PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 20 - SURREY EDITION

The widest-read business publication in the South East

PLATINUM

SURREY EDITION . ISSUE 20 . 2016

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Shake hands in…

Singapore

NATWEST

CEO Impersonations

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

THE NATIONAL CSR AWARDS REIGATE MANOR HOTEL Review

THE BIG STORY

JEFF BEZOS

The Billionaire’s Race For Space

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Corporate & Commercial Banking

That’s not just a £300,000 investment, that’s an extra 60,000 units a week.

Our relationship managers are sector specialists.

So they understand when you need financial support and the difference it can make.

Search: NatWest Commercial Banking Call: 0800 529 8091 Text relay: 18001 0800 529 8091 Open Mon-Fri 9am to 5.30pm

Security may be required. Product Fees may apply. Over 18s only.

ANY PROPERTY USED AS SECURITY, WHICH MAY INCLUDE YOUR HOME, MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

BMW Business Partnership

THE NEW BMW 320d ED SPORT SALOON MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £295 (Plus £1,770 initial rental*)

For more information or to arrange a test drive†, call us on Freephone 0800 915 4700 or visit www.vinesofgatwickbmw.co.uk/business

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Vines of Gatwick is a credit broker.

Business users only. *Price shown for a BMW 320d ED Sport Saloon excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 36 month Contract Hire agreement, with a contract mileage of 30,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 11.17 pence per mile. Applies for new vehicles ordered between 1 October and 31 December 2015 and registered by 31 March 2016 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle and vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable. Available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance. BMW Group Corporate Finance is a trading style of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Alphabet House, Summit Avenue, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0FB. We commonly introduce customers to BMW Group Corporate Finance. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

WELCOME

24

THE BIG STORY JEFF BEZOS Serial disrupter or serial delighter

10

NATWEST The rise of the CEO impersonator

54 58 66 80 4

REIGATE MANOR HOTEL Hotel and Restaurant Review

ANGER MANAGEMENT In or Out

This month we are excited to bring you our new Business Travel Supplement with an indepth look at Singapore with Global Travel Management. Each month we will be bringing you a different destination with details of all the facilities for conferences and incentive trips to enable you to look at where your company should be spending the travel budget.

NatWest present a warning about everincreasing corporate fraud and the new frightening ruse of impersonating the CEO, we find out about DMH Stallard’s role in Capita’s acquisition of Brightwave, and Maarten takes a look at the all-new Mercedes C-Class Coupe, the Land Rover Discovery Sport and salivates over all the new metal at the Detroit Motor Show.

Anger Management asks you to consider again your views on the subject of the European Referendum and we take a peek at the new national CSR awards, soon to launch.

We profile Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, and his race for space and ask why every young billionaire seem to have the same goal to conquer space and reach other planets.

We also profile an exciting new company, Catabase Private who do for those that cannot do for themselves.

We are also delighted to announce that our readership has increased by 23% since this time last year and you can now find copies at an every increasing range of locations across the South East.

Maarten & Ian

Platinum Business Magazine, Surrey February 2016

MOTORING The all-new C-Class Mercedes

SECRET SERVICE Catabase Private

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

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

Issue 20 - 2016

The Team

Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

AT A GLANCE 6

Local News

10

NatWest – A Whale of a Scam

12

Corporate Social Responsibility - Awards

14

Awards – Rising Stars

15

Croydon Business Venture – A Commitment to Prosperity in 2016

16

Kreston Reeves – Investing in Property

19

Prowse – Valuing the Power of Stakeholder Buy-in

50 Travel News 52 Mauritius – A Tropical Paradise

54 Reigate Manor Hotel – Restaurant and Hotel Review

56 CharityLine – Your

Town, Your Hospice

58 Anger Management – In or Out?

61

64 Motoring – Discovery Sport HSE

66 Motoring – Mercedes-

Benz C-Class Coupe – Sandown

20 National News Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

24 The Big Story – The Serial Delighter A Wave of Bright Deals

34 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

Hannah Monkcom Staff Reporter

Platinum Business Travel Supplement

39 Introducing our

new

Travel Editor

42 Global Travel Management – Business Travel 2016

44 Shake Hands in....

Singapore Amanda Menahem Food & Drink Editor

Rose Dykins Travel Editor

Julia Trevett Accounts Manager

Lauren Psyk Event Photographer

70 Chamber Pages 72 Kingston Briefing – Crossrail 2

74

36 Young Start-up

Amanda Spicer Senior Designer

68 Motoring – Sandown – The Platinum Marque

32 DMH Stallard –

37

Motoring – The Detroit Motor Show

Overline Communications – The Overline Lounge

75 Surrey Chambers – Dates for the Diary

78 Platinum Style – New Year, New You

80 Secret Service –

Catabase Private

98 Institute of Directors – Energy Security

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

❝

It is refreshing to have a publisher so clearly listening to their market Nik Askaroff, CEO, EMC Corporate Finance

❞ 5

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

ENDING 2015 ON A HIGH The team at Fetcham Park has more to celebrate than most this New Year after receiving two new awards for excellence.

Fetcham Park was named Wedding Venue Of The Year (Town or City), London And South East at The Wedding Industry Awards and won the 2015 Leatherhead & District Business Award for Leisure and Tourism.

The news comes as Fetcham Park unveils a £500,000 refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Georgian house situated in Leatherhead.

Director Laura Caudery explains Fetcham started last year on a high when they were crowned Best Wedding Venue in the UK by The Wedding Industry Awards in January 2015 and is thrilled to once again be recognised for excellence, “We are delighted to win the London & South East title for the second year in a row.”

Fetcham Park demonstrated outstanding performance in a number of aspects relating to operations, including evidence of growth, investment and delivery of innovations and improvements, adding value to the local area, creating employment opportunities and customer satisfaction.

Laura, whose family bought Fetcham Park in 1999, says: “We were so overjoyed to win this business award just as we unveil a complete overhaul of the house. We never rest and as a family we have a commitment to the house and we are mindful of our responsibility as a local property and as an integral part of the community.”

The top to bottom half million pound refurbishment includes working with master craftsmen for specialist work.

Business clients using the venue as serviced offices or for a meeting or corporate event can now make use of the end-to-end fibre gigabit internet from the comfort of the new designer ergonomic chairs.

SURREY HEATH BUSINESS AWARDS OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS

JOINING FORCES

Nominations for Surrey Heath’s business awards are now open. 2016 marks the third annual awards. They

CWE Solutions has recently

will take place in March, hosted during Surrey Heath’s

completed an agreement to join the

Business Breakfast event at Camberley Theatre. It

Papergraphics group, forming one

is free to put yourself forward or nominate another

of the UK’s largest providers of wide

business. Six awards are up for grabs in total. They are:

format digital print solutions.

New Business - Spotlighting new and emerging businesses.

Chessington-based CWE Solutions,

Developing Talent - Recognising businesses that provide opportunities for personal development.

which was founded in 1999, has

Marketing Success - Creative marketing with measurable results.

delivered a sustained period of

Social/Environmental Responsibility - Recognising organisations who take responsibility towards the

growth, becoming one of the UK’s

community and the environment.

leading suppliers of wide format

Best Village or Rural Business - Spotlighting businesses located within rural or village areas.

hardware. The company will join the

Outstanding Achievement - New for 2016 this one celebrates a company, organisation or individual who

Papergraphics group immediately,

has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Surrey Heath business community over a

but will continue to trade as CWE

number of years.

Solutions for the immediate future.

Businesses can also enter more than one category. The closing date is Monday February 15. The

Papergraphics now increases its staff

short-listed candidates will be invited to the awards ceremony, due to be held on Friday March 18. Each

count to more than 100, with the two

winner will receive a certificate and promotion in Heathscene magazine, the council’s website and on social media. Head to www.surreyheath.gov.uk/shba to nominate and find out more.

businesses combined turning over in excess of £30m.

“To err is human, to blame it on someone else shows management potential” 6

NEWS

“The only sure-fi re way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it in your pocket”

30 YEARS ON Financial planning guru Keith Churchouse, director of Surrey-based Chapters Financial and founder of SaidSo.co.uk, celebrated 30 years in UK retail financial services last month.

Keith has also just received an additional chartered qualification, along with a second fellowship, from the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). A fitting way to crown 30 years of work within his profession, which has seen significant change over the last three decades.

Back in December 1985 when Keith first embraced the financial world, interest rates were around 11%, the FTSE 100 Index stood at approximately 1,375 points, Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, and Shakin’ Stevens was heading for number one with Merry Christmas Everyone.

Keith says: “It’s been an amazing journey, and such a privilege to share and help people by providing advice on all things money over the years.

Changes in regulation and innovation in technology have seen the delivery of financial advice change with future opportunities just as exciting. We look forward to continuing to be at the forefront of these FinTech developments. This last year has been one of the most dynamic I’ve seen in the UK financial advice market, which is why our multi-award-winning online advice service SaidSo, launched at the start of this year, has been so well received.”

As well as his day job, Keith has written many books and regularly shares his financial expertise on BBC radio.

TOAST OF SURREY SPONSOR Dunsfold Park this month confirmed its support of the Toast of Surrey Business Awards. The

JOHNSTON SWEEPS APPRENTICESHIP AWARD Johnston Sweepers

successful business

is continuing to

and aviation park will

thrive a year on

be sponsoring the

after winning the

Creative Industries Award, which recognises the use of creative

Apprenticeship

technologies – such as environmental, new media, computer

Scheme of the Year

technologies, research methods or creative practice – in

title at the Toast Of

enhancing business success.

Surrey Business

With a reputation for attracting companies at the forefront of their

Awards 2014. The

industries, the site currently houses more than 100 businesses

road sweepers,

employing more than 700 people. Dunsfold Business Park has 65

now based

acres of uniquely flexible commercial space from small incubator

in Dorking, has been operating in Surrey for more than 75 years and is one

units to large-scale distribution warehouses; from private storage

of the world market leaders in street cleansing vehicles.

units to buildings hosting multi-national companies. The Park can

Johnston Sweepers said it is exceptionally proud of its apprenticeship

also fulfil expansion needs from an extensive land bank, which

scheme which since the 1920s has trained and mentored hundreds of young

has made it an ideal location for start-ups and more established

people, nurturing and encouraging new engineering talents.

companies.

A spokesman for Johnston Sweepers said: “When Johnston Sweepers

Jim McAllister, director, Dunsfold Park said: “At Dunsfold we have

was named the winner of the Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year, we were

been nurturing business talent on the site since we began its

absolutely thrilled - and made a lot of noise. Some of our apprentices,

rejuvenation in 2002. Sponsoring the Creative Industries Award is

current and past, attended the ceremony and it was a particularly proud

a natural fit with our own company practice and those of the many tenants we have here.”

Dunsfold Park has ambitious plans to increase the business park to create more space and jobs and has recently begun work on a 9,966 square meter expansion project. As well as renewing Infrastructure, Dunsfold Park has implemented a number of environmental initiatives including the development of a solar farm, which secured the site’s place in history as the first business park in the UK to be fed principally by green energy.

moment for them to be part of the award receiving team. Since winning the award, Johnston’s Apprenticeship Scheme has continued to thrive and we are currently guiding and supporting 23 young people through to their BTECH and NVQ qualifications in welding, fabrication and mechanical engineering. And spurred on by the Toast of Surrey Awards, we have also taken on our first apprentice in purchasing and logistics.”

The apprentices even received a visit from HRH The Duke of Kent to the Dorking factory to open a new £11m manufacturing facility last November.

7

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

CROYDON CONSTRUCTION COUNCIL BOOST A family-run Croydon business has landed a five-year maintenance contract to supply its services to the borough’s 13,500 council homes.

From this April, Croydon’s council homes and some schools will be repaired by family ownedconstruction company, Mulalley after it won a five-year planned maintenance contract.

The deal, which could be extended for another nine years, includes a focus on employing Croydon-based subcontractors.

Mulalley plans to give Croydon businesses 95% of its supply chain within five years, starting with local kitchen suppliers Price Kitchens and a target of giving 60% of its business to local firms in the first year.

The contract also includes upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and roofs, plus extensions and outdoor improvements like new gates and bollards. It will save the council up to £2.5m a year or £12.5m over five years that could be spent on other council housing improvements like better lighting or community facility upgrades.

Mulalley has over 10 years’ experience of working as a Croydon Council contractor on redecorating properties, related repairs and carrying out upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms.

Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, deputy cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “Giving local people decent homes and more job opportunities is a cornerstone of what this council does, so this contract with Mulalley ticks so many boxes.

“We look forward to Mulalley giving our tenants a top-quality planned maintenance service, boosting job opportunities for local people and saving the council up to £2.5m a year.“ Mulalley Operations Director, Bruce Benson said: “We are thrilled to have won this significant contract continuing Croydon Council’s transformation of their housing stock. I think this win highlights the strength of our team, our approach to partnering and the quality and value of the work we have delivered over the last ten years.

GUILDFORD COLLEGE OFFERS QUALIFICATIONS TO IMPROVE LOCAL BUSINESSES Guildford College’s commercial training arm, Services to Business, has announced that it will be introducing a new professional qualification in leadership and management to help support Guildford’s business community. In response to demand from businesses in the Guildford area, as of now, Guildford College will offer a Level 5 course in Leadership and Management from the ILM. The course has been designed to develop the skills of employees which will in turn improve business performance and success. The courses will be delivered by qualified trainers who have relevant and extensive business experience across a variety of sectors.

The College’s Head of Services to Business, Ben Geeson, explains, “We are really excited to be offering this course. Training is a proven way to strengthen the workforce and ultimately grow the business. This course will bring real added value to the local business community.”

In order to officially announce the introduction of the new course, Services to Business will be hosting a Business Networking Breakfast for local employers on Thursday 11th February. This will be an opportunity to enjoy a complimentary breakfast provided by the College’s Catering and Hospitality department whilst learning more about the professional courses on offer from Guildford College. This will also be a great opportunity for local business people to network.

The breakfast will be centered around a keynote address on the rise of remote working by Kate Cooper, Head of Research & Policy, from the Institute of Leadership and Management. Kate will identify steps leaders and managers can take to improve communication and more consistent working practices to ensure business growth.

If you would be interested in attending this event, please email Liam Beauchamp at Guildford College on lbeauchamp@guildford.ac.uk by Monday 1st February 2016 for more information.

“Why join the navy if you can be a pirate?”

8

NEWS

“Organised people are just people who are too lazy to look for things”

McLAREN’S RECORD YEAR Sports car maker McLaren Automotive has announced it will create 250 new jobs in Surrey following a “record year”. The supercar manufacturer said it had delivered 1,653 of its cars to 30 different countries in 2015. A second shift has been created in its Woking factory to cope with demand for its cars, some of which retail for £900,000.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid MP said the announcement showed Britain’s auto industry was “thriving”. The new roles will be created in the Surrey company’s production, quality and logistics departments. The company currently employs about 1,500 people, with 500 working in production - where the majority of the new jobs will be created. McLaren said the second shift is scheduled to start in February and will take production rates from 14 to 20 cars per day. Chief Executive Mike Flewitt said the increase in sales was partly driven by the introduction of the firm’s cheapest model the “Sports Series”, which costs from £150,000. The other two models of car they produce are the more expensive “Super Series” and “Ultimate Series”.

He said: “The levels of customer orders tells us that now is the time to invest in the second shift and 250 new production team members to ensure that we are able to reach our assembly objectives once the full model range is available.” Last June the company announced its annual turnover was £475.5m.

TAKING ACTION Staff at financial services company Legal & General have voted to take union action in a dispute over plans to close its Surrey offices. Unite said two thirds of its members at the Kingswood office backed action after plans to close the site put 1,500 jobs at risk.

However, Legal & General said most jobs were being moved to Hove and Cardiff. The company said customers would not be affected by the outcome of the ballot. Regional officer Ian Methven said: “Legal & General is a company which relies on staff going the extra mile, from working late to volunteering for overtime. Our members are dedicated and hard working professionals, but today’s result shows that a tipping point has been reached and their goodwill can no longer be taken for granted. Unite is calling on Legal & General to work with us to explore all options that can keep Kingswood open. Closing the site will not only cost 1,550 people their jobs, it will devastate the surrounding community.”

A Legal & General spokesman said: “The Unite members of the Kingswood office have voted not to strike over the potential closure of the Kingswood site in 2018. The ballot has given them the option to work to rule, should Unite decide to take this option, which they haven’t yet. Our customers will not be impacted by the outcome of the ballot.”

11 BUSINESSES KICKSTARTED BY DRAGONS DEN A Dragons’ Den-style bidding contest gave 11 entrepreneurs a chance to win a share of £4,000 from Raven Housing Trust, Redhill.

Each entrant won either mentoring or funding, but James Humphries went home with the top prize of £1,500 for his mobile car repair business, Cartisan.

The contest was only open to those looking to get a helping hand starting a new business.

He said: “The programme has, more than anything, given me the confidence to continue with my business idea. I have a real love for cars and want to work in an industry I love while providing my family with both financial support and flexibility.”

The “dragons” at the event were Raven’s chief executive Jonathan Higgs; chairman of Key6 Group and founder of UniformDating.com Geoff Hyams; corporate business manager for Handelsbanken, Nigel Younger and Morrisons Solicitors’ Karen Lord.

Mr Higgs said: “The startup programme has been a great opportunity for anyone who’s always dreamed of starting their own business but needs help making those dreams a reality.

“We were all really impressed with the calibre of the business pitches – reflected in the fact that most participants walked away with either financial or business mentoring support.

“Many of the people who took part in last year’s programme in Merstham are now running successful businesses, so we know that this course can be life-changing.”

9

FINANCE

A WHALE OF A SCAM

Don’t be defrauded by CEO impersonations

Peter Quilter ACIB MCIBS Chartered Banker.

Director, Corporate and Commercial Coverage: 2nd Floor G3, 2 Cathedral Hill, Guildford GU1 3ZR. Peter.Quilter@natwest.com

F

raud techniques are continuing to evolve as criminals look for new ways to defraud their victims and everyone is

a potential target. At NatWest, we’ve learned

What is CEO Fraud and how does is work?

• A member of staff in the finance team receives an email which appears to have

of a new form of scam, one that uses email

originated from a senior person within their

to impersonate a senior executive to defraud

own organisation e.g. the Finance Director or

businesses.

CEO.

This type of scam is more commonly known

• The email instructs the recipient to make an

• Believing the email to be genuine, the member of staff processes the payment, which arrives in the fraudster’s account. The monies are then usually quickly withdrawn.

How does this happen?

There are two known methods being used: • Email spoofing – this is where the fraudster

as “CEO Fraud” or “Whaling Fraud” and is a

urgent payment to a specified beneficiary

constructs a fake email that appears to have

method that fraudsters are using to facilitate

(this may be outside normal procedures).

come from a genuine source but is capable

payments from unsuspecting customers by

• The email appears genuine as the details

of hiding its true origination. The sender’s

sending emails that appear like they’re coming

in the “From” box may reflect the genuine

email address will have been slightly

from a known contact in the “From” field.

address of the individual.

changed from the genuine address. For

10

FINANCE

“Be suspicious of any unexpected emails that ask for an urgent bank transfer – even if the message looks like it’s from someone in your organisation”

• There may be a number of emails in the

2. Check any unusual payment requests

conversation requesting the payment,

directly with the apparent sender, ideally in

with the sender usually saying they are

person or by telephone, to confirm they’re

unavailable at the moment.

genuine. But don’t use any telephone

• The payment request will usually be urgent.

numbers or email addresses in the

• The words used and style of communication

suspicious email as they will go directly back

may be different from that used normally by the named sender but on some occasions the fraudsters may seek to mimic it.

How to mitigate this type of fraud As with most types of fraud, we recommend

to the fraudster.

3. Be alert to unusual wording that you wouldn’t expect the real senior executive to use. There may be odd expressions, or incorrect spelling or grammar. Ask yourself:

that you ask your staff to operate with high

does this sound like the turn of phrase or

levels of vigilance, especially those entrusted

tone of voice you’d expect from the real

with access to your online payment systems.

At NatWest, we’re committed to helping you

person?

4. Make sure that internal email passwords

safeguard your money. We use a wide range of

are strong – they should include a minimum

fraud prevention and detection processes in the

of eight characters and a mixture of

fight against financial crime. Our aim is to help

UPPERCASE, lower case, numeric and

our customers remain vigilant and to follow best practice in order to help you safeguard your business.

Here are five top tips for avoiding executive impersonation scams: 1. Be suspicious of any unexpected emails that ask for an urgent bank transfer – even if the message looks like it’s from someone in your organisation.

special characters.

5. And if your company doesn’t already have a well-documented internal process for requesting and authorising payments, create one.

To find out about the latest developments in fighting fraud, we recommend that you regularly visit the Financial Action Fraud’s website: www.financialfraudaction.org.uk

example it may be showing as .org instead of .com.

