PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE - ISSUE 19 - SUSSEX EDITION

The widest-read business publication in the South East

PLATINUM

SUSSEX EDITION . ISSUE 19 . 2016

ANGER MANAGEMENT

The NHS is dead.

Long live the NHS

NATWEST

Chancellor’s Autumn statement

WORKING LUNCH

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

Chiltern Firehouse

UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON Chair of the Board

THE BIG STORY

NICOLA STURGEON

The Scottish pocket rocket

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WELCOME

24

THE BIG STORY NICOLA STURGEON The Pocket Rocket

10 66 72 94

NATWEST The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

MOTORING Bavarian Motor Works new model

BRIGHTON UNIVERSITY Chairman of the Board

4

But on the upside, the economy is set to retain its upwards trajectory and the business outlook is for sunny skies. NatWest present their take on the Chancellor’s Autumn statement which bodes well for the South East, DMH Stallard reflect on a stellar year of growth and expansion, Kreston Reeves pose a question for your Finance Director, Bennett Griffin celebrate winning a prestigious award and we get to grips with Nicola Sturgeon and look at the new year that might not be quite so sunny for her and the SNP’s dreams of independence.

Platinum Business Magazine is also looking forward to a stellar year with the forthcoming launch of new editions in Hampshire and Kent and the launch of an all-new travel magazine.

We are also launching two exciting new sections each month on Business Travel and a regular look at the Food and Drink scene in the region with restaurant reviews, a new wine column and assorted fascinating content.

Platinum Towers is moving to larger premises and we have taken on three new members of staff, so sunny days are certainly here. Unless you all stop reading this mighty organ in which case we are screwed.

Happy New Year to you all and we look forward to bringing you all the news and views throughout the year.

Maarten & Ian

Platinum Business Magazine, Sussex January 2016

DINING OUT Amanda visits the Chiltern Firehouse

58

Hello 2016. If you are of a certain age you might agree that new years seem to come around with annoying regularity!

ANGER MANAGEMENT The No Hope Service

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

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

Issue 19 - 2016

The Team

AT A GLANCE 6 Local News 10 NatWest – Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

12 Entrepreneurial Spark – The Enablers

14 Sussex Business Award Winners 2015

Maarten Hoffmann – Director maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046

16 The Beautiful South 2015 19 Prowse - Ten Steps to Customer Loyalty

20 National News 24 The Big Story –

The Woman who would be King

33 Runway Debate –

Kicked into the long Grass?

34 DMH Stallard – A Dynamic Year

36 Sony DADC – Green Business of the Year

Ian Trevett – Director ian@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07989 970804

38 Gatwick Diamond

Awards - Meet the Judges

41 Conference Facilities –

Conference Guide to a Successful Event

43 The Great Debate –

And on Tonight’s Panel.....

45 Double for Kreston Reeves 46 Kreston Reeves – A Key Question for your Finance Director

Amanda Spicer Senior Designer

Hannah Monkcom Staff Reporter

Divorce – Does it have to mean ‘The War of the Roses’?

56 CharityLine –

Entrepreneurs of the Streets

58 Anger Management – No Hope Service

61 The Platinum Business Club

63 Motoring News 64 Motoring –

Skoda Yeti Outdoor

66 Motoring –

BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe

68 Bennett Griffin –

Pre-Nuptial Agreements

70 Young Start-up Talent – Waves of Talent

72 Interview –

Chair of the Board

76 Interview –

The Science of Governing

81 Chamber Pages 83 Business Venues – Leading the Way

92 Network Review –

The Mumpreneurs’ Networking Club

93 Chestnut Tree House Snow Ball 2015

48 Platinum Style –

94 Dining Out –

51 i360 – Flying the Flag 52 Carpenter Box –

96 Secret Sussex -

Looking Cool in Knitwear

There is an Alternative

54 Burt Brill & Cardens –

The Chiltern Firehouse Independent, Impartial and in Hove

98 Institute of Directors –

Reality Business Growth

QUOTE OF THE MONTH Amanda Menahem Food & Drink Editor

Rose Dykins Travel Editor

Julia Trevett Accounts Manager

Lauren Psyk Event Photographer

❝

Platinum Business Magazine is really quite exceptional and outstanding as a regional business publication.

They seem to have something for every serious business reader. After reading it, it is a must to leave it out on every business reception and coffee table in the region as the presentation and content is so professional

❞

Chris Lowsley, China Business Advisor, UK Trade and Investment, South East

5

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

NEW BUSINESS GROWTH PROGRAMME The University of Brighton is launching a new Profitnet group in January which will run from its office on the Manor Royal Business Park. Profitnet is a peer-to-peer learning network for business leaders and key decision makers that aims to drive business growth through knowledge exchange and innovation.

Each month professionally facilitated meetings are held, where members can share their challenges and ambitions in a confidential environment. Members can draw upon the knowledge and experiences of their peers to problem solve and develop opportunities, and can explore the possibility of accessing other resources from the university.

72% of members have said that Profitnet helped them improve their planning and strategic skills. Keith Pordum, CEO of Bon Appetit said: “My non-executive board used to cost me £12,000 a year but with Profitnet, I get a board of 12 directors every month and the input from them has been absolutely vital. Profitnet majors on innovation, giving you ideas and challenges which have been invaluable in getting us where we are today.”

This new group is currently recruiting small to medium sized businesses that have been trading for over two years.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Profitnet business growth programme, contact Daryl Parson on 07944 052 806.

HASTINGS WELCOMES NEW CREATIVE BUSINESSES Hastings is fast becoming a focal point for contemporary businesses that are at the forefront of innovative retail.

The latest three retailers to contribute to this growing trend in Hastings are the recently opened Goodman Apparel & Barbers, Borough Wines in Robertson Street and Dyke & Dean in The Printworks.

Philip Johnson, Director at Locate East Sussex, said: “It is really encouraging to see new, stylish businesses joining Hastings’ growing offer. The shops are bringing something new and creative to the town that will increase the Hasting’s offer as a thriving place to work and live for visitors and the community.”

DOUBLE RECOGNITION FOR KRESTON Kreston Reeves Financial Planning, one of the leading financial services firms located across London and the South East, is delighted to announce that they have been shortlisted as finalists in the ‘Adviser of the Year (South East)’ category at the Professional Adviser Awards 2016. They have also been listed in Citywire’s ‘New Model Adviser Top 100 Financial Planning Firms 2015’ for the second year running.

More than 200 firms entered the awards, which are in their 11th year and seek to reward excellence in financial advice and the wider sector. The black-tie ceremony will take place at The Brewery in London on 11 February 2016.

David Hurst, Managing Director at Kreston Reeves Financial Planning, comments, “We are delighted to have been recognised twice in such a short period for both this prestigious industry award and listing which acknowledges the whole team’s dedication and professionalism. We pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of independent professional advice. We look forward to hearing the result in February!”

GREEN LIGHT FOR NEWHAVEN Newhaven has been named as one of 26 new Enterprise Zones being created across the country. The announcement was made by the Chancellor in the Comprehensive Spending Review and has the potential to create 2,000 new jobs. Ron Crank, Chief Executive of Coast to Capital LEP, who worked with partners to submit the bid to government, said: “This is great news for Newhaven and will provide an economic boost to the coastal town which will benefit from relaxed planning rules and economic incentives.”

“A leader must have the courage to act against an expert’s advice.”

6

NEWS

“Always drink upstream from the herd.”

TONGUE-TIED Long-established multi-service translation business is expanding. Tongue-Tied Ltd, which has been operating for over 25 years, has appointed a new franchise, Tongue-Tied South East based in West Sussex.

Running the new franchise is Malcolm Donaldson, who spent 30 years in the City of London and Europe working for international companies in financial information technology. He says: “Tongue Tied is more than a translation agency, we are a single source supply of translators, interpreters and conference equipment in all languages and in all formats. Having experienced first-hand the disastrous effect of poor translations in business, it is fantastic to have the opportunity to do something about it and with the increase in global trade and communication, the need for these services is growing.”

The business offers digital and traditional printed translations, typesetting into every known software platform, face to face and telephone interpreting, and provides conference equipment for anywhere in the world including sound booths, microphones etc. As well as working for a number of high profile global businesses the company was the official translation partner for the London 2012 Olympics bid in 2006.

For a case in point of the repercussions of bad translation, read our Big Story and see what happened to Nicola Sturgeon and ‘Frenchgate’.

AWARDS-A-PLENTY! Midnight Communications, a leading Sussex PR firm, has won four awards for its work on behalf of regional tourist attractions – as well taking the Silver award for Outstanding Mid-Sized Public Relations Consultancy. At the CIPR PRide Awards 2015, held in Bristol last month, Midnight Communications collected two silver awards for its work with Brighton Sea Life Centre (Consumer Relations and Regional Campaign of the Year) and was awarded gold for its work with Arundel Castle (Arts, Culture or Sport Campaign).

Well known for its business awards schemes, Midnight also took gold for the Best Event on behalf of Startups Awards 2014.

Commenting on its work with Arundel Castle, the judges said: “Playing to the visual strengths of the Castle, Midnight brought the destination to life using a variety of tools and channels, notably through a well-designed social media strand. Implementation was sustained and effective, securing on-message coverage in the target national titles.”

Midnight is celebrating its twentieth year in the business and last month its principal and founder, Caraline Brown, was presented with an award for Freshest Outstanding Achievement at the Fresh PR Awards in Manchester.

SUSSEX CRICKET CLUBS ‘MEET THE PLAYERS EVENING’ Last month supporters of SCC were invited to challenge the cricketers at pub games. Challengers had the chance to win tickets to see Sussex in action at The BrightonandHoveJobs. com County Ground in 2016, by beating the stars at darts, pool or table tennis.

Jimmy Anyon, Will Beer, Ben Brown, Harry Finch, Matt Machan, Steve Magoffin and Chris Nash were all in attendance to show off their sporting skills.

The evening also included a raffle and an auction in which over £500 was raised for Rockinghorse & Sussex Cricket in the Community.

A big thanks goes to all the players, staff and supporters who attended, and also a special mention to the Sussex Cricketer pub for hosting the event.

Sussex’s fixtures for the 2016 season were recently released. For a full list of fixtures for the forthcoming campaign, please visit www. sussexcricket.co.uk/fixtures

7

NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

IRWIN MITCHELL AND THOMAS EGGAR ANNOUNCE MERGER Leading law firms Irwin Mitchell and Thomas Eggar recently announced that they will merge to create a £250m dynamic legal services business, a top-five private wealth legal team and a platform to significantly grow their combined business legal services operation.

Irwin Mitchell’s Group Chief Executive Andrew Tucker said the deal would be a catalyst for growth for both businesses and demonstrates a continued determination to seize opportunities arising from continued consolidation in the legal sector.

Thomas Eggar Managing Partner Vicky Brackett ,who will join the Irwin Mitchell LLP Executive Board, said the complementary cultural and service fit between the two businesses and shared approach to client care would broaden the offering to clients, including sports law and planning.

The merger will see all 450 Thomas Eggar employees, including 67 partners, transfer to Irwin Mitchell.

Thomas Eggar will adopt the Irwin Mitchell brand in the first half of 2016. Andrew Tucker said: “This is about two great businesses coming together to share one great future.”

MARKETING MOVE FOR RECENSEO Chichester based strategic marketing agency Recenseo has won contracts to deliver marketing strategy and support for Newcastle-based engineered housing manufacturer Spacehus and Hampshire-based community healthcare provider, Millbrook Healthcare.

Both respective leaders in their fields, Spacehus and Millbrook opted for the strategic approach Recenseo takes to marketing its clients. Both companies are keen to raise their profile and make change in their respective market sectors.

Robert Charlton, Managing Director of Spacehus comments: “I was impressed with both Recenseo’s straightforward approach and its understanding of the planning issues facing housing developers in today’s world. My ambition with Spacehus is to change the face of the construction industry, and the way in which we build homes in the UK, and I am confident the team at Recenseo can help me achieve this.”

Spacehus, of national parent company SpaceGroup, and Millbrook Healthcare are just two national brands which have chosen Recenseo as their marketing partner and they join a stable which includes other organisations such as Montezuma’s, international tax consultants The Fry Group, Spofforths, West Sussex County Council and the soon to be launched Ferry Farm Community Solar project.

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

8

NEWS

“Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too.

£250,000 INITIATIVE TACKLES BUSINESS CRIME Business wardens will work with Sussex Police to gather evidence and provide crime prevention advice as part of the two-year project funded by the Home Office and the Southern Co-operative.

Starting initially in Littlehampton and Eastbourne, it is hoped the pilot will be extended to Arundel and Bognor Regis with potential to extend the scheme further if it proves successful.

Chris Neilson, business crime lead for Sussex Police said: “This project is about forging a stronger partnership between businesses and the police to tackle crime.

It will provide a dedicated service and reduce time for businesses as they will be able to report a crime directly to wardens, who will take details and any evidence like CCTV and submit this directly to the force. There will be three wardens in Littlehampton and two in Eastbourne. We hope it will give assurance to the businesses who sign up to the scheme that these wardens can deal with this type of crime efficiently and take all the details quickly. This is vitally important to us to build up a picture of the crime being committed in those areas. The wardens will also act as a deterrent for anyone thinking about stealing from these businesses.”

40 AWARD-WINNING YEARS Martin Godsmark, Partner at West Sussex and Gatwick-based chartered accountants, Carpenter Box, has received recognition for 40 years of accountancy excellence by being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Adur and Worthing Business Awards.

Martin has worked hard over the last 40 years to benefit his and other clients of Carpenter Box and has been instrumental in helping to grow the firm from its roots into something other than a traditional high street practice. The decisions that he and his fellow partners at Carpenter Box have made over the last 15 years have seen the business grow in terms of headcount to 130, profile and success.

In more recent years Martin has undertaken the role of Financial Director for the practice, applying his considerable business expertise inwards as the practice was expanding.

Chris Coopey, Partner at Carpenter Box, commented: “Martin is very much one of those unsung heroes of business, valued by his clients and partners, but without a highly visible profile. He is undoubtedly one of the hardest working people you are likely to meet with formidable drive and passion for his work and he is a very worthy winner of this award”.

ROCKINGHORSE HERO A man who has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for sick children was handed a top accolade at the Sussex Business Awards.

Ryan Heal, chief executive of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, was described as an “icon in his own right” as he was announced winner of the Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity at the at the Sussex Business Awards.

Born and bred in Brighton, Ryan spent years heading up Juice 107.2FM. But when his son four-year-old son John became ill with a rare blood condition and was treated many times at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Ryan saw up close for the first time the fantastic work done by Rockinghorse, the hospital’s official fundraising arm.

When the charity announced it was looking for a chief executive he jumped at the chance to take on the role and try and make a difference.

His tireless efforts making Rockinghorse a highly effective fundraiser has won him an army of friends and admirers. Five hundred of the county’s leading businesspeople gathered to celebrate at The Grand for the Sussex Business Awards, with Paul Sinha, star of ITV’s The Chase, hosting.

9

FINANCE

CHANCELLOR’S AUTUMN STATEMENT

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

I

n his Autumn Statement and Comprehensive Spending review, Chancellor George Osborne set out a policy for government spending

Much of George Osborne’s Spending Review

cut by £1.9bn – the chancellor has increased

and Autumn Statement will be well received

spending in capital projects across many areas.

by larger businesses. While many government

This undoubtedly means a boom for many

that, in the main, will please South East

departments will endure cuts to operational

businesses in the private sector, especially

businesses in key sectors

spending – Whitehall administration will be

those that rely on sizable public tenders.

“Osborne also announced plans to tackle apprenticeships, which are forecasted to reach three million by 2020.”

Transport In one such endeavour in administrative streamlining, the Department for Transport will have its operational budget reduced by 37%.

However, capital spending on transport across the country is set to increase by 50% to £61bn.

The projects grabbing the headlines include High Speed 2 (HS2), linking London to his much-fabled Northern Powerhouse, and the electrification of the Trans-Pennine, Great Western and Midland Main Line

10

FINANCE

“Chancellor George Osborne set out a policy for government spending that, in the main, will please South East businesses in key sectors.”

Apprenticeships

routes. The Chancellor also announced an

“devolution revolution”, aimed at spreading

£11bn investment in London’s transport

economic power and wealth across the country,

infrastructure, £5bn investment in road

and investing in long-term infrastructure.

maintenance – including a “permanent pothole

apprenticeships, which are forecasted to reach

Central to this vision is scrapping of the

fund” – and a £300m commitment to cycling.

three million by 2020. However, it seems larger

uniform business rate, in favour of councils

While there is more money for transport

being able to cut rates and make their area

projects, many may be questioning how a

more attractive to business. Elected mayors

department facing such a reduced budget will properly oversee these.

Yet elsewhere, oversight has become a pertinent topic in the delivery of transport infrastructure. Many may have missed

will also have the power to raise rates, provided the proceeds fund specific infrastructure projects supported by the local business community.

the publication – on the same day as the Chancellor’s speech – of Dame Colette Bowe’s review of the planning of Network Rail’s Enhancements Programme 2014-2019. In part, this report explores the need to develop skills in transport construction projects across the economy and recommends measures to ensure better delivery of HS2 and the proposed Crossrail 2. While companies may welcome a better qualified workforce to draw upon, they may have to contend with closer scrutiny.

Housing

Osborne also announced plans to tackle

companies will bear the cost, or to “share the cost of training the workforce”. Introducing a new apprenticeship levy from April 2017, Osborne announced a rate of 0.5% of an employer’s pay bill, which will be collected via PAYE. “Every employer will receive a £15,000 allowance to offset against the levy, which means over 98% of all employers – and all

“Always a hot topic, the budget for housing construction will double to over £2bn a year. ” To give businesses in the regions a helping hand in key sectors, the government is supporting science-based and innovative companies in the North, and improving transport infrastructure in the Midlands and the

businesses with pay bills of less than £3m – will pay no levy at all.” It is estimated that less than 2% of employers will pay the levy.

Elsewhere, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs saw a fall in its day-today budget of 15% but was promised over £2bn to protect 300,000 homes from flooding; and the highly anticipated cuts to the defence and police budgets failed to materialise.

Osborne’s mantra from this Autumn

South West. In the South East, the government

Statement was “we are the builders”, and

construction will double to over £2bn a

is providing £250m for a major new permanent

corporations of all sizes – especially larger

year. Osborne promised to deliver 400,000

lorry park to ease congestion around the

ones – will welcome the range of opportunities

affordable new homes by the end of the

Channel Tunnel.

in front of them.

Always a hot topic, the budget for housing

decade, adding that “affordable means not just affordable to rent, but affordable to buy”. He described this as the biggest house-building programme since the 1970’s.

The news for business is somewhat mixed, as Osborne announced that he wants to accelerate housing supply by “releasing public land suitable for 160,000 homes and redesignating unused commercial land for Starter Homes”. This may please many construction companies that feared such plans would be continually kicked down the line, but others may question whether the plans go far enough to address the UK’s housing needs. In 2004, the Barker Review estimated that the UK needs 240,000 new homes per year to meet demand. Given constant under-construction of new homes in the decade that followed, some may be disappointed by the new targets.

Devolution The Chancellor also discussed his

11

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK

THE ENABLERS

Elena Birchall and Mandy Nyarko

As a firm supporter of the Entrepreneurial Spark initiative, the ‘hatchery’ that helps small or start-up businesses develop and grow, PBM has interviewed the Centre Manager, Mentors and the start-ups, as well the NatWest CEOs of both Commercial and Personal Banking, and the Chairman of KPMG. This month, we meet the hands-on ‘enablers’, Elena Birchall & Mandy Nyarko.

How did you find out about Entrepreneurial Spark and how did you get involved?

Mandy Nyark (MN): I work for NatWest and I’m on secondment in this role for 18 months.

I was at a road show with the MD from retail

I connected with a few people within that team

where my life was going, but it just wasn’t

and then the opportunity came up to work

really for me. I found it quite lonely at times,

as an enabler in the new Brighton hatchery. I

and I wasn’t spending enough time with clients.

attended the boot camp when they launched

I was working with businesses, but at the other

their first hatchery in the UK in Birmingham.

end of the spectrum, where things had gone

Elena Birchall (EB): For me this represents

wrong. There was a huge disconnect between

banking in London, Phil Northey, and Abe Tilling

quite a career change. I trained to become

what I enjoyed about the job and what I actually

(the former MD from Business Banking). Abe

a barrister, qualified for the bar and was

spent lots of my time doing. So I looked into

spoke about the entrepreneurial development

working for KBW Chambers of Lawrence Power

roles where I’d be spending time with business

team, and entrepreneurship is something that

in London, in Temple. It was a traditional,

owners on a one-to-one level, and that’s where

I’m quite passionate about. I grabbed him and

structured career path and I knew exactly

I came across this job. It was advertised on

12

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK

“The help we give is tailored to the entrepreneurs’ needs.

Our top ten entrepreneurs receive KPMG mentorship, specifically on their financials, their forecasts and any key questions they might have. ”

MN: I agree that mindset is probably the

www.escapethecity.com, so you can see where

enablement sessions. We look at what holds

my mindset was at!

the business leaders back; and it is usually

number-one thing that someone needs in order

things to do with oneself.

to drive their business forward. There are some

So what does an enabler do?

EB: As enablers we manage the space, so we’re the two people you’ll meet in the office on a day-to-day basis. We’re always based here, and we run and manage the office, which is a communal working space for up to 80 entrepreneurs.

We run enablement sessions (similar to business coaching), working one-on-one with each of the entrepreneurs. We run workshops every fortnight which cover a training aspect, such as leadership, team building, pitching – all the key skills we think they really need.

The help we give is tailored to the entrepreneurs’ needs. Our top ten entrepreneurs receive KPMG mentorship,

EB: The sessions are designed to hold them

do they dare to dream big? Being in this space

their progress moving forwards. Across the

and collaborating with others, and having

80 businesses, many of the challenges are the

the enabling sessions, you can see they have

same, and they’re the same human challenges.

embraced the mindset: “I want to be great and I

As Mandy said, a lot of entrepreneurs get in

want to take my business to the next level.”

their own way.

You’re afraid sometimes, so procrastination

our award ceremonies at the 3-month and the

focus, and also fear: fear of failure and fear of

6-month points, where entrepreneurs can win

success.

up to £10,000.

We focus a lot on their mindsets. What are limiting thoughts, what are the limiting behaviours that are preventing them from succeeding?

external Brighton ecosystem, so, for example, we work with Brighton Chamber of Commerce, University of Brighton and Cobb Digital. We are constantly reaching out and working with mentors and joining the dots between entrepreneurs and mentors to make sure that they’re getting the best use of those. We take 40 businesses each and we meet with them every fortnight for an hour.

MN: We call the fortnightly meetings ‘temperature checks’ as we can ‘check in’

Sometimes, people have come into the hatchery and realised that they will only have a lifestyle business, and that’s all they want. And, in many cases, that’s absolutely fine if that’s what’s right for them, but it may not be what’s right for this programme.

and any key questions they might have. So with them at all times. We also engage with the

EB: We use people in the hatchery as role models, and we reward that behaviour through

can be a big progress inhibitor, as is lack of

specifically on their financials, their forecasts we’re using all of those partners and liaising

business leaders who have come in here, but

to account, to keep them ticking over, to keep

“They have to learn to run on their own.

So it’s a bit like with a child on a bike: you’re running with them but at some point you have to let go,”

They have to learn to run on their own. So it’s a bit like with a child on a bike: you’re running with them, but at some point you have to let go, so it’s actually not in their best interest that we do it all for them, which is why we focus so much on coaching.

Every single day is a new, different experience as you’re seeing businesses back to back. A business can come in who’s having a fantastic day. And then, the very next second, you’ve got a business coming in that has just realised that they don’t have a customer, they don’t have a business, it’s all falling apart...

They’re on a rollercoaster with a blindfold on

with the individual to see where the business is. Last time we met, what actions did we

and you are actually on that rollercoaster hand-

agree? Have you managed to carry those out?

in-hand with them, going through the highs and

If you have, great, what’s the next step? If you

the lows. It can be incredibly rewarding, but

haven’t, what stood in your way and how do we overcome those challenges going forward? And that’s what we do in terms of working with the businesses from a coaching perspective every two weeks.

