PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 27 - SUSSEX

The widest-read business publication in the South East

PLATINUM

SUSSEX EDITION . ISSUE 27. 2016

SERIAL ENTREPRENEURS

Coutts Bank

THE DEALMAKER Nik Askaroff

JAMES BOND Reviews the RR Sport

PLATINUM

INTERNATIONAL TRADE DMH Stallard

PROFILE

MARK CARNEY Can this man save the UK?

AMSTERDAM

Means Business

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Be More Successful DMH Stallard has been working in partnership with businesses for over 40 years, helping them become more successful.

We focus on your business critical success factors and deliver commercial solutions to effectively manage your: • Customer and supplier agreements

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Having the right strategic approach to effectively manage these factors can positively impact your bottom line.

Don’t leave this to chance.

Contact us now for your completely free business self assessment pack.

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HURSTPIER POINT COLLEGE

WELCOME

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THE BIG STORY MARK CARNEY Is this the man that can save UKPLC?

30 32 42 47

NEW TAX RULES Kreston Reeves explain the impact

GATWICK DIAMOND The launch of the 2017 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

EMC The Deal Makers riding out the storm

AMSTERDAM MICE travel at its best

It is that time of the year when all the pasty faced people we work with turn up with glowing tans and suddenly everyone breaks out their white shirts!

Brexit - oh that old chestnut. From gloom to joy it would appear as the economy starts to revive, investment still flows and some surprising new deals are brokered.

The key is for the entire country to stop talking us down, turn the tide and start a serious programme of positive thoughts about a glowing new future for UKPLC. And as for the new PM halting the Chinese investment in our most sensitive industries - bravo and about bloody time!

In this issue, we bring you a profile of the man that might just have our fate in his hands, Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney. Coutts Bank discuss serial entrepreneurs being the lifeblood of the UK economy and the Rawlison Butler team chat with the Chairman of the Network Aviation Group on how to grow your business.

The very busy bee that is Julie Kapsalis chats with Ian about her roles as Vice Principal of Chichester College, Chair of Chichester Chamber and a board member of Coast 2 Capital LEP - phew! We also catch up with that other whirlwind, Caraline Brown, Managing Director of Midnight Communications and the Sussex Business Awards. There’s another lady that never stands still.

Managing Director of Uniglobe Travel, John Burroughes, gets all hot under the collar about the fabled airport expansion and mulls over the fact that he might of popped his clogs long before we actually see it and Maarten goes all James Bond with the new Range Rover Sport. Rose was packed off to Amsterdam to bring you a fascinating insight into this great City and Maarten is off there next month for a photoshoot with the all-new, and Car of the Year, Jaguar F-Pace.

We announce the launch, and our exclusive media sponsorship, of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards and the new Executive Director of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, Jeff Alexander, talks about the north/south divide.

So, ladies and gentlemen, another packed issue and, l cannot resist saying this, but in the next issue we have some tremendous expansion news. Platinum is growing fast and although we are not allowed to tell you, next month we will reveal our plans to take over the world well, the South East at any rate.

Maarten & Ian Platinum Business Magazine September 2016

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

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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.

COAST TO CAPITAL Preparing the workforce

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.

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Issue 27 - 2016

The Team

AT A GLANCE 6

Local News

10

Serial Entrepreneurs Coutts Bank

15 16 Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

56

Lloyds Bank

60

Anger Management

Midnight Mover -

62

Coast to Capital LEP

64

Motoring

71

Table Talk

80

Christmas Planning

86

Hotel Awards -

National News

22

Global Markets DMH Stallard The Big Story -

Andrew Mosley

Mark Carney New tax rules -

90

32

Network Aviation

92

34 36

94

Amanda Menahem Food & Drink Editor

Business Awards 2017

95

Growth Grants

Interview -

96

Online Branding -

Currency Chaos AFEX

40

Landlords Carpenter Box

42

The Deal Maker EMC

Amanda Spicer Senior Designer

Julia Trevett Accounts Manager

Rose Dykins Travel Editor

Lauren Psyk Event Photographer

North South Jeff Alexander

Gatwick Diamond

Lara Morgan

38

Cloud Talk Jamie Shaw

Group - Rawlison Butler

Education Julie Kapsalis

Kreston Reeves Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

Case Study -

Awards

19

30

Business Travel Amsterdam

Sussex Business

Caraline Brown

24

47

Identity

98

Women in Business

101 Chambers News 110 The Brighton Summit 112 Style -

Networking

114 Institute of Directors

Is it crazy how saying sentences backwards creates backwards sentences saying how crazy it is 5

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS THE GATWICK GROWTH BOARD Gatwick Airport has announced the formation of the new Gatwick Growth Board (the GGB) under Co-Chairs Tessa Jowell and Steve Norris. The GGB will examine the wider economic and social impacts of Gatwick Airport’s future growth and expansion plans on the local area and on the economy of the UK as a whole.

Reporting to Chairman Sir Roy McNulty, it will have a particular emphasis on ensuring that the benefits of Gatwick expansion are properly distributed across the region and the rest of the UK, so that areas most in need of regeneration benefit appropriately from its plans.

The airport is now recognised as one of the most important infrastructure assets in the country and its growth carries implications for the country as a whole.

The GGB will examine the implications of Gatwick’s national status in the context of both one runway and two.

Baroness Jowell said: “London and the South East are crucial economic engines that drive growth in the rest of Britain. This is a great opportunity to build on the experience of the Olympics – commissioning the park and staging the games – to bring economic and social benefit across the UK. It is important that the continued growth of success stories like Gatwick is seen through a national lens.”

Steve Norris said: “The investment and growth that Gatwick has brought to the UK since coming into independent ownership has been remarkable.

Particularly in light of the Brexit, Britain needs the certainty that Gatwick’s future growth and expansion plans bring, and I look forward to helping take this forward to help maximise the real benefits that Gatwick offers for the region, and for the nation.”

THE VERTICAL PIER After all the debate and waiting, the Brighton’s British Airways i360 is finally in full operation, with the ‘breathing’ adding the final touch to the spectacular new beach attraction.

David Marks of Marks Barfield Architects, which conceived and designed British Airways i360, said, “The concept for the lighting at the top of the tower is that it ‘breathes’, gently increasing and decreasing in intensity at the average rate of a human being breathing at rest.”

The overall effect of the lighting on the tower and viewing pod together emulates British Airways colours of red, white and blue. The tower colour bursts and pod lights switch on at sunset and off at midnight every night, while the aeronautical safety lighting will remain switched on at all times.

Lynne Embleton, British Airways’ Director of Strategy and Managing Director at Gatwick, said: “The tower will be a beacon for the city, and it is fantastic to see it lit with the British Airways colours. We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world, both on our flights and in beautiful Brighton.”

The tower lights, designed by Do-Architecture, can be programmed to display a range of options for matching colours and patterns of light to support important city and global events, from festivals and launches to memorials and charity days.

David Marks continued, “The lighting is designed to be flexible so that colours and effects can change to reflect events and moments that are important locally, nationally or globally. The lighting can be designed to sparkle, scintillate, shimmer, or glow. The range of possible effects is absolutely brilliant.”

More information can be found at BritishAirwaysi360.com

“I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.”

6

NEWS

“A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.”

MAKING EVERY PEDAL COUNT Sussex entrepreneur and Chestnut Tree Patron, Tim Breden, is encouraging corporate teams to register for the upcoming Chestnut Sussex 100 cycle ride.

He is seeking other cyclists to sign up and raise vital funds to help care for children with life-shortening conditions across Sussex.

“Having been involved with the hospice in so many ways over the years, I can really see the benefits it gives to the children and their families. The more I understand about the care they receive, the more I can see that it is as much about the family as the sick child. The respite care they receive from Chestnut Tree is such a wonderful time for them, and gives them a chance to be a family, to do what they need to do and spend precious time together,” says Tim “The ride is a challenge, but not impossible by any means. The serious folk can do the 103km route, and the plodders 32km, this year I am aiming for the middle range of 66km. I’m really looking forward to the cakes and treats at the stops, seeing so many people smiling and the look of a sense of achievement on people’s faces at the end.

This year’s ride takes place on Sunday 25th September, with a stunning new scenic route starting at Plumpton Racecourse in Lewes. Registration for the event closes on Wednesday 14th September 2016 and costs £35. Entry is open to anyone over the age of 18 and includes chip timing, feed stops and a post ride sport massage. www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/sussex100.

NEW MD AT CREATIVE POD Creative Pod, the full service agency based in Manor Royal, has unveiled a new brand, new website, and a new Managing Director.

Matt Turner has stepped aside as Managing Director of the company and has now taken up the role of CEO. The role of Managing Director has been filled by Rob Nunn, a former National Entrepreneur of the Year.

The relaunch, coinciding with Creative Pod’s 10-year anniversary, reflects the evolution of the company with the complete reinvention of their offering. This sees Creative Pod having become part of a larger umbrella group, The Creative Group, which houses the other brands in their offering, including ECHO, a brokerage, and The Printshop, which solidifies the brand’s proposition and will aid its international expansion.

Matt Turner, CEO of Creative Pod said, “Over the past 10 years, we have grown and evolved Creative Pod into a full-service marketing, design and print agency. With this development, we felt the look and feel of the brand did not reflect the exceptional value we add to our clients. We have worked hard over the past few months to evaluate our offering and feel the new look reflects the future of Creative Pod. “It marks an exciting time for the company and I am delighted to introduce my business partner and friend Rob as our new Managing Director. His expertise will help to propel the company forward and expand our business internationally.”

Rob Nunn added, “The relaunch of the Creative Pod brand is now aligned with the company’s ambitious growth plans. Since I came onboard, we have reviewed and changed the business in record time. The team at Creative Pod have adapted to every new challenge I have thrown at them and have proved their ability to deliver challenging projects on time and to budget. I am thrilled to be working with such a fantastic company and can’t wait to drive the business forward.” www.creativepod.uk.com

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NEWS

LOCAL NEWS SUCCESS AND FAILURE AT BRIGHTON MARINA All seven restaurant spaces at the new £250 million Brighton Marina development have now been filled, with many wellestablished brands taking up residency, including Casa Brasil, TGI Friday’s, Las Iguanas, Bella Italia, Five Guys and MOD Pizza.

Brunswick Developments’ Andrew Goodall said, “We are aiming to make Brighton Marina one of the best leisure destinations in the world. It will be a long road, but we’re heading in the right direction.”

Construction work is already well underway for the second phase of the

Ian Trevett and Amanda Menahem at launch of Las Iguanas - Ian is on the far left!

redevelopment, which will include the construction of the county’s tallest building at 40 storeys.

Meanwhile, another Marina restaurant closed without warning, owing more than £200,000 in business rates to Brighton and Hove City Council.

Jimmy’s restaurant is under investigation for business rate avoidance, which the council described as “systematic.”

Brighton and Hove City Councillor Les Hamilton, said: “The proprietors of Jimmy’s restaurant have been actively and systematically avoiding payment of local taxation and have ignored our efforts to reach a reasonable accommodation regarding payment.”

RAWLISON BUTLER ADVISES ON INTERNATIONAL ACQUISITION South East law firm, Rawlison Butler LLP, has advised the Network Aviation Group on its acquisition of Network Cargo Systems International Inc. (a Canadian corporation) and its associated international companies across five jurisdictions, specialising in cargo management systems. The group of companies are headed in Canada with divisions trading in USA, Jamaica, UK and Mexico.

RB project-managed the transaction and instructed Dale & Lessmann, a Canadian law firm based in Toronto, to advise on transactional matters and due diligence from a Canadian law perspective. Advice was also obtained from counsel in USA, Jamaica and Mexico.

This was a complex transaction and due diligence was conducted over a number of months.

The RB Team advising Network Aviation Group was led by Corporate Partner, Danos Athanasi, who said, “We were delighted to act for the Network Aviation Group on this complex, cross-jurisdictional transaction as the business and the team continue their successful expansion strategy.”

“The only true mystery in life is why kamikaze pilots wore helmets.”

8

NEWS

“Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly, and for the same reason.”

OPENING DOORS The University of Brighton has been opening the doors of its research facilities to sixth-form students from across Sussex this summer.

Over 30 local sixth-form students have been taking part in research projects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects over the past couple of months as part of a programme of research placements supported by the Nuffield Foundation.

Thalia Ballinger is studying at Collyer’s College in Horsham and is working on a project with Senior Lecturer, Simon Jeffs. Speaking about her placement, Thalia said: “I am working with Simon on a research project looking into the science behind the myths around cranberry juice as a cure for cystitis. You don’t get a chance to work in a proper research environment like this at college. That is what makes this so fantastic. I am also enjoying swapping stories with Simon, who, it turns out, also studied at Collyer’s!”

Eleanor Goodier is also studying at Collyer’s College in Horsham: “I found out about the Nuffield programme when I was doing some work on one of my GSCE’s. I am thinking about studying chemistry at university. This is a completely different experience and environment. I have seen liquid nitrogen being used, but never had the chance to work with it before, and I have also had the chance to work alongside PhD students. I would recommend this programme to anyone.”

Sam Eserin is studying at BHASVIC : “I am hoping to study Natural Sciences at University. I was really keen to get some hands-on research experience to help with my personal statement. Working on this project looking at the effects of different biofuels on engine performance is great. I wouldn’t get the chance to do anything like this at college. It really gives you an idea of what doing research at university is like.”

Both Eleanor and Sam are working with Dr Rob Morgan, who leads the ESPRC Ultra-Efficient Engines and Fuels Project, a joint project between the University of Brighton, University College London, Brunel University and Oxford University working with global companies BP, Ricardo, Jaguar Land Rover and Delphi Diesel Systems.

Photos from top: Dr Rob Morgan and Sam Eserin; Thalia Ballinger; Eleanor Goodier

Commenting on the placement students, Rob Morgan said: “It is incredibly important to nurture the research scientist and engineers of the future. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Eleanor and Sam. Programmes like this are a great way of giving young people a taste of what university and research are all about and firing their enthusiasm.”

The research placements programme is one of a number of activities organised by STEM Sussex, the outreach support department at the University of Brighton that works in partnership with employers and schools to enthuse and inspire young people about science, technology, engineering and maths. The placements programme has a particular emphasis on college students who generally do not have any family experience of applying to, or studying at, university. www.stemsussex.co.uk/about-us/

TRAINING BID Manor Royal BID has launched its latest suite of training programmes for employees of companies located on Manor Royal Business District. The short courses, which are heavily subsidised, thanks to the BID, are being delivered by Central Sussex College and cover a range of topics, including health and safety, business development and digital and IT skills.

Steve Sawyer, Manor Royal BID’s Executive Director, said: “The courses are beneficial for people working across a range of sectors and roles. Since we started running our pilot courses last year, over 150 delegates from 75 companies have benefited from the opportunity to be taught in close proximity to their workplace and side-by-side with fellow Manor Royal employees.

Andy Forbes, Executive Director of Business Development at Central Sussex College, said: “The training is great value for money and feedback from employers so far has been overwhelmingly positive”.

In addition to the bespoke programme, all Manor Royal BID levy payers can also receive a 20 per cent discount on short courses and 10 per cent discount on any professional courses delivered by Central Sussex College.

The training courses are now available for booking online at: www.centralsussex.ac.uk/manor-royal.

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SERIAL ENTREPRENEURS The key to the success of the UK economy

W

ith the rise of crowd funding, tech start-ups and the popularity of TV programmes like Dragon’s Den, there has been a lot written about small businesses and first-time entrepreneurs. However, there is little discussion or research into the rising phenomenon of serial entrepreneurship, where entrepreneurs don’t just cash in on their first business and hang up their boots.

The respected private bank and wealth manager, Coutts, sees serial entrepreneurship as a key to the success of the UK economy.

Against this backdrop, Coutts and the Centre for Entrepreneurs have published a report entitled ‘Beyond the first business: the myths, risks and rewards of being a serial entrepreneur.’ The report surveyed 135 UKbased entrepreneurs to provide an overview of the depth and extent of serial entrepreneurship in the UK. Alex Liddle, Coutts Executive Director, South East England, commented in the findings: “Millennials are widely challenging the notion that entrepreneurs hang up their boots and retire after just one business.

Entrepreneurs are starting businesses younger and have faster expectations to sell. These factors, together with longer life expectancy, mean we are starting to see a new breed of serial entrepreneurs. Instead of starting businesses from scratch, more of these seasoned business owners are now investing in and mentoring a portfolio of companies.

There is huge untapped potential for serial

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“Serial entrepreneurs are less afraid of failure, with only 13% saying they experienced this fear.”

entrepreneurship, and the role of experience seems invaluable to success. Unlocking that further could provide significant economic benefits.”

The research found that there are two main factors driving the rise in serial entrepreneurs: First, entrepreneurs are starting businesses younger: more than half (57%) started their first business by the age of 25 versus only 23% of those aged 35 and above. This group also had expectations of selling faster, with 63% of our younger respondents planning to exit their current business within the next five years, versus 46% of those 35 and over.

Second, longer life expectancy and a lowinterest-rate environment means there is greater appetite among one-time founders to put their capital to work. They are looking to recreate the buzz of working in a fast-growing business, but, by their very nature, they are unlikely to want to work for someone else, and in many cases the thought of starting another

business from scratch is too much. So they are looking to take more of a hands-off approach across a number of companies.

The attitude of serial entrepreneurs to actually running a business is also a key differentiator, with only 55% saying they enjoy this, versus 80% of one-time founders.

Serial entrepreneurs are less likely to enjoy day-to-day business involvement. Instead, an increasing number of these seasoned business owners is considering other options, including mentoring a portfolio of companies, being nonexecutive directors or being angel investors.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, responses from serial entrepreneurs suggested they are less afraid of failure, with only 13% saying they experienced this fear, compared to 40% of one-time founders.

While 67% of one-time founders acknowledged good fortune as a contributor to their success, only 56% of two-to five-time founders and 36% of Alex Liddle, Executive Director, Coutts

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

“Millennials are widely challenging the notion that entrepreneurs hang up their boots and retire after just one business.”

Matt Smith, Director, CFE

six-to ten-time founders did so.

One particularly interesting finding of the report was that growing wealth, though one consideration for entrepreneurs, is not the dominant motivation. Other considerations rank higher, such as growing a business (90%), interacting with people (79%) and contributing to society (73%).

This helps shed light on why serial entrepreneurs are attracted by roles that allow them to share their knowledge and experience more widely to guide young entrepreneurs.

A number of Coutts’ entrepreneur clients participate in its mentoring programme for first-time entrepreneurs. This has led to some of these mentors developing a solid relationship with the mentees, sharing their contacts and expertise, with some considering investing in the businesses of their mentees.

Other findings from the report include: • Serial entrepreneurs are more pessimistic about a healthy work/life balance, with 47% conceding that success requires putting business before your personal life – compared with only 36% of one-time founders.

• The businesses owned by female respondents tend to be smaller: 92% of respondents cited turnover as below £500k, compared to only 59% of men.

• A fifth of one-time founders have experienced a stock market listing, compared to less than 2% of serial entrepreneurs – perhaps because onetimers build their businesses for longer.

Matt Smith, Director, CFE said: “To go beyond

the first business can be an entirely different challenge to being a one-time founder. We wanted to create a report that explores the motivations, fears, and ingredients for success that surround serial entrepreneurialism. Our report delves into the role of luck, the attraction of multiple projects, and attitudes towards risk, but also indicates areas for growth: How do we encourage more women entrepreneurs?

Should we remove the stigma around closures?

It’s food for thought and a glimpse into Britain’s entrepreneurial mind-set.”

Entrepreneur case studies included in the report include:

• Mark Hogg, Founder of IFE Services and Oceans TV, market-leading in-flight and cruise ship entertainment, whose latest businesses invest in biomass and solarpower technology in Africa and the UK. • Paul Atherton, serial entrepreneur investing in university spin-outs. His latest venture is an ambitious battery company.

COUTTS Coutts is widely recognised as one of the leading private banks and wealth managers in the UK. Our progressive, long-term approach to wealth management is founded on experience gained through looking after clients and their financial affairs for over three centuries. Renowned for intelligent relationships, we provide expert wealth management, private banking and financial planning advice. Headquartered in London with regional offices including Guildford, Thames Valley and Tunbridge Wells, Coutts is part of the Commercial & Private Banking Division of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Coutts has always been in the business of supporting successful individuals and over the last few decades our entrepreneur client base across the broader enterprise community has grown significantly. Successful entrepreneurs choose Coutts because we understand the nature of their success, we can support them at each point in the development of their business and introduce them to someone who has already taken the same steps, and is happy to share their experience.

To receive a copy of the report please contact Alex Liddle on alex.liddle@coutts.com or for further information please visit coutts.com Follow the conversation on twitter: @couttsandco using #Coutts www.twitter.com/CouttsUKCIO

THE CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURS (CFE) The Centre for Entrepreneurs promotes the role of entrepreneurs in creating economic growth and social well-being. In Spring 2014 it took ownership of the StartUp Britain campaign. The Centre is an independent non-profit think tank founded and chaired by Sunday Times columnist and serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson and housed within the Legatum Institute – a non-partisan think tank best known for its annual Prosperity Index. The Centre researches and communicates the positive impact of entrepreneurs on the economy and society, and encourages entrepreneurship as a career choice. centreforentrepreneurs.org/

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Clients choose me for the same reason I choose my bank.

Expertise Expert guidance and support for professional businesses Our Relationship Managers are specialists in business banking.

Their in-depth knowledge of the professional services sector means they understand your challenges. From office moves or IT upgrades to supporting expansion, they will work with you, giving you the financial guidance and tools you need to succeed.

Call us 0800 694 0042 Minicom 0800 404 6161 or contact Rachel Cundall, Business Banking directly on 07920 089 199 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (excluding public holidays).

Calls may be recorded.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK

ENTREPRENEURIAL BOOST Brighton startups awarded £30,000 at the Entrepreneuring Awards

E

ntrepreneurial Spark awarded an incredible £30,000 to startups at its Brighton business accelerator ‘Hatchery’ in NatWest’s Preston Park office at the prestigious Entrepreneuring Awards in July.

Entrepreneurial Spark is the world’s largest free business accelerator for early stage and growing ventures, run in partnership with NatWest, KPMG and EMC. The Entrepreneuring Awards offered ‘Chiclets’ (entrepreneurs) in Brighton the chance to win between £1,000 and £10,000 to propel their business growth.

Previous winners have gone on to increase turnover by up to 60%, create additional jobs to grow their team and expand across the country.

The main award of the evening, Entrepreneur of the Moment, was awarded to Melanie Lawson, founder of Bare Biology, alongside a cash prize of £10,000 to help take her business, the UK’s Leading Premium Omega 3 Fish Oil Specialists, to the next level. Having shown sheer determination, dedication and a flair for disrupting the market and spotting little opportunities that can result in big value, Entrepreneurial Spark believes Melanie has

what it takes to create a truly outstanding business.

After making real progress in the last six months and nailing every opportunity, OMG Tea, a start-up producing organic green tea, walked away with the Acceler-8 award and £7,000.

Awarded to the entrepreneurs who take action, seek challenges and deliver impressive results with a great #GoDo mindset Noel Sesto, founder of Control Freq, David Williams, founder of Shuttle, and Ineke Nugteren, founder of Nourish, were awarded the #GoDo prize and £3,000 cash each.

Nominated by his fellow entrepreneurs David Williams, founder of Shuttle, was presented with the Chiclets Choice award and £1,000 as a result of his hard work, determination and entrepreneuring spirit.

On the night eight entrepreneurs took to the stage to battle it out at the Entrepreneuring Awards pitching competition. Scott Henery, founder of Social Care Training Solutions, providing organisations with key professional development, Katherine Swift, founder of OMG Tea, a producer of organic green tea,

and Louise Wells, founder of Brighton Ceilidh Collective, a feel-good Ceilidh events company, wowed the judges on the night with their 60 second pitch, and walked away with £1,000 each for their business.

Fiona Anderson, Entrepreneurial Development Manager, NatWest, Brighton, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to recognise and reward the hard work, perseverance and growth that these entrepreneurs have shown since joining the Entrepreneurial Spark programme six months ago. It can be daunting starting your own business but these entrepreneurs have had incredible support from the Enablement team and all of the partners involved.

“It’s also been great to see how much they’ve benefitted from working together at the Hatchery where they have the opportunity to share ideas and look for ways to overcome challenges. They have already proven to be a positive reflection of Brighton’s vibrant startup community and I have no doubt they will continue in their success.’’

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Boost a university student’s prospects and raise the profile of your business The University of Brighton has launched a new student prize scheme, the Breakthrough Awards, and is looking for sponsors from the business community.

Why should my business sponsor an award?

How does the awards scheme work?

Sponsoring an award will give you interesting opportunities for your own publicity and the chance to support a student with a potentially life and career-changing prize.

• Choose a subject area or course you would like to support with your award • Pledge £1,000 per annum for three years • Half of your pledge will fund a £500 student prize in this area • The remaining half of your pledge will support one of our student experience projects such as our Student Support Fund, Student Enterprise Grants or one of our many student scholarship programmes

• A new Breakthrough Award will be set up for the subject area of your choice • The award will be named in consultation with you • Share in your winning student’s success at the annual celebration event • Network with other supporters through the University of Brighton Ambassadors’ group • There will be publicity about the award to our staff, students, alumni and community partners.

For more information, or to discuss how your business could get involved, please contact us at giving@brighton.ac.uk, on 01273 642600, or visit www.brighton.ac.uk/breakthrough/platinum16

BUSINESS AWARDS

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR SUSSEX BUSINESS AWARDS 2016

D

ue to overwhelming demand, the entry deadline for the Sussex Business Awards has been extended to Wednesday 7th September at 5.00pm The Awards have built a reputation as one of the most important events in the business calendar since their inception in 1989.

Recognising business excellence across Sussex, these prestigious Awards are the longest established scheme of their kind in Sussex.

Caraline Brown, organiser of the Sussex Business Awards, commented: “We are really excited by the number and quality of entries already made to this year’s awards.

“Now the summer holidays have come to an end, we hope the extra seven days will help businesses across the county to get involved and celebrate business success in this remarkable county.”

To view this year’s categories and download an entry form, head online to www.sbawards.org.uk.

With awards for all-round excellence, as well as for those businesses demonstrating special strengths in areas such as innovation, customer service, professional services and entrepreneurs, there is an award to suit every kind of company.

Entries will be judged by our expert panel which includes representatives from Platinum Business Magazine, Mazars, Morgan Sindall, HSBC, Southern Railway, Checkatrade.com, Sussex Innovation Centre, Checkaprofessional.com, Wealden District Council, Sussex Chamber of Commerce, University of Sussex, Natures Way Food, Coffin Mew, The Argus, Heart FM and Title Sussex.

Businesses can enter up to three categories.

There is a small admin fee of £50 to enter one award or £100 for up to three entries. You can also make nominations for the Healthiest Workplace, Most Sustainable Business and Outstanding Contribution to Sussex Charity free of charge.

Winners will be announced at The Grand Brighton on 1st December 2016 and all finalists receive one free place!

Caraline Brown at the launch of the Sussex Business Awards

For further information, visit www.sbawards.org.uk.

15

INTERVIEW

MIDNIGHT MOVER

❝

John Peel played our record and he said it was the best name for a band he had ever heard.

Caraline Brown, founder and MD of Midnight Communications, celebrates her company’s 21st anniversary this year. Midnight was at the forefront of the Internet revolution as the first PR company to recognise its huge impact, and, as well as winning the title of PR Week’s PR Company of the Year, the firm also produces the highlyregarded Sussex Business Awards.

Ian Trevett spoke to Caraline about how she created such a successful brand.

❞

I

have known Caraline for the best part of 15 years and there has always been one constant: if you are invited to a Midnight

revenge in print. In organising events, Caraline

played her band’s record on Radio 1. And she

simply applies the same professionalism and

has only just started, as she reveals when I ask

attention to detail she has in any aspects of her

her what her current ambitions are:

Communications event, you don’t miss it; you

spectacular career in PR, in which she rode

know it will be expertly run, the venue will be

the wave of the Internet boom and broke down

country, to travel the world, to come up with

just right, the guest list will be spot-on, and

the barriers in a profession which had been a

a death-defying app; to come up with a really

you will have a great time. Always sociable,

largely male preserve.

good killer idea. I’ve had loads of business

Caraline knows how to put on a fantastic party.

