process. The three entities act as distinct companies.

We want to be high-end but not “out of reach”.

When we built The Upper Drive development, we installed the very best-quality products. At the time we thought, “God, what are we doing?”

But actually, it has paid off, because it still looks as good as it did when we built it. The ones that remain in our rental portfolio are really looked after by the people living in them. We obtain high-end rents for them, so it’s a great return. Actually, there’s a huge demand for this top slice, if you like, of the market. I think that’s where we position ourselves.

How did you find the jump from being in a very safe, structured, corporate environment where you get salaries and paid holidays?

SD: Amazing – the best thing we ever did.

AG: We’d been corporate jobs for 20-odd years each. We had the opportunity to come out of that rat race, but it was the rat race that taught us the rules.

SD: We couldn’t have done this without doing that. I think that’s probably what makes us different. We’re very disciplined about our goals, our strategy and the financial model.

What lessons have you’ve learnt?

SD: I think lots of people in this game can be greedy, and it’s all about the money. Money matters, because we’re running a financial company. But you have to be quite pragmatic and logical and non-emotional about how you get to that point, because I think you could be financially driven. That’s very different to bringing in a good, solid financial return, as it brings out emotions and behaviours in people when you actually can’t do that.

Is it quite unusual coming from a financial background? I would have imagined there are many developers who come from a design or architect background.

AG: What we do is to focus on the process, which dictates success. Where we have a lack of skill, we will recruit that individual. For example, we work with architects. We look after our financial process, and we bring in the relevant skill base where we lack it.

SD: If we find a development that will be really modern and “out there”, we wouldn’t use the same team as we would for a listed building, because their skills apply in different ways. But we’ve got a great group of people around us that we call on.

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AG: We are always looking to source more local talent, and we’re bringing in an apprenticeship scheme this autumn.

SD: Working with the community is always very important as well. When we develop we always engage with the community around that development. When we built The Stag (a conversion from a pub to apartments/offices in Brighton’s Kemp Town) we met with all of the people in all of these blocks around us and asked, “What do you want it to be?”

“You have to take emotion out of most decisions. Emotion is quite a big thing in property. People often have unrealistic ideas about the worth of their land, and that’s a difficult conversation to have.”

AG: We’re investors because we’re investing in property, but we’re investing in the city and we want our properties to have staying power.

We want to create a legacy.

When you take on a project, how risky is it?

Are you always slightly nervous?

SD: Not really, because we’ve put it through our model and are confident in our approach.

AG: It sounds arrogant to say we don’t take a risk, because we don’t know what the market is going to do. But based on our model, which is embedded now, it has so far been really successful.

We concentrate on

the return of equity, return on investment and projected yield.

SD: We face many challenges because we come at this from a process-driven financial place. We then work with quite creative people who aren’t in that place at all, and you have to kind of steer the whole project to make sure that the model doesn’t change. If they want more time, it’s a cost; every hour costs money.

What are you working on now?

SD: We are now developing Queen’s Park Villa, which is the jewel in our crown. Queen’s Park Villa was built in 1824, and designed by Charles Barry, who designed the Houses of Parliament.

It was one of three villas built around the park.

Unfortunately, in the 1980s the guts of the building were ripped out, so it’s more of a considered restoration project.

We’ve just restored a listed building in Worthing, which was fabulous, but we restored it exactly back to how it would have been built, and it looks beautiful. So we’re going to do the same with Queen’s Park Villa, creating luxury, high-end apartments.

We are looking at re-engineering the building and putting in something truly spectacular that isn’t in Brighton at the moment; more London high-end.

Are there many female developers in the city?

AG: I haven’t met any. I think there are women investors but not developers. We’ve had some really interesting experiences. The irony is, a woman walks on site and the men think,”’She doesn’t know what she’s talking about.” But actually, we do. And the same applies with the refurbishments. On one occasion we met with external suppliers who clearly didn’t believe we were the decision-makers. They thought I was the receptionist.

They didn’t get the contract! godfreyliving.com godfreyinv.com godfreydesignbuild.com

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{ BUSINESS SCENE }

PC

THE P L AT I N U M CLUB

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

THE PLATINUM BUSINESS CLUB, THE GRAND HOTEL, BRIGHTON

The region’s leading networking group, The Platinum Club, held their last meeting before the summer break recently at the Grand Hotel in Brighton with a plethora of new members.

Neil Laughton, CEO of Laughton & Co. arrived by flying car!

The Club has launched a new location at the Hilton Hotel, Gatwick, for Directors of companies in the Diamond and beyond. There are limited memberships available for business leaders seeking a highly effective, enjoyable and professionally hosted networking event.

For more details, please contact info@theplatinumclubbrighton.co.uk or call 07966 244046

1. Andrew Mosley (The Grand Hotel), Alistair Rustemeyer (McMillan Williams) Fiona Graves (Midnight Communications) 2. Andy Percival (PSG Southern), Chris Sparkes (Baker Tilly) 3. Caraline Brown (Midnight Communications), David Sheppard (Chairman, Sussex Chamber) 4. Chris Langley (RBS), Gemma Hancock & Julie Wheeldon (KPMG) 5. Dan Montagnani (Groundsure) 6. Jayna Shah (JPS Wealth Management) 7. Jeff Smith (Sandler Training) Roy Whitehouse (WIS Risk Investigation), Deborah Francis (Burt, Brill & Cardens) 8. John Burroughes (Uniglobe Travel), Pieter

7.

8.

Grobbelar (Concordia Health) 9. Natalie Montagnani (Page Marketing), Maarten Hoffmann, Sarah Hopwood (ALC Global Health) 10. Penina Shepherd (Acumen Business Law) 11. Penina Shepherd (Acumen Business Law), Jeff Smith (Sandler Training), Shirley Smith (Kreston Reeves) 12. Simon Clements (Roffey Park Institute), Faye Honey-Green (Mercedes-Benz) 13. Simon Hochhauser (Teliqo), Andy Percival

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(PSG Southern)

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81

{ BUSINESS AWARDS }

The Finalists - Sussex Women In Business Awards The 2015 Sussex Women In Business Awards, formerly know as the East Sussex Women In Business Awards, attracted over 350 entries this year, so the judges had a very difficult time in selecting the finalists. The semifinal heat took place on Friday, 31st July at the Cavendish hotel Eastbourne, hosted by Lynsey Bartlett of Heart Sussex.