This must be an incredible learning curve for you both, personally?

EB: I think for me, particularly, it’s the importance of mindset. While you can be lured

it can also be incredibly difficult to maintain that energy each and every day. Mandy and I are learning a lot in terms of our own personal development.

Everything we do is about making them

in and tempted by the most amazing-sounding

credible, investable and backable, so they need

friend or your worst nightmare.’ We’re here

business, some of those businesses will,

to know their businesses inside-out, know their

to support when support is necessary, and

because of their mindsets, just not progress. So

numbers and get on top of those financials.

challenge when challenge is necessary, as

when we’re recruiting and looking for potential

They need to be able to pitch at any given

well. It is not just a business accelerator; we

new businesses to bring into the hatchery, it’s

moment, to anyone. This is what we do to get

see ourselves as people accelerators as well.

incredibly important to focus on: “Are these the

them to the stage where they can actually bring

It’s usually the entrepreneur who stands in

kind of people who have the growth mindset?

in real investment.

their own way. This comes out a lot during the

Can they take a challenge?”

www.entrepreneurial-spark.com

We like to brand ourselves as ‘your best

13

BUSINESS AWARDS

LABELLED A SUCCESS AJS Labels wins twice at the 2015 Sussex Business Awards

A

Littlehampton-based business has ‘done the double’ and been awarded the highest accolades

at the annual Sussex Business Awards.

SUSSEX BUSINESS AWARDS WINNERS 2015 INNOVATION IN BUSINESS

was named Sussex Businessperson of

Sponsored by Sussex Innovation Centre WINNER: Burleys ONE TO WATCH: Infigo Software Limited FINALIST: Dryad Maritime

the Year.

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

AJS Labels took the prize of Sussex Company of the Year whilst its Managing Director, Andrew Scrimgeour,

Five hundred of the county’s leading business people gathered to celebrate business excellence across the region, with 16 awards presented by ITV’s star of the Chase, Paul Sinha.

The awards were presented at The Grand Brighton, which took the title of Best Place to Entertain Your Clients.

Other big winners on the night were Ridgeview Wine Estate who were named Small Business of the Year whilst its CEO, Tamara Roberts, was a

Sponsored by Checkatrade.com WINNER: Flowers Unlimited ONE TO WATCH: The Heeler Centre FINALIST: Close Brothers Invoice Finance, Posh Totty Designs

MOST PROMISING NEW BUSINESS Sponsored by Thomas Eggar WINNER: Gene Commerce HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Base Skatepark CIC FINALIST: Bonieri

BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN YOUR CLIENTS

individual who made the greatest

Sponsored by Title Sussex WINNER: The Grand Brighton ONE TO WATCH: Blanch House FINALIST: Alexander House Hotel, Utopia Spa, Hotel Du Vin

contribution to charity, whilst

BOSS OF THE YEAR

Brighton Pride celebrated its twenty-

Sponsored by Heart FM WINNER: Alan Margetts, The Kitchen Store ONE TO WATCH: Janina Cooper, The Base Skatepark CIC FINALIST: Gary Townsend, Albion in the Community and Guy Hilton, Hilton London Gatwick Airport

finalist for the Sussex Businessperson of the Year.

Ryan Heal, Chief Executive at Rockinghorse was named as the

fifth year by being named as the greatest contribution to charity by an organisation.

This year marked the first time that a ‘One To Watch’ accolade was added to the shortlist to mark a company just outside the traditional three finalists and highlight those businesses to keep a close eye on for the year to come.

Seven companies were singled out for this new honour.

Mike Herd, Executive Director of the Sussex Innovation centre and Chairman of the judges, commented: “This year was a record year! With the number of entries received, the judging process proved a difficult task. The exceptional

HEALTHIEST WORKPLACE AWARD Sponsored by Domestic & General WINNER: Checkatrade.com FINALIST: Active Sussex, Stelfox

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by HSBC WINNER: Allergy Therapeutics ONE TO WATCH: Stelfox FINALIST: 7thSense Design, Pasante Healthcare Limited

quality of the entries really shone

MOST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

through, and many worthy winners

Sponsored by Wealden District Council WINNER: Brighton & Hove Buses

were chosen.”

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FINALIST: Glyndebourne, Stone Cross Garden Centre

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD Sponsored by Vantage Professional Risks WINNER: Bennett Griffin LLP ONE TO WATCH: Classic Consulting HIGHLY COMMENDED: Yelo Architects FINALIST: Richard Place Dobson

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARD Sponsored by Checkaprofessional.com WINNER: Creative Pod ONE TO WATCH: IT First FINALIST: Basepoint, Clear Computing Ltd

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Sussex Business Times WINNER: Andrew Stenning, Searches UK FINALIST: Karen Bach, KalliKids; Emily Rae, Plants4Presents

SUSSEX BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Mazars WINNER: Andrew Scrimgeour, AJS Labels FINALIST: Alan Margetts, The Kitchen Store; Tamara Roberts, Ridgeview Wine Estate

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Sussex Chamber of Commerce WINNER: Ridgeview Wine Estate HIGHLY COMMENDED: Plants4Presents FINALIST: Edgcumbes Coffee Roasters and Tea Blenders, Long Man Brewery Ltd

SUSSEX COMPANY OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Morgan Sindall WINNER: AJS Labels FINALIST: The Grand Brighton, The Kitchen Store

GREATEST CONTRIBUTION TO SUSSEX CHARITY Sponsored by The Argus By an individual: Ryan Heal By an organisation: Brighton Pride

BUSINESS AWARDS

The Sussex Company of the Year AJS Labels

The Small Business of the Year Ridgeview Wine Estate

The Responsible Business Award Creative Pod Ltd

The Professional Services Award Bennett GriďŹƒn LLP

The International Business of the Year Allergy Therapeutics

The Healthiest Workplace Award Checkatrade.com

The Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity - Ryan Heal

The Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity - Brighton Pride

The Entrepreneur of the Year Andrew Stenning of Searches UK

The Boss of the Year Alan Margetts of The Kitchen Store

The Best Place to Entertain Your Clients The Grand Brighton

The Award for the Most Sustainable Business - Brighton & Hove Buses

The Award for the Most Promising New Business - Gene Commerce

The Award for the Best Customer Service - Flowers Unlimited

The Award for Innovation in Business Burleys

Sussex Businessperson of the Year Andrew Scrimgeour of AJS Labels

Chair of the judges - Mike Herd

Presenter - Paul Sinha

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TOURISM AWARDS

THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH 2015 Photographs by Paul Fletcher

The Sussex Winners 2015...

LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR Sponsored by DISCVR www.discvr.agency Gold - South Lodge, an Exclusive Hotel, Horsham

T

he tourism elite of South and South East England gathered at Brighton’s iconic Grand Hotel for the Beautiful South Awards 2015 in December.

For tourism businesses across the South and South East

of England, the glittering Awards ceremony, sponsored by Shepherd Neame, is the culmination of a successful year and recognises their excellence and commitment to the tourism industry. Established over 20 years ago, the Beautiful South Awards help drive ambition and raise standards throughout the region, rewarding quality, innovation and customer service.

It was a particularly good evening for Berkshire’s Oakley

Bronze - Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa, East Grinstead

Court Hotel, the only business to walk away with three awards, having won bronze in the Business Tourism, Flavour of the South East Award and Sustainable Tourism categories. Numerous Hampshire businesses celebrated a double win, including Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, Mary Rose Museum, Wallops Wood Cottages, Solent Forts, The Montagu Arms and The White Hart, Holybourne.

Other notable wins included a double victory for The Feathered Nest in Oxfordshire, crowned Tourism Pub of the Year; Gold for Bletchley Park Trust in the Large Visitor Attraction category; Gold for Eastbourne’s Airbourne Festival, voted Tourism Event of the Year; and Gold for Guildford’s Barnett Hill, which triumphed in the Business Tourism category.

The outstanding accommodation providers of 2015 include South Lodge, an Exclusive Hotel in West Sussex (Gold, Large Hotel); Langshott Manor Hotel, Surrey (Gold, Small Hotel); Molland Manor House, Canterbury (Gold, B&B/Guest Accommodation); Tom’s Eco Lodge, Isle of Wight (Gold, SelfCatering) and Shorefield Country Park, The New Forest (Gold, Holiday Park of the Year).

The winners are now invited to champion the South and South East of England at VisitEngland’s Tourism Excellence Awards taking place during English Tourism Week in March 2016.

Commenting on the awards, Nigel Smith, CEO of Tourism South East said, “It was a fantastic evening at the Grand Hotel and a real privilege to be in the company of so many dedicated and passionate tourism businesses. The excellent quality of facilities, service and approach makes our role of promoting the South East so much easier and is one of the main reasons why we are the most popular UK tourist region outside London.”

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SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR Sponsored by RBS www.rbsbusinessconnections.co.uk Bronze - Blanch House, Brighton

TOURISM AWARDS

SMALL VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Studio Republic www.studiorepublic.com Silver - WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, Arundel

TOURISM EVENT OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Shepherd Neame www.shepherdneame.co.uk Gold - Airbourne – VisitEastbourne, Eastbourne

THE BRIGHTON AND HOVE HOTELS AWARDS 2015

Over 400 guests attended the 2nd BHHA Awards Ceremony held at Brighton Hilton Metropole, and over £2,155 was raised for the Argus Appeal and Rockinghorse charities.

2015 Winners

VISITOR INFORMATION PROVIDER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Tourist Network www.touristnetwork.co.uk Silver - Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, Eastbourne

CLEANLINESS AWARD - Judged and sponsored by Southern Water - Winner: Cavalaire Hotel CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD - Sponsored and judged by the i360 - Winner: Waterfront - Jerome Pesenti UNSUNG HERO AWARD - Judged and sponsored by Brighton Visitor - Winner: Dave Rumble from the Hilton Metropole BEST BREAKFAST AWARD - Judged by and sponsored City Cabs - Winner: Drakes Hotel WARMEST WELCOME (INDEPENDENT) - Judged and sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland Winner: Blanch House Hotel WARMEST WELCOME (BRANDED) - Judged and sponsored by lastminute.com - Winner: Hotel Seattle CHARITY AND COMMUNITY AWARD - Judged by Argus Appeal - Winner: My Hotel MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Sponsored and judged by Visit Brighton - Winner: The Old Ship Hotel – Jason Bramwell PROPERTY OF THE YEAR AWARD (INDEPENDENT ) - Judged and sponsored by Fleurets - Winner: Artist Residence PROPERTY OF THE YEAR (BRANDED ) - Sponsored

by Sight Minder and judged by The Royal Bank of Scotland - Winner: My Hotel

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Platinum Business News!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please mention Platinum Business Magazine when you contact us.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

TEN STEPS TO CUSTOMER LOYALTY

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

I

n today’s competitive trading environment, building and maintaining customer loyalty are top priorities for successful firms.

3.

Public Relations Marketing Events Research Economic Development

www.prowse.co.uk

Know your loyalty stages and ensure

7.

Get responsive, and stay that way:

your customers are moving through

Research shows that responsiveness is

them: A customer becomes loyal to a

closely tied to a customer’s perception

Remaining flexible to meet clients’ evolving

company and its products and service

of good service. More customers are

needs is an essential component in developing

one step at a time. By understanding the

coming to expect round-the-clock service,

stronger ties. Joanne Rogers, Managing

customer’s current loyalty stage, we are

Director of PR company Prowse & Co, provides

better able to determine what is required

some guidelines for developing a strong

to move the customer to a higher stage of

value: The loyalty password is value.

customer focus.

loyalty.

Knowing what a customer values and then

Serve first, sell second: Customers

delivering on those terms is critical to

believe business is earned with service

building strong customer loyalty. Invest

is likely to have a client-focused team

that is responsive, productive and

in some independent customer loyalty

who listen to client needs, demonstrate

personalised; don’t deliver, and they’ll

research to understand, through the eyes

empathy and change course where

leave or be tempted by your competitors.

of the customer, how well you deliver

1.

Communicate effectively: Any company with a high degree of customer loyalty

necessary. Because clients buy relationships they can trust, they want

4.

5.

rapport and who they know will respect and understand their needs and their preferences. A stubborn and inflexible communication style can be abrasive and is a most effective way to lose clients.

2.

Practice the 80 / 20 rule: About 80% of revenue is often generated by 20% of customers. A smart company segments its customers by value and monitors activities closely to ensure high-value customers get their fair share of creative offers and attention. Ranking customers according to actual revenue generation and then by lifetime value is a wise approach. However, this, most certainly, does not mean that lower-value customers should receive an

Store your data in one centralised database: To effectively implement a

to buy from people with whom they have

6.

particularly if you work across time zones.

8.

Know your customer’s definition of

value.

9.

Win back lost customers: Research

sound customer loyalty strategy, data

shows that a business is twice as likely

from all customer touch points should

to successfully sell to a lost customer

be combined into a centralised customer

as to a brand-new prospect. Yet winning

database.

back lost customers is frequently the

Seek out customer complaints: For

most overlooked source for incremental

most companies, only 10% of complaints are ever articulated by customers.

revenue in many businesses.

10. Collaborate with partners:

In today’s

The other 90% are unarticulated and

complex marketplace, a business is

manifest themselves in many negative

often dependent on many suppliers to

ways: unpaid invoices; lack of courtesy

help serve its customers. Embracing

to frontline service reps; and negative

these supply chain relationships for the

comments, which can damage a hard-won

greater good of the ultimate customer

reputation. Take action and listen closely

creates customer value that is difficult for

to customers. Seek out dissatisfaction.

competitors to match.

If you would like to commission independent research to ensure your firm’s customer loyalty procedures are effective, contact Joanne at Prowse on 01372 363386 or joanne@prowse.co.uk

inferior service.

19

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

BARENAKED DRAGON! Ross Mendham was a contestant on the TV show Dragon’s Den two years ago and secured a £60,000 investment from Dragon, Peter Jones. He has now struck a deal with Sainsbury’s to sell his ‘Barenaked Noodles’ which are made using the Asian-grown Konjac root: a plant low in carbohydrates, sugar and calories. The move follows earlier deals with Holland and Barratt, Morrisons and Waitrose that have seen the company develop into a national brand. Following the deal the product will now be available in 380 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. Mr Mendham, first developed the product in 2011 whilst looking for an answer to his own weight loss and dietary needs. Sainsbury’s buyer Lucy McCarthy said: “We recognise the increasing demand for low-carb, gluten-free alternatives to popular products and are always looking for ways to offer our customers interesting new products, so we’re excited to introduce Barenaked Noodles into the Sainsbury’s Oriental range.

ENGLAND’S PIGGY BANK The BoE has said the time is coming for banks to beef up their capital buffers against future losses as they lend more freely after the financial crisis, a move which could represent a back-door way of dampening the availability of credit.

The buffer is part of so-called macro prudential policymaking that looks at risks missed by regulators in the run-up to the financial crisis, and it remains largely untested. The BoE has said that setting the CCB is not about trying to second-guess where the economy is heading, and is rather about moving bank capital in line with actual risks. Analysts at Berenberg said the BoE may seek to stem the flow of lending to the buy-tolet and commercial property sectors,

DRONE TRAVELS 15 MILES In a new promotional video Jeremy Clarkson outlines how Amazons ambition is for packages to be delivered within 30 minutes. In the video, one of its drones is seen travelling at high speed before landing on a designated spot in someone’s back garden. A flap underneath the drone opens up, and a package is deposited on the lawn. Amazon says the drone can fly around obstacles thanks to built-in safety features - an attempt to appease regulators who are generally resistant to the idea of drone delivery. The prototype is an octocopter, meaning it has eight propellers allowing it to take off and land vertically like a helicopter. It also has wings and a pusher motor so once it reaches the recommended altitude of 400ft it can travel like a plane. This gives it the 15-mile range which Amazon hopes could revolutionise delivery. Customers will receive a message when the drone is hovering overhead, so they can prepare for the arrival of the package.

following finance minister George Osborne’s decision to increase transaction taxes on buy-to-let properties as he sought to rebalance the housing market in favour of homebuyers.

“First rule of leadership: everything is your fault.”

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NEWS

“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”

TOYOTA SPEEDS AHEAD Toyota Motor Corp outsold Volkswagen AG for the fourth straight month and is set to remain the world’s top-selling automaker of 2015, after sales at the German carmaker suffered following the diesel emissions scandal.

Toyota said its group vehicle sales totalled 8.35 million in the first ten months of the year, more than the 8.26 million vehicles delivered by Volkswagen during the same period.

Toyota has continuously out sold Volkswagen on a year-todate basis. Volkswagen said its Volkswagen brand sales has fallen 5.3% year-on-year, after Europe’s biggest automaker admitted that it cheated diesel emissions tests in some of its cars sold in the United States since 2009.

TAXING TIMES AHEAD The new system of personal tax accounts, which will eventually replace annual tax returns, is being launched by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).The system of online accounts will be similar to online banking, HMRC says.

The new accounts will allow people to see their tax details and make payments at any time of the day or year.The roll-out for individuals is being phased in, for people currently in the self-assessment system.All personal taxpayers will have personal accounts by April next year, as will all of the country’s five million small

DON’T STEAL The taxman hates competition

businesses.Two million businesses are already using the new system.

The government says one advantage of the new digital tax accounts is that they should stop the build up of tax due, or refunds owed, at the end of each financial year, with no more surprises or shocks for tax payers.”The launch of personal tax accounts is a groundbreaking development for HMRC and our customers,” said Ruth Owen, the director general of personal tax at HMRC. The HMRC’s aim is that by 2020 the new digital accounts will encompass all taxpayers, individual or corporate. Businesses including the self-employed and landlords will, from April 2018, have to update HMRC every quarter where this activity is their main source of income.That obligation to report quarterly will also apply where the money is a secondary source of income worth more than £10,000, and the main income is from employment or from a pension.

Small business are rightfully concerned that the extra burden of quarterly reporting will be too onerous.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY Small Business Saturday was created in the US in 2010 by credit card company American Express. The idea is to encourage people to spend their holiday shopping dollars at small businesses. For the past four years we have been doing the same in the UK. Businesses all over the UK promoted the day, with many town councils offering free parking on the day to encourage shoppers to come in and celebrate small and privately owned businesses. It is estimated that if we each put just £100 more into independent retailers, coffee shops and restaurants a year it would bring £6bn extra revenue into the country. Walk past those chain stores!

21

NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

Compiled by Hannah Monkcom

JOBS FOR THE BOYS

HOW TO BOSS

Former Prime

When you’re under pressure, it’s easy to forget that

Minister Gordon

employees are unique individuals, with varying interests,

Brown has accepted

abilities, goals, and styles of learning. But it’s important to customise your interactions with them. Ensure you

a role on the advisory

understand what makes them tick. Be available and

panel of global

accessible for one-on-one conversations. Deliver lessons

investment firm,

cued to individual developmental needs. And when it

Pimco. The company

comes to promotion, look past rigid competency models

said it had formed

and career ladders for growth opportunities tailored to

a five-strong group

the ambitions, talents, and capacities of each person.

of “world-renowned

Inspire them with a vision, set challenging goals and

experts on economic

pump up their confidence so they believe they can win.

and political issues”.

Articulate a clear purpose that fires your team up, set

The other members

expectations high, and convey to the group that you think

include former US

they’re capable of virtually anything.

Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, and Jean-Claude Trichet, former president of the European Central Bank.

A spokesman for Mr Brown said he was taking on “a minor advisory role” and would not financially benefit.

The spokesman added: “Any money goes to the office of Gordon and Sarah Brown to support their charitable and public service work.”

Pimco, which was bought by German asset manager Allianz in 2000, administers about $1.47 trillion of assets for its clients.

HS2 TRAINS ARRIVE 6 YEARS EARLY! Chancellor George Osborne has announced that the new high-speed rail network HS2 will reach Crewe by 2027, six years earlier than originally planned. The rail link was first due to stretch from London to Birmingham by 2026, then reach Manchester and Leeds by 2033.

But HS2 boss Sir David Higgins proposed speeding up the £50bn project last year. Mr Osborne said the Spending Review had heralded the biggest rise in transport investment in a generation.

“Bringing forward this part of the HS2 route by six years is a massive step in the right direction for the Northern Powerhouse where high speed rail will play a big role in connecting up the entire region with the rest of the country,” he said.

“Never forget that only dead fish swim with the stream.”

22

NEWS

“Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes.”

TAITTINGER YOU CAN NOW TOUCH HOLOGRAMS! CHAMPAGNE FROM KENT Touchable holograms are here! Created by Japanese researchers who have used femtosecond laser technology that fires high frequency laser pulses lasting one millionth of one billionth of a second. The

Taittinger is bravely becoming the first French

pulses respond to human touch, allowing users to manipulate the

champagne house to squeeze fizz from grapes grown

hologram’s pixels in mid-air. Dr Yoichi Ochiai, Tsukuba University says:

on British soil, after it invested in a former Kent

“You can’t actually feel the videos or pictures. So, if we can project an

apple orchard. Taittinger has bought 69 hectares

image in a three dimensional form, and if you can touch it, then you can make something that you’ll think is actually there.” Researchers say their Fairy Lights technology could be used in entertainment, medicine, and architecture. He says “People’s daily lives would change if we used a bigger laser in a bigger space where people can interact with it, and see how it can be used in situations where three dimensional

of farmland near Chilham with help from British wine agents Hatch Mansfield and other private investors. The ground there is chalky and south facing, Taittinger said, making it an excellent microclimate to produce high quality grapes.

communication is necessary,

Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, president of the

such as a construction sites

company, said it was to “create something

or in the medical field.” Some

special to show our appreciation of the

experts believe the technology

UK’s support for champagne”.

could one day create a

Actually, it might be because they are

computer keyboard beamed

running out of room in France. In Rheims,

onto a person’s lap - or allow

Taittinger’s hometown, land costs £1.5

us to experience virtual touch

million a hectare more than in Kent.

during video chat! Wow!

WATER-YOU ON ABOUT?

THE UK LEADS Underlying economic vulnerabilities have been addressed, and steady growth looks set to continue, it said.

But high household debt, a “strikingly large” trade deficit and high government debt are still risks to the economy.

Britain’s water companies are owed a record £2.1bn. Their

It also warned about uncertainty

cash-strapped customers have debts adding £21 to the average

over whether the UK would stay

annual water and sewerage bill, according to the industry

in the EU.

regulator.

The average water bill is £385 a year, but in some parts of the country it is as high as £482, leaving more than 2.5 million households unable or struggling to pay.

There has been a 17% increase in the revenue outstanding at water companies since 2010, jumping from £1.9bn to £2.2bn, Ofwat says. The regulator is pressuring firms to do more to promote “social tariffs”, introduced in 2013, to help customers pay.

“Life is about risk, but what we are seeing is a very strong performance from the British economy,” the IMF’s Christine Lagarde told BBC business editor Kamal Ahmed.

She gave an upbeat assessment of the UK economy, saying that the UK was in a very strong position at the moment.

Growth has outstripped other major economies, the unemployment rate has fallen, employment is at a high, the fiscal deficit has been reduced, and financial sector resilience has increased, the IMF said in a report.

Steady growth looks likely to continue over the next few years, and inflation should gradually return to its 2% target, the IMF said.

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THE BIG STORY

THE WOMAN N WHO WOULD BE KING

icola Sturgeon seems to have come from nowhere and taken the political world by storm, on both sides of the border. The

Brits were so concerned about the bellicose Alex Salmond that we failed to realise that this little pocket rocket was shooting up the greasy pole behind him, and she is a far more formidable foe than Salmond ever was.

So, who is Sturgeon and where did she come

from to grasp the Thatcher nettle of a dominant woman who intimidates many men and takes no

by Maarten Hoffmann

prisoners?

Nicola Ferguson Sturgeon was born on the

19th July, 1970 and is a Scottish politician who is the fifth and current First Minister of Scotland and the leader of the Scottish National Party, in office since 2014. She is the first woman to hold either position. Sturgeon has been a member of the Scottish Parliament since 1999, first as an additional member for the Glasgow electoral region from 1999 to 2007, and as the member for Glasgow Southside since 2007 (known as Glasgow Govan from 2007 to 2011).