• Email account hacking – is where the fraudster hacks a genuine email account and starts to issue fraudulent emails. These types of attacks are typically associated with email services e.g. Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo.

The details in the “From” box may reflect the genuine address of the sender.

What are the warning signs?

• The email will usually have been sent from a mobile device such as an iPhone/iPad. • The sender of the email will appear to be a senior person within your firm.

• The sender’s email address may be slightly different from the real address i.e. ending .org instead of .com.

• The first email request may ask what details are required to make a payment.

11

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

REWARDING ETHICAL BUSINESS The National CSR Awards recognise companies that make a difference.

Ian Trevett spoke to Karen Sutton, the driving force behind these welcome awards.

Marks & Spencer won a CSR Award in 2015 for their Plan A initiative, which has led their sustainable activities for nearly 10 years.

A

fter impressing on a two-week work experience placement with a photography company, Karen Sutton found herself trackside, photographing the action and the big names on the Formula One circuit. Not only was she one of the youngest photographers on the circuit, she was also a rare female representative. “There was just myself and one other woman among 90 or so men, so we had to prove ourselves!”

Working with teams such as McLaren, Tyrell, Williams and Jordan and several of their key sponsors, it was a petrol head’s dream. Luckily, Karen was already a motor racing enthusiast. “I was brought up on those great battles between Mansell and Senna.”

So when Karen decided to go it alone and set up Limelight Design & Marketing, it was almost inevitable that she chose a spot in the heart of the Brooklands Business Park, overlooking the banking on the famous Brooklands track.

12

Karen with villager children in Piura, Peru when visiting a water purification project that she supported with her Rotary Club, Shepperton Aurora.

Recognising the potential to encourage and foster business relationships and to truly ‘keep business local’ within the area, she established the business community initiative Business@Brooklands (of which she is still Founder and Chairman) and the associated Brooklands CSR Forum, designed to recognise opportunities within the community and unite local businesses to work together towards their individual goals and CSR Policies.

“The local businesses all loved the idea of the CSR forum,” says Karen, “and it became a place where people could share ideas and best practices. I find that businesses, in general, do want to be involved in their local communities and look after the environments they work in.

“It wasn’t long before one of the members suggested that we recognise organisations in the local area for their efforts, but me being me, the concept very quickly grew from a local idea to a National one and that’s when the

National CSR Awards initiative was launched.

We used our experience as a marketing agency to generate a national awareness.

“Actually, the marketing of the awards was one of the best-received projects we have done.

When you say you are doing anything to do with CSR, it is amazing how receptive people are to take your calls. It isn’t always that way!

Everyone, even multi-nationals, wants to talk about CSR, and the idea of the awards had a very positive response. In fact, we didn’t get a single negative comment.

“The awards are unique. They bring together education, energy, community, sustainability and staff welfare. There are many awards out there which celebrate one of these, but combining them all is unique.”

To find out more, visit the website: www.nationalCSRawards.co.uk

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

The National CSR Awards 2016 The National CSR Awards isn’t just about recognising big business for responsible and sustainable practices. It is about rewarding change, building platforms to learn, share and progress ideas, and encouraging the development of engaged and ethical business practices.

This applies to ALL organisations, large and small: corporates, SMEs, NGOs, community and local initiatives. The Awards aim to recognise ANY organisation that puts social responsibility and CSR at its core, demonstrating its commitment to change.

The Categories • • • • • • • • • •

Overall Excellence in Social Responsibility Best Corporate Transformation Best Individual Community Project Best Community Development (Legacy) Best Partnership in the Community (Joint Award) Best International Sustainable Community Best International Conservation Project Best Education Project Innovation for Workplace Practices 100% Green - Carbon Neutral

• • • • • • • • • •

Clean Energy Project Community Energy Project Built Environment (multiple awards for domestic and commercial) Green Supply Chain (multiple awards for large and small business) Nutritional & Health Awareness Initiative Outstanding Individual Corporate Leadership Outstanding Individual Community Hero Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Achievement Best SME for Charity Support (under 50 staff) Global Sustainable Transport

The Awards ceremony and accompanying CSR Conference will be held at The Crystal, London, on 12 May, 2016.

Closing date for entries is 12 March, 2016. See www.nationalCSRawards.co.uk for entries and tickets.

The inaugural National CSR Awards in 2015 at Mercedes-Benz World attracted over 200 National visitors.

End Polio Now: Karen pictured with 2 children from the slums of New Delhi, whilst on a National Immunisation Day.

Business@Brooklands: Cllr Jan Fuller, Mayor of Elmbridge with representatives from the four charities that the initiative is supporting (Voluntary Action Elmbridge, Woking & Sam Beare Hospices, Friends of the Elderly and Eikon).

Rt. Hon. Philip Hammond MP has supported the Business@Brooklands initiative since it’s launch in 2011 and endorsed the National CSR Awards as a “driving force to recognise CSR on a national level”.

Karen Sutton is passionate in her support of local and global charitable activity and aspires to the day when she will be in a financial position to “down tools” and devote 100% of her time to helping others. Her charitable activity to date includes: • Business@Brooklands: a percentage of all membership and event fees are presented to local charities, chosen by event attendees, using a token system.

• Woking and Sam Beare Hospices: Karen has supported the local Hospices for the last 6 years, and has recently been invited to sit on their Capital Appeal Committee, which is responsible for raising £10m for their new facility, opening in Woking in 2017.

• Rotary: Karen has been a Rotarian for 7 years and is serving as President (the youngest in the area) of her Rotary Club, Shepperton Aurora, for the 2015-16 Rotary year.

• Polio Eradication: in 2010 she took part in a National Immunisation Day, vaccinating children against polio in the slums of Delhi. She selffunded her trip and raised £2000 towards Polio Eradication.

• Water sanitation: in 2014, she visited a water sanitation project in the region of Piura, Peru, where there was no running water. The project, funded by her Rotary club and delivered by Water Mission International, is now sustainable and enables the village to be more self-sufficient.

Karen contributed to the funding by undertaking a 300-mile cycle ride from Cork to Londonderry - this just five months after double knee surgery, and after not having cycled for over 20 years.

13

AWARDS

RISING STARS The Surrey Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce the BUSINESS WOMEN IN SURREY RISING STARS AWARDS as a part of the International Women’s Day.

F

ollowing on from the inaugural success of the Business Women in Surrey Top 50 list in 2015, Surrey Chambers Business Women in Surrey is launching a 2016 nominations list to highlight the impressive and varied talent prevalent in young (under 30) businesswomen across the county. Those on the list will be nominated and voted by you.

Success can be defined in a multitude of ways, so we’re encouraging nominations that cover all walks of life, from young entrepreneurs to graduates and young achievers across the business world to those who relentlessly give back to the community.

We want to celebrate everything good that is happening across the Surrey business world, thanks to the young businesswomen of today, so we’re reaching out to you to nominate those you believe deserve recognition for all that they do.

Please submit your nomination before January 29th 2016. Voting will open February 1st to create our list of top young businesswomen in Surrey.

To nominate go to: http://www.businesswomeninsurrey. co.uk/nomination.php

• Date:

Tuesday 8th March

• Time:

18:00-21:00

• Venue:

Something Big Auditorium, Woking

• Sponsors:

Something Big, University of Surrey

• Speakers:

Julianne Ponan – Owner and CEO, Creative Nature.

Robyn Dunwoodie - Miller Brands.

Annabel Jones – HR Director, ADP Payroll Services

14

CROYDON BUSINESS VENTURE

A COMMITMENT TO PROSPERITY IN 2016

C

roydon Business Venture is preparing to launch a number of initiatives during 2016 as it looks to help local entrepreneurs enjoy a prosperous year.

Croydon Business Venture Breakfast meetings are an ideal opportunity to network and meet like-minded entrepreneurs, and they will be launched soon, along with a new hotdesking facility which will provide an innovative way to use office facilities as and when you need them.

The accredited Enterprise Agency for Croydon, Croydon Business Venture, is also teaming up with the Business Navigator Growth Hub service to ensure local organisations have all the information and advice they need to progress their businesses.

All this is in addtion to existing priorities, which include providing cost-effective services offices for start-ups and providing training and mentoring, such as its hugely successful three-day new-business seminars, which take place each month and were fully subscribed last year.

Meanwhile, budding entrepreneurs can get advice on raising the finance they need to make

their businesses successful by taking part in a free NatWest Funding Workshop at Weatherill House Business Centre on February 16. Anyone interested is advised to book now, as places are strictly limited.

David Robinson, Chairman of Croydon Business Venture, said: “Since forming in 1983, with Founder Bernard Weatherill’s vision for growing business acorns into oak trees, we have helped hundreds of entrepreneurs to flourish by being innovative in our approach.

“We are committed to continuing and extending that success story and helping those acorns to grow into businesses which employ hundreds of people. We have a number of other initiatives in the pipeline, all with the aim of ensuring Croydon start-ups and small businesses enjoy an even more prosperous 2016.”

For the latest news on all Croydon Business Venture initiatives, see the website at www. cbvltd.co.uk David Robinson

CROYDON BUSINESS VENTURE • Croydon Business Venture Limited has been running for 30 years, with the remit of helping individuals to start their own businesses.

• A non-profit-making company, Croydon Business Venture is the accredited Enterprise Agency for Croydon and a member of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies.

• Croydon Business Venture provides courses and one-to-one counselling free of charge.

• The organisation also provides office accommodation at Weatherill House and Park House. Facilities are provided with a range of services, including reception, switchboard, photocopying, fax and security, for a fixed monthly charge, with no long-term obligation.

• Weatherill House is named after the charity’s initial founder, Rt Hon Bernard eatherill MP, and was built as part of Barratt Homes’ landmark New South Quarter development, next to Wandle Park.

15

PROPERTY INVESTMENT

INVESTING IN PROPERTY

John Pannett offers some advice on the benefits and pitfalls of property investment www.krestonreeves.com

T

he first thing you have to consider is why you are investing in property and what you expect to achieve from it.

much more predictable rental and capital

documentation properly up-to-date, and there

growth rate. Compared with larger schemes,

is a requirement to register the deposits you

the entry level is much lower. Residential

take when letting out to a new tenant.

Investment in this area costs money, and it’s

property, overall, tends to have a good residual

not so easy to realise your investment if you

value. Because the values are much lower,

come with additional facilities but all of them

change your mind.

it is normally easier to sell than commercial

come with a requirement for service charges.

property and therefore attracts people who

Usually, the tenant does not pay the service

want to invest for a period of time.

charge. This is born by the Landlord and is a

Residential Property This is the most common form for people.

Any residential letting is highly dependent on

New-build properties, in particular, often

factor in the overall rent

Good property in good areas always shows

the tenants you obtain. Landlords are expected

good growth. The most expensive property

to deal with issues as they arise. Those issues

generate riches in the short term. We have now

in any road is likely to cost you more and may

may well involve the cooker, the heating or the

had low interest rates for a significantly long

also achieve less in growth in the long term.

shower that don’t work. Therefore, they require

period of time. Some of us remember interest

a very hands-on approach. Tenants have

rates which were much higher. It is therefore

rights and you have to be careful to have the

important that you don’t take on too high a

Residential property is much more subject to its local market, and generally has a

16

In the past, this area has been used to

PROPERTY INVESTMENT

“The underlying value of such property can be significantly altered upwards or downwards by the quality of tenant you obtain. .”

gearing in your initial investment. Those who did so in the past, in the hope of obtaining

Commercial Property This is for much larger investments than

entice a tenant into your property. All in all, this is a much longer-term method of investment.

large capital growth, came up short when

required for residential. They are also for

interest rates were increased and buying limits

those with a much steelier nerve. Commercial

for residential property. The maximum SDLT

reduced. This is particularly important during

property values can fluctuate largely,

for investments over £500K is 4%, with no

void periods when trying to obtain another

depending on the general economy, the type

additional charge for landlords. Loan interest

tenant. You can deal with the tenant directly

of location or the type of property involved.

is at present allowed in full against such

and obtain the tenant yourself, particularly

The properties themselves are purpose-

investment, and there is provision for tax relief

via Internet, or use an estate agent to obtain

built and generally are for retail, offices or

on plant associated with property, as long as it

the tenant and possibly to manage it as well.

industrial. There are often significant planning

is not residential.

Other people’s time costs landlords money, and

constraints applied to such property. So,

the return will be severely reduced by using

having bought with existing planning, it is not

their desire to use the premises. Make sure

agents.

However, the tax system is not as harsh as

It is important to understand your tenant and

always simple to transfer to another class of

they use the property for the purpose you want

The tax system has been tweaked against

planning and accommodate a different type of

them to, that they don’t taint the property and

landlords of late in an attempt to choke off the

tenant. Despite this, there has been pressure

demand for buy-to-let property. The problems

that there is sufficient provision for them to

to change commercial property to residential,

start with acquisition, where SDLT (Stamp Duty)

leave the property in good order. Professional

and planning laws have been relaxed until May

has a maximum amount of 12% on purchases

advice in this area is essential.

2016 for this purpose. There are proposals to

over £1.5M, but for landlords an additional 3%

extend this to May 2019, but at present these

is added to all the progressive rates of SDLT.

will involve permission from local planning

There is no tax relief for the initial investment

authorities.

Investment Options The other way people can invest in property at a much lower level is merely to buy shares

of furniture or fittings. It is proposed to allow

in property companies. These can either

relief for replacement for such items, once

be companies on the stock market or real

acquired. There was, in the past, tax relief on loan interest to acquire the property. This is now going to be restricted to the basic rate of tax only. This curtailment is being phased in up to 2020. When you sell, such assets are subject

“Getting a good tenant is well worth the agent’s fees.”

A large investor may choose to operate

companies can be quite reasonable and a stake in them can be bought for a modest amount relatively easily and disposed of similarly.

In 2015 land securities had a dividend yield of 2.33%, with a high price of 1363p and low

to capital gains tax with no indexation of the original cost.

estate investment trusts. The returns on such

The underlying value of such property can

price of 1140p. Whilst such shares do follow

be significantly altered upwards or downwards

property trends, they follow general market

through a Limited Company, rather than

by the quality of tenant you obtain. A well-

conditions as well. They are therefore not

personally. The laws restricting loan interest

known company on a long lease will enhance

necessarily as predictable on a long-term

do not apply to Limited Companies; capital

the underlying value of a property considerably.

basis. Such investments can be sheltered for

gains tax is calculated after indexation of the

You need to be sure the tenant can pay the rent

tax in an ISA or investment can be achieved via

cost (but this is quite low at present) and any

or seek personal guarantees; even subsidiaries

a self-administered pension fund.

such profits generated, either from selling the

of large companies require security.

John Pannett is a Kreston Reeves LLP Business Advisory Partner and also the District Councillor for Tandridge, dealing with Planning Policy and Finance.

property or through rental income, are taxed in

Obtaining tenants in this area is often very

the company at corporation tax rates, at present

difficult, and a specialised agent is needed

20%. Trying to extract profit causes problems.

to obtain them. Getting a good tenant is well

The dividend tax rate in April 2016 will add 7.5%

worth the agent’s fees.

to somebody’s personal tax position, plus higher

In the past, commercial property has been

rates of tax. The Treasury have a nasty habit of

difficult to lease and landlords have been able

remembering the past, and if everyone jumps

to dictate terms. Post recession, that is not now

on the bandwagon to shelter property in Limited

the case. Landlords have to accept they grant

Companies, do not be surprised if they end up

break clauses at five, if not three years. Tenants

bringing back something called “short fall,”

are normally protected under the Landlord and

which effectively taxes companies on dividends

Tenant Act, unless it is specifically excluded,

as if the individual shareholders have received

and that can impact on the rental level. It is

all of the profit.

often necessary to grant rent-free periods to

17

celebrating BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards 2016 The Gatwick Diamond is home to a vast range of businesses, which span all sectors of the economy, from household names to niche companies, and from multinationals to sole traders.

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards celebrate those who have shown innovation and inspiration in their work, and have demonstrated a real commitment to the sub-region. Now in their eighth year, the awards have become one of the regions premier business occasions - celebrating the best of the best across the Gatwick Diamond.

The Awards culminate in a spectacular Awards Dinner, presented by Sanjeev Bhaskar on the 17th March 2016, at the Copthorne EďŹƒngham Park Hotel.

To book your table at the South East’s premier business event call or email today!

Information & Bookings

info@gatwickdiamondawards.com

01293 813888

@gdbizawards

gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS

VALUING THE POWER OF STAKEHOLDER BUY-IN

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

O

ver the years, we at Prowse have enjoyed the challenges of marketing business and tourism locations across

the globe. We’ve worked with representatives

Public Relations Marketing Events Research Economic Development

www.prowse.co.uk

sure: the climate of continued governmentinitiated cuts and potential interest rate rises further down the line is demanding progressive regional responses.

from the private and public sectors as

take account of the many fascinating cultural and political differences between the various locations, it has become clear that two elements are essential for success: a cohesive marketing strategy and stakeholder buy-in.

Managing the brand for a location is a complicated task, and it’s quite common to see several economic development organisations from the same location, managing their brands in isolation. Each develops its own approach,

reflection of the direction of the community and

“Two elements are essential for success: a cohesive marketing strategy and stakeholder buy-in.”

closely together and overcome traditional boundaries, with the common purpose of maximising efficiencies.

decisions that are consistent with the brand direction? Are organisations working together to pool resources as a united group?

We all want to see our communities and businesses thrive, but failure to secure buy-in has lasting consequences. It is essential to engage stakeholders in the process, and to do it often, as they must feel that their input is

and strategy, otherwise a confusing mix of

each other.

reacting to the growing need to work more

the launch buzz, is the local authority making

come together to share a common vision

to achieve specific objectives, regardless of

due to budget constraints. Organisations are

a vision for the future. For example, long after

taken into account. It is also vital that leaders

messages, marketing materials and campaigns

However, things are changing, not least

In our experience, when communities come together to undertake a branding initiative, is yet another logo redesign or if it’s a true

investment, tourists or skilled migrants to their And, as we’ve adapted our approach to

strategy that worked on many levels.

attention is on the leadership to see if this

they have sought to attract new business communities.

sophisticated and co-ordinated marketing

And it’s not just happening here in the UK, as I personally experienced when involved with a client from New Zealand, where a national cohort of tourism, business investment, migration and sporting stakeholders came together. By joining forces, they created a

messages and images takes hold and impact is lost.

Simple communication is key. After all, if we don’t know why our own town, city or business is special and what it offers, then how can we expect anyone else to?

Here in the UK, it will be interesting to see the impact of further regional devolution.

Will it lead to greater co-operation between locations or increased competition? Maybe it will be a mixture of both! One thing is for

Prowse & Co. combines strategic counsel with practical support to help you effectively communicate with your stakeholders. If you would like to find out more about how we can help, just give me a call on 01372 363386 or visit www.prowse.co.uk.

19

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

BP TO CUT 4000 JOBS Profits in oil continue to suffer as a result of a 70% collapse in oil prices leading to a big cutback in investment across the oil industry. The North Sea job cuts are expected to take place over a two-year period. BP said all the job losses would occur in its oil exploration and drilling business.

“We want to simplify structure and reduce costs without compromising safety. Globally, we expect the headcount in upstream to be below 20,000 by the end of the year,” a company spokesman said.

The job losses amount to around 5% of BP’s total global workforce of 80,000. BP currently employs around 3,000 people in the UK. BP said it remained committed to the North Sea and would invest about £2.7bn there this year.

But in a statement, the oil firm said given the “challenges” of operating in the North Sea and in “toughening market conditions” it needed to “take specific steps to ensure our business remains competitive and robust”. It added: “An inevitable outcome of this will be an impact on headcount and we expect a reduction of around 600 staff and agency contractor roles by the end of 2017, with the majority of these taking place this year.”

BP staff and contractors working in Aberdeen, Sullom Voe in Shetland, and Grangemouth, are areas due to be affected. The company gave no breakdown of how many jobs are expected to go in each area of its North Sea operations.

POUND VERSUS DOLLAR

PPI GOODBYE A company that made 40 million calls about PPI in just three months has

The pound has hit a five-and-

had its licence suspended.

half year low against the

Falcon and Pointer, based

dollar after weak UK industrial

in Swansea in South Wales,

production data.

used automatic dialling

Industrial output fell 0.7% in

technology to make the

November from October - the sharpest fall since early 2013.

Unusually mild weather reduced electricity and gas consumption.

Manufacturing output shrank by 0.4% for a second month running, with a fall in pharmaceutical production having the biggest impact on total factory output. Analysts warn the figures suggest manufacturing growth remains fragile, leaving Britain’s recovery relying on the service sector and consumer spending.

“After a dire performance through much of 2015, November’s industrial production figures suggest no change in the manufacturing sector’s fortunes,” said research group Capital Economics. Compared with a year ago, industrial output was up 0.9%, the weakest annual growth since July.

Martin Beck, senior economic adviser to the EY Item Club, said the manufacturing sector remained a major cause for concern.