Over 100 of the the semi-finalists and sponsors attended the banquet luncheon . The event was formally opened by Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, representing all the Sussex Mps, and after a magnificent three-course meal, served by the wonderful staff of the Cavendish Hotel, Neisha Taylor, Associate Solicitor at Hart Reade, the headline sponsors, took to the stage to wish all good luck, and said,

“We at Hart Reade are extremely proud to continue to headline and support these magnificent awards, which are a superb platform for our Sussex Businesses women to demonstrate their achievements” Fiona Gausden, the Practice Manager at Hart Reade Solicitors, said, “We are extremely delighted to be sponsoring the now larger Sussex Women in Business Awards for the fifth consecutive year. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the important role of women in business. From employees to business owners to entrepreneurs, these awards give women in business the opportunity to shine and share the successes they have achieved. We wish all the 2015 finalists the very best of luck.”

The 2015 Finalists New Business/Start-Up of the Year

The Innovation award

Infection Control Consultants South Downs Introductions Ltd Bella’s Secret & Bella’s Coffee Shop StephieAnn Designs Happy Working Mum

Hisbe Food CIC Brighton and Hove Energy Services C0-op The Agora (Gynaecology & Fertility Centre)

Woman in Education

Katy Robbins of the Permanent Make-Up Training Academy Jill Whittaker of HIT Training Lesley Young of Chailey School

Small Business of the Year

Grafters Recruitment Consultants Fross Wedding Collections Mad Fish Performing Arts & Agency Pearce Marketing Consultants Ltd The Local Cleaners TLC

Woman in Uniform

Detective Constable Joanne Barber Inspector Rachel Barrow Police Constable Bernadette Lawrie Sarah-Louise Gliddon - Sussex Police Contact Handler Dr Aniko Lazar of First Choice Dental Clinic Police Constable Joanne Seabridge

Medium Business of the Year

The Agora (Gynaecology & Fertility Centre) The Chalvington Group Recruitment South East Duvacourt Construction KalliKids

Woman in Arts/Music/Dance & Media

Chloella Gunn of Dyamond Dance Anastasia Witts of OperaCoast Jade Powers of Sussex Dance Studios Linda Salway of the Birley Centre Emma Burnett of Mad Fish Performing Arts & Agency

Large Business of the Year Cash Bases American Express Brighton HIT Training Gardners Books

Rising Star of the Year

Employer of the Year

Jo Glover of Sew Sew Chic Sophie Curtis of Pearce Marketing Consultants Ltd Chloe Butchers of Fross Wedding Collections Jodie Deaken of Hounds & Hides StephieAnn of StephieAnn Designs

Recruitment South East Gardners Books Cash Bases American Express Brighton

Contribution to the Community Emma Hellier of Emma Hellier The Chalvington Group Gilrz in Bizness Hannah Staunton of Gatwick Airport Liz Walke of save the DGH

Mentor of the Year

Mumpreneurs Networking Club Chloella Gunn of Dyamond Dance Fross Hockley of Fross Wedding Collections Louise Hopkins of Recenseo

Business Woman of the Year

Catherine Clifford of the Lansdowne Hotel Eastbourne Mandy Brook of Recruitment South East Sue Mulvey of the BMI The Esperance Hospital Emma Pearce of Pearce Marketing Consultants Ltd Alex Chatfield of Chatfields Jewellers Sian Maher of Grafters Recruitment Consultants Louise Hopkins of Recenseo

Woman of Courage

Liz Walke of Save the DGH Ann Sandeman Police Constable Joanne Seabridge

Lifetime Achievement Award Ann Sandeman Liz Walke of Save the DGH

Sponsors on board so far are:

The awards ceremony is at the Cavendish Hotel in Eastbourne and takes place on 23rd October.

To book tickets call Faiza Shafeek on 01323 4145493 or email faiza.shafeek@jpress.co.uk Sponsorship opportunities are still available, email faiza.shafeek@jpress.co.uk for details

82

{ BUSINESS AWARDS }

EASTBOURNE EXCELLENCE Nominations are now being accepted for the Eastbourne Business Awards.

The Categories based business that has best demonstrated exceptional financial returns, innovation, strong growth and market leadership in the field of tourism, leisure or hospitality activities.

Eatery (Restaurant / Pub / Cafe) of the Year Award for a local restaurant, café, pub that can demonstrate outstanding creativity, customer service and top quality dining / food in the Eastbourne area.

Independent Retailer of the Year Award for the retail business that can best demonstrate strong growth, an innovative approach to customer and employee relations, together with creativity, to enhance sales. This category is open to local independent retailers and to local units of national chains, providing they can show how they have impacted on the local community and economy.

Best Start-Up Business (under 2 years) This award is open to all businesses within Eastbourne and District area who, at the closing date for applications, have been trading for less than 24 months.

Rising Star of the Year Award This award requires all candidates to be nominated by others. You cannot nominate yourself – though you can nominate a colleague, an employee, an employer, or even a fellow student. There is no age limit as we are seeing that up-and-coming rising stars can be of any age.

Business Person of the Year We are seeking nominations for an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the business community. This might be a significant oneoff contribution, or a lifetime contribution.

Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Award to an Eastbourne-

Small Business of the Year (1-10) This award is open to all businesses within the Eastbourne area with less than 10 employees that can demonstrate exceptional performance, growth and market leadership.

Medium Business of the Year (10-50) This award is open to all businesses within the Eastbourne area with between 10-50 employees that can demonstrate exceptional performance, growth and market leadership.

Large Business of the Year (50+) This award is open to all businesses within the Eastbourne area with 50+ employees that can demonstrate exceptional performance, growth and market leadership.

Manufacturing and Construction Company of the Year Award to an Eastbourne-based company that has best demonstrated exceptional financial returns, innovation, strong growth and market leadership in the field of manufacturing and/or construction.

Quality Customer Service Award Award for a company exceeding customer expectations in its service.

Service and Support Company of the Year Award to a company committed to providing a quality service and support to their customers, to the general public or other businesses.

Innovation Award An ability to navigate market conditions is crucial for a business to survive today’s difficult economic conditions. How has your business adapted to change, or utilized an innovative idea in order to be a successful business?