A Law graduate of the University of Glasgow, Sturgeon worked as a solicitor in Glasgow before election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and served successively as the SNP’s shadow minister for education, health and justice. In 2004, she announced that she would stand as a candidate for the leadership of the SNP following the resignation of John Swinney. However, she later withdrew from the contest in favour of Alex Salmond, standing instead as deputy leader on a joint ticket with Salmond.

Both were subsequently elected, and as Salmond was still an MP in the House of Commons, Sturgeon led the SNP in the Scottish Parliament from 2004 to 2007, when Alex Salmond was elected to the Scottish Parliament in the 2007 election. The SNP won the highest number of seats in the Scottish Parliament following the 2007 election, and Alex Salmond was subsequently appointed First Minister of Scotland. He appointed

24

THE BIG STORY Sturgeon as Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing. She was later appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities in 2012.

Following the defeat of the Yes Scotland campaign in the 2014 independence referendum, Alex Salmond announced that he would resign as leader at the party conference that November, and would resign as First Minister after a new leader was chosen. No one else was nominated for the post by the time nominations closed on October 15th, leaving Sturgeon to take the leadership unopposed at the SNP’s annual conference on 14 November.

She was formally elected to succeed Salmond as First Minister on 19 November.

She is the eldest of three daughters born to Robert Sturgeon, an electrician, and Joan Kerr Sturgeon, a dental nurse. Her family has some roots in North East England, her paternal grandmother having been from Ryhope in what is now the City of Sunderland.

Sturgeon grew up in Prestwick and Dreghorn. She attended Dreghorn Primary School from 1975 to 1982 and Greenwood Academy from 1982 to 1988. She later studied at the University of Glasgow, where she read Law. Sturgeon graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 1992 and a Diploma in Legal Practice the following year. During her time at Glasgow University she was active as a member of the Glasgow University Scottish Nationalist Association and the students’ representative council.

Following her graduation, she completed her legal traineeship at McClure Naismith, a Glasgow firm of solicitors, in 1995. After qualifying as a solicitor, she worked for Bell & Craig, a firm of solicitors in Stirling, and later at the Drumchapel Law Centre in Glasgow from 1997 until her election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999.

It would appear that there was a plan between Sturgeon and Salmond to stitch up the leadership and it was reported that Salmond had privately supported Sturgeon in her leadership bid, but decided to run for the position himself as it became apparent she was unlikely to beat his then deputy, Roseanna Cunningham. The majority of the SNP hierarchy lent their support to the Salmond-Sturgeon bid for the leadership and it seems that she was genuinely hurt by Salmond’s resignation after failing to swing the 2014 independence vote, losing by 55.3% to 44.7%, and said of her mentor: “The personal debt of gratitude I owe Alex is immeasurable. He has been my friend, mentor and colleague for more than 20 years. Quite simply, I would not have been able to do what I have in politics without his

constant advice, guidance and support through all these years. Alex’s announcement today inevitably raises the question of whether I will be a candidate to succeed him as SNP leader.

I can think of no greater privilege than to seek to lead the party I joined when I was just 16.

However, that decision is not for today. My priority this weekend, after a long and hard campaign, is to get some rest and spend time with my family. I also want the focus over the next few days to be on the outstanding record and achievements of the finest First Minister Scotland has had.”

“I’m not sure this a word I should use in an interview, but it’s bollocks”

Following the referendum defeat, Sturgeon said that “further devolution is the route to independence,” further claiming that “the more responsibilities we can demonstrate Scotland is capable of successfully discharging, the more these are used to build a fairer country and more economic opportunity for all.” Sturgeon also opined that Scottish independence is a matter of “when, not if.”

Sturgeon took part in several Scottish and UK-wide TV election debates in the run-up to the 2015 general election, and, according to opinion polls, was regarded to have had a highly successful performance. Though she didn’t stand for election, the SNP went on to win a landslide victory in Scotland, winning 56 out of 59 seats. This performance took everyone by surprise as she was lucid, wellprepared and dominated the stage.

On 4 April, 2015, a leaked memo from the Scotland Office alleged that Sturgeon privately told the French ambassador Sylvie Bermann that she would “rather see David Cameron remain as PM.” This was in contrast to her publicly-stated opposition to a Conservative Government on the run-up to the election. The memo was quickly denied by both Sturgeon and the French Consulate. It was later noted that the memo had contained a disclaimer that parts of the conversation may have been “lost in translation” and its release had been ordered by then Scottish Secretary, Alistair Carmichael. The scandal of the leak to the The Daily Telegraph became known as Frenchgate.

Sturgeon stated that Carmichael had “engaged in dirty tricks” and that he should consider his position as an MP. Now that she has total control of the Scottish political scene, she is still determined to tear Scotland away from the UK and become the first Scottish Prime Minister. And there are few who would bet against her.

In an interview with the BBC’s Political Editor, Laura Kuenssberg, she stated that a convincing victory for the SNP at next year’s Scottish elections would not be enough for her to push for a second vote on independence, saying even a thumping win would not be “in and of itself sufficient.”

During the interview, she said it was not in the interests of the SNP to rush a second referendum. Sturgeon suggested to the BBC that she will be the judge of when it is right to hold a second referendum, saying: “It will be down to whether we judge, I judge, that people who voted ‘no’ last year have changed their minds.” She would not say she was confident that another vote will take place while she was in charge, but few doubt that is exactly the plan.

As the SNP dominates its rivals, Scotland’s future in the UK does not feel remotely settled.

That’s why it is impossible for her to escape the speculation about a potential date for another vote that would separate Scotland from the rest of the UK. And that’s why it matters that she told the BBC, for the first time, that the results of the Scottish elections next year will not be a trigger for another referendum.

So if it is not straightforward electoral success, what will it be? She has said repeatedly if the rest of the UK votes to leave the EU, that could be a trigger for another vote.

But she and the rest of the leadership are not willing to set any other fixed tests, referring again and again to a “consistent and clear” shift in public opinion. In short, they’ll only go for it when they think they can win.

The party is now four times larger in terms of membership than it was last year when the independence referendum was held. Opinion polls have suggested it holds huge leads over Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in voting intentions ahead of next year’s elections. Sturgeon told the conference: “In the general election in 2010, fewer than half a million people voted SNP. In the Scottish election a year later, our support grew to just over 900,000 votes. And in the general election this year, almost 1.5 million people chose our party. That’s almost one million more people - in just five years and across all parts of our country - persuaded to put their trust in the SNP to lead Scotland forward.”

25

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THE BIG STORY Tory win inevitable.

Her critics may have called foul, saying she

kind of continuation from the referendum.

got away with murder because she wasn’t

Obviously, the general election campaign

being scrutinised on her record in a devolved

wasn’t just a continuation of the referendum

Scottish government or the fact that she wasn’t

campaign, but in terms of momentum and the

even a contender for Westminster, never mind

SNP’s campaign operation, that really has just

No 10, but the end result was that she presided

continued.

over a landslide victory in Scotland for the SNP.

“Obviously, within that I have also become

She is seen as more natural, more authentic,

First Minister, so that was a massive change

and she has a natural charm that he does not,

of focus for me and a massive increase in

and, during the last few months, she has even

responsibility, and my role was very different

managed to transcend his economic USP by

campaigning in the general election to

making a simple case to end austerity.

campaigning in the referendum, but altogether

What has happened since the referendum is a phenomenon that is difficult to explain.

There was no real party strategy that directed

She has commanded the airwaves across the UK, has sold out venues in a meet-themembers tour around Scotland, has given lectures, hosted receptions, appeared on prime-time American television, met with Christine Lagarde at the IMF, and there have been selfies galore.

And when she took to the stage at her party’s spring conference, six months after the No vote, it wasn’t just the 3,000-plus devotees in the audience at the Glasgow Exhibition Centre slavishly hanging onto her every word; the world’s media were also firmly focused on her.

The SNP’s newly-elected Deputy Leader, Stewart Hosie, introduced her as “the only party leader in the UK who people actually like.” The crowd roared and a constantly changing screen behind him showed that the number of SNP members stood at over 100,000 and still counting – a fourfold increase since the referendum.

After losing the referendum, the SNP has risen, ironically, to heights it could hardly have dreamt of just this time last year. Sturgeon urged her new party faithful at conference to make their voices heard. “Let us put the normal divisions of politics aside, let us come together as one country, let us seize this historic moment to shift the balance of power from the corridors of Westminster to the streets and communities of Scotland,” she said. “Let us this time vote SNP and make this nation’s voice heard like never before.”

Today, under her watch, the SNP is now the third-largest party in Britain. And in a Westminster general-election campaign that would normally pay scant attention to the SNP, the party was at the centre of every other party’s rhetoric and the subject of much media commentary and debate. It was variously blamed for trying to get into No 10 on Ed Miliband’s coattails, and for trying to make a

in a strange sort of way, it has just been a

the past year has been just a non-stop period of constant activity.

“The general election was a strange one for

what happened post a No vote. No one within

me because usually, or for a large part of my

the SNP foresaw it because no one could have

time in the SNP, it’s been about saying you’re

predicted that a No vote would help create

going to win and talking up your chances, but

a chain reaction of events that led to the

deep down, it’s knowing you weren’t. It was the

monumental result in May.

reverse this time.”

However, I suggest that is not how England voted, and without wishing to intrude on the

“While her 56 MPs bed down and make their voices heard, Sturgeon has to prepare for another election in May of next year.”

Labour Party’s grief, I ask her what she makes of Labour’s narrative that the SNP played into the Tories’ hands and yet again let them in to power – an argument Labour has well rehearsed since the 1970s, when they say the SNP helped bring the minority Callaghan government down, which then saw Margaret Thatcher’s party win at a general election.

“I’m not sure this a word I should use in an interview, but it’s bollocks. Even if you try to unpack that argument, what’s the logical conclusion – that we shouldn’t have stood?

That Labour should have been given a free run?

But it has been the general-election outcome rather than the referendum outcome – although

I’m assuming that’s not what they’re arguing.

Labour failed to win the election because

both obviously related – that has resulted in

they failed to beat the Tories in England and it

pushing the SNP and Sturgeon to the fore of

might comfort them to say that was somehow

UK and global politics. “In a campaign sense,

the fault of the SNP, because the Tories tried to

27

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THE BIG STORY use the SNP to scaremonger, but if that’s true, and I’m not convinced that was actually as big a factor in England as some would say, but let’s assume it’s true, that would only ever have worked if people had started out being scared of Labour.”

While her 56 MPs bed down and make their voices heard, Sturgeon has to prepare for another election in May of next year. With a fractured opposition and Scottish Labour in the midst of yet another leadership contest, some say the SNP has had it too easy and that Sturgeon has taken her foot off the peddle of government. With the media reporting crisis after crisis in the NHS, in education and in Police Scotland, is she presiding over a picture of decline?

“Let’s take those in turn. On the health service, there is not a picture of decline. On almost all waiting times – and this is a territory I know very well – the performance of the health service is better and the waiting times are tougher. So it’s performing better against tougher targets than in 2007 when we were first in government. It might not always be meeting those targets consistently, but the targets are tougher and it’s closer to meeting them than it was to meeting weaker targets eight years ago. That’s true across most of the waiting-time targets. We have taken the level of performance up. And I say we, but

“The Conservatives demanded that the First Minister finally say sorry for the shocking scale of the SNP’s deceit on Scotland’s oil wealth before the referendum” it’s down to the folk working in the health service who have done it, and we need to strive to do even better.”

“On education, we’ve got a good education system. We’ve just undertaken the biggest reform in Scottish education in a long time with Curriculum for Excellence. We now need to make sure we go into the next phase of that to make sure we’re really honing in on the basics and on quality and on being able to measure that performance, so that if there are areas that are not doing as well as they should be, then we can take action.”

What about the party’s position on private schools? Kezia Dugdale has said as leader of Scottish Labour she will campaign to remove the charitable status of private schools.

“Well, we are where we are. If you’re serious about improving or continuing to improve the quality of state education, that’s what you should focus on. There is a diversity of opinion on private schools and charitable status for private schools and that is something that is determined by OSCR, so private schools or any charity need to fulfil those conditions to obtain charity status. It’s not an automatic status.

But we can have a debate about that and I am totally up for that, but what Labour shouldn’t do is suggest if we take away the charitable status of private schools it will make one iota of difference to the performance in state schools. By all means have that debate, and I’m not shying away from it, but I’d rather we focus on the attainment challenge and the work we’re doing around the performance framework on improving the picture in state schools.”

And Police Scotland – does she still have confidence in it?

“I do, which is not say I don’t recognise the challenges it’s had and the mistakes it has made. But again, we’ve undertaken a very big and

29

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THE BIG STORY very complex reform. We’ve done it for good

wealth before the referendum. She and Mr

his lucky stars it’s not him up there delivering

reasons. The opposition like to gloss over the

Salmond both told voters that the North Sea

a budget for an independent Scotland. His

fact we’ve had significant cuts to our budget, so

was on the verge of another oil boom, but it

predictions of a second oil boom have gone

we’ve had to make reforms to protect front-line

is on course to generate just a small fraction

bust.”

services. That was the whole drive behind the

of the £8 billion required annually to put a

creation of Police Scotland.”

separate Scotland on the same financial footing

for independence on an oil price of $113 (£74)

as remaining in the UK.

per barrel, claiming the sector would generate

She certainly has all the answers, and her media training is getting stronger and

Although the collapse in the oil price

SNP ministers based their financial planning

between £15.8 billion and £38.7 billion for

stronger, but there is a massive elephant in

occurred after the referendum, Alex Bell, Mr

the public purse over five years. The OBR

the room that she and many other Scottish

Salmond’s former senior policy adviser, last

forecast at July’s Budget that oil and gas would

politicians will not confront. Will Scotland be an

week admitted that the economic case for

generate around £2.5 billion for the public

economically viable country if they depart from

independence was “wishful” last year and

purse between 2016/17 and 2020/21, but

the UK?

it was now “deluded” and “broken beyond

yesterday downgraded this by two-thirds to

repair.”

only £800 million.

An independent Scotland would have started life with “catastrophic” cuts to public services,

Delivering the CSR, Mr Osborne referred to

This was thanks to a large drop in the

thanks to a 94% reduction in oil revenues,

OBR statistics estimating that UK oil and gas

forecast oil price, which currently stands

George Osborne has said, as Nicola Sturgeon

revenues will fall from £2.2 billion in 2014/15

at around $45 per barrel. Around £100

faced demands to apologise for “deceiving”

to £130 million in the current financial year.

million revenue is expected for each of the

voters during the referendum.

He said: “If Scotland had voted for

next three financial years, £200 million in

independence, they would have had their own

2019/20 and £300 million in the final year

Scotland would have staged its own “savage”

Spending Review this autumn. With world oil

of the spending review period. The OBR said

Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) this

prices falling, and revenues from the North Sea

oil producers received £222 million more

autumn if voters had backed separation, ahead

forecast by the OBR to be down 94%, we would

in petroleum revenue tax (PRT) than they

of the SNP’s projected “independence day” next

have seen catastrophic cuts to Scottish public

paid in the first seven months of the current

year. But he said Scotland’s public finances

services.”

financial year, thanks to lower oil prices, higher

The Chancellor told the Commons that

would have been in “complete tatters,” thanks

The Chancellor later said this was the

decommissioning costs and the carry back of losses to reclaim previously paid tax.

to a £20 billion ‘hole’ created by the collapse in

equivalent of £20 billion of shortfall over

North Sea oil and gas revenues. David Cameron

three years, which he said would have meant

said that a separate Scotland’s CSR would

“savage cuts” that would have “devastated

and damn the consequences? I fear that is the

have consisted of “cuts, cuts, cuts, taxes, taxes,

Scotland.”

case. They are so keen to go their own way

taxes.”

Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Tory finance

So, is Scottish independence at any price,

that they have lost sight of the true value of

spokesman, said: “Despite numerous warnings,

the union. Just as Europe battles to unite her

Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicted oil is

the SNP’s white paper, overseen by Nicola

countries following centuries of devastating

expected to generate just £100 million in the

Sturgeon, brushed all evidence aside in an

wars, Scotland decides to go the other way and

2016/17 tax year and revenues will remain

attempt to deliberately hoodwink voters.

attempt to separate.

New estimates produced by the Office for

“very low” until at least 2020/21.This compares

“Given these latest figures, Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon is a skilled politician, and

with the 2016/17 projection of between £6.8

and John Swinney should show they are

the public seems to like her, but she is barking

billion and £7.9 billion in Alex Salmond’s White

prepared to move on by apologising for what

up the wrong tree. Make Scotland strong, go

Paper on independence – between 68 and 79

was a deliberate and conscious decision to

for a form of devolution and cherish everything

times higher than the latest forecasts.

deceive people. Everyone can now see that

that is good about the country, but splitting

Scotland dodged a bullet last year.”

from the UK would be devastating for their

The Conservatives demanded that the First Minister finally say sorry for “the shocking scale of the SNP’s deceit” on Scotland’s oil

Willie Rennie, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, added: “John Swinney should thank

economy, and as has been stated on many occasions, once out, there ain’t no way back in.

31

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RUNWAY DEBATE

KICKED INTO THE LONG GRASS? The final decision on where the South East’s next runway will be built has been delayed again until the summer. By Ian Trevett

“T

he guarantee I can give you is that a decision will be made by the end of the year.” This is what David Cameron announced to the Commons last summer. The final report of the Airport Commission had already been delayed until after the General Election. Now it appears that another election has prompted a postponement of any activity this time the London mayoral elections. It’s no surprise that the PM’s announcement of a delay was met with the undisguised scorn of the business community.

John Longworth, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses will see this as a gutless move by a government that promised a clear decision on a new runway by the end of the year.”

Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors, agreed: “Business leaders will be tearing their hair out at the news that, yet again, a decision on expanding the UK’s airport capacity has been delayed.”

And local business groups were just as scathing. Carol Squires, Head of Business Development at Surrey Chambers of Commerce, said businesses in the county would see the delay as a “lack of commitment to promoting and encouraging economic development within the UK.” The reason given for the delay was the need to conduct new pollution tests in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal before deciding whether to build a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick. But, inevitably, this is viewed by most as just a delaying tactic - so what does the delay really mean?

Explanation 1 - With so much opposition within his own party, Cameron wants to give

the green light to Gatwick, but he can’t simply disregard the findings of the Airport Commission that he set up, nor does he want to lose face with the business organisations backing Heathrow, so he commissions a new environmental test, which Heathrow is doomed to fail, allowing him the opportunity to say yes to Gatwick.

Gatwick Airport CEO Stewart Wingate said, “We are glad that the Government recognises that more work on environmental impact needs to be done. Air quality... is a public health priority and, obviously, the legal safeguards around it cannot be wished away.

“Even Heathrow’s most vocal supporters must now realise a third runway at Heathrow will never take off, as the environmental hurdles are just too high.

If they want Britain to have the benefits of expansion and competition, they should now look to Gatwick.”

Explanation 2 - It will be Heathrow, but party politics come first. The PM is in a political mess. He has set up an independent commission and will look foolish if he ignores the conclusion. But Sir Howard Davies didn’t have to worry about the politics. With most of the cabinet having their seats in Surrey or West London, Heathrow is political poison. And then there’s the London Mayoral Elections. The current Conservative Mayor has threatened to lie in front of the bulldozers if Heathrow is chosen. The Conservative’s next candidate has threatened to resign his Richmond seat in protest and create a mini-referendum on Heathrow in the by-election - which the antiHeathrow protest vote would win.

A Heathrow decision before the election (which the Tories desperately want to win)

would be toxic. But will the political climate really be that much better after the elections?

Explanation 3 - It’s been firmly kicked into the long grass. There’s a good reason why there has been no expansion of Heathrow, or anywhere else, for so long: no politician wants the grief. With a verdict expected, legal teams from both airports were poised to attack, environmentalists were preparing to march and NIMBYs were preparing to wreck the lives of their local MPs. Simon Clydesdale from Greenpeace UK said, “Neither Heathrow nor the Davies Commission have managed to convince anybody that they can build a new runway without breaking pollution and carbon limits, which would be illegal, no ifs, no buts. Kicking the can down the road for another six months won’t solve what is clearly an insoluble problem. It’s about time everyone accepted that no lobbying budget is big enough to change the laws of physics.”

The politicians love the PR of a euphoric Paris summit, but green issues aren’t a priority by any means. They just don’t want the hassle.

The simple truth is, Cameron would get the controversy and the vitriol, while the glory will go to the PM who cuts the ribbon to open the runway.

Think of poor Red Ken. His finest moments were helping London secure the Olympics and his pioneering work instigating a London cyclehire scheme. His reward was watching Boris wave the Union jack in China whilst waffling on about the English inventing table tennis or ‘Whiff-Whaff’ and a city filled with ‘Boris Bikes’.

Maybe Cameron is terrified that he’ll get the crap, and who’ll get the glory? Prime Minister Boris!

33

LEGAL

CLIENTS ARE OUR BUSINESS DMH Stallard reflects on 2015

An exciting 2016 beckons for DMH Stallard, if the successes achieved by the firm in 2015 can be emulated. Richard Pollins, Managing Partner at DMH Stallard reflects on the last 12 months.

“Throughout 2015 we have continued to evolve the firm’s approach. Everyone at DMH Stallard understands that clients are at the centre of our business and our people are dedicated to our clients success – it really is that simple.

“I think, above everything else we do, from being technically excellent lawyers to applying our commercial know-how, the fact that we are so client orientated has really helped the firm to grow so quickly.

“It also makes DMH Stallard a great place to work and I think this is reflected in our Investors in People Silver Accreditation which was awarded to the firm this year. This underlines our commitment to our own people who all have such an important role to play in the firm’s success.”

M&A - A caffeine boost DMH Stallard’s client focused approach is clearly evident in some of the fantastic businesses it has supported in 2015.

No more so in the recent private equity investment in Brighton based Small Batch Coffee Company, the artisan coffee business which is a true success story of a business growing rapidly.

Jonathan Grant, who leads DMH Stallard’s Corporate Team has worked in partnership with the owners of Small Batch for many years and has helped them realise their success, culminating in the investment that will allow the business to move to the next level. The deal has just been nominated for Deal of the Year at the forthcoming Insider South East Dealmaker Awards.

Small Batch began roasting in 2006 and has since developed its own retail concept, growing to five stores across Brighton and Hove, together with two railway kiosks. Its successful wholesale business provides branded and bespoke blends to an expanding list of leading restaurants, coffee shops and cafes throughout the UK.

“We needed lawyers with a commercial approach allied with a depth of resource to respond to the demands of a private equity investor. Jonathan Grant and his team at DMH Stallard looked after Brad, who was stepping away from the business he founded, and myself and Alan, who continue with the business.”

Nigel Lambe,Chief Executive of Small Batch Coffee Company Look out for an interview with Nigel Lambe in PBM very soon.

34

LEGAL

DMH Stallard Continues to Grow Richard Pollins, DMH Stallard Managing Partner

“It was great to work with such a strong local brand and to help clients who really deserve the success they have achieved.

It is satisfying to deliver a deal for clients you really like!

This deal would not have completed in such a short time without skill and hard work from Nigel, Brad and Alan.”

Jonathan Grant, Partner, DMH Stallard

DMH Stallard has completed two mergers with other law firms during 2015. Both mergers further strengthens DMH Stallard’s position as one of the dominant firms in the South East with offices in Gatwick, Guildford, Brighton and London, and brings the total number of Partners to 60.

The mergers follow strong financial performance for DMH Stallard over the last 12 months with profits increasing by 10%. Turnover is now £26 million.

The first merger completed In January when established Guildford based firm AWB Partnership became part of the DMH Stallard family. DMH Stallard has since opened a brand new centre in Guildford. The firm’s new office in Surrey allows DMH Stallard to continue to serve its growing client base of individuals and businesses in Guildford, Farnham and throughout the region by bringing together over 40 professionals, including ten Partners.

The merger also supports the firm’s growing private client practice, with a highly regarded team based in Guildford that compliments the firm’s offering in Gatwick, Brighton and London.

DMH Stallard’s second merger completed in December when the firm merged with long established London firm, Ross & Craig Solicitors.