“I want to write a novel, to live in a foreign

Along the way, she sold her company and

ideas over my life and I’ve never had the time

To start a feature making the point that

bought it back for a fraction of the price, she

or the luxury to make them work. I’ve got one

Caraline is adept at organising events is not

led Midnight to the accolade of PR Week’s PR

more dance left in me, as the song goes, and

the introduction she would choose, but the

Company of the Year (as well as winning several

I’d like to do another business. When I set up

fact is that in my career as a writer, editor and

South East Consultancy of the Year awards), and

the Brighton Business Awards, that was a

publisher, I have largely encountered Caraline

she defied the convention that a successful PR

totally new venture, which is now in its 11th

through the PR company’s events. The media

company has to be in the centre of London. But

year. We acquired the Sussex Awards, and

can be a spoilt, judgemental herd, and the

Caraline enjoys defying conventions. She worked

that’s all gone well. I’d like to set up a gay

perception of a client can hang on the success

in a women’s refuge and refuses to work with

wedding chapel. I’ve always wanted to set up a

of a launch event. On New Year’s Eve 1999,

unethical businesses; she is a musician, an

taxidermy shop.”

journalists were left queuing outside in the

active Labour Party member and recounts her

rain at the Millennium Dome, and they got their

proudest moment as being the time John Peel

16

All a bit outlandish? Her back story suggests otherwise…

INTERVIEW

do what was called a Masters of Science in

about PR do you?’ and I agreed. So he showed

Work degree in Hull, Caraline was employed at

Information Technology. They were looking for

me a video, and it was all the things I’d done

Women’s Aid, working with battered women for

arts graduates, because at the time, the only

before, like getting people into clubs and coming

18 months. It was an experience that shaped

people trained in science were nerdy types and

up with ideas. ‘Oh, that!’ I said, ‘I can do that!’

her ethics and ideals in her later career:

they wanted to take more creative people in.”

After taking both a Sociology and a Social

“I won’t work with cigarette companies or arms dealers or anything that brings death and destruction to other people. I am honest, straightforward and I don’t tell lies.” It wouldn’t make a great script for Mad Men, but it is an admirable ethos.

Her organisational and creative skills came to life in her spare time.

It was a placement which was part of the Masters that changed her career direction.

“I was placed in the marketing department of a London company called Digitus and then

“When he asked if I could write, I showed him a leaflet I had written for the Chelsea Labour Party on reasons not to eat veal, and I was in.

The company was Infopress in Fleet Street.

I started as an account executive and was quickly promoted before being head-hunted

transferred to another company within their

to be part of the team who launched mobile

group called Caxton Software, where I learnt

phones in the UK for Cellnet.

how to write technical manuals. I produced the

“Back in the 1980s I was also running clubs

“I came up with this visual idea of people using mobile phones in different scenarios, so

and bands. I used to run a club called the Welly

I did a whole load of different photo shoots. I

Club, which is still there now. I’d put on bands

believe it was the first time a black person’s

like Echo and the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, Magazine, John Cooper Clarke, The Reviles and The Members.

“I was a guitarist in a band called ‘Cool to Snog’. John Peel played our record and he said it was the best name for a band he had ever heard. Of all my later successes in life, the most exciting thing I have ever experienced was when I was getting ready to go out one evening and heard John Peel say ‘And here, all the way

“I won’t work with cigarette companies or arms dealers or anything that brings death and destruction to other people.”

from Hull, is “Cool to Snog.”

nicked them and they produced a full page in the Financial Times of all my photos. It was a really exciting time.

“I had a great success with an idea called Mobile Manners - a little booklet on mobile etiquette I created with a colleague, Giles White. It was on the front page of the Financial Times, translated into Braille and half a dozen first thing in the morning with South Africa

and I saw an opportunity to run a mother-anddown to London. I didn’t know what to do with

were so good, the advertising department

languages. I was doing phone interviews

“I started to get a bit bored with the North baby hostel in Earls Court, so I moved back

face had been used in advertising. The photos

and last thing at night with Australia. It was first-ever manual designed for an Apple Mac. “After a year or so, I saw a Technical Writer

really successful. But I was as miserable as sin working at Cellnet because it was a big

my life, so I decided to go back to university.

job advertised in the Guardian. The guy who

corporate organisation. I hated it and I didn’t

I applied and got into Brighton University to

interviewed me said: ‘You don’t know much

fit in.”

17

SECTION TEXT HERE Ironically, bearing in mind the success Caraline has had creating awards nights, it was at an awards evening where she realised a change had to happen.

“I was with Giles at the PR Week Awards in 1994, looking at all these PR companies, and he said, ‘What a load of old shit. You could do that better.’ I went back in the next day and handed my notice in. It was October and I was on three months’ notice. On February 13th 1995, I started work on my own.

“I was in a little room at the old Brighton Media Centre and I supplemented my income by freelancing a couple of days a week. When my mobile phone rang, I’d get someone else to answer and say, ‘Midnight Communications,’ and then, ‘I’m putting you through to the Managing Director.’ I got away with that loads of times.

“An ex-client got in touch with me, and she said, ‘My husband and I are going to launch something in the UK.’ Her husband was Roland Perry, who had invented the Amstrad 8256 with Alan Sugar. They wanted to launch an Internet online service (UK Online), then a revolutionary idea, where you bought a subscription, which gave you access to the internet as well as content. That’s how AOL started. They were content providers with an access provider.

“They wanted me to do the PR. I asked the fee and it was £6K a month. I had just been to a Chinese and was a bit drunk, so I said, ‘I can do that.’ I got into the back of a taxi and phoned the The Argus to book an advert saying, ‘Trainee PR person wanted.’

“Lindsay Edmonds wrote one of the best applications that I have ever received to this day. There were the two of us working with a 2.4 bps modem. If we wanted to check the

18

internet, we had to unplug the telephone, and to find a second computer for Lindsay was a massive investment.

“I became the world’s first on-line agony aunt, Email Emily. Kids of today wouldn’t understand, but that was truly original. I used to do interviews as Email Emily and there was a classic photograph of me in character in the Financial Times. It was all about getting UK Online recognised. Then somebody came to me and said they had a plug-in instant conference videoing service and I remember sitting at home by the fire and thinking, ‘I know, I’m going to specialise in the Internet.’ New Media Age hadn’t even been launched. I had launched in February and this was only April. I became the

“I became the world’s first on-line agony aunt.”

UK’s first internet PR specialist. People started flocking to us. It was amazing.

“One of my strategies was to approach corporates and say to them, if I can give you free internet access, all you have to do is use our name. I got sony@uk-online.co.uk, interflora@uk-online.co.uk and Waterstones@ ukonline.co.uk. I spent my days phoning the marketing managers of these large corporates and getting them online. We did the PR for the first online divorce, the first online comedy club, the first online high street delivery, the first-ever online comparison website, which

later got bought by Barclays. We were the go-to agency for anything to do with the Internet.

“It was proposal after proposal after proposal. It was like the Wild West, and then, when you realised you had to service this business, you had to recruit. Recruitment is incredibly time-consuming. It was very, very hard, but exciting. And I was a single mum as well. After five years I had £1.6 million turnover.

With such rapid success, it was inevitable that Midnight was going to attract a lot of attention.

“I was approached by BV Group Advertising Agency, which specialised in the Internet. The idea was to sell to them with a three-year earnout. No sooner than we’d sold to them than there was the dot-com crash, and the company I had sold to had over-extended itself. I realised that this company was badly run and managed.

I told them to change the name of the company to Midnight and let me run it, but Tristram and Rupert just laughed. They came back to me a year later, as though it was their idea. I took over but refused to change the name. I sold off various chunks, and in the end I agreed to buy back Midnight in 2003 - for a fraction of the price I had sold it for two years earlier. This time I expanded the PR portfolio out of tech into general consumer-facing clients.

“At our height we had about 45 staff across two offices in London and Brighton. I bought another PR company and sold another PR company during that time. Everything went quite nicely until the crash in 2008, when we had to reduce in size, but we always survive and thrive.”

Despite all the high-flying successes of the agency, there is another aspect to the company which makes Caraline particularly proud: “One of the successes I am most proud of is the fact that for the last 12 years I have had a member of my staff as either a winner or a finalist in the Young Communicator of the Year competition. I have always trained my best staff. I’ve got ex-members of Midnight now who are at leading marketing companies such as Three Monkeys, Man Bites Dog, Shine and Brilliant Noise.

“Others have gone off to set their own companies up. Some succeed, some fail. One success story was Tim Banks and Steve Green who left in 2005 and set up their Giant PR, and they are still going.

“Being named PR company of the year nationally was a very proud moment. But I am very proud of how we have survived and created such successful alumni of Midnight people. Nice people attract nice people, and I look at our alumni and there are some really lovely people who have stayed in touch.”

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS HOLD THE FRONT PAGE Johnston Press cut the value of its local newspaper business by almost half, forcing it to miss profit expectations and knocking as much as 20% off its share price on Thursday.

The UK newspaper publisher, which owns more than 200 titles including The Scotsman and the Yorkshire Post, reported revenues of £114.2m in the 26 weeks to July 2, down 11.4% compared with the same period last year. Advertising revenues fell nearly 18% year-on-year in the first quarter, and were down 15% in the second quarter.

The publisher revealed a £216.9m write down on the value of most of its newspaper assets, reducing their worth to £259m, excluding the “i”, the national newspaper it acquired earlier this year.

The charge pushed Johnston Press into a pre-tax loss of £183.7m in the first half, compared with a £2.2m pre-tax profit a year earlier.

Johnston Press bought the “i” tabloid title for £24m from Alexander and Evgeny Lebedev, owners of The Independent, in February. Shortly after announcing the sale, the Lebedevs ceased publication of The Independent’s daily and Sunday newspapers, making the title available only online.

Johnston Press said in August that the acquisition of the “i” had been “transformational”, pointing to a surge in sales of the newspaper since the deal completed in April. Average daily circulation of the newspaper was 294,223 in June, compared with 270,182 in the month before the acquisition.

Analysts were less optimistic, with Peel Hunt saying that while the i’s circulation trends “look encouraging”, the overall group’s results “paint a depressing picture”.

Shares in the London-listed Johnston Press were down 14.5% at lunchtime on August 5th, at 11.75p per share.

Johnston Press has struggled with a relentless decline in circulation and advertising revenues over the past decade. Shares in the newspaper publisher have lost around 90% of their value in the last year. The challenges are being felt across the UK newspaper industry.

Since 2000, total daily sales of UK national newspapers have almost halved to less than 8m — a decline that shows no signs of slowing. Last week, Johnston Press’s rival Trinity Mirror, the publisher of the Daily Mirror and more than 150 local newspapers, reported a sharp increase in group revenues — driven largely by Trinity Mirror’s £187.4m acquisition of rival publisher Local World last November — and announced a £10m share buyback programme.

However, underlying group revenues at Trinity Mirror fell nearly 8% compared with the same period last year.

TRADING SUSPENDED Trading in Barclays shares was suspended on the 1st August following heavy losses on the London Stock Exchange.

Barclays share price fell by 10.3%, triggering automatic circuit breakers that kick in when a share price falls more than 8%. When that happens, automatic continuous trading is temporarily suspended and the affected shares are placed into an auction to recalculate the value of the stock. This allows the market to decide on an appropriate value for the stock before automatic trading resumes.

Barclays shares were offline for about five minutes, a spokesperson for the London Stock Exchange said. Bank shares have been hard hit following the UK’s decision to leave the EU on Friday. Barclays was trading at 127.20, down 17.35%, by the time the stock exchange closed.

Lloyds was down 10.26% at 51.15p, after falling more than 20% on the same day.

“Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.”

19

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS LEGACY LOSSES Royal Bank of Scotland has reported a £2.04 billion loss for the first half of the year.

The loss takes into account £1.3 billion worth of PPI and other legal costs.

The state-backed lender has put aside £450 million to cover payment protection insurance (PPI) claims after the Financial Conduct Authority extended the deadline to 2019. RBS was also stung by £630 million in restructuring costs and a similar figure for litigation brought by shareholders linked to its bailout.

The bank has also abandoned plans to separate the Williams & Glyn branch network, because of the complexities and costs associated with creating a new banking platform.

However, RBS remains committed to selling Williams & Glyn, with Santander understood to be interested in picking it up.

Chief executive Ross McEwan blamed the loss on “legacy issues,” saying the bank was still resolving past problems following its £45 billion government bailout, the BBC reports.

Mr McEwan said: “We are clearly in phase two of our strategy, where our focus is on drawing a line under many of the legacy issues that have plagued this bank, and transforming the core business so we can deliver consistent, sustainable profits and results for our shareholders and do great things for our customers.This progress is important because it means we are well positioned to support our customers through the challenges that an economic slowdown poses for the country,” Mr McEwan said.

LINKEDIN LOSS Professional network website LinkedIn posted its deepest loss as a public company after being hit by a tax related charge in its final quarterly update before it merges with Microsoft.

The company reported a loss of $119.3m for the three months to June 30, driven by a $101m charge relating to the company’s tax assets.

However, the firm grew its revenue to $933m in the quarter, 31% up year-on-year thanks to an 18% year-on-year increase in members. The company said it members had grown to 450 million – 18% higher than at the same point last year. Page views from each visitor were up 21% year-on-year, which LinkedIn said showed it was engaging better with its customers.

“Some people just need a high five - in the face, with a chair.”

20

NEWS

“Friendship is like peeing on yourself: everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling that it brings.”

A GOOD WALKED SPOILED Nike is back in the clubhouse having called time on making golf equipment.

The sportswear giant finished its round with a double bogey.

Its execs can at least console themselves with their pals from Adidas at the bar. Nike’s European rival also hit into the rough by betting on golf. Its golf brands were put up for sale earlier this year.

It all looked so different back in 1996 when, as is its wont, Nike sunk its hooks into the player who would become game’s biggest star: Tiger Woods. Millennials seem to agree with the oft quoted description of golf as “a good walk spoiled”. They’d rather run, which accounts for a shade above of $5bn in Nike revenues. Or play basketball (a Nike staple).

A declining business making equipment for a declining sport? Not a happy combination. No wonder Nike has pulled the plug. No wonder Adidas pulled the plug.

Nikes new slogan “Just don’t do it”

EUROPE’S LARGEST SAGE HACK ECONOMY The UK is on course to become Europe’s largest economy within two decades, overtaking France and Germany, according to a new report.

The think tank Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) predicts the UK’s GDP will first move to fifth place ahead of France by 2018 before leapfrogging Germany around 2030. However, despite being forecast to be the second most successful of the Western economies after the US, it will fall behind the accelerating economies of India and Brazil.

“Germany is forecast to lose its position as the largest Western European economy to the UK around 2030 because of the UK’s faster population growth and lesser dependence on the other European economies,” the report said.

But the report added: “If the euro were to break up, Germany’s outlook would be much better. “A Deutsche Mark-based Germany certainly would not be overtaken by the UK for many years, if ever.” Douglas McWilliams, the CEBR’s chief executive, said that Britain could become even stronger outside the European Union.

The details of employees at around 280 businesses may have been compromised after software company Sage Group suffered a data breach.

The FTSE 100 company said today that it was investigating an incident of “unauthorised access to customer information”, which was made using internal login details, rather than an external hack.

Sage provides software services to help businesses across 23 countries manage their accounting, payroll and payment systems, meaning a breach could have exposed the bank details of members of staff in the affected companies.

Sage said it had notified those whose data may have been accessed, but there was as yet had no evidence that the data had been used, only viewed.

It is also understood to have informed the police and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which is responsible for the enforcement of the Data Protection Act. A spokeswoman for Sage said: “We cannot comment further whilst we work with the authorities to investigate – our customers remain our first priority and we are speaking directly with those affected.”

Shares in the company had slipped 1.42pc to 729.5p at midday on the back of the news.

21

EXPORTING

NAVIGATING GLOBAL MARKETS International trade is not the reserve of big business

by James Colvin, Partner at DMH Stallard james.colvin@dmhstallard.com

D

iving into the unknown is never a wise thing to do, but by the same token it is equally nonsensical to dismiss every

unknown as a bad bet. For the majority of UK businesses the global market is untested. But post-Brexit many business owners may feel that dipping a toe or two into international waters is not only preferable, it is necessary.

And why not? If you manufacture products

when starting out on the road to exporting.

“Be aware of local laws that sometimes make ending a relationship with a distributor or agent very difficult. ”

June’s earthquake at the polls may well lead to many more exporting opportunities as new trade agreements are entered into with countries around the world as Brexit gathers pace. UKTI will therefore be a vital first stop for understanding the most up to date position.

Their advisors have real expertise in the markets that you will want to penetrate.

or offer services that have global appeal,

This intelligence is backed up by extensive

customers are customers wherever they

research reports available through their Open

are. Operating in foreign markets can quickly become the ‘norm’ for businesses rather than

Your starting point

Market Introduction Service. I know that many business owners who have engaged with

Once you’ve looked at developing an

the UKTI have subsequently been on trade

overseas market strategy and considered

missions with them and had the use of the

how that fits with your UK business strategy,

navigate their way through the global markets

facilities within UK embassies overseas. While

consider getting in touch with UKTI. We have

I’m sure you’ve attended a business exhibition

for many years, and while every country is

interviewed a number of businesses about

in the South East at some point, there’s nothing

different – customs, culture, ethics, taxes,

operating abroad that have heaped praise

quite like presenting your business and

governments, and of course, language – there

on the advice and guidance UKTI offers.

networking at an international trade show in

are some steps you can take to ensure you stay

Many cited UKTI’s country research and

Shanghai or Mumbai – something else the UKTI

on the right course.

intelligence reports being of particular use

will help you to participate in.

some sort of niche activity.

At DMH Stallard we’ve been helping clients

22

EXPORTING The Department for Business, Energy &

countries assessments are made on the risk to

consignment got delayed. The theoretical

Industrial Strategy (formerly The Department

staff of terrorism and kidnapping, particularly

savings did not materialise and the tactic was a

for Business Innovation & Skills) is another

prevalent in Central and South America. The

false economy.

government office that is worth visiting.

government departments already highlighted

Stepping stones Building successful and long-lasting relationships with people on the ground is fundamentally important. Whether you speak the language or not, don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re under the skin of indigenous cultures and business practices – good local knowledge is vital – simply sharing the same language is a million miles away from sharing the same culture.

Using distributors for selling stock and

market will prudently put all orders on a

this crucial analysis.

pro-forma basis to start with: customers and

Protecting key Intellectual Property (IP) will

are settled before goods are shipped. “Credit

jurisdictions. For all businesses keen to fly

can come later” was the usual approach of

the flag abroad, staying ahead of the game

businesses interviewed, with one only being

is important, especially for manufacturers.

prepared to discuss credit facilities after at

Manufacturers should take every step possible

least 12 months of working with a customer.

to protect IP which is at the heart of their

Letters of credit are commonly used.

business, rather than having to battle costly

international market:

future.

• Create an export strategy that is integral with your business strategy – avoid the temptation for tactical initiatives

relationships, project management and

Whether you use distributors in your new foreign market is clearly a choice you’ll need to make. Many businesses start this way and once established they create a permanent presence of their own.

Be aware of local laws that sometimes

Our top tips for successfully establishing an

disputes that could potentially arise in the

activities such as developing customer

foreign markets as a sensible move.

distributors are invoiced up front and invoices

always be a challenge in new and little known

commodity items, and agents for more complex

managing suppliers, is seen by many new to

Most companies when dealing with a new

and the Foreign Office are there to assist with

• Undertake all the research you can and take

“There’s nothing quite like presenting your business and networking at an international trade show in Shanghai or Mumbai. ”

advantage of any government support and advice • If engaging a local distributor or agent do so in full knowledge of expectations on both sides and the local laws • Invest time understanding the culture and local customs • Use representatives fluent in the native

make ending a relationship with a distributor or agent very difficult. Occasionally, some will

language and original language documents

negotiate an ‘earn out’ with the distributor.

(rather than English translations) wherever possible

Whatever your strategic end game, having bulletproof agreements and contracts in place

One company we know very aggressively

that cover all the main risks help avoid a lot of

defended its IP and took out application patents

pain and expense.

as well as process and technology patents to

All these key local relationships must be nurtured. Businesses we work with invest time in making regular visits to foreign climes to see their partners and organise events to celebrate new business links, discuss new products and services, and get feedback on the ground.

Many businesses will also utilise a regional

stop their competitors accessing the market.

They also have well-drafted non-disclosure agreements which have proved a successful

• Take precautions to value, register and protect your intellectual property • Consider how you will get paid carefully • Stay compliant and environmentally friendly • Look for networks of businesses in similar

basis for enforcement action in overseas

position to share experiences and best

jurisdictions.

practice.

Expect frustration when your products, already proudly displaying the CE quality standard approval, which theoretically is

DMH STALLARD is an award winning

geographical area such as the Middle East or

acceptable in many countries, aren’t given the

Latin America.

red carpet treatment by certain governments

law firm providing strategic and operational legal advice to clients, enabling them to protect and grow their businesses. We have an established track record of working with clients on a range of international assignments and are a member of a global network, Law Europe International. We have produced a number of reports on exporting which can be found on our website www.dmhstallard.com.

office as a hub to export around a specific

Canada is a good staging post for the US. Companies use it as base to sell to distributors before eventually setting up an office in the US. Having a presence in Canada to manage the US market is advantageous in respect of the business friendly environment in that country,

around the world. The local approval process can take far too long (three years compared to two weeks in some EU countries) and is seen as an indirect strategy for protecting local suppliers.

When transporting goods, a company

such as the R&D tax credits and the North

we know of learned to its cost to avoid

American Free Trade Agreement.

‘consolidated transport’. This is where an airline creates a bulk consignment to a country

Risks & Red tape Fuelled by conflict, acute political

by combining the goods of various customers together to offer a cheaper option. This

instability and the breakdown of law and

company discovered that when part of the

order in a number of countries, geo-political

consolidated batch from another customer

considerations are increasingly complex but

encountered problems with customs or other

absolutely necessary. In several high risk

import or export requirements, the whole

For more information on how DMH Stallard can help your organisation please contact james.colvin@dmhstallard.com.

23

THE BIG STORY

THE GOVERNOR That age-old British institution, the Bank of England, has been with us since 1694, and its 120th Governor is, for the first time, not British. by Maarten Hoffmann

M

ark Joseph Carney is a Canadian economist who began his career at Goldman Sachs before joining the Canadian Department of Finance and then rising to become the Governor of the Bank of Canada. Born in 1965,

his home was Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories. He went on to receive a Bachelor’s degree with high honours in economics from Harvard University before commencing post-grad studies at St Peters College, Oxford, where he received a Master’s and a Doctorate in the same field.

He met his wife, Diana Fox (sister-in-law of Conservative Peer Lord Rotherwick), whilst at Oxford. As an economic specialist in developing nations, she would seem to be ideal company for Carney. They have four daughters.

Carney has been called a ‘steady hand on the tiller’ since he joined the BoE in 2013, preceded by Sir Melvyn King, and one might conclude that his only wrong step to date was allowing himself, and the Bank, to be dragged into the Project Fear ‘Remain’ campaign. But upon further investigation, his central plank was correct. It was indeed not the smartest economic move to leave the EU, and our economy would suffer, but to go further with horror stories of house prices plummeting, cars left unsold, mortgages floundering and general economic mayhem was, perhaps, unwise. The BoE even ‘donated’ £500,000 to the ‘Remain’ campaign whilst declaring their neutrality.

This led to a battle between Carney, and among many others, Bernard Jenkins MP, director of the anti-EU brigade, with Jenkins writing: “You are prohibited from making any public comment, or doing anything which could be construed as taking part in the referendum debate. I have taken legal advice from Speakers’ Counsel… [and] wanted to take the opportunity to stress the importance of this matter.”

In a letter replying to the MP, Mr Carney said: “All the public comments that I, or other Bank officials, have made regarding issues related to the referendum have been limited to factors that affect the Bank’s statutory responsibilities and have been entirely consistent with our remits”. Repeating arguments he has made in the past, Mr Carney said that the Bank had a duty to inform the public about the implications of the vote for the purposes of monetary policy. He has previously defended the importance of such comments in order to provide clarity about how the Bank will achieve its mandate.

The Governor told the Conservative MP that his letter demonstrated “a

fundamental misunderstanding of central bank independence.” He also made clear that the Bank was not legally bound by the Cabinet Office’s purdah rules forbidding interventions during the final days of the campaign by Government departments, but had voluntarily signed up to the code. He added: “I would be grateful if you would do me and my fellow independent committee members the courtesy of consulting the public record before writing such letters.”

As Carney was plucked out of Canada at great expense by then Chancellor

24

THE BIG STORY George Osborne, it is perhaps not surprising that he was dragged into the affair but rather

Mr and Mrs Carney

unfortunate that he allowed the independence of the venerable institution to be dragged into politics. At the time of writing, he has survived, whereas Osborne has not.

To his credit, he has taken the result on the chin and got to work minimising as much of the damage as possible and is now working full tilt to secure the country’s future economic prosperity.

As markets around the world plunged following the referendum result, the Governor of the Bank of England appeared live on television before 10 a.m. to reassure the country and the financial markets that all is under control.

“Historically, if you are spending more than 40% of your income on debt servicing, you are vulnerable. ”

As the pound plummeted to its lowest rate since 1985, Carney stood before cameras, and, with a calm and steady voice, promised that Britain was ready to face the challenge. “We are well-prepared for this,” he said. “The Bank of England will not hesitate to take additional measures as required.”

He emphasized that any economic adjustments to be made will be supported by a “resilient” U.K. financial system. He said that Britain’s banks are far better positioned to face this situation than they were in the financial crisis in 2008, their capital requirements now 10 times higher than at that time, with £130 billion of new capital and “more than £600 billion of high-quality liquid assets” in place.

In addition, he said the BoE would provide an extra £250bn of funds through its normal central banking facilities and substantial foreign currency lending to banks if they ran short of dollars, euros or yen.

Mr Carney’s actions were underpinned by a series of statements from around the world.

The Federal Reserve pledged to provide dollars

25

Call Worthing: 01903 234094 Call Gatwick: 01293 227670 Email: info@carpenterbox.com

XERO AWARD WINNER 2016

THE BIG STORY to other central banks if necessary to alleviate financial market turbulence that it said could hit the US economy.

In a statement issued hours after the UK voted to leave the EU, the Fed said it was ready to funnel dollars to other central banks.

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, said she supported efforts “to supply liquidity to the banking system and curtail excess financial volatility.”

UK regulators also promised to take “all necessary” steps to ensure financial stability, raising the possibility that the Financial Conduct Authority could temporarily restrict the short-selling of certain shares — that is, when traders borrow shares, then sell them in the expectation their value will fall, buying them back at a lower price and pocketing the difference.

So, a steady hand indeed, but where did this steely professional persona manifest itself?

Carney with Christine Legarde

His time at Goldman Sachs would be a good place to start. During his 13 years at the company, he ran the Tokyo, New York and Toronto offices in progressively more senior positions, including Head of Sovereign Risk, Executive Director of emerging debt capital markets and Managing Director of investment banking. He also worked on South Africa’s post-apartheid venture into international bond markets and was involved in the 1998 Russian financial crisis.

It is said that Carney was deeply involved with Goldman Sachs when they were named ‘the bank that crashed the worlds economy,’ referring to the 2008 financial crash. The ‘Leave’ campaign reported that he was also the mastermind behind Greece’s fiddling of its public finances when seeking European bailout cash. Whatever the truth, Mark Carney has been around the block a few times, with his hand in some of the largest global financial transactions of this generation.

The controversy over that ‘political’ intervention came hot on the heels of his comments on climate change – an intervention that again prompted accusations of political meddling. The Governor is having none of it. Both on Europe and climate change, he insists he is well within his rights to comment. Indeed, he implies it is his duty.

“I was in Lima with the International Monetary Fund and G20 last week, and the second-most-talked-about issue was climate change.

Is it a bad thing that the Bank of England is not only doing its job but leading the way?” he asks. Crucially, he argues, it is not outside his remit. London is one of the world’s biggest insurance markets.

Insurers are having to take account of climate change fears and risk.

It is affecting their capital levels and the premiums they levy.

Carney pulls the debate back to his core job – regulating and monitoring the UK’s financial system, saying: “If you want to deny climate change, OK. But you can’t deny the market. If you want to deny the market, then I can’t talk to you.

On Europe he is equally clear that it’s his job to say something.

He says: “Speaking as a central bank, it is very likely that Europe has advantaged the dynamism of this economy. In fact, it is without question.

“We have to say something. I have been called to testify in front of the Treasury Select Committee, and I am going to have to say something there,” he declares, adding: “The British people would expect me to have something to say.”

Carney refers a lot to ‘the British people’. He does so in the tone of a man expounding upon his public duty to Her Majesty’s subjects. This may sound like the traditional British public servant speaking. But

Many believe Carney has political ambitions in Canada and will return home to try to take the helm of the Liberal Party.

insiders agree the Bank has changed under Carney.