Lifetime Achievement Award for an exceptional individual whose effort and determination over time has made an exceptional contribution to a business and the wider business community, resulting in a positive gain for both.

Education, Training and Motivation Award for companies demonstrating outstanding commitment to training in Eastbourne.

Overall Business of the Year All short-listed applications will be entered into this category Award to any business in the Eastbourne area that has demonstrated innovative strategies to bring about exceptional financial returns, strong growth and market leadership in its sector.

Employer of the Year Award for a business that has great staff relations, good staff retention, with excellent training and which cares for their employees. The best company to work for!

Employee of the Year Award for an exceptional individual whose effort and determination has made an exceptional contribution to a business, resulting in a positive gain for the organisation.

Sponsors on board so far are:

The Awards Ceremony Banquet Luncheon takes place on the 13th November at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne.

To enter and to book tickets call Faiza Shafeek on 01323 4145493 or email faiza.shafeek@jpress.co.uk Sponsorship opportunities are still available, email faiza.shafeek@jpress.co.uk for details

83

BUXTED PARK HOTEL

By Maarten Hoffmann

B

uxted Park is a magnificent hotel set in 312 acres of private ground and parkland near Uckfield and includes three lakes, a deer park and a walled garden. It boasts 44 luxurious bedrooms, a range of suites with 4-poster beds and a 2 Rosette restaurant.

Buxted harks back to the 12th century and has been the seat of power for many of the great and good of English history over the past 900 years. The present house was built almost 300 years ago by Thomas Medley, whose family had been keepers of the Privy Purse in the reign of Henry VIII. Clearly, even in those days there was money to be made in tax collection. Thomas Medley himself had been a renowned barrister, however he made a fortune in his own right by using the opportunity of the war against France to introduce the English to port wine and it was this money that built the house that stands today.

At the start of the 20th century, the house was purchased by the renowned designer of the Savoy in London, Basil Ionides. Being famed as a great entertainer, he now certainly had the home for it and played host to Queen Mary and George V

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“Head Chef Steve Cole has created a menu extolling British cuisine with an emphasis on great flavours and local produce,”

and, over the years, William Wordsworth, Winston Churchill and Marlon Brando.

Following the death of Basil & his wife, the Rt

Hon Nellie, the house was purchased by Kenneth Shipman, the owner of Twickenham Studios. He used it to entertain his stars, with guests such as Marlon Brando, Dudley Moore and Gregory Peck, who were regulars at the house. He even built a cinema to view his latest productions, which is still in use today. This period also saw a return to the house of Sir Winston and Lady Churchill, who had also been regular guests in the time of the Ionides. By the early 1970’s British cinema was in decline. The Shipmans sold the estate to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Akhanton. Enriched by the increasing value of oil in the Middle East, the opulence, grandeur and size made Buxted Park not only ideal as his English home but also an excellent harem for his entourage.

The hotel is now in the hands of Hand Picked Hotels, who have refurbished to a very high standard, and it remains the venue of choice for conferences and weddings across the region.

And fine dining, of course, which, l prompt myself to remember, is the main reason l am here.

{ DINING OUT }

Head Chef Steve Cole has created a menu

I am not a great fan of beetroot, and you would know why if my mother ever cooked for you. A boiled lump of red goo that just willed itself out of the window, which is where it ended up whenever she turned her back. But this was superb. The beet not only added that famous colour, but with the spinach and the bite of the gnocchi, it was excellent. Jo’s bream was perfectly cooked and l am certainly becoming a fan of crushed new potatoes, and the salsa verde was a perfect accompaniment.

There really was not a lot of room left, but we managed a grape frangipane tart with cinnamon ice cream and vacherin of strawberry and raspberry with clotted cream. When l say not a lot of room left, l am not sure l always mean it!

The food was superb, the service impeccable and the location is stunning.

I couldn’t resist a quick peek at the rooms, and their luxury suites are just a haven of opulence with dark tones, chandeliers and a bed so grand that one is tempted to think that Queen Mary just got out of it.

The definition of a great weekend would be dinner and a night here and then the Sommelier from Basildon could really strut his stuff.

BUXTED PARK HOTEL Buxted, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 4AY T: 0845 072 7412 M: buxtedpark@handpicked.co.uk W: www.handpickedhotels.co.uk

extolling British cuisine with an emphasis on great flavours and local produce, and Head Sommelier Jean Francois Bret Quainon from Basildon (l made that last bit up) has selected his choice of fine vintages of all colours, but as this is lunch, l can only tell you it read superbly and tempts me back, in the evening, in a taxi.

I ordered the confit of chicken and tarragon terrine with a herb salad, and my guest, Joanne Rogers of influential PR and marketing firm Prowse & Co, ordered wild mushroom, potato and spinach Boudin. It was excellent and the chicken and tarragon was a fine balance of flavours. I then plumped for beetroot and spinach gnocchi whilst Jo went for the fillet of gilt head bream, crushed potatoes, rocket salad and salsa verde.

85

THE BUSINESS NETWORK NETWORK REVIEW – BEXHILL CHAMBER BREAKFAST

By Emma Pearce, Marketing Consultant – marketing planning, outsourced marketing services and social media training | www.pearcemarketing.co.uk Emma Pearce gives a more detailed insight into a growing Chamber of Commerce...

Y

ou should think again if you perceive Bexhill-on-Sea to be a sleepy seaside town between Hastings and Eastbourne.

There’s a well-attended and friendly Chamber of Commerce and Tourism with ongoing ambitious plans. As well as an eclectic mix of professional businesses networking at the meetings, there is active lobbying for more exciting developments and business support. In recent years the town has grown a reputation for great events too such as the Bexhill Motofest festival and the art and cultural programme at the iconic Delawarr

also invested in increasing tourism, too.

London and education development initiatives.

Acting President, Martin Riley, said “There’s a

In fact, there is a lobbying event for the high-

new committee up for election in September

speed trains at the Coast Restaurant on Bexhill

that wish to renew the Chamber’s focus on

seafront from 6.30 pm on 16 September. At

three key areas: business, regeneration and

the last Chamber meeting Huw Merriman, MP

education.