“Although the recent fall in the pound should provide some support to exporters, it is difficult to find many other reasons for optimism around the manufacturing sector,” he said.

Chancellor George Osborne warned the UK economy was facing “a dangerous cocktail of new threats” as a result of slow global growth and a drop in oil prices, which is a potential threat to the UK economy because of North Sea oil production.

calls. An investigation by the Claims Management Regulator (CMR) found the firm had set out to “plague the public and rip off consumers”.

Meanwhile the government has confirmed that a promised crackdown on nuisance calls will be in place by the spring.

The CMR said that Falcon and Pointer had coerced people into signing contracts without giving them enough time to understand the terms and conditions. It described it as a “serious breach” of the rules, and stripped the company of its operating licence. It had previously been warned about its practices by both the CMR and the Information Commissioner’s Office.

“Falcon and Pointer has demonstrated the worst excesses of the industry,” said Kevin Rousell, head of the CMR. “This firm clearly set out to plague the public and rip off consumers, and today have had their licence revoked as a result of that wilful ignorance.” he said. Under new laws being introduced by the government, direct marketing companies will soon have to display their phone numbers to customers, so preventing anonymous calls.

Research for the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has shown that around 20% of marketing calls do not provide a valid caller ID. Companies that do not show numbers will face fines of up to £500,000. It will also help the ICO take enforcement action against persistent offenders.

Since January 2012, the ICO has issued fines totalling £2m for nuisance calls. In 2015, there were 170,000 complaints.

“The most popular labour-saving device is still money” 20

NEWS

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last.

Well, neither does bathing – that’s why it’s recommended daily.”

APPLE TO MAKE A CAR! Tesla’s owner, Elon Musk, has said it is an “open secret” that Apple is making a rival electric car. He also predicted vehicles that could not drive themselves would become a “strange anachronism” before too long.

Tesla vies with Nissan and BMW to be the world’s bestselling electric-car brand, but currently runs at a loss.

An added challenge is that over recent months rivals such as Faraday Future and Apple have hired several of Tesla’s engineers. Apple has not formally announced it is working on a vehicle, although it did recently register several automobile-related internet domains, including apple.car and apple.auto. Mr Musk said “It’s pretty hard to hide something if you hire over a thousand engineers to do it,” he said. But he did not see the iPhone-maker as a threat. “It will expand the industry,” he said.

“Tesla will still aspire to make the most compelling electric vehicles, and that would be our goal, while at the same time helping other companies to make electric cars as well.” Mr Musk outlined a vision of a future where all cars would be electric and autonomous, and driving yourself would become a hobby rather than a necessity.

Tesla’s Model S - a sports car that ranges from £56,000 to £85,000 depending on the chosen battery capacity and performance - has been one of the bestselling electric cars of recent years. This month, it gained a new “beta” feature that allows owners to summon their car with their smartphone. “[With] the current version of Summon, the car will come and find you if you’re on private property. The car will exit the garage, close the garage behind it and come over to you. This is the first baby step - ultimately you’ll be able to summon the car from New York if you’re living in LA, and it will drive across the country, charge itself at the various locations and come to you.” At this stage, Tesla produces only luxury models and is still making big losses. “Unless there’s an affordable car, we will only have a small impact on the world.” Musk said.

EMPLOYERS TO READ PRIVATE MESSAGES The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) said a firm that read a worker’s Yahoo Messenger chats sent while he was at work was within its rights.

Judges said he had breached the company’s rules and that his employer had a right to check on his activities.

Such policies must also protect workers against unfettered snooping, they said.

It binds all countries that have ratified the European Convention on Human Rights, which includes Britain.

The worker, an engineer in Romania, had hoped the court would rule that his employer had breached his right to confidential correspondence when it accessed his messages and subsequently sacked him in 2007. His employer had discovered that he was using Yahoo Messenger for personal contacts, as well as professional ones. Because it believed it was accessing a work account, the judges said, the firm had not erred.

They dismissed the man’s request, saying that it was not “unreasonable that an employer would want to verify that employees were completing their professional tasks during working hours”.

The judges said: “The employer acted within its disciplinary powers since, as the domestic courts found, it had accessed the Yahoo Messenger account on the assumption that the information in question had been related to professional activities and that such access had therefore been legitimate. The court sees no reason to question these findings.” Lilian Edwards, a professor of Internet law at Strathclyde University, said the judgment was in line with UK law and past cases.

GENERAL ELECTRIC CUTS UK JOBS Approximately 6,500 jobs are at risk across Europe, including more than 600 in the UK, as the US

industrial company General Electric begins to cut costs after its takeover of the power operations of the French company Alstom.

The cuts are taking place even though GE pledged to create 1,000 jobs in France when the deal was completed in November. About 765 jobs are expected be lost in France and 1,700 in Germany as the company, which employs 100,000 in Europe, begins a consultation with unions. The jobs at risk in the UK amount to about 3% of the 22,000-member workforce. Jeffrey Immelt, the longstanding chief executive of GE, met the French president, François Hollande, and appeared before the French National Assembly to win support for the deal, the largest undertaken by the US company. He plans to help GE return to its manufacturing roots after a period of expansion into other areas. Last year, under pressure from investors to end its expansion into the financial arena, he sold the private equity business. The divestments began 10 years ago, with the sale of the group’s insurance operations.

The negotiations to buy Alstom’s power and grid business were long-running. It offered to buy the business in April 2014 but had to embark not only on a charm offensive in France but also secure regulatory approval in Europe. When the deal was completed, GE said it expected £1.4bn of cost savings.

21

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

CROWN WORLDWIDE EXPANSION Crown Worldwide, the world’s largest privately-held group of logistics and related services companies, has announced the creation of an Executive Management Group (EMG) to lead the next phase of its strategic growth at the end of its 50th anniversary year. The move to further enhance the group’s corporate governance comes as celebrations to mark its foundation in February, 1965 draw to a close, with the business now operating from 265 locations in some 60 countries. Nine of Crown’s senior leaders have been selected to form the EMG, including London-based Barry Koolen (Regional Managing Director UK, Ireland and Northern Europe). All have a remit to provide strategic leadership in service to the Executive Board, promoting cohesion and collaboration across all of Crown’s divisions and regions.

Commenting on the formation of the EMG, Jim Thompson, Chairman and Founder of Crown Worldwide said: “I’m proud that Crown Worldwide has risen to the challenge of operating on such a large and diverse global footprint. Looking back on that success and the story of how our company rose from humble beginnings in Japan in 1965 has been an important part of our 50th celebrations. However, Crown Worldwide has always been a business that looks forward and I’m confident the formation of this EMG will equip us to achieve our goals over the next 50 years as we continue to innovate in our service delivery to our clients and customers around the world.”

Crown Worldwide has an USD 800m turnover and offers services including corporate mobility consultancy, records and information management, fine art handling, relocations and wine cellars. It has a presence in some 60 countries around the world, including offices right across the UK.

£350m PRICETAG ON HOMEBASE Wesfarmers, which is headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, is in the process of securing an agreement to buy Homebase from Home Retail Group for about £350m. The price is higher than expected by many City analysts but is still thought to value Homebase at a multiple of just five times its annual profit, a relatively modest valuation for the sector. Wesfarmers can easily afford the price tag: with a market valuation equivalent to more than £21bn, it is one of Australia’s biggest listed companies and has operations spanning supermarkets under the Coles brand, department stores, coal production and property. It already has a major presence in the home improvement sector, through Bunnings, the biggest DIY chain in Australia and New Zealand with more than 300 stores.

A sale of Homebase, acquired by Home Retail’s predecessor - GUS plc - in 2002, will have wide ramifications across large parts of the UK retail sector. Wesfarmers’ purchase of the chain will herald its entry into the British retail sector and may offer a more potent threat to Kingfisher, owner of the DIY retailer B&Q.

“In modern business it is not the crook who is to be feared most, it is the honest man who doesn’t know what he is doing..”

22

NEWS

“The trouble with doing something right the first time is that nobody appreciates how difficult it was.”

SAINSBURY’S ARGOS TAKEOVER Sainsbury’s said it was considering its options after an initial bid for HRG, which also owns Homebase, was rejected. In a presentation aimed at easing investors’ concerns, it said a takeover was “strategically compelling”. The comments came as Sainsbury’s announced a 0.4% fall in likefor-like sales over the Christmas period.

The supermarket set out the case for its takeover of HRG, which also owns Homebase, in a 22 page presentation. There are reports that that Sainsbury’s initial offer was worth about £1.1bn, but that HRG shareholders are holding out for an improved offer of around £1.6bn, or around 200p-a-share.

But some analysts had been sceptical, and Sainsbury’s share price fell when the bid interest was first disclosed.

The leases of around half of Argos’ 734 stores across the UK are due for renewal over the next four to five years. Sainsbury’s chief executive Mike Coupe stressed the closure of any Argos stores would not involve job losses.

If the takeover went ahead Sainsbury’s would look at which leases to renew and which to let go, Mr Coupe said. Where a lease was allowed to lapse, the Argos store would be moved into the nearby Sainsbury’s as a concession.

Sainsbury’s chief financial officer John Rogers said its proposed takeover was “a very strategically compelling opportunity and if done at the right price financially compelling. But it’s not a must-do deal, it’s not a deal that we have to do”.

“We’ll look at this in a very financially disciplined way and we won’t over pay for this transaction,” he added. Home Retail Group’s shares rose 4.2% to 147.90p following Mr Rogers’ comments.

HSBC SCOT-FREE! HM Revenue and Customs

BANK OF ENGLAND TOUGHENS UP

boss Dame Lin Homer has

The Bank of England has

been accused of allowing

proposed a new rule for

HSBC to “get away scot free”

recovering bonuses of rule-

after she said it was unlikely

busting bankers who have

to pursue allegations that the

moved to a new employer. Britain

bank’s Swiss arm helped wealthy clients dodge tax. Dame

already has among the world’s

Lin confirmed to the Commons Public Accounts Committee

toughest rules on banker pay,

that the authority would be unlikely to take action against

introduced amid public anger

HSBC. The admission comes after the Financial Conduct Authority announced it would not take any formal action on the allegation.

It prompted Conservative MP Stephen Phillips, who sits on the committee, to complain: “It looks as though they have got away scot free.”

Dame Lin was giving evidence to the committee just days after announcing that she was to resign from her £185,000-a-year post with a £2.2m pension pot amid claims she has failed to crack down on tax evasion by big corporations.

She said data on HSBC - which had been passed to the French authorities by a whistleblower at the bank – had been reviewed but there was not believed to be the basis for criminal action.

“We have had another look. We think it is unlikely that there will be prosecutions,” she said. Mr Philips said: “ I suspect most Members of Parliament - would find it extraordinary that a bank that is domiciled in this jurisdiction with oversight of its Swiss subsidiary has not had action taken against it either by its regulator or by you.” Dame Lin replied: “I can make no comment on your opinion. We have to progress on the basis of what we and the CPS think is possible.”

over lenders being bailed out by taxpayers in the financial crisis and bankers pocketing big payouts at a time of austerity for most people. These rules allow for a bonus to be cut, stopped or clawed back.

But regulators recently said they wanted to go further to crack down on so-called “rolling bad apples” or bankers who pocket a bonus and then join another lender before any reckless behaviour is uncovered.

“Individuals should be held accountable for their actions and not be able to actively evade the consequences of their actions,” Bank of England (BoE) Deputy Governor Andrew Bailey said in a statement. The proposed new rule targets buyouts, or when a bank compensates new employees for unpaid bonuses that were cancelled when they left their old bank.

The proposed rule states an employee’s new contract would allow for a bonus to be recovered or not paid should the person’s former employer determine guilt in misconduct or risk management failings.

The proposals, put out to public consultation, would make it impossible for a banker to wipe the slate clean by changing jobs, said Alexandra Beidas, an employment lawyer at Linklaters.

Last year, the BoE said it would stop short of actually banning buyouts as it would most likely lead to a competitive disadvantage for British firms given there is no similar rule in other financial centres around the world.

23

THE BIG STORY

THE SERIAL DELIGHTER

by Maarten Hoffmann

“As the founder of Amazon, no one man has had such a profound effect on the shopping habits of the population of planet Earth ”

24

THE BIG STORY

N

ever has an individual so deserved the comparison to a James Bond villain as Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com and space explorer extraordinaire. As the founder of Amazon, no one man has such a profound effect on the shopping habits of the population of planet Earth, and the slow death of the high street, with intentions to conquer other planets in our solar system. Amazon Pluto, Amazon Mars - personally, l wouldn’t bet against it.

Bezos took a, by now, familiar route through education, excelling at just about everything. Born to teenager Jacklyn Gise and Ted Jorgensen in 1964, his parents divorced and his mother remarried a Cuban immigrant, Miguel Bezos, when he was four. He was very close to his maternal grandfather, who worked for the US Atomic Energy Commission and slowly built up a considerable land holding in Texas.

With this all passing to Jeff, he became the largest private land owner in the Lone Star state.

When the family moved to Florida, Bezos enrolled in the Miami Palmetto Senior High School. He attended the Science Training Programme at the University of Florida, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and computer science.

After his move to Princeton, he was elected to the honour societies Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi and served as the president of the Princeton chapter of the Exploration and Development of Space.

That would certainly have inspired his love of space, and the fact that, as a three year old, he was found in his room having totally dismantled his cot, piece by piece, demonstrated his interest in engineering.

Following various jobs on Wall Street and with the Bankers Trust, Bezos took a drive cross-country from New York to Seattle and wrote the business plan for Amazon along the way. Initially, he ran the company from his garage, having learnt about the rapid growth of the internet and, more importantly, this coincided with a Supreme Court ruling that mail order catalogues were not required to collect sales tax in states where they lack a physical presence. The thought that an internet company that sells goods across the country would not be subject to sales tax sparked the notion that this was a winner - and sparked the furore about such companies not paying tax in countries in which they trade but do not reside, immediately making their goods cheaper than any bricks-and-mortar store.

Bezos worked night and day on the development of the business and became known as “a happy go lucky mogul and a notorious micromanager” who left no stone unturned and no job undone.

He was particularly upset when the New York Times wrote a scathing article entitled Inside Amazon: Wrestling big ideas in a Bruising Workplace and described Amazon as “a soulless, dystopian workplace where no fun is to be had and no laughter heard,” although they could not find a single worker who agreed with this insulting description.

The insults continued apace, with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) voting him the World’s Worst Boss at their World Congress in 2014. In making the award, General Secretary Sharan Burrow said, “Jeff Bezos represents the inhumanity of employers who are proving the American corporate model,” and an article in the Morning Call newspaper described working for Amazon as gruelling and inhumane, with many employees being terminated or quitting.

As a riposte to the New York Times article, Bezos purchased the Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million of his own cash and proceeded to publish a long and complimentary profile of his activities and beliefs.

His ethos with all of his companies is quite simple: “Starting with customers, working backwards – that’s the kind of thing that has become a habit at Amazon,” says Bezos, when asked how the company remains innovative despite its size, having grown from three employees

to in excess of 150,000 staff around the world, including 9,000 in the UK. “We also have an eagerness to invent that is a deep part of our culture, as is a willingness to think long-term. We can work on things that don’t need to work for five, six, seven years…there aren’t many companies willing to take that kind of time horizon.

“And then, finally, a culture of operational excellence, and I mean that in the sense that Toyota might mean it. Finding defects, doing root cause analysis, working to fix things - that kind of operational excellence has also become a big part of who we are. So when you apply those four things (trust, invention, investment, and operational excellence) they work in a lot of different parts of our business.”

“The original Amazon plan was focused exclusively on books, and I expected the company to grow slowly over a large number of years. But it actually grew very quickly right from the beginning.

“These are very humble roots, I can assure you; I drove the packages to the Post Office in my old Chevy Blazer.”

The company is now worth in excess of $245bn, and generated an unexpected profit of $92m on sales of $23.2bn in the second three months of 2015. The profit was a rarity in Amazon earnings releases; Bezos prefers to reinvest earnings rather than return them to shareholders.

At the company’s heart, whether it has been going up against book retailers or publishers or even other technology giants such as eBay, appears to have been one concept: disruption.

But Bezos doesn’t wholly agree. “Disruption is a consequence of customers liking the new way. Maybe it’s just a mindset…but a better mindset, and one that we use, is: How do you delight customers?

“We don’t seek to disrupt, we seek to delight. If you invent something

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THE BIG STORY completely new and radical and customers don’t care about it, it’s not disruptive. Radical invention is only disruptive if customers love it.”

Over its relatively young life, Amazon has had its fair share of failures, from its $175m investment in daily deal site LivingSocial to the Amazon Fire phone. But they have been more than outweighed by its successes. “Our three most durable inventions at this point – and we’re of course always looking for more – are Prime, Marketplace and AWS,” he says.

Prime is its membership club: in exchange for an annual fee, customers get access to the most up-to-date services Amazon has to offer – from one-hour delivery in certain cities to original programmes such as Ripper Street, rescued after being dropped by the BBC, and music streaming and Kindle book-borrowing.

Prime’s profile in the UK was boosted with the announcement that Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, of Top Gear fame, will present a new car show via Amazon Prime this year.

Bezos doesn’t say if he’s met the trio, but will admit he’s “very excited” about the concept. He also won’t discuss how much the three men are making from the deal, but does admit the show

will be “very, very, very expensive,” for Amazon.

“They’re worth a lot, and they know it.”

“I think we’re in a golden age of television, so if you go back in time even just five years, you couldn’t get A-list talent to do TV serials, or, if you could, it was a rare thing. But that’s flipped completely.”

Bezos points to Amazon’s investment in series such as comedy-drama Transparent, for which lead actor Jeffrey Tambor won a Golden Globe, as the main reason for the transformation.

“The investment is very high now in serialised TV, and the amount of time you have to tell a story is much greater. That format change opens up a lot of storytelling possibilities, which, when mixed with the movie-like production standards, and the A-list talent, is why we’re seeing amazing television.”

Marketplace allows anyone, from an individual to major companies, to sell products on the Amazon platform, and, thanks to recent innovations, even to have the products delivered by Amazon, opening up export markets and international sales.

AWS – or Amazon Web Services – is the company’s business-focused cloud computing

platform, whose customers include Pinterest, AirBnB and Just-Eat. There has been speculation among investors that AWS may be spun off at some point, but Bezos guides against that, saying: “I think that would be a big distraction and, really, there would be very little benefit from it.”

Although Amazon doesn’t strip out financial results for the first two – it only began separating numbers for AWS earlier this year.

It is clear each plays its part in delivering the company’s numbers.

“I’m hopeful we might find a fourth over time; we have many things in the pipeline. But I would say those three are at the top of the list of the things we’ve created over the last 20 years that have a good chance, as long as we continue to work hard, of being here 10 years from now, 20 years from now.”

But Clarkson and Co. are far from the only new innovation Bezos is backing. As the company seeks to find a fourth important business line, small teams – Amazon has a two-pizza rule, which stipulates that no meeting should involve more people than could be fed by two pizzas – are working on the next big bet.

“But when I got back to Seattle, I ran into the office, I danced in. I love my job and consider myself incredibly lucky – and that’s been true for 20 years, it hasn’t changed.”

27

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THE BIG STORY

One of these is drone delivery, first flagged

by Bezos 18 months ago in an interview with American broadcaster Charlie Rose.

The drones, or Prime Air to give the project its official name, are being worked on in a number of research centres, including one in Cambridge (in the UK, not Massachusetts).

“One day Prime Air deliveries will be as common as seeing a mail truck,” says Bezos.

“The technical problems are very straightahead. The biggest issue, or the biggest thing that needs to be worked on, is the regulatory side.” Although tight-lipped about which country the service will launch in first, Bezos hints strongly that the UK is near the front of the pack. “What I would say is that in the scheme of things the UK regulatory agencies have been very advanced. The FAA (the US aviation regulator) is catching up a little here in the US, but the UK has been, I’d say, a very encouraging example of good regulation. I think we like what we see there.”

The huge success of Amazon has propelled Bezos to the exalted position of 4th-richest person on the planet, with $59.2 billion, after Bill Gates (1st, with $79.2 bn), Carlos Slim (2nd, with $77.1 bn) and Warren Buffett (3rd, with £72.7 bn). He has also taken a fair amount of stick for not giving as much as others to charity

and for not signing the billionaires’ Giving Pledge, to give away half his wealth within his lifetime, but this would seem a tad unfair. He has given over $100 million to worthy causes, and, to be frank, it is his hard-earned cash and he can do whatever he wishes with it.

“The huge success of Amazon has propelled Bezos to the exalted position of 4th-richest person on the planet.”

Given his rather considered management quirks – he doesn’t allow PowerPoint presentations, as he believes bullet points don’t convey quality information, and rotates

senior managers as his “shadow” every 12 to 18 months to create “ambassadors” around the business who can model his thinking – Bezos is a little less considered when it comes to managing his own money. “I just get all weak-kneed around entrepreneurs. I just love it. If I have a meeting with an entrepreneur, I’m always charmed by them,” he smiles.