27

THE BIG STORY In previous interviews in the imposing grey-stone headquarters of the Bank, Carney has shown paintings of past Governors and other dignitaries adorning the walls, pointing out the desk used by eminent Governors and recounting the superstition that it is bad luck to tread on one particular mosaic in the Bank’s hallowed halls.

So, he has a sense of tradition. But he has also made the Bank more open – too open, some would say – making a virtue of speaking as directly as possible to the public.

He has increased the emphasis on economic research and listening to outside voices.

Then, of course, there’s the man himself. An Everton supporter, he adopted the team in the 1990s after visiting relatives in Liverpool while working for Goldman Sachs in London. He’s also a keen runner, finishing this year’s London marathon in just 3 hours 31 minutes. He’s even been snapped at rock concerts.

‘I recently saw Hey Rosetta! and Arcade Fire,’ he says. For those not au fait with their work, both are Canadian indie rock/folk bands. He also has a taste for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Carney’s manner is a far cry from that of

As the pound plummeted to its lowest rate since 1985, Carney stood before cameras, and, with a calm and steady voice, promised that Britain was ready to face the challenge. his predecessors: he is smiling and at times self-deprecatory.

At one point during a media interview, as he was expounding on an issue, his press minder looked nervously at a member of the public nearby. “Am I in trouble?” he smiling enquired, making a zipping gesture across his mouth before continuing more sotto voce.

For Carney, the concern is with those he calls ‘vulnerable’ – the Arcade Fire

householders who could find it hard to pay their bills if rates rise. He says: “While there’s been a lot of progress paying down debt, there’s still a substantial proportion of British households carrying a lot of debt. On top of that, the fact is that real wages (taking into account inflation) have not come back to their level before the crisis.

“Historically, if you are spending more than 40% of your income on debt servicing, you are vulnerable. Today we have about 2% of households in that position. For mortgage holders it’s about 4% and we are now updating those figures.”

At a recent visit to Jaguar Land Rover’s factory, his minders were once again looking very nervous as the playful Governor was again on show. In a virtual reality room to make him feel like he was inside the latest Range Rover, he was required put on special glasses that made him look even more like Clooney, barring the electronic sensors that stuck out madly – they were more Elton John. “No pictures in the glasses,” says the minder.

It’s clear that Carney himself is rather more relaxed. His laid-back, off-the-cuff nature and George Clooney good looks go quite some way to allowing him to slip in and out of controversy almost at will.

It might not sound like a big thing, but the most frequent mistake people make in their delivery during any kind of interview, but especially

28

THE BIG STORY in the broadcast media, is to speak too quickly. This is completely understandable: you’ve got a lot to say, time is short, you’re feeling anxious and the adrenaline is flowing, so you go like an express train.

The problem is that, not only does your audience miss some of what you’re saying, but you lack authority.

High-status individuals tend to talk more slowly. This is because they give the impression that they’re in charge of the timing of their comments, and they don’t fear being interrupted or having to give way to others. It’s not arrogance, it’s a quiet, understated confidence – and it’s another reason why Mr Carney is so convincing.

His comments before the Scottish referendum infuriated nationalists. He has also voiced a view on the idea of the Bank printing money for Government spending – widely seen as a direct attack on Labour’s policy of quantitative easing.

Justin Trudeau

Whatever the truth, Mark Carney has been around the block a few times, with his hand in some of the largest global financial transactions of this generation.

“I have been a central banker for longer than I would like to admit. First in Canada, then here in Britain, and I have worked with governments of the right and left. The correct answer in all circumstances is to stick to your mandate,” he declares, which for the Bank means monetary and financial stability – setting interest rates and overseeing Britain’s vast financial sector.

So, could he work with any government, whatever its tax and spend policies? He says: “As a central banker you take fiscal policy as a given, except in the most extreme cases, where a particular policy was going to imperil your objectives as a central bank.

“You will never find me commenting on what a government should or shouldn’t do with fiscal policy. The quid pro quo is we would not expect it to comment on monetary policy. That has been very clearly delegated to us by Parliament.”

Many believe Carney has political ambitions in Canada and will return home to try to take the helm of the Liberal Party. But after the recent election results, in which Liberal leader Justin Trudeau won an unexpected victory, that job now looks very firmly occupied.

The Governor will not answer questions about his own politics.

But what about his own future?

“Could you envisage staying for longer than five years if the Chancellor asked you to?” he was recently asked at Victoria train station. He inserted his ticket into the gate. It spit it back at him. “I can envisage missing my train,” he jokes.

Finally, he is through the gate. But he will not use this as a shameless chance to dodge the question. Not entirely. He smiles a twinkly-eyed smile again and waves goodbye. “Can I get back to you on that?”

29

ACCOUNTANCY

SLOW DOWN, YOU MOVE TOO FAST Bryan Elkins, Tax Partner and Julie Burton, Private Client Tax Manager at Kreston Reeves on the impact of digital tax returns

O

ne rule of thumb generally applies with tax returns: There are few simple ones, particularly where a business is

concerned.

This makes the Government rush to give five

businesses are simply not going to be equipped to prepare the information required digitally themselves, let alone quarterly, even if they have the necessary broadband speeds to do so (by no means certain) by the target date.

Helping hand Unfortunately, a good idea can often come undone on a reality. In this case, the reality is that tax is a highly complex issue these days, with many regulations and exemptions, not to

million enterprises and 10 million taxpayers

A recent Tax Faculty survey showed that

individual online accounts with Her Majesty’s

just a quarter of businesses currently manage

goalposts. For example, the ‘wear and tear’

Revenue & Customs (HMRC) by 2020 as likely to

their accounts electronically using accounting

allowance for buy-to-let has just been replaced,

create burdens as remove them.

software. Mandatory electronic record keeping

and the rules on pension contributions are

will therefore need a significant change of

constantly changing.

HMRC intends that by 2020 most businesses, including the self-employed and landlords, will be required to keep track of their tax affairs

uptake in online accounting packages.

The Government and HMRC also appear to

mention a Finance Bill every year moving the

Few untrained people can keep up with the changes, let alone have the expertise to fill

underestimate the contribution already made

in a return accurately. It is hard not to agree

by accountants and tax preparers to ensuring

with Andrew Tyrie MP, chair of the House of

that accurate returns are submitted. A planned

Commons Treasury Select Committee, when

delay in giving professional advisers access

he suggested that digitisation will cause

focused, simpler, personalised tax service, or

to their clients’ accounts online is telling.

compliance costs to actually rise, not fall

would wish to turn back the digital tide. The

Oversight? Perhaps. But it might be a sign that

as Government ministers have suggested.

concerns are to do with timing and inherent

marginal importance is being attached to the

It is not hard to see why. Many people will

complexity. Experience suggests that many

role of tax advisers.

still need help from their accountants, but

digitally and update them at least quarterly in their digital tax account.

Few would criticise the aim to create a

30

ACCOUNTANCY

“The alternative may be to place total trust in HMRC’s calculations on your behalf. That’s a big leap of faith.”

in future it will be four times a year rather than the just once. The alternative may be to place total trust in HMRC’s calculations on your behalf. That’s a big leap of faith.

There is also a question of what happens thereafter.

It seems a small step to take from quarterly reporting to quarterly payments. This might, of course, be attractive to businesses and Government. But it would still represent a significant change and potentially extra effort/cost.

Clearly, digitisation of tax accounts is the way forward.

But we should question the speed with which it is being

For more information about Kreston Reeves’ tax planning or online accounting services, contact Bryan Elkins on 01403 253282 If you would like to attend one of our October Finance Focus update seminars in Arundel, Brighton, Gatwick, London or Maidstone, please visit www.krestonreeves.com/news-and-events/type/events

rolled out, and the optimistic assumptions being made about how well taxpayers will adapt and what it will save.

A recent National Audit Office stated that for every pound saved by HMRC in reducing the cost of administering personal tax, the average increase in cost to taxpayers was £4.

“Many people will need help from their accountants, but it will be four times a year rather than once. ” The Government also needs to make sure the technology works properly, particularly given unhappy experiences with

www.krestonreeves.com

other state initiatives to roll out software reforms across vast sectors of the public economy. Recent departures from HMRC’ s digital team don’t inspire confidence. It would be a disaster if errors undermined public confidence in something as fundamental to our economy and to the wellbeing of individuals as their finances.

Accountants and tax planners must be encouraged to participate in how the detail is finalised, not just on behalf of their clients, but because of the knowledge they can bring to what will surely be an evolving, probably bumpy, introduction. The Government must also be prepared to allow its ambitious timetable to slip. A good start would be

31

CASE STUDY

HOW DOES YOUR BUSINESS GROW?

Danos Athanasi and Kate Sun in Rawlison Butler’s Corporate Team ask Andy Leslie, Chairman of Network Aviation Group, how the company expanded

Y

ou’ve successfully established your business and now you’re looking for growth. Organic growth is slow and

into a successful group of companies.They

business,” explains Andy. “Thus we expanded

cover virtually all aspects of aviation cargo

from freighter aircraft management to general

sales, logistics and management of freighter

sales and services agency to cargo services

acquisitions can be daunting. Here’s how one

aircraft offering a variety of sales and services

on passenger airlines and from East Africa to

medium-sized private company went about it.

to client airlines as well as managing a fleet

Europe, the Middle East and Canada.” Know

of freighter aircraft on a network of scheduled

what you do well and keep your eyes open

1985 with two partners who put in £500 each

routes and charters throughout the world.

for businesses that are close enough for your

to form a company that managed one Boeing

Expand in steps, outward or across

expertise to be relevant so that you can build

Network Aviation Group started business in

cargo aircraft for DAS Air Cargo, a Ugandan

“We looked continually for businesses that

cargo airline. By a combination of organic

either did the same thing that we did but in

growth and strategic acquisitions it has grown

new locations or did a different but related

32

on what you’ve already achieved.

Take it a step at a time.

NAG’s preferred expansion method has

CASE STUDY

“Acquisitions are always time-consuming. Trusted professional advisers can take some of the burden, but even so you must budget for many management hours.”

been to start with a commercial partnership;

putting the time and effort into an acquisition.

before.”

if this works well, they consider either taking

Choose your professional advisers

Allocate enough management time

an equity stake in their business to form a joint venture or buying them outright. RB’s Danos Athanasi said: “Starting with a commercial partnership avoids the risk of snapping up a business that proves problematic to integrate and manage; the joint venture format often works where an outright takeover would risk losing key managers and customers from the target company; at the same time, an outright

Acquisitions need lawyers and accountants.

Acquisitions are always time-consuming.

Although many firms can advise on most

Trusted professional advisers can take some

acquisitions, where you have a programme of

of the burden, but even so you must budget

expansion it saves time and expense to find a

for many management hours to be spent

good accountant and a good lawyer and use

on finding, negotiating and completing the

them for the whole programme. Andy says, “The RB Team, led by Corporate Partners Tim Sadka and Danos Athanasi, has grown

deal and many more on integrating the new business into your own company. Failure to do this means that either the new business won’t be properly integrated or your original

takeover could work where the founder of a

business will suffer while you integrate the

one-man business is ready to retire.”

new one.

Work out what you really want Yes you want the target’s business, but is it in particular • their assets?

• their staff?

• their local connections or licences?

“While our pattern has been to acquire equity, we are awake to the possibilities of an asset purchase,” Andy says. “We can envisage

“Another way to acquire key senior staff is to hire them as consultants rather than employees.”

Learn from experience Unless you are unusually lucky, there will always be the good targets that get away and the seemingly good acquisitions that go wrong.

Minimise these by: • doing thorough research before you start • identifying what you want and where your deal-breakers are • doing good commercial, legal, tax and

circumstances where we would want to acquire

accounting due diligence between

a company’s aircraft or its contracts but not its

agreeing the heads of terms and

contingent liabilities, and we have discussed

completing the deal

with our legal advisors when an asset purchase might suit our ambitions.”

Either an asset purchase or a share purchase can work to acquire staff, but another way to acquire key senior staff is to hire them as consultants rather than employees – a format that, with a profit-based bonus, is also a helpful structure for an earn-out for a retiring owner who is to be phased out of the business

to understand our business, how we work and what our priorities are. They don’t have to spend time getting to know us but can get

• listening to your gut and being prepared to walk away if the deal really isn’t working • if an acquisition does fall through, sitting

straight into the nitty-gritty of each deal without

down with your advisers to work out what

having to refer back to us for instructions on

went wrong and how to avoid it in future.

every detail – they know when to bother us

If you would like to know more, contact Danos

and when to get on with it. A level of trust has

Athanasi or Kate Sun in RB’s Corporate Team on

built up through working together many times

01293 527744.

rather than either kept on indefinitely or abruptly retired from one day to the next.

Acquisition is not always the answer While a nice little thriving business to bolt on may look attractive, sometimes it would be more cost-effective to grow organically. Take a look at the staff and connections you already have, think about the timing (the faster you need to expand, the more likely you are to need to acquire other businesses) and consider whether your existing management would be better employed fostering internal growth or

33

BUSINESS AWARDS

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND

❝

Absolutely delighted to be the recipient of two awards on the night which really reinforces Denbies commitment to strive for the best in all areas of the operation.

❞

DENBIES WINE ESTATE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR & GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2016

❝

Basepoint aims to have a culture of responsibility throughout our whole business so this award is a fantastic recognition for all the efforts our hardworking team have put in to share that ethos with the wider community.

❞

BASEPOINT RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2016

❝

Winning this award means a huge amount to the entire team and we are so proud to have been recognised in this way.

HILTON LONDON GATWICK AWARD FOR PLACE TO MEET 2016

❞

❝

I have seen the Gatwick Diamond profile grow significantly over the years and feel proud to be part of it and l have no doubt that this recognition will boost our business.

❞

SIMON PRINGLE, RED RIVER SOFTWARE BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR 2016 34

BUSINESS AWARDS

❝

We are very honoured to have won this award as customer service is the backbone of our business. Thank you, we are honoured.

❞

CLUB CLASS CHAUFFEURS AWARD FOR CUSTOMER DELIGHT 2016

Announcing the 9th Gatwick Diamond Business Awards, Jeremy Taylor of gdb said: “Once again we have brought together a fantastic group of sponsors and judges to help us find and celebrate the very best businesses across the Gatwick Diamond. The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards give any business the opportunity to shine as brightly as they can … like a Diamond.”

HEADLINE SPONSORS TO DATE:

PRE-DINNER RECEPTION:

AWARDS SPONSORS TO DATE INCLUDE:

CREATIVE PARTNER:

VENUE PARTNER:

EVENT PARTNER:

MEDIA PARTNER:

PLATINUM MAGAZINE

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE AWARDS AND TO BE INVOLVED, VISIT WWW.GATWICKDIAMONDBUSINESSAWARDS.COM OR FOLLOW THE AWARDS ON TWITTER @GDBIZAWARDS

35

INTERVIEW

NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK Serial entrepreneur, Lara Morgan, is one of the headline speakers at the Gatwick Diamond Business Speakers Conference in October.

At the age of 23, she started her first business, Pacific Direct Ltd, which manufactured and sold brand-licensed toiletries and amenities to the hotel industry.

Seventeen years later, she sold the majority share (99%) for the sum of £20million. She is now passionate about mentoring and investing in exciting young companies. Her mantra is ‘never be afraid to ask’ - so we asked her about her successful business career…

B

y the age of 18, having taught herself the art of selling, Lara Morgan was managing a Yellow Pages sales team in six countries in the Gulf. But Lara was never going to remain in the employ of another company for long. Some of the terms she uses to describe herself include down-to-earth, direct, sometimes bolshy, competitive, and driven. It was these characteristics that led to her turning up, a few years later, unannounced at the doors of The Dorchester with the aim of selling them sewing kits she had created. This approach could be described as naive, but as Lara maintains, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.”

She was, of course, successful, which leads to our first question:

Do you believe a budding entrepreneur should ignore the perceived rules and act out of instinct?

“Yes, my lack of business training, if you like, and not knowing what was considered to be the protocol or method in the early days, enabled me to make braver calls. I was able to be bolder in my outreach, to be original in my ambition and to grow faster because of not being constrained by following the path of those who had gone before.

36

“I literally asked the dumbest questions and was never afraid to let people know when I did not know the basics. What I always did was listen, take note and then respond. I wanted to be original, market-leading, and to be better and different than the rest.”

Pacific Direct built a portfolio of leading toiletry brands, which were supplied as miniature versions to the hotel industry. How did you persuade so many brands to come on board?

I watched others in the world develop the global market, companies like Neutrogena in the States, and Molton Brown in UK. I look back on having the cheek to ask Neutrogena and Penhaligon’s to give me the chance, over a period of six or seven years, to market their products. Again, I benefited from not knowing the complete imbalance between my company and theirs, but I will always live by the maxim, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get.’”

Can you recall the point when you realised that Pacific Direct had reached a tipping point and was going to become very successful?

“I think winning the brand license for Asprey,

who awarded Pacific their first-ever license, was a serious moment in knowing we had a strategy that was world-leading.”

The company grew quickly. Did you have growing pains? What issues did you face when growing the business?

“I could not possibly begin to list the classic list of growth pains I caused for myself by lacking focus, by saying yes far too often, by being unaware of a strategy, by having no real plan, and by not systemising through investment in the business foundations. And then there are the people challenges. I feel very lucky that I have a gift of begging great people to join my company by being very genuinely trustful, by looking for ambitious people who want to learn and grow, and by being aware of my total lack of competence and expertise across most skills sets, (except selling). I have always employed great people, and that has meant I got away with a lot of mistakes.”

Was it a difficult decision to sell the company?

“No. I had always intended to build and sell.

I wanted to bag security for my family. I was stupid at the time and did not think I could

INTERVIEW growth. My strategy for investment is to invest in things that buy the best commodity of all, indeed the most priceless commodity, which is time.

“I am proud to be involved with: • Gate8-luggage: Travel kit that avoids baggage check-in anxiety and delay, saving time and money and making travel enjoyable once more.

• Scentered.me: Allows people to have a tool and a mood therapy that improves life and gives back control through stopping, inhaling and resetting.

• Kitbrix: A wicked set of products making training time more efficient and effective.

• Dryrobe.com: The best outdoor ‘get changed and stay warm’ piece of sports kit you could ever invest in, whether for pre-or post-event, or simply to make the most of outdoor time. de-risk and still have controlling shares. I have learnt since that with the right partners, that can be a wholly attractive different way forward for fast growth with even greater expertise.”

Company Shortcuts promotes the development of highly profitable sales engines. Can you be a successful entrepreneur if you can’t sell or don’t understand how to sell?

“Sadly, I come across many companies that neither respect the value of sales nor the critical importance of professionalising the method that people apply to their sales systems and process. Every person in a company plays a part in the oiling of the best possible sales engine. This incorporates customer service, and even the accounts department can drive value and contribute to a sales process. It worries me time and time again that founders continue to under-invest in sales recruitment, sales training and the development of their own sales systems.

“In my view, sales should be taught at school” “The advice I give time and time again to people thinking of starting up is to do nothing else other than to make sure the product is sellable; everything else is superfluous. Get the sales pipeline planned, focus on a strategically well-considered sales plan and build efficient systems and processes to deliver the product.

Then continually improve that process and you will grow.”

What are your short-term and long-term ambitions?

“I am living an exceptional life and I love it.

I do not always get the balance of life, family and fitness right. In fact I barely think there is a ‘balance’ as I am happiest when I get time to engage in enterprise.

“I am enormously proud to have been trusted by some great British investors, who I am helping as much as I can to drive their sales

• Companyshortcuts: delivers extraordinarily excellent and original sales training and strategy learning for those wishing to deliver a planned and ambitious sales strategy. The results and growth of the companies that attend this priceless course are outstanding.

“In my view, sales should be taught at school.

We all have to sell ourselves to make a living, and there are no more jobs for life, unless you make your own.”

Speakers Conference 20th October 2016 Gatwick Diamond Business have brought together three expert speakers to help you focus on what is important to your business.

• Hear about entrepreneurial business success from Lara Morgan • Find out what the result of the EU Referendum means to you and your business from Geoff Meade • Learn how developing infrastructure could impact business in the South East and the UK from Rt Hon Lord Andrew Adonis Sponsored by Gatwick Airport, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Santander and University of Brighton, the inaugural gdb Speakers Conference is being held alongside the Target Business Expo at K2, Crawley on Thursday, 20th October, 2016, and will allow you to hear from three outstanding speakers, as well as have the opportunity to meet and discuss your business issues over lunch.

Tickets, including buffet lunch, are: £75 plus VAT: gdb Members or £95 plus VAT: gdb non-members To book your place(s) at the gdb Speakers Conference, please call us on 01293 440088 Delegates will have free access to the Target Business Expo, also taking place at K2 on the same day. For more information or to book a stand, please contact Natasha Money at Targetin1: nmoney@targetin1.co.uk www.targetbusinessexpo.co.uk

To avoid disappointment, don’t delay. Book today!

37

CURRENCY UNCERTAINTY

HOW TO DEAL WITH CURRENCY CHAOS

Suggestions for covering foreign exchange post Brexit

By Trevor Charsley, Senior FX advisor, AFEX

I

t has been nearly two months since the EU referendum but in that time so much has already happened, and so many new questions about the future of Britain have been raised, that the vote itself is rapidly fading into a dim and distant memory. It will be sometime before the full implications of Brexit are known and we will see exactly what a post-Brexit UK will look like, but the days since the referendum have provided a glimpse of what is in store while that picture takes shape. While the new Prime Minister Theresa May and her Cabinet in Westminster produce a Brexit strategy and then implement it the UK faces a protracted period of uncertainty that presents businesses with both opportunities and challenges.

One of the most immediate and obvious

38

effects of the decision to leave the EU was seen in currency markets. In the hours following the vote sterling dropped to 30-year lows against the dollar, falling by 10%. It also fell by 12% against the Yen and 6% against the Euro.

This is already making life difficult for importers, who are seeing the costs of the goods they buy-in from overseas increase.

Those companies that hedged their currency exposure ahead of the referendum to lock in a more favourable exchange rate will have been able to weather the storm and have bought themselves time to adjust to the new currency conditions but those that didn’t will already be looking at their margins and contemplating the options available to them.

One thing they cannot afford to do is ignore

the movement and wait for exchange rates to return to pre-Brexit levels. While this could happen, the technical data points to Sterling heading even lower. The Bank of England has already announced a large stimulus package in August and added that unless the economy expands faster than it expects they will cut interest rates again before year end. Sentiment and politics currently outweigh the importance of economic data and in an environment where there is a planned delay of 6 months before Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty is triggered, as yet no coherent plan for Brexit and a UK Parliament that is taking summer recess, the pound is likely to further test the historic lows we’ve seen against the dollar rather than mount a rally in the short term at least.

Firms reliant on selling into domestic

CURRENCY UNCERTAINTY

“Rather than reacting in panic or sticking your head in the sand, the key is to be alive to the challenges that uncertainty and changing market conditions present.”

relationship.

markets are also likely to see tougher trading conditions as consumer confidence shows signs of weakening. The latest YouGov/Cebr Consumer Confidence Index showed a sharp decline since the vote with confidence now at its lowest point since May 2013. Faced with so much uncertainty, people are growing increasingly concerned about their jobs and future economic wellbeing. As prices rise, we’re likely to see a reduction in non-essential expenditure and big-ticket purchases, putting further pressure on importers.

“One thing they cannot afford to do is ignore the movement and wait for exchange rates to return to pre-Brexit levels.”

The picture for exporters is better as a weak sterling means their products are essentially cheaper for foreign buyers while they are also continuing to trade as part of the single European market. Any new trade deals with Europe are likely to take a long time to come into effect, not least while the country rediscovers the art. The UK hasn’t negotiated its own trade deal since 1973 when it handed over responsibility to the EC and, with hundreds

required for the task, one estimate puts the number of active trade negotiators in the UK at 20. The likelihood of any new trade deals being struck quickly with the EU and the countries it has trade deals with seems remote and until such times, possibly as late as the end of mid-2018, the UK looks set to trade under its existing rules.

However, exporters face their fair share of challenges too. Despite an unchanged trading situation in the short-term, there are longer-term question marks over the UK’s position in the world and international buyers will be weighing up the risks and uncertainty of dealing with a UK company against other possible options. We’ve already seen businesses lose out on contracts because of uncertainty about their future ability to deliver on their commitments due to Brexit while others entering into multi-year contracts have seen ‘Brexit clauses’ written into them, to protect the client in the event the Brexit fundamentally alters their commercial

Regardless of whether you’re an importer or an exporter, the Brexit vote is likely to impact how you do business. In the immediate term, this stems from the uncertainty it has thrown up. Rather than reacting in panic or sticking your head in the sand, the key is to be alive to the challenges that uncertainty and changing market conditions present, reassessing strategies and business plans to make sure they remain valid. One of our clients, for example, has already switched from setting prices annually to reviewing quarterly pricing to enable flexibility against this backdrop of uncertainty. Firms should also look to gain certainty where they can. While a GBP/USD exchange rate at below $1.30 may not be as attractive as it was at $1.50 on June 23rd, there is no evidence that it will return to those levels any time soon. Locking in a rate at below $1.30 against at least some of your commitments could be the sensible approach to protect revenues while the dust settles on the economic and political landscape.

For more information on AFEX, contact Nick Yalden (nyalden@afex.com) or Danny Elsey (delsey@afex.com). afex.com. Tel: 0207 004 3884

Trevor is an FCA CF30 approved Senior market adviser with over 25 years of trading and sales experience, include being Head of FX trading at a Japanese Investment House.

Trevor’s latest role includes the provision of market analysis to the AFEX client base and managing their FX hedging policies.

Trevor provides a weekly blog on the latest FX themes and is often quoted in the UK business press including the Financial Times, The Wall St Journal and The Telegraph.

39

ACCOUNTANCY

BUY TO LET

Implications for Landlords

Led by Robert Dowling, Partner at Carpenter Box, the MHA Construction & Real Estate team have worked together to provide a national outlook on the changes facing Buy to Let landlords. MHA is a national association of independent accountants which Carpenter Box helped to found in 2010.

Here Robert presents the first of two articles to help you better understand the changes that landlords now face. In the second article we’ll look at ways that landlords can reduce their tax burden.

Taking the Heat out of the Buy to Let Kitchen A number of measures were announced in the July 2015 Budget by the previous Chancellor George Osborne and then PM David Cameron as part of their ‘one nation’ government. The idea was to reward hard working people and ensure that they could

40

enjoy the benefits of home ownership. Some of these measures were focussed on increasing the supply of residential stock, including the unlocking of public land for development and changes to planning rules for SME builders.

Those measures were designed to help to increase the supply of homes over the medium to long term. However, it was the

announcements of tax changes which took effect almost immediately and over the short term that have caused both controversy and delight; the former for landlords and individuals attempting to purchase a second home, and the latter for those trying to get on to the housing ladder to provide a home for their families.

ACCOUNTANCY

“Cameron and Osbourne’s attempt to manipulate the residential market may have had the effect of making it even more difficult for those hard workers who already cannot afford to buy a home.”

The main July 2015 budget announcements affecting the residential property market were: • The increase of stamp duty by 3% for the purchase of a second home from April 2016.

• The removal of the 10% wear and tear allowance from April 2016.

• The restriction of tax relief on interest for buy to let landlords being phased in from April 2017.

• The reporting and payment of Capital Gains Tax on a disposal within 30 days. This acceleration of the tax payable will apply from April 2019.

It is the increase in the stamp duty payable from April 2016 that this article will concentrate on.

Stamp Duty Land Tax The new rule changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax affect those individuals buying a second residential property. Corporate bodies buying residential property will either be subject to these additional rates or a more penal rate of 15% if the property is over £500,000 and is not used for a qualifying purpose. This penal charge was introduced to prevent abuse of the stamp duty rules where there was a trend to envelope an ‘expensive’ dwelling within a company before selling the company rather than the property itself.

the highest number of properties transacted in a single month since records began in April 2005.

A number of individuals who were moving home in the spring were quite rightly confused by the new stamp duty rules due to the implementation of the policy appearing to be quite rushed. Would they suffer a permanent 3% additional tax charge? Would there be a mechanism to reclaim the additional stamp duty once paid, if they sold the original home shortly afterwards?

In fact, where an individual sells their previous main residence after purchasing a new main residence, a refund of the additional SDLT may be claimed. Initially the previous main residence had to be sold within 18 months to be able to claim back the additional 3%, but that was increased to 3 years in the March 2016 budget.

Landlords are also asking what can be done to avoid suffering the 3% charge in the future.

Would this charge be applied if they move a property portfolio into a company to avoid future tax disincentives?