We are currently reviewing our

for Bexhill and Battle, encouraged everyone to

programme of events. We will be holding lively

attend this ‘learn to lobby’ event. He is waiting

evening networking alongside our breakfast

for a big mailbag as a result to help his case

meetings, which are attended by around 60

to Government.

businesses.”

Pancras in 78 minutes - via Ashford - will be

Getting from Bexhill to St

a great advantage for the area. It would cut an THE FORMAT OF THE MEETING

incredible one hour off the current travel time.

• 30 minutes open networking with everyone KEY FACTS

attending the event • Sit down for breakfast (hot and cold buffet

• Location: Cooden Beach Hotel

provided by the Cooden Beach Hotel)

Pavilion, along with top-name music and

• 30-second round - each person can speak

• Frequency: Breakfasts every 2 months and

internationally recognised comics performing

for 30 seconds about their business (with

other evening networking events during the

regularly.

a call to action if you are maximising this

year. Plus, as a member of ACES (The Alliance

As with most Chambers, Bexhill welcomes

opportunity!)

of Chambers in East Sussex), there are other

businesses of all sectors and sizes who are based in the town as well as those based elsewhere who wish to do business in the town.

• Listen to a speaker for 15 minutes and time

opportunities to network with members of other chambers in the county.

for Q&A

• Size: average of 60 attendees

• More open networking if you wish to stay.

Perhaps more unusually, Bexhill Chamber is

• Time: 7.15 am - 9.00 am I also spoke to Acting

• Lock out: no

Vice

• 30-Second Round: yes

President

and

Communications

• Speaker slot: yes

Officer, Howard Martin,

• Cost: Annual membership of £55. Breakfast

who

said

that

the

meetings are £12 for members and £15 for

Chamber is working

non-members.

closely with the Town

Kate Lovering regarding membership at

Contact Lucy Marlow and

Team, Town Forum and

info@bexhillchamber.co.uk.

FSB on a number of projects

So, perhaps you shouldn’t bypass Bexhill. Could

that help businesses.

your business benefit from networking at this

This

Chamber as part of your marketing activities?

regeneration

includes

the

high-speed rail link to

86

www.bexhillchamber.co.uk

{ SECTION { CHAMBER TEXT NEWS HERE } CHICHESTER

LIVING WITH THE LIVING WAGE

By Louise Hopkins, Chair, Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry One of the most interesting impacts on industry to come from the recent Budget Review is the introduction of the national living wage.

Where the economy was facing an upturn and businesses were starting to recruit again, this new turn of events is going to hit a number of sectors hard.

The minimum wage for over-35s is set to increase to £7.20 by next year and to £9.35 by 2020. Although the announcement appears to be attractive on a social level, the harsh reality of its impact will be seen throughout many sectors in our region through increased labour costs, resulting in predicted job cuts and price increases.

The greatest impact of the amendment will inevitably be on low-wage industries. The care industry and charities, largely supported by funding and contracts from local authorities, also face further highly demanding budget cuts.

So, where a pay rise will give a well-deserved boost to care workers, the costs of such, combined with additional funding restrictions from the government, means that social care

provision may be reduced further. The UKHCA estimates that an additional £750 million will be needed to meet the increase in labour costs.

Additionally, around 30% of those employed by charities are likely to be affected as they tend to be towards the lower end of the pay scale. The total labour cost increase to the UK is estimated to be £500 million by 2020, affecting sectors as

“The dramatic impact on these industries is likely to lead to largescale cutting of jobs”

diverse as cleaning, security, retail, agriculture and hospitality.

The dramatic impact on these industries is likely to lead to large-scale cutting of jobs, or alternatively, an increase in prices for consumers. For a country still licking the wounds of a painful recession, the risk of high unemployment in the future and, ironically, potentially lowered household income, are serious risks. Retailers in particular are predicted to pass on at least some of the cost increase to their customers, plus automated replacements, such as self-checkouts, may also be more actively sought to reduce intensive labour costs.

However, it is not only those at the bottom of the wage structure who will be affected.

Pay differentials will need reviewing. If left unaltered, the differential will be eroded, creating inequalities in the work place between colleagues in higher status positions. Not good for motivation. The alternative is to proportionally increase the pay of all employees, generating huge extra costs to a business which doesn’t necessarily see any direct increase in productivity as a result.

Over the next five years, the extent to which the introduction of a national living wage will impact on the economy will become apparent, and it will be particularly evident at regional and local levels. However, the risks of increased unemployment and consumer costs are real and should be carefully monitored at a macro level. For us in business, it’s yet more cautious navel gazing when we were finally starting to lift our eyes over the parapet…

87

2015

South EaSt

BuSinESS Show www.b2bsoutheast.com

wledge o n k s i n u e b s e r s o f e r t s n a e t h v o e s network, make new contacts and nal a professio

Visit the regions premier FREE business event Copthorne Hotel, Effingham, Gatwick Friday 25th September 2015 10.00am - 3.00pm

FREE Visitor Entry On The Day b2bsoutheast.com This is a unique event as it unites all sectors of business and is the only marketing medium that brings the buyer, seller and products together at the same time and in the same place.

{ CHAMBER NEWS } { SECTION TEXT HERE } BRIGHTON

THE OPPORTUNITIES ARISING FROM MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS

by Ros Branagan Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce is continually growing its programme of events, and just recently there have been developments on this front… major developments, in fact.

On 30th June the Chamber launched a brandnew event to give businesses an in-depth look at the construction schemes shaping our city.

With high-profile speakers and an innovative workshop, the first Major Developments event gave a packed audience at Brighton Dome an insight into three projects: Brighton i360, Preston Barracks and Black Rock.

Eleanor Harris, Chief Executive at Brighton i360, spoke about the financial boost that the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) scheme will bring.

She is expecting 700,000 to 800,000 people a year to pay to ride on the i360 and two million to come into the beach building, and it is estimated the attraction would bring an extra 350,000 visitors into the city every year.