Is it important to him to share his wealth with fellow inventors?

“Absolutely. In my personal investments I’m mostly doing things that I’m curious about. And passionate about. In many cases I don’t necessarily expect them to be good investments.”

His list of personal investments is wideranging, from tech companies, including Uber and AirBnB, to more unusual projects, such as the 10,000-Year Clock in the San Diablo mountain range in California, to a centre at Princeton, his alma mater, dedicated to neural circuit dynamics (understanding how the brain works).

Despite the fact that he sold $534m worth of Amazon shares 10 days ago, Bezos remains focused on the job in hand, even 20 years on.

“I’ve liked every phase of the company. I loved the beginning, and I love it just as much now,” he says.

29

THE BIG STORY

“I took my extended family on vacation in the south of France, and we had an unbelievable time, and we had great food, and we were there for a week.

“But when I got back to Seattle, I ran into the office, I danced in. I love my job and consider myself incredibly lucky – and that’s been true for 20 years, it hasn’t changed.”

Can he see himself at the helm in another 20 years, by which point he’ll be 71? “I hope so. Almost all the people I work with on a daily basis are paid volunteers. At this point I’ve been working with them for more than a decade, and they can do whatever they want; they could be sipping margaritas on a beach, but they’re here. Paid volunteers are the best people to work with, as they’re here for the right reasons. I have a team of people that I love. And we get to work in the future, and that’s so fun, so I hope so.”

Like so many other multi-billionaires, his secret love is space travel, and this led to the formation of his company Blue Origin - a company that was kept top-secret for many years whilst he and a phalanx of top engineers burrowed away, wrestling with the extreme complexity of the mission.

Elon Musk, the Tesla Car company founder, and our own Richard Branson, with his Virgin Galactica, are all at it. Planet Earth has been conquered; therefore, there really is only one mission left for these super overachievers, and that is finding another planet to live on.

Reusable rockets are the holy grail of space travel, and that is exactly what Bezos has been working on. His New Shepard rocket booster took off last November and safely returned to earth in one piece. “I was very optimistic about the flight, but I’ll tell you, when I saw that vehicle land, it was one of the greatest moments of my life. Judging by the fact that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, I’m pretty sure all my teammates here at Blue felt the same way. This is a field that people go into in large part because of real heart and passion, and that team did a remarkable job. It was just incredible.”

Working in the future. For Bezos that isn’t a mission impossible, it’s what the last 20 years have been all about.

“Full reuse is the holy grail of rocketry. You cannot throw the hardware

30

THE BIG STORY

away every time and expect to ever realistically lower the cost of access to space. It’s just impossible. What we did is an existence proof that you can vertically land from space and reuse the rocket booster. Our architecture is scalable to very large size. So I’m super-excited about that.

It’s something that puts us – and not just Blue Origin, but it’s something that puts humanity on the path to eventually having millions of people living and working in space.

“For the tourism program, I’m hopeful that we’re a couple of years away from commercial operations at this point. We consider this the first of many successful test flights. We’re going to conduct a very thorough, very deliberate test program. For the next couple of years, we’re going to fly this vehicle many, many times and put it through a lot of stressing conditions.

When we’re completely confident in the vehicle, then we’re going to start selling tickets and putting people on board. That’s very exciting.

“As for what it means for our orbital vehicle, one of the reasons I love the vertical-takeoff, vertical-landing architecture is that it’s so scalable. We’re going to take the same architecture we just validated with New Shepard, but at larger scale with our BE-4 engines, and have a completely reusable vertical-landing booster for the orbital vehicle that we’re going to fly out of Cape Canaveral”.

Branson has made no secret of his desire to be the first to fly in Galactica and l wonder if Bezos feels the same way?

“I can’t wait to go! I’ve wanted to do this since I was 5 years old. One thing I love about our vehicle architecture is that it flies autonomously, so we can do this very methodical test program without risking any test pilots.

We’ll go through this for the next couple of years, and then I can’t wait to climb into that vehicle”.

So if the BBC (Billionaire Boys Club) get their way, we will all be flying into space within a decade, and, of course, paying them for the privilege, but if governments can no longer afford to explore the possibilities of space travel, then thank goodness the BBC can. The rate at which the human race is burning through the resources of planet Earth, we are going to need somewhere else to go when we finally destroy this planet. We can only hope that we learn the lesson and don’t just destroy every planet we inhabit.

“For the next couple of years, we’re going to fly this vehicle many, many times and put it through a lot of stressing conditions. When we’re completely confident in the vehicle, then we’re going to start selling tickets and putting people on board. That’s very exciting.”

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

A WAVE OF BRIGHT DEALS After closing the MBO of Small Batch in November and the sale of Brightwave in December, DMH Stallard’s Corporate Group has been shortlisted five times for the 2016 Insider South East Dealmakers Awards.

D

MH Stallard’s Corporate Team acted for the owners and management team of The Brightwave Group in its sale to

Capita Plc, which was finalised just before Christmas. Brightwave specialises in providing technologies such as mobile learning, bespoke learning solutions and online training.

As a result of the deal, Brightwave’s business has grown immediately by incorporating part of Capita’s existing e learning business. The Brightwave Group will remain in offices close to Brighton Station, with additional resource to support growth. Caroline Walmsley will become Managing Director of the augmented Group and Charles Gould, Founder of The Brightwave Group, will join the management team as Executive Director.

Jonathan Grant, commented, “We were delighted to deliver this quality deal, which moves the business into the next stage of its development. The deal was completed in just over a month from final terms being agreed,

us continuing to produce the exceptional, high-

workforce had grown in the last few months, so

which is testament to the hard work of all

quality learning solutions that our business is

it’s clear that both our new and existing clients’

involved including the RSM Corporate Finance

based on - but that we are seeing more and

appetite for what we do is increasing.

and Tax teams.”

more new organisations in the same space

PBM asked Caroline Walmsley about the background to the deal...

How did Brightwave start and what was the inspiration behind the company?

Brightwave started about fifteen years ago.

Our Executive Director and company founder Charles Gould saw a space within the thennew e-learning industry for a provider with a

that seem to be emulating our approach and operating in the same way. In order to get the best results for your clients you’ve got to be able to really get to know them and their businesses and what challenges they’re facing, so you can come up with the best solutions for

The company delivers next generation learning solutions, products and services. Can you give some examples of these solutions?

‘Next generation’ in the context of learning and development really refers to the explosion

them.

of digital technologies which are disrupting

How has it grown so rapidly?

people think of learning and training - even in

every area of how we live and work. When

By sticking to that original vision we’ve

a work environment- they still automatically

a production-line model, producing various

been able to shape the industry in our image

thing of a classroom setting, and a face-to-

versions of the same basic training course for

and benefit from the growth of the sector. We

face trainer dispensing knowledge to a room

multiple customers, he wanted a company with

take special care to stay at the forefront of

full of eager pupils. It’s a model which has

more of an agency feel which took a close-up,

developments and play a part in leading the

been around for thousands of years and will

consultative approach with our clients, placing

thinking around learning technology and how

always have its merits, but there are ways of

quality, innovation, creativity and collaboration

it can solve some of today’s biggest business

employing digital technology to deliver learning

at the heart of everything we do.

problems, particularly around performance,

content and resources which fit the reality of

productivity and professional development.

today’s organisations far better, especially in

slightly different offering. Rather than following

As the digital learning and development industry has evolved in the past decade-and-

By taking that leading role we’ve been able

the high-value knowledge economies.

a-half, it’s gratifying to notice not just that we

to develop in recent years a dedicated and

still have those close, up-front relationships

continued strategy for market expansion. Prior

we were leading the way on in design and

with our clients -which are absolutely key to

to our recent acquisition by Capita plc our

effectiveness fifteen years ago - were about

32

The early phases of e-learning - which

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

lives - from the

our clients and our general approach to the

social media

work we do will boost Capita’s existing digital

networks we

learning capability, allowing it to better meet

use every day,

the needs of customers who require a next

the tools and

generation learning provider to increase

apps we use to

their performance. Brightwave’s reputation

organise our

for quality, innovation, creativity and ongoing

time and stay in

collaboration with its clients is something

building courses that would sit somewhere

touch, and the games and streaming services

everybody at Brightwave is proud of and is key

on a company’s intranet somewhere and be

we play when we want to unwind. We use all

to producing the award-winning, cutting-edge

accessed and completed by employees at their

types of interactive digital content - interactive

solutions we’re known for.

own speed: a single solution for what are often

video, mobile learning, personalised content

quite diverse needs. But the technology has

delivery - to really hook in to how learners want to learn, and we deliver all that at the speed of business.

“I founded Brightwave and saw it grow and develop. It was difficult to know who I should entrust with the sale, especially when it was first for me. Jonathan and the team invested time with us before the deal to help us plan, which was essential in order that we could deliver a complex deal in a very short timeframe. Closing a deal just before the Christmas holidays involved some other pressures, but the DMHS team found ways to complete and secure our money before the long holiday, when at one stage it looked unlikely. If I was making a recommendation to someone else in my position I would say to select experienced lawyers, who are locally based and with a strength in depth to call on when needed.”

Charles Gould, Founder of The Brightwave Group

Is a personal approach to learning the future?

DMH Stallard starting talking to Charles Gould a good time before a deal was available to us, and this helped us to understand and be

This is certainly the way our research is

prepared when we received an approach. It

pointing. It’s clear that the way we consume

also meant we could respond quickly when

content is changing. From movie releases to

the right deal emerged, which proved

learning resources, one-size-fits-all broadcast models are failing to offer audiences the depth and quality of digital experience they expect.

Like other leading brands, we are using the latest technology, audience behaviour and datadriven insights to design and deliver content that meets the precise needs of the audience - whenever and wherever they want it. In this personalised media environment, the prevailing ‘sheep-dip’ model of workplace learning I mentioned earlier is causing massive waste and expense in the production of ineffectual learning content, and ultimately failing to compete for learners’ attention and falling short of business goals. Personalised learning strategies - which analyse the learner’s individual needs and behaviour to connect the right people to the right learning resources at the right time - are the best way for smart organisations to re-engage their learners.

What will Brightwave bring to the Capita Group? moved on so much from there, and now we are

In which specific ways have DMH Stallard helped in the process of the acquisition?

In-keeping with Capita’s acquisition ethos,

developing solutions which much better fit the

we are very pleased that the Brightwave

profile of today’s connected workforce. This

Group brand will be maintained and that we

means we take inspiration from the platforms

will augment existing capability and extend

and apps which people like to use in their own

our market reach and potential. Our brand,

essential. The whole process was new to us, and Jonathan and his team, working with the RSM corporate finance team looked after us through the process. We needed to look after the interests of the management team, Charles as founder, and an investor shareholder. This was accomplished without problem, and we all felt properly advised. It made a big difference to have a local team to support us with the resources to respond to a very tight timetable, and the experience to work with a company used to buying lots of businesses.

DMH Stallard has been shortlisted for Corporate Law Firm of the Year; twice in the Deal of the Year (transaction size under £10m) category for the MBO of the Small Batch Coffee Company and for the sale of Lewes based Ivy Press to Quarto Publishing Plc; Jonathan Grant and Abigail Owen have been shortlisted for Corporate Lawyer of the Year. The shortlists and eventual winners are decided by the region’s corporate finance business referral community with commentary being provided by banks, accountancy firms, law firms, among others.

www.dmhstallard.com 33

BUSINESS AWARDS

W

IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

ith the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards Ceremony just a few weeks away, the tension and excitement is mounting for those who have entered.

The judging is taking place and the judges are out and about visiting the businesses who have entered.

Jeremy Taylor of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards said, “Once again, we’ve had a great response to the Awards, with a record number of entries. The judging is an extremely professional process and we work hard with the judges to ensure true impartiality. None of our sponsors or suppliers can enter the Awards, so it really does mean something to the finalists and the winners.”

The next key date is the announcement of the three finalists in each category, on 11th February 2016. These 42 businesses and people will be going forward to the Awards Ceremony, and one from each category, will be the winner.

Jeremy continued: “We have an allocation of tickets reserved for Finalists to book but, unless people have booked or are finalists, they aren’t going to be able to attend. We do have a very active social media programme planned, so the best way to find out what is happening during the build-up and on the night is by following the Awards on Twitter @gdbizawards, on Facebook.com/gdbizawards or by searching #gdbizawards2016.

“Taking place on the 17th March, the Awards Evening is going to be the biggest networking event in the regional business calendar, with over 600 attending. In its eighth year, this year’s ceremony will be hosted by Sanjeev Bhaskar. The event starts with a pre-dinner reception hosted

by Thomas Eggar, followed by the dinner itself. Afterwards, we will hear from Sanjeev, and then there’s the actual awards presentation itself. The evening closes with the after-show party, hosted by Heart FM, followed by the now infamous After-After-Show Party Party!

“The success of the Awards is down to three parties,” Jeremy said. ”There are the award and headline sponsors, the businesses who enter the awards and, of course, my team, who make the evening run so smoothly.”

HEADLINE SPONSORS: Gatwick Airport, NatWest Bank, Nestlé, Vines BMW & Mini PRE DINNER RECEPTION SPONSOR: Thomas Eggar AWARD SPONSORS: B&CE The Peoples Pension, Central Sussex College, Crawley Borough Council, FSB Sussex, Gatwick Diamond Initiative, Hays, KPMG, LLoyds Bank, NatWest, Optima Systems Ltd, PVL UK, Rawlison Butler, Search Consultancy & Storm Creative Partnership EVENT PARTNERS: Avensys, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Mistique Events, Platinum Business Magazine

Contact: 01293 813888 gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com twitter.com/gdbizawards facebook.com/gdbizawards 34

BUSINESS AWARDS

AND THE WINNER IS...

Chris Coopey, Practice Director & Partner at Carpenter Box, recalls a memorable night at the 2015 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.

I

t’s almost a year since Carpenter Box picked up the Professional Services Firm of the Year award at the Gatwick Diamond

Beyond the euphoria of the awards

tremendous boost to our confidence.

subsequent 11 months has underlined what

Worth having? You bet!

Business Awards, and what a year it’s been!

a good decision it was to put in the effort of

But that’s jumping ahead…

submitting our awards entry.

The awards night itself was hosted by Outnumbered and Mock the Week star Hugh

The process Answer the question! How many times

Dennis. With an audience of around 600

the Partner group, and more widely, gave a

ceremony, what has happened in the

We have to admit that the timing of the award was perfect for us. Whilst we have been around for over 90 years and have grown to a headcount of over 125 in our Worthing office,

business people at the Copthorne Effingham

were we told at school that if we are looking

2015 was significant as it saw the opening

Park Hotel on March 19th, 2015, the atmosphere

to succeed in a pitch (and a business awards

of our new Gatwick Office at Peveril Court in

was electric. Our particular award category

competition is just that), we have to tell our

Crawley.

was scheduled some way into the event, so the

story to suit the preferences of the listener.

anticipation had plenty of time to build and the

The great news was that we managed to do

Becoming Professional Services Firm of the Year chimed perfectly with the message

just that, with the Judge, David Rawlance of

we wanted to deliver to our new market, and

Lloyds Bank, saying: “This was an excellent

with an opening event at Peveril Court in

read out the winner’s accolades, revealing that

application from a strong locally based firm.

June that saw more than a hundred business

the frontrunner had scored extremely strongly

Carpenter Box scored extremely well across

professionals saying hello, we couldn’t have

across the board. Finally, we got to the nub:

the board and especially on Client Service,

wished for a better start. In fact the award

“...and the winner of the 2015 Professional

Industry Knowledge and Making a Difference

has helped our profile grow right across

Services Firm of the Year is... Carpenter Box.“

to Clients... Ultimately, the innovative use of

our patch of Sussex and South Surrey. It

new technologies to attract a new generation

has certainly seeded a few conversations,

party ascended the steps to the stage to be

of clients and the Rising Star programme were

and whilst it hasn’t of itself directly won us

presented with the trophy, the photographer

two factors that made the difference.“

business, we’re sure it has certainly helped to

tension around our table was palpable.

After what seemed an age, Hugh Dennis

The rest of the evening is a blur. Our

snapped away and then we were whisked off

The surprise was how much we learned

for more pictures and an interview in front of

about ourselves in the process. Even before

the camera crew.

the awards night, sharing our entry amongst

swing the opinions of a number of businesses that we now count as clients!

David Rawlance of Lloyds Bank presents Professional Services Firm of the Year Award to Carpenter Box

35

YOUNG START-UP

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS DIVE IN AT THE DEEP END Y

oung Start-Up Talent saw one of its most anticipated events take place at Sea Life Brighton this week as eight aspiring entrepreneurs from the Brighton and Hove area came forward with their carefully polished business plans and pitched to the

YST Brighton panel. After an intense session of 121 pitches in the previous stage of the process, the bright young minds were ready for the ultimate stage in the process.

The judging panel was made up of eight local business professionals: Penina Shepherd, (Acumen Business Law), Max Leviston, (Sea Life Brighton), Matt Turner, (Creative Pod), Lorraine Nugent, (Media Word Waves), Ben Towers, (Social Marley), Martin Hess, (Hewlett Packard), Gary Chown, (NatWest) and Dan Simpson, (Hartley Fowler).

Sponsors were impressed by the high quality of the pitches. Penina Shepherd of Acumen Business Law said, “It’s extremely exciting to see these young business minds excel, and I can clearly see the progress they have made between now and the last time we saw them.”

Martin Hess of Hewlett Packard further added: “I was so impressed with the maturity, creativity and optimism of the young entrepreneurs. In a nutshell, I found the evening very inspirational.”

This year’s Brighton and Hove finalists included: Twenty two-year-old Nick Musto, who entered the initiative with his business Radar.

Radar is a nightlife application that allows students to save money and have more fun while helping businesses save up to ten times on their costs.

Jasper Menzies, who came to the den with his product, JazPouch, a multi-purpose, custom, handmade leather pocket pouch, ideal for storing items spanning from tobacco equipment to travel documentations in a convenient and fashionable way.

Sussex University students Joseph Chan and Phillip Streicher approached the panel with Augmind, a company that’s trying to make affordable and portable neuro-feedback to treat ADHD and anxiety. Phillip said, “It’s been very inspiring. I think the most important lesson we’ve learnt is to really think about the details of our products, both in terms of how we design them and how we want to sell market and produce them.”

Adam Patel, the youngest contestant at just 14, presented his business, Halal celebrations, a publisher and distributer of quality greeting cards and crackers for all faiths and cultures. “It’s always great practice to be pitching in front of professionals and being given the opportunity to answer such in-depth questions about your business.”

BACA students Jordan Black, Tristan Kibble, Callum Sexton and Robbie Down want to use their business to educate the gaming community through video games themselves.

Tristan told us, “This process has allowed me to become a better businessman and prepare for the future.”

General Manager of the Sea Life Centre, Max Leviston, said, “I have been inspired by the drive that these young entrepreneurs possess, and it has been fascinating to judge such an array of business ideas.”

Gary Chown of Natwest said, “Once again, I am blown away by the quality of the business ideas put forward, and I know we will have a worthy winner, whoever that may be.”

Our winner will be announced on the 16th of February from the famous glass bottom boat, which floats over an array of captivating sea creatures. The judge’s verdict will determine who will be walking away with the prize fund worth £50k. Guest speakers for this event will be Ben Towers – listed recently as No1 Teen Entrepreneur in the Times - Martin Hess, Director of Hewlett Packard and Max Leviston, General Manager of the Sealife Centre Brighton.

To find out more please visit: wwww.youngstartuptalent.co.uk

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TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT

PLATINUM

Welcome to our new Business Travel Section where Global Travel Management talks about MICE travel (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions), our travel editor features a highly recommended MICE location each month and we bring you the latest news from the sector.

sponsored by

PLATINUM SINGAPORE

Opening a world of business opportunities With over 40 airlines and more than 200 destinations, London Gatwick is better connected

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NEW!

Travel

PLATINUM TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT We are proud to announce our new, in-depth business travel section, a timely and fascinating addition to the magazine. The world is becoming a smaller place with so many concerns about safety and security, but as a nation we need to trade abroad, and nothing beats a face to face meetings, attending a key industry event or selecting that key destination for an incentive trip or overseas conference.

Our new travel editor, Rose Dykins, was shortlisted for Young Travel Writer of the Year at The Travel Media Awards, and she is an experienced business travel writer.

Each month she will be profiling a great city in which to do business, and we will also be bringing you the latest travel industry news, reviews and information from the leading travel management companies.

By way of introduction, we asked Rose about her travel background and what readers can expect to see in future issues.....

How did you become a travel journalist?

It was always an aspiration, but never a guarantee, so I’m thrilled it worked out! After several years spent interning at all kinds of magazines, and getting my NCTJ qualification, I finally ended up at Business Traveller magazine at the right time – when they were looking to hire – and my career in travel journalism began there.