Some landlords who have suffered the additional stamp duty charge have already attempted to pass on the increase in their ‘cost’ by increasing rents rather than pulling out of the market which, in a location where there is a shortage of good stock, was always on the cards.

If this tactic is widespread, Cameron and Osbourne’s attempt to manipulate the residential market may be a policy fail and will have just had the effect of making it even more difficult for those hard workers who already cannot afford to buy a home, by pricing them out of the rental market too. Additionally, with higher rents the ability to save for a deposit becomes even more difficult.

In next month’s article, we will explain some of the ways in which these additional tax burdens can be mitigated. In the meantime, should you want any business or tax advice around the construction and the real estate sector, you can contact Robert on 01293 277670.

An additional 3% tax is now being charged to individuals purchasing a second residential property regardless of them being a property magnate with an extended history of purchasing such properties for the rental incomes, or a family that just happens to be moving home and are having to purchase the second home before selling the first.

As expected the market reacted to this additional charge with volatile pricing and a large rise in the volume of property transactions in February and March 2016.

House prices increased by 2.2% in March 2016 alone and were then reported to have fallen by 0.8% in April 2016.

The number of property transactions in March 2016 was 165,480; an increase of 48,550 compared to February 2016, and was

This chart shows the 12 month change in house price growth/decline from March 2015 to March 2016.

It is based on mortgage data and was taken from the ONS website.

41

INTERVIEW

RIDERS OF THE STORM “With the opportunity cost of their cash in the bank rapidly approaching a negative yield, it makes sense for these larger companies to use it.,”

With post-Brexit nerves still gripping many boardrooms, Platinum Business Magazine talks to Nik Askaroff, CEO of EMC, about the steps his company are taking to help businesses overcome their fears

J

uly was a great month for EMC Corporate Finance. For the first time in many years, the South East-based firm completed on

“I have to admit that we were slightly worried that things might fall over at the last minute following the referendum result, especially as

three major transactions – two large corporate

one of the sales had an international dimension

sales through its Crawley and Hove offices

that made it somewhat more complicated,”

and a significant share buy-back through its

EMC’s founder and chief executive Nik Askaroff

Eastbourne office – all within a few days of each other.

What made the month all the more special was the fact that each of the deals was

admits. “But our experienced team were able to negotiate their way past some unexpected obstacles and get each of the deals across the line okay.

“Happily the sterling devaluation actually

completed in the wake of the Brexit vote that

helped. And the good news has continued into

many predicted would herald a financial melt-

August with the completion of a major sale to a

down.

German company.”

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So have the harbingers of doom and gloom got it all wrong as far as Brexit is concerned?

“Not completely,” Nik says. “There’s no doubt that many businesses have been spooked by the decision to leave the EU. There’s bound to be some turbulence in the economy whilst the government formulates its negotiating position for a post-Brexit Britain.

“But as far as the mergers and acquisitions sector is concerned, particularly here in our corner of the South East that is dominated by owner-managed SMEs, I remain optimistic.”

He is encouraged in his view by a recent

INTERVIEW

“Each of the deals was completed in the wake of the Brexit vote that many predicted would herald a financial melt-down”

EMC’s Mike Pay (third from left) with the directors of Viridian Pharma and solicitor Fraser Cunningham of the Smith Partnership (far left) following the sale of the South Wales-based business to international specialty pharma company Martindale Pharma. It was one of three deals completed by EMC in July. report from Private Equity firm Lyceum

he says. “The recent EY Global confidence

it makes sense for these larger companies to

Capital and Cass Business School that showed

barometer showed strong deal sentiment

use it.”

continuing investor appetite for UK-based SMEs.

across all sectors driven by volatility and

Andrew Aylwin, partner at Lyceum Capital, was

disruption. Some sectors will need to be more

instructions that, even if they don’t all come to

quoted as saying that the lower mid-market

granular, carefully identifying where and when

fruition, would still see the firm enjoy another

“is set to shine again as a beacon of attractive

to invest, but the only sector where acquisition

terrific year following those that have seen it

appetite falls below 50% is in telecoms.

twice win the coveted Deal of the Year trophy

investment opportunities with the deepest pool of entrepreneurs and the strongest tech and digital economy hub in Europe.”

The continuing interest that PE firms are showing in SME investments is one reason for Nik’s optimism.

“Private Equity firms in the UK are sitting

“With the opportunity cost of their cash in the bank rapidly approaching a negative yield,

Nik says that EMC has a strong pipeline of

at the Insider South East Dealmaker of the Year Awards and Nik himself being named Dealmaker of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.

It helps that EMC enjoys a unique position in the M&A marketplace as being both a corporate finance adviser and a provider of Board-level

on huge piles of cash – some reports suggest

interim managers able to offer top-end support

upwards of £1 trillion – which they have to

to businesses on a retained or project-by-

invest and use. It’s their jobs. The pressure on

project basis.

them to buy and invest in growing businesses won’t stop whatever the economy does.”

Nik also believes that many large companies currently holding sizeable cash reserves will also be tempted to splash some of it on strategic acquisitions.

“Larger companies recognise that real growth will need to come from acquisitions,”

It allows the firm to forge long-term relationships with the owners of businesses that often endure from formation through to their eventual exit.

A prime example of this was last year’s sale of Lewes-based Ivy Press to the Quarto Group Inc, the leading global illustrated book publisher.

43

INTERVIEW

“Private Equity firms in the UK are sitting on huge piles of cash – some reports suggest upwards of £1 trillion – which they have to invest and use.”

EMC had first become involved with Ivy Press

struggle to keep their heads above water.”

the time, they shouldn’t be afraid to shout

when the company started in 1996, initially

Nik was soon joined by several like-minded

assisting with the raising of working capital

individuals who had tired of the corporate life

because of the staff. They fail because the

and then leading the finance department with

but still wanted to use their knowledge and

owners have failed to take action or summon

Nik’s colleague, Michael Pay, becoming interim

experience to help others.

help early enough.

Finance Director. Over the years before the sale, EMC advised the company on a number of

By the mid ‘90s they had established a

for help. By and large, businesses don’t fail

“I’ve said it repeatedly over the 27 years

glowing reputation as corporate first aiders.

that I’ve been running EMC but it still runs true

It was around then that they were described

today. Pay attention to the numbers, increase

in the FT as being the first corporate

your activity and work smarter and you will

were closely involved with a company from

troubleshooters working as a team. They were

reap the benefits. And if you can’t do it, find

its start-up through to its sale.” Nik says. “We

dubbed the ‘mobile boardroom’ – a welcome

knew the business inside out which certainly

someone who can to help you before it’s too

moniker that has stuck to this day. Indeed, it

helped us to engineer a most satisfactory

late and you see everything you have worked

was used as the title of their popular book of

outcome for the directors once they had

for over the years fall to pieces. Post-Brexit

general business advice that was published

decided the time was right for them to sell. It’s

last year by Thorogood Publishing.

that risk is higher than ever.”

operational and strategic issues.

“This was a typical case in point where we

an added-value grooming service that others cannot offer.”

The success of the Ivy Press deal and others like it are particularly satisfying for Nik as they demonstrate perfectly what he set out to achieve when he set up EMC in Eastbourne in 1989.

The corporate finance arm was added in the late ‘90s completing what Nik always wanted to be a full service offering.

Today EMC operates out of offices in Hove, Maidstone, Chichester, Crawley, Eastbourne and London with 22 top-end consultants offering expertise across all the main business

“The country was just about to enter a

disciplines – finance, sales, marketing,

recession that went on for a while and lots

strategic IT, production and operations.

of people thought I was mad to be starting

“EMC is a lifestyle business. All our people

a business then,” he recalls. “However, I

have done high powered jobs in the City or

recognised that it was a time when plenty of

internationally and still have something to

companies might need extra help to survive, so

give,” Nik says. “Some have made money

for me it made perfect sense to leave the family

and want to give something back; a number

business that I had been running for seven

of them have moved out of London because

years to strike out on my own.

they have families. Others just don’t want

“I’d had a good grounding in accountancy

to retire. They could all earn more money

with Grant Thornton before joining the family

working full-time elsewhere but really enjoy

business so I knew I had something to offer

the different challenges that come their way

business owners who may have been having a

through working with a variety of businesses of different sizes and across a range of sectors.”

So how are Nik and his EMC colleagues helping companies to overcome their postBrexit nerves?

“It’s quite simple,” Nik says. “We are helping them to review their operations to see where they can work smarter and reviewing their business development plans to see how they can get in front of more customers. And then we are helping them to make sure their accounts function is productive and efficient.

“It’s not rocket science, but it’s amazing how many bosses don’t focus on these simple actions. If they don’t know how or don’t have

44

Somewhat mischievously he adds: “Of course, if people have already had enough and want out then they shouldn’t be put off by the EU referendum result. There will always be purchasers for well run businesses with a strong presence in their market.

“Even then, though, it’s important that they have advisers they can trust and who have the knowledge and expertise to see a deal through from beginning to end – someone prepared to be with them every step of the journey from when they first start to think about selling to the final signature being placed on the completion documents. Now I wonder who that could be….?”

EMC is headquartered at Rochester House, Rochester Gardens, Hove BN3 3AW. Tel: 01273 945984.

Web: emcltd.co.uk

BUSINESS EXPO

10 TOP TIPS TO EXHIBITING SUCCESS! Mike Monk is launching the inaugural Brighton Expo at Brighton Racecourse on Thursday 20th October. Here Mike shares his top tips for exhibiting 1.

Promote the event to your database and tell your connections that you’re exhibiting. Use social media to follow visitors, spread the word, connect with other exhibitors, promote your stand and competitions

2.

Have a special offer or show discount which is only available to those who stopped by your stand (it makes those visitors feel even more special). Make sure your offer is relevant, different and that your offer has an expiry date to make visitors act quickly. Your offer shouldn’t last forever. Promote your offer and shout about it in your pre-event promotion.

3.

Run a competition on your stand... make sure your competition is relevant to your business (don’t just have a bottle of wine as your prize!)

4.

Capture data from visitors - have a bowl to collect business cards, have a clipboard and printed sheets to write notes and collect visitor contact information or for £50 hire a professional scanner from us so you can simply scan the new visitor badges to collect data

5.

Talk to people... simple but effective. Avoid using your mobile phone or sending emails people buy from people, so use this opportunity to speak with as many people as you can at the event

6.

Network with other exhibitors - if the exhibition hall quietens down (it happens at all events) use this time to network with your neighbours and try and do business with them!

7.

Take a break - even though the event is only open for 6 hours, plan to have a 15 minute break to sit down and reply to emails and have something to eat and drink. Don’t eat or drink at your stand as it is very unprofessional.

8.

Make sure your stand represents your brand. First impressions really count at exhibitions.

People will walk away with opinions on your company and you need to make sure they are positive.

9.

Follow up after the event by sending out an email (use the templates we’ve provided to help save you time) and adding new connections and visitors to your social networking sites.

10. Hot leads go cold quickly... make sure you follow up with leads within two weeks after the show. Every person you spoke to at the event could be your next customer, so continue to follow up. There is not a limit on the amount of follow up you should do...

JOIN US AT THE BRIGHTON BUSINESS EXPO 2016!

Come and join Monk Marketing on stand 27 and see what we have to offer you, at the region’s biggest business to business exhibition taking place at the Brighton Racecourse on Thursday 20 October 2016, between 10.00am – 4.00pm.

With over 400 businesses attending the show, this is a brilliant event to gather new contacts that could benefit your company in the near future.

Don’t miss the chance to grow your connections by getting involved with workshops and speed networking throughout the day and listen to keynote speakers and become engaged with ideas and inspiration for your business.

Tickets are free, so there really is no excuse to miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

We are also running a competition, and you could be the winner so make sure you drop by our stand to enter.

To register for free tickets go to: http:// www.b2bexpos.co.uk/brighton-businessexpo

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DELIVER BALANCED GROWTH FOR BRITAIN A second runway at Gatwick will give airports across the UK greater opportunity to grow, which means more competition and balanced growth for the whole country. Let’s make it happen so all of Britain can get the benefits.

gatwickobviously.com @LGWobviously

TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT

PLATINUM

Rose was packed off to Amsterdam this month to report on the delights of this beautiful City and all it has to offer for business travel, or a quick recreational weekend, with highlights of the best conference locations, top restaurants and much more.

John gets hot under the collar about the long-awaited airport expansion and the dire service on the Southern railway network and explains what a Passenger Train Interface is‌...

PLATINUM THIS MONTH:

Amsterdam

Travel GATWICK vs HEATHROW Will I still be alive when it opens?

by John Burroughes Managing Director, Uniglobe Preferred Travel

“Gatwick clearly has a case as on the face of it, it would disrupt less people, would help strengthen the south-east economy and could be constructed quicker and cost less”

I

n 2006 the Department of Transport confirmed its vision for expanding the runway at Heathrow and it took another

be constructed quicker and cost less. Add to

ripped off by Heathrow for years and leopards

this their pledge not to increase its passenger

don’t change their spots”.

charge above £15 plus inflation for 30 years,

He added: “I’ll give you an example. We

year before the government set up a public

it’s clearly a compelling argument. There

expressed interest in installing self-service bag

consultation on the proposal.

is also no doubt, since the current owners

drops. The airport estimated the cost at just

took over, that continuous investment and

under £150,000 per unit. We’ve been able to

whether I would still be a live to see a new

improvement in the customer experience is

price the same unit at less than £15,000. That’s

runway, at either Gatwick or Heathrow open,

there for all to see.

is one hell of a mark-up.”

I should have had a bet in 2006 as to

I reckon I would have got good odds then, no chance now.

If only the story stopped there, but the

When I looked at the proposed Heathrow

problem with Gatwick is twofold, firstly it is not

expansion cost of £17.6bn, I can’t begin to

a hub airport which is what all airlines need in

understand how this figure is arrived at. The

governments and decision-makers ducking

order to fill their long haul scheduled planes

new runway is estimated at £182m whereas a

the question we still don’t know exactly when a

with passenger and cargo traffic, this way

new car park we are supposed to believe will

decision will be made. But when it does come

they can keep the ticket prices we pay lower.

cost £800m - we think parking in Brighton is

you can be sure it will lead to a battleground of

Secondly as I have said before, it’s ludicrous

expensive, imagine the cost per hour here!

legal protests, objections and opinions which

that there is no direct high-speed AFFORDABLE

Walsh also claimed “the majority of the

will take goodness knows how many years to

rail link between Heathrow and Gatwick, if this

money Heathrow raises from airport charges

sort out.

were the case even BA may favour Gatwick due

doesn’t go towards upgrading facilities but

to their lower operating costs.

straight into the pockets of the airport’s

So, 10 years on, and with successive

Then we were told it would take up to 10 years to construct, (Gatwick slightly shorter)

While I am on costs, Willie Walsh CEO of IAG,

shareholders. Heathrow paid £1.4bn to its

and cost anywhere from £7.6bn at Gatwick or,

British Airways parent company, slammed

shareholders in the last two years and only

according to the Davies commission, £17.6bn

Heathrow airport recently saying “Heathrow

invested £1.3bn in the airport”

at Heathrow.

is already the most expensive hub airport in

Don’t think the third and much cheaper

Gatwick clearly has a case as on the face

the world with a history of inflating costs”. You

option of extending the northern runway has

of it, it would disrupt less people, would help

cannot trust Heathrow to deliver anything in a

gone away. Although not one of the Davies

strengthen the south-east economy and could

cost effective manner, customers have been

enquiries recommendations, it has not been

48

Travel Sussex Office: Old Chatsworth Hall, 11 South Road, Brighton, BN1 6SB. London Office: 18 Buckingham Gate, Westminster, London, SW1E 6LB T: 0845 180 7817 F: 0845 180 7812 sales@uniglobepreferred.co.uk totally dismissed, and nor should it be. This

company or “The Shareholders” out of which

proposal is led by captain Jock Lowe, a retired

they would make even more money, so who are

Concorde pilot, who knows a thing or two about

the share holders, I hear you ask?

flying. Willie Walsh himself has publicly stated

The airport is operated by Heathrow

that the Heathrow Hub plan should be put back

Airport Holdings, which itself is owned by

on the table. Heathrow is one of our strongest

FGP TopCo Ltd, an International Consortium

national assets and fundamental to the success

that includes Ferrovial Group (25%) (who

of the UK economy.

construct transportation hubs), Qatar Holdings

The Hub option would be cheaper to build

LLC (20%), Caisse de depot et placement du

and run, less disruptive to local communities,

Quebec (12.62%), the government of Singapore

it would put Heathrow on the national rail

investment Corporation (11.20%), Alinda

network for the first time and is totally

Capital Partners (11.18%), China investment

extendable if and when Heathrow needs more

Corporation (10.00%) and Universities

capacity by extending the other runway. I would

the increased profit generated would go to the

Superannuation Scheme (USS) (10.00%).

above shareholders some of whom may even

suggest we all watch this space.

The other big gripe is the idea that passenger charges would have to be increased very early on, in order to fund the airport expansion. I thought this sounded particularly strange as at places like Twickenham and Wimbledon, debentures are offered to people who are willing to fund improvements in the facilities, this then results in preferential use of said facilities.

Whereas at Heathrow, it would appear we, the travelling public, would have to fund it

Heathrow is a primary hub for British Airways as well as the primary operating base for Virgin

have made a profit out of the building of the new facilities!

Atlantic, and our gateway to the world.

I think I’m beginning to understand where

If I have this right, after 10 years of

the price-tag for Heathrow of £17.6bn came

discussion, an unknown number of years of

from. A few weeks ago Theresa May stood in

legal wrangling, a further 10 years of building

Downing Street and said her government would

we should have the runway facilities we

be a government for all of the people. I think it’s

needed five years ago.

time Theresa and Willie had a little Tete a Tete.

We would have paid (through higher landing

One thing you can be sure of with Willie Walsh

charges added to our ticket price) the cost of

is that he’s a straight talker, let’s hope Theresa

the new facilities, which we wouldn’t own and

listens.

by way of higher landing charges. The new infrastructure, which we wouldn’t be able to use for 10 years (and in my case I would probably be dead), would be owned by the

“Heathrow paid £1.4bn to its shareholders in the last two years and only invested £1.3bn in the airport”

THE SAGA DRONES ON...

As we go to press the horrific rail strike on Southern Railways by the RMT union has been suspended pending further talks.

I recently listened to an RMT representative being interviewed on the Today programme, it was like listening to the trade union leaders of the 60s and 70s, when their catchphrase was “The Aspirations of our Members”.

The RMT have surpassed themselves by claiming they have discovered a major source of risk and concern for the travelling public, the risk is located at, wait for it, “The Passenger Train Interface” or doors to you and I. May I suggest that the biggest risk associated with “The Passenger Train Interface” is the trains don’t run on time, when they do there’s not enough carriages, and time after time when a platform is announced you get there to find the doors are locked! What about “The Aspirations of the Travelling Public at The Passenger Train Interface”?

49

Travel Shake hands in...

AMSTERDAM Time to go Dutch? Rose Dykins takes a look at the business credentials and hippest hotspots of the Netherlands’ capital

D

on’t be fooled by Amsterdam’s leisurely exterior. By the stretches of still canals lined with quaint spindly houses and

was established in 1602, and today, away

relocating from London in the wake of Brexit

from the tourist traps of the Old Town, its

– its proximity to the Big Smoke and strong

financial district, known as Zuidas, is home

infrastructure are among the draws.

lime-leafed elm trees. By the gentle kerplunk

to 50 international banks. The banking and

of bicycles stopping and starting. Or hedonistic

financial services sector in Amsterdam and its

this year, it was crowned the European Capital

tourists wandering around the cobbled streets

surrounding area generates 20% of the region’s

of Innovation, thanks to its “smart growth,

of the Red Light District, hoping to exchange

GDP, and KPMG has also placed its global

liveability, digital social innovation and its

their euros for debauchery.

headquarters here. What’s more, Amsterdam

start-ups.”

Entrepreneurial spirit is rife in the city and,

Amsterdam means serious business, and

has been touted as one of the frontrunners

From 3D printing and cloud computing, to

it always has. The city’s first stock exchange

to attract some financial firms considering

apps that allow you to boost your productivity

50

Travel

or borrow other people’s belongings, the diversity of Amsterdam’s start-up scene is incredible. One of the Netherlands’ greatest success stories is Booking.com, which set up in Amsterdam back in 1996 and keeps its global headquarters here – despite operating in 155 offices in 63 countries.

an attractive place to do business? “One of the major things is accessibility from the UK,” says Sandra Ishmael, Director of the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions for UK and Ireland. “There are so many flights in and out of Schiphol airport and it’s very easy to reach the city and the suburbs”.

“Another thing is the ease of moving around the city – the tram system is used frequently by visitors. Also, I think that Amsterdam just has a large pull due to its reputation for being welcoming and friendly.”

Aside from its scent of success, what else makes Amsterdam

Zuidas Financial District

51

Travel TOP EVENT SPACES Rai Amsterdam Covering 87,000 sq.mt. and boasting 11 exhibition halls, the Rai hosts the lion’s share of Amsterdam’s international conferences and trade shows. “In 2018, the NH Hotel Group will open the largest hotel in the region at the RAI,” says Ishmael. “It will be 25 storeys high and have a spa and a TV studio. There are also talks of there being 3D holographic technology for meetings.” rai.nl/en

Beurs van Berlage This characterful clock-tower building was the third stock exchange building to be built in Amsterdam, designed to have the feel of a “public palace”. It can host gala events for up to 3,000 guests in the original trading hall. beursvanberlage.com

Eye Film Museum Amsterdam Noord’s futuristic film museum has four cinema rooms available for hire, plus a glass-fronted space with views across the water towards IJ Harbour, with enough room to hold 900 people for drinks. eyefilm.nl/en

The Playing Circle For boardroom meetings, these industrial-chic loft-style spaces, with contemporary furniture and distinctly Dutch design features are bound to inspire creative thinking. theplayingcircle.nl

Stedelijk Museum The new wing of the largest modern art museum in the Netherlands looks like a giant spaceship has landed upon Museumplein. The beautiful plasterwork of the 19th-century old wing has been given an ultramodern whitewash, with the light installation around the grand staircase by American artist Dan Flavin creating an evocative ambience for an event. stedelijk.nl/en

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY TO AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL On September 19th, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport will become 100 years old – and it’s planning a rather special party. “The CEOs of major airlines and the stakeholders will all come together to celebrate, and the airport has also invited 10,000 residents living in the surrounding area to come and explore behind the scenes,” says Ishmael.

Schiphol has certainly come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1916, when it was little more than a few wooden buildings. It served 58 million passengers last year and is now the second-largest hub airport in Europe (after Frankfurt International).

It’s also ranks second in Europe for its number of direct flights – 4,633 per week – with London Heathrow

52

pipping it to the post.

As air travel goes, transiting through Schiphol is rather pleasant. Despite being a century old, its departure areas have been refreshed continually, so it feels open and relatively chic. Developments are underway, including the revamped Lounge 2 departure area, with seven different themed “worlds”, and the introduction of centralised security – a slight qualm for many of its passengers is Schiphol’s current at-gate security, so your hand-luggage gets searched just as you arrive at your gate to board the plane, which is rather inefficient, and a bit of a faff.

What else does the future hold for the hub? “In 2019, a new pier will open at Schiphol to accommodate different-sized jets, further increasing capacity” says Ishmael. “And, in 2023, a new terminal is due to opening, which is anticipated to serve 14 million more passengers annually.”

Travel TRENDY AMSTERDAM EDGY HOTELS Lloyd Hotel The world’s first “1-to-5-star” hotel is set in a towering brick building northeast of the city centre, which used to be a juvenile detention centre. Lloyd Hotel’s 117 unconventional rooms welcome both budget and luxury travellers, and feature off-the-wall touches such as seven-person beds and swings hanging from the ceiling. There’s also a cosy library, eclectic meeting space for up to 100 people, a casual restaurant and a “cultural embassy” – a programme of hosted events and speakers that is staged throughout the hotel. lloydhotel.com

The Hoxton Amsterdam Set across five wooden-floored canal houses – formerly home to the Mayor of Amsterdam – this five-star boutique hotel houses 111 rooms with polished retro decor. Its plush all-in-one meeting venue, The Apartment, features a study, a library, a study, a games room, an outdoor courtyard and a kitchen – the latter is large enough to host 40 people for an event with a homefrom-home feel. thehoxton.com/amsterdam

Zoku Amsterdam This contemporary independent property classes itself as “a new type of hotel category” and a “home-office hybrid”. The furnishings of each of the 133 “lofts” are customisable depending on whether you’re here to work, relax or something in between. The word zoku translates from Japanese as “tribe, clan or family”, reflecting how the hotel attracts and unites a curious, worldly and entrepreneurial community of guests. Its inviting social spaces are set up for co-working and chatting over the free wine and cheese each evening. livezoku.com

CONCEPT DINING Everything On a Stick Inspired by street food, this restaurant does exactly what it says on the tin. Each of its 40 dishes is served on skewers – from sashimi to caesar salad – and you can mix and match them however you choose. eoas.nl

Guts and Glory

Guts and Glory

The changing tasting menu of this excellent Michelin-starred eatery is divided into “chapters”. Guts and Glory’s current and sixth “chapter” is named “La Vita E Bella”, with everything from its seven-course menu to the art hanging on its walls temporarily themed around Italy. gutsglory.nl/en

De Culinaire Werkplaats Here, you’re invited to pull up a high chair in what feels like a family kitchen-slash-laboratory, and pay whatever you think your meal was worth at the end. The team are currently working on creating the next generation of edible fabrics. deculinairewerkplaats.nl

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Travel WHEN IN AMSTERDAM We ask the experts the best way to experience the Dutch capital, away from the reams of tourists: Sandra Ishmael, Director of the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions for UK and Ireland: “Definitely go for a pancake house. There’s a nice one on Prinsengracht by one of the canals, it’s called the Pancake Bakery. The sweet and savoury pancakes there are huge!

“There’s also Royal Concertgebouw concert hall, where they sometimes stage lunchtime shows, and the acoustics are out of this world, thanks to the way the building’s clever design.

“And there’s nothing like seeing Amsterdam from the water, so book a canal cruise. You can interact with the locals sitting on their boats socialising with beers after work. It really takes you to the heart of the city, and you can see the canal houses up close.”

Amber Selby Brown, Events and PR Manager for The Hoxton Amsterdam: “I’d suggest working your way through the restaurants and bars. Check out Breda, Café Panache, Cannibale Royale, Foodhallen, and keep an eye out for pop-up restaurants.”

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6103

BANK FINANCE

HEALTHY SNACK GROWTH Mark Carby with Nimisha Raja

A local manufacturer of air-dried fruit and vegetable crisps is targeting new growth in the UK after securing a £150,000 funding package from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking.

N

im’s Fruit Crisps Ltd was originally launched in 2012 by single mother, Nimisha Raja, after she was running a

Crisps in Eastern Europe, Nimisha felt it was

as exporting to Belgium and Italy.

the ideal time to set up operations in the UK.

The business now has manufacturing

She switched her banking facilities to Lloyds

café opposite a school and noticed the pupils’

facilities in Sittingbourne and, following the

Bank Commercial Banking, and the local team

tendency to choose unhealthy snacks.

funding support from Lloyds Bank, it has

provided a working capital facility to enable her

secured listings with Amazon and attracted

to purchase high volumes of stock and employ

early-stage interest from several other major

several new members of staff.

retailers including Holland & Barrett and

Nimisha used her own funds for product development and outsourced manufacturing to a company in Eastern Europe, where she

Nim’s Fruit Crisps uses bespoke machinery

Ocado. The business was also named Best

decided to test the products before launching

and a unique air drying process to transform

Local Producer at the 2016 Kent Muddy Stiletto

in the UK.

fruit into healthy crisps, which it then supplies

Awards, which recognises some of the best

to wholesalers and retailers in the UK, as well

independent local businesses.

Following the popularity of Nim’s Fruit

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BANK FINANCE

“Nim’s Fruit Crisps was originally launched in 2012 by single mother, Nimisha Raja, after she was running a café opposite a school and noticed the pupils’ tendency to choose unhealthy snacks.”

both in the UK and overseas and developing new products for our growing customer base.”

Mark Darby, manufacturing relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in Kent, said: “Nim’s Fruit Crisps is an innovative and forward-thinking manufacturing business and it was obvious that Nimisha had a clear strategy in place for the expansion into the UK. “It’s great to witness the business already going from strength to strength since launching here, and encouraging to see that Nimisha has so many exciting plans moving forwards.