Eleanor revealed that the i360 is on track to

with a view to submitting early next year,” Rob

affordable housing – and would allow the city

open next July, and they are hoping to open the

confirmed.

to improve its retail offer and create jobs. It is

vertical cable car as early as May or June, with

Head of City Regeneration at Brighton and

hoped negotiation of a development agreement

the beach building following this. The project

Hove City Council Nick Hibberd spoke about

with project partners Standard Life Investments

will have plenty of opportunities for local

Black Rock, part of the larger £540 million

and Venue Ventures will come at the end of this

businesses, according to Eleanor: “We have a

plan for regeneration in the city, referred to as

year.

policy of putting all our tenders out locally”, she

The Waterfront – “one of the biggest projects

Chamber members and guests then had the

said, “and we have a growing army of talented

that the city council has ever been involved in,”

opportunity to get creative with what they’d

local companies supplying us.”

according to Nick.

heard as part of a workshop run by Nick Price

Rob Sloper, Projects Director at Cathedral Group,

The project would involve the extension of

from Of Things Immaterial. He asked groups

explained that the regeneration of the Preston

Churchill Square shopping centre all the way

of attendees to work through the possible

Barracks site in Moulsecoomb will be delivered

down to the seafront, plus a new conferencing

implications of the developments, prompting

by Cathedral Group in partnership with the

centre with a capacity of 10,000, or 8,000 fully

discussion of issues as varied as transport

University of Brighton and Brighton and Hove

seated. The development would also provide

links, a need for quality business space, traffic

City Council. He called the project a “catalyst for

450 new homes - some of which will be

and parking, job creation, noise and disruption,

social and economic regeneration

housing, affordable retail space,

of the area”, with an ambition to

improvements to the surrounding

create a vibrant, successful and

areas, and economic viability.

sustainable new place.

Building on the success of this

The development will include

first event, Brighton Chamber is

student

accommodation,

planning the next instalment in the

academic buildings for Brighton

Major Developments series for the

University, new homes and retail

end of the year – make sure you’re

space, plus a Central Research

there!

Laboratory, a commercial building

For

intended for start-ups, with a

Brighton Chamber events see

focus on the digital manufacturing

www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

industry. “We are now working out

the

planning

application

more

information

about

Photos by Lauren Psyk

89

{{ CHAMBER } } SECTION TEXT NEWS HERE CRAWLEY & GATWICK

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

News from the Chamber THE 50+ SKILLS EXCHANGE CLUB Chamber member Beta Futures is entering its second year on a high. With the social enterprise growing, including the launch of brand-new master classes, the team is expecting a bright future. Beta Futures’ 50+ Skills Exchange Club is also seeing an increase in members and activity.

The 50+ Skills Exchange Club brings people together to socialise and learn new skills. It also supports individuals who are wishing to get back into work or pursue volunteering opportunities in the local community.

In May 2015 Beta Futures launched the 50+ Skills Exchange Club in Crawley. The Club currently runs in Redhill and there are plans for a third in Horsham by 2016.

So what has The Club been up to? The Club has already welcomed an increasing number of members and hosted several guests, such as Loredana D’Andrea from K2’s Well Being team.

The Crawley Club is organising future meetings, including a First Aid session and representatives coming in from local businesses. Members of The Club were also recently inspired by Chestnut Tree House, when a speaker came in to talk about the hospice’s work. Beta Futures’ Managing Director, Marie Harris, will be embarking upon a 50km trek of the Great Wall of China over 5 days in October 2015. So far Marie has raised over £1000 in aid of this amazing charity and The Club members are hoping to arrange a trip to the hospice in the near future.

The Club members are putting forward their own ideas for Club events, such as fundraising, craft stalls and much more. A committee has also been established which will allow members to shape and drive the direction of The Club. www.betafutures.com/newsite/50plus.html Marie Harris’ Just Giving Page is at www.justgiving.com/marie-harris6/

A CLEAR PATH Economic news from Daniel Sibley, NatWest Commercial Bank Seventy-six months have passed since the Bank of England cut Bank Rate to 0.5%. Since then, some MPC members have occasionally voted for a rise, but something has always been in the way for the majority. This time around…

Consensus, for now. Everyone on the Monetary Policy Committee voted to keep Bank Rate at 0.5% this month, but several sent a strong message that this consensus won’t hold for long. The pick-up in pay growth has prompted the MPC to conclude that the labour market is tightening faster than it had expected. Had it not been for events in Greece, some members would be voting for rates to rise immediately. But this uncertainty, as well as the worsening outlook in China, was enough to dampen enthusiasm for raising rates. It’s a consensus that may not hold for long.

More for less. Britain’s love affair with shopping continues apace. The amount we bought in May was up 4.0% y/y. Yet the amount we spent was only 0.9% y/y higher, well below the pace of wage growth. It was falling shop prices - down a whopping 2.9% y/y - that delivered the lion’s share of volume growth. For the moment, we’re benefiting from ‘good’ deflation, still strongly driven by oil prices, which were still above $100 per barrel last May. It is these numbers in addition to uncertainty that strengthens the hand of Bank Rate doves for now.

Back to black, slowly. The UK government borrowed £6.1bn less between April and June compared with the same period last year. After one quarter

90

of the financial year, it is too early to tell whether the Office for Budget Responsibility’s borrowing forecasts will be met, but the Treasury will welcome the figures. The tax take rose 5.4% y/y in Q2, the fastest growth recorded since 2011. On the other side of the ledger, government spending fell 0.5% y/y. Overall the budget deficit continues to slowly reduce. But on current estimates it will be 2019 before the UK will be in surplus.

I owe you. Foreign-owned firms comprise just 1% of the 2 million-plus nonfinancial employers in the UK. Yet they account for 28% of GVA (basically, extra income generated) and over £1 in every £3 of all UK business turnover.

The reason, of course, is that foreign-owned firms tend to be large. USowned firms dominate, accounting for 15% of all the turnover of foreign firms in the UK. And that’s a good thing. US firms tend to be heavy investors in innovation, whether that be in products, software, knowledge or simply ways of working. The UK needs a productivity boost. And US firms help pay for it.

Whatever. A surprising feature of the Greece crisis is the fact it has had so little discernable impact on the wider euro zone economy. At 53.7, the July reading of Purchasing Managers’ Index remains close to a four-year high. True, it did slip a little from June, with both the dominant economies of Germany and France slowing. But business output expanded in many other countries and, despite the uncertainty, business managers remain broadly upbeat. daniel.sibley@natwest.com

{ CHAMBER NEWS } EASTBOURNE

MOTORING AHEAD WITH A DOUBLE CELEBRATION Eastbourne UnLtd Chamber of Commerce www.eastbourneunltd.co.uk | Tel: 01323 641144

Local business leaders and VIPs joined vehicle leasing and fleet management specialists Neva Consultants to celebrate the refurbishment of their head office in Piltdown, East Sussex, and the company’s recent business award success.