The merger between the two firms further strengthens DMH Stallard’s presence in London with all of Ross & Craig’s existing team, including their eight partners, moving to DMH Stallard’s existing London office in New Fetter Lane. DMH Stallard’s London operation alone now has a total of 23 partners and a turnover next year in excess of £10 million.

www.dmhstallard.com 35

GREEN BUSINESS

GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

G

oing green is a great buzzword at the moment but one has to wonder how many companies really take this ethos

to heart? One that most certainly does, and has been recognised for their tremendous efforts to reduce their environmental impact, is Sony DADC based in Southwater, West Sussex.

As a part of the giant Sony Corporation, Sony DADC is their replication (an injection moulding process) arm and have the capacity, in just their Southwater centre alone, to replicate 15 million units per month - and this at a time when most of us would of thought that the CD and DVD market was in sharp decline. But no, the market for box sets, movies and music

One would think that with the chemical processes used in manufacturing and

“As the leading disc and digital solution provider for the entertainment, education and information industries, they offer a truly world class service.”

CD’s and games is alive and well and with

in rude health.

But this would not be such a surprise if their largest client was indeed Sony but 77% of

major polluters in the region but their efforts to reduce their environmental impact are worthy of the ultimate praise and this was fully recognised in 2015 when they were awarded the Gatwick Diamond Award for Green Business of the Year, the Green Award for the Use of Energy in 2010 and the Helios Award for the Reduction of CO2 Emissions in 2011 against competition from all other Sony sites across Europe.

On a recent visit to their Southwater facility, l was amazed at the automation of the process and how much of it is in-house, from the manufacture of the disc itself right

a turnover in excess of £32 million in 2014 through 200 clients worldwide, they seem to be

replicating discs that they would be one of the

through to the label printing. I was equally Universal Music and Cambridge University Press. As the leading disc and digital solution provider for the entertainment, education and

impressed by the passion and dedication shown by the Facilities Manager Dean Shackel and General Manager Colin Lammie. As we toured the site their enthusiasm was absolutely

their revenue is derived from non-Sony clients

information industries, they offer a truly world

contagious not just for the process but for their

such as the BBC, Warner Music, Harper Collins,

class service.

determination to cut their emissions and the

36

GREEN BUSINESS

considerable efforts they had placed into being as green as possible.

Having achieved ISO14001 Certification in 2008, they went on to seek out other opportunities such as energy conservation, waste reduction, water consumption, employee training, increasing biodiversity and legal compliance. Electrical consumption was looked at and the resulting reduction is quite remarkable. In 2008 they were running 73,745.000 units and consuming 13,204.087 kilowatts. In 2014, they ran 76,158.000 units and only consumed 9,675.281 kilowatts showing a 27% reduction in energy consumption. They also ensured that all heated waste water was re-routed into the plant heating system and clean up their waste water, through the removal of contaminates, to the point that it was almost as clean leaving the plant as when it was pumped in. When one considers that aluminium, nickel, lacquers, resins and inks are used in the production process, this is an impressive achievement.

Their next step for 2016 is diversification.

With the acceptance that the world is going digital, their core replication business will

decline one day and they need to look to the

injection moulding, printing and packing and

future. They are looking to form business

25 engineers with skills in surface technology,

partnerships with local companies that could

product testing and sputtering, this is a quite

benefit from their expertise and world beating

unique facility used to high volume and rapid

technology. With 200 highly trained staff with

turnaround in a demanding manufacturing

skills ranging from lasers, electro-plating,

environment. They have the capacity to take on any new product in any sector and with their

“When one considers that aluminium, nickel, lacquers, resins and inks are used in the production process, this is an impressive achievement.�

highly trained staff and the latest technology, the entry price would be significantly reduced for any local company that might be seeking to contract with such a facility.

There is a unique opportunity here for any company that might be looking for a manufacturing facility but is reluctant to invest the considerable amount of money required to establish such a plant.

The Sony DADC plant in Southwater is jam packed with highly trained professionals, cutting edge technology and passionate management and l am sure that there will be companies beating a path to their door.

Sony DADC Southwater Business Park, Worthing Road, Southwater, West Sussex, RH13 9YT T: 01403 739840 E: colin.lammie@sonydadc.com 37

BUSINESS AWARDS

MEET THE JUDGES How do you pick a business award winner? PBM asked some of the judges for the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards how they make such a difficult decision

Matt Saunders, Managing Director Storm Creative Partnership

Andrew Clark Relationship Director, South East, SME Banking Lloyds Bank Commercial Category: Responsible Business of the Year

Category: Award for Customer Delight Why did you decide to sponsor the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards?

The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards present a fantastic opportunity to meet the very best local businesses from our thriving and diverse region. It gives us the chance to engage with a vast array of companies from a wide variety of sectors, in order to identify and celebrate those industry-leading businesses taking home these prestigious awards.

Why this particular category?

We believe that delivering customer delight is the most critical factor if you are to build long-term relationships with your consumer base. It is both exciting and insightful to discover the innovative ways businesses within the region are engaging with their clients and customers, which is why we are judging this category for the 4th year. In previous years, we have found the judging process to be extremely rewarding, and has meant we have formed relationships with local businesses who perhaps we would not have otherwise. Celebrating business excellence is something we strongly believe in, so it is great to be a part of the Awards once again.

When judging, what attributes are you looking for?

It always amazes me how many fantastic companies we meet that are genuinely focused upon customer service and retention.

What are we looking for? Simple - innovation. We are searching for those businesses that are doing something new and different within their industry, which sets them apart from their competitors. As well as adopting a unique approach to delighting their customers, we reward businesses who can provide the evidence to back up their assertions. For us, it is about seeing those ideas generate meaningful results for customers.

Why did you decide to sponsor the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards?

Lloyds Bank Commercial has sponsored these awards as we share the same passion as the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards to encourage new enterprise and support businesses who want to grow and succeed. As a key provider of banking services we want to celebrate the achievements of local business and can think of no better way than these awards.

Why this particular category?

A responsible approach to doing business is integral to everything we do as it underpins our ambition to become the best bank for customers and our purpose to help Britain prosper. It is central to our Group strategy as we aim to rebuild trust and operate as a responsible business by ‘living’ our Group Values – putting customers first, keeping it simple, making a difference together – and working in line with our Codes of Responsibility.

When judging, what attributes are you looking for?

The winner of this award will be the business that enhances the community it operates in. We are looking for a business that demonstrates passion and commitment amongst the management, staff, suppliers and customers for this vision and that ensures it can deliver through the actions taken.

Without giving any clues to the possible winners, what has impressed you about the entrants?

A lot of time and effort has gone in by the entrants to this category to bring to life the work these businesses are doing to be responsible. The entrants are from a varied cross section and it will be a tough choice to pick one as a winner.

For more, visit www.gatwickdiamondbusinessawards.com www.twitter.com/gdbizawards www.facebook.com/gdbizawards or call us on 01293 813888 38

BUSINESS AWARDS Diane Belford , Head of Business Development, Rawlison Butler LLP Category: Award for Innovation and Technology

Nick Broom, Managing Director - PVL UK Limited Category: Professional Services Firm of the Year

When judging, what attributes are you looking for?

We are really looking for the winner to be able to show us how the innovation has led to an improvement or efficiency in their business, whether it is in just a part of a larger and established company or as part of their overall growth strategy. The innovation itself can be around a product or service offered to customers or the way processes have been used or developed to help them to establish or grow their enterprise.

Last Year’s Awards

PVL is delighted to be sponsoring the Professional Services Firm of the Year Award and supporting the 2016 Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.

PVL UK is the largest supplier of high visibility reflective safety markings to the UK emergency services with clients throughout the UK and beyond. They are part of the Preview Visual Communications Group which includes Preview Creative and ArtDSigns; together we provide a full but focussed range of marketing, web development and graphic services from signage to vehicle branding.

We pride ourselves on our own customer service and have expanded over the past 20 years from our base at the centre of the Gatwick Diamond engaging with many locally based businesses, building a large network of contacts across the region for support and services as we have grown.

Having used the services of many professional services companies over the years we have realised that the skills, expertise and knowledge of these firms are required to support and develop all businesses in the region – no matter what size or scope, everyone will have used or be using the skills of a “professional services” company.

If we are to continue to strive for excellence in the Gatwick Diamond, we need businesses in this sector to be of the highest possible calibre of professionalism, knowledge and a service offering to match, in order to support and develop the potential in the rest of the business community.

It therefore is a great privilege to be judging this category, where we are looking for excellence in professional services businesses regardless of their size or areas of expertise.

The annual award ceremony itself is a fantastic event and supported by businesses across the spectrum – it’s a great evening to take key clients or team members – we always enjoy it!

❝

Hosted by Sanjeev Bhaskar, the Awards Ceremony is on 17th March 2016. The Awards Dinner is now sold out, apart from an allocation for those who are finalists, so this will be the biggest and best networking event in the Gatwick Diamond.

“This has been another great year for entries with some outstanding companies taking part. The quality of entries is very high and I’m sure it will be a tough job for the judges to come to their decisions.

“Now this is our eighth year the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards are clearly established in the regional business community and I’m l ooking forward to seeing so many great businesses and people in one room on the night. And don’t worry if you can’t be there as the event will be Twittercast on the night so you’ll know the winners as they are announced.

Jeremy Taylor of the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

❞

39

MARK US FOR YOUR NEXT BUSINESS MEETING. Book your event before 31 March 2016 at Hilton London Gatwick Airport and take advantage of one of our promotional offers: · Triple HHonors Points · 1 in 10 Goes Free (Maximum of 5) · Complimentary overnight accommodation for organiser · Complimentary WiFi Access for all Delegates For more information contact our events team, call +44 (0) 1293 610 809 or email events.gatwick@hilton.com.

South Terminal Gatwick Airport | West Sussex| | RH6 0LL | UK | facebook.com/HiltonGatwick | twitter.com/HiltonGatwick ©2014 Hilton Worldwide

CONFERENCE FACILITIES

CONFERENCE GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL EVENT T he quality of a property`s conference and event facilities is a key influencing factor for businesses looking for a hotel

venue. The style of management, food and

beverages service and operations within a hotel all influence the overall decision. Other factors that sway decisions about which hotel is chosen are location, accessibility, the meeting and events capacity, accommodation for delegates and if the organiser has a preexisting relationship with the conference and banqueting team.

Ultimately though, it is the service that differentiates good from great hotels. Every business wants to be known and understood by its host for delivering the best guest experience possible, with personalised service and the ability to meet a wide variety of needs.

The key is always communication. If a business is conscientious towards all aspects of conferencing and communicates regularly with clients throughout the process, then an organisation will be interpreted as efficient, which is the key element to providing a

remember that hotel or venue conference and

this will always depend on the quality of the

successful service. It is paramount that venue

meeting teams offer expert knowledge and

venue selected.

staff are experienced in every aspect of the

experience that can benefit any event. They are

service offered. No attention to detail can be

also able to customise meeting packages to

larger hotels ensure this is a pre-requisite for

overlooked. When planning your conference

suit individual needs and are aware that clients

any events team. Experienced teams will have

and business needs, it is important to

are continually looking for creative and unique

hosted many meetings and conferences before

ways to deliver an event.

yours and are therefore aware of potential

There is no substitute for experience and the

Accessible and easy to use technology

challenges. It is as important to them, as it is to

has become infused in today’s conferences

you, that your event makes a good impression.

meaning venues are required to provide secure

Working with experienced teams will allow

environments, WIFI accessibility, high end

your organiser to focus on the day’s content,

technology for presentations and also multiple

safe in the knowledge that quality will never be

sockets for recharging portal devices.

compromised and no detail will be overlooked.

Whether you are a micro, small, medium or large business, you will want to ensure success in whatever you do. Whether you are planning a small meeting or hosting a reception for hundreds of people, it is vital to be confident in delivering an event that creates a personal and authentic experience that one can be proud of and

41

The University of Brighton is looking for governors The University of Brighton is committed to maintaining a highly experienced, talented and diverse board of governors. Our current board includes experts from industry, finance, education, healthcare, government, charity and law.

Our values embody diversity, participation, sustainability and partnerships. We have been recognised for the impact of our research and innovative engagement with the community.

We continually seek to enhance our governing body and we are interested in people from all sectors, but at the present time, we are particularly looking for

expertise in business, property and planning, education, charity and technology.

If you feel you have the skills and time to dedicate to this valuable role, and would like to find out more about being a governor for the University of Brighton, please email chairman@brighton.ac.uk in the first instance, and we will send more information.

We need a diverse board, made up of colleagues with different backgrounds to give us a strong pool of experience to draw upon.

John Harley, Chair of the Board of Governors, University of Brighton.

To see who’s currently on our board of governors, visit: www.brighton.ac.uk/governors The University of Brighton is committed to equality and diversity, and we welcome expressions of interest from people of all backgrounds.

DEBATE

AND ON TONIGHT’S PANEL...

David Dimbleby hosts the inaugural University of Brighton debate of the university - said: “It was a fascinating debate.

It was really interesting to discuss difficult, serious and sometimes contentious issues. There is a desire to improve relations between the university and the city and a feeling that this is happening.”

Professor Crampton said: “We launched this debate series because we want to hear from local people about how the university can make a difference in their lives. There was a lot of useful discussion and we plan to take this forward in future debates, and in concrete changes to how we work, building on our

D

J Fatboy Slim and artist Alison Lapper MBE took part in the first University of Brighton debate, which focused on the

role of universities in their wider community.

A packed audience of staff, students, graduates and members of the public took part in the debate in November, which was chaired by the BBC’s David Dimbleby, at the university’s Sallis Benney Theatre.

200 community projects. It also contributes and generates £700m annually for the South East economy and supports more than 7,000 jobs. However, Professor Crampton said the university could always do more.

David Dimbleby – an honorary graduate

existing engagement with our local community.

“This mutually beneficial partnership will both improve our efforts as a university and enable us to give back to the community to which we belong.”

Professor Julian Crampton, David Dimbleby, Alison Lapper, Fatboy Slim and Candice Armah

In addition to the two well-known University of Brighton alumni, panellists included the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julian Crampton CBE DL, and former Student Union President and current student, Candice Armah.

Topics included how the University of Brighton can do more to support local business, how the university can be a better neighbour and make its facilities open to the public, and how it could provide more entertainment spaces for its students.

The audience heard how the university is planning more purpose-built accommodation for its students, how it has a dedicated community liaison team to work through any student issues and how it works on more than

43

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FINANCE NEWS

DOUBLE FOR KRESTON REEVES K

reston Reeves Financial Planning has been shortlisted as finalists in the ‘Adviser of the Year (South East)’ category at the Professional Adviser Awards 2016. They have also been listed in Citywire’s ‘New Model Adviser Top 100 Financial Planning Firms 2015’ for the second year running.

The Professional Adviser Awards are hosted

by Professional Adviser, who provides content for client-facing advisers, paraplanners and business owners. They work in partnership with Investment Week to deliver breaking news and analysis for wealth managers.

More than 200 firms entered the awards, which are in their 11th year and seek to reward excellence in financial advice and the wider sector. The black-tie ceremony will take place at The Brewery in London on 11 February, 2016.

Citywire, a London-based financial publishing and information group, recently compiled a list of the UK’s top 100 advisory firms to showcase financial planning firms that are at the ‘top of their game’. To secure a place on the prestigious Citywire list, all the businesses had to display a strong commitment to the profession, be it through individual qualifications and memberships or the firm’s work with the wider planning community.

The above successes follow previous recognition for Kreston Reeves Financial Planning in Citywire’s ‘New Model Adviser Top 100 Financial Planning Firms’ for 2014. They also achieved ‘chartered financial status’ in 2009 – a coveted status held by relatively few firms in the country.

David Hurst, Managing Director at Kreston Reeves Financial Planning, comments, “We are delighted to have been recognised twice in such a short period for both this prestigious industry award and listing which acknowledges the whole team’s dedication and professionalism.

“We pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of independent professional advice.

We always strive to build lasting relationships with our clients, working closely with them to help them achieve both their personal and business goals.

“We look forward to hearing the result in February!”

FINANCE FOCUS Kreston Reeves has also just completed a regional tour for its Finance Focus seminars, completing the tour at the Arora Hotel in Crawley in November.

The events were an opportunity for clients and guests to hear up-to-date advice and news from specialist experts in a diverse range of financial sectors.

Topics included the new EU Accounting directives, corporate tax updates, HR news, changes to VAT, the latest from the banking sector, the introduction of dividends taxes and how the HMRC is enforcing autoenrolment.

Each session was hosted by one of the firm’s partners or directors, giving an insightful summary of all the latest developments which affect companies of all sizes. There was also an opportunity to discuss the issues raised over lunch.

The consensus from the guests was that the event was very useful and informative.

www.krestonreeves.com

45

ACCOUNTANCY

A KEY QUESTION FOR YOUR FINANCE DIRECTOR

Are you ready for FRS 102? Will it impact on your level of earnings? Allan Pinner, Audit and Assurance Partner at Kreston Reeves, provides the answers.

T

for the year ending 31 December 2015 in

International Financial Reporting Standards.

accordance with FRS102, assuming that they

FRS102 will apply to all UK and Irish entities

did not decide to adopt the standard early. In

except for those applying IFRS or the FRSSE

Principles, (UK GAAP), depending on your year

preparing these accounts it will be necessary

(Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller

end and whether you choose to adopt earlier

to restate the comparative figures for the year

Entities), although a revised FRSSE has now

than the required date. So if your finance team

ended 31 December 2014, which will include

been issued which brings it into line with

is not already considering its implications

the need to restate the company’s balance

FRS102. Sounds complicated – there’s more!

for your company and its accounts, you

sheet at the start of that comparative period.

The FRSSE is to be withdrawn for accounting

are probably already behind the curve and

This date is known as “the date of transition”,

periods commencing on or after 1 January

definitely need to read on.

and of course represents the balance sheet

2016 and will be replaced by either FRS102

date of the accounts for the year ended 31

(Section 1A Small Entities) or FRS 105 for

December 2013.

micro-entities depending on a company’s size.

he new accounting standard, FRS102, may already have replaced existing UK Generally Accepted Accounting

Current UK GAAP has already started to be withdrawn for accounting periods commencing on or after 1 January 2015. So, for example,

FRS102 is a single piece of accounting and

On a more positive note, some areas

non-small companies with a December year

disclosure requirements, being somewhat

will require no changes from UK GAAP.

end will be required to file their accounts

of a hybrid between the old UK GAAP and

For example, borrowing costs may still be

46

ACCOUNTANCY

“If your finance team is not already considering its implications for your company and its accounts, you are probably already behind the curve .”

capitalised and owner-occupied property may

justified. This may result in your goodwill

are entitled to carry forward leave

still be capitalised, as may R & D costs.

being written off over a shorter period than

entitlements, or both. We would recommend

the old UK GAAP, and therefore reduce your

bringing your holiday year in line with your

profit each year!

accounting year to avoid significant year end

So what is the all the fuss about? Many of these changes will directly affect reported profit figures. This means that companies will, if they have not already started doing so, need

• Business combinations But the good news is that intangible assets

adjustments for this.

• Group pension schemes

to consider the impact of FRS102 on profit-

on acquisition that historically may have

sharing agreements, banking covenants, tax

The accounting treatment under FRS102

been lumped in together with goodwill, such

liabilities and the level of reserves available for

will depend on whether a contractual

as brands and customer contract values,

distribution by dividend.

agreement or formal group policy exists

should be split out from goodwill and

with regard to recharging any pension

FRS102, the major changes

amortised over their own useful life. This

costs. The defined benefit cost will either be

could reverse the impact of the goodwill

recognised in the entity legally responsible

change above!

for the scheme or, where a policy or

FRS102 was introduced by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to introduce a simplified form of accounting which would be

• Deferred tax

more up-to-date than UK GAAP. For example,

FRS102 requires deferred tax to be

being fewer than 300 pages, FRS102 is broadly

recognised on all fair value and revaluation

10% of the size of existing UK GAAP, so it might

gains and losses, whereas current UK

appear that the FRC has achieved its objective.

GAAP only requires it where there is an

However, traps lie in wait for those who are not

agreement to sell, impacting on the profit

prepared; a process of sensible planning will

and loss account.

be required to ensure a smooth transition.

The main areas of change that may impact

• Investment property FRS102 requires annual revaluations

on the levels of your distributable reserves can

(where there is evidence of a material

be summarised as follows:

change), with all changes recognised

• Financial instruments

through the profit and loss account rather

All instruments will be classified at either

than through the statement of recognised

amortised cost, or fair value, through the

gains and losses as under current UK GAAP.

profit and loss account. For many this

It is worth noting that investment property

will mean that Fair Value will apply to

revaluations are not distributable reserves

many more instruments, such as forward

and therefore need to be removed from

contracts and the much maligned interest

the profit and loss account reserve

rate swaps. With such annual revaluations

before calculating reserves available for

hitting the profit and loss account, this

distribution as dividends.

could lead to greater volatility of profits and additional assets or liabilities in the balance sheet.

• Investment in listed equity shares

• Leases Under current GAAP, the value of rent-free periods and other lease incentives are spread over the period to the first rent

FRS102 requires these to be restated each

review. Under FRS102, lease incentives

year at their Fair Value with the increase/

must be spread over the entire lease term,

decrease passing though the profit and loss

recognising the credit over a longer period.

account.

• Goodwill

contract does exist, spread between the relevant companies.

In summary, there are some significant areas where different accounting treatment and disclosure will result from the implementation of FRS102 as compared with existing UK GAAP. If you are not already considering when you might or must adopt FRS102, or how these changes will affect your company, Kreston Reeves would be pleased to talk this matter through with you.

Please contact Allan Pinner on 01293 776152 or your usual Kreston Reeves contact.

DISCLAIMER: Whilst we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy at the time of publication, January 2016, information may be subject to legislative changes. Readers should note that information may not reflect individual circumstances and should, therefore, not act on any information without seeking relevant professional advice.

We cannot accept any liability for actions taken or not taken as a result of information included in this article.

• Holiday pay FRS102 specifically requires entities

FRS102 requires goodwill to be amortised

to provide for any unutilised holiday

over its useful life, but with no concept of

entitlement, as at the year end. This

an indefinite useful life. The assumed limit

could be a significant figure if the entity’s

for a useful life will be ten years, unless

accounting year end does not coincide with

a longer period can be identified ... and

the leave year end, or where employees

47

PLATINUM STYLE

style PLATINUM

LOOKING COOL IN KNITWEAR Well, the festive season is behind us and thankfully I won’t have to endure any more Christmas jumpers! Believe it Samantha Wilding Tel: 07833 084864 Email: Samantha@styleandgrace.eu Website: www.styleandgrace.eu Twitter: @alwayschicUK

or not, it is possible to look cool

It’s simple really. You only need three items.

The first is the roll neck. This wardrobe basic is having a bit of a ‘moment’ this winter, and is surprisingly versatile. Best of all, rollnecks fit the ‘smart casual’ bill perfectly – they look fantastic worn simply under tailoring or leather

(forgive me) in knitwear without

jacket for a night out. Keep the colour neutral

having to resort to jingle bells or

(navy, grey, camel) for maximum wearability,

reindeer antlers. There are a few

and choose extra fine merino wool as it is fine enough for layering (under a v-neck or shawl

key pieces that every stylish man

collar, for example) but luxe enough to look

should have in his wardrobe.

brand John Smedley would be my first port of

Read on….

48

Three key items

special worn on its own. Long-standing British call; their merino ‘Richards’ roll neck is one of

PLATINUM STYLE their bestselling items and comes in five colours. So channel your inner Steve McQueen and go for it…

The second piece should be a heavier knit. This could be a warm plain wool or wool/cashmere blend, in a neutral colour. It could be crew neck or shawl collar. Better yet, it could be a really chunky cable knit (think fisherman here) which looks fantastic over a shirt and under a pea coat on a blustery weekend.

And the third? A graphic knit. You don’t want everything in your wardrobe to be plain, do you? Patterned jumpers have been big news this autumn/winter but that doesn’t mean you have to go crazy. I would advise starting with a subtle monochrome pattern or a colour block to give a bit of interest.

Keep everything else pared back and neutral, to avoid overkill, as the jumper will take centre-stage and be the main point of focus. M&S is a good place to start for decent quality without breaking the bank. Drykorn or Reiss are for those of you who are a bit braver…

Actually, there is a fourth item – but this one isn’t for everyone.