“We are committed to supporting manufacturing businesses and this is why we have pledged to increase the amount of new “Access to finance proved to be a stumbling block, but when I was put in touch with Lloyds Bank the team understood my business

“Access to finance proved to be a stumbling block, but when I was put in touch with Lloyds Bank the team understood my business objectives from the outset, and the funding support was instrumental in allowing me to get my venture off the ground in the UK..”

objectives from the outset, and the funding support was instrumental in allowing me to get my venture off the ground in the UK. “The health food market has soared in recent years and it’s more important than ever that we’re able to maintain a competitive edge. I

funding support provided to UK manufacturing businesses by £1billion in 2016.”

For more information regarding funding packages, contact: Mark Darby Lloyds Commercial Banking mark.darby@lloydsbanking.com lloydsbank.com/business

look forward to continuing to grow the business

Nimisha now plans to put the funding to additional use by targeting new markets in the US and Australia, as well as expanding the Nim’s Fruit Crisps product line.

Nimisha Raja, Managing Director of Nim’s Fruit Crisps, said: “Setting up the company on my own was a big challenge and it made sense for me to start small, but launching in the UK was always my aim.

57

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ANGER MANAGEMENT

ANGER MANAGEMENT

by Maarten Hoffmann

BARKING MAD L

ike many of you, l have recently returned from a family vacation and therefore have not really had time to slip back into

far as humanly possible.

In my youth l was called a homicidal risktaker and considered slightly deranged as

‘grumpy old git’ mode and get steamed up

l could never refuse a bet, a challenge or a

about anything. I will hang onto this dreamy

frenetic response to anyone who would utter

state for as long as possible (l would give it

those dangerous words, ‘it can’t be done.’

another hour!).

I dived with over 2000 Scalloped

Therefore, l bring you a testament to the

Hammerhead Sharks in Baja, l rode a 10mt

indomitable human spirit and that need to do

Whale Shark in the Red Sea, l jumped from

more, go further and push those boundaries as

a 6th-floor hotel balcony into a swimming

60

pool, missing the tiled edge by less than 2cm, l rolled a cigarette on a motorbike at 85mph on the M4, l climbed into the rear seat of a Jensen Interceptor at 140mph on the Millbrook parabolic banked circuit, l was left in the Sinai desert with no water or food for 4 days to ‘find myself’, l sat at the bottom of the Blue Hole in Belize on straight-air scuba at over 110 metres, l remained when everyone else left during a total of five hurricanes, two of which were killer Category-5, and l waterskied to France in a

ANGER MANAGEMENT

“Mr Aikin was challenged to jump out of a perfectly serviceable aeroplane at 25,000ft – which, of course, is really no biggie.

The challenge was to do it without a parachute.

Sorry, without a what?!”

65ft from the ground. During testing, when they dropped a Luke-sized object into the net from

“Yes, oxygen was required at 25,000 ft, the height that Everest climbers call the Death Zone, and it was minus 17c.”

only 10,000 ft, it burst straight through and shattered into pieces on the earth beneath.

He finally jumped along with three other team members - one to film, one to pump smoke for the ground team and one to collect Luke’s discarded oxygen tank. Yes, it was required at 25,000 ft, the height that Everest climbers call the Death Zone, and it was minus 17c. All three buddies deployed their chutes at 5,000 ft and from there, he was alone and travelling at 150mph.

Force 6 gale. So, l have done my share of stupid stunts, but a chap called Luke Aikin makes me look like a decrepit granny with a walking frame.

His only aid was a system called PAPI, possibly standing for the blood-curdling scream he let out in wishing his Dad had stopped him from doing this, but which actually

Mr Aikin was challenged to jump out of a

means Precision Approach Path Indicator. This

perfectly serviceable aeroplane at 25,000ft

is similar to the system used by pilots to guide

– which, of course, is really no biggie. The

planes onto their landing spot. At 12,000ft the

challenge was to do it without a parachute.

device sounded a beep alerting him that he was

Sorry, without a what?!

at the half way point, followed by another beep

No parachute, no wingsuit - just jump.

at 6,000ft, and a final alert at 2,000ft, no doubt

The idea was to jump into a massive,

informing him that death was imminent. Eight

10,000 sq ft, net strung across a section of a Californian desert. Bearing in mind that, from 25,000ft, (that’s 4.7 miles) a massive net looks like a grain of sand - in fact, it could not even be seen for the first 15,000ft of the jump. If,

high-tech lights on the ground in formation were his only other visual clues as to where he

down once he hit the net, much as you would catch an egg in your hand. Oh, and the only way to survive the impact was to twist around and land on his back in the last 500ft!

After a 2-minute, 9-second descent, he landed in the net and broke just about every record in the book, much to the relief of his family. Mind you, they share the same deranged gene, as Luke’s mother completed six skydiving jumps whilst pregnant with Luke.

This human trait of going where no man

was going, and small movements of his body

has gone before is what got us to the moon,

the only steering method.

developed penicillin and located the Titanic.

The postage stamp-sized net was strung

in the unlikely event he actually hit the net at

between four huge cranes connected to four

150mph, it would then stop his descent only

compressed air cylinders that would slow him

Without it, we would still be swinging from the trees or grunting in a cave.

Thank heavens for people like Luke Aikin.

61

COAST 2 CAPITAL LEP

PREPARING THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE of careers education plans and meaningful, quality encounters for students and teachers with local, regional and national employers, training providers and apprentices.

Leading the coordination of this strategy for Coast to Capital LEP is Georgina Angele. Over the past 10 years, Georgina’s key focus has been to connect the public, private and voluntary sectors with education through strategic partnerships and careers, enterprise and employability projects (Young Enterprise, LoveLocalJobs.com).

Georgina says “the approach and structure of the Enterprise Adviser Network (EAN) enables educators and employers to create inspirational and informative encounters for young people that are directly linked to the world of work and the skills, attitudes and qualifications employers need to operate and grow their business.

Effectively, the EAN becomes the platform for business to pipeline local talent and skills directly from our education system and into local jobs

S

ince June 2014, when Lord Young published ‘The relevance of enterprise in education’ report, there has been an ever increasing spotlight on the work readiness, employability skills and the provision of quality information, advice and guidance to support people to make an informed choice about their pathway through education and into employment.

In December 2014, the Government created the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) and allocated £20m to it. The CEC is a Community Interest Company, independent from government and led by a board of directors from the private and public sector.

“The EAN becomes the platform for business to pipeline local talent and skills directly from our education system and into local jobs and apprenticeships.”

Over the course of the past 2 academic years, 37 of the 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) in England have embarked on a national initiative, (or mission, if you’d prefer) to recruit, support and coordinate a regional volunteer network of senior business leaders – Enterprise Advisers (EA’s) - from local private, public and voluntary organisations, to work strategically with school and college leaders on the creation

62

“Georgina is now actively recruiting business leaders and employers to join the local EAN and become an essential part of a national Enterprise Adviser Network that is already over 400 people strong across the country.” and apprenticeships.”

Over 20 schools and colleges between Brighton and Chichester are already engaged in the EAN and have been matched with an Enterprise Adviser (or two!). Funding to upscale the EAN over the next 2 years across the entire Coast to Capital LEP area is in place and therefore Georgina is now actively recruiting business leaders and employers to join the local EAN and become an essential part of a national Enterprise Adviser Network that is already over 400 people strong across the country.

The EAN will have a priority sector focus in line with those of Coast to Capital Skills Strategy, including Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Creative Digital & IT, Construction, Health & Social Care and Visitor & Rural Economies.

To find out how you can be involved, contact Georgina directly on georgina.angele@coast2capital.org.uk or 07879 980444.

COAST 2 CAPITAL LEP

EA PARTNER PARAFIX CELEBRATES STAFF SUCCESS EA partner Parafix is Europe’s leading converter of self-adhesive and flexible materials; supplying custom die-cut components into medical, automotive, electronics and industrial markets. MD, Mike Punter is an Enterprise Advisor and avid supporter of the network and he works closely with the Sir Robert Woodard Academy, including employing past student Laura in an apprenticeship role.

Mike commented: “We are delighted to celebrate the completion of Level 3 BTECs in Mechanical Engineering by two of our employees – Laura and Luke. My personal role as an EA is based on my desire to pay back something, because of what I have achieved, so working with the Sir Robert Woodard Academy just shows what can be done when a local community commits itself to a plan.”

Laura, our Engineering Apprentice, began the BTEC, as well as an NVQ, two years ago as part of her apprenticeship at Parafix. Luke, a Machine Operator, saw the opportunity to gain the same qualifications and asked Parafix Management if he could also study these courses.

Impressed by Luke’s enthusiasm to learn, we agreed to support him in both the BTEC and NVQ. For two years Laura and Luke have attended Northbrook College once a week to study the BTEC, which included modules of maths, mechanical principles, drawing, pneumatics and hydraulics.

The course has complemented Luke’s understanding of the machines he works with every day; the way they operate and how they’re built. If the machinery isn’t running as it should, he knows exactly where to look to rectify it and he can also perform the maintenance of machinery.

Laura is able to apply the course to her every day work as she continues to learn about Parafix and the work of the R&D department,

for example creating CAD drawings for prototypes.

I am incredibly proud of Laura and Luke for their hard work and commitment. Their enthusiasm and willingness to improve their skill sets are highly valued qualities and I wish them luck with the completion of their NVQs. Well done to both”.

Laura commented: “I’ve really enjoyed the BTEC and it has certainly aided the understanding of my work at Parafix. It helped to have Luke study with me too, as walking into a male dominated classroom for the first time was a little intimidating”.

Luke commented: “I really appreciate being given the opportunity to take on more challenges; not only from my studies, but also in training to use more complex die-cutting machinery. I’ve enjoyed the work and it’s been great studying alongside Laura, especially when I’ve struggled with the maths, which was to A Level standard!”.

Luke and Laura have completed and submitted all of their BTEC work and are awaiting their final results. They continue to work on their NVQs and Laura will begin an HNC in September.

Peter Midwinter, Principal, of Sir Robert Woodard Academy said; ‘As an Academy we are thrilled to learn of Laura’s continuing success. It is clear that there are many pathways available for young people to pursue their careers and life ambitions. Through our partnership with our EA, Mike Punter, we endeavour to ensure that all avenues are kept open and the needs of our students are provided for be it through formal education or enriching activities facilitated by other providers such as industry, commerce or FE and HE establishments. What Laura’s experiences have shown is that university is not the only route to achieve.’ www.parafix.com Mike Punter with Luke and Laura

63

LET MINI DRIVE YOUR BUSINESS. If you run a business, MINI has a range to suit your needs. With compelling monthly rentals, unrivalled design and first-class performance, it’s time to find out which MINI works for you.

To find out more please contact our Local Business Development Manager, Dean Eaton, on 0800 915 47500 or visit www.vinesofgatwickbmw.co.uk/business

MINI Business Partnership Official Fuel Economy Figures for the MINI Range: Urban 27.2-72.4 mpg (10.4-3.9 l/100km). Extra Urban 47.9-91.1 mpg (5.9-3.1 l/100km).

Combined 37.7-83.1 mpg (7.5-3.4 l/100km). CO2 Emissions 175-89 g/km. Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

MOTORING

MOTORING NEWS MISSING E-TYPE A ‘missing’ Jaguar E-Type, one of the most sought-after early examples of the model, has been recently discovered in the depths of Scotland and was offered at auction by Silverstone Auctions in July and the hammer dropped at £140,630.00.

The whereabouts of the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster, chassis #62, one of the first 92 right-hand models produced, has been a mystery to classic car historians for decades.

With most of the first 20 cars produced being allocated for competition use, the very first road cars, distinguished by their outside bonnet locks, were supplied in July 1961 to Jaguar dealerships to be used as demonstrators. These early cars are considered to be the ‘Holy Grail’ of E-Types, and arguably of all collector’s cars.

TOP TEN SUPERCARS

LAND SPEED RECORD ATTEMPT

Ferrari’s legendary poster icon, the F40, has topped a poll to find out the best 10 supercars of all time, carried out by the organisers of The Fast Car Festival - a major new show that took place at Donington Park, Derbyshire, on July 30-31, 2016.

Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle brand, has confirmed that it will return to the legendary salt flats of Bonneville, USA, in August 2016 to break the motorcycle world land speed record. Triumph’s aim is to exceed the current record that stands at 376.363 mph, using its purpose built 1,000 bhp Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner.

The F40, built to commemorate the brand’s 40th anniversary in 1988, was the last model to be signed off by company founder Enzo Ferrari himself before his death. It was, at the time, the fastest car in the world, and was said to be the closest thing possible to an F1 car for the road. It was also a sensational looking machine, and still is.

The top 10 supercars of all time were: 1. Ferrari F40 2. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 3. Ferrari La Ferrari 4. McLaren F1 5. Koenniggsegg 6. Porsche 911 7. Pagani Zonda 8. Ferrari Enzo 9. Audi R8 10. Jaguar XJ220

Riding the purpose-built Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner over the measured mile will be Isle of Man TT racer and multiple speed record holder Guy Martin.

Title partner for Triumph’s 2016 record attempt will be global cloud applications provider Infor with further support from iconic clothing brand Belstaff.

The Triumph Infor Rocket features a carbon Kevlar monocoque construction with two turbocharged Triumph Rocket III engines producing a combined 1,000 bhp at 9,000 rpm. The motorcycle is 25.5 feet long, 2 feet wide and 3 feet tall.

Powered by methanol fuel, the bike is competing in the Division C (streamlined motorcycle) category.

CAR OF THE YEAR The Jaguar F-PACE has been named Car of the Year by the UK’s best-selling weekly car magazine, Auto Express, as it also picked up the Compact SUV of the Year title Anthony Joshua, recently crowned World IBF Heavyweight Champion, congratulated Jaguar on its latest title, as he took a closer look at the F-PACE. Already the fastest-selling Jaguar ever.

Completing a hat-trick of wins, the Jaguar XE also picked up the Compact Executive Car of the Year title for the second year running at the Auto Express Awards. The Jaguar F-PACE is the most practical sports car on the road, combining maximum driving exhilaration with efficiency and space, starting from £35,020.

I get my hands on it on September 26th so watch this space.

65

MOTORING

VW TIGUAN

By Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

T

he Mark 1 Tiguan from Volkswagen sold phenomenally well and actually outsold the entire 67-year production run of

the Land Rover Defender in only eight years!

This new model not only has all the strong

more room in this new model with each seat row raised by 8mm despite the roof line being slightly lower. This makes it easier to slip in and out, and with sliding rears seats, there are plenty of options for long legs and luggage.

The drive is exactly what you would expect - well planted on the road and built to last and although the AWD is optional, why on earth would you not take it. Add to this the optional Dynamic Chassis Control and head-up display

characteristics of the original but is a very

and this starts looking like a class leader.

handsome car. Since launch in 2007, they have

Beside the Nissan Qashqai, it would be odd to

sold 2.8 million of them worldwide and over 100,000 of them in the UK. The drive is typically German - no fuss, no rattles and no revolution. It could be said to be a tad dull inside but that’s a small gripe as it does exactly what is says on the tin.

But they have added some frills such as the brilliant Virtual Cockpit from the Audi TT and any smartphone can be easily connected to the large infotainment system. And there is

66

“Japanese cars are good, of that there is no doubt, but l don’t think l have ever found one l liked.”

understand why anyone would plump for the Japanese model when the Tiguan offers so much more, is better built, has better resale value and is a superior drive.

Japanese cars are good, of that there is no doubt, but l don’t think l have ever found one l liked. They lack any personality whatsoever and they all look a little drab and uninspiring and l find them the perfect cure or insomnia.

I can now hear many of you grinding your teeth

MOTORING TECHNICAL STUFF Model Tested: Tiguan SE 2.0 TDI SCR 150 PS Engine: 2.0 litre turbo Power: 150 bhp Performance; 0-62 mph in 9.3 seconds Top Speed: 127 mph Economy: 58.9 mpg combined Price from: £22.510.00 As tested: £28,035.00

“But they have added some frills such as the brilliant Virtual Cockpit from the Audi TT and any smartphone can be easily connected to the large infotainment system.” and listing all the great and inspiring Jap cars.

Good luck with that, it’s a short list.

Although it won’t worry many cars off the line, it is brisk enough to satisfy with smooth and well-chosen gear ratios, plenty of traction and a comfortable ride. At motorway speeds,

as standard. If you are intent on a Tiguan, go

then pay the price. The Kuga is quite a good

for a 2.0 TDI 150 SE Nav in 4Motion form and

match and only the terminally insane would go

add Active Info Display (£585), LED headlights

for the Mazda over any of these.

(£1350), Discover Nav Pro (£1365) and Dynamic Chassis Control (£790).

The Tiguan proved to be more fuel efficient

it really does feel planted and body roll is

than expected during testing, returning better

negligible in the corners.

than 50mpg when touring – a result as good as

There’s a big jump in price between midspec SE Navigation and upper-level SEL

any you’re likely to see from a car of this ilk.

Its rivals would be the BMW X1, Mercedes

The Tiguan is everything the modern family would need and, as always, VW tend to produce models that sit exactly where they intend within the sector and slightly displace all other models. It’s not the most inspiring drive but then the average punter is not really looking for

trim, because the latter gets adaptive LED

GLA, Ford Kuga and Mazda CX-5 and it stands

that - they want build quality, safety, economy,

headlights, 19in wheels, adaptive cruise control

up well against all of them. You’ll get a more

decent residual and style, and in these

and VW’s Active Info Display TFT instruments

involved drive from the Beemer and Merc, but

respects, the Tiguan is a winner.

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MOTORING

RANGE ROVER SPORT

By Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann

T

he Sport version of the worlds best 4 x 4 vehicle has now been with us since 2005 and sells by the bucket load. And

so it should. It has all the characteristics of the full-fat Range Rover but is lighter, shorter and quicker. What’s not to like?

For me the only complaint l have ever had was the loss of the spilt tailgate and therefore the loss of the convenient seat that presented itself when one suddenly found oneself at a point to point meeting or a grouse shoot. If that has not happened to you, you need to get out more.

The new Sport finally comes with the optional seven seats and with a weight saving of 400kg, it is agile. Off road, it does the business with the ability to wade through 85cm of water and has a far greater axle articulation and wheel travel than its rivals.

68

There are two diesel options – the potent 292bhp SDV6 and an interesting new diesel hybrid – alongside a deranged 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 that makes 510bhp and will propel the RRS to 60mph in five seconds

“To purchase the V6, although very good indeed, is like being in bed with Heidi Klum and playing dominoes - really, quite a waste of a great opportunity.”

flat. Too slow for you? Enter the SVR, whose 550bhp output cuts this to just 4.5 seconds.

The SVR is the product of JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division and is for the totally mental, LA rappers and Saudi princes - and me. Who on earth would not want the finest 4x4 in the world that’s capable of 62mph in 4.5 seconds, will go onto 162 mph and will lap the Nurburgring in 8 minutes and 14 seconds - the fastest ever recorded time of a standard SUV. It will cost you just south of £100,000 but that might just be the best 100 grand you ever spent.

All engines use an eight-speed auto that offers a smooth and progressive drive and for a heavy seven-seat SUV, its composure on twisty B-roads is quite baffling. There are lots of computer gizmos working away to keep it stable and flat (ish) in the bends but you

MOTORING TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: 3.0-litre SDV6 Engine: 2993 cc V6 Power: 254 bhp Performance: 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds Top Speed: 130 mph Economy: 33.2 mpg combined Price: £62,700.00

“The SVR is the devilish product of JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division and is for the totally mental, LA rappers and Saudi princes - and me!”

just don’t know any of this is going on even though there are sensors firing information to the main computer 500 times per second.

The interior is lavish and sumptuous and leaves you wanting from nothing.

You climb ‘up’ into all Range Rovers of course and once there you are rewarded with a superb seating position and swathes of wood and leather. The SatNav, as in all JLR models, is touch screen and l find this highly useable and the Sport is the first Landie to offer a colour head-up display. If l didn’t have a house l would be more than happy to live in here. TV, great sounds, electric leather seats, air conditioning, a Champagne fridge, full Bluetooth connectivity - hell, scrap that, l will move in here as it is better equipped than my house.

The majority of UK buyers will go for the V6 diesel as it will return 38 mpg but to do this is to totally miss the point. This car was built to be a V8. It needs a V8 to bring it alive and to releases the inner monster that lies beneath. To purchase the V6, although very good indeed, is like being in bed with Heidi Klum and playing dominoes - really, quite a waste of a great opportunity.

It is impeccable on the motorway and 2000 miles in one session would be a breeze, A and B roads are a blast and off-road, it will be pulling other mud pluggers out of ditches all day long.

Both the Range Rover and the Sport are consummate professionals and it is tough to know how they could be bettered. In that mythical 7-car fantasy garage, there would have to be a place for the Range Rover Sport and if you can afford seven garages and the price of seven cars, then go mental and buy the SVR - you would never regret it. If it’s good enough for Bond, it’s good enough for me.

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Birchwood Ford

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£338.00 per month*

Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCI Vignale Powershift AWD 18” alloy wheels Vignale grille – upper and lower Front and rear parking sensors Ford KeyFree system Dark privacy glass for rear windows

£344.67 per month*

Birchwood Ford

Lottbridge Drove, Eastbourne, BN23 6PX 01323 407099 Eastbourne Road (Nr Uckfield), Halland, BN8 6PS 01825 700737 Sedlescombe Road North, St. Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7SQ 01424 230865 www.birchwoodford.co.uk Official fuel consumption figures in mpg (l/100km) for Ford Car range: urban 34.0-48.7 (5.8-8.3), extra urban 50.4-68.9 (4.1-5.6), combined 42.8-60.1 (4.7-6.6). Official CO2 emission 109-154g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 692/2008), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. *Monthly rentals are plus VAT for business users only based on a 6+35, 10,000 mile per annum, non-maintained contract. Excess mileage charge applies and varies per model. Vehicles shown are for illustration purposes only. These offers supersede all previously advertised offers and are subject to availability. Prices correct at time of going to press. Licensed credit brokers, written details available on request, finance is subject to status. E&OE.

Table Talk

MY FOOD DIARY

By Amanda Menahem

J

uly has turned out to be unexpectedly gluttonous. I blame the

unusual in that it is 100%

weather. The horrendous rain and wind drove me to red wine

cabernet Franc, one of my

and big dinners. Then the sun came out. That drove me to gin and

favourite grapes. Langlois

tonics in the sun and well…. big dinners.

This month, read about my culinary trip to Guernsey, a wonderful weekend destination for food and drink lovers, as you’ll discover on page 74.

is owned by Bollinger so I assumed immediately they know what they’re doing. And they do. Light and fruity with fine bubbles

What of my other food highlights? Well, I have been venturing further

and plenty of structure.

afield than normal this month. I enjoyed a great lunch at The Pint Shop

I absolutely loved it, and

in Cambridge. If you haven’t been to Cambridge you must. It’s one of the

at only £14.95 it’s a real

most beautiful cities in the country with a great food and wine scene (being home to the two Michelin star Midsummer House). A fascinating city for a day trip (or better still an overnight).

The Pint Shop was positively reviewed in the national press a couple of years back when it opened, and has become a bit of an institution. It specialises in (yep) beer. Not something I know much about (shameful I know, but I only have so many hours in the day), so I was grateful for an interesting wine list as well as the terrific food.

bargain. Speaking of wine, read about my trip to Bolney on page 78.

Two launch parties happened in July. Fiirst up The Jetty, the seafood restaurant forming part of the new Harbour Hotel on the seafront. This was a great bash and with the excellent Simon MacGuire back home to Brighton after a stint running the Kensington Hotel in London, at the helm as Ops Director for the group, I knew we were in safe hands. It looks like there’s a great team at the hotel and the bash was top notch. Champagne was flowing all night along with delectable canapés providing miniature tasters of what’s on offer on the main menu.

My second launch of the month was (dare I say it) even more impressive. Hotel Du Vin. What a party! I have to say, the new GM Ben Haynes has won me over. I have met him on numerous occasions now and he is understated, humble, eagle eyed, passionate about what he does and possesses real vision and attention to detail. I have never seen the staff as happy as they are now. The atmosphere on the night was fantastic thanks to the fun the team were having. This is a great achievement for any leader.

The spread on the night was beyond expectation. A full bank of roast meats with all the trimmings, an antipasti station with the best charcuterie and cheeses, a seafood bar, an ice cream stand, a wine

I enjoyed a rosé Blanquette de Limoux (a full-bodied sparkling wine

tasting station, free flowing Ridgeview and a free bar all night. OMG. And

from the Languedoc) and three small plates as follows: Gin Cured Sea

all my favourite people were there. The lovely Andrew Kay from Latest

Trout, Buttermilk Pancake, Pickled Gooseberries, Salad of Charred

magazine, Tom Flint from the Brighton Indy and not to mention all the

Broccoli with Hazelnut Dressing and Char-grilled Sardine with Salsa

food festival crowd and tourism alliance folk. A wonderful evening.

Verde. All delicious.

After lunch I paid a visit to the Cambridge Wine Merchant. Here I purchased what has turned out to be my wine choice of the month, Langlois Cremant De Loire Brut Rose. The Loire valley is famous for its sparkling wine and is the largest producer outside of champagne. This particular bottle is

I have since been back for lunch. The chicken liver parfait with hazelnut brioche was outstanding; the brioche in particular was impressive, rich, buttery yet light and studded with toasted hazelnuts.

I spotted a pork belly on a neighbouring table and decided this is what i would have when I return to review the restaurant later in the month.

Read the full review on page 72. All I can say is mmmm pig!

Amanda 71

Table Talk REVIEW

Hotel Du Vin

By Amanda Menahem

R

egular readers will know of my long-

Now, under the watchful eye of General

I’d recruited and managed for many years

standing admiration for Hotel Du Vin, the

Manager Ben Haynes, all of this is changing.

and who is now doing extremely well. I love

original benchmark for boutique hotels

Improvements include a new bar food menu

catching up with him, his success means a lot

in the UK. The bar in Brighton, with its intimate,

with well-executed tapas-style offerings (for

to me so I love hearing about what he’s up to.

understated glamour, has long been one of my

example Grilled Calamari and Croquettes) and

Also, he’s a total foodie. Our one-to-ones at

top three places to drink in the City. There’s a

a brand spanking new Bistro with a new look

work usually descended into conversations

great winter bar, with its library/loungey feel,

and menu (with seasonal changes in April and

about recipes, wine and restaurants. So with

and now a good summer destination with its

October).

high standards, he’s an ideal guest.

attractive outside terraces.

The Bistro, originally headed up by Chef Robb Carr, used to serve a starter that became a favourite - Scallops on a Pea Puree with Bacon Jam and Crispy Pancetta. On one occasion, the Restaurant Manager brought out

❝

Much of the wine list is also new and is mostly good with a range of options to suit most budgets

❞

a little pot of the bacon jam as a gift from the

In terms of the ambience, I am not entirely

Chef, a gesture I’ll never forget and the stuff

a fan of the new look. It is brighter and retains

of truly excellent customer service - a whole

an air of elegance, yes. But the blond wood

team working together with the same ethos

slightly cheapens the look and the paintings on

to deliver a memorable experience where the

the wall are frankly bizarre (staff have said that

customer feels valued and special.

the new look has inevitably divided people). I

Then something went awry. The food disappointed, service became patchy, staff came and went. On occasions I would sit in the bar area and wouldn’t be approached. I once waited almost 20 minutes for a waiter to take a drinks order.

72

would make sure the lighting is dim enough at night come winter, because the intimate French bistro feel is not something they should lose.

For me, it was core to the appeal of the brand.

On this particular night I took an excolleague, Nick, a very talented individual who

I have written previously about some of the excellent dishes I’ve had recently from this menu, but there’s an issue with the starters.

The mains are quite full-on (pork belly, lamb breast, steaks and the like) and so starters need to provide balance; there should be some light options. These are lacking.

I had the Chicken Liver Parfait and Hazelnut Brioche on a previous visit and it is delicious.

But I knew I was going to have the Gloucester Old Spot Pork Belly with Pommes Mousseline and Jus de Veau, so wanted a lighter starter.

Other options were the House Pate (parfait and pate are variations on a theme!), or a Breaded Fried Pork Terrine (a type of pate) and Saucisson en Brioche (a meat and bread combo again), or Beef Carpaccio with Scotch Egg. Can you see my point? The other options were fish/

Table Talk

❝

Service was excellent. This really stood out.

Attentive, obliging, knowledgeable, friendly and chatty. We were extremely well looked after and this is what used to set Hotel du Vin apart from other places.

❞

The Pear and Almond Tart was a triumph. Warm, light almondy frangipane on a crisp, thick, pastry base with a light homemade honeycomb ice cream. A great combination. and I do love pastry, thick or thin. On a previous visit I had had the Pot au Chocolat – this is also good, a rich dense chocolate hit (but with an unnecessary condensed milk style topping which I simply scraped off). Their Crème Brulee was always well made and I suspect it still is.