Originally guests including Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, and Councillor Barby DashwoodMorris, Chair of Wealden District Council, were invited to open the newly refurbished offices from which Neva have operated since 1999.

However, the event was a double celebration after Neva Consultants’ success at the Lewes & Wealden Business Awards 2015 where they won not only the Medium Size Business of the Year and The Innovation Award but also scooped the Overall Business of the Year, the main award of the evening.

Representatives from Wealden District Council, East Sussex County Council, Uckfield Chamber of Commerce and Uckfield FM joined Faiza Shafeek, organiser of the Lewes and

Wealden Business Awards, and Rix & Kay Solicitors for lunch and to meet the staff.

Neva Consultants Senior Partner, Graham Prince said: “I am grateful to all those who gave up their valuable time to attend and share our celebration. We are very proud of how the company has grown. We have increased in size, from 16 employees in 2013 and will have 22 full-time staff by the end of this year. We have grown the number of vehicles supplied on their leasing and finance packages from 1,400 in 2013 and are on target to supply in excess of 2,000 in 2015 - which is 40% growth.

“Our success is down to the hard work of all our staff and with the economic climate remaining positive for the next few years we are confident that the company should continue to grow.”

Neva Consultants will now represent the Lewes and Wealden region in the gala finals night. This event is to be held at The Grand Hotel

in Brighton in October, when all of the winners of the regional awards across Hampshire, Sussex and Kent go head to head.

Neva Consultants offers high-quality contract hire, vehicle finance and fleet management consultancy services to all sectors ranging from multi-national companies, SMEs and private individuals. Operating a fleet size of 5,000 vehicles at any one time, the company deals with all aspects of vehicle procurement including vehicle choice, tax efficiency, Green Fleet and Duty of Care obligations.

Established in 1992, there are 19 staff based at Neva Consultants’ Sussex head office in Piltdown and 30 people working in our franchises around the country. The company belongs to The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), the industry trade body.

For further information go to www.nevaconsultants.com

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{ CHAMBER NEWS } ACES

COMMUNITY MIDWIFE LAUNCHES NEW BABY To become a Member of ACES just join your local Chamber of Commerce in East Sussex. Full details at www.acesalliance.org An Eastbourne woman has gone from

all keen to get involved whenever possible. They

Jayne said: “I enjoyed my job as a community

delivering other people’s babies to launching

cater to any requirements including cocktails

midwife, but after 20 years I needed a new

a new baby of her own, in the form of a vintage

and can tailor make a menu for your specific

challenge and wanted to return full time to my

Airstream catering and events business.

idea. Their preferred favourites are traditional

previous passion. I’m thrilled that my venture is

MamaC Events is the brainchild of Jayne

homemade British comfort foods such as giant

off the ground and have had so many positive

Collins, who spent the past 20 years giving to

pork pies and gourmet burgers, as well as sweet

comments from people at our events. They

the community as a midwife. She is now seeking

treats including chocolate brownies and ice

always want to take photos of our lovingly

to take a little back as she begins her journey to

cream burgers!

restored Airstream.

feed the hungry humans that collect together en-

Jayne is no stranger to catering, having

“The Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce has

masse at weddings, corporate events, parties,

set up Partyfayre in 1984, an outside catering

been invaluable in helping me make my long held

festivals and any other event that requires

company specialising in weddings, birthdays

ambition come to fruition. I’ve met lots of people

delicious British catering.

and other events. When her children came along,

in the local business community who are more

The fledgling firm is one of ACES newest

the business and her love for cuisine was put

members and the distinctive silver Airstream

than happy to share their ideas and experiences

on hold, although she continued to cater on a

has been popping up at events around the region

smaller scale for her friends and family.

and it’s good to talk to people who understand the challenges of setting up a new

for the last few weeks.

MamaC Events is a real family affair. Jayne runs the business with her husband Philip and their four children aged between 15 and 30,

Battle Chamber of Commerce www.battlechamber.org.uk

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

“They cater to any requirements... including ice cream burgers!”

Crowborough Chamber of Commerce www.crowboroughchamber.co.uk

business,” she said.

For more information about MamaC Events, please call 07513 439343 or visit the website at www.mamaevents.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

{ CHAMBER NEWS } ACES

TAKING THE RISK OUT OF STAFFING YOUR BUSINESS If you are looking for a top firm of solicitors with specialists in legal services for your family or your business but you also want a firm that takes a full roll in your local community, take a look at ACES Member Gaby Hardwicke. “Your level of communication has been outstanding – a breath of fresh air! Thank you for a job well done.” Gaby Hardwicke clients Chris and Gabby Tofts said.

One of the longest established law firms in Sussex and a major employer; solicitors firm Gaby Hardwicke has offices in Eastbourne, Hastings, Bexhill-on-Sea and Cooden. They have demonstrated long-term commitment to the local community by playing a leading role with local charities, the local business community, sports clubs, schools and colleges through their Foundation. The Gaby Hardwicke Foundation was set up as a charitable foundation for the benefit of the local community; the partners donate part of their annual profits to the registered charity whose trustees use the funds to support worthy local causes.

They offer an affordable “Employment Solutions” service to protect businesses of all sizes. The service ensures your employment documents are up to date legally and includes almost unlimited telephone and email access to an employment specialist. On top of this they offer the option of using their drafting service to write letters when dealing with disciplinary or grievance procedures. “With Gaby Hardwicke firstclass legal advice is a given; strategic thinking is what sets them apart from other law firms.” Ian Casselden, MD, Interface Devices Ltd says.

claim up to £250,000 or £1 million aggregate

Paul Maynard

in any one year. All you have to do to benefit from this level of peace of mind is consult Gaby Hardwicke’s employment team and take their advice. “Having the best professional advisers is crucial to the success of any business, and Gaby Hardwicke has provided us with excellent legal representation for more than a decade.

David Getty and his Commercial team have been a match for any opponent we have encountered, including the New York office of one of the Magic Circle law firms.” James King, MD, KHL Group sings the firms praises.