I worked as their staff writer for more than three years, flying on lots of different airlines and staying at plenty of hotel brands, getting a solid knowledge of the industry and an understanding of the lifestyle of a business traveller. I experienced so many incredible things – interviewing Richard Branson in Miami, flying first class with Etihad, tobogganing down the Great Wall of China – and witnessed some

39

Travel

values “Gross National Happiness” over GDP is just so intriguing, and it was fascinating to see how that was manifested in everyday life.

In terms of entertaining for business, I think destinations that offer a real range of experiences are ideal: somewhere with natural beauty, intriguing history and culture, delicious cuisine and the option of adrenalin-fuelled activities – Cape Town, Bali, Queenstown, Rio de Janeiro and Norway are all great options.

As for conference destinations, flight connectivity, up-to-date facilities and a compact city centre are key, so places like Dublin, Lisbon, Stockholm and Hong Kong are perfect. Metropolises are great in terms of swanky hotels and conference space, but I always think it’s a shame when they’re not walkable, and delegates aren’t able to wander around and explore. Which is part of the reason I think Singapore is so great for both entertaining and conferences; read on to find out more!

Which places are really up-and-coming? What are the current business travel trends, especially with all the security fears? fascinating business developments in cities around the world.

Then, in 2014, I decided to try my hand at becoming a freelance travel writer. I went travelling around Southeast Asia, looking for stories, and ended up writing content for Lonely Planet, The Telegraph and ABTA magazine. I then returned home and carried on pitching ideas, still writing regularly for Business Traveller, and travelling both individually and with other journalists to write for all kinds of publications – from bridal magazines to travel trade publications. Last year, I travelled to Cape Town, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Mauritius, Halkidiki, the Maldives, Singapore, Bintan, Portugal and South Tyrol – not a bad run! I love the freedom and the variety that comes with the job; I enjoy getting to know a destination and understanding what makes it tick, and I want to keep doing it for as long as possible.

You were shortlisted as Young Travel Writer of the Year. Can you tell us a bit more about these awards?

I was! The Travel Media Awards were launched last year to “celebrate excellence in travel media, journalism, broadcasting and photography.” I entered a couple of my pieces with no expectations. The awards racked up around 500 entries, including some industry heavyweights, so to be on the shortlisted final five for Young Travel Writer of the Year was a huge surprise, but a wonderful feeling (anything with “young” in the title is also a bonus!). I didn’t win, though maybe next year!

What places have you particularly enjoyed visiting? Which places strike you as the best places for entertaining, and for conferences/ expos?

I think everyone is scrabbling to get over to Cuba this year “before it’s too late,” and it will be interesting to see if the business travel industry follows suit. There are some fantastic openings planned over the next couple of years that would be excellent for high-end incentives (Banyan Tree, for example, has plans to open four properties there).

Cambodia’s meetings and events scene is gaining traction; a helicopter ride over Angkor Wat would be so special. And this year, the pound’s unprecedented strength against certain currencies – the Norwegian krone, the Australian and New Zealand dollars – means that destinations that were maybe dismissed as too expensive may now be up for consideration.

Security has been a concern for some time, no doubt about it. It’s such a shame. I completely understand the need to take precautions, but it riles me when misinformation influences people’s decisions. And it’s not just from the threat of terrorism. This time last year, for example, when the ebola crisis was at its peak, Cape Town experienced a huge number of cancellations of events and conferences despite the fact that it was further away from ebola-affected areas in West Africa than Europe! It hit small tour operators really hard, and for no real reason.

You will be reviewing business destinations for PBM. What can readers expect from your reviews?

Lots of information! I’ll be gathering as many different perspectives as possible to help readers make informed decisions about which destinations would best suit their needs and their employees. I’ll always be on the hunt for stand-out dining experiences and unusual incentives that will make a lasting impression. And I’ll be keeping an eye on airlines’ new products and routes, which is a particular area of interest of mine. Hopefully, things that spark readers’ interest and make them want to find out more.

One of my most enjoyable travel experiences was spending a week travelling and trekking around the mountain kingdom of Bhutan. It was like nowhere I’d ever been before; it sort of looked like Switzerlandmeets Asia-meets The Shire. And anywhere that

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Travel BUSINESS TRAVEL 2016 – up close and personal

Global Travel Management Managing Director Scott Pawley looks ahead at some of the key issues expected to feature in business travel in 2016

B

usiness travel is an inevitable fact of life, and for many, their 2016 schedule will have already taken them to different corners of the world. That cycle of airports, airplanes, meetings, business dinners and living out of suitcases – yes, it may seem as if very little has changed.

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In some respects that’s undeniable.

However, reflecting on the last 20 years, the changes have been phenomenal, and corporate travel has never been as accessible, proactive and personalised as it is today – as long as a clear and well communicated strategy is in place.

We all know that whether your company is a small two-man band or a large global corporate, your aim is to sustain, develop and increase your product and or services in an increasingly competitive market.

Doubtless, this will have involved time and commitment in decisive management to ensure

Travel “Business travellers must have access to personalised communication, which enables them to be flexible.”

you meet your targets and communicate with all your stakeholders. So it will be no surprise when I say that the same approach is essential when it comes to company travel, ensuring your business travel has clear guidelines and management to enable you to achieve as much as you can within budget.

Over the years companies have realised the benefit of entrusting their corporate travel to travel managers who will know how to, or will know who can, provide them with access to the best deals on flights, land and sea travel and connections, hotel and meeting accommodation, meeting and event facilities, local transportation, restaurants and entertainment. Medium-to-large companies, in many cases, have organised in-house selfbooking tools, which, if correctly administrated are a very effective way for companies to control their travel policy and budget.

However, a well-organised corporate travel system is simply not enough. Business travellers must have access to personalised communication, which enables them to be flexible.

This means we can expect more airlines to utilise the fact that, as most travellers have their own personal screens on their tablets and laptops, they no longer need to provide heavy, expensive in-flight entertainment systems that are built into seat-backs. This will enable them to look increasingly toward streaming information and entertainment option for all travellers.

However, when travel is part of your bread and butter, a more valuable asset is access to travel management apps that provide personal itineraries with essential information, updates and alerts on a smartphone or tablet.

Mobile communication is expected to dominate 2016, in part because that is the way the world now works, and the inescapable

truth is that, in a more unstable world with events such as the terrorist attacks in Paris, civil unrest or outbreaks of deadly diseases such as Ebola, business travellers need access to information and communication.

To this end, companies should review, and, if necessary, take advice on their emergency action programmes to safeguard their businesses and travellers in a crisis.

We find that, while this has not lessened company travel, indicators indeed show that it is expected to increase globally in 2016 by up to 6.9%, and businesses are looking for destinations that will provide a safe option for meetings and events, such as our featured destination, Singapore.

Singapore is one of the world’s leading financial centres, and with long-haul flights back on the agenda due to the lower fuel costs, Singapore continues to top the list of best places in the world to do business. It’s not hard to see why, with amazingly efficient and attractive amenities, its low tax regime, stable government as well as an educated and affluent population.

Not so long ago, the high cost of jet fuel might have made Western European companies think twice about using it as a destination. However, the fall in oil prices is another major factor that will influence business travel in the year ahead.

Lower oil costs are expected to lead to flat pricing and even some reductions on fares for most routes in the year ahead, which should enable business travellers to stay within their budgets, despite an expected increase in the cost of accommodation. Furthermore, the travel industry expects that reduced costs will also increase the choice of destinations for travellers, as previously unviable routes become profitable prospects for competing airlines.

The combination of cheaper oil, more fuel-

efficient engines and new extended-range aircraft means airlines are expected to be flying longer and further in 2016, which is good news for business travellers who prefer not to waste time with stops and layovers.

It has to be said that, so far, airlines have been reluctant to give travellers the full benefit of the reduced jet fuel prices. However, the cut in oil prices is providing travel management companies with additional leverage in negotiating corporate travel.

• Global Travel Management is a leading UK business Travel Management Company with a turnover of £26million. It is 46th in the UK Travel Management Company ranking.

Even through the recession, GTM more than doubled its turnover, from £10,309,992 in 2007 to £23m in 2014, achieving a subsequent profit increase for the same period of £307,970.

• Based in Woking, Surrey, with a bureau in Durban, South Africa, it plays a pivotal role on the corporate travel platform. This is supported by its work with the UK’s main Travel Management Companies (TMCs) body, the Focus Partnership, an association of 70 independent UK TMCs, where Pawley is an active member and chairs its Technology Panel. GTM has led the way on a number of technical and online initiatives.

• Fully licensed by ABTA, ATOL, IATA, and an accredited Investors in People enterprise, its clients range from large international FTSE100s to small businesses and start-ups. In addition, its aircraft charter service is soon to be rebranded as GTM Jets.

Global Travel Management Kingsway House, 123-125 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6LR T: 01483 747321 E: sayhello@gtm.uk.com Website: www.gtm.uk.com

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Travel Shake hands in...

SINGAPORE

by Rose Dykins

THE LION CITY ROARS H

ow many destinations can claim to have a rainforest in the city centre?

Or a Little India, a Chinatown, an Arab Quarter and a proud British Colonial heritage?

Not to mention one of the world’s most eyecatching skylines, housing one of the global top four financial centres?

Singapore certainly seems to have it all.

Its carefully preserved history and colourful pockets of culture, along with its swanky bars, incredible dining experiences and cutting-edge attractions make the cultural yet cosmopolitan capital tempting enough to attract expats from all over the globe.

Aside from its lifestyle attractions, the Lion

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City was ranked the best place in the world to do business by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2014. “We’ve never received any complaints from our clients about Singapore,” says Scott Pawley, Managing Director of Global Travel Management. “Everything is run very efficiently, whether it’s the hotels, conference facilities or aspects such as transport and restaurants. And Singapore Changi is consistently voted one of the best airports in the world.”

And at a time where global security is on high alert, the destination is considered a safe pair of hands. “Singapore scores well in terms of safety and security,” says Jonathan

Loh, Area Director of Northern and Western Europe for the Singapore Tourism Board.

“People can walk round and try street food at 2am and they feel safe, it’s just not an issue.”

Unlike some destinations, where you’re limited to the view from the window of a taxi, Singapore can be explored easily on foot. If you’ve visited before, you’ll know that its public transport is clean, punctual and farreaching. “Expats will tell you that they jump on the metro to reach our urban jungle, go there for a walk, and within a few minutes they’re back into the city itself,” says Lo. The city-state’s compact size is another advantage. “Travelling from the east to the

Travel

Chinatown west takes only 45 minutes by car, so you can plan an island-wide event without having the headache of a long travelling time,” says Pawley.

Singapore’s gleaming credentials do not, however, make it a sterile place – they simply make it hassle-free. Delegates feel relaxed enough to make the most of their time in the city and explore. “We have a very strong nightlife culture, and lots of restaurants stay open until midnight alongside the bars and clubs, which makes Singapore such a vibrant place to live in,” says Lo. Centuries spent welcoming the world as a thriving port city has created Singapore’s rich culture. People often remark on how peacefully the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Arabic communities live alongside one another, and this harmonious ethnic and religious blend is a key component of Singapore’s character.

It also accounts for the city’s diverse

and distinctive culinary offering. Peranakan cuisine, for example, was formed when Chinese immigrants arrived on Singapore’s shores during the 15th century and married with the local Malay population – a dinner at Immigrants restaurant, headed up by Singaporean chef Damian D’Silva, is a polished setting for groups

to savour it. And a visit to Singapore’s bustling food markets is a must – less touristy options include the ABC Brickworks Food Centre and Maxwell Road Food Centre in Chinatown. To try something unusual, visitors should stop by Gelyang, Singapore’s Red Light District, which is fast emerging as the new Chinatown, and seek out some frogs’ porridge (exactly what it sounds like).

KakureOden with Daikon and Wagyu Tongue

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Travel

IDA Conference

In terms of conference venues, Singapore’s offering is world-class. The largest is the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, with 120,000 sq.mt of flexible meeting and event space. There’s also Singapore Expo, with a maximum capacity of 19,000 people, and the Suntech Convention and Exhibition Centre, home to the largest HD LED screen in the world.

Singapore is also full of converted heritage buildings that set the scene for events with a touch of old-school glamour. “This year, the Shangri-La Singapore unveiled The Pavilion –previously the heritage Hollandse School, it was converted into a venue for small corporate events,” says Reto Klauser, Vice President and General Manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. “The hotel is close to Singapore Botanic Gardens – named Singapore’s

Suntec Video Wall

SPARE TIME DINE: At Cé La Vi for views, at Jason Atherton’s Pollen (set in Gardens By the Bay’s Flower Dome) for atmosphere, and Humpback for seafood.

DRINK: At the bar of the new Hotel Vagabond glamour, at Park Hotel Alexandra for the only swim-up bar in Singapore (outside of Sentosa), or Sofitel So’s rooftop Hi-So bar in the CBD, with a gold-tiled swimming pool.

DO: Pick up souvenirs in the trendy boutiques of Haji Lane, the city’s Arab Quarter, visit the Peranakan Museum for history, and stop by Gardens By the Bay at sunset to see the attractions “light trees” put on a show.

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Vagabond Salon Rhino and Tree

Travel

The Patina, former Supreme Court first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 – and we’ll be complementing this attraction with a new Orchid Pavilion that will be unveiled this year.”

Coming soon is the 157-room The Patina, Capitol Singapore, complete with the renovated 1930s Capitol Theatre, another elegant space for events that oozes with history. And in November 2015, as part the year-long celebrations of Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence from British rule, National Gallery Singapore opened its doors. Housed in the Neoclassical former City Hall and Supreme Court building, it’s all-white event spaces blend old and new – think Ionic columns with angular ceiling beams that light gently filters through.

Last year also saw the launch of Singapore Airlines’ hotly anticipated premium economy class. The generously sized seats offer 38 inches of legroom, and passengers are also treated to unlimited champagne during the flight, potentially a way to treat corporate travellers during their 13-hour journey from Heathrow, without forking out for business class seats.

Beyond Downtown Singapore, there’s even more to pack into a corporate itinerary.

Sentosa Island is a destination in itself. The 49-hectare Resorts World Sentosa is home to a Universal Studios theme park, S.E.A. Aquarium. This is one of the world’s largest aquariums, with an adjacent five-star hotel, Ocean Suites, where the rooms have stunning underwater viewing panels of the marine life which can be viewed whilst sitting in the bath. Adventure Cove Waterpark and Dolphin Island both offer thrilling incentives and event opportunities. Sentosa is also home to verdant five-star hotels with pristine beaches for hosting high-end parties.

And the Indonesian island of Bintan – a 50-minute ferry ride away from Singapore – offers a tropical escape from city life, with the comfort of luxury facilities. “As part of an incentive trip to Singapore, we incorporated a boat trip over to Bintan Island,” says Pawley. “We stayed in the Banyan Tree Bintan, where delegates had fantastic massages. They met later for drinks and after dinner headed to the beach and they stayed up chatting all night and waited till the sun came up. It was an amazing experience for them.”

Banyan Pool Villa

World Sentosa Ocean Suites

Park Hotel Alexandra

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Travel

SINGAPORE

TEN TOP-INCENTIVE IDEAS Thinking of rewarding your top employees with a Singapore trip? “Global Travel Management is part of a travel trade association called the Worldwide Independent Travel Network (WIN),” says Pawley, “We can work with agents in Singapore for advice and contacts, and they can give us access to Singapore rates that we couldn’t get outside the country.”

Here are just a few suggestions for the itinerary…

• Hawker for the day – A lively team-building experience that wouldn’t seem out of place on The Apprentice. Delegates are challenged to try their hands at running a real hawker stall in one of Singapore’s food markets, with professionals on hand for guidance.

• Singapore Flyer Singapore Sling Flight – “Singapore Flyer is one of the world’s highest observation wheels, offering 360-degree views of the island, from Marina Bay all the way down to the Singapore River,” says Lo. “We have butler-style dining and serve Singapore Sling cocktails, which guests can enjoy while they enjoy the fantastic view.”

Hawker for the day

• Gardens By the Bay “Back-ofHouse” technical tour – In groups of up to 12 people, this tour offers a behind-thescenes look at this horticultural phenomenon.

Gardens by the Bay

• Sake tasting at Kakure – A speakeasy-style sake bar in a heritage colonial bungalow, Kakure offers fascinating, intimate tasting sessions with some of Japan’s leading wine sommeliers, where rare sakes are paired with exquisite dishes.

• Guided food walk of Joo Chiat/Katong – “This area of Singapore is known for its Peranakan culture and cuisine,” says Lo. “The food walk is a great option for corporate groups that want to take in some historic sites and tastes.”

• Night walk in Chinatown – An expert guide takes delegates through the lesser-known sights of the historical quarter before they enjoy a traditional Chinese Opera.

• Singapore Zoo’s Jungle Breakfast with wildlife – A breakfast buffet in this world-leading conservation for up to 80 guests, with curious orangutans keeping them company.

• Forest Adventure – Fuelled by adrenaline, up to 150 participants work in groups to travel through Bedok Reservoir Park’s dense forest, zip lining and tree-swinging all the way.

• Sailing on the Albatross – Delegates can sail the South China Sea, exploring Singapore’s neighbouring islands on a four-mast luxury charter yacht, which can host gala dinners for 100, or have ten VIPs spend the night on board.

• Secret Garden Party – Participants must use clues and a map to hunt down a “secret” garden around the city, where there’ll be a gala dinner waiting for them.

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Travel TRAVEL NEWS GLOBAL ENTRY TO BEAT THE QUEUES Brits travelling to the US can now look forward to bypassing long airport immigration queues.

The United States Border Control Protection Agency has ruled that from December 3rd 2015, UK travellers can apply to register for Global Entry, an enhanced vetting procedure which makes them eligible to use special fast track gates at US airports.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner (CBPC) Gil Kerlikowske announced the expansion of Global Entry to UK citizens at the recent World Travel Market in London when he said the Trusted Traveller Programme, allows for expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travellers to the US. The system is expected to appeal to regular travellers to the US, where passport control delays are common if several international flights have just landed. According to the US, the new process cuts down passport control waiting times by about 70%.

To register, UK citizens will first have to apply to the Home Office and pay a £42 processing fee. If the applicant passes UK vetting, they will receive an access code to use when applying for the Global Entry scheme, the non-refundable application fee costs $100 (£65) for five years. The applicant then faces an interview with a US customs and border protection official.

VAT ABUSE AT AIRPORTS The Chancellor George Osborne has launched a review of airside VAT-free shopping, “to make sure VAT savings are being passed on to shoppers”.

The move follows an investigation by the Independent last year, which claimed that retailers were holding onto VAT savings from purchases made by passengers travelling outside the EU. According to a statement by the Chancellor, “Currently, some airside retailers are keeping up to an estimated 50p of every £1 of potential VAT savings instead of passing those savings on to shoppers”.

Announcing the review the Chancellor said: “VAT relief at airports is intended to cut prices for those travellers - not be a windfall gain for shops”. The review is expected to be completed by early 2016 and will also cover all other airside shopping taxes.

VIRGIN CRUISING Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group, recently announced his plan to shake up the cruise market, with his first ship scheduled to set sail from Port Miami in 2020 under the Virgin Cruises banner. To further emphasise his commitment to this new venture, he has already entered into a binding agreement with the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri and commissioned the construction of three new mid-sized ships.

“This is a very exciting day for Virgin and travellers around the globe”, Branson said in a statement on the venture. “We now have the right partners in place to build a world-class cruise line that will redefine the cruising experience for good”.

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CATHAY PACIFIC FROM LGW Cathay Pacific Airways have announced that it will launch a new four-times-weekly service from London’s Gatwick Airport on 2 September 2016, subject to government approval. Cathay Pacific will be the only airline that flies non-stop between Gatwick and Hong Kong.

The new service will complement the airline’s current five-times-daily service from Heathrow Airport for a total of 39 flights a week between London and Hong Kong – more than any other carrier. In addition to serving London, Cathay Pacific also offers a four-times-weekly service between Manchester and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific will operate the new service from Gatwick’s South Terminal with its brand new Airbus A350-900 aircraft featuring Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Economy Class seats. Together with the premium service provided by Cathay Pacific’s cabin crew and a state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system in all classes, passengers will be assured of the best inflight experience when they travel between London and Hong Kong.

EUROPE’S LEADING AIRLINE When EasyJet arrived onto the scene twenty years ago, it revolutionised the airline industry. With its bright orange logo and novel approach, the world’s first budget carrier introduced low cost fares and a ‘no frills no spills’ type of travel. Through its incredibly low prices, EasyJet made it possible for people to travel more often, which inspired a hoard of other airlines to follow suit.