The cardigan. The cardigan can look really stylish when worn as a

Caring for cashmere • many labels say ‘dry clean only’ to avoid liability, but it is safe to hand wash cashmere in cool water using a delicate detergent • squeeze gently when washing (don’t wring, rub or stretch) and rinse thoroughly • press gently with a towel, reshape it and leave it flat to dry. Do not hang it when wet – it will stretch!

• never, ever tumble dry cashmere • invest in a ‘cashmere comb’ to take care of any bobbling

‘waistcoat’ with a suit, adding colour and texture as well as a bit of warmth. The cardigan should not be bulky or it will ruin the line of your jacket, and it’s best to stick to plain, neutral colours, preferably that pick out a theme in your tie or pocket square. If you choose this look, prepare to be noticed!

Learn to layer The key to managing unpredictable temperature changes is to layer your knitwear. Experiment with combining weights and textures and always stick to natural fibres (cotton, wool, cashmere or a blend of these), but remember to keep base layers fine and breathable so you don’t swelter. Merino wool makes a great base layer, as it has fantastic temperature-regulating properties.

Don’t discount cashmere – it’s incredibly soft and lightweight, which means it’s toasty and warm without adding unwanted

Where to buy www.johnsmedley.com www.marksandspencer.com www.drykorn.com/en www.reiss.com www.uniqlo.com www.mango.com www.npeal.com www.brora.co.uk

bulk. It is, of course, expensive (given that it is produced from the fine undercoat fibre of the Cashmere goat) but there are affordable and decent quality options on the high street, including Uniqlo, Mango and M&S. At the other end of the market, N Peal and Brora are great British cashmere brands. If you are going to invest in cashmere, please care for it properly -– see the box for guidance. And if you need further help selecting knitwear that works for you, give me a call !

49

B USINESS TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT PLATINUM BUSINESS MAGAZINE is launching an exciting new Business Travel Supplement in February that will be packed with useful information, special offers from your favourite airlines, details of all regional airport ights and a special supplement each month on a new conference destination, affording our readers a complete overview of the business travel scene We constantly listen to our readers views and after many requests for a travel supplement, we are responding with a fantastic monthly supplement, edited by Young Travel Writer of the Year finalist, Rose Dykins.

If you would like to be involved in this exciting new supplement, please make contact without delay -

info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com 07966 244046 to discuss how your company can get involved.

Platinum is already the largest circulation business magazine in the country and is going from strength to strength - today the South East, tomorrow the globe.

The largest regional business magazine in the country

235,000 readers per month 123,000 digital readers per month 9,000 Twitter followers

SPONSORSHIP NEWS

{ INTERVIEW } One of the big criticisms has been the Council’s vital ingredient. involvement in the funding.

Can you clarify how “I think there was generally the funding works? a feeling that Brighton couldn’t rest “The Council is effectively on its laurels. I think a middleman. They Brighton is quite ambitious. borrowed money from It doesn’t want to the Public Works Loans be one of the many failing Board at a very, very low seaside cities in this rate, and then they lent country. There have been it to the project at a commercia so many towns that l rate, so we don’t have had their heyday and have get any special treatment spiralled down. I in terms of the rates think Brighton has always we pay. The Council has been different because generated £36 million of its proximity to London, pounds of funding through because of the digital this arrangement. economy. It has found “If we achieve our business new ways to grow and plan, their margin be a very dynamic city. But should be £1 million a you have year. If we don’t meet our to keep moving yourself forward. business plan, obviously The Council see their that would eat into their competitors in cities like margin. The point at which Barcelona rather than the public would need run-down seaside towns. to dip into their pockets But to do that and to is if our business plan win that business, we have fails by nearly 60 percent. to keep moving things There’s a really big forward. buffer in there.

“I think there’s a lot going “There is a level of risk. on in the city at But I think, having the moment, and there’s looked through the numbers, definitely more of a the councillors felt feeling of people wanting reassured that the level to invest in Brighton. of risk was outweighed You see Circus Street, by the level of benefit the Preston Barracks… I do project could bring. think success breeds success.

“We originally got all There’s an upbeat of the funding through positivity in Brighton at traditional channels. We the moment which I don’t had a private equity think was necessarily firm on board and we also here three or four years had a bank on board; ago. in fact, we had two banks.

One was going to be the lead and the other would provide mezzanine finance. Then the financial crash happened. The particular bank we were working with was one of the many banks that went under, so we obviously lost the funding there, even though we were incredibly well-progressed with that particular fund.

REACH FOR THE SKY Brighton’s seafront will never be the same again.

This year the i360 will start Pier and dominate the to rise up above the West skyline. Opening next year, it could become the most South East. How has it been financed and how iconic landmark in the will it make a profit? Eleanor Brighton i360, explains Harris, Chief Executive all to Ian Trevett of

T

he proposal to build the i360 tower has not been without controvers y. It came in for a fair bit of local criticism, with many fearing it would be a white elephant, wasting hardearned public money.

Not only was the soaring viewing platform placed on the site of the muchloved West Pier, it was also regarded as a folly of the Council, who showed little regard for the burden placed on the city’s council tax payers.

During this time, the team behind i360 kept a low profile, verging on silence, which gave rise to many people jumping to false conclusions. How could an ascending viewing platform possibly raise enough money to repay the immense building costs?

The answer was that it was never expected to.

40

The business plan was to generate the income from a wide variety of sources, not just the viewing platform. These included the brasserie, hospitality rooms, exhibition space, gift shop and bars, as well as the actual rides on the tower.

And no council money was being spent. So why was there such controvers y surrounding a development which will become an icon for an ambitious global destination ?

“We had to go through a democratic process with the councillors and give them time to understand the business plan without being influenced by the media,” explains Eleanor. “We had to go through the legal due diligence, and during that phase, we were asked not to go out making public statements .

PLATINUM-BUSINESS-ISS

UE9-i3.indd 40 16/02/2015 09:43

“We’ve always had a really good relationship with the Metropole, The Grand and Brighton Centre. We’re talking about going to trade shows together, presenting Brighton together as a great place to come and do business”

“We wanted the councillors “We lost approximately to hear from the £20 million of our horse’s mouth, look at funding. The bank that all of it, not have their was prepared to do the information filtered through junior debt wasn’t prepared the media. And I to take the lead as think that’s the right thing. they didn’t do projects of It’s a very serious, big that scale. So we had to decision to make. They go back to the drawing had to have time to look board. through it. And in fairness “The first thing we did to the Greens and the as we went back out Conservatives, who voted to market was to speak in favour, they spent to the banks again. But an inordinate amount we were then faced with a completely of time scrutinising the different documents, having follow-up landscape and a completely meetings, going different perception through all the detail, of risk. The feedback and they really took their we had was that if the time to make the right decision. development was for mixed use, with some “In a way it helped us because flats, then we could have we were so busy been funded. But pure trying to get to the finances leisure was seen as high risk, although we closed. A hundred were different contracts had very experienced and to be signed, and I’m not literally brought together sure that we really, honestly the entire team that did had the capacity to the London Eye, from be going out doing PR.” engineers to architects.

“I think we all just need Of course, the downside “The world had changed to pull together now was that a lot of form a funding point to make this a success. negativity wasn’t being of view, so we began talking Ultimately, I’m now challenged. to the Council, and really working for the city. I “That’s true, but the more their view has always been will work tirelessly we get out and talk incredibly supportive. to make sure that we to people, the more we For them, tourism is one hit all of our targets and are finding a complete, of the biggest employers create total change in the tide an amazing business. in the city – not just people And the way I of opinion. I’ve done in direct employment see it, we need to make loads of presentations, in tourism, but also all the businesses every aspect of the met lots of people in the which business really community and we now will benefit from the tourist successful, from the dining have a lot of support being in town. So the to attraction to the play, the locally. I think the critics for them it’s massively conferencing, and, are dying down. We important that Brighton hopefully, Brightonian monitor social media can remain competitive s will get behind that, and there’s barely a and keep bringing in the because negative tweet on the ultimately tourists. Also, we had any money they spend i360. There hasn’t been, an independent economic in there essentially flows now, for months. So I impact study done, which back to the city for the think we just needed showed the level of to next 20 years.” engage in the conversatio job creation the project n, which, since we’ve could bring. So they’ve “I believe really strongly had our funding, we’ve always felt that, strategical in paying decently and been able to do.” ly, for the future getting good staff, so we’re doing economic success of the living wage, no city, the i360 is a really zero hours. We’re having lots of part-timers and

41

PLATINUM-BUSINESS-ISS

UE9-i3.indd 41 16/02/2015 09:44

“British Airways approached us after one of BA’s Gatwick marketing team Photo Credit: “Gary Eastwood/ British Airways i360”.

read the interview with myself in Platinum Business Magazine, suitably entitled ‘Reach for the Sky’,” said Eleanor Harris, i360’s Chief Executive. “BA operates more than 40,000 flights a year to and from Gatwick and employs more than 2,500 people in Sussex, and Sussex is therefore a vital region for BA. Brighton is the most popular tourist destination in the South East outside London, and the i360 was therefore an ideal sponsorship for the airline.

“It is an ideal partnership for us, as BA flies more people into the UK than any other airline and will support us promoting British Airways i360 around the globe. The airline is a natural branding fit, too, as you fly up to 450 feet on British Airways i360 for sky-high views, and passengers landing at Gatwick can see the i360 tower out of the aircraft window.”

FLYING THE FLAG British Airways, the nation’s favourite airline, is sponsoring the i360 - with a helping hand from the nation’s favourite business magazine!

Lynne Embleton, British Airways’ Director of Strategy and Managing Director for Gatwick, said: “Our pilots enjoy spectacular views of the Sussex coastline as they fly in and out of Gatwick, and now Brighton visitors and residents will also be able to do the same from this fantastic new landmark.

“Putting our name to the i360 and helping to promote even more tourism to the area made perfect sense.”

Cllr Warren Morgan, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said, “I’ve always advocated private investment in the i360, so I welcome the sponsorship from British Airways, who are a major employer in the city region.

“Their involvement will help cement Brighton and Hove’s position as a major tourist destination, and fits well with our announcement two weeks ago that we as a council are backing the expansion of Gatwick with a second runway.”

Opening next summer, British Airways’ i360 viewing pod will cruise up

T

to 450 feet high, where guests on board can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree

by Marks Barfield Architects, the creators of the London Eye, signed

spectacular tower from the air.

he world’s tallest moving observation tower, being built on Brighton beach, was officially named British Airways i360 in November.

The iconic new Brighton beach attraction, conceived and designed

a five-year deal with the nation’s favourite airline, which has been

views of the stunning Regency city and surrounding South Downs and Sussex coastline.

At 162 metres tall, British Airways i360 is already the tallest structure in Sussex, and customers flying into Gatwick airport can already see the The attraction will be the world’s first vertical cable car and includes a

heralded as a “great deal for the South East” and “flying the flag for

stunning new venue on Brighton beach, with a brasserie with sea views

British tourism.”

and an outside beach-side terrace serving food from “Sussex’s larder,”

And we are very proud to say that Platinum Business Magazine played a key role in this landmark partnership.

with signature dishes from MasterChef: The Professionals winner, Steven Edwards.

51

EVENTS

THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE How Alternative Funding can help your business to grow - Tony Summers, Partner at Carpenter Box, gives a flavour of the types of alternative funding options that are likely to be discussed by industry experts at a high-calibre panel event taking place on 4 February, 2016 at the Hawth Theatre in Crawley.

T

here’s a commonly used statistic that says 80% of all funding requests in the UK go first to the four largest High Street banks.

Putting aside how this is measured, when it is coupled with recent reports in the media stating that banks have rejected almost £400m worth of credit applications for SMEs in the South East during the first half of 2015, you see that the relevance of alternative sources of finance has never been greater, nor has the innovation and choice. This event in February, which is being hosted by Carpenter Box, will highlight some of the more significant and robust options for alternative funding available for businesses, ranging from SMEs to large corporates.

The highly impressive panel of alternative funders and industry experts includes Marcus Stuttard, Head of AIM and UK primary markets at the London Stock Exchange at one end of the spectrum and individual invoice discounting at the other. The event will demystify alternative sources of finance and arm business leaders with the key facts they need to know for the

52

next time they seek finance or indeed refinancing.

To help make sense of the various options and discussions will be Andy Davis.

Industry expert – Andy Davis is a funding expert and author of Beyond the Banks, which focuses on innovative ways to finance for SME businesses. He is a former Financial Times journalist, Editor of FT Weekend and frequent commentator on SME access to funding.

He has been called as an expert witness to the Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards sub-committee discussing SME experience of banks. Andy now uses that insight to advise businesses on the best routes to funding.

Some of the options the panellists will discuss will include: • Alternative Investment Market (AIM) – This is a sub-market of the London Stock Exchange and allows companies to float

shares with a more flexible regulatory system than is applicable to the main market. Marcus Stuttard will be able to provide his in-depth ‘insiders’ knowledge of this market at the event, as well as being able to discuss the implications of a full market listing.

• Crowdfunding – This is the practice of funding a project by raising money from a large number of people, and today this is often performed via an internet platform, providing both debt and equity investments.

James Chalk, Head of Equity Business Development at Crowdcube, the world’s leading investment crowdfunding platform, will be one of the panel members and will be available to answer your questions on this subject.

• Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) – EIS is a series of UK tax reliefs designed to encourage investors to invest in unquoted qualifying companies, which often carry higher risk. The tax relief is extensive and is

EVENTS

“ The event will demystify alternative sources of finance and arm business leaders with the key facts they need to know for the next time they seek finance or indeed re-financing.”

intended to offer immediate and downside compensation for that risk, making investing more appealing.

• Private Equity/Venture Capital – James Livingston, a director at the Foresight Group, will be able to discuss the difference between Venture Capital and Private Equity and the implications of both.

• Asset-Based Lending – These are loans secured by fixed assets owned by the borrowing company. Alan Austin, National Sales Leader at specialist asset-backed lenders GE Capital, will be on the panel to discuss this topic.

• Retail Bonds – These can be described as IOUs issued by a corporation to an investor.

The investor lends money to the company

and in return receives interest on that loan from the company. The bonds are trade-able on an exchange.

• Invoice Discounting on individual invoices – Most are familiar with banks providing an invoice discounting facility against a debtor book, upon which a fee is payable even if the facility is not used. Market Invoice and indeed Satago use slightly differing solutions to this problem of getting paid quicker, both on what could be described as a “pay-as-you-go” model. James Bryant from Market Invoice and Steven Renwick, the CEO and Founder of Satago, will be on hand to discuss how they operate.

With the topics above and the possibility of further exciting sources of finance being

added before the day, I’m sure there will be something for everyone at the event, with plenty of nuggets to take away. Remember, you may not need alternative funding for your company at this moment in time, but you may need it in the future, so don’t miss this opportunity to widen your knowledge of funding ‘beyond the banks’ and take advantage of the cumulative knowledge and experience of this A-list line up.

The event will be held between 9am and 11am on 4 February 2016. To book your place, please visit www.carpenterbox. com/inspired-financing/ or get in touch with Lucy Tunstall (lucy.tunstall@ carpenterbox.com) at Carpenter Box on 01903 234094.

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

53

LEGAL ADVICE

D.I.V.O.R.C.E.: Does it have to mean “The War of the Roses“?

rebuilt or, if not, to help the couple to separate

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

as civilly as possible. I recommend looking at the websites: www.relate.org.uk and www. bacp.co.uk

What Next?

Marriage is a legal contract and if it is to be brought to an end, an understanding of the legal consequences is essential.

Can the ground for divorce be proved?

It is said that January is

The January Blues

the peak time of the year

that the first Monday in the New Year should

adultery or unreasonable behaviour on the

for the issue of divorce

be named “D-Day” - the day when most divorce

part of the other. If not no action can be taken

petitions are issued in England and Wales.

until the couple have lived apart for at least two

proceedings. Wendy

Whether or not this is true I usually see an

years. Even then, it must be agreed that there is to be a divorce.

Ryle, Family Solicitor at

increase in enquiries in January relating to the relationship and marriage breakdown.

Over recent years media have suggested

Sussex law firm, Burt, Brill

First Steps

and Cardens provides

partner’s decision to end a marriage or

Often one spouse is faced with their

Divorce proceedings can only be issued immediately if one party is able to allege

If no divorce proceedings are to be taken in the near future, arrangements for a separation can be made which may form the basis for a financial settlement at the time of subsequent divorce proceedings.

some initial guidance for

relationship. Obviously, this can be very difficult, especially if that partner is in a new

will have implications for tax and inheritance

anyone facing marital

relationship. There are many professionals

issues.

problems.

therapy or counselling if the relationship can be

54

available, including Relate, who can offer

A separated couple are still married and this

I have highlighted various financial issues in divorce in my previous articles. They require

LEGAL ADVICE

“Marriage is a legal contract and if it is to be brought to an end, an understanding of the legal consequences is essential.” detailed consideration, If no settlement can be

to Court action, collectively known as

reached then application may need to be made

“alternative dispute resolution”. These

for the financial and property issues to be

include:-

decided by the Court.

• Mediation

What About the Children?

Divorce and separation can be particularly

In mediation, the couple will attend one or more meetings with a neutral mediator who

If an agreement is reached by one of the above methods, this will recorded in an application to the Court for a Consent Order without a Court hearing. If the agreement is approved, it then becomes legal and binding.

Court proceedings to deal with disputes about finances or children are comparatively rare. They do not provide quick resolutions and can involve one or more Court hearings with the accompanying worry and expense.

difficult when minor children are involved.

works with them to try and find an agreed

If the children are the natural children of

outcome. Mediation is probably the quickest

the couple, both parents have parental

and cheapest way of resolving issues arising

responsibility for the children. “Parental

in connection with a divorce or separation,

responsibility” means the legal rights and

particularly where children or finances are

So What is the Best Way Forward?

duties of a parent so that the couple must

involved.

Anyone thinking of ending a marriage should consider the position very carefully and seek the help of a counsellor or therapist if in any doubt. Divorce and separation are some of the most stressful life experiences. Friends can be invaluable in providing help and support. An initial consultation with an experienced family solicitor can also be very helpful. I frequently meet with clients when they are contemplating divorce or separation to provide general legal advice. In some cases, I do not see them for a number of months (or even years) whilst they consider their options or deal with matters without a lawyer until matters have to be formalised.

Like many family solicitors, I have dealt with cases where clients’ emotions have reminded me of the antics of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in the film, ‘The War of the Roses’. I am firmly of the view that my job is to find constructive solutions to the issues which my clients face and to avoid destructive confrontation whenever possible.

consult regarding all major decisions relating to the children’s welfare, e.g. their education, religion, names and any serious medical treatment. The time a child spends with their non-residential parent (which used to be known as ‘contact’) can be contentious.

Perhaps surprisingly at the time of the divorce the Court does not need to know about the arrangements for the children if they are agreed. If there is disagreement application can made to the Court, but Court action relating to children often takes a long time to be dealt with, is expensive and gives rise to ill feeling.

The Court will always have the child’s welfare as its primary consideration and its decision may not be what either parent wishes.

There is a lot of helpful information on the

• Collaborative Law Collaborative law is a process where each party appoints a collaboratively trained lawyer and the case progresses via a series of meetings attended by the clients and their lawyers. An agreement is signed committing the clients and their lawyers to deal with matters by agreement without the need to go to Court. In the event that no agreement is reached, and the matter is referred to the Court, new lawyers must be appointed. Collaborative law is a very successful process and to be recommended to parties who feel uncertain about attending mediation.

• Negotiations via Solicitors

internet. In particular, see the section of the

This option is taken in many cases,

website for Resolution (the national association

particularly when dealing with financial

of family solicitors) on Divorce and Parenting

matters. The couple’s solicitors will

at www.resolution.org.uk and the Divorce

then deal with the exchange of financial

and Separation sections of the CAFCASS

information and thereafter negotiate,

website: www.cafcass.gov.uk CAFCASS is the

sometimes by correspondence but also

publicly funded organisation which deals with

at round table meetings, with a view to

all aspects of Court proceedings involving

reaching an agreed outcome. Protracted

children.

negotiations can result in high solicitor bills.

Do We Have to Go to Court?

If there is a divorce, this is dealt with via

• Arbitration Arbitration is a fairly new process. When

the Court but an undefended divorce is an

a couple cannot agree one or more issues

administrative or paperwork process, dealt

and do not wish the delay and expense of

with by way of the filing of documents and

Court proceedings, a qualified arbitrator is

correspondence. No Court attendances are

jointly appointed to decide those issues. The

required. Similarly, if the financial issues

arbitrator’s decision will be binding on the

are agreed, the proposed financial Order is

parties and the Court, which will be asked

considered by the Court as part of its paperwork

to make an Order enforcing the arbitrator’s

and there are no hearings. In the majority of

decision. Arbitration costs are usually much

cases, divorcing couples rarely attend at Court.

less than protracted Court proceedings and

The Courts are keen to promote alternatives

If you, or someone you know is facing marital or other relationship problems, please refer them to me at wryle@bbc-law.co.uk or on 01273 604123, mentioning Platinum Business magazine. A free initial consultation can be offered or a concessionary charge made for certain aspects of divorce. I am also a Family Mediator and trained Collaborative Lawyer and can explain when these options are appropriate.

much quicker.

55

CHARITIES

ENTREPRENEURS OF THE STREETS

Vendor - George Andersen

The Big Issue has created far more start-ups than any other organisation in the UK. Each vendor is simply an entrepreneur trying to make a profit in an attempt to become economically self-sufficient. Stephen Robertson, CEO of The Big Issue Foundation, explains to Ian Trevett why every businessperson should support the Big Issue.

Charity Profile Sponsored by CharityLine

S

ince we started publishing Platinum Business Magazine, I have been struck by how all the successful

braving the cold and the rain?

The Big Issue must surely be the UK’s

The fact is, of course, most of us don’t. With The Big Issue celebrating its 25th anniversary

largest promoter of entrepreneurialism.

this year, it suffers from over-familiarity

businesspeople I have met have a pronounced

Every vendor on the streets has entered into

and, for many people, the sellers have

generosity of spirit when it comes to

a business transaction with The Big Issue,

become almost invisible - but the problem of

entrepreneurs starting out on their journey. All

investing his or her own money into buying

homelessness is getting even more desperate.

want to support and encourage those kindred

the paper and selling it on at a profit. They are

souls who stick their necks out and have a go

out there working for a better life rather than

Foundation, says, “The situation is definitely

at it. Yet, how many will walk down the streets

begging or turning to crime. If you want to give

getting worse. With austerity and cuts to

of our towns and cities and fail to notice the

a start-up a helping hand, all you have to do is

services, there is less provision and support.

dedicated start-up, standing for hours on end,

buy a Big Issue.

56

Stephen Robertson, CEO of The Big Issue

“Scarily, huge numbers of people are

CHARITIES

“The Big Issue needs support from the business and wider community, and there are many ways people can help.”

only a few missing pay cheques away from

enable vendors to

homelessness. It doesn’t take long to run out of

open bank accounts,

money. The homeless are often characterised

access health services,

as being addicts and feckless, but so many are

find accommodation,

just ordinary people down on their luck. There

meet their aspirations,

is a growing realisation that ‘It could be me’.

reconnect with

People are falling through the safety net, and

families and

the holes in the net are getting bigger all the

friends, volunteer,

time.

train, learn and start

“The extent of the problem is underreported. There are surveys where researchers will go out and count people sleeping rough at

their own enterprises and find paid work.

“As you will see

Stephen Robertson

night, but they are notoriously inaccurate and

Big Issue sellers

massively understate the problem, as many

everywhere, the

homeless people will spend the whole night

perception is that we

copy,” says Stephen. “It is a business, not a

are an enormous organisation, but we are a

charity. In any case, the more magazines that

small team. It is a high-impact, low-cost model

are taken, the higher our ABC circulation, and

of change that works by connecting people with

the easier it is for us to get advertising.”

walking to keep warm and safe.”

The Big Issue Foundation offers support to the Big Issue sellers, as Stephen explains: “We provide vendors with bespoke support to help them address the issues that may have contributed to their housing insecurity, or the issues that have arisen as a result. We Vendor - Amy Stevens

services that are already there. We don’t run the services, we connect people to them.