To find out more about the budgetary certainty this affordable service can provide, contact Paul Maynard at pcm@gabyhardwicke.co.uk The Gaby Hardwicke foundation

“Unlike some of our competitors we will not sit on the fence” “Each business we help has different objectives. These range from being legally compliant, to structuring the workforce to be more flexible and efficient, and to improve performance and productivity. Unlike some of our competitors we will not sit on the fence. Our advice is not formulaic or conservative, telling you only what you cannot do and must avoid.

“Whatever commercial outcome you want to achieve our clear and robust advice will give you a plan to achieve those goals.” Said Paul Maynard, Gaby Hardwicke,

is essentially there for those that require it most, donations have been made to individuals who have particular and often unique and challenging needs. By working with

those individuals closely the foundation has provided funds and/or support that has greatly enhanced both their day-to-day lives and those of their carers and families.

It is the policy of the trustees to direct funds to deserving causes within the local area when assistance is not available from any other source.

Their focus tends to be on children, the elderly and the disabled, and there are no complicated forms to complete!

Requests for assistance should simply be

Employment Solutions

emailed to the trustees’ chairman, Peter Taylor,

In fact, Gaby Hardwicke are so confident that their employment advice is exactly what you need, their insurers will cover the cost of any tribunal

at pwt@gabyhardwicke.co.uk For a different perspective visit www. gabyhardwicke.co.uk

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.

BEST4BIZ CONFERENCE 2015 Being a chamber or FSB member also entitles you to attend the Best4Biz Conference on 16th October at East Sussex National Hotel off the A22 in Uckfield. 200 business people attended Best4Biz last year and we will be announcing the speakers soon – so keep this date in your diary.

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 } WORTHING

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED A Day for Business Growth Worthing 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 in January 2016.

This new and exciting event will highlight the success stories of the locality, and, encourage those from the larger businesses such as ETI Limited, Southern Water and Fresh Egg to get involved with their business community.

The feedback from previous years of our showcase have been really positive and this event will have a new twist! This will once again be held at Worthing Town Hall and will include keynote speakers, speed networking workshops and specialist one to one clinics.

This event will be a great way for new, growing and established businesses to network and connect, to reinforce relationships and build new ones. Tina Tilley, CEO, Worthing and Adur Chamber said “The Showcase had a great buzz and the atmosphere was amazing. We hope to top that and encourage even more local businesses to take part”.

For further information and to express your interest in exhibiting please contact Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce.

Adur & Worthing Business Awards – Nominations Now Open The Adur and Worthing Business Awards provides a platform to recognise, reward and celebrate all the successful businesses and professional individuals we have in our area.

The awards are now in their ninth year and we are looking for entries from those who can prove business achievement and excellence in their field. Whether that be in growth, innovation or contribution to the community we want to hear from you.

You may have a high achiever or team of excellence within you company – why not put them forward for an extra special award?

Nominations close on Wednesday 23rd September and it can be your own business or another business you would like to shout about!

The winners of these awards will be announced at a gala black tie dinner held at the Worthing Pavilion on 13th November 2015.

For further details visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk 01903 203484 94

Innovation Hub Great news... Adur and Worthing Council has awarded Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce £70,000 towards the provision of an Innovation Hub at Northbrook College.

The plans for the Innovation Hub were formally presented at a breakfast launch to VIP’s and local business owners recently, and the project team that have been involved outlined their vision for the new facility.

This new facility will be focused around a vibrant, modern, digitally enabled, high tech working environment comprising of 1, 2 and 3 person office space, co-working areas, hot desk areas and meeting rooms the innovation hub has been designed to provide practical high spec working space for start-up and early growth businesses.

There was enthusiasm for the project from the Council from the start. Businesses that are based in the hub will benefit from business support, peer to peer mentoring, business training and networking all this alongside support from the Chamber and Northbrook College.

If you are interested in being a part of this exciting new venture please email info@ worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY • 9th September – Top Tips for entering the Adur & Worthing Business Awards • 25th September – Networking Breakfast. Find out about funding, grants and business growth programmes.

• 7th October – Meet the Chamber. Come along to this free event, meet the Chamber team and Ambassadors and find out how being a member will benefit you.

• 23rd October – Networking Breakfast – Dome Worthing • 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

Award winning business, tax and wealth advice For a complimentary initial discussion on any of your accounting, tax or financial planning needs please contact Shirley Smith on: T: +44 (0)1293 776152 E: shirley.smith@krestonreeves.com Offices across London, Gatwick and Kent

www.krestonreeves.com

{ SECRET SOUTH EAST}

SECRET SURREY Denbies Wine Estate

Chris White

D

enbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard, is situated on the outskirts of Dorking in the heart of the Surrey Hills.

The vineyard was planted in 1986, with 265 acres of vines, and commands an impressive location overlooking Box Hill, the pinnacle of the 2012 Olympic Cycling Road Race. Approaching the expansive Denbies Estate, for a moment, one could really be anywhere in the world, acres and acres of vineyard rolling into the distant hills, a captivating sight – in the middle of Surrey. Denbies Visitor Centre is open daily

to the public and the chateau style winery hosts two restaurants, wine and gift shop, art gallery, exhibition, conference and banqueting rooms.

Denbies runs indoor classic wine tasting tours and outdoor vineyard tours daily. There is also a charming Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast with seven en-suite bedrooms adjacent to the winery.

Surrey Hills micro-brewery is located inside the winery building with The Village Greens Farm Shop adjacent to the main entrance. The main building is also home to the Surrey Performing Arts Library.

The Estate is family owned and run by the White family.

Christopher White, Denbies General Manager, has been running the estate for over 15 years and his family have lived on the Denbies Estate since 1984. Christopher graduated from Bournemouth University with BSc. (Hon). His background has given him a solid understanding of viticulture and also a vast range of hospitality experience.

Chris has led the development of the vineyard and visitor centre with the diversification of the estate being its strength. The business has grown substantially over the past 10 years, now employing over 150 staff.

The Estate was originally a pig and cattle farm. When the White family took over the estate in 1984, it was suggested by a family friend, Richard Selley, Emeritus Professor of Geology and a Senior Research Fellow at Imperial College, London that the geology of Denbies Estate was perfect for planting a vineyard. The

vineyard was planted in 1986, and since then Denbies has grown to become one of the largest vineyards in the UK. The site was selected predominantly for the geology and soil type, as it is very similar to that found in the Champagne region. Over the years however, the character of the site has grown into something unique. There are pockets of different microclimates and soil types within the vineyard, and this is evident in the wines.