Founded by Stelios Haji-Ioannou in 1995, EasyJet started with a pair of Boeing 737-200s on lease, which flew just two routes from London Luton to Glasgow or Edinburgh. Two decades later, EasyJet is now Europe’s leading airline, operating over 600 different routes across more than 30 countries, with a fleet of 200 plus Airbus aircraft. Astonishingly, the original offer in 1995, £29 for a one-way ticket to Glasgow, has actually gone down in 2016 to £27.49, despite inflation.

Brighton’s Most Iconic Hotel • A luxury urban day spa • Beautifully appointed function rooms • Deluxe sea view bedrooms with balconies • GB1 seafood restaurant and bar • Classic afternoon teas THE GRAND BRIGHTON, 97-99 KING’S ROAD, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX, BN1 2FW

0871 222 4684 • www.grandbrighton.co.uk • reception@grandbrighton.co.uk TheGrandHotelBrighton

@GrandBrighton

Travel

A Tropical Paradise

Daniel Frickelton reports on a magical holiday of sun, fun and unforgettable golf in a little piece of heaven in the Indian Ocean... Mauritius.

G

azing forlornly out of our fifth-floor Holiday Inn window at the spaghetti junction of motorway interchanges

with breezy, wide-open, windowless spaces

across the resort to our room, a spacious,

only achievable in a warm, stable climate such

well-furnished suite with French doors opening

as this little corner of heaven in the Indian

onto a large private veranda overlooking

bordering the edge of Heathrow airport on the

Ocean. We were warmly received by Michel,

the beach and, fifteen or so paces from our

first night of our Mauritian holiday, Paradise

the Telfair’s General Manager, and Jay, the

apartment, the sea. We just stood there,

seemed a lot further away than the 6000 km

hotel’s award-winning Concierge (literally The

slightly overwhelmed by the beauty of what

distance we would soon be travelling. Our

Best Concierge In The Indian Ocean) and

lay at our feet, at a complete loss for words.

Air Mauritius flight had been forced to land

his team of cheerful accolytes. We enjoyed

Jennifer wanted to know if everything was to

unexpectedly in Rome on the day of our

a cool, refreshing drink and admired the

our liking and I just asked if I were still alive or

departure and we would now be leaving a

gob-smacking view from the hotel lobby of the

had in fact died and gone to heaven. Jennifer’s

day later than expected. Nothing wrong with

bridge crossing the Citronnieres River and

smile simply said that she had heard this all

a Holiday Inn, of course but not quite what

stretching expansively past the Cavendish

before, but that she never got tired of hearing

we expected on the eve of our dream trip.

Bar and Annabella restaurant to the massive

it. She then showed us the day-by-day plan

Nevertheless, we were aquiver with anticipation

blue-water pool, beachside restaurant and the

she had constructed for the remainder of our

Twelve hours later, our taxi driver deposited

sea beyond. Oh, the sea! Turquoise and white

stay at La Telfair: rounds of golf, meals in a

us at La Telfair Resort, one of three resorts

water, sandy beaches and magnificent rollers

half dozen or so of the many restaurants in

comprising the expansive Heritage Resort

crashing relentlessly onto the coral reef that

the resort, and went through the list of further

on the south coast of Mauritius. Our first

surrounds most of Mauritius. We will conjure

options available to us. We immediately booked

impressions were unforgettable, an adjective

this neural image many times in the coming

a pre-golf massage and an excursion on the

that will get quite a workout in this report.

winter months and wonder each time if we

glass-bottom boat before being whisked off on

La Telfair is an architectural masterpiece

were actually dreaming all of this loveliness.

a guided tour of the estate.

combining French Colonial plantation style

Jennifer arrived. She would be our personal butler during our stay at the resort, solving problems large and small, always with consummate professionalism, a friendly smile and utter unflappability in the face of challenges. At this juncture she walked us

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Day one began with a sumptuous breakfast

Travel at Annabella’s, the main restaurant, located very centrally on the estate. Employing a unique “interactive” strategy, this spacious, plantation-style venue offers every imaginable breakfast option, whether you prefer continental, British or local options. The chefs will help you construct an omelette from about twenty different ingredients and fry it before your eyes. Scrambled or fried eggs are, of course, also available. Another chef is busy whacking up mangoes, pineapples, watermelons and a variety of other local fruits into bowls. Something missing? Not likely, but ask, and you shall receive. In the evenings, you get to see what your dinner will look like on the plate as it is all being prepared before your eyes in this same buffet area. Brilliant!

A quick hop in the surf back at our suite and we were ready for the spa experience.

Following a relaxed conversation about what

you have a memorable experience.

Not a golfer? Never mind. How about a bit

beating, fire-eating Africans in full regalia. After

of kite surfing, snorkelling, swimming with the

dinner we were invited to gather around the

dolphins, or just looking down at the corals

fire for some interactive dancing with troupe

and their fishy inhabitants through the bottom

members and other guests. Other restaurants

of a glass-bottom boat? Swish new mountain

are more traditional. You sit down, sometimes

bikes await those who want to explore the

with sand beneath your feet, always very near

we would like them to focus on, we were led by

the sea and allow the expert staff to help you

our respective masseuses past calming water

choose among the mouth-watering food and

features to an enclosed, covered outdoor area oozing serenity. Twin massage tables occupied the centre stage of this temple of calm. This was my very first experience of full-body massage, so I really had no idea what to expect. For the next hour the expert fingers of our highly trained masseuses coaxed every suggestion of tension out of our gnarly old golfing muscles and we were transported to

“The course lived up to our high expectations of quality, playability and suitable degree of challenges, regardless of handicap.”

another part of the universe. We were ready for

drink options available. Besides the many seafood and meat options available, it was gratifying to see the large variety of vegetarian dishes on the menus of the six venues we sampled. If you can’t survive a week without a curry, then scurry to the Zafarani Restaurant, where Deepak, the Indian chef, and Varsha, your aide de table, will ensure you leave with a smile on your face.

We did variations on this theme for the next

some golf!

ten days and could happily have carried on for

The Heritage Golf Course was what had

Photo credits: Heritage Resorts

entertainment by a troupe of dancing, drum-

another month without even wondering what

put this resort on our radar in the first place.

surrounding mountains and towns. There is

We had seen the AfrAsian Bank Mauritius

was going on in the “real world” - or even if

a fully equipped gym on the property, tennis

golf tournament broadcast on Sky Sports

there was another world somewhere. This was

courts and yoga classes every morning. You

last May, combining the European, Asian

the ultimate holiday experience, and the only

can go hiking or quad biking through the

and Sunshine tours in one spectacular event

nature reserve, hire a taxi for a half day of

downside is that all future holidays will pale by

that was eventually won by George Coetzee

visiting nearby waterfalls, The Seven Colours

of South Africa. The course lived up to our

of Sand, the Black River gorge and the local

high expectations of quality, playability and

rum distillery (the other main source of income

suitable degree of challenges, regardless of

in Mauritius besides tourism). There are more

handicap. Players of all ability levels will enjoy

activity options than there is space in which

unforgettable rounds on these immaculate

to describe them, for children and adults of all

fairways and greens. Whether you choose to

ages.

play with state-of-the-art rented equipment as

Another quick swim a few steps from our

we did or bring your own, the friendly, helpful

veranda and we were off to the Boma outdoor

staff at The Heritage Golf Resort will ensure

restaurant for a truly spectacular barbecue and

comparison. We will be back, and next time we will bring some friends and family with us.

Maybe we will see you there.

Direct Flights are available from Gatwick and Heathrow www.heritageresorts.mu/ Heritage Resorts Domaine de Bel Ombre 31803 Bel Ombre – Mauritius Tel: +230-266-9777

53

HOTEL REVIEW

REIGATE MANOR HOTEL

by Maarten Hoffmann

T

he Reigate Manor Hotel began life as a very substantial family house called The Brokes, built in 1780. The house

living in a large house in Beech Road, did not

favourite area being the Library Bar close to

want houses of any class spoiling her view to

reception. This is a very cosy and well-designed

the south, so in December 1922, she purchased

space where long evenings sipping ale can

had a large estate fronting the London Road,

the entire Brokes estate. She hived off for

easily be envisaged.

stretching from Beech Road down to Brokes

herself the land which fronted Beech Road, and

There is an excellent range of conference

Road, neither of which existed in those far-off

then in September 1923 put the house, with its

facilities, with six banqueting suites ranging

days.

smaller grounds, back on the market. Unlike

from the Ballroom, that will accommodate 200

most local house sales of the time, The Brokes

delegates, to the Club Room, which is ideal for

increased with the acquisition of a large parcel

was offered with the option that the house

meetings of up to 40 guests. It offers highly

of land fronting the south side of upper Beech

could be used as a school, club or hotel.

flexible space, and when l was there, it was

In 1890 the estate was significantly

Road.

And so we have the Reigate Manor Hotel, in

bustling with meetings, events and seminars.

When The Brokes was put up for sale by

an unbeatable location and serving guests for

The service is excellent and very friendly,

the Woolley family in 1920, the estate was

decades. Run by efficient and affable General

and a test of the cuisine was on the cards in the

described as having “long and valuable

Manager Giles Thomas, the hotel, although

attractive Garden Room restaurant, where their

frontages to Reigate Hill and Beech Road,

independently owned and operated, has for

Head Chef has put together a compact-but-

portions of which would be immediately

many years been branded Best Western.

complete menu that really does tempt the taste

available for the erection of houses of a good class.� Dame Rebecca Inglis, a wealthy lady

54

With 50 well-equipped bedrooms and ample public spaces, it is very well laid out, with my

buds. I ordered the duck, pork & cranberry terrine with shallot chutney and warm soda

HOTEL REVIEW

“In my opinion, the test of many a hotel is their breakfast, and l was not to be disappointed. ” bread. It was delicious, and the perfect starter. It was followed by the ballotine of chicken with stuffed leek and pancetta mousse, garlic and thyme fondant potato and buttered kale. The leek and pancetta was superb and matched the dish perfectly, and the chicken was moist and succulent. With little respect for my waistline, l couldn’t resist the date sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and clotted cream ice cream, which was an absolute triumph and left me moaning and groaning that l had eaten too much - always a good sign, although my tailor will need to add a couple of inches to the waistband of my trousers.

And so to bed, in a supremely comfortable bed with crisp duvet and spongy pillows, and having spotted the trouser press, which l don’t see many of these days, it reminded me what a godsend these things can be. I think they should be in every hotel room as it is very difficult to match the crisp crease they leave in your trousers. I am thinking of buying one for my house.

They have a four-poster bedroom which would be perfect for any bride and groom, of which there are many throughout the year as the hotel is very popular for weddings.

In my opinion, the test of many a hotel is their breakfast, and l was not to be disappointed. I am always a tad disconcerted when a waiter takes my order, which is rarely as displayed on the menu, without a note pad. Not to worry, as the various items l ordered came exactly as requested and it was superb. Eggs just running enough, fried bread that does not leap off the plate as you try to cut it and fantastic sausages. Calling the tailor now!

The Reigate Manor Hotel is a perfect oasis of calm, well-run with great service and a range of conference rooms that would suit every occasion. I would recommend you visit - having pre-booked the appointment with your tailor.

Reigate Manor Hotel Reigate Hill, Reigate, Surrey RH2 9PF Tel: 01737 240125 Mail: hotel@reigatemanor.co.uk Web: www.reigatemanor.co.uk

55

CHARITY CASE STUDY

YOUR TOWN, YOUR HOSPICE

Stuart Gendall, Head of Communications at Princess Alice Hospice, on the 30 years of specialist care and support.

Feature sponsored by Charity Line

P

rincess Alice Hospice is your local charity dedicated to providing free, high-quality compassionate care and support for

in Esher or in their own homes. Our highly-

their carer and family members and starting

trained consultant-led medical team includes

the process of planning and coordinating our

associate specialists and specialty doctors,

on-going care - relief of symptoms, therapy,

patients, their families and carers. We care for

specialty registrars, GP trainees and other

spiritual care, psychological and emotional

people with cancer and other illnesses living in

qualified doctors, who spend time with us to

support, and even practical financial advice. It

a large part of Surrey, South West London and

gain experience in palliative medicine.

all depends on what’s best for the patient.

Middlesex.

There, more than a million people live within

Our Princess Alice Nurses are usually the

If patients need immediate attention when

first point of contact our patient, their families

they are referred to us, our dedicated Rapid

our care area. Last year we helped more than

and carers will have with our Hospice and its

Response Nurse is on call to help. Driving to

3,400 people and our Princess Alice Nurses

services. Working closely with GPs and other

the patient’s home within hours, the nurse

made more than 11,400 home visits.

local healthcare professionals, with the support

will assess their condition, providing advice

of our own team of specialist doctors, they care

on symptom control and support to help the

symptoms to enable patients to have the best

for more than 800 patients in the community

patient. If necessary, the nurse will call on our

possible quality of life. We want our patients to

at any one time. The nurses visit patients at

wider specialist team. If the patient needs

feel safe and supported at our hospice building

their homes, assessing their needs, meeting

additional help at night, our dedicated Night

Our goal is to relieve pain and other

56

CHARITY CASE STUDY

“The majority of patients who stay with us have their own private, ensuite room. The 24 light, airy rooms have large doors that open out onto our garden, courtyard or decking area..”

Response team is only a phone call away and

and spiritual support at the hospice. Our social

will aim to be there within 2 hours to provide

work team provides advocacy and advice

critical support.

on practical and financial matters, as well

The responsibility and emotional demands of

as emotional support. Our Hospice Chaplain

looking after someone with a life-threatening

works with specially trained volunteers, who

illness at home is exhausting. So our Night

offer spiritual, religious and cultural support to

Nurses can provide families and carers with a

patients and their carers, whatever their beliefs.

much-needed overnight break – a staying by

Princess Alice Hospice is a centre of

the patient’s side from 10pm to 7am and quickly

excellence for palliative care. Our consultants

responding to any changes in their needs.

make a vital contribution to training staff, junior

If patients who are at home suffer a

doctors, GPs and visiting professionals, as

significant change in symptoms which could

well as contributing to research, networks and

put them at risk of urgent admission to

initiatives to improve care for the dying.

hospital, we will bring our Enhanced Support

“It’s amazing to think we have been providing

service to bear. This service creates a “virtual”

our specialist care and support for 30 years,”

hospice bed in the home and puts the patient

says Nicki Shaw, Princess Alice Hospice’s Chief

under the care of a bespoke team of specialists

Executive. “The Queen Mother officially opened

who are focused on their requirements and

our hospice on 20 March, 1986. We will be

discharging patients to normal levels of

marking this landmark year with a programme

support when they no longer need this care.

of exciting activities to underline our care for

During their care with us, patients may be admitted to the In-Patient Unit (IPU) in our Hospice. With the capacity to care for up to 24

our community, celebrating our work, boosting awareness and reinforcing the need for funds.

“Under the banner of “Your Town; Your

highly complex patients at any one time, our IPU

Hospice”, we will be going on tour around our

enables us to provide high-quality end-of-life

care area, seeking to create a “buzz” of interest

care and to address troublesome symptoms that

that de-mystifies what hospices are and what

can be difficult to treat at home. Their ongoing

they do, generating discussion about end-of-

care may mean patients are invited to stay with

life care and celebrating the contribution of our

us for one or more short periods. In some cases

supporters, volunteers and staff. Princess Alice

they may be admitted for respite care for the

Hospice needs over £9.1 million each year to

benefit of their families or carers.

provide our vital and much-needed services. We

The majority of patients who stay with us

want to say thank you for the amazing support

have their own private, ensuite room. The 24

we have had and to underline the community’s

light, airy rooms have large doors that open

ownership of our activities, reminding it of the

out onto our garden, courtyard or decking

need for continued support to enable us to

area. Once in the IPU, patients are be cared for

provide the services it wants and needs.”

by the highly trained team at the hospice. Our

www.pah.org.uk

specialist doctors and nurses bring with them a wealth of skills and knowledge to ensure you have the best care and support. Our nurses are experienced in the delivery of palliative care.

Our specialist therapists team provide a number of therapies, including: dietetics, lymphoedema therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy. They can also provide a number of complementary therapies for patients and their carers, depending on their needs.

Our help also includes psychological, social

CharityLine printed Princess Alice Hospice supporter welcome pack materials in December 2014 and June 2015. They were also responsible for printing and distributing the Hospice’s “In Touch” annual newsletter and supporter statement and mailing it in 2015 to more than 37,300 supporters. www.charityline.org.uk 57

ANGER MANAGEMENT

ANGER MANAGEMENT

by Maarten Hoffmann

IN OR OUT? D

avid Cameron has pencilled in this June for the referendum to decide this country’s fate within, or without,

and petulance upon departure and the demise of this once-great nation, to the rise of the new

unfair and undemocratic.

So what of it? The anti-Europe group,

UK superpower as we motor on, trading with

Business for Sterling, (no, me neither) have

the European Union. This will be an event

all and sundry, and that it will not make a jot of

produced a document claiming that Britain’s

of historic proportions should the great

difference.

total contribution to the EU coffers has just

British public vote to divorce. But what of the

The PM has just revealed an open-cabinet

topped £500 billion. It sets out that the cost

unlimited rhetoric on the subject, with 100

vote on the subject, which rather took the wind

of membership has risen from £1.9 billion to

politicians having 101 views? From the dark

out of my sails for this column, ready as l was

£19.1 billion last year. Net after subsidies,

Shakespearean tragedy of death, destruction

to lambast a party whip who would be totally

that’s £9.9 billion. This is supposed to further reduce with the ‘regional subsidies’ to our less affluent counties. In European terms, we don’t have any. The fear is that there are such gargantuan inefficiencies and rampant corruption in the EU. We must remember that their own auditors have refused to sign off the organisation’s accounts since 1994. I ask you - if a company you were about to invest in, do business with, or lend money to, could not get their books signed off for 22 years, would you sign the deal?

The Britain Stronger in Europe campaign were relying on trading benefits when they countered the £500 contribution report with ‘the EU is worth £3,000 a year to every British household’ - which is an ROI of 10 to 1.

This number stems from a 2013 CBI report, having now thrown their weight behind the IN campaign. We should note here that this is the very same CBI that originally campaigned to ditch Sterling for the Euro. There is not a soul who can work out how they reached this spurious ROI, but it’s a great sound bite, and one should never let the truth get in the way of a good headline.

Maarten Hoffmann with Boris Johnson

58

I cannot be the only one who knows that Cameron will not achieve any realistic,

ANGER MANAGEMENT

“It will be a stitch-up and might be the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. It will still be a pig. ”

fundamental changes with his round of glad-

be reckoned with. We are the second-largest

us, as, if trade barriers between Britain and

handing negotiations. It will be a stitch-up and

economy in the EU; we are a nuclear power

the remaining member-states were erected

might be the equivalent of putting lipstick on

and have a history of resilience and strength;

upon exit, the EU would lose more export

a pig. It will still be a pig. So lets presume we

we did not make the satanic mistake of joining

earnings from Britain than vice-versa. At the

will go forward as we are with our existing

the Euro, and we have one of the oldest, intact

same time, the UK would be freed from the

relationship, rules, terms and financial

democracies in the world.

burdens of EU regulation and hence able to

commitments.

boost trade with faster-growing parts of the

that disruption from a Brexit would be short-

Do we need the EU or does the EU need us?

term, but with a guarded caveat on the terms

The founding principle of the Union was to

of departure. And that’s what we don’t know.

stop the barbaric wars that had raged across

How will the often volatile Europeans react?

the continent for millennia. It then morphed

As sensible professional leaders or childish

into the economic union we see today. Great

adolescents who take their ball home? RBS

ideals must be applauded, but we are not

economists fear that such as exit will wreck the

in Europe. We are an island nation that has

UK economic recovery.

always stood alone against any opposition -

membership of the European Economic Area

until WW2, when we had to be be rescued by

(the Norway option); a customs union, similar

the Yanks. Now our greatest allies, we will

to the one the EU has with Turkey; a basket of

never be drawn into another European war, as

bilateral agreements such as that which exists

we will be consumed by Islamic problems for

between Switzerland and the EU; a so-called

generations. So what’s in it for us? EU leaders

‘vanilla’ free trade agreement such as the

are not elected by the people of the UK and are,

ones the EU has with countries ranging from

in the main, unaccountable.

South Korea to South Africa; and finally, trade

HSBC and Barclays have publicly stated

According to Ross Walker of RBS, “The outcome is too close to call with any confidence, and this uncertainty is likely to be corrosive. A backdrop of postponed investment, hesitant hiring, sagging stock markets and anxiety-afflicted business activity surveys would not be the optimal moment to commence a rate-tightening cycle.”

All change is historically problematical, but must be faced as being short-term, as

world, by eliminating tariffs and signing trade agreements without the constraints of EU membership. Underpinning this assertion is the belief that the UK is a big enough economy to be an effective trade negotiator in its own right.

If Britain withdrew from full membership of the EU, there would be a number of potential options for managing its trading relationships:

FIFA comes to mind!

with the EU under World Trade organisation

A recent speech by London Major and MP for

(WTo) rules. None of these options would be

we know the date range for the referendum.