“There is no point repeating what is already there. There are experts supplying the services that homeless people need, but they find it hard to reach the people who need their services. Homeless people come to us. Nearly 100 people a week turn to the Big Issue for an opportunity to help themselves at a time of utter personal crisis.

“Empowerment is an overused word, but it is what we are about. We can help empower people who are at their lowest ebb.

“We track everyone who comes to us and monitor their progress. There is a scale from 0 - 10, where 0 is a chaotic rough sleeper and 10 is someone who is happily and safely housed.

We try to help move people up the scale. For us,

“Become an advocate. We need to get the message out there that homelessness is still a massive problem, and that our vendors are trying to change their lives in a positive way.

Please donate to the Foundation - and take part in our events.

“Join us and over 300 people on The Big London Night Walk on Friday, 11th March, starting at St John’s Church, Waterloo. It is an experience like no other. The walk through central London will take you on a tour of the iconic sites at night. We’ll visit locations connected with our important work, and you’ll get the opportunity to hear personal insights from Big Issue vendors along the way. You will see the capital in a whole new light.”

www.bigissue.org.uk

it is all about positive outcomes.

“Last year the average full cost of a positive

CharityLine makes it easier and

outcome for a Big Issue vendor was just £150.

more cost-effective for charities

Last year, our services team worked with over

to grow their donations. Through

2,200 Big Issue Vendors, achieving over 5,800

proactive marketing, utilising

positive steps forward in their journeys away from homelessness – our highest ever.”

The Big Issue needs support from the

properly sourced data and cleansing existing data, CharityLine

business and wider community, and there are

is enabling charities to increase

many ways people can help. The simplest way

donation volumes and grow their

is to buy the paper, but make sure you actually

supporter base.

take a copy away with you.

www.charityline.org.uk

“Don’t just give money to a vendor, take a

57

ANGER MANAGEMENT

ANGER MANAGEMENT Utterly failed by Maarten Hoffmann

NO HOPE SERVICE W

hen Aneurin Bevan launched the NHS on July 5th, 1948, he introduced a health system that transformed

the health of all citizens within the UK. It was groundbreaking, brave and inspired and hauled us out of the dark ages and into a world of free

why no one with an ounce of serious ambition

I don’t think the general public would be so

will ever be honest with the voters and spell

outraged by such a proposal if it were done

out what really needs to be done.

fairly. Especially if they understood that it’s the

Fortunately, l am not a politician and can say what l like, so here goes.

The NHS has a budget of over £100bn

only way to safeguard the NHS for generations to come.

Aspects of the current system are patently

health care for all, free at the point of delivery,

per year and rising fast, with a deteriorating

absurd. Why, as a higher earner, should l enjoy

for one and all. Right now, l feel he will be

service. This month a host of medical

the same free health benefits as someone on

spinning in his grave.

organisations wrote a letter to The Times

the minimum wage? Why shouldn’t l expect

warning that the NHS was “creaking at the

to pay a little more? But because politicians

George Osborne’s announcement of another

seams.” It doesn’t matter how many billions

dare not speak of it, they are damaging it

£6bn a year will certainly keep things ticking

they plough into it, it will never be enough,

even further by privatising it by stealth. The

over for a while, but we cannot keep throwing

because a free health service is totally unviable

money down this vast black hole. Politicians

in the modern world.

There is no more revered institution, and

know this, of course, but dare not say it. This

Well, l will say it: patients need to be charged

is because, while most politicians are used to

to use our health service. Sometimes, to save

grasping political nettles on a daily basis, the

the patient, you have to amputate a limb. And

NHS is more like a giant hogweed; it leaves a

in the case of the NHS, that means discarding

nasty burn on anyone who dares touch it. The

one of its sacred principles: that it should

parliamentary back benches are littered with

be free at the point of delivery. Not for all, of

the corpses of former health ministers. This is

course. Pensioners, low earners and those on benefits should receive free treatment, but if

NHS paid private healthcare firms a record

you are earning £100,000 pa, why should you

£18 million each and every day from the NHS

be entitled to free health care when you are

budget as they tried to privatise it without

quite capable of paying for it? Not only would

anyone noticing. New Department of Health

you receive a far higher level of treatment by

records show that £6.6bn was taken from

paying your way, it would free up the NHS to

NHS coffers to pay private health providers in

deliver a better service to those who can’t pay.

2013/14 - a 50% increase over the previous

We don’t seem to have a problem with free

period. By top-slicing the budget in this way

schools sitting alongside private schools! There

we are not getting value for money. In fact, we

are currently 625,000 UK children in private

are putting patients at risk as they strive to

schools. Imagine if they banned private schools

safeguard profits, which is cash sucked out of

and these children were forced into the state

the NHS system.

system. It would explode at the seams within a month.

58

“Sometimes, to save the patient, you have to amputate a limb.”

Last year it emerged that private providers were being paid to do one in five NHS knee ops,

ANGER MANAGEMENT

“Fortunately, l am not a politician and can say what l like, so here goes.”

“The chattering classes will claim it doesn’t exist, but that’s probably because they enjoy private healthcare.”

claim it doesn’t exist, but that’s probably

their prescriptions as it is cheaper to fly here

because they enjoy private healthcare. Spend

than pay the rate in their countries, even after

the night in any NHS emergency waiting room

factoring in the airfare. We have become a

and you will find a vast number of nationalities

global laughing stock.

among the walking wounded - each receiving free treatment on your and my taxes. Try this in France, Italy or, God forbid, America. The first thing they will ask for is your credit card. Here, we just smile and ask them to take a seat.

There are thousands of foreign people who travel to the UK to receive treatment or top up

The fact is that people don’t play fair anymore. They lie and they cheat. They don’t care if they trample over the weak to reach the front of the queue. Bevan’s NHS was founded in gentler times. Those in charge need to get tough or there will be nothing left to save.

one in six hip operations and one in 10 cataract surgeries. In one case a batch of outsourced cataract operations in Somerset left dozens of patients in severe pain from botched surgery.

The contract was brought to a halt after NHS medics saw a complication rate from the surgery of 10 times the expected amount. So, more expensive, ineffective and damaging.

Surely, our Prime Minster should grow a pair and come out and state the obvious: we cannot maintain the NHS and need to restructure. If you earn over a certain amount you need to pay on a sliding scale and take out insurance as they do in just about every country in the world.

We used to be an empire. We used to rule half the world. Today, we are a very small country with vast delusions of grandeur but are still attempting to maintain some of those empirical delusions.

Then there is the elephant in the room: health tourism. The chattering classes will

59

Direct Debit Processing Donor Development Campaign Planning Marketing Resources

www.charityline.org.uk

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

BUSINESS SCENE

THE PLATINUM BUSINESS CLUB BRIGHTON & GATWICK

The Platinum Club enjoyed a rambunctious evening in the splendour of the Grand Hotel in Brighton this month with members old and new and selected guests. For membership details, contact info@platinumbusinessmagazine.com or call 07966 244046

6.

2.

1.

1. David Bywater (Partner, KPMG), Stephanie Kirkley (Brighton Racecourse)

2. Wendy Ryle (Partner, Burt Brill &

7.

Cardens), Iain Lindsay (GM, Mecure Brighton)

3. Faiza Shafeek (JPS Events), Caraline Brown and Lynne East (Midnight Communications)

3.

4. Mark Tulley (Director, Gemini Press), Samantha Wilding (MD, Style & Grace), Alistair Rustemeyer (Partner, McMillan Williams), Gemma King (MD, Vivid Marketing)

5. Robbie Vella (University of

8.

Brighton), Ian Trevett (Director, Platinum Business Magazine)

6. Amanda Menahem (Director, Hastings Direct Insurance),

4.

Richard Pollins (Managing Partner, DMH Stallard), Lee Hills (Partner, Mayo Wynne Baxter)

7. Chris Goodman (CEO, The Focus Group), Gemma King (MD, Vivid Marketing), Maarten Hoffmann (The Platinum Club)

8. Samantha Wilding (MD, Style & Grace), Kevin Duala (Overline)

9. Simon Nicholson (Handelsbanken), Amanda Menahem (Director, Hastings Direct Insurance)

5.

9.

61

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THE MINI COOPER D 5-DOOR HATCH. MONTHLY RENTALS FROM £149 (PLUS £894 INITIAL RENTAL*).

95G/KM CO

2

17% BIK

78.5 MPG (COMBINED)

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

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.

Vines of Gatwick is a credit broker.

Offer available to business users only. *Price shown for a MINI Cooper D 5-door Hatch excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 36 month Contract Hire agreement with a contract mileage of 30,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 6.86 pence per mile. Price shown for a MINI Cooper D 5-door Hatch with CHILI and Media Pack excludes VAT at 20% and is for a 36 month Contract Hire agreement with a contract mileage of 30,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 8.45 pence per mile. Applies to new vehicles ordered between 1 October and 31 December 2015 and registered by 31 March 2016 (subject to availability). At the end of your agreement you must return the vehicle and vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable.

Available subject to status to UK residents aged 18 or over. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Terms and conditions apply. Offer may be varied, withdrawn or extended at any time. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance. BMW Group Corporate Finance is a trading style of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.

MINI Business Partnership

MOTORING

MOTORING NEWS PLATINUM CAR OF THE YEAR CAT SALES UP 2015 was a pretty good year for new cars and l got my hands on a few cars that l hadn’t managed to get round to reviewing in 2014.

Surprisingly, my Car of the Year is not new at all.

Unlike most other magazines, l spend a week with every single car l review and my thanks go out to the manufacturers who supply them with such efficiency, at the rate of 40 cars per year. It’s a tough job but somebody has to do it.

This is my Top Ten of 2015: 1. Audi RS6 Avant.

This is a remarkable car - part supercar, part van. An estate that does 0-62 in 3.8seconds and will go onto 185mph whilst hauling the contents of your house gets my vote.

2.

Mercedes SL65 A barnstorming car, built to such high standards as to defy belief and the engine is as sweet as you will ever find. One of the fastest cars of the year.

3.

Jaguar F-Type I have driven all of them now and the 5.0 litre V8 AWD is spectacular and with the AWD, you can drive it properly in the wet with power slides at your fingertips.

4.

Mercedes CLS A bit of a surprise this one as l didn’t really like the look of the early model but this new one has the looks, style and build quality to make it a must have.

5.

Range Rover The perennial favourite that just won’t die. It just seems to get better and better although it has put on so much weight, it is in danger of needing bariatric surgery.

6.

BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe I was impressed with the 2.0 litre engine so imagine my maniacal grin when l get my hands on the M4. I have driven it on the track but would like to have it on the road.

7.

TESLA S A total game changer. As a died-in-the-wool petrol head l am still taking flack for my raving review of the Tesla - the future of cars, vans, buses, taxis and everything else that currently burns fuel.

8.

Audi SQ5 A proper SUV but without the weight of the Range Rover. The Q7 is too fat making the Q5 pretty much perfect for the task at hand.

9.

Mini A proper British pocket rocket that just made me smile like a Cheshire Cat. Around town, this is in a class of its own.

10. Caterham 270S Barking mad and about as useable as a chocolate tea pot but its just plain fun. The way we all used to drive, by the seat of your pants with no computer aids.

Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s leading manufacturer of premium luxury vehicles, today reported its best ever November retail sales of 46,547 vehicles, up 27% on November 2014. The company sold 437,512 vehicles in the first eleven months of 2015, 4% up on the same period in the prior year. Retail sales for the month of November were up 70% in the UK, 68% up in Europe, 52% up in North America and 8% up year-on-year in other overseas markets. Retail volumes in China were down 22% for the month, reflecting a slowdown in the Chinese economy.

BMW DEGREE Applications are now being accepted by Oxford Brookes University for an innovative new degree programme which has been developed in partnership with the BMW Group.

The BSc (Hons) Business and Automotive Management is a specialist course within Oxford Brookes University Business School, specifically for those who wish to pursue a career in the automotive sector.

During the four-year programme students will spend their first year of the course studying at Oxford Brookes and the second year studying at OTH Regensburg, Technical University of Applied Sciences, Germany. The third year will be spent in work placement at BMW Group Plant Regensburg and MINI Oxford plant for six months each.

The fourth and final year of study will be at Oxford Brookes.

SUPERCAR HIRE The new H.R. Owen Luxury Hire offers a range of the latest high performance supercars and ultra-luxury saloons for hire in the heart of London Flexibility is key to luxury hire and customers can change cars midway through a hire, request a chauffeur or even ask for the car to be ‘wrapped’ in a different colour. Prices start from £475 per day for a Maserati Quattroporte to £950 per day for a Lamborghini Huracan and £1,500 for a RR Ghost. For more information visit: www.hrowen.co.uk/ luxury-hire or call 020 3699 6612

SALES UP After a fall in October, new car registrations are up 3.8% in November The number of UK car registrations fell for the first time in 43 consecutive months in October, however it seems this was just a blip as November’s numbers are back up and further improved with new car sales rising by 3.8%.

The total number of registrations during the month was 178,876, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Total figures for the year stand at 2,453,426 - a figure that’s up by 6.2% from this time last year.

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MOTORING

SKODA YETI OUTDOOR Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann

W

ith the help of owners VW, Skoda has roared back to life after decades of cruel jokes and, to be frank, rubbish cars. With the help of German engineering and some clever marketing the marque is now respected and our streets are awash with new Skoda models. With Audi at the top of the VAG tree, and VW in the middle, Skoda represents the budget line and damn good value they are too.

The Yeti is a crossover that sits between a standard hatchback and a full SUV and now they have a 4x4 version and a 2.0 litre engine. If l am honest, l was not looking forward to a week with a Yeti. I tend to review premium cars and when Skoda asked me to review the Yeti, l agreed with considerable reluctance. But l was very pleasantly surprised.

It’s fun to drive, has very precise steering and, with the 2.0 litre turbocharged power plant, is pretty rapid. The cabin is huge and very well laid out but then if you have ever had a VW, you will recognise all the switchgear as there has been little attempt to hide that fact that they nicked the lot from the VW factory. But that’s no bad thing.

It gets a tad jittery and unsettled if you chuck it around but it is surprisingly good off-road and good fun on windy roads. Wind noise is an issue at motorway speeds and the diesel engines disappoint as they are very boomy and cause vibrations in the cabin. The petrol plant is much smoother and with a slick gear shift and precise handling, it can be a hoot to drive.

All models come with stability control, active anti-whiplash head restraints, front, side and curtain airbags and a special one to protect the driver’s knees.

The interior layout is highly adaptable with a variety of positions

64

MOTORING TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: Yeti Outdoor 2.0 TDI 4x4 Engine: 2.0 litre diesel 140 bhp Performance: 0-62mph 9.9 seconds Top Speed: 118 mph Economy: 48.7 mpg combined Price from: £17,000.00

for the seats and the option to take the rear seats out completely for maximum space although you will need to be Arnold Schwarzenegger to accomplish that feat.

For quite a while the Nissan Qashqai has the crossover market all to itself until the Yeti came along and started stealing sales, and rightfully

so. There is a lot to like about the Yeti.

There is a good choice of engines with the 1.2 litre petrol turbocharged unit mated to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox being the most popular. It’s a great combo - rapid, revvy but quiet and not short on power. It handles better than the Qashqai and as it is not Japanese, it has style and exceptional build quality and when the tarmac runs out, the Yeti will just keep going thanks to the 4x4 system that makes it really agile off-road. But ignore off-road as you will likely never go there but in the rain, sleet and snow the Yeti will just keep going when £100,000 cars are bereft at the roadside awaiting a tow. Ok, you might feel bit of a twit when answering the questions about what car you drive, but then this is not aimed at immature petrol heads like me but at people that just want a car to do what a car should do and in that regard, and at this price, you couldn’t do much better.

I would plump for the 2.0 litre as you get mucho poke and it will haul anything and is great fun at the lights next to larger more expensive cars, when you scorch away and catch sight of the shocked face of the other driver.

It never gets old.

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MOTORING

BMW 4-SERIES GRAN COUPE T

he number 4 is a new one for BMW. It’s really the new 3-Series but wider, four doors and a hatchback. It is also lighter

by 45kg and with a lower centre of gravity and certainly more sporty than the 3-Series and the pillar less doors certainly add a touch of cool. If Audi can get away with the A5 sport coupéhatch, then why not a coupé BMW? This is a very handsome car and the interior is beautifully laid out, with a real handbrake as opposed to the electrical version that is infecting the world these days. Upon settling in, the first thing you notice is the superb seating position. The left arm rest and right rest in the door are perfectly positioned to give you that armchair feel that you want in an automatic and the seats give a cheery welcome to your bottom and hold you very well when cornering.

The dash layout is familiar and the cars iDrive system controls all the basics functions

“The thrill of driving has always been the main reason for buying a BMW and this does not disappoint.”

Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann optional adaptive suspension, ensuring it is even more composed on cornering. It is astonishing when you corner as you really do feel the direction through your wrists and it ensures you are in touch with the car. With so many cars these days there is a slight detachment from the driving experience but not here.

6.5 inch colour screen. Another cool feature is

I hate diesels but then you probably know

the 3D setting on the SatNav that shows you all

that as l bang on about them ad nauseam but l

the buildings as you drive past them. The only

will try to remain objective. The diesel engines

trouble here is that l was constantly looking at the buildings to see if they matched what l was actually driving past.

The thrill of driving has always been the main reason for buying a BMW and this does not disappoint. The handling is superb and well composed, with beautifully weighted steering and finely balanced handling, it inspires confidence and with rear wheel drive, it reminds

in the 4 are a tad clattery when cold but the same can be said for just about every diesel engine out there but it settles down when warm and at cruising speed, you don’t notice it at all. This car is so well insulated that with the windows up you barely notice a thing. With the collective German artistry for building cars, is it beyond the wit of man to create a diesel engine that does not sound like a black cab? Anyway, l digress.

with the addition of the ability to scribble

you of actually driving a car as in the old days.

letters for the SatNav onto the top of the dial,

That’s not to say that you are alone as there is

and after a 120 mile journey, l got out feeling as

which is great when you are trying to re-set

enough computer power in this thing to launch

fresh as a daisy and ready for 120 more. I had

the Nav whilst driving - which of course you

the space shuttle but it doesn’t interfere unless

the 420d M Sport and it is quick enough for most

should never do. The iDrive knob has great

you act like a wally and try to overdrive the car

but l needed more. Flick the gear lever over to

solidity about it and clicks nicely into position

or indeed, your ability. The M could be regarded

the left and you find the Sport mode and this

when you are setting your destination via the

as a tad firm but l would recommend the

changes things considerably. It sharpens

66

Long distance cruising is a breeze in this car

MOTORING

TECHNICAL STUFF Model Tested: 420d M Sport Gran Coupé Engine: 1,995 cc 184 bhp Performance: 0-62mph 7.7 seconds Top Speed: 143mph Economy: 57.6 mpg combined Price from: £30,125.00

everything and releases a few more horses from the paddock

“Long distance cruising is a breeze in this car and after a 120 mile journey, l got out feeling as fresh as a daisy and ready for 120 more.”

and whoosh, you are off down the road. I never drove it again in anything other than Sport and l would venture, neither will you.

There is a good range of engine options and the gearbox is seamless with the Drive Performance Control and if you feel the need to wiggle the paddles, then they are there and are equally seamless. Niggles, well only one really. What a very silly place to put the start button. Tucked up behind the steering wheel which leads to you digging around with your fingers to find the blasted thing but you know how good this car is when that is all l can find to moan about.

The 4-Series is a fine all-rounder that will never disappoint

Vines of Gatwick Sussex Contact: Dean Eaton Vines of Gatwick Crawley, RH10 1TN T: 0800 915 4700 E: dean@vinescorporate.co.uk W:www.vinesofgatwickbmw.co.uk

and will re-introduce you to the art of actually driving.

67

LEGAL

PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

The Insurance Policy Business Owners Can’t Do Without?

By Richard Adams, Head of Family Team Tel: 01903 229928 • www.bennett-griffin.co.uk rja@bennett-griffin.co.uk

W

hilst often considered unromantic or cynical, pre-nuptial agreements can in fact provide vital protection

for business owners and entrepreneurs in the event of a divorce, with many already including these as part of their wealth protection planning. With some business owners finding themselves in a position of being required to raise funds from their company in order to buy out their ex-spouse on divorce, or worse, give

68

them a share of the business, many consider

“Fairness can be a subjective concept.

What is fair to one person can be deeply unfair in the eyes of another.”

a pre-nuptial agreement to be an insurance policy they cannot afford not to have.

What Is The Purpose Of A Pre-Nup? A pre-nuptial agreement, i.e. an agreement entered into before a couple marries or forms a civil partnership and commonly known as pre-nups or pre-cips, usually sets out how a couple want to divide their assets between them in the event that they separate or divorce.

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

It can also include how they intend to deal with

The agreement must be freely and

The longer a marriage lasts, the greater the

any financial arrangements during the course

voluntarily entered into by both of the couple,

chance it may be considered unfair due to any

of the relationship.

with no undue influence or pressure upon

unforeseen change of circumstances. For this

either to do so.

reason, a pre-nuptial agreement should provide

This allows couples to have transparency and certainty from the outset of their marriage

The couple must understand the implications

or civil partnership and can help protect assets,

of the agreement, so they must be aware of all

such as inherited wealth or other assets,

relevant information (such as their respective

from a potential future claim on separation

financial circumstances) and ideally have

or divorce, and can save a great deal of uncertainty, cost and acrimony in that situation.

What Can Be Included In A Pre-Nup? The agreement will usually set out the ownership of any assets the couple currently have, whether separately or together, or may

obtained independent legal advice.

It must be fair to hold the couple to their

they separate. It can also provide for what should happen to the income of the couple, such as treatment of future earnings and whether any maintenance should be payable.

It is common to distinguish between joint (“matrimonial”) property, which can include assets acquired during the relationship such as the family home and joint bank accounts, and separate (“non- matrimonial”) property, which usually includes assets owned by one or other

can help try and ring-fence the latter type of

divorce, ensuring an agreement addresses the above factors will mean it has a greater chance of being enforced.

If the above criteria are met, then it is likely that the agreement will be upheld.

“The agreement must be freely and voluntarily entered into by both of the couple, with no undue influence or pressure upon either to do so. ”

Don’t Leave It Too Late Couples should allow plenty of time for the agreement to be prepared and finalised, and no later than 21 days before the date of the wedding or civil partnership ceremony.

The later it is prepared, the greater the risk it could be claimed that one of the couple was pressured to agree to it.

However, if there wasn’t time to enter into a pre-nuptial agreement, all is not lost, as a couple can make a post-nuptial agreement (i.e. after the marriage), which has the same legal standing as a pre-nup.

What Is “Fair?”

Fairness can be a subjective concept. What

asset in the event of a divorce by providing

is fair to one person can be deeply unfair in the

evidence of their intentions at the outset of

eyes of another. But, building on previous case

their marriage.

law, the Supreme Court provided the following

It can also set out what should happen on the

Whilst it is difficult to see into the future to establish what may be fair in the event of a

relevant circumstances.

of the couple prior to the marriage, potential inheritances, gifts or business interests. This

trigger points, such as the birth of a child.

agreement, taking into account all of the

acquire in the future and how the couple intend for the assets to be dealt with in the event that

for a review of the terms following certain

guidance to take into account when considering

The Future of Pre-Nups Following a consultation, the Law Commission published a report in 2014 which recommended the introduction of “qualifying nuptial agreements” that could be legally binding if they met certain conditions. It

death of either of the couple and help protect

whether a pre-nuptial agreement was fair:

the inheritance prospects of family members

The agreement should ensure that the

such as children from a previous relationship.

reasonable requirements for any child of the

will act on those recommendations, but is

family should be provided for;

another step towards pre-nups becoming

A pre-nuptial agreement may also set out in which country any divorce should take place, which may be relevant if one or both of the couple originate from another country.

Are Pre-Nups Legally Binding?

Whilst they are not automatically legally

It is likely to be unfair if it leaves one of

legally binding, so watch this space.

the couple in a state of real need following a

Until that time, pre and post nuptial

divorce, whilst the other is comfortably off;

agreements can form an essential part of

If one of the couple has a valid claim for compensation (such as for lost earnings if they

binding in England and Wales, they may

gave up their job to raise children), then any

be upheld in the event of a dispute upon

agreement that does not provide for that may

divorce following the Supreme Court case of

be unfair;

Radmacher v Granatino in 2010.

remains to be seen whether the Government

It is not inherently unfair to ring-fence non-

business interests and should be factored into any wealth protection planning.