“Its chalk soils, warm and dry climate enables Denbies to produce a range of wines of exceptional quality and style.”

Denbies is a very good example of a vineyard with its very own terroir. Its chalk soils, warm and dry climate enables Denbies to produce a range of wines of exceptional quality and style.

Denbies produces award winning excellent cool climate sparkling wines using the traditional grape varieties, grown on chalky soil,

Callisto Associates www.callistoassociates.com

96

{ SECRET SOUTH EAST}

Photo: Helen Dixon it also has an excellent reputation for producing award winning premium still wines. In 2011 Denbies was awarded an IWC Gold ‘Best Rose in the world’ for its Chalk Ridge Rose 2010. In 2013 Denbies achieved a first multiple gold award for its Noble Harvest Dessert wine 2011, an unprecedented achievement for an English dessert wine. The winery also produces first class still wines from the noble varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and now Sauvignon Blanc.

This is a combination of warmer growing seasons producing riper fruit, and a great deal of expertise in the winemaking process.

The 2014 Pinot Gris is currently showing some wonderfully complex flavours, as is the Sauvignon Blanc and the Bacchus.

Of particular note, 2014 was a great vintage for sparkling wines.

Denbies follow the complete process of sparkling wine from grape to disgorging and distribution.

Producing sparkling wine is challenging and fun. It is the wine style with the most potential for

interventions possible for altering the wine style during its production. The 2014 harvest was recorded as the vintage of the decade, both in quality and quantity. Denbies Winemakers are confident that the 2014 vintage will produce some exceptional wines in years to come. New for 2014 is the Cubitt Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay) and the Whitedowns White and Rose (new for 2014).

These are wines with a style that would not be replicated elsewhere in the world, and this uniqueness is something that Denbies celebrates. Since its first vintage in 1993, Denbies wines have won a wide range of national and international awards and trophies, including the prestigious International Wine Challenge, International Wine and Spirit competition and Decanter.

The Estate offers a wide range of specialist events, including the highlight of the year, Denbies Vine and Dine Grape picking experience which takes place during the October harvest

and includes first-hand experience in the workings of the vineyard and winery.

Running and wine? Now in its 5th year, the Surrey Bacchus Half Marathon based at Denbies was once again awarded a podium spot in the Runner’s World ‘The UK’s 50 Best Races’ 2014 as voted for by Runner’s World readers. The Surrey Bacchus is based on the Marathon du Medoc and attracts participants from all over the world, features wine tasting and fancy dress as part of the fun. The event passes through Denbies, Dorking, Ranmore Common and the North Downs Way and is a beautiful route.

The Estate is one of the major visitor attractions in Surrey attracting over 350,000 visitor’s per year and one of the largest vineyard’s in northern Europe.

Denbies Wine Estate currently has a range of 14 wines and produces over 450,000 bottles of wine per annum. Full details www.denbies.co.uk

DENBIES WINE ESTATE London Road, Dorking, Surrey RH5 6AA T: 01306 876 616 F: 01306 888 930

www.denbies.co.uk 97

{ WISE WORDS }

Words

Issue 15 Wise

David Sheppard, Chairman, Sussex Chamber of Commerce Unit 4, Victoria Business Centre, 43 Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9LR T: 0844 375 95 50 | Twitter: @SussexChamber W: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

T

he mist from the dry ice was slowly clearing from the stage and the senior management team reappeared to the fanfare of booming music and flashing lights. Gradually a large illuminated sign appeared behind them, emerging through the clouds: Thales.

This was the birth of a new Aerospace and Defence giant, launched in the grounds of a swanky chateau somewhere in rural France.

There were fifty or so round tables with ten of us on each from all around the world, facing the stage. And to a man we looked at each other and mouthed the word… Thayels?? At that point a very persistent CEO announced in English, “the name of our new Company is Thales… as in palace”.

And so commenced an interesting journey of integration for me as the MD of Racal in Crawley and the rest of the international group. This was no easy matter, getting to grips with a French way of doing business and persuading our MoD customer that there was nothing to fear from our new owners.

However, you may be wondering at this point what, then, are the wise words? In fact, Thales proved wonderful for management development at so many levels, and it was the next visit I made to that same chateau which gave me an obvious insight into leadership that 20 years of prior management experience had failed to provide me.

It was a Friday, the last day of a senior management development course, and we had

98

just come back from a boozy lunch (well, this

Well, I could leave you now, pondering that

was France, after all). We were full of all the

statement, but I have had the benefit of a

great learning from the week, lectures from

further 15 years to consider this insight into the

business giants, journalists, TV personalities

way organisations work and the assumptions

and brilliantly facilitated networking events, as

managers use when dealing with their people.

well very decent red wine, but were itching to

We

forget

companies

are

completely

get home. As ever, we had been far too optimistic

networked environments. The gossip tendrils

with our timing in booking those flights from

communicate

CDG. But there was one more presenter to listen

connection, and the collective intelligence of

to, an eminent business guru who had come

the workforce far outweighs the perceived

all the way from Canada to address us. Into the

intelligence of the MD and his Board of Directors.

lecture hall, amidst the fidgeting, distracted

To my mind, leadership is about projecting

audience, shuffled a 20-stone bearded individual

consistent direction and values, and the slightest

whose name I have sadly forgotten. He looked

deviation from the leadership messages by the

around, sighed and said “I have only one thing to

senior management will be picked up, amplified

tell you about management and leadership (that

and transmitted instantly round the organisation,

you will remember in your current state), and

completely undermining the management’s

that is never forget that people are smart”. He

credibility. We often fool ourselves into believing

then exited.

that we can say one thing and hide our real

faster

than

any

internet

feelings and actions at other times. You cannot, and this, I believe, is the meaning of the wise

“To my mind, leadership is about projecting consistent direction and values”

words my Canadian business guru so cleverly put across.

Bear in mind the fact that “people are smart” when you have an austerity cost-cutting program… and then travel business class, cut back on parking places for a new building but keep your own highly visible, named place, or consider that ill-advised assignation with the tea lady. People are watching, and your leadership credibility is at stake.

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