Uxbridge Boris Johnson set the tone. We are a

straightforward, but all have been achieved by

Nervousness and a reluctance to invest is

great nation, and if the Prime Minster cannot,

others.

endemic to such change.

honestly, negotiate new and very strong terms

I am not a “Little Englander,” and I accept that there can be unpleasant results from either decision, but Great Britain is a force to

Nothing in business life is straightforward. I

with the EU, then we should leave and damn

do not advocate that you vote to leave the EU,

the consequences.

but l do urge you to return to centre ground and

Every European nation will still trade with

think further on this momentous decision.

59

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MOTORING

THE DETROIT MOTOR SHOW

by Maarten Hoffmann

As a petrol head, there are few better places to be than the latest global motor show.

On this occasion, it was in Detroit and there was a smorgasbord of new metal on show that had me salivating. Here’s the highlights: PORSCHE 911 TURBO S

TESLA AUTOPILOT

This old workhorse will just not die. Still beautiful and still the drive of your life but unlike the original Turbo, this one will not try to kill you.

Not only are Tesla electric models selling well but you can now order it to come to you. As long as you are on private ground, it will open the garage door and meet you wherever you order it to be. It will also set the heating to the temp you desire and open the door for you when you approach the car, whilst playing your favourite radio station. When it can make you a cup of tea, they will have it all.

INFINITI Q60 Coupe Infiniti has struggled to gain traction in the UK but fares quite well in the US. This latest version, with its 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 engine pumping out 396bhp is designed to take on the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5. Maybe this is the one that will finally make it onto our streets.

MERCEDES-BENZ AMG S65 Cabriolet This luxurious open-top fourseater will go on sale in the UK in April at around ÂŁ200,000.

With a twin-turbocharged 5.5 litre V12 producing 621bhp, it is set to be an absolute winner.

FORD GT The GT had a rocky start in the UK, not least due to Clarkson running his mouth across the airwaves that he made Ford take his GT back as it had so many faults. It is a stunner but with fuel consumption equal to that of the Space Shuttle, l am not sure you will see many running around the streets of the UK.

AUDI h-tron quattro BMW M2 Sales of BMW M cars has shot up 65% and with the all-new M2 coming to our shores, this trend looks set to continue.

This concept SUV is scheduled to go into production in 2020 with a hydrogen fuel cell feeding two electric motors and a lithiumion battery pack available for small bursts of extra power and a range of 373 miles.

61

MOTORING

VOLKSWAGEN DUNE

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

Harking back to the past, the Dune looks really funky and would look even better with a couple of surfboards attached to the roof.

This is the first Mercedes to come with Drive Pilot, as the rush towards autonomous driving races ahead. It parks on its own without you in the car with the use of an app, will refuse to hit the car in front and will warn you if you wander from lane to lane - l fear drivers are becoming redundant.

VOLVO S90 The Swede’s attempt to break the German stranglehold on the premium market with innovative hybrid powertrains, aiming to be the cleanest on the market.

FORCE 1 VLF Automotive revealed the Force 1 supercar powered by a V10 that ensures it will cover 0-62mph in less than 3 seconds and hit 218mph for around £190,000, But you can buy a Ferrari 488GTB for less!

ALFA ROMEO 4C SPIDER NISSAN TITAN This concept is a rough tough workhorse with a 5.0 litre V8 and massive 37” tyres for those tradesmen that like to be noticed.

62

NISSAN IDS CONCEPT Buck Rogers would be at home here. Self-Driving with zero emissions, it will speak to pedestrians, saying such things as ‘After you’ and ‘Stopping” in three languages. The insurance will be a nightmare if you set it to English and run over a Chinese pedestrian.

This very pretty car now comes topless with an £8,000 premium over the hard top. There are lots of weightsaving options to be had including a windscreen that is 10% thinner than before and a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds.

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MOTORING

DISCOVERY SPORT HSE T

he Freelander had been with us for a long, long time and personally, l hated it. It was gruff, hard and handled like a

drunken pig. But of course, Jaguar Land Rover have been busy pumping out cracking new models across the range with great gusto and

of emissions, but the new ‘Ingenium’ power

“You could equip the entire family from this one family”

it was only a matter of time before they turned their attention to the Freelander dinosaur.

And with the all new Discovery Sport and the subtle differences between the Disco, Evoque and Range Rover, this trio is beautifully designed to cover the demographic waterfront.

If you have a pile of cash spare and want the finest all-round FWD on the market, it’s the full fat RR; If you have a little less and don’t need all the bells and whistle, it’s the half fat Evoque; and if you want an excellent SUV that will not decimate your pocket, there’s the non fat Disco.

Although, non fat makes it seem less somehow but it really isn’t. This is a very capable car using the Evoque chassis and a

64

Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

plant comes with 148bhp or 178bhp. It can really be thrown about with no awareness of its ride height and parking is a simple affair with sensors all around. JLR have stumped up £500 million into their new Wolverhampton engine plant to erode their reliability on other

brand new rear suspension to cope with the two extra seats you get in the back, making this a full fat seven-seater.

I was expecting a slightly turgid utilitarian affair but what a very pleasant surprise. Even with the manual, smaller output engine l was sent, it is smooth and refined and really nippy around town. Originally only available with one engine option, the 2.2 litre Ford derived diesel, which was not the cleanest in terms

manufacturers engines.

The interior is very well laid out and perhaps considered ‘modest’ when compared to the Evoque and RR but it is user friendly, robust and visually impressive. As with all JLR models, the SatNav is touchscreen and l do find that easier and faster to use. Using a dial to click through the menu to locate each individual letter when entering an address is made so much easier if you can just stab the screen. All

MOTORING TECHNICAL STUFF Engine: 2.0 litre TD4 Turbo Diesel Power: 150 bhp Economy: 57.7 combined Performance: 0-62 - 11 seconds Top: speed 112 mph Base: £35,395.00 Price tested: 43,551.00

rivals seem to favour the dial method but l think they are all wrong.

The two jump seats in the back are reminiscent of the old Merc E-Class estate and are a god send. They are a bugger to get into and not great for adults on a long drive but absolutely perfect for the kids and they love the adventure of clambering in. The central seats can be adjusted for rake and will slide back and forth, which is really useful if you have a very tall passenger and of course, they can all be dropped flat for maximum load capacity.

“Jaguar Land Rover have been busy pumping out cracking new models across the range with great gusto”

will wade through 600mm of standing water should be a big seller in the Cumbrian area.

The flagship HSE comes with full leather, panoramic glass roof, heated seats, rear camera and xenon headlights and more besides. It is a very handsome car and there is no mistaking from which family it hails. The distinct C-pillar give it a very rakish look and the nose is as pretty as you’ll find.

So JLR have completed the family, with the breathlessly awaited new Defender being the one you will want for driving up a mountain

I shall not bang on about its off-road capability but suffice to say that it will do

for all and with permanent four-wheel drive,

and with the convertible Evoque on its way,

everything you need it to do, and then some.

the computer will shunt power between the

you could equip the entire family from this one

Snow, ice, sand, gravel - there are settings

front and rear wheels to keep you moving. It

family. Bulk discount anyone?

65

MOTORING

MERCEDES-BENZ

C-CLASS COUPE T

here are many enjoying long love affairs with the S-Class - including me, as l have owned one for many years. It has always been seen as the pinnacle of motoring superlatives, in various guises, for over 50 years and is rightly the world’s best-selling luxury sedan.

The trouble has always been the price. At around £70,000, it’s an expensive bit of kit and out of reach of us mere mortals. Then they go and up the ante by introducing the gorgeous S-Class Coupe, with little change from £100,000 - a drop dead beauty that l will get my dirty little mitts on next month for your delight and delectation.

Understanding this dilemma, Mercedes have borrowed many design cues from the S in the all-new C-Class Coupe that currently sits on my drive. Historically, the C has always seemed a tad reserved and under-stated and had an eternal fight on its hands from the BMW 3 Series. The new C is elegant and stylish and can be considered as a baby S-Class, and that is a very good thing.

I can usually spend ten minutes walking round a car and can find design aspects that are out of kilter, but this design is flawless. It swoops where it should and looks aggressive

66

where it must, but at all times has real presence. The interior is also improved in many ways, and the gadgets abound. The central screen offers you a myriad of options, from independent engine and suspension set-ups, to a nifty little SatNav that not only tells you where to go but pops up an actual picture of the junction in case the driver is a total numpty. It is actually really useful, as, if there are several turnings coming up, it really helps to know what the signage and bend look like. Maybe l am that numpty!

Lots of tech here, with the first in its class to have optional adaptively damped air suspension, and the half-aluminium platform knocks 100kg off the weight, allowing a more lively drive. It’s a hair-raising £895, but worth every penny in day-to-day driving. Driver assist uses radar, stereo camera and ultrasound to monitor the environment, and if it senses you are about to collide, it will take avoiding action. But you can really barrel into bends with total confidence, and if you set the right mode, it will fly across bumps and ruts as if they don’t exist.

The optional nine-speed auto box has all the legs you will ever need and slips through the gears in silence, and if you want to play with the paddles, they snap through with great satisfaction.

It is a very nice place to sit, and an improvement on the former model. The quality is what you would expect from Stuttgart and a great deal of thought has gone into the ergonomics of the driving position and associated gizmos’ distance from one’s limbs.

It all feels just right: solid and luxurious, without the wafting sensation of the full-size S -Class. It’s as if the S-Class has secretly copulated and spawned this nipper for those of us who don’t have a hundred grand to splash.

Perhaps it’s due to being an old fart, but l get hacked off when cornering if l am not held in place with good seats. My older S-Class see’s me sliding across the blasted cabin when cornering hard and hanging on for dear life, hence the tendency to waft around and not rush.

These seats are superb, and of course can be further adapted via the automatic adjustment controls.

MOTORING

TECHNICAL STUFF Model Tested: C250d AMG Coupe Engine: 2,143 cc Power: 204 bhp Performance: 0-62 6.7 seconds Top Speed: 153 mph Economy: 67.3mpg combined Price: ÂŁ37,615.00

Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

Mercedes have really got a good handle on

you that all is being taken care of. I found it quite

sounding diesel lets it down and the seatbelt,

this sort of thing. I recall testing the monstrous

unsettling. The C has what can only be termed

due to the coupe body, is quite a stretch to grab

SL65 last year, with the seats having a mind

perfect seats.

hold of without pulling a muscle.

of their own and automatically adjusting the

It’s a shame that it is only a four-seater, but

All in all, the C-Class is a masterclass in car

side bolsters to how fast you cornered. A sort

then the competition from Audi (A5) and BMW

construction and design, and thankfully, will be

of intimate and rather surprising grope telling

(4 Series) are the same, the slightly gruff-

with us for many more years to come.

Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead

Mercedes-Benz of Poole Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury

0330 1592090 www.sandown-group.co.uk

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MOTORING

THE PLATINUM MARQUE GLE Coupé

A

t Sandown Mercedes-Benz, we offer a comprehensive range of services for the Mercedes-Benz

owner to ensure that we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to offer a service

“Through a dedicated and personal service, we spend time helping you to choose the right car, no matter what your requirements are. ”

the new smart models, we will have something just right for you.

Our extensive range of special offers on new Mercedes-Benz and smart includes excellent finance, lease and

that is second to none in the industry.

We are proud specialists in Mercedes-Benz and smart and focus on

upgrade packages. We are constantly updating our range with the latest

delivering the best possible experience for all of our customers across

models and promise to keep you up to speed with any new car releases

Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and Surrey. We have a wide range of new

or offers. The new range of models are world-beating as they are all

and Approved Used cars and competitive offers, as well as trusted

here at Sandown.

servicing and repairs services. Known for our knowledge and expertise, our long-standing relationship with Mercedes-Benz goes back over 30 years.

Through a dedicated and personal service, we spend time helping you to choose the right car, no matter what your requirements are. We have the latest Mercedes-Benz and smart cars ready for you to explore.

Whether you’re interested in the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé or

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

AFTERSALES: THE PLATINUM PROGRAMME For existing owners, we also have the Platinum Programme offering an unbeatable range of services at remarkable prices.

There are three Platinum programmes that offer loyalty discounts on servicing, MOT and parts once your vehicle is out of the manufacturers warranty.

PLATINUM

PLATINUM PLUS

PLATINUM ELITE

For vehicles that are between 3 and 5 years old

For vehicles between 6 and 8 years old

For vehicles over 9 years old

Stocked parts discount on workshop repairs and servicing 10%

Stocked parts discount on workshop repairs and servicing 15%

Labour discount 40%

Labour Discount 40%

Stocked parts discount on workshop repairs and servicing 10% Labour Discount 10%

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MOT costs £10

MOTORING

All New Mercedes-Benz Models

E-Class

SLC

C-Class CoupĂŠ

smart fortwo

GLC

smart fortwo cabrio

ALL NEW MODELS FOR 2016

Mercedes-Benz of Basingstoke Mercedes-Benz of Dorchester

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Mercedes-Benz of Hindhead

Mercedes-Benz of Poole Mercedes-Benz of Salisbury

0330 1592090 www.sandown-group.co.uk

69

CRANLEIGH

A BIG NIGHT

CHAMBER NEWS

C

70

ranleigh Chamber of Commerce hosted 100 business people from Cranleigh and the surrounding area at a truly sparkling event in January. It was a gala event celebrating with the finalists of the inaugural Cranleigh & District Business, Innovation and Growth Awards, already fondly called the Cranleigh BIG Awards!

Held at Cranleigh Arts Centre, local businesses enjoyed a fastmoving, entertaining video presentation of the finalists’ stories.

Chosen from a large number of entries, the six finalists had best demonstrated innovation, customer excellence and employee engagement.

Ruby & Kind, Cranleigh Golf & Country Club, Taurus Wines, Firebird Brewing Co., Jigsaw School and Just Jhoom! all stepped up to the stage amidst a fanfare of music and lights to accept their finalists trophies and champagne from the principal sponsor, Alan Young of Surrey County Council.

The compere for the evening was Philip Calvert, the renowned social media expert and international speaker.

The tension was mounting as Philip asked for the silver envelope which would provide the name of the Highly Commended business which would receive a £500 cheque. The audience cheered loudly as Firebird Brewing Co. was announced as the recipient of the award, and Richard Peters, Bill King and their team stepped up, showing their appreciation on-stage, throwing their arms into the air.

The tension was palpable as Philip now asked for the gold envelope to announce the very first Winner of the Cranleigh & District BIG Awards.

Once again the audience rose to the occasion, noisily supporting Rupert and Felicity Pritchett and Andy Mead of Taurus Wines as they ran down the stairs of the auditorium to reach the stage and their prized cheque of £3,500, presented by Surrey County Councillor, Alan Young.

Following the Awards ceremony, businesses enjoyed the opportunity to network over a complimentary, delicious hot meal provided by OneForty Café, dazzling cakes from Maddalenas and a selection of refreshments in the Cranleigh Arts Centre Crane Room and Gallery.

One finalist, Shalini Bhalli from Just Jhoom! said, “Thank you for a

cranleighbiz.co.uk

fab event! Even though we didn’t win, we felt like winners!”.

Demonstrating the marketing power of entering the BIG Awards, Steven Morgan from another finalist, Jigsaw School, said, “Thank you and well done to all those involved in last night’s event. It was great to be part of it! I think Jigsaw has made a few really good local contacts – plenty of people who are interested in what we do and are keen to come and have a look around the school.”

Richard Graham, President of Cranleigh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Cranleigh and District BIG Awards competition and this gala event evening would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Surrey County Councillor Alan Young, further sponsorship from local businesses OneForty Cafe, TRT, Informed Choice, Cranleigh Arts Centre and the volunteer efforts of the Chamber’s committee members.”

He extended further thanks to the Cranleigh Camera Club and the fabulous editorial support of the Surrey Advertiser.

The Cranleigh and District BIG Awards have succeeded in

demonstrating the quality of local businesses, the breadth of sector strengths, the innovation of products, customer service, staff engagement and, most of all, the vibrancy and dynamism of the business community that is Cranleigh and District.

CROYDON

MINDFUL BUSINESS

Croydon Chamber of Commerce member Tammy McCann, Programme Director of Progression People, on how mindfulness can lead to better business decisions.

G

importance of the well-being of their people. This interest in the workforce’s happiness and development results in maintained enthusiasm and loyalty. These are two attributes in staff that can neither be manufactured nor bought.

Progression People are a coaching and training organisation for improved organisational, team and individual performance. They are well-known for incorporating mindfulness in their Leadership, Management, Customer Service and Sales training and coaching.

To learn more about how Croydon Chamber can help your business, please do get in touch with us.

T: +44 (0)20 7556 2390 E: info@croydonchamber.org.uk W: croydonchamber.org.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

reat business leaders make well-executed decisions, because they have clarity of ideas and a clear vision of execution. Self-awareness, being in the present moment, combined with an awareness of others and the environment in which they operate, allows a great leader to make the best decisions to achieving their company goals. This is described as the practice of Mindfulness.

As defined by Dr. Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness is: “Paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” A simple exercise to begin practicing mindfulness is to sit quietly and focus on your breathing for two minutes.

Regularly practicing mindfulness and developing techniques can help with each stage of the decisionmaking process: 1. Framing the decision Before making any decision, mindful individuals take time to pause and reflect and listen to their inner selves assessing their own values and objectives. Decisionmakers who fail to link decisions with their major goals may find their choice takes them off on a tangent.

2. Gathering information As well as being better able to identify the quantity and quality of information to be collected and processed, mindful decision-makers are also more likely to objectively assess uncertainty. Independent research found people who are more mindful have a greater tolerance of uncertainty and are more decisive when faced with making a choice, despite many unknowns.

3. Coming to a conclusion When it comes to concluding the outcome, by distancing practitioners from their emotions and thoughts and thereby separating relevant from irrelevant information, mindfulness has the potential to help decision-makers make clearer, better-quality choices.

In the last decade, mindfulness has gone mainstream, being taught in companies as diverse as Apple, Google, Proctor & Gamble, Astra Zeneca and Deutsche Bank, to name but a few, fostering mindful practices among their workers. Mindfulness practice has been shown to lower health costs, increase employee productivity, help employees stay “on task” and reduce employee stress through a combination of breathing and mental relaxation techniques.

Great leaders, and indeed, great businesses, understand the

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KINGSTON BRIEFING

CROSSRAIL 2

Supporting growth in Kingston

C

rossrail 2’s arrival in Kingston will offer major growth opportunities for local business owners, who can learn more at a Breakfast Briefing on Thursday, February 25.

The “Crossrail 2 Supporting Growth in Kingston” event at Tolworth Tower, from 8am to 11am, will highlight how investment, greater access to London’s financial districts and development around stations on the proposed £27 billion route will provide an economic boon to the whole of the Royal Borough.

All Kingston-uponThames stations – Berrylands, Chessington North, Chessington South, Kingston, Motspur Park, New Malden, Norbiton, Surbiton and Tolworth – are on the proposed network.

Consultation into the scheme’s route and design has just closed and it is hoped the scheme will be operational by 2030.

Guest speakers include Chris Curtis, Head of Crossrail 2, Councillor Kevin Davis, Kingston Council’s Leader and Viv Evans, Head of Planning and Transport at the council.

The briefing will also showcase development opportunities in Tolworth.

There will be Q&As, a panel discussion and an informal networking session after the main event closes.

Parking is available at the venue - Tolworth Tower, Floor 21, Ewell Road, Tolworth, KT6 7HT. All businesses in the borough are invited, but numbers are limited.

To attend, visit www. kingstonfutures.org.uk/ Events/Future-briefings or RSVP to events@ kingstonfutures.org.uk by Monday, February 15.

This is Kingston’s second Breakfast Briefing and follows the success of last summer’s inaugural event, which showcased opportunities and investment in Kingston Town Centre.

CROSSRAIL 2 ROUTE (AUTUMN 2015)

72

Direct Debit Processing Donor Development Campaign Planning Marketing Resources

www.charityline.org.uk

Call us on: 0800 368 9701 or email: info@charityline.org.uk

OVERLINE COMMUNICATIONS

THE OVERLINE LOUNGE

Boris with Overline CEO, Jason Young, and Rockinghorse CEO, Ryan Heal.

L

ocal Conservatives gathered recently, courtesy of telecoms giant Overline, in the aptly named Overline Lounge at the Amex stadium and hosted London Mayor and MP for Uxbridge, Boris Johnson.

East Worthing and Shoreham party members were invited to a speech by the Mayor on the subject of how well the current government is doing. He was, of course, preaching to the converted but one cannot take away from him the quality of his delivery. Boris has a knack of chatting aimlessly whilst sharply delivering his message while all the time ruffling his hair and hiking up his ill-fitting trousers.