The information contained in this article is for general guidance only and is not intended to be legal advice. Professional

matrimonial assets, such as inheritances or

advice should always be taken on the

three-stage test to be applied to see whether a

business interests, so long as the above points

application of the law in any particular

pre-nuptial agreement should be enforced:

have been adequately covered;

situation.

In that decision, the judges came up with a

69

YOUNG START-UP TALENT

WAVES OF TALENT

New Partnership with Sea Life Set to go Swimmingly

SUS SEX

Y

oung Start-up Talent are proud to announce their newest sponsor - Sea Life Centre Brighton. Situated on the seafront, the Sea Life Centre is the world’s oldest operating aquarium, dating back to 1872.

With its historical architecture and fascinating wildlife this is set to be one of Young Start-up Talents most exciting venues.

This year the Sea Life Centre Brighton will play host to three of the Young Start-up Talent events, spanning from a speed networking event to Dragon’s Den-style pitches, and finally, the grand unveiling of this year’s Brighton and Hove winner at a not-to-be-missed showcase.

The winner will be announced from the UK’s first indoor glass-bottom boat, where you can admire sharks, rays, turtles and tropical fish as they swim underneath your feet. While the rest of the events are expected to take place in

70

the breath-taking Victorian Arcade surrounded by tanks of majestic creatures and incredible architecture.

General Manager Max Leviston said: “We are absolutely delighted to be hosting an array of Young Start-up Talent events in our Victorian Arcade here at SEA LIFE Brighton. We’re really excited to be involved and look forward to seeing all of the fantastic talent that Brighton has to offer, all taking place in the world’s oldest operating aquarium.”

Max, who has a wealth of managerial and operational experience, will also be featuring on the judging panel this year and testing the young entrepreneurs on their business plans, along with Penina Shepherd of Acumen Business Law, Martin Hess of Hewlett-Packard, Gary Chown of NatWest, Dan Simpson of Hartley Fowler, Ben Towers of Social Marley

and Founding Partners Lorraine Nugent and Matt Turner.

Home to 3,500 sea creatures, the Sea Life Centre Brighton is sure to set the scene for a fascinating year for Young Start-up Talent, who are hoping to be working with a fantastic set of young entrepreneurs. The events will be taking place in December, January and February, keeping everyone on their toes.

Co-founder of the initiative for 16-25 year olds, Lorraine Nugent, said: “We are extremely excited to be holding this year’s YST events at the Brighton Sea Life Centre. This is very different from our previous events and will be a completely unique experience.”

To find out more about the initiative, visit www.youngstartuptalent.co.uk or see more of the Sea Life Centre Brighton at: www.visitsealife.com/brighton

Do you want to be part of a winning team?

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

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

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

Insurance claims

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

Risk Executive

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

Previous experience in a risk related role is essential

Supplier relationships manager

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

Commercial Manager

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

Commercial Executive

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

Customer representatives for sales, new business and claims

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

Claims team leader – full time or part time

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

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

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

Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm.

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

Part time opportunities are also available working evenings and weekends

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

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

INTERVIEW The vice-chancellor, head or principal is effectively the chief executive of an educational establishment - the leader who runs the organisation. Behind the scenes, there is also a group of highly-skilled professionals who help to devise the strategy and ethos to which the institution is held accountable. They set and measure targets and ensure the institution is financially secure. Over the following pages we explore the role of a university, school or college governor and ask why these dedicated people give up so much of their time to ensure that our students have the best possible education.

CHAIR OF THE BOARD In 2008 John Harley joined the University of Brighton’s Board of Governors, and in 2015 he became Chair of the Board. John explains to Ian Trevett why becoming a governor has been one of the most rewarding things he has done.

I

t’s at the graduation ceremonies when John Harley knows that he has one of the most enjoyable positions you could imagine.

“We have great fun at the graduation

ceremonies; it’s a wonderful feeling seeing people achieve. We have had the first groups of graduates coming through who are paying £9,000 a year for their fees and you know how much this means to them. I’m a big one for celebrating graduation days and making them special occasions, today with the inevitable selfies!”

There is, of course, a lot more to being a governor than handing out certificate scrolls (and posing for selfies). “My job is not to run the university; the Vice-Chancellor is effectively the Chief Executive. As a board, the governors are collectively responsible for the strategy and academic character of the university, and for ensuring that it is financially secure and well-run.”

Like many governors and non-executive directors, John has had an illustrious career in the corporate world. He was a senior partner at Ernst & Young (EY) and led its global private equity business, responsible for the activities of over 100 partners, having been European Head

72

INTERVIEW

“We need a diverse board made up of colleagues with different backgrounds to give us a strong pool of experience to draw upon.”

of Private Equity. Previously, he was Global

Brighton by someone who was on the board

back, and this is true of young people, too.

Head of EY’s Client Strategy.

of the University of Surrey. He put my name

We certainly see this in disadvantaged

round and I had a wonderful conversation with

backgrounds, where kids are very much

the then Vice-Chancellor, Professor Julian

focused on how they help others in their

Crampton, and Deputy Chair, June Crown.

community. And mentoring is seen as really

I’ve been on the board since August 2008 as

important.

Coming from a commercial background to a role in higher education must surely have been a culture shock?

“You have to learn to think as a university

a board member, then an audit committee

“I have personally gained a lot from being

rather than as a private-sector company. I

member, then Chair of the audit committee,

a governor. It sounds a bit corny to say I want

try to understand what my colleagues are

Deputy Chair and now Chair. So it’s been a good

to ‘give back to society,’ but it’s true. I also

thinking, and then consider: ‘Now, what do

progression and always really interesting.

love being part of our local communities. I’m

I think and where are the gaps?’ The Board

“But I think society has changed. When I was

increasingly finding I’m coming to events

papers here are terrific. They’re extremely

first working, there was very much a feeling

in Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne and

well-written, very informative and very precise.

that we need to just go and work and make

supporting things. We had great fun at the

But invariably, as everywhere, there are other

sure that we do better as UK Plc. We were in

opening of the new university sports pavilion

things that we don’t do quite so well. So you try

such a shambles in the 1960s, there was no

at Falmer, where we hosted the Samoan

and work that round over a period of time. It

drive in the early 1970s, and then suddenly

team for the Rugby World Cup, alongside the

really is important to understand what people

there was this surge, but we all worked,

South African Team who were based at our

are addressing day-to-day, because you can’t

worked, worked. So doing anything for a

facilities in Eastbourne. And I love going down

just say ‘I wouldn’t do it that way, do it like this,’

university or a charity wasn’t a discussion, it

to Hastings; I went round all our university-

not realising what they’re encountering every

was all about working harder. Now it’s really

sponsored academies there, which are helping

day of their working lives. As a governor, you

interesting as people want to give something

to transform education in Hastings and St.

are removed from the day-to-day, so you’ve got to just mould your thinking accordingly.”

Is this kind of role a natural progression for a senior partner at a global company as thoughts turn to retirement?

“I actually run a course for partners who are close to retiring at EY. I’ve ended up doing quite a few things in the government sector which I never thought I would do. So it sometimes takes you in different directions. Some people are retiring at 54 or 55, then want to have a private company or listed public company involvement. Women, in particular, are strongly favoured at the moment, because many boards need female representation.

“There is so much going on here at the University of Brighton. I always talk about it to the EY group, and I say, ‘Go and do something at one of your local universities - it is a great experience and you will thoroughly enjoy it.’

But becoming a governor is not just for people who are retiring. People can get involved at any stage of their careers, and in fact it makes excellent career development.

“I was introduced to the University of

73

INTERVIEW

Leonards. So there are lots of good things going on, and you just want to keep doing it.

I do quite a lot with the sports science group in Eastbourne, and I have taken part in some of their tests – they recently put me on one of their treadmills to see what my blood was doing!

“I love working with a wide range of people and seeing the really interesting things they are doing, so the university is a great place for that.

I sit on the board of the National Citizen Service, which is sponsored by the Prime Minister to make our teenagers more community-spirited.

Almost 80,000 15 and 16 year olds have been trained in 2015. I am also Deputy Chair of an organisation called the EY Foundation,

Has the nature of the governors changed as well from when you first joined? Is it more business-focused now? Is that one of the things you brought to the table?

“I sit on the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)’s Audit and Strategic Advisory Committees, and when I first joined, the budget was £7 billion. It is now down to £3.5 billion, and may be cut further as a result of the recent comprehensive spending review. The university is now mainly funded through our student fees and research income and philanthropy is becoming more important for all UK universities. As Chair it’s probably the biggest change I have to handle.

innovative ideas or work with entrepreneurs to develop businesses which might become ‘spin outs’ from the university. We want to create an environment where they like what they’re doing and really come and add, and add and add.

“The employability side of things is now increasingly important. If someone has spent a lot of money in getting a degree, you want to make sure they get a job. So we are very focused on that, and last year I’m pleased to say that 92% of our graduates progressed to employment or further education.

“We want to work closely with the employers in the area. The University of Brighton contributes something like £700 million worth of GDP to the local and national economies

“It is very different now. We have to look

per annum. That’s a lot of money – so it’s a big

disadvantaged backgrounds, to help them on

at how we manage the business. It’s a highly

asset to the area. As an institution we have five

their way to having great careers. This kind of

complex business model with a very diverse

campuses in three towns, over 20,000 students

work is in my DNA.

portfolio of activity, where students are co-

and subjects ranging from medicine right the

contributors to the outputs. You have to ask if

way through to art and design.

which aims to look after kids who are from

I’m passionate about being able to provide scholarships so that all potential students, regardless of their background, have the

the courses are going to be taken up.

“There is an emphasis on postgraduate

“It really does make a huge difference. A lot of people depend on the university doing well

chance to come to university. That’s why I am

education as well, so we get graduates who do

so that they can do well. Businesses may think

launching a new governors’ award, which I will

well here, and they may go on to do a Masters,

that universities aren’t relevant to them as they

be kick-starting with a personal contribution.”

and then perhaps a PhD. Often they have

perceive them as slow and academic, when actually there’s some really great stuff going on here that businesses can benefit from. Similarly, academics need to work with businesses to make their projects really happen. To give you an example, we have a long-standing partnership with Shoreham-based Ricardo, world leaders in technical and environmental consultancy, with whom we are developing the £14m Advanced Engineering Centre at one of our Brighton campuses, which will provide new, cuttingedge facilities for mechanical, automotive and aerospace engineering.

I believe you have a trading company associated with the university?

“We have a trading company here that aims to develop the ideas that come from our staff.

It helps our staff, it helps employment and brings money into the area. When we find something that is in theory commercial, we then look at whether we would develop it with the staff member concerned and then try to draw in investment from outside. I have some experience in this from my private equity background, and having chaired Business Angel groups such as the Kent Investors Network.”

Funding and business models are vital, but is one of the challenges making sure that everything is not done purely for commercial reasons?

74

INTERVIEW

“Go and do something at one of your local universities it is a great experience and you will thoroughly enjoy it.”

“Absolutely. Universities have to be run in

Chancellor of the Open University, she has been

up-and-coming talent and you’re looking for

a business-like way, but they are increasingly

helping us to think about digital and distance

established people as well. You have to have an

diverse in their remit. We have responsibilities

learning.

open mind.

to our students, and to the communities that

“This diversity in experience is really

“I remember ringing Lord Mogg and saying

we serve. Our social purpose has always

important because you want to turn to people

been a very important consideration. This

when you need their piece of advice. One of the

diversity needs to be reflected in our Board

things I want to do as Chair of the Governors,

of Governors. We’re about to go through a

particularly at and before board meetings, is

had been looking for a role where there was

further recruitment round for new governors

to get someone who really knows the subject

a strong link between her values of diversity,

in early 2016. We want people with lots of

inside out and get their input, so that we can

participation, collaboration and sustainability

different areas of expertise. For example, on

guide the board on what to do. We need a

and she really wanted the position. She’ll be

our current board we have Ros Lowe CBE, who

diverse board made up of colleagues with

used to run three hospitals in West London,

different backgrounds to give us a strong pool

only the third Vice-Chancellor we’ve had since

so she’s an expert on nursing and running

of experience to draw upon.

medical businesses. Dr Yvonne Burne OBE is an expert in secondary education. Yvonne ran a London Girls’ Secondary school which was the top girls’ school in the UK! Then you have Marc Allsop, who is Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Business Development at Aimia Inc., which is a leader in loyalty management.

Marc leads the team who plan and execute

Which brings us to one of the most important jobs the Board of Governors does, which is the recruitment of the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Debra Humphris. Can you tell us a little bit about how that process worked and how you made that decision?

the expansion of Aimia’s strategy into new

“The process was unusual because it

territories worldwide. There’s real breadth.

crossed two Chairmen. Lord Mogg was the

“We have five campuses, so real estate

outgoing Chair, so we did actually dovetail.

how impressive Debra was, because she was just phenomenal and we were delighted. She

we became a university in 1992.

“She fits the environment terrifically well and she has strong links with the NHS and the Department of Health, which, given our strengths in health, nursing and paramedic areas, is important. She understands the science and she comes from a background at Imperial which had a very strong research culture. Her role focussed on students and teaching quality. She was a top, top candidate, and we are delighted to have her.”

becomes a very important issue now. With

We received over 50 applications, a terrific

If you are interested in getting involved

Professor Brenda Gourley retiring, we have just

number, from which we created a long list of

with the University of Brighton, find out

lost a terrific board member. A retired Vice-

14 really good candidates. You’re looking for

more at www.brighton.ac.uk/governors

75

INTERVIEW

O

n entering Professor Bacon’s office the first thing that grabs your attention is a large table covered with a maze of cables and

boxes. Noticing my curiosity, he presses a button on one of the boxes, which emits a sound and turns on a light on another random box. Professor Bacon is quick to explain. “What we’re trying to do here is help the teaching of GCSE and A Level Biology by explaining the concept of emergence. In emergence you can have lots of separate elements – they could be pupils in the class, they could be individual neurons in a brain - and if everybody/ each neuron follows their rules and you connect it up in the right way, you can create an outcome.

In this case we make a familiar tune which the children will recognise.

“At first pupils are primarily concerned with obeying the rules and doing it correctly, that is, making sure they press the right buttons when prompted. But they soon become interested in how the circuit is connected. We have another version where pupils could make their own neurons themselves on little pieces of circuit board using screw connectors to put the components together, so this exercise could be used to teach technology as well as neuroscience”.

The second thing you notice on entering Professor Bacon’s office is his wonderful, infectious enthusiasm. The ‘neural’ network was being prepared for a session with students at Longhill School in Rottingdean, and you just knew that the children there were going to have a whale of a time in their science lesson. “For many pupils,

THE SCIENCE OF GOVERNING

An effective Board of Governors should always be comprised of people from diverse disciplines, all utilising their own unique experiences and expertise.

Among the Governors of Hurstpierpoint College is a Professor of Neuroscience based at the University of Sussex. Ian Trevett met with Professor Jonathan Bacon to find out more about his role as a Governor and his work at the university, including his interest in the behaviour of ants...

76

it is the first time they have met a Professor, so they do find it an interesting experience.”

Professor Bacon could easily have become a teacher himself. “I had a whole year as a school teacher after leaving Cambridge University, doing Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), working at a school in Montego Bay in Jamaica. It wasn’t what I had anticipated doing. I thought I would be in a much more remote area, maybe in Africa or in India, but I ended up in the Caribbean. It was a most interesting and enjoyable experience teaching O Level and A Level. It was terrific fun, but I decided during that year in Jamaica that I didn’t want to be a teacher. It seemed like too much hard work, and I was missing what my father described as the ‘Ivory Tower’. So I came back to this country, got a job in a steel works and then started looking for potential Masters or PhD places.

“I went to Manchester and did an MSc and then a PhD in Human Psychophysics and then in Neuroscience, and then did a number of postdoctorates, including one at a Max Planck Institute in Germany, where I met my wife-to-be. After some time in America and Switzerland, we came to Sussex University in 1984.

“Sussex has always punched above its weight and is particularly strong in the Life Sciences.

INTERVIEW We are rated tenth in the nation, competing

So, as well as the basic science teaching that you

improved our local links by becoming

with some places that are specialist research

get, you’re taught critical thinking, you’re taught to

governors at local secondary schools – both in

institutes, like the Cancer Research UK

work in groups, you’re taught to make evidence-

the maintained and independent sectors. One

Institute.

based decisions, you’re taught how to give a

colleague, David Streeter, who was a Pro-Vice-

presentation, how to write concisely, and these

Chancellor here at the university, became a

building; during his career, JMS (our first

are skills that are just as important if you enter

governor at Hurst College and also became

Dean), was arguably the most famous living

academia or Barclays Bank.

the Chair of their Education Committee. He

“My office is in the John Maynard Smith

biologist in the world and made some seminal

“We’re very successful at this university in

was approaching retirement at the university

contributions around the evolution of sex, and

the proportion of our young people who get

(actually he’s still here - he’s a very famous

he was the person who first applied game

into graduate careers within six months of

natural historian and there’s nobody better

theory to Evolutionary Biology. He won the

graduation. We have secured placements in

at identifying local plant species than David).

Crafoord Medal, which is equivalent to the

industry for some of our students – I’m sure

At that time I was Dean of Life Sciences, and

Nobel Prize in Evolutionary Biology. We’ve

we’d like to have a lot more. Recently, for

he asked me if I would like to take over from

had three other Nobel Prizes in the sciences

example, we’ve established in Life Sciences

him at Hurst College, which I knew absolutely

for work done here on the campus. So in that

the Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, which is

nothing about.

sense we’ve definitely punched way above our

headed up by four professors who have joined

weight.”

us from industry. The pharmaceutical industry

maintained sector, but I was interested in

in Britain is being consolidated and a lot of the

seeing what it was like to be a governor on the

activities are moving overseas as a cost-cutting

other side of the system. I became a governor

exercise, so it is vital that the UK remains in

at Hurst in 2005, and I’ve been a governor for

this research area. Using proper biological

ten years now. I’ve done two lots of five years,

knowledge of disease, the Centre is leading in

and I’m supposed to step down now, really,

the design of new drug therapies for cancer

but I’m trying to extend for another five years

and dementia, often using clever organic

because I enjoy it so much.

There’s a lot of debate about getting children involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) subjects. Over the last few years it has been much talked about.

I asked Professor Bacon if he had noticed that there were too few young people coming through in those subjects?

“We always attract high numbers of students who want to study science subjects here. The thing about doing a science degree is that

chemistry to make new types of molecules. It’s a very positive link that we have with industry.”

How did the move into governorship happen?

“Some time ago one of our Vice-Chancellors

“I had previously been a governor in the

“I became a Governor at Hurst at precisely the time that Tim Manly started as the Headmaster, and this was also the time that Heather Beeby became Head of the Prep School. I was very impressed with Hurst, and I wouldn’t have become a Governor there if I couldn’t align

students are taught a lot of general, generic skills

at the University of Sussex thought that it

myself with the ethos of the place. But I really

that are going to fit them for the market place.

would be a good idea if senior managers

thought that the leadership was first-class and

77

INTERVIEW offer specific advice on individual teachers or anything like that. We’re there to govern the place and to set targets, to set the ambition of Hurst and to form a support and advice group for Tim Manly and his senior colleagues. That’s what we do and it’s a line that we’re careful not to cross.

“When I arrived the Board of Governors was chaired by Rear Admiral Simon Moore, who was the best Chair I had ever had - in any kind of meeting, doing anything. He was able to engage the entire governing body. He was able to shut up some of the more voluble members (and I’m probably the worst offender) and to inject a suitable level of enjoyment while keeping the level of the debate high. It’s very important on a governing body that you select the governors very carefully and that if governors aren’t really up to it, they’re maybe encouraged to stand down. You also need some turnover in the governors. It’s really important that you don’t have any kind of ‘black holes’ - individuals who contribute little and just sit there because they do tend to suck the energy out of meetings.

“Effectively, I am a representative of higher education, and I was also a parent for some time. We have all kinds of people, so we might have somebody who understands the law, someone who understands health and safety, building and education at all of its levels (primary, secondary and higher education). The Church is represented, as is business, and it’s also important to have strong management, accounting and marketing expertise round the table.

“Everyone serves on the Council, which meets four times a year. Most Governors are also on one of the four subcommittees: Education, Estates, Finance and Marketing.

Then we report to the main meeting of the Council with our summaries and recommendations of the way forward.

“The current Chair is Tony Jarvis, who used to be the Head of St Olave’s, which is one of the really dynamic, and it seemed like a very happy

there and is now studying History at a Russell-

most successful state schools in the country.

place indeed for the pupils.

Group University

He is an excellent Chairman as well. I think

“After attending a few meetings and getting

“We have a very interesting group of

he’s as good as Simon Moore, and we’ve been

to know the Headmaster, I went home and told

governors, bringing different skills, and it’s

blessed to have these two chairs, absolutely

my wife about this and said how I thought our

chaired extremely well. The meetings are not

blessed.

number-three son, who is very sporty and fairly

too long, there’s plenty of debate, there’s plenty

academic, would thrive at Hurst. For him, it was

of informed discussion around difficult issues –

a wonderful experience.

and there’s quite a lot of good humour as well.

Professor Bacon has spent some time on boards of state schools as well. What were the main differences?

“The mantra from Tim Manly is: ‘No-one

But we manage to get the business done. It’s

on the bench.’ And I think it’s really true that

our job to support Tim Manly and his senior

everyone has the opportunity to excel at

managers and to really act as a sort of buffer

something. In my son’s case, it was his hockey

against Tim’s energy and enthusiasm as he

School in Lewes. Then I became a Governor at

career that took off. But he did become very

gallops ahead of the rest of the troops.

The Littlehampton Academy in its early days

“I was a Governor at Southover Primary

interested in history and psychology as a result

“What we don’t do is manage the day-to-

of the teaching, and he has made some friends

day workings at the school, that’s for Tim and

governing body and I chaired their Curriculum

for life. He was completely happy and secure

his staff to do. We don’t go in and teach and

Committee. It’s essentially the same as the

78

as an academy. Tim Manly and I joined this

INTERVIEW Education Committee at Hurst, which was very interesting. We left in 2013 following changes being made by the Woodard Academies Trust.

“The concerns are pretty much the same in that our role is to ensure that the pupils get the very best educational experience possible within the resources available. Clearly, there are more governmental constraints within the state system than there are within the independent system, although we all have to be inspected, even if the inspectorate is different. I think the issues are remarkably similar.”

If a businessperson were to read this article, would you recommend they become a governor of a school?

“Yes, I would. I think it’s a very tangible way of putting something back into the community and I’m sure the readers of this

“Tim Manly has recently committed to

they use navigation cues. Some ants will use

magazine will have all kinds of relevant

staying at Hurst for the next five years and

the sun, others will use landmarks. Many ants,

professional experience that they could lend

our ambition is to become even better at what

the very interesting ones, lay down chemical

to running a school. Schools are educational

we do, whilst staying true to our core values.

trails called pheromones. So an ant that’s

establishments, but in many senses they are

We will do this, not by growing but by gently

just wandered out from the nest might find

businesses that have to make a surplus, use

increasing our selectivity. But the mantra is,

food and then go back to the nest leaving a

that surplus to invest, provide a good product,

once you’re in, you’re in and you won’t get

pheromone trail which evaporates in time, but

compete against other schools; many of the

culled at any stage. If you want to stay with us

then other ants will follow that and reinforce

things they have to do are the same challenges

through your academic journey up to A Level or

it, and they find the optimised route so don’t

they would have in business.”

to IB, you will be very welcome to stay and we

waste precious time searching for the food

will do our utmost to ensure that you have the

themselves.

What’s does the future hold for Hurst?