For wine, Nick chose a Malbec and I chose the Pinot Noir Rose to start.

This is a delicious rose, much better than the other Rose on the menu (from Provence) in that it is more delicate, subtle and balanced with fresh berry and vanilla on the palate. A great starting wine, but not the ideal accompaniment to pork, so I moved on to the California Pinot Noir. It’s one of my favourite wines on the list here. Light enough to go with the pork but rich enough to stand up to the big flavoured jus. seafood orientated; a Scallop Ceviche, Grilled Prawns, Moules, Fish Soup.

Vegetarians are limited to a tomato consommé. Most good restaurants will have some kind of salad-orientated option as a starter, be it a grilled goats cheese, or beetroot or something.

I didn’t feel like tomato water, so went for prawns. These were nice enough with a pastis and chilli butter. They would have been enhanced with a squeeze of lemon to lift them. Nick chose the Crispy Pork Terrine.

This was good he said, but lacked seasoning.

Onto mains. My pork belly was glorious. Perfectly cooked, fat

Much of the wine list is also new and is mostly good with a range of options to suit most budgets. I was disappointed to see the removal of English sparkling wine by the glass (you can still purchase by the bottle). And they need to get bottled soda behind the bar (a bottle of flat sparkling water just doesn’t cut it when you ask for something and soda).

Service was excellent. This really stood out. Attentive, obliging, knowledgeable, friendly and chatty. We were extremely well looked after and this is what used to set Hotel du Vin apart from other places.

Brighton lacks truly top-notch service in all but its fine dining venues,

completely rendered, meat falling apart with great depth of flavour and

and I think Hotel Du Vin has the potential to achieve it with the quality

a crisp shard of crackling. The accompanying jus was rich and perfectly

team they have here now, led by a GM who has passion and talent.

seasoned. Sides of Haricot Vert, Chantanay Carrots and Sautéed Spinach were all spot on - not over buttered or salted (as is so often the case), instead perfectly seasoned allowing the flavours of the vegetables to

I, for one, am optimistic and delighted. I will be reviewing the winter menu in October so look out for that.

shine. The exception was the pommes mousseline served with my pork.

Pommes mousseline is meant to be a particularly buttery, rich style of mashed potato, but this was more like a standard mash, not enough butter and a bit starchy and bland. Actually I was a little relieved - it meant I could leave it alone to make way for dessert.

Nick enjoyed his lamb breast, as I knew he would - it’s fantastic. It arrives as two rolled lamb breasts which have been slow braised and then seared producing both that melting, luscious meat but adding a charred flavour. I think these two dishes are the best on the current menu.

For dessert we chose a Salted Caramel Fondant and a Pear and Almond Tart, the latter being one of my favourites. I could see what the Chef was trying to do by creating a fondant based on a current public obsession, but as a caramel the sponge element needed to resemble a sticky toffee pudding in texture (moist, sweet and gooey) with oozing caramel. Instead, the sponge reminded me of bread pudding. Nick tasted it too and agreed it was too dry and wasn’t quite sweet enough. The accompanying custard was, however, spot on.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro 2 Ship Street , Brighton, BN1 1AD Tel: 01273 855221 Email: reception.brighton@hotelduvin.com

73

Table Talk

Guernsey A Gourmet Getaway

By Amanda Menahem

trip to Guernsey and discovered a

A

gourmet getaway, especially given the mere

burgeoning artisan food and drink

50-minute flight from Gatwick. It would be

scene alongside beautiful beaches (especially

quicker to fly to Guernsey than get a train to

Cobo Bay), picturesque countryside ideal

London at the moment, but that’s for one of

for walkers and the pretty harbour town of

Maarten’s Anger Management articles…

couple of months back I took my first

St Peter Port, with its cobbled streets and Regency architecture. When invited for a gastronomic weekend (with fellow food writer, the lovely Tom Flint), I jumped at the chance to return.

I heartily recommend Guernsey for a

❝

Somewhat unsteadily, I ventured next to cocktails at the Old Government Hotel.

Thanks to the Brighton and Hove Food Festival team, there are strong food links between Sussex and Guernsey. Many of our greats from Sussex (including Ridgeview wines and Blackdown spirits) are heading out to join friends as part of the Guernsey Food Festival in September (see details below). One of the Festival’s sponsors is First Central who employ 600 staff in Sussex.

Here’s a taster of what to expect.

❞

After a straightforward morning flight my Guernsey experience kicked off with lunch at The Pavilion restaurant, which is overseen by executive chef Tony Leck, chair of Taste Guernsey. Tony is passionate about the local produce, and having worked all over the UK decided to make Guernsey his home – this is in itself an indicator of the culinary inspiration provided by the island’s produce.

The Pavilion is part of St. Pierre Park Hotel. The décor is a little ‘corporate’ in its styling, but the

St. Pierre Park Hotel

74

hotel is a good value choice for

business events and nestles comfortably in beautiful grounds.

Before lunch we were treated to a cocktailmaking masterclass by the charming and quirky James Le Gallez of ‘Aperitif’, a mobile bar and cocktail consultancy.

James is heading up the forthcoming Guernsey Cocktail Week and was entertaining and knowledgeable. Unlike many cocktail experts, James explained the reasons behind certain techniques, as well as the history of the equipment and ingredients he used. We had fun making two interesting and unique cocktail creations using Guernsey produce (including a lovely damson gin – more on that later).

On to lunch. We were treated to a selection of small plates representing different elements of the menu. Tony, a ruggedly handsome man, presented us each with a copy of his cookbook ‘Pavilion on a Plate’, which has received a number of accolades including winner in the Gourmand World Cook Book Awards 2012. Flicking through I was struck by the accessibility of the recipes in the book – fine dining made easy (much like my dinner party go to: ‘Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets’).

A Crab Florentine stood out amongst a

Table Talk

❝

It would be quicker to fly to Guernsey than get a train to London at the moment, but that’s for one of Maarten’s Anger Management articles…

❞

platter of antipasti followed by a taster of

the most of the original period features and

desserts, which included a well-made warm

decorated in muted colours – all very (early)

apple and almond tart.

Hotel Du Vin. The hotel is now part of the prestigious ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’

Next up, a trip to try some Guernsey cheese.

club and I can see why.

Mandy and Peter Gerrard at Guernsey Golden

Luke is a trained chef and passionate gin

Goats supply cheese, milk and meat from home

connoisseur. In fact he even distils his own

reared golden goats. Not only did we taste a lovely fresh tangy and creamy goat’s cheese, but I even got to cuddle a baby goat! Mandy

Old Government Hotel

gin, a venture so successful that he has now started selling one of his best creations,

and Peter live in idyllic countryside where

was beginning to feel thankful for bringing a

Wheadon’s Gin. This is distilled with grapefruit

goats roam freely in what is basically their

large suitcase for this trip…

and rock samphire (balancing salty and citrus

back garden. Once I’d torn myself away from some extremely cute baby goats, off we went for booze this time courtesy of Haut Maison Liqueurs.

Katherine and Stephen Payne welcomed

Somewhat unsteadily, I ventured next to cocktails at the Old Government Hotel. There l tasted their chicken liver parfait - smooth and creamy with good brioche. The bar exudes old world glamour, with impeccable table service

us to their Haut Maison, which turned out to

(reminding me of my favourite line from the

be a huge stone farmhouse where they distill

film Arthur “aren’t waiters wonderful, you ask

liqueurs from an outbuilding using berries and

them for things and they bring them to you”).

other ingredients grown on their land. These

They have an excellent gin selection all served

include loganberry, raspberry, boysenberry and

in large goldfish bowl glasses with the correct

a damson gin (used earlier by James to make

garnishes. I enjoyed The Botanist with sprigs

our cocktail). We walked through the gardens

of thyme and lemon. This is an ideal pre-dinner

tasting the berries as we passed, before

destination – although in fact it was a prelude

sampling the finished product. My favourite

to what would turn out to be a major gin

was the horseradish vodka.

extravaganza back at the Belle Luce hotel.

This would be good in a Bloody Mary or to

notes), an unusual and interesting combination that has fast become one of my favourite gins.

It’s best served, so I discover, with a wedge of grapefruit.

Luke runs gin tasting events as part of the

My goodness, Belle Luce is impressive.

Firstly, the building itself – a large period stone house tastefully converted to a luxury boutique hotel. It is both elegant and informal. “Luxury with its shoes off” as owner Luke Weadon describes it. The bar area feels like a country pub, there’s a lounge area /snug making

offering at Belle Luce. I attended one, of course.

This lasted a good 90 minutes in the beautiful snug with at least 10 gins sampled and

accompany a beef carpaccio or salmon starter.

I was also rather partial to their espresso vodka –ideal for making espresso martinis. I

Belle Luce

75

Table Talk compared. The real treat was when Luke

The only slight disappointment was dessert,

brought out some samples of his own

a chocolate sponge and mousse concoction that

creations, hand-labeled in artisan bottles. They

was slightly lacking in ‘wow’ factor. But then

were interesting and delicious. Being a chef he

what had preceded it was always going to be

has a natural talent for flavour combinations,

such a tough act to follow. The menu changes

achieving balance and harmony within the

regularly making the most of the local seasonal

finished product.

produce from land and sea. I would describe

The star event of the weekend was dinner at the hotel. I had been looking forward to this having recalled an excellent lunch on my last visit. I wasn’t disappointed. We started with

the style of cooking as gastropub at its very best. After this mighty feast I was more than ready to climb the stairs to my comfortable bed.

Snails at Le Petit Bistro The

a seafood platter – a luxurious and generous selection of hot and cold fruit de mer. Amongst

next day,

the highlights were tempura soft shell crab,

I skipped

mussels, scallops, both grilled and ceviche,

breakfast to

crab and lobster. All perfectly executed. Next up

make way

On to the finale of the weekend. And boy what a finale. Afternoon tea back at the Old Government hotel.

This kicked off with a gin cocktail and then a

was an incredible cote de boeuf with sides of

for lunch

glass of perfectly chilled champagne while we

truffled mac and cheese (very ‘now’) and triple

at hotel

chose from the extensive loose-leaf tea menu.

cooked thick chips (some of the best I’ve had).

Ziggurat, a

Now I am not usually one for ‘afternoon tea’,

Naturally the beef was locally reared, and hung

Moroccan

which has always struck me as a thing that

in the premises of Belle Luce for over 30 days.

themed

gets in the way of what could be a much more

hotel with a

interesting lunch or dinner. I had intended just

roof terrace

to pick at a couple of things. No chance!

It was flawless.

Kofte at Ziggurat

dining area overlooking the bay. A stunning location from which to enjoy a feast of expertly cooked authentic Moroccan cuisine. Stand-outs were a spiced pan fried sea bass, a lamb shank

❝

Even the shortbread biscuits were some of the best I have tasted

tagine, sweet potato fries, a fattoush salad, some excellent meze including kofta, aubergine wedges, hummus and falafel.

I could have sat there all afternoon soaking

cote de boeuff, Belle Luce

❞

This was the best afternoon tea I have

ever had. The quails-eggs Benedict was tiny but luscious and delicate; there was more

up the sun and gazing out to the sea but there

of that wonderful chicken liver parfait, mini

was more eating to be done. Namely, snails at

homemade smoked salmon bagels and cream

Le Petit Bistro. This was a delightfully authentic

cheese alongside the usual sandwiches. And

French bistro with an all-French team. Here

then the Scones. Warm and fresh from the

I enjoyed a Crement de Bourgogne rose (a

oven with accompanying Guernsey butter,

sparkling wine using the same method and

clotted cream and jam. These were light and

grapes of champagne but made in burgundy)

delicious. Two mini tarts, one a fruit the other

and the best snails I have had outside of

a sublime Bakewell, both with excellent pastry

elegant Chateau Neuf du Pape. The wine list is

France. I wish I hadn’t filled up at Ziggurat, the

crisp and buttery. Even the shortbread biscuits

impressive here, and has a good selection of

menu reads like the epitome of good value,

were some of the best I have tasted – crumbly

quality wines for under £30 as well as more

French classical bistro dishes. This is a place I

and buttery. The only elements I thought dipped

prestige options.

will certainly return to.

below the stellar standard of the rest were the

The food was washed down with a rich and

lemon drizzle cake and mini chocolate éclairs. http://www.hautmaison.com/. http://bellalucehotel.com/ http://www.hotelziggurat.com https://www.facebook.com/www.guernseygoatscheese.co.uk. http://www.theoghhotel.com/

Everything was completely homemade by award winning resident chef Simon McKenzie (who I have written about previously). I ate the lot.

I departed Guernsey a few pounds heavier in

http://petitbistro.co.uk

both luggage (Wheadons Gin and Horseradish

(http://www.cocktailweek.gg)

Vodka) and stomach. But boy was it worth it.

16-24 September – Guernsey Cocktail week

Never mind the Lake District, Cotswolds or

22nd September – 2nd October Guernsey international food festival

Cornwall – for high quality cuisine in wonderful

Find out more about the exciting line up of food and drink events happening as part of the

surroundings, get yourself to Guernsey.

festivals at http://www.visitguernsey.com/content/food-events

76

Table Talk NEW BISTRO AT

Hotel du Vin T

he Hotel du Vin in Brighton opened its doors for a big party to launch its luxurious new bistro. The refurbishment

comes 15 years after Hotel du Vin Brighton’s debut, and showcases the brand’s continued commitment to set the trend for Brighton’s lovers of stylish food and drink.

The new look follows a period of significant

rs Claire Walsh, Tony Russell, Clare Roge

investment into the hotel with upgraded

Lawrence Hiller Wood, Linda Buckham [Uni of Sussex] Paul Zara [Conran]

outdoor terrace, bar and guest rooms.

Nick Halliday, Chief Operating Officer of Hotel du Vin, said: “We are delighted that the refurbishment of the new Bistro has been completed at Hotel du Vin Brighton. We look forward to welcoming guests into our new Bistro and showcasing the fantastic food we have on offer. Whilst Brighton is fast paced and ka Emily Jones, Ian Trevett, Nelly Akpa

always changing, it has always been recognised

Lynne Edwards, Mark Ansell, Fiona Anderson, Jenny Ardagh

as a great dining destination. We are confident that the new experience we are offering guests will ensure that Hotel du Vin remains the cornerstone of what the City has to offer those who love great food and drink in a stylish setting.”

Esther Dawson, Nick Mosely, Hannah Simpson-Banks

Mike & Jennifer Mendoza and David Sheppard & Guest

], Katie Jessica Cocum, Diane Cheung [Gars Meredith Tanswell [Walk in Wardrobe], Karen

Natasha Askaroff [EMC], Bryn Jone s [Cable & Cotton]

Kate Mosely and Joogleberry’s Sue

Popper

The Launch of the South Coast Prop erty Networking Group

77

Table Talk PRODUCER PROFILE

Bolney Wine Estate

By Amanda Menahem

I

really am living in the best county there is.

since the 1990s. Unusually for a Sussex wine

There’s something about vineyards that

I love sparkling wine (I love all wine but I’m

producer, Bolney has become known as much

instil a sense of calm and peace. Perhaps it’s

particularly fond of bubbles) and so what

for its still wines as sparkling. Their Pinot Noir

the unconscious association with the act of

better place to live in the UK than the South

is highly regarded, having won Bronze at the

enjoying wine, a slowing down and appreciating

of the country, where we are fast building a

Decanter World Wine Awards 2012 and Silver

a moment and the connection with earth to

reputation for world class sparking wine. I

and Best in Class at the International Wine and

glass. While I stood on their outdoor terrace

have already written about wonderful Wiston

Spirits Competition. Quite an achievement for a

appreciating the view I was served a glass of

(issue 24) and remarkable Ridgeview (issue 22)

grape variety that’s notoriously hard to master.

Bolney.

Bolney Bubbly. This achieved both Bronze at the Sommelier Wine Awards 2016 and Silver at

and so it was about time that I got to beautiful As I stepped through the doors into their

the Premium Select Wine Challenge at Prowein

brand spanking new café I was immediately

2014/2015, and delicious it was too. I found it

drawn to the views overlooking acres of

well balanced and easy drinking. Its description

vineyard. The estate is situated on a hill that

at the awards - “Clean, with toasty, biscuit

from 3 to 39 acres since 1972, and has been

was originally part of the Butting Hill One

aromas and citrus, balanced and fresh on the

run by head winemaker Samatha Lintner

Hundred, listed in the Doomsday Book.

palate” is spot on.

And beautiful it is too.

Bolney Wine Estate as it is today has grown

78

Table Talk

❝

There’s something about vineyards that instil a sense of calm and peace.

Perhaps it’s the unconscious association with the act of enjoying wine...

❞

Ashtead and run by ex-chefs (with excellent credentials from top London establishments such as Claridges). These were some of the best canapés I have had in some time. Among them were fresh calamari, mini duck rillette, smoked salmon blinis, a delicate pastry cone with a tangy goats curd filling. All of these worked well with sparkling wine. This was a good advert for their offering and I am seriously tempted to book one of their courses as a result.

After some sipping and mingling, none other than Ollie Smith (one of the resident wine experts on Saturday Kitchen) officially opened the new café and visitor centre. As part of his speech he expressed praise and pride at the quality of wines being produced in the region. Ollie then proceeded to belie his suave, genteel image by hacking the top of a bottle with a machete.

If you are a wine lover I would highly recommend a day trip to Bolney.

If you are a walker or hiker it would make an ideal pit-stop for wine tasting and lunch or light bites. Ideally, go when you don’t need to drive…

Ollie Smith I perused the café menu and was immediately impressed. Serving home made and wholesome breakfasts, lunches and bites/platters using local ingredients, such as the Goat’s Cheese (from Lewes) Salad.

The cheese and charcuterie plates caught my eye as being an ideal accompaniment to wine tastings. The cheese is mostly supplied from local award winning High Weald Dairy, who were also in attendance on the day providing an impressive array of their produce. I shall be paying them a visit soon.

Each dish on the menu is matched with a recommended wine should you so choose to indulge (and have a driver with you). Most of the Bolney wines are available by the glass. It reminded me of the approach taken by new world wine estates; providing a full experience for visitors.

While we sipped our bubbly, excellent canapés were provided by Four Gables Food Academy, which is actually a cookery school based in

79

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

’TIS THE SEASON TO BE PLANNING

By Julia Trevett-Smith

I

Consider the food and drinks bill. Be clear

Food is usually expected at the Christmas

about what is included. Is there free wine

do, so do organise a menu tasting prior to

with a meal and a pay bar after that? Make

booking so you can sample the quality of

sure staff know, and remember that a big

the food on offer. Consult with the chefs and

part of the offering is a thank-you to staff for

your staff to ensure there are vegetarian

ahead of the game:

their hard work throughout the year. It won’t

options and that other dietary requirements

1. Planning ahead is key: the best venues,

boost morale if you ask for a contribution.

can be catered for. The food is an important

and even the best deals, can be snapped up

It’s better to do something less fancy, but

part of the event, so making sure the venue

with an early booking. It also allows you to

cover the cost.

is used to catering for large numbers is

t may feel slightly surreal, but taking the time in the summer months to book your Christmas party will mean you’ll have a slick,

well-organised, festive celebration.

Here are our six top tips to help you get

spread the cost if you are paying some of

another must. There’s nothing worse than

the bill up front.

the whole evening falling flat because the

It’s a daunting prospect sifting through the hundreds of venues and menus and finding the right one for your company. Ask your staff, get a feel for what your colleagues would like. You can’t please everyone, but you can work with a general consensus.

You might be surprised by some inventive suggestions.

2. Setting the date early is a good way of ensuring most people are available to attend. Check out the consensus on a few possible dates with staff first and go with the majority for maximum attendance.

Sending a ‘save the date’ email out early

“Entertainment can make or break your event, so some carefully planned surprises can lift your teams’ spirits and add to the party atmosphere, plus it’s a great way of ironing out any awkward small talk.”

can lift your teams’ spirits and add to the party atmosphere, plus it’s a great way of ironing out any awkward small talk.

Musicians or magicians working the room, circus acts, casino tables and giant games are but a few of the many options for adding some entertaining sparkle to your event.

You’ll want to consider music, too. A small dance floor is always a plus.

6. Thank-you speeches and awards: the

well they’ve been doing. Pick

budget is tight, you might want to consider

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event, so some carefully planned surprises

to let your staff know how

3. Work out your budget and stick to it. If the

bigger event may be a good way of offering

5. Entertainment can make or break your

Christmas party is a great time

will help to ensure a good turn-out.

venues offering shared parties. A table at a

food and/or service is awful.

some serious and 4. Food and drink: festive drinks to get your

funny awards

some entertainment without blowing the

crew in the party spirit are a great way to

to present to

budget. Maybe you can buddy up with other

kick-start the evening. If you are worried

staff to let them

companies in the same building to create a

about a certain contingency using up the

know how

bigger event with a shared cost. It’s always

drinks budget with excessive rounds of

much they are

good to save a bit of the budget for any

Jäger bombs from the off, consider drinks

appreciated.

unexpected costs.

vouchers, or limit freebies to wine and beers.

E N J OY L IV E M U S IC F R O M

On Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays Throughout December 3 COURSE MEAL HALF A BOTTLE OF WINE DJ AND DISCO

Enjoy all the fun of the fair at our New Year’s Eve Brighton Rocks Party 3 COURSE DINNER HALF BOTTLE OF WINE PER PERSON DJ & DISCO Try your hand at one of our seaside themed stalls or go for a spin in our full size indoor dodgems

THURSDAY 8 & 15

£39.95PP

FRIDAY 2,9 & 16

£44.95PP

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SATURDAY 3, 10 & 17

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To book or for more information contact us on

01273 720710 | hilton.com/brightonmet enquiries.brightonmet@hilton.com HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE, KINGS ROAD, BRIGHTON, BN1 2FU FOLLOW US f facebook.com/hilton.b.metropole t twitter.com/brightonmet

CHRISTMAS PARTIES PROMOTION

A FESTIVE REVOLUTION I

t’s no secret that Christmas starts at the heart of Summer. Whilst everyone else is thinking about sun lotion and jet setting, here at Revolution we are busy finalising those festive plans and perfecting our Christmas offers for you!

If you’ve been tasked with planning your Christmas party, get in touch with our Sales & Events Team. Joanna and the team have over 12 years’ experience in event management so you will be in good hands. Brimming with ideas and a database of entertainment connections, we can help you bring your ideal Christmas Party to life!

Revolution Bars Group PLC is one of the leading operator of premium bars, with a strong national presence across the UK and significant growth opportunity. The Group’s Revolution bars have been trading since 1996 and are a destination of choice for customers who value their focus on a premium drinks and food-led offering. The Group’s second brand, Revolución de Cuba, was established in June 2011 and has delivered strong returns on investment since inception.

The City of Brighton is no stranger to Revolution Bars’ unique approach to food, drink and partying! Set just a stone’s throw away from the beach, Revolution’s chic design sets the scene for your special event.

Set over 3 floors Revolution Brighton boasts five separate rooms each with a unique feel, from the intimate Rum Attic perfect for private functions that harks back to the days of Prohibition; to the elegant Lounge mixing contemporary, opulent design and comfort. Not forgetting the Courtyard, undercover and heated for those not so sunny days, it is the perfect place to host an event alfresco. All rooms ideal for Premium Dining, Cocktail Masterclasses and Private Functions or Meetings.

Specialising in Cocktails, Food and Parties, Revolution offers you a premium lunch & dinner menu, a constantly evolving Cocktail Menu, Premium Spirits, Wines and Draught, as well as the best place to party in Brighton!

Contact Joanna, our Sales & Events Manager, and the team on 01273 806090 or email bookings-brighton@revolution-bars.co.uk for event enquiries.

www.revolution-bars.co.uk/brighton 77 West Street Brighton BN1 2RA 01273 80 60 90 82

BUSINESS AWARDS

BAHBA TICKETS NOW ON SALE

The most exciting night in the Brighton business calendar? Probably!

T

ickets are now on sale for what is probably the most exciting and fun night in the Brighton business calendar.

Following last year’s success at the All Saints Church in Hove, the BAHBAs return once more on Thursday 15th September with their Bollywood spectacular.

Some of the Brighton’s biggest and best (and youngest and newest) make up the 33 finalists shortlisted for 14 awards at this year’s ceremony.

This year’s event, which will once more be presented by Brighton’s finest MC, Stephen Grant, begins with a Ridgeview sparkling wine reception. Catering is provided by the award-winning Curry Leaf Café who will be serving street food, sharing platters of chicken curry, potato, spinach and cauliflower masala alongside poppadums, chutneys, raitas, samosas and pakoras. Exciting rosewater and pistachio ice cream and coconut and lime sorbet will follow. And of course entertainment from the Bollywood dancers.

Sponsors for 2016 include Allied Irish Bank, Brighton and Hove Buses, Cardens Accountants, City Cabs, Dental Health Spa, Gatwick Airport, Gemini Print, Graves Jenkins, Martin Searle Solicitors, RBS, Robinson Low Francis, TSS Facilities and Yelo Architects. Platinum Business Magazine, Title Sussex, Juice 107.2FM and The Argus are media sponsors.

The BAHBAs are supported by the Chamber of Commerce, Brighton & Hove City Council, Brilliant Brighton, the Brighton and Hove Food Festival, the Brighton Business Curry Club and Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance.

Tickets are on sale now and cost £70 each. Purchase yours at www.bahba.co.uk

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SOME OF LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

OUR SPA IS YOUR SPA

SPA MEMBERSHIP

(Available 5 days a week – Monday to Friday – within spa opening hours)

3 MONTH MEMBERSHIP - £80 PER MONTH (payable upfront in full) Joining Fee: £50. If you choose to extend your membership your joining fee will be returned in the form of spa credit to the value of £50. Your monthly fee will also reduce to the 12 month cost from the 4th month.

12 MONTH MEMBERSHIP - £68 PER MONTH (payable upfront in full or by Direct Debit) Joining Fee: £70. Your joining fee will be returned at the end of the 12 months in the form of spa credit to the value of £70.

Membership Terms and Conditions apply. Full details will be supplied on application.

For details and enquiries call 01273 224398 or email spateam@grandbrighton.co.uk THE GRAND BRIGHTON, 97-99 KING’S ROAD, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX, BN1 2FW www.grandbrighton.co.uk |

The Grand Hotel Brighton

@GrandBrighton

HOSPITALITY AWARDS

HONOURING BRIGHTON’S HOTELS

A CELEBRATION of the hospitality industry is returning for a third year with the promise of the biggest and best event yet.

T

he Brighton and Hove Hotel Awards launched in 2014 as an industry event and staff party for the city’s hardworking hospitality workers.

It has quickly captured the attention of the wider business community, with plans for a 400-capacity event for the 2016 event.

Organised and hosted by The Grand Hotel, Brighton the categories include Unsung Hero, Outstanding Manager of the Year, Warmest Welcome and Best Breakfast.

The event aims to celebrate all levels of the industry from the smallest and cosiest of independent guesthouses to the city’s bighitting branded and luxury hotels.

Auction house Christie’s is the headline sponsor for the event, while each award category will have its own sponsor.

Sponsors include The Argus, Midnight Communications, Brighton Visitor, British Airways i360, Handelsbanken, RBS, Platinum Business Magazine, City Cabs, Visit Brighton, Lastminute.com. Booking.com and HIT Training.

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Each will send a representative to make a secret visit to shortlisted businesses for judging.

AWARD CATEGORIES:

It is expected that the event will be attended by over 400 local hotel owners, managers and teams as well as many local dignitaries and high profile business people.

• Ambassador for Customer Experience

The Grand’s General Manager Andrew Mosley said: “This is a celebration of the success and comradery of the hospitality industry.

“We want to raise the quality of the industry through friendly competition and show that everyone is stepping up standards.”

Any accommodation provider who is a member of the Brighton and Hove Hotels Association can enter.

The awards will be held on Tuesday November 15th at The Grand, with a drinks reception, 3 course dinner and the ceremony.

Tickets are £20 for BHHA members or £35 for non-members with a dress code dress to impress.

• Best Breakfast

• Cleanliness Award • Outstanding Manager of The Year • Warmest Welcome (Branded) • Property of The Year (Branded) • Warmest Welcome (Small/ Independent) • Property of The Year (Small/ Independent) • Unsung Hero / Heroine • Charity and Community

HOSPITALITY AWARDS

RAISING STANDARDS IN OUR HOTELS

Andrew Mosley, General Manager at The Grand, Brighton, explains why Brighton and Hove launched the Hotel Awards and the impact they have already had.

How did the idea of awards develop?

It came from a conversation I had five years ago with Guy Hilton, who was then the GM at the Hilton Metropole. He’d had some success in Newcastle with awards in association with the local Hoteliers Association. We agreed that it could work in Brighton.