This magazine put various questions to him, none of which he would answer directly; mainly when will the airport expansion debacle

74

be finally settled and does he want to be PM? Not overly surprised to receive a misleading response but he is on the record as stating that he will lie in the front of the bulldozers should Heathrow go ahead and there surely can be little doubt that he would relish the top job. I asked him again about the airport and he replied “Oh, do you mean Shoreham airport’!

The evening was fun and light hearted and Overline CEO, Jason Young said of the event “Overline are delighted to host Boris and the Conservative party to the Overline Lounge and we are delighted he agreed we co-host the event with local children’s charity, Rockinghorse, for who he has agreed to auction various signed items. The evening was a great success”.

Platinum Publisher Maarten Hoffmann fails to get an answer

CHAMBER EVENTS

DATES FOR THE DIARY For further information go to www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

Monday 1st February Your Future Careers Fair (St Bedes) Venue: St Bede’s School, Redhill Member: Free, Non-Member: Free Thursday 4th February TV’s The Apprentice Star Richards Woods: Leading a Team Venue: Epsom Downs Racecourse Member: £20, Non-Member: £30 Friday 5th February Chamber Connections Woking Venue: Doubletree by Hilton, Woking Member: £14, Non-Member: £22

Wednesday 10th February Out with the Old, In with the New Breakfast Venue: Dorking Rugby Football Club Member: Free, Non-Member: £20 Wednesday 10th February 5 and a Half Lightbulb Moments That Will Unlock a Marketing Plan Venue: Guildford College Member: £22, Non-Member: £35 Thursday 11th February Chamber Connections Ottershaw Venue: Foxhills, Ottershaw Member: £14, Non-Member: £22

Friday 5th February Developing a Global Mindset – Cultural Awareness in Business Venue: Arcom IT, Woking Member: £395, Non-Member: £395

Thursday 11th February 1-2-1 Start-Up Business Growth Review Venue: Basepoint Centre Ltd, Camberley Member: Free, Non-Member: Free

Tuesday 9th February Your Future Careers Fair (Tomlinscote) Venue: Tomlinscote School, Camberley Member: Free, Non-Member: Free

Thursday 11th February Badminton Networking Event Venue: Lightwater Leisure Centre Member: £12, Non-Member: £17

Wednesday 10th February Your Future Careers Fair (Farnham) Venue: Farnham Heath End School Member: Free, Non-Member: Free

Friday 12th February Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Networking Lunch Venue: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford Member: £15, Non-Member: £25

Thursday 18th February Business Breakfast at The Bulldog Venue: The Bulldog, Ashford Member: £5, Non-Member: £5 Tuesday 23rd February Chamber Connections Shepperton Venue: Holiday Inn Shepperton Member: £14, Non-Member: £22 Wednesday 24th February Open 18 Hole Golf Competition Venue: St George’s Hill Golf Club Member: £82, Non-Member: £105 Wednesday 24th February Members’ Networking Evening Venue: The Lightbox, Woking Member: Free, Non-Member: £20 Thursday 25th February Chamber Connections Epsom Venue: Epsom Downs Racecourse Member: £14, Non-Member: £22 Thursday 25th February Overcoming the Demands of International Trade Venue: Reigate Manor Hotel Member: £225, Non-Member: £280

Golf in Surrey - North Downs Golf club “North Downs, Woldingham’s historic golf club and only 10 minutes from the M25. Great venue for corporate golf days, client meetings or entertaining, and off-site seminars.

Flexible corporate and personal memberships available. Check out the website www.northdownsgolfclub.co.uk or call 01883 652057 for more details.

Quote ‘Platinum’ for the best terms available.

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SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER NEWS

www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

76

Chambers of Commerce are calling on ministers to make 2016 a year of action, with the ultimate aim of putting the Louise Punter UK economy on a strong and more sustainable footing. Our calls for action start with an end to the prevarication that affected key business priorities during 2015, including a clear decision on airport expansion, real reform of business rates, delays to key infrastructure upgrades, and lack of progress in simplifying business tax. The UK’s future prosperity remains to be secured as the UK’s current economic performance remains overly dependent on debt and consumer spending — and the government has yet to catalyse a much-needed shift toward exports, innovation and investment.

At the start of 2016, neither ministers nor businesses can afford to be complacent. We may have solid levels of economic growth, but there are many clouds on the horizon that could ultimately push Britain into a new economic storm. It’s time to get real. The UK has been too reliant on consumer spending and asset transactions, driven by increased borrowing, for far too long, and this leaves the economy at risk. We have seen it before: when interest rates begin to rise, businesses and consumers are left exposed. The government has to stop wasting opportunities to radically reshape the UK economy. It must take tough, and sometimes unpopular, decisions in the national interest without falling back on the excuses of consultation, delay and political expediency.

Ministers wasted some big chances to deliver real change during 2015.

A non-decision on airport capacity in the South East, a Spending Review that placed political priorities ahead of economic necessities and a tax freeze for individuals that has resulted in more pressure being piled on businesses are just a few examples. 2016 needs to be different, and it cannot be just about Europe. In or out, Britain’s fortunes will depend on UK government policy, coupled with the efforts of the business community. There’s so much that needs to be done, from infrastructure and tax to skills and export support.

RURAL SURREY LEADER GRANT SCHEME

R

ural Surrey LEADER Grant Scheme is looking for projects which could benefit from capital grant funding.

The broad aim of the programme is to create jobs and boost the rural economy in Surrey. Grants can be up to £50,000 and match funding from the applicant is required.

The programme aims to support projects such as: Micro- and small-enterprise start-ups and expansion - business start-up aid, construction of premises, equipment, marketing.

Increasing farm productivity and farm diversification - physical assets, animal health and welfare improvements, marketing, energy and water-saving, access to land improvements, building conversion, on farm accommodation, improvements to performance and sustainability.

Rural tourism support - green infrastructure, accommodation upgrades, IT, shops, cafes, signage, visitor attractions, events.

Cultural and heritage activity - conservation of small-scale built heritage, enhancement of rural landscapes and high-nature-value sites, enhancement of cultural and community activities, support for cultural events.

Increasing forestry productivity - physical assets, new technologies, marketing and addedvalue forestry products, wood-fuel supply chains, woodland advisory services.

Support for provision of rural services - essential rural service provision or renewal, development plans, small-scale infrastructure.

Please visit website for more information www.ruralsurreyleader.org

CONFIDENT CONSUMERS PROTECTING UK BUSINESS

I

ncreasing employment, rising wages and low inflation put a spring in consumers’ steps for 2016.

Consumers are enjoying their best start to the year since the financial crisis and are

contributing to an upbeat business outlook despite global economic concerns, according to the latest Business Trends Report by accountants and business advisers BDO LLP. BDO’s employment index, which indicates firms’ intentions to hire, remains positive at 105.1.

This suggests that employment will continue to increase over the coming months even though the latest ONS labour market figures show that a record 31.3m people are already in work.

Rising wages are also contributing to the UK’s buoyant consumer outlook, with total pay packages up 2.4%*, according to the latest ONS labour market figures. The introduction of the National Living Wage is also set to give those on the lowest incomes a welcome boost this April.

Coupled with low price rises (the Consumer Prices Index rose by 0.1% in the year to November 2015) these numbers should give consumers a spring in their steps to start the New Year.

Businesses are feeling the benefits of low price rises too, with the BDO Inflation Index remaining at 96.4 for the second month running.

Consumer power is protecting UK business confidence for 2016 from global headwinds.

BDO’s Optimism Index – which predicts growth six months ahead – remains above the long-term trend at 100.5, despite other major economies facing turbulent times.

Commenting on the findings, David Eagle, Partner, BDO LLP, said: “Consumers are really seeing the benefits of the UK’s strong economic recovery, and this is helping British firms to withstand tremors in the global economy. However, there is no room for complacency, and the government needs to protect economic growth by focusing on business investment.

“Initiatives such as raising the annual investment allowance would provide a greater incentive for companies to innovate and help to insulate the UK economy from risks abroad.” *December’s ONS Labour Market figures from August – October 2015 - http://www.ons.gov. uk/ons/rel/lms/labour-market-statistics/december-2015/index.html

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

STAINES IS THE START-UP BUSINESS CAPITAL OF THE UK IN RANKING OF BUSINESS GROWTH

W

ant to find Britain’s most entrepreneurial bunch? Head to Staines for highest start-up

business growth.

Perhaps otherwise best known as Ali G’s birthplace, Staines now has another claim to fame: the commuter-belt town in Surrey has had the biggest jump in new businesses created per capita last year.

Some 43 more new businesses were created per 10,000 population compared to the year before, according to a study from accountancy group UHY Hacker Young. This is over three times higher than the UK average of 14.

Staines, which officially changed its name to Staines-upon-Thames three years ago to shake off the connection to Ali G, is benefiting from its proximity to the prospering “Silicon Corridor”. This tech hub along the M4 is boosting the town’s business growth, attracting plenty of tech talent, according to UHY Hacker Young partner Colin Jones: Staines offers the perfect mix of proximity to London, low

rents and a fast-growing community of start-ups.

The home counties dominate when it comes to business growth, with other top performers including Sleaford in Lincolnshire and Slough in Berkshire.

In total, 13 of the top 20 start-up business spots in the UK are in the home counties.

ENTER THE SURREY HEATH BUSINESS AWARDS 2016

S

urrey Heath’s most innovative and successful businesses are encouraged to start 2016 by entering their achievements into the Surrey Heath Business Awards.

Nominations for the borough’s third annual business awards are

now open, celebrating even more great people and ideas that keep our local economy thriving.

The awards will take place in March, hosted during Surrey Heath’s Business Breakfast event at Camberley Theatre.

It’s free for all Surrey Heath businesses to either put themselves forward or nominate others. There are six awards in total, including a new Outstanding Achievement award for 2016.

They are: New Business - Spotlighting new and emerging businesses.

environment.

Best Village or Rural Business - Spotlighting businesses located within rural or village areas.

Outstanding Achievement - Celebrating a company, organisation or individual who has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Surrey Heath business community over a number of years.

Businesses can enter more than one category if they wish. The closing date for entries is Monday, 15th February, 2016.

After judging takes place, shortlisted candidates will be invited to the awards ceremony on Friday, 18th March at Camberley Theatre.

As well as a specially-commissioned award, each winner will

Developing Talent - Recognising businesses that provide

receive a certificate and be promoted through various media

opportunities for personal development.

channels, including Heathscene magazine, the council’s website and

Marketing Success - Creative marketing with measurable results.

social media.

Social/Environmental Responsibility - Recognising organisations who take responsibility towards the community and the

More details, including how to apply, are available from: www. surreyheath.gov.uk/shba

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PLATINUM STYLE

style PLATINUM

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU T

he new year is undoubtedly a time of transformation, which for many people means starting (or restarting) a diet

Samantha Wilding Tel: 07833 084864 Email: Samantha@styleandgrace.eu Website: www.styleandgrace.eu Twitter: @alwayschicUK

things. For example, the three items that everyone notices are watches, shoes and

or exercise regime. But the new year is also

coats. Updating these three can transform your

a great time to take a look at your style –

overall look, but do make sure you buy the best

particularly guys. Does it need updating ? Does

you can afford.

your professional image need sharpening ?

Watches: it may not have occurred to you,

And what key pieces should a well-dressed

but you may need more than one watch.

man invest in to take him through the year

Consider investing in a smart everyday

ahead and beyond ?

Small changes make a big difference Sharpening your image for the new year does not mean you have to throw out your wardrobe and start again. On the contrary, it

78

can be done by simply focusing on the small

timepiece for the office, and perhaps a sportier version for weekends and casual days.

Coats: arguably, the only three coats you need are a trench, a classic overcoat and a pea coat for off duty days. Invest wisely.

Shoes: every man should have a pair of

PLATINUM STYLE Jon Hamm

SIGNATURE LOOKS TO INSPIRE YOU

Eddie Redmayne

All of these guys use specific items to create their own ‘signature’ look.

• Jon Hamm as Don Draper in ‘Mad Men’, always looking impeccable in sharp suit and tie combinations • Actor/musician Idris Elba is often seen in a ‘statement’ overcoat, worn over everything from tailoring to t-shirts • Actor Eddie Redmayne uses colour, texture and sharp tailoring to nail the ‘modern dandy’ look

Idris Elba

• Antiques expert and television presenter Mark Hill epitomises ‘geek chic’ with his dark framed glasses, three-piece slim cut suits and pocket squares

Karl Lagerfeld

• Designer Karl Lagerfeld is always seen in white starched collars and dark sunglasses which provide a striking contrast to his white hair.

Mark Hill

leather brogues (dark brown or black) and a

and introduce a ‘new you’. As I said a couple

pair of black leather derby’s in his wardrobe

of issues ago, men’s grooming is now big

for work and formal wear. For off-duty days,

business, and so it should be. There’s no

loafers, desert boots and leather trainers are

excuse for men not taking care of their skin,

all good options

hair, nails and brows – sloppy grooming habits

Create your ‘signature’ look Many stylish men have a ‘signature’ look that makes their style individual and immediately recognisable (see the box). How do you do this?

It’s best to focus on one element that you feel comfortable with and that works for you. This could be a small element – such as your ties (think Jon Snow’s vibrant neckwear on Channel 4 News) or your socks, or perhaps you have a fantastic watch or glasses collection that you can showcase.

Check your grooming Is your grooming up to scrutiny? Changing

can instantly undermine the most pulledtogether look.

Three of the best websites out there for grooming advice and how-to’s are FashionBeans, Niven & Joshua and Mankind.

Each of these targets the modern, well-dressed man, giving top tips and trends, advising on specific issues and stocking (and reviewing) high-end products for skin, hair, shaving and bodycare.

So many new year resolutions fizzle out

STYLE MISTAKES THE WELLDRESSED MAN SHOULD AVOID • Hawaiian shirts – need I say more?

• Big beards – enough, already • Star Wars themed t-shirts – you are not twelve • Bobble hats – you are not twelve, neither are you a hipster • Novelty jumpers – how to kill your sartorial cool in one fell swoop

by February, but making simple style and grooming changes will carry you through 2016 and beyond. Use your steely new year’s

your skincare routine, hairstyle products

resolve to make some simple style and

or even investing in a manicure are other

grooming changes to make 2016 your best-

relatively easy ways to ring the changes

looking year yet!

Links www.fashionbeans.com www.nivenandjoshua.com www.mankind.co.uk 79

SECRET SERVICE

CATABASE Private Catabase Private is a quite unique company that does for those that do not care to do for themselves.

Bickling Hall

S

ean O’Connor formed the parent company, Catabase Limited, to provide first-class staff to the restaurant and

and the Goodwood Estate. Sean always goes

range of impressive clients, ranging from major

that extra mile in offering a high level of

corporates to Hollywood movie stars.

bespoke service, having first and foremost

Here are two men who were born to

hotel industries, and with only four other

thoroughly understood the clients’ needs.

what they do, and it comes across in their

specialist companies in the sector at the time,

Catabase offered a package that could rarely

enthusiasm and passion for the business. And

they rapidly gained a reputation for supplying

be rivalled, and the predicted expansion was on

not just any old business.

top class staff to discerning establishments

the cards.

The very best business in the sector.

that recognised that 85% of your offering is

Mark Tofts entered the scene after an

great service. Sean started life in the hotel

illustrious career with UNH individuals and

staff agency specialising in both front- and

recruitment sector with one of the largest such

corporate clients from the FTSE 100, and

back-of-house staff. Their consultants have

companies in the country and, in 1997, left to

the odd billionaire. Mark comes from the

comprehensive experience in the hospitality

start his own business.

right background, having started life in the

sector and have all held management positions,

restaurant industry, his parents enjoyed

giving them a unique understanding of the

base grew considerably, with clients such as Le

successful careers with BA and Thistle Hotels.

private staffing industry.

Manor aux Quat’Saisons, The Savoy, Dorchester

Latterly, he has been operating his own

and Cliveden, South Lodge, Langshott Manor

logistics and transportation company for a

With a well-regarded reputation, their client

London: New Bond House, 124 New Bind Street, London W1S 1DX 80

Catabase Private is a dynamic household

They are there to provide as much information as possible to allow clients to

Beaconsfield: Wilson House, 23 London Road, Beaconsfield, HP9 2HN

SECRET SERVICE make the right choice when selecting domestic staff for their homes, within the U.K or overseas. They not only provide the complete range of positions, such as Head Chefs, Butlers, House Managers, Estate Managers, Housekeepers and Chauffeurs, but are there constantly, behind the scenes, offering support and advice. Their consultancy services for the recruitment of house staff are free of charge until a placement has been confirmed.

They already have quite an impressive client roster. A MiddleEastern Crown Prince, HNW individuals from the Sunday Times Rich List and a smattering of pop stars and celebrities - none of whom they will talk about, as a large part of this job is security and total confidentiality.

But Catabase Private is not just for the super rich. Now anyone can contact them for household staff, from a single housekeeper to a full Downton Abbey-style affair.

With all corporate work hours only ever increasing, more and more professionals are turning to staff to assist with their home-life chores whilst they get on with their business. Looking at one’s hourly rate compared with the two hours it might take to clean a home sharply puts into perspective where one should be utilising one’s time for maximum efficiency and economic common sense.

Private household staff used to be the reserve of the ultra wealthy, but with family work patterns being what they are, this luxury is now in reach of the average busy family that have better things to do than household duties. The drawback to such staff used to be the security and privacy concerns that can arise from having a stranger in one’s home, but this is where Catabase Private come into their own. They pride themselves on their total confidentially and the professionalism of their staff, and never before have the general public had access to such an exclusive company.

Sean and Mark are an impressive duo who take their business very seriously and demonstrate such passion for their business that is it difficult to imagine their new venture not being a huge success across the globe.

Contact: Mark Tofts

T: 01494 681142 M: 07940 054702

E: mark@cata-base.co.uk W: www.cata-base.co.uk

81

INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

ENERGY SECURITY DAVID SEALL CEng FRAeS MiMMM MIoD David is the Regional Chairman of IoD South. He is a former Chair of IoD Surrey and is an experienced Non-Executive Director. He is retained by DMH Stallard LLP as their Strategic Adviser Manufacturing www.davidseall.co.uk ∕ www.dmhstallard.com

A

fter discussing one of his motoring reports with the Editor the other day, I followed up on his advice and decided

make its contribution. Gas and coal generation

has reduced to around one percent, hence our

was turned up to full capacity but even that

problems in November. Government policy

wasn’t enough. The energy companies were

towards renewables has not been friendly, with

to follow up on the opportunity to drive a Tesla,

forced to pay large consumers to reduce usage.

the reduction in feed in tariffs and hostility to

one of the new trend of all electric vehicles. I

By the way this wasn’t mostly heavy industrial

on shore wind. Evidently we still need to top

must say that I concurred with his view that

consumers having to stop manufacturing, it

up renewable supply, if and when weather

vehicles like this are indeed the future, having

was mostly achieved by large offices turning off

conditions are working against it.

achieved acceptable range, zero emissions and

air conditioning. Why we need that in November

extraordinary levels of performance in a four

is another question. Ironically some of the

door executive class saloon car. Indeed cars

fracking industry to address this security of

electric cars would have been powered by coal

such as this are achieving ranges of around

fuelled power stations on that day, which is not

supply issue. Not perhaps as a replacement

270 miles and can be “boost charged” with 150

an ideal solution under any circumstances.

miles of electricity within 30 minutes.

as everyday transport the pressures are now ever increasingly on the national grid that supplies our power. Indeed, if all of us had these cars now the national grid would not be

“However, the insecurity closer to home is the lack of capacity in our national grid. ”

able to cope with the peak loading that would

supply within our own borders to augment our Interestingly, Tesla seems to have taken control of this issue by producing a new product, the Tesla Powerwall. This is drawn from their battery technology by producing an independent capacity to store electricity at home. The wall charges itself from either low cost electricity at low demand periods

occur when we all plug our cars into the socket at 7 pm in the evening. Think of the days when

for carbon neutral generation but as a secure needs when the grid is stressed.

With several automotive companies developing “plug in” cars that are now useable

IoD has taken a stance in support of the

It’s interesting that the major concern of

augmented by independent supply, for example

the grid had to turn on extra capacity during

IoD members when discussing energy is

domestic photo voltaic and wind turbines. The

the half time interval in the FA Cup final when

the security of supply. This manifests itself

electricity produced isn’t fed back into the grid,

millions of kettles were switched on to make a

obviously in the geo-political context with

it is stored and used for personal consumption

cuppa. That was supported by literally burning

much of our energy in the form of gas and oil

instead. The thought of an independent supply

tons of coal.

coming from increasingly politically unstable

of electricity to the home when the supply is

or hostile regions. However, the insecurity

cut off is a very attractive one, particularly to

the national grid ran out of power. With next to

closer to home is the lack of capacity in our

those of us who remember the power cuts of

no wind, our renewable wind power couldn’t

national grid. The redundancy in the system

the seventies!

During November, on a still Autumn weekday,

82

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