Neither of us were precious about hosting it and decided the Hilton should host it because they had more event space, which meant they wouldn’t have to turn away any other bookings.

We even agreed that we would not enter the awards.

We wanted it to be an enjoyable event for the hotel community but also aim to raise the bar in terms of standards across the city. It’s a great message for tourism if the city’s hotels are striving to make themselves better all the time.

The idea was delayed as Guy moved on to Gatwick, and the new GM at the Hilton, Howard Lewis needed to settle in at the hotel. Howard was keen, and the Hoteliers Association were happy to invest £2,000 into the project, so after quite a lot of hard work by the teams here and at the Metropole, the event took place in November 2014 and it was a very jolly affair.

The first event was very much an industry event, but the event seems to have embraced other businesses.

After year one, the business community, particularly in Brighton, really woke up to it being a good idea, and we started to receive approaches from people asking how to get on board. Then we had hospitality industry names such as Matthew Clark (drinks suppliers) and Laterooms realising that it was a good brand association. This year we have the event sponsored by Christie’s.

Is it correct that this year The Grand is both hosting and organising the event?

That’s right. Last year, it seemed rather ironic that we had come up with this idea and then we couldn’t win, so we asked the

Hoteliers Association Exec to organise the event. They did a fantastic job and we had 350 people at the Hilton in November 2015, but at the end of the night the Chairman, Jeremy Ogden, said, “That was a massive job. We need to find a way to do this more simply.”

I sat down with my team and suggested that we should go forward with a proposal where we basically organise it, run it, deliver it and underwrite it ourselves. They were very keen, so we have taken on the job, though it is still very much the Hoteliers Association Awards.

I anticipate that we will have 400-450 people here at that event on November 15th.

It’s still keeping its roots because it’s still a light-hearted affair, enjoyable for all. We’re not pricing it out of itself. It’s not there to make tens of thousands of pounds and the underlying message is exactly the same, that we are

raising the bar of standards in the City. Entering awards is quite a cathartic and reflective exercise and the feedback from judges is very useful.

Has it built a stronger sense of community amongst hoteliers?

I’ve been in the City for six years as part of the hotels community and I think it’s as strong now as it ever was, and what is really noticeable is the connection between the large hotels and the small hotels, which at one point was quite disparate and separate. The meetings are really well attended. It’s nice that the 6-bedroom guesthouses are mixing with 340-bedroom Metropoles, and acknowledging that we are in the same business. We all have the common aim that we want to bring leisure and tourism to Brighton and Hove.

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FINANCEFOCUS 2016

Up to date?

Join us for one of our popular, free, half day Finance Focus seminars aimed at keeping company directors, financial controllers and others abreast of recent business, tax and wealth developments.

This year we will pay particular attention to the anticipated impact of the Brexit vote (what else!) for entrepreneurial businesses.

Our half-day sessions will include updates and planning points for tax (both company and personal), accounting and VAT, as well as guidance on company valuations and alternative sources of finance.

Dates and locations: • Thursday 6 October • Tuesday 11 October • Thursday 13 October • Tuesday 18 October • Thursday 20 October

London Arundel, Sussex Gatwick / Crawley, Sussex Maidstone, Kent Brighton, Sussex

For further information or to book your place at one of the above seminars, please visit the web address below, or contact our Marketing team on: events@krestonreeves.com +44 (0)330 124 1399

www.krestonreeves.com/events

SCHOOL NEWS

BIG APPLE PARTY RAISES THOUSANDS

S

tudents and parents at Hurstpierpoint College recently raised over £20,000 for three children’s charities. Cheques for £4,673 were presented to representatives of Brainwave, Starr Trust and Winton’s Wish.

The ‘Big Apple’ themed party was organised by the Hurst Parents’ Association and the College’s community group, Hurst Society.

The party was held at the school campus and attended by parents.

Money was raised for the charities through a silent auction, with prizes including a villa to rent in Slovenia and an Ultimate Porsche experience at Silverstone, donated by Porsche Centre Mid-Sussex. A photograph taken and donated by Year 11 Hurst student Charlie Parsons also raised £75 in the auction. Tickets to the Derby Meeting at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead also attracted people to buy raffle tickets which raised a large amount of money towards the total.

Director of Marketing, Gillian Luis-Ravelo commented, “The event was so successful because of the support of a number of companies who offered their services and saved us thousands of pounds. They included Coordination Catering, run by Gevin White who offered us equipment for the event and

the College’s catering company, Sodexo who provided the three course meal.”

Austin Kearley will directly benefit from the money raised. The money will pay for his guardianship, an assessment and support at Brainwave.

Brainwave aims to improve the mobility,

communication skills and learning potential in children suffering from brain injuries, autism and genetic conditions. The charity has three centres in England that work with children with a wide range of conditions and developmental needs such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and developmental delay.

Also receiving over over £4,000 each, were Winston’s Wish and the Starr Trust. Winston’s Wish is the leading childhood bereavement charity in the UK. They offer practical support and guidance to bereaved children, their families and professionals. Winston’s Wish help over 40,000 children every year through their Helpline, weekly groups, support programmes and one-to-one support services.

The Starr Trust is an independent, family-run charity based in Hove. It was formed to help 1018 year-olds reach their full potential through sports, arts, and education providing grants, training and mentorship. The charity’s income comes entirely from community fundraising and donations.

Find out more about the charities online at brainwave.org.uk; winstonswish.org.uk and starrtrust.com

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EDUCATION INTERVIEW

A PASSION FOR SKILLS Ian Trevett talks to Julie Kapsalis, the busy Vice Principal at Chichester College, who also manages to find time to be a board member of the Coast to Capital LEP, the Chair of Chichester Chamber of Commerce and look after a young family.

A

fter a career in PR, promoting some of the world’s most high-powered brands, Julie Kapsalis now finds herself quite at home in a muddy field showing off sheep.

“I’m passionate about understanding the rural economy and engaging our young people in its development. At the recent Cranleigh rural show we had three of our team from Brinsbury showing sheep. I never thought I could get so passionate about showing sheep.

“You have to wear a white coat and look the part,” she explains. “I’m told it’s all about the trust you have with an animal, so holding them correctly is important, a bit like when they show dogs at Crufts.”

Starting a business interview with sheepshowing may be a tad unusual, but it is a classic example of how Julie loves to throw herself fully into any project. If her students happen to be showing sheep, Julie wants to know exactly what it involves.

“I like to roll my sleeves up and get involved,” she says. “It’s the best way to learn – to go and talk to people, to understand what the challenges are.” Throughout the interview I got a strong sense of Julie’s great determination. In her own words: “If someone says no, we can’t do something, my ears normally prick up. I use

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any opportunity to show off what the students do and support them. I think it’s probably the best part of my job.”

Julie’s unwavering commitment to her students even includes bravely trusting her hair styling to the trainee hairdressers. “I like to be a guinea pig for the apprentice hairdressers.

Sometimes I’m a bit worried, when they start cutting your hair and you say, ‘How long have you been cutting?’, and they say, ‘Two weeks.’ Or when you ask, ‘How many live people have you done?,’ and they reply, ‘You’re my first.’

“I have always been interested in skills, not just skills for learning’s sake, but actually

“Julie’s unwavering commitment to her students even includes bravely trusting her hair styling to the trainee hairdressers,”

about how you can make skills relevant to businesses. Also, having a family of my own changed my perceptions. It brought it a bit closer to home and made me think I’ve got a real vested interest in the future of young people.”

Julie’s career began in PR and marketing, evolved through to business development roles and now sits comfortably managing the commercial side of a large educational establishment. She started her career in PR managing international brands such as Becks Bier and Fosters, as well as international darts tournaments.

Julie enjoyed 10 years at the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), where her passion for supporting businesses grew. At SEEDA Julie progressed to Director of Business Programmes. She was invited to be an advisor to the UK Government’s task force on women’s enterprise, which was set up by Gordon Brown, and was also involved in the bid for London to host the 2012 Olympics.

A career crossroads presented itself when the government closed down all regional development agencies. Julie’s work on the Olympic bid had been noted and the organising committee asked her to lead their regional

EDUCATION INTERVIEW The role at Chichester includes looking after the college’s commercial businesses, as well as an examination board, an international language school, a chain of three childcare nurseries, plus the apprenticeship schemes.

Chichester College covers the whole spectrum of education, both academic and vocational. “We are really proud to have a 99% pass rate at A-Levels. Our student demographic is really varied. We have 14-year-olds, through to people in their 70s and 80s on adult courses, plus a range of ages in people studying to change their careers. We offer traditional academic A-Level subjects and a wide variety of vocational courses. We’ve got about 3,000 apprentices, so that’s a really important area for us.

“Apprenticeships vary, depending on the vocation. Some have block release, studying at college for a week, really intensively, and then are out with the employer for the next couple of months. Others have day release, or we might go and deliver teaching in the workplace.

It’s about finding the right solution for the businesses.”

Julie’s PR background has been invaluable in her approach to the commercial success of Chichester College’s international language school. “PR is particularly important in certain cultures. Japan is our biggest market, China is also important. It is all about building relationships; the whole culture of meeting with the right people and exchanging gifts. Some of the lovely things you can see in my office form the eclectic collection of gifts from foreign delegations. It represents that sense of trust.

“I have always been interested in skills, not just skills for learning’s sake, but actually about how you can make skills relevant to businesses.”

‘Inspire’ campaign, which looked to the legacy of the Games and how to get more people involved in volunteering and sport. Julie recalls her involvement with pride: “The thing I am most proud of is work we did on the Paralympics, working with people who had mental and physical disabilities, who had never engaged in sport, and seeing the difference it made in their lives. That was phenomenal.”

As the Olympics started, Julie had her

second son and she took a six-month break from her career. She returned with a short stint at Guildford College before taking on her current role at Chichester College in August 2014. In the same year, Chichester College’s Ofsted Report was judged as outstanding.

“It would be very easy to say job done, but actually nobody is perfect. You never are, you’ve constantly got to know what to do better, what to improve on.”

“If you are a Japanese parent sending your 16-year-old daughter overseas for the first time, you want to know who is going to be responsible for looking after your child. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s one I take really seriously.”

As well as the day job, Julie is a board member at the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), where she chairs the business grants panel, and she is also Chairman at the Chichester Chamber of Commerce. She has an in-depth understanding of what local businesses and the students need. But one thing she doesn’t need is any more furniture. As she shows me around the exhibition of furniture designed and crafted by students, she points out the items she intends to buy. “My husband will kill me! Every year I bring home new furniture and we don’t have the space. But the quality and craftsmanship is just so good!” As always, the students come first.

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CLOUD TALK POKÉMON GO, SECURITY CONCERN

MICROSOFT STREAM

If you have not heard of Pokémon Go before it’s a relatively new game developed by Nintendo.

The aim is simple – played anywhere, it is to catch Pokémon characters who can be anywhere. The result means your employees can play it at work and this is where the trouble lies.

Although Pokémon Go can be a lot fun, it is important to understand the risks.

It is possible to have Pokémon Go images of the inside of your office, and employee’s office desktops within the game, with computer screens displaying readable, possibly confidential, company data. This now makes Pokémon Go a serious potential security breach so here is a summary of the risks you should be aware of: To play the game, you have to give the app permission to use your network connection, camera, position and microphone.

If you play Pokémon Go in the office, images or video of confidential company data, embargoed information and other confidential information may be shared on the internet by the game itself or, unintentionally, an employee.

At least one fake virus-infected Pokémon Go app has already been discovered for Android devices. In combination with the wide range of permissions you give when you install the game, an infected game can compromise your personal data, and have access to confidential company information on a smartphone.

By installing Pokémon Go, you allow it to assist you to automatically login to Google, your Google email account, or other cloud applications, such as Google drive.

Pokémon Go is not the only game that requests extended permissions to access the data on your smartphone. What makes Pokémon Go so much more of a risk is the combination with images, video and location data.

People that play Pokémon Go should look out for any apps that request full access to the data on their smartphones.

To avoid these risks, consider not allowing employees to play Pokémon Go in the office.

Recently announced, Stream is proclaimed by Microsoft to be ‘the secure destination to manage and share videos for businesses of all sizes’, but what is it? Well to summarise, Stream lets employees easily work together on videos, and then share that content. Think of it as an in-house business You Tube channel with video that can be integrated into your business workflow.

Accessed via a video portal you can view all the videos company employees have shared with you, subscribe to channels, search for any subject matter you want to explore, follow colleague’s videos and more.

Stream is set to ultimately replace Office 365 video.

DROPBOX ADMINX AdminX is a new dashboard for IT admins to better tailor and control their company’s files and users on Dropbox Business accounts.

Features include a new version of folders for individuals, teams and larger groups, all with more granular permissions across the board that can be managed from the dashboard; more enhanced controls for syncing files, letting admins choose which files will be synced locally and which are not, meaning that they can be modified depending on the device being used, and the amount of disk space available.

The Cloud Consultancy Europe are authorised Office 365 resellers

If you would like help and advice with your IT infrastructure call me. t: 00 (44) 1342 716873 e: jamie.shaw@thecloudconsultancy.eu w: www.thecloudconsultancy.eu 92

uk.linkedin.com/in/shawjamie

STUDENT AWARDS

BUSINESSES SUPPORT NEW STUDENT PRIZE SCHEME T he University of Brighton has launched a new suite of student prizes, which it hopes to extend across the whole university to inspire students in all disciplines.

The Breakthrough Awards have already attracted sponsorship from a range of businesses and private individuals including: DMH Stallard, Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company, Knill James, Norman Cook and Cressida Cowell, author of How to Train your Dragon.

By pledging £1,000 per annum for three years, a new annual Breakthrough award worth £500 will be set up for the subject area of each sponsor’s choice. The remaining £500 of the contribution will be directed towards one of the university’s student experience projects such as the Student Support Fund, or one of the many student scholarship programmes.

Businesses can choose the subject area for their prize, and get involved in the naming of the award. They will also have the opportunity

to network with other supporters and share in the winning student’s success at the annual celebration event in November.

DMH Stallard has sponsored a prize for Law with Business LLB (Hons). Managing Partner Richard Pollins said: “DMH Stallard has supported University of Brighton student achievements and awards for many years, and we are excited about this new and innovative student prize scheme. We have a strong connection with the city of Brighton and Hove, and a number of our solicitors were University of Brighton graduates. We plan to offer the winning student some work experience with the firm.”

Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company has sponsored a prize for the best Urban Planning project. Managing Director Martin Harris said: “Supporting students is an important part of investing in the future of our city. To be able to encourage excellence in the development of urban planning skills

Richard Pollins, Partner, DMH Stallard

through the University’s Breakthrough Awards, recognises the growing importance of developing skills to meet the huge challenges around urban design and travel.”

For information about supporting a Breakthrough Award, please contact us at giving@brighton.ac.uk, on 01273 642600 or visit www.brighton.ac.uk/breakthrough/ platinum16

Norman Cook

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GATWICK DIAMOND INITIATIVE

THE NORTH & SOUTH Divided or Connected?

Asks Jeff Alexander, Executive Director of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative

W

hen I joined the Gatwick Diamond Initiative at the start of April, little did I know that, two months later, we would see a national vote to leave the EU and a new Prime Minister! Now we are watching with interest to see what direction the new cabinet will take with regard to investment in the economy and its attitude to what is sometimes called the North/South divide.

The starting point must include recognition of the fact that the South East makes the highest net contribution to the Treasury of all the regions - £6 billion more than London. With a GVA of £240 billion, the South East economic output is second highest in England after London.

The Gatwick Diamond is one of the strongest economies in the South East and the UK. Home to 45,000 businesses and 500 international businesses, it creates £22.3 billion in GDP each year and offers a strategic location with excellent connectivity, a talented labour force, and a well-developed supply chain across a range of growth sectors.

This is not to gloat - I am all for industrial policy that supports the less well-performing parts of our country to reach their economic potential. However, too often the issue is presented as “either/or” with the relative success of the Gatwick Diamond and wider South East economy portrayed as a problem.

Jeff Alexander

shows that the benefit of the Gatwick and Heathrow options are similar. However, the Gatwick option offers economic benefit more evenly spread around the country. This is because the market dominant position of Heathrow would concentrate the connections, and therefore economic impact, in West London. So it is clear which option offers a balanced industrial strategy for the UK. A strong South East is essential to our country as a whole. Building on how things connect rather than divide our regional economies is even more important post Brexit.

As an aside, we need to qualify “relative success” – it is a domestic rather than international comparison. A comparison of South East productivity with that of leading economic regions world-wide suggests considerable untapped potential. This indicates that the South East economy is “underperforming” rather than “over-heating” as is sometimes suggested.

Over time, a successful industrial strategy could lead to a narrowing of the North/South economic gap. But our goal, whatever part of the country we live or work in, must be for that to happen through more equal sharing of the costs and benefits of baking a bigger cake.

That will only be possible through growing the international success of our businesses supported by investment in world-class infrastructure across the country.

We need industrial policy that reflects the joined-up nature of our national economy.

Take for example, the debate over airport capacity expansion. The Airports Commission’s prediction of economic value of expansion

So that is the longer-term goal. For now, the performance of the Gatwick Diamond and the South East will continue to catalyse the national economy (I hate terms like “Powerhouse” and “Engine” as they suggest

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that a national economy is like a machine with pre-determined functional parts – it is much more complex than that).

As a society we rightly demand that all parts of our country should enjoy the same standards in public services such as education and health, but this has to be paid for and the South East’s contribution comes at a cost. The Government cannot afford to be complacent about our ability to continue to generate wealth for the country as a whole and to bear the cost that involves without commensurate investment.

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, has declared that he is ready to ‘reset’ the Government’s economic policy to respond to any slowdown caused by the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The Gatwick Diamond Initiative will therefore be calling for the Government not to take the wealth our businesses and people create for granted.

To be successful, a business must invest in its best performing assets for the good of the business as whole. That applies equally to the management of a national economy – and the Gatwick Diamond is a national asset.

Contact Jeff at the Gatwick Diamond Initiative on 01293 813950 or email jeff. alexander@gatwickdiamond.co.uk

BUSINESS GRANTS

CAPITAL SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

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f you are a small or medium-sized business (SME) based in the Coast to Capital area, find out how applying for a government grant could help boost your expansion plans.

Grants are now available for start-ups, established businesses and social enterprises struggling to secure funding to grow and create new jobs via the Business Growth Grants initiative.

Back for a second year, Coast to Capital LEP has pledged to award £2.4 million to local businesses who can demonstrate their benefit to the region’s economy.

Businesses are invited to bid for a grant of between £15,000-£100,000. Whether you are a start-up seeking investment or a medium business in transition, you could meet your targets ahead of schedule with Business Growth Grants.

Managed by partners West Sussex County Council, the programme is open to businesses pursuing financial support to purchase capital items and committed to creating new job opportunities.

Project proposals for the funding are accepted exclusively from organisations operating in the Coast to Capital region covering: West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, Lewes, Croydon, Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead, Mole Valley and Tandridge.

The £2.4 million fund is more than double that which helped to create 57 new jobs in year one – a figure projected to reach 148. Since the

Higgidy

programme’s launch last year, £1 million has been allocated to 28 successful applicants.

Fast forward twelve months and one Brighton-based grant recipient recalls its transformation from local to global broadcaster. Latest TV producer Angi Mariani revealed how the company chose to match its grant of £19,000 enabling them to create and complete programmes for sale on the international market.

“The grant helped us conclude a deal with Amazon Prime to sell our best programmes on their platforms and reach millions of new viewers worldwide.”

The funding also facilitated the recruitment of promising young editors and filmmakers brought in to promote the city across the UK and further afield.

Premium pastry manufacturer Higgidy from Shoreham-by-Sea received £93,973 to support their business’ development after feeling the pinch of rising prices in recent years. CEO James Footit explained how the supermarket supplier has given greater man-power to its sauce making line since creating 12 new jobs.

“The grant we received has enabled us to do substantially more of our sauce making process – this improves our quality, our traceability, our margin and above all will create jobs.”

Funding applications are welcome from all industries, however preference will be given to

businesses within key Coast to Capital sectors.

These highlighted services include; advanced engineering, manufacturing, healthcare, life science, medical technology, goods & services, creative, digital and IT and environmental technologies.

Eligible businesses can apply to the Business Growth Grants programme by submitting an EOI form. Coast to Capital and West Sussex County Council encourage businesses not to delay and complete their application before the total funding is allocated.

More information on eligibility and criteria can be found on the Business West Sussex website, you can also download the EOI form at www.businesswestsussex.co.uk/ businessgrowthgrants.

Realise your future ambitions sooner and apply for a Business Growth Grant.

Contact us today for further information and to discuss your project, email businessgrants@westsussex.gov.uk.

Latest TV studio

95

DIGITAL MARKETING

HOW TO LAUNCH AND BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ONLINE

by Shea Bennett, Head of Digital Marketing at Identity

W

hen you think of the word branding you typically think of companies, but in these heady days of social media

encouragement to Telemachus. Today, the word mentor is used to describe someone who shares wisdom and knowledge with

accessible by prospects and clients, bosses

“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.”

and colleagues. How we cultivate and develop

Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon

a mentor is an important early step.

almost all of us also has a personal brand. This digital footprint is our online identity, easily

someone who is less experienced, and if you’re just beginning your personal branding journey finding and working with

this brand requires attention and care, but it’s

Platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter

an essential and important step in business

have made it very easy to reach out and

marketing – companies are, after all, made up of people, and one of the most effective ways to humanise an organisation is to champion its star players.

Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos defines

1. Who Are You? This is the critical first step in personal branding: the creation of your personal brand vision. This will outline your mission statement, beliefs, ethics, objectives and

connect with potential mentors. You are looking for someone that will work with you (either in a paid or unpaid capacity) to share experiences and stories, keep you focused, offer perspectives and provide motivation. Your mentor should be a good

branding as “what people say about you

goals, all from a business perspective.

when you are not in the room”, and this is an

It’s good practice to actually write this

excellent way to think about it. Take a moment

personal brand vision in a document and

to consider how others think of you now – how

refer to it frequently as it will help to

would they describe you to a stranger? By

clarify your purpose, and then initiate and

Before you start to implement your

competently managing your digital presence

guide your personal brand strategy going

personal branding online it is essential

you can shape and guide your personal

forward.

that you sit down and lay out your strategy.

branding in the direction that you want and show people who you are, what you stand for and how you like to do business.

In this article I will look at how to best

2. Define Your Target Audience Good personal branding ultimately works the same way as the branding of any business and to successfully implement

listener and someone who is available to you when you need them.

4. Get All Of Your Ducks In A Row

This will involve planning content as far in advance as possible (a minimum of one week, but ideally one month or more) and then creating and scheduling that content.

launch and promote your personal brand to the

this strategy you will need to define

Poor planning leads to poor results, and

highest professional capacity online.

your target audience. The best way to

the internet is a veritable graveyard of

accomplish this is to determine your

abandoned social media profiles and blogs.

customer avatar – specifically, who is your

Spending a weekend at the beginning of

ideal client? This needs to be as detailed

every month focusing on your content –

as possible and it can be helpful to write

which includes all writing, images, links to

down exactly who you are targeting, even

be shared, and so on – might seem like a

going as far as naming the avatar! This will

lot of work, but it will help you relax in the

be tremendously valuable when managing

weeks to come, confident in the knowledge

your personal branding as having an

that you won’t have to be continuously

Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon

individual in mind when creating content

scrambling to update your digital presence.

makes the process both easier and more

5. Identify Which Digital Platforms Are Right

effective.

3. Connect With A Mentor

96

For You When launching any new venture online

The term “mentor” was first used in

it’s very tempting to try to be everywhere.

Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. Odysseus

There’s a certain logic here – by embracing

asks his friend Mentor to watch over

every possible digital platform you will by

his son Telemachus while Odysseus is

definition be “out there” to a huge degree

away at the Trojan War. Many years later

– but it’s an exercise in futility. You will

Athena, the ancient goddess of wisdom

stretch yourself far too thinly, and the work

and Odysseus’ protector, disguises herself

involved in updating all of these channels

as Mentor to bestow crucial advice and

will become a job in and of itself.

DIGITAL MARKETING

It’s far better to start with just a few digital

includes time!) it is imperative that you

outposts and then implement additional

implement a paid cost per click (CPC)

platforms when you are more experienced

campaign behind your personal brand

and better able to manage the workload.

across all of your social media outposts.

Here are just some options that you should

Use these channels to share wisdom,

consider.

insights and industry news, liaising with

Blogging – Arguably the most effective

other thought leaders and potential

way to launch a personal brand online

mentors. Ask questions, answer questions

is through the use of a blog. Blogs are a

and build authority.

Richard Branson

great way to show authority and expertise, and they also provide a brilliant source of content for your social media updates.

Google loves blogs – they are a great SEO tool and, updated regularly, will drive a lot of relevant traffic and become an asset to your brand. Don’t forget about the value of

“The term “mentor” was first used in Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey.”

writing blog content for other websites, too – these guest posts are a brilliant way to raise your profile!

Social Media – In just over a decade social

Podcasts – Podcasts are enjoying a huge

media has revolutionised marketing and

up-wave in popularity and, like blogs,

personal branding is no exception. The

they are a fantastic tool for establishing

best social media sites for launching your

expertise. Launching your own podcast

personal brand are those that are the most

is a big undertaking and requires a

open and reachable by other users, and

lot of research (and some financial

you will want to build a strong presence on

investment), but guest appearances on

both Twitter and LinkedIn to maximise your

existing podcasts are something that is

digital footprint.

absolutely within your remit. Identify the

A Facebook Page (note: not Facebook

most relevant podcasts in your business

personal profile) is also an excellent tool

and approach the hosts directly – you’ll

for promoting your personal brand. And

be amazed how receptive they often are

promoting is absolutely the key word –

as many of them are crying out both

to maximise your awareness, audience

for content and new voices. As with all

building and return on investment (which

of this plan and schedule as far ahead

as possible, and be sure to share your podcast appearances on all of your social platforms.

Conclusion A strong personal brand is built on a winning narrative, and if you think about professional people who have built a remarkable personal brand they excel at this. It’s all about sharing their story, and doing so consistently and usually around the same or similar themes.

Digital marketing has given all of us the tools and resources to both implement and manage our personal brand online, and it’s an exercise that is worth undertaking well. After all, the conversation will be taking place with or without you – and you’ll have a lot more of an impact if you get involved!

Biography: Shéa has managed the digital campaigns and marketing solutions for both B2B and B2C brands across a variety of industries, including retail, finance, education, healthcare, charity, sports and events. A recognised authority within the digital space, he has published two books and written thousands of articles about social media, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and the BBC. Identity specialises in the manufacture and implementation of corporate branding, with over 30 years’ experience in the industry. A major supplier of digital marketing, events management and commercial signage across the UK and Europe, Identity is a multi-award-winning company with a very experienced team of industry-respected individuals.

Email: sb@identitygroup.co.uk, Web: www.identitygroup.co.uk

97

BUSINESS WOMEN EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2016 - SUSSEX EDITION

T

he Closing date for email entries has been extended to the 8th September 2016. So hurry and enter NOW!

The Business Women Excellence Awards – Sussex edition stretch across the whole of the county and are staged specially to celebrate the success of today’s very best females in business. Whether we like it or not, many companies today still remain male-dominated despite the obvious progress that has been made over the years to change that.

These awards seek to highlight the best business women or the best businesses owned or co-owned by women and from the number of entries we received this year and the massive interest shown, they are set to be fixed in the Sussex calendar for many years to come. As we looked through the hundreds of nominations it made us realise the talent, success and sheer determination of so many women across Sussex. We only have to look at our eight local Sussex MPs five of whom are female. Look at our police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne. And there are so many more examples wecould name across Sussex not least of which

is our new Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye. And of course, Penina Shephard, the Founder and Managing Director of ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW is our headline sponsor which co-incides with her new book, The Freedom Revolution (Amazon.co.uk) Penina said “Receiving an accolade for your outstanding work achievements brings your successes to light, opens doors to new opportunities and builds a positive path for other women to follow. Women have made so much progress in business over the years that many awards programmes have been designed to highlight and recognise their exceptional skills and talents”

September and will be a tremendous evening of networking at which the 2016 Business Women Excellence Awards will be announced. Then on the 25th November, the black-tie Gala Final will be held at the Metropole Hilton in Brighton.

These awards will have similar heats in Surrey, Kent and Hampshire in early 2017 and winners of all the heats will automatically go through to the regional finals which will take place in Brighton late 2017.

For more information go to: www.businesswomenexcellenceawards.co.uk where you can view all the categories. Feel free to enter yourself or nominate another and you can enter up to three categories.

The awards will be held in two segments starting with the SemiFinal cocktail event which will be held at the Metropole Hilton Hotel, Brighton on the 28th

The Categories are: New Business/Start-Up Of The Year Award Small Business Of The Year Award (under 10 employees) Medium Business Of The Year Award (10-50 employees) Large Business Of The Year Award (over 50 employees) Business Woman Of The Year The Business Innovation Entrepreneur Of The Year Award Digital Woman Of The Year Award Woman In Education

Woman In Uniform Woman In Arts/Music/Dance/Media Employer Of The Year Award Employee/s Of The Year Award Contribution To The Community Award Mentor Of The Year Award Women Of Courage Lifetime Achievement Award Overall Business Or Business Woman Of The Year Award

THE 2016 SPONSORS Headline sponsor: Acumen Business Law

Media Sponsors: Headline Platinum Business Magazine The Argus More Radio Sussex Style Magazine

PLATINUM MAGAZINE

Supporting and Category sponsors: NatWest Best of Brighton and Hove Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce ACES Neva Consultants Duvacourt Group Pro Star Services Metro Bank Identity Digital Hilton Hotel Cavendish Hotel Batercard Spofforths part of Kreston Reeves Let’s Do Business Group On Line Ticket Seller Sussex Downs College Pier Recruitment

Organised by Carrot Events

ENTER NOW!

Closin g da Septe te 8th mber

K N O C KO U T

EVENTS

P RO U D LY

PRESENTS

k c i w t a G & y e Crawl Sponsored by

FRIDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2016 In Aid Of

Charity Sporting Lunch in aid of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity - THREE COURSE LUNCH - RAFFLE - AUCTION

Special Guest Speaker Former England and Arsenal footballer and Sky Sports Pundit –

Paul Merson Hosted by

12pm in the Ascot Suite, Hilton London Gatwick TABLES OF 10: £750 - TO BOOK CONTACT RYAN HEAL ryan.heal@rockinghorse.org.uk - 07852 285238 Co-sponsored by

Aaron James

BRIGHTON & HOVE

RECRUIT ABILITY

By Sarah Springford, Director

N

ext time you’re thinking of hiring a new member of staff, consider these facts:

• A disabled graduate is far more likely to be unemployed than an unqualified person who is not disabled.

• One of the biggest barriers to employment for disabled people is perceived attitudes of employers.

• Over 50% of unemployed working age people are disabled.

Shocking, isn’t it? So if you believe that a person’s ability to do an excellent job is most important read on.

Be part of our new project and employ the right people Possability People and the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce, funded by the

Photo thanks to Vervate.com

you’re right for them.

will be a credit to your business, there are

• If you’re hiring, we have a number of job seekers who may be just what you are looking for

a host of other tangible benefits. We’ll help

that employs them.

• We’ll help you set up a work trial

become Disability Confident accredited,

If you’re looking for a new member of staff, we want to help.

• You could offer potential for work experience or taster days for individuals

Department for Work and Pensions, have launched a new project aimed at getting the right people into the right jobs, helping them fulfil their potential and enhance the business

positive impact disabled people can have.

• We’ll help you to apply for Access to Work funding to cover the cost of equipment, software or other support

We’ll help you set up work trials so you can

What’s in it for you?

We’ll help you find talented, qualified people. We want you to see for yourself the

As well as hiring a talented team that

truly diverse teams can bring, and help you setting an example to your peers.

How can you get involved?

Get in touch with Mandy Crandale on 07795 90 49 27 or email work@possabilitypeople.org.uk

www.businessinbrighton.org.uk/ business-support/recruit-ability

Possability People - Who are we?

Possability People is a user-led organisation whose mission is to promote independent living for all and support disabled people, their carers, families and friends. We have been working with disabled job seekers in Brighton & Hove helping them to prepare for work and rebuild their confidence. We want to make Brighton & Hove a city where everybody can find the right job and where employers think differently about disabled people.

To join Brighton Chamber, get more involved, sponsor an event, find out more – contact us on 01273 719097, membership@businessinbrighton.org.uk or see www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

make sure the person is right for you and

you unlock the potential that employing

101

CHARITY NEWS

CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE LAUNCHES 2017 BUSINESS AWARDS

O

n 15th September, Chestnut Tree House, the children’s hospice for Sussex and South East Hampshire, will be hosting supporters for a different type of gathering at Crawley Town Football Club, when the charity launches its third biannual business awards.

The hospice will be recognising and rewarding the many businesses and individual employees who have been outstanding in their support of Chestnut Tree House over the past couple of years.

Terrina Barnes, Corporate Fundraising Manager for Chestnut Tree House says, “Hundreds of businesses have raised thousands of pounds to help us run the children’s hospice over the past thirteen years and we’d like to thank them and give something worthwhile back.

“We are inviting businesses to nominate themselves, or name individuals in their organisations who have put in extraordinary effort to support us in so many ways. We need to raise a staggering £6,850 per day to provide all our care services - both at the hospice

Last year's winners and out in the community across Sussex and South East Hampshire - for children with lifeshortening illnesses and their families.

internally and your people working together for a common cause they all believe in can produce far reaching and unexpected benefits.”

On launch night, local entrepreneur and Patron of Chestnut Tree House, Tim Breden will run guests through the various award categories and explain how businesses can enter. Tim says, “The positive experience for businesses is far more wide reaching than people first think,” adds Breden. “The goodwill

Also speaking at the launch event will be one of our 2015 award winners, who will talk about their involvement with Chestnut Tree House. The 2017 award ceremony will be held on 9th March 2017 at South Lodge Hotel near Horsham.

THE AWARD CATEGORIES FOR 2017 ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Outstanding Individual Fundraiser: An inspiring and exceptional individual who has shown true initiative and drive to make things happen; a proactive champion of Chestnut Tree House.

• Outstanding Long-term Supporter: Chestnut Tree House is thirteen years old and some businesses have helped with fundraising, sponsorship or staff volunteering for many of those years.

• Fundraising Team of the Year: The winning team will demonstrate how, through working together, they took ownership of their fundraising to the benefit of their company and the hospice.

• Outstanding SME Supporter: This category will look for a recent project, during the last 12 months, where staff, customers and their clients have all worked together for the benefit of themselves and Chestnut Tree House.

• Most Innovative Fundraising Idea: This is where the fun begins, as judges will be looking for a new, unusual or simply downright barmy idea, with a successful outcome.

• Outstanding Voluntary Project: Unusual and creative projects will be in the spotlight - those that make the best use of volunteers’ personal skills, interests and passions for the benefit of the hospice and their company.

• Outstanding Small Business: This award will go to the company who has engaged their local community and staff in raising funds and awareness of Chestnut Tree House.

• Outstanding Corporate Supporter: Sometimes the benefits of fundraising go beyond the financial rewards; Judges will search for a corporate supporter who can demonstrate the value of its support to the charity and their organisation.

Nominations will be judged by an expert panel including Hugh Lowson (Chestnut Tree House), Maarten Hoffmann (Publisher, Platinum Business Magazine), Amanda Menahem, (Board member of Coast to Capital LEP) and Tim Breden, (Managing Director of Yomdel and BeSourced).

For more information, please visit our website www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/businessawards or by calling the Fundraising Team on 01903 871849.

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CHICHESTER

WHAT WILL BREXIT MEAN FOR YOU?

Asks Peter Stevens, Board Director, Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Director of Pure Employment Law

T

he result of the recent referendum on Britain’s future in the (or rather outside) EU has led to uncertainty for many members of the Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as

other businesses in the area.

In the immediate Chichester area there are several agricultural and

areas of competition law, health and safety law and employment law.

The way the EU law has become entwined with domestic law over the last four decades or so makes unravelling it very difficult indeed. It is likely to be several years after Britain eventually leaves the EU before there is any great clarity on a number of these issues.

horticultural businesses which have, for many years now, relied on

So what do businesses do in the meantime? The short answer is

labour which has substantially originated from other EU countries,

they carry on doing what they were doing before the referendum, but

especially from Eastern Europe. Whilst at present it seems likely from

at the same time identify any new areas of risk that Brexit has raised

the comments made by politicians that these people will be allowed

and also identify any areas of opportunity which have flowed from it. It

to remain in the UK, many businesses have expressed concern about

will also be important for them to keep abreast of what is happening

what the future holds in terms of recruiting their replacements.

at every level – locally, nationally and internationally. On a local level,

Businesses have also expressed some concern, as well as some

keeping in touch with other businesses and business groupings will

optimism, about their commercial contracts, both with the EU and

be more important than ever. In the Chichester area, the Chichester

elsewhere in the world. The ability for companies to trade with non

Chamber of Commerce and Industry runs several networking events

EU countries on potentially more favourable terms is a welcome

where members can meet fellow business people, as well as keeping

opportunity, and the devaluation of the pound has obviously given

members up to date with developments through its website and

exporters a boost, but is equally bad news for importers.

magazine.

There is also confusion about what will happen with legislation.

The scope and pace of change over the next few years will mean

Much of our law has been significantly influenced or has emanated

that making informed decisions is likely to be more important than

from EU law for the past 40 years or so. This is particularly so in the

ever before.

CHAMBER NEWS

For information about Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or any of the above initiatives, please visit www.chichestercci.org.uk or contact office@chichestercci.org.uk

103

ACES

SEAHAVEN YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR SCHEME 2016

T

business idea to a panel of ‘Dragons’ (local business leaders).

he Seahaven Y.E.S. is a call to action for young entrepreneurs in the Seahaven and surrounding areas to create and develop their own business idea. The scheme has been launched and sponsored by the Newhaven Chamber of Commerce and additional sponsorship is being provided by Veolia, The Sussex Sign Company, Wave Leisure, Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery and Helix HR, and is also supported by other local companies.

The first stage of the scheme is to submit your idea on paper/online.

The best six ideas from the 16-18 years section and the best six from the 19-26 years section will be selected. These applicants will be invited to attend a half-day workshop on 15 October where, with the help of local mentors, they will work on refining their business idea into a comprehensive business plan and they will be given help and advice on how to ‘pitch’ their idea.

CHAMBER NEWS

These finalists will then automatically advance to the next stage of the competition on 22 October – Modeled after the popular BBC programme ‘Dragons’ Den’, the qualifying entrepreneurs pitch their

Battle Chamber of Commerce www.battlechamber.org.uk

104

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

Crowborough Chamber of Commerce www.crowboroughchamber.co.uk

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

The Dragons will select 1st, 2nd and 3rd places from both the 16-18 year category and the 19-26 year category. The winner of the 16-18 year category will win a trophy, a cash prize of £200, 3 months free membership of Wave Leisure and media exposure. The winner of the 19-26 year category will win a bespoke trophy, a cash prize of £500, media exposure and a package of benefits including 2 years of Newhaven Chamber membership, 3 months free membership of Wave Leisure, 12 months of one-to-one mentoring plus advice from a range of our business leaders to be presented at an Awards ceremony in mid November at the UTC in Newhaven.

More information on how to enter can be found at www.seahavenyes. co.uk including an online application form and also pdf and Word versions of the form. Or call the Chamber office on 01273 517544 for more information.

The closing date for submission of entries is Friday 23rd September 2016.

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

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

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

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

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

ACES

SE LEP CHAIR MEETS HASTINGS BUSINESSES SE LEP, or the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, is a business led partnership linking Essex, Kent and East Sussex County Councils with business people across the South East. Together they work to stimulate the economy of the area, providing more jobs, improving skills and supporting business growth.

The Let’s Do Business Group (LDBG) was delighted to introduce Chair, Chris Brodie, to some of Hastings’ leading businesses.

Having always lived in the South East, Chris clearly understood the challenges facing businesses across the area and was particularly interested in job creation in seaside towns. LDBG has helped a variety of businesses relocate and grow in Hastings and so Chris was taken on an eye opening tour of the town. First stop was BD Foods where he heard how Locate East Sussex helped the company land a six figure grant and support package which has allowed them to invest in a new build to accommodate their fast expanding team.

After hearing how LDBG has grown to a team of 26 offering business support, funding, apprenticeships and loan financing across East Sussex, Graham Marley, LDBG CEO rounded the tour off with a visit to the amazing Source Park, the world’s largest subterranean skate park. Here Chris saw first hand the monumental achievement made by Source BMX of bringing the derelict baths back to life.

BD Foods

For more information about business support in East Sussex visit www.businesseastsussex.org.uk

Source BMX

Join your local Chamber from those listed below and you will automatically become an ACES member with access to 4,000 businesses across East Sussex. Join up for great networking events and business support. You will also be able to place your news on these Platinum ACES News pages which is free of charge to Chamber members. www.acesalliance.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHAMBER NEWS

Before heading back to London Chris said “It was a fascinating day and I was extremely impressed with the work and achievements made by local business.

It shows what can be achieved through strong partnership work and a drive to make things happen, whatever the odds.”

105

E k RE OW! co.u F e N s. rib line tion c n ca bs Su ead o ubli p d r olio n a rtf .po w ww

September 2016

ART HOUSE

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EASTBOURNE

HOLLYWOOD HAPPENS HERE

H

Filmmakers John Langridge and Emily Wells of Drop Dead Films moved to Eastbourne in 2015 with assistance from the Let’s Do Business Group and Locate East Sussex.

aving completed a comedy short film, Feminine Incite, directed

by Simon Olivier and due for release on the festival circuit, preproduction is now well underway for the feature film, Hostage, an explosive action thriller which the company plans to make later in the year with John Langridge directing.

Hostage is about two friends, Joe and Dick, who find themselves in deep trouble with a local loan shark and decide unwisely to rob a petrol station. It all goes terribly wrong. Dick is killed and Joe badly wounded.

Staggering outside, he bumps straight into Charlotte, a young woman who has stopped for petrol and decides to take her hostage – not realising that she is very far from what she seems…

The company has recently returned from a successful trip to the Cannes Film Festival where the project was presented at the international film market. Producer John Langridge said, “Cannes is an intense experience - but with careful preparation and the right approach it can be extremely rewarding. Essentially there are two sides to it: The market, where deals are done and films are brought and sold and the festival itself, where it’s all red carpets and movie stars. And it’s a heady mix. Days start very early and end very late - with parties, networking events and unofficial gatherings going on until the small hours - we did 8am until 4am on our last ‘day’, made seventeen contacts, went to five different parties and secured a contract to sell our film!”

“To make Cannes work for you you must be prepared to speak to anyone at any time and, if necessary deliver an ‘elevator pitch’ - a succinct twenty second summary of your project - at a moment’s notice.

Have your business cards on you at all times.

Apparently film makers get starstruck too. Although you may be

there to work the market - and do a lot of walking - you are quite literally surrounded by film stars. But it’s considered bad form, and rather uncool to jump up and yell ‘LOOK, IT’S…’ when you’re sitting in a restaurant and someone famous walks in. This year John Langridge and the Drop Dead team saw George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jodie Foster, Susan Sarandon and Naomi Watts and managed to maintain their sangfroid.

How to get involved in the glamorous world of movie making

Details about the film, including news, images, production and how you can get involved can be found at the official Hostage website: www.hostagethemovie.co.uk For more information about corporate film making visit www.dropdeadfilms.co.uk

Join Eastbourne unLtd Chamber of Commerce from as little as £59.00 plus vat, per year! This will give you the opportunity to include news items on this page about your business without charge. You will also have access to 4,000 other members via ACES, the Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex which gives you a loud voice with policy makers locally, regionally and centrally.

Can you afford not to join??!! www.eastbourneunltd.co.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

With sales agent Evolutionary Films on board to sell the completed film worldwide and with Hostage able to attract a sizeable tax credit as a British film, Drop Dead Films are delighted to be launching Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) offerings to fund the project in September and are now interested in speaking both directly to high net worth individuals and to independent financial advisors. To open the film up to everyone they are also putting together a crowdfunding campaign for anyone who wants to get involved. As well as the chance to be part of an exciting new venture they are offering some attractive perks to potential investors, including the chance to be in the film itself!

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WORTHING

ADUR & WORTHING BUSINESS AWARDS – NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

T

he Adur and Worthing Business Awards provides a platform to recognise, reward and celebrate all the successful businesses and professional individuals we have in our area. It will enhance your business, encourage your customers and your clients, and energise you to do better. It doesn’t cost you anything – except your time and your efforts.

The awards are now in their ninth year and we are looking for entries from those who can prove business achievement and excellence in their field. Whether that be in growth, innovation or contribution to the community we want to hear from you. You may have a high achiever or team of excellence within your company – why not put them forward for an extra special award?

Nominations close on Friday 30th September. You can nominate your own business or another business you would like to shout about.

The winners will be announced at a gala black tie dinner held at the Worthing Pavilion on 11th November 2016.

What makes a good entry?

Some top tips to consider when submitting your entry including: • Read the rules – carefully • Choose your category - carefully • Why you should ask for testimonials

At our recent Last year’s awards breakfast a panel of experts shared their experiences of the Business Awards and their top tips.

They all agreed the application process alone makes you look at your business, your performance and involves all your staff.

David Carter of ETI said, “One of the proudest moments was when one of our employees won the young achiever award. The effect this had on the team was immeasurable”.

Steve Hobbs of Warnes Project commented, “It changed everybody in the company after looking at testimonials from clients and looking back on work achieved. They were all re-energised.”

Phil Duckett from Southern Pavilion said, “Winning is like eating five of your favourite sweets all at the same time!”

Use the nomination process to shout about your business and your achievements. Winner or not you should be there to celebrate the night. Go ahead and do it. Good luck!

If you would like to book for the event or want more details on the Business Awards please visit www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

• Nominate others • Involve your staff

CHAMBER NEWS

BUSINESS NAVIGATOR SERVICE

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T

he Coast to Capital Business Navigator Service is totally focussed on helping business in the Coast to Capital area start –up, develop and grow. It exists to help grow the economy in the Coast to Capital area – to create jobs and prosperity. Coast to Capital covers East Surrey, Croydon, West Sussex and the Greater Brighton area.

The Business Navigator service provides a website and a team of business navigators to help you find the best support for your business. The service is totally free as it is fully funded by the UK Government.

You can call the Navigator Service on 0800 977 4146 to speak with a Business Navigator who can help guide you through the

support available and help identify the most appropriate solutions for you. The website www.c2cbusiness.org.uk includes an online directory of business support organisations, a calendar of business events in the Coast to Capital area, resources and videos.

The team signpost businesses to a wide range of support services including: • • • • • • • • •

accessing finance identifying networking and membership organisations helping to reduce costs implementing environmental policies, understanding the regulatory landscape mentoring support exploring international markets start-up workshops and support finding premises

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: 7th September – Chamber Chat FREE Networking at the Sphere Business Centre 12th September – Movie Night, Eye in the Sky at Worthing Theatres 16th September, 12.30pm - Chamber Hub FREE Networking 23rd September 7.30am – Networking Breakfast BREXIT: The Update

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CHAMBER SUMMIT

REACH THE SUMMIT

M

arc Koska OBE is the founder of the revolutionary, non-reusable syringe that is changing the world. Like all

great entrepreneurs, Marc spent a few years travelling the world before reading an article in 1984 predicting the shocking and needless transmission of HIV through the re-use of needles. This problem fascinated him, and there the passion was born. Following a year of intense research, and determining that the syringe manufacture was to blame, he set about designing a non-reusable syringe.

His understanding that education was key to the problem led to his founding of the The SafePoint Trust to educate children on the dangers of disease transmission.

“I’d never had a sense of purpose before. At 23, after drifting through school and various jobs, my sense of direction didn’t go far beyond crewing yachts around the Caribbean.”

Marc Koska OBE crewing yachts around the Caribbean. My

cost modification that would make re-use

ignorance of healthcare systems and syringes

impossible. The K1 and Star Syringe was

was complete – and the only thing I’d ever

the result. And today, 27 years later, literally

manufactured was excuses. So I set about

millions are used every week.

learning. I read everything I could on the

“So far, so good, then. But safe syringes

transmission of viruses like HIV. I found out

aren’t a solution to ignorance or indifference

how UK drug addicts used syringes. I went to

to unsafe practice. That takes education.

Geneva to learn about public health policy. An

Patients and healthcare professionals alike

the transmission of HIV through the re-use of

inexpensive, non-reusable syringe seemed

have to be made aware of the life-threatening

syringes. And I thought, that’s what I’ve been

to be the answer, so I mugged up on every

consequences of reusing any instrument that

waiting for! Doctors were re-using syringes,

relevant patent and syringe design. I went

comes into contact with blood.

and people were being infected with wholly

to see lots of syringe factories, and I studied

preventable diseases by people in whom

plastic injection moulding technologies.

“I saw an article in The Guardian predicting

they had enormous faith. It was a nightmare situation.

“The quest was to develop a syringe that

“That’s precisely why I formed the SafePoint charity in 2006. Its purpose is to tell a whole generation of people about these dangers,

could be made of the same materials on

especially in the developing world, where

existing tooling and assembly equipment and

the problem is most acute. Informing them

23, after drifting through school and various

used in exactly the same way as a conventional

through co-operation with the mass media,

jobs, my sense of direction didn’t go far beyond

syringe – but with one minor, negligible

NGOs, professional bodies, national, local and

“I’d never had a sense of purpose before. At

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CHAMBER SUMMIT

Last year’s Summit

Photo by Simon Callaghan

educational authorities, using films, lectures, leaflets, posters, TV and

organised by the Brighton & Hove

radio shows – anything, in fact, that gets the message across.”

Chamber of Commerce. Other headline

Seventeen years after his seminal moment, Marc has sold over 700 million syringes - and counting. Reinfection by syringe is the ninthbiggest killer on earth and Marc’s invention is making a huge difference across the globe.

speakers will include serial investor Luke Johnson, who, after amassing a £220 million fortune has gone on to purchase Brighton Pier, and Camilla Stephens and Mark Campbell, founders

He has also built strong relationships with the manufacturers in the

of the hugely successful Higgidy Pies.

developing world, taking only a 5% royalty on each syringe sold. The

Mark Campbell and Camilla Stephens

The speakers will share their

other 95% remains in one of the eight developing countries in which Star

inspirational stories during a packed

Syringe manufacture their K1 and K3 syringes.

day of expert workshops, thought provoking panel discussions and a

“Reinfection by syringe is the ninth-biggest killer on earth and Marc’s invention is making a huge difference across the globe.”

Desire Hour, where delegates will explore their dreams whilst doing something rather unusual. Whether your business goals are on this scale or with a smaller, regional focus, their Luke Johnson

infectious passion for the subject is what all the speakers will bring to the Summit.

The Brighton Summit is a unique event that should not be missed by Every entrepreneur needs a palate of skills, but without passion for the subject, product or service, success may be more luck than judgement.

Marc will speak at the Brighton Summit of his battle to develop the K1 auto-disabling needle, the decision by the Indian Government to make it mandatory throughout the country and his mission to add Africa to the list of continents recognising their benefit to public health. Marc will be one of an array of notable speakers at the Brighton Summit, EVENT ORGANISER

anyone involved in business and will take place at the Clarendon Centre on Friday October 14th 2016.

Tickets are going fast, so go to www.brightonsummit.com to book for the Brighton Summit or call Brighton Chamber on 01273 719097 for further information.

If you missed the Summit last year, watch the video at www.brightonsummit.com

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MEDIA PARTNER

PLATINUM MAGAZINE 111

style PLATINUM

MANNERS + DRESS = networking success

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

September always has that ‘back to school’ feel about it, even though school is a distant memory! It’s the time when business gets back into the swing of things after the lazy days of summer, diaries start to fill up with meetings and the networking circuit revs up once more.

A

re you ready to jump back into the fray? Do you look the part?

Dressing well for networking events is vital, as is behaving appropriately. Read on to find out more.

Do your prep Firstly (and regular readers will know that I’ve said this before) dressing well for an important business occasion requires preparation.

And you know that networking is important; it’s an opportunity to make a great first impression with future clients, customers and partners, and it’s a chance to reconnect with existing contacts.

Putting some thought into what you will wear beforehand will help to ensure that you look your best, giving you the confidence to face any

too tight or too short – it will instantly detract from that professionalism.

When planning your outfit, make sure you consider the time, venue and format of the event. Is it a breakfast meeting at the Institute of Directors or a casual ‘meet up’ at a local coffee shop? If you’re going to be standing around at an evening drinks event you may not want to wear your highest heels. Likewise, you don’t want to be suited and booted for an informal gathering. Check your outfit to make sure there are no stains, missing buttons or dropped or frayed hems. Make sure that your shoes don’t need to be resoled or reheeled, and that they’re clean and polished.

Mind your manners Your impeccable dress should not be undermined by poor manners or

gathering with ease. Business is stressful enough – let’s take any last-

bad behaviour. One of the reasons my business is called style&grace is

minute clothing stress out of the equation.

because I believe that how you present yourself is equally as important

Your outfit should reflect your brand, your level of expertise and

as how you dress. In other words, how you speak, how you treat others

your professionalism, particularly if you are going to speak or be

and how you carry yourself all matter. Your manners and behaviour

photographed. Make sure you feel comfortable in your chosen outfit –

should complement and enhance your look, not undermine it. It all comes

you don’t want to be pulling at a sleeve or struggling in something that’s

down to practicing good etiquette.

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style PLATINUM

Here are my six golden rules for networking etiquette: 1. Introduce yourself clearly, and bring people into the conversation 2. Shake hands firmly - making eye contact and smiling as you do so 3. Keep your right hand free for that firm handshake 4. If you forget a name - say so! Don’t be embarrassed about it. Repeating names back works for me (and for many politicians) 5. Don’t eat or drink too much!

6. Follow up with contacts that you’d like to meet again by LinkedIn, email or phone whatever works for you and is appropriate And finally, take a genuine interest in other people; this is demonstrating the best manners of all. You’ll be amazed at what you learn and the common ground you might find.

Smart, professional, appropriate Your three-word mantra when dressing for networking should be ‘smart, professional, appropriate’. Always. Don’t undermine your credibility by revealing too much flesh or wearing sportswear (unless that’s your business, of course). And remember, how you dress and how you behave speak volumes about you. Make sure you send the right messages.

STRUGGLE WITH SMALL TALK? Debretts’ tips will get you started: • Opening gambits. ‘Have you come far?’ is the Queen’s favourite. Or comment on a recent sporting event, the venue or the weather • Avoid taboo topics. Death, disease, sexual orientation, religion and of course politics (despite Brexit…)

• Gossip with care. Avoid namedropping, and err on the side of discretion • Breaking off. If you’re stuck with one person, introduce others into the conversation. Or, try ‘it’s been nice talking to you, but I suppose we’re expected to mingle?’

See www.debretts.com for further advice.

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INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

TRAINING – IS IT FOR ME? W

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

e take it for granted that for our sports people to succeed they will put in a lot of training (guess what

is looming around me as I write this month’s column). We also assume that our favourite musicians will be putting in a lot of practice – even those who feign nonchalance and try to appear to be winging it. We take it as read that professionals will maintain their expertise, with ongoing CPD requirements. But as business people how much do we value training, coaching or continuous education in business skills, the art of meetings and the skills necessary to run the business? In particular do we value it enough to undertake it personally, or is it something that we are happy to accept is a good idea for others to do, but we never

quite get round to it ourselves?

It is said that if you simply practice doing the same thing without some analysis of what is

Chartered Director.

As you might expect many of these courses

going on, say in your technique as an athlete

require significant commitment in time, and

or your favourite piece as a musician, then

often financially too. But I would suggest

what you are doing is simply practising and

that this must be seen in the context of an

rehearsing your mistakes. External analysis,

investment both for (and in) yourself, but also

assistance and advice can offer a view that you

for the business you are running.

simply cannot see for yourself no matter how genuinely self-critical you try to be.

But it is of course, relatively easy to claim to be an expert. Sitting in my armchair I can point out minute deficiencies in an athlete’s or a gymnast’s technique as I watch the HD slo-mo replays over and over. Realistically though I

No-one has all of the answers. No-one is perfect, and we can all learn so that we can make improvements. These improvements may even be only “marginal gains” but as we can all see an accumulation of small gains can achieve a big difference.

May I therefore recommend a visit to

am sure that we all appreciate true expertise

www.iod.com where you can find details of

in training and education needs to be obtained

courses and qualifications being put on locally,

from a trusted and reliable source.

regionally and nationally (should you linger

One of the fundamental roles of the IoD is to promote expertise amongst business leaders. In that role it provides a variety and a significant number of courses on topics such as “The Role of the Director and The Board”, a “Director’s Role in Marketing and Strategy”, “the Director’s Role in Leading the Organisation” and “Practical Tips for becoming a NED” to name but four. There are also formal

114

qualification courses leading to becoming a

on the site you will also spot the many other advantages of membership).

JUST A THOUGHT A hypothetical asteroid is heading towards your business, what are the 3 key things you save?

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