“We’ve had year-on-year improvements in our GCSE, AS and A2 results, which has been

very best education possible. So it’s around the

“There was some research started in

person, not the school; it’s not just academics,

Belgium which looked at ways that ants were

but all of the other stuff as well.

foraging in the environment and they used this

“My own son benefitted academically from

to design mathematical computer algorithms.

excellent. About 70% of our young people got

Hurst, he benefitted on the sports field, he

It means you can solve problems, like the

into Russell-Group Universities, so that’s all

benefitted socially and he looks back at Hurst

famous ‘travelling-salesman problem’. Imagine

very good. Last year, we turned out to be the

with a very warm glow. We’re not complacent,

that you live in Lewes and you’re a travelling

best school in England for one-day cricket, and

we’re not sitting on our hands. We’re an

salesman and you’ve got to visit, say, 16 shoe

we were third in hockey nationally. So sport has

ambitious place. We’ve had a very extensive

shops in East Sussex. There are 21 trillion

come on incredibly well and we can now beat

building programme of new classrooms, new

possible routes to visit all 16 shops just once

local rivals that we couldn’t beat a few years

astro pitches, new library, and we are just

each. By watching ants at work, building their

ago. The quality of drama is outstanding and

about to embark on a new, very ambitious

pheromone trails you can learn so much.

the choir is just inspirational.

theatre project. We’ve really got a wow factor;

Telecommunications companies use

it’s a marvellous mix of old and new and we

algorithms derived from such studies to

constant is that there is always going to be

have to have the very best facilities that we

route data on internet networks and logistics

change. Our competitors are doing well and we

can.”

companies use them to decide what their

aim to be the first-choice co-educational school

Professor Bacon has high expectations of any institution he is involved in, but even the most finely-tuned organisation can learn a lot from his research into ants!

delivery routes will be.

“The direction of travel is good, but the only

in the area and we’re looking to get more young people down from London to increase our catchment area. Our pupil numbers have increased due to local demand, but we have now reached a stable number that optimally

“We also work, in Brazil, on spiders that live in social groups. The spiders we worked on were first seen by Darwin in 1832 and he couldn’t understand how spiders, which are normally such blood-thirsty individuals that

fits our campus, and gives our pupils a wide

“As well as my neuroscience research, I am

choice of academic and other opportunities.

also very interested in how ants find their way

species, could live in such harmony. He’d

in two-dimensional space. What they have got

never seen social spiders before, and couldn’t

Hurst feel. The Headmaster seems to know

to do is find food in the environment and bring

understand how it works. We have now used

the name of every child and the names of their

it back to the nest to feed the developing ants

game theory to provide an explanation of how

parents, which is remarkable. I’m 65 now so I

and to feed the queen as well. They could just

they can live so harmoniously; I wish Darwin

can’t realiably remember the names of my own

walk around randomly and find food and then

was still alive so I could explain our results to

three sons.

do their best to get back home. But we know

him.

“More importantly, we don’t want to lose the

they sometimes eat members of their own

79

The business event for 2016 Worthing Assembly Hall 28th January 2016 10am to 4pm What can you look forward to as a delegate?

A

for loMUST or grcal, new businowing esses

✓ B2B Exhibition with over 50 stands, meet, network and introduce your business

BE SUPPORTED

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BE PROMOTED

✓ Expert Zone with 1-2-1 sessions on Finance, Legal issues, PR & Branding ✓ Mini Workshops including Social Media, Google and Marketing ✓ Networking lunch a place to mingle at the Sussex Food Court ✓ Q & A panel with our experts covering all elements of business success.

BE CONNECTED

Keynote Speakers: BE TRAINED

BE DEVELOPED

Gillian Fielding Chamber Patron, financial entrepreneur and ‘Secret Millionaire’ will talk about how she started from humble roots in London’s East End.

Linus Gorpe Was recently successful on Dragon’s Den and ‘tamed’ Deborah Meaden, will share his journey.

Jo Cameron A past candidate on The Apprentice Jo runs two companies in training and leadership and regularly features on TV and in the media.

Don’t miss out – register now!

For more information and to register to attend visit: www.worthingandadurchamber.co.uk

Better business competition Enter at the Better Business Show for the chance to WIN Office Space at the Sphere and a Business Support package!

Worthing’s newest flexible working space • Opening January 2016 80

WORTHING

WORTHING’S BETTER BUSINESS SHOW 28th January, 2016, 10am – 4pm An event not to be missed – FREE to attend

T

he Better Business show will take place on Thursday, 28th January, 2016 at Town Hall and Assembly Hall Worthing.

This event is collaboratively delivered by Worthing and Adur

Chamber and Adur & Worthing Business Partnership. With a strong focus on ‘Buy Local’, this event is a ‘must’ in the 2016 business

teams from other local businesses. Book your 121 meeting and have the opportunity to put your business in front of the key buyers.

• Advise Me: Expert Zone, with advice on finance, marketing, PR, branding and legal – but make sure you book your session beforehand

calendar for ALL businesses in Worthing & Adur, both large and small.

• Train Me: A range of mini-workshops, including ‘Kickstart your

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• Connect Me Networking Lunch: a fast and fun session with local

The morning’s focus will be on local procurement, business start-up support and connecting with experts and advisors.

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social media’ and ‘Marketing on a shoestring’ businesses • Promote Me: Meet, network and share experiences at the B2B Exhibition with both new and established businesses

workshop on offer from Let’s Do Business group • Inspire Me: Keynote speakers will share their journeys to success.

Gillian Fielding – Chamber Patron, financial entrepreneur and ‘Secret Millionaire’- will talk about how she started from humble roots in London’s East End and discovered and used her own resources to eventually achieve financial freedom. Linus Gorpe, who was recently successful on Dragon’s Den and ‘tamed’ Deborah Meaden, and Jo Cameron, a past candidate on The Apprentice, who runs two companies in training and leadership and regularly features in the media, will share their stories.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Up Bus, Business Navigator and Enterprise First, will be present

81

SUSSEX CHAMBER

EXPORTING MADE EASIER

by Ana Christie, Chief Executive, Sussex Chamber of Commerce Export services from the Sussex Chamber of Commerce Once you have identified your market overseas, what next? The Sussex Chamber of Commerce offers help and advice with all aspects of export documentation to make trading overseas as easy and successful as possible. We assist exporters throughout the process of completing the documentation, from choosing the right documentation to ensuring it is correctly filled in.

Chamber Certification and Embassy Legalisation of all Export Documents If you are exporting goods, correctly prepared documentation is vitally important. Incorrect completion of the required paperwork can lead to delays at Customs, which in turn can result in storage charges. The Chamber can certify all types of export documentation and

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Authentication of EUR1 and ATR forms

CHAMBER NEWS

An EUR1 is a Movement Certificate used to support claims for

82

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temporary importation of commercial samples, professional

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equipment or goods going to either a trade fair or exhibition to

goods except agricultural goods, minerals and steel, which require

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these forms on behalf of HM Revenue & Customs.

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Notarisation Service or Foreign & Commonwealth Office Express Service

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Do you need documents Notarised by a Notary Public or legalised by

Training Courses

the Foreign & Commonwealth Office? We can arrange this for you.

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The Sussex Chamber of Commerce organises a number of

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international business or just thinking about it. It is a great way to

This can be an arduous task and incorrectly completed documents

learn more about exporting and share experiences.

Please contact the Sussex Chamber of Commerce for all of your exporting needs.

Tel: 01444 259 259 or visit our website: www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk

BUSINESS VENUES

LEADING THE WAY Peter Webb MBE opens The Centre For Leadership

P

eter Webb, Managing Director of ETI Ltd, officially opened the new Centre For Leadership on 24th November at Northbrook College’s Broadwater campus.

The event was attended by 40 VIP guests, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Worthing as well as leading figures from both the private and public sectors.

Paul Trew, Centre Manager, said, “We were very pleased when Peter accepted our invitation to open the Centre. We wanted somebody from the local business community who had a proven success record, and having established ETI from humble beginnings 30 years ago, he has built the company to a multi-million pound operation which is the UK’s number one in the field.”

Peter commented, “I was delighted to be asked to open the new Centre for Leadership. I congratulate Sue Dare (Principal) and Northbrook College for having the vision to create the Centre, which I sincerely hope local businesses and business leaders will support.

There is a real need for improved management training in the area, and I believe that Paul

Trew and his team have a fantastic opportunity to make a difference. Not only will the Centre be a boost for local SME (Small or Medium Enterprise) businesses, it will also provide world class training, and drive forward future growth for the region.”

The Centre is now fully functioning and will offer a wide range of commercial training to businesses across Sussex, as well as

management and leadership masterclasses, delivered by industry-experienced trainers.

This initiative supports Northbrook Commercial Service’s commitment to further develop their commercial offering, including the hiring of its first-class facilities.

For further information please contact Paul Trew, Centre Manager T:01903 273723 M: 07545 206746 E: p.trew@nbcol.ac.uk

83

January 2016

NEW YEAR HOME

OUT

Your search starts here

NOW

SURPASSED

Michelin starred dining at Matt Gillan at The Pass

Celebration of local artisans NEW

At home with Martin Clunes OBE

TRAVEL special

Winter luxury in Mauritius

&

Dreams Opulence in the bedroom

The region’s LARGEST property publication

FREE

BRIGHTON & HOVE

LOOKING BACK OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS…..

With Abby Moreton, Membership Manager

2

015 saw Brighton Chamber put on a growth spurt, and so we’ve created new events, focussing on a wide range of

the two keynote speakers, said “…business

In total, 2700 people attended our events

conventions can feel a bit stuffy, and enforced

in 2015 and next year shows no signs of

networking is the opposite of fun. Not the

slowing down. January includes a Bite-sized

topics, for our expanding membership. Our

(Brighton) Chamber: big, open spaces, plenty

members include some of the key players in

of lively debate, a whole load of inspiration,

Learning on ‘Take Google Analytics to the

the city, local charities, social enterprises and

idea generation and general supercharging of

fast-growing small businesses.

growth.” It was a day of discovery, challenges,

At Brighton Chamber we do things

inspiration and fun. We gave you compelling

next level’ and ‘What you need to know about cyber security’ and a behind-the-scenes tour of AMEX Stadium. With over 200 NEW members joining during 2015, there are

differently. Networking doesn’t have to

speakers, disruptive conversations,

be just about getting a bunch of people

influential panellists and a whole load of

lots of interesting people for you to meet

together in a room, and this summer our

ideas to help move your business forward.

at each event. And the Chamber team and

behind-the-scenes events took our members

Businesses came together to ask questions,

ambassadors are always happy to make

on a boat trip around Shoreham Port, a wine

share knowledge, make changes and grow.

introductions.

tasting trip to Ridgeview Winery, and a tour of Glyndebourne, to name but a few.

Over the last twelve months we have held

The Chamber is a great way of connecting

With nearly 12,000 followers on Twitter,

with local businesses and there are plenty

a widely shared members’ notice board and

of opportunities to do so. We plan our events

blog, being a member of the Chamber is a

over 100 events; 27 of these were networking

at different times of the day, and there is

events, 14 were socials and behind-the

something for every type of business. As

great way to promote what you are doing

scenes and 37 were Bite-sized Learning

well as Construction Voice for the property

workshops, covering everything you and your

and construction sector businesses, this

team need, from ‘Periscope for business’

year we launched Creative Hub to connect

and ’ How to run successful competitions on

and inspire the creative businesses. Our first

social media’ to ‘grant writing’ and ‘business

Big Debate of 2016 is on 15 January, when,

landscape mapping’.

In October we held the Brighton Summit

within the hub of business in Brighton, and being a part of it means that you’ll find a wealth of information to support your business.

Get in touch to arrange a chat on

with our speakers, Caroline Lucas MP and

01273 719097, or email: membership@

Daniel Hannan MEP, we’ll be asking whether

businessinbrighton.org.uk

(the biggest to date) for 300 businesses.

the EU should be more business-friendly. It

Nikki Gatenby, MD of Propellernet, one of

promises to be another lively discussion.

Photograph by Lauren Psyk http://www. laurenpsyk.com/

CHAMBER NEWS 85

Official Premium Parking.

So close you can almost take off.

Book your Premium Parking direct. www.gatwickparking.com Terms and conditions apply.

See www.gatwickparking.com/terms-and-conditions for further details.

CHICHESTER

ROLLS ROYCE EVENT LAUNCHES CHICHESTER CHAMBER’S NEW LOOK

C

Chichester Chamber of Commerce & Industry Membership starts at just £99 for start-up businesses. Join now: www. chichestercci.org.uk/join

For information about Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, or for any of the above initiatives, please visit www.chichestercci.org.uk or contact office@chichestercci.org.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

hichester is a delightful enclave offering far more than its size belies, with impressive art, culture, history and heritage, plus global, national and award-winning businesses.

Chichester Chamber of Commerce and Industry has merit and weight as the key voice of business in the District, has good relations with district and county organisations and is frequently invited as a consultee on a range of issues, including planning, infrastructure and city-centre matters, as well as representing national brands and major employers in the area.

As the core networking organisation for business in the region, we represent sectors including horticulture and agriculture, with some of the largest producers in the UK: tourism, which covers marine, land-based activities and internationally-renowned destinations such as Goodwood and Fishbourne Roman Palace; a variety of service providers, from nationally-known Check-a-Trade and high-calibre professional-services firms to start-ups and micro-businesses in technology and new media – and even manufacturing, with Rolls Royce Motor Cars, Montezuma’s & Oceanair.

Chichester continues to undergo a huge amount of change, often pushed by the needs of its business population for better infrastructure, more affordable housing, a skilled workforce and land to grow and improve businesses.

It is this change which we plan to voice and galvanise at the Chichester Chamber January Monthly Meeting. Hosted by Rolls Royce, a perfect example of an inspirational and global brand successfully straddling tradition and the need for new innovation, the meeting will announce Chichester Chamber’s brand-new logo and announce our public affairs plans.

We are the voice of business in the Chichester district and surrounds and more of our members realise the impact we make by joining forces and encouraging necessary strategic change. So please do come along to one of our exciting events – or, indeed, if you have not already done so, join our membership.

87

CRAWLEY

EAST, WEST, HOME’S BEST

CHAMBER NEWS

by Daniel Sibley, Senior Relationship Manager, NatWest

88

W

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

been a great deal of talk in recent months of

likely make worse. It’s not an issue that can

effects of a strong dollar and slower growth in

be dismissed as emerging markets comprise

other parts of the world bite. Not surprisingly

over 50% of global GDP.

in this environment, prices are falling, further

Weaker. But a Fed rate hike is not an

looming interest rate rises in the US and the

imminent prospect. US employment grew by

UK. Once again, however, the likely timing of

a welcome 278,000 in August and September,

these has slipped as concerns mount about

but that was the slowest pace of job growth

global growth.

since mid-2012. Unemployment remained

Take heed. The head of the International

at 5.1%, close to the Fed’s estimate of “full

Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, last week

employment”. Yet there is no wage inflation

issued a warning about the world economy.

whatsoever.

The institution expects global growth to be

Slowing. US manufacturing growth all

reducing inflation risks and the need for a rate rise.

Balancing act. The UK economy is now 6% bigger than it was before the recession, one of the best performances among the world’s leading economies. But growth has been far from even. The service sector has grown by almost 10%, although manufacturing is still 6% smaller than it was at the start of

lower this year than last as emerging market

but ground to a halt last month, according

growth slows for the fifth consecutive year.

to the Institute for Supply Management. The

Lagarde again raised the prospect of a “new

Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell by 0.9

15 years leading up to 2007, services grew

mediocre” – permanently low global growth –

to 50.2, with 50 being the magic number

by an average of 2.2% every year, while

becoming entrenched. Her warning came as

that separates expansion from contraction.

manufacturing managed 0.5%. The recession

investor withdrawals from emerging market

While firms reported some concerns about

and recovery have merely accelerated this

bonds and equities intensified. And that’s a

domestic consumer confidence, the root of the

trend.

problem that a rate hike by the US Fed would

weakness is falling exports, as the combined

daniel.sibley@natwest.com

2008. This isn’t a new phenomenon. In the

EASTBOURNE

EASTBOURNE ON THE BALL Representatives from the Eastbourne business community gathered at the home of Eastbourne Borough Football Club to meet Caroline Ansell MP and to discuss the prospects and challenges for the area.

The event, which was organised and hosted

by Barclays, was opened by Martin Bonner, Barclays Head of Business and Corporate in Sussex.

Caroline Ansell MP talked about her experience since being elected as the local MP in May and the many positive opportunities and challenges facing the town.

Twenty-five people attended the event, including owners and managers of local businesses, who joined representatives from Barclays, the Chambers of Commerce and Eastbourne Borough Football Club.

The discussion that followed covered a

range of topics, including transport links, particularly the A27, the potential expansion of Gatwick and the impact on Sussex Businesses, the Arndale Centre Development and how to mitigate the risks to the small independent traders in Little Chelsea, corporation tax, lack of a trained workforce and the importance of work experience and apprenticeships.

A discussion on the UK membership of the EU and the forthcoming referendum was followed by a straw poll which showed that the vast majority of the business people present felt that the UK would be better off staying in the Union.

Caroline Ansell MP said: “It was a pleasure to meet business owners from the area and to hear what they think about the economic situation and how we can all work together to fulfil Eastbourne’s potential.

“I received some challenging questions and talked about broadband provision and transport links, including Gatwick and the A27. I also said I would feed comments from businesses on tax arrangements back to the Chancellor, George Osborne.

“I very much look forward to being invited again so I can update the business community on developments.”

Martin Bonner said: “This event was a great opportunity to bring together business managers and other representatives from the town for a really positive and practical discussion around how we can build on the success of the area. Being new to Sussex, I have been genuinely impressed with the clear ambition of business people locally and my team is well placed to help them to achieve their goals.”

Below: Paul Maynard, Sharon Hind, Caroline Ansell MP and Martin Bonner at the Barclays Business Breakfast

CHAMBER NEWS

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

89

ACES

MEMBER NEWS RISE OF THE UK STAYCATION ECONOMY • Nation spends £22.5bn on average on UK staycations • UK SMEs in accommodation and food services have seen a 17% rise in turnover since 2009 A thriving staycation economy has boosted small businesses around the country, according to a survey from Barclays Business, with more than three quarters of UK adults (77%) having been on, or planning, a UK staycation.

Barclays business data reveals turnover for SMEs in the accommodation and food services sector is up 17% since 2009, the highest since its peak in 2006. Furthermore, the sector is the most volatile to seasonality, experiencing the highest turnover growth of any other sector during the months of July to September, 7.3% above its annual average.

New Barclays research reveals £22.5billion is spent on UK staycations every year, with Brits spending £575 per party on average. Men spend over 5% more than women, while those aged 55 or above budget £619 on average and are most likely to go away in September than any other month.

In the last five years the overall number of businesses in accommodation and food services in the UK has risen by 17%.

The seaside is the most popular type of staycation, with 20 million, or 52%, heading to

be beside the sea, followed by country breaks (45%). A city break is chosen by one in three (37%), while 27% want to spend holidays staying with friends and family. Caravanning is a popular UK holiday activity for one in five staycationers (17%) and is most popular with 18-34 year olds (20%), compared to 13% aged 55 and over. Furthermore, 13% of Brits have a penchant for being pampered on a UK spa break – including one in twelve men (8%).

When choosing where to go, famous landmarks and attractions (41%) are the main draw for domestic tourists, followed by finding the best deal (39%). Despite having a bigger budget, men are more likely to hunt for a bargain than women. Other key factors when selecting UK holiday accommodation are recommendation from friends or family (38%), online reviews (36%) and transport links (33%).

Martin Bonner, Barclays Head of Business and Corporate in Sussex, said: “The staycation economy is a huge driver for businesses across the UK, and with £22.5billion spent on average every year, this presents business owners and the

tourism industry with an opportunity to plan ahead to make the most of the rise in domestic tourism. We have seen a number of businesses adapt and diversify to make the most of seasonal tourism, particularly during summer months. Great British landmarks hold pride of place in the nation’s heart as drivers of regional tourism, while many accommodation businesses are catering for the nation’s appetite for more unusual places to rest their heads, such as a yurt or camper van.”

The average spend in the South East is higher than the national average at £587, although growth in the South East is slower than national average.

With alternative accommodation on the rise, the findings also reveal three in five (64%) enjoy staying somewhere a bit more unusual than a traditional bed & breakfast or hotel. The most popular is a caravan or a tent, followed by a cabin and a canal boat, while a camper van also appeared in the top five. More quirky stays include a floating hotel or tree house.

CHAMBER NEWS

Top UK alternative holiday accommodation:

90

Preference

Accommodation type

% of people that have stayed here

1

In a caravan

42%

2

In a tent

32%

3

In a cabin, i.e. in the woods

14%

4

On a canal boat

12%

5

In a camper van

9%

6

In a beach hut

5%

7

On a sailing boat

5%

8

In a castle or fort

5%

9

In a yurt

3%

10

In a floating hotel

2%

11

In a tree house

2%

Source: Barclays Opinium survey August 2015

Battle Chamber of Commerce www.battlechamber.org.uk

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

Crowborough Chamber of Commerce www.crowboroughchamber.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

ACES

BAILEY LANGFORD - DESERVED WINNER OF EASTBOURNE FILM FESTIVAL Eastbourne College hosted the inaugural Eastbourne Film Festival, sponsored by Smokescreen Visuals and Media Attention, at The Birley Centre in November. Awards at this formal ‘red carpet’ event were presented by film producer Pippa Cross (Summer in February, Chalet Girl) and Hollywood actor Daniel Fathers (Camp Rock). But the real star of the evening was 19 year old film maker Bailey Langford, who won best film for his beautiful, elegiac short, The Passing of Now, but was also awarded Best Director and Best Film in the 15-19 age bracket.

Tim Marriott of The Eastbourne Film Festival says, “We are all very proud of our winner. Bailey is clearly a massive talent with the motivation and tenacity to forge a career Daniel Fathers for himself in the film world. Daniel Fathers was particularly impressed and was spotted passing his agent’s details on to this up-and-coming young director! But we are proud of the all the finalists; the variety and quality of their work was hugely impressive”.

Daniel Fathers, star of Disney’s hugely popular films Camp Rock and Camp Rock

Bailey Langford and Tim Marriott

2, led the three judges of the inaugural Eastbourne Film Festival Awards.

The Eastbourne Film Festival is a film making competition for young people aged 25 and under and offered them the opportunity to see their work on a big screen in front of an audience of friends, parents, teachers, film making professionals and other young film enthusiasts.

HORDER HEALTHCARE WIN EAST SUSSEX BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHAMBER NEWS

Horder Healthcare won the prestigious East Sussex Business of the Year Award at this year’s Best4Biz Conference. This was in recognition of their innovative ways of doing business, using crowd funding to raise funds to bring top quality healthcare to as many people in East Sussex as possible, running a successful lottery to raise funds and developing the popular Horder Healthcare App, designed to make interaction with the company easier and more efficient. It also gives top tips on healthy living and how to maintain mobility before and after musculo-skeletal treatments.

Horder Healthcare provide services across East Sussex and into Kent and strive to be the best provider of healthcare services in a therapeutic environment, providing great places to work, practise medicine and receive care. They meet and exceed customer expectations and delight patients while reaching more people and enhancing the quality of their lives.

In preparation for the Best4Biz Conference, all the nominees were filmed by the media students of Sussex Downs College to showcase each company, and the films were premièred at the Sparkling Sussex dinner at Best4Biz, sponsored by Westways Vending and Ridgeview Wine Estate.

All the films can be seen at www.acesalliance.org/best4biz-award-evening.

91

NETWORKING

THE BUSINESS NETWORK Network Review – The Mumpreneurs’ Networking Club

By Emma Pearce, Marketing Consultant Marketing planning, outsourced marketing and social media training www.pearcemarketing.co.uk

Emma Pearce gets inside the award-winning, ‘not just for women’ Sussex-based network that has gone global

T

Photo Credit: Mi Elfverson from www.truenorthvision.co.uk

he Mumpreneurs’ Networking Club (MNC) was launched in 2009 for mums that want to grow their businesses, but

need networking events between the school

exhibitions and training events, as well as

three men). The MNC team worked incredibly

everyone sharing positive outcomes since

hard organising 19 meetings in one week, with

the last meeting

325 visitors from across the world, including

• Everyone stands in a circle and, depending

runs. Now don’t make the mistake of thinking

on numbers attending, each person has a

it’s all about baby products, far from it; the

30-second or one-minute slot to say who

range of businesses attending is wide. It’s

they are, what they are offering and mention

not only mums, or even just women any more.

if they are looking for any specific help or

Men attend too, although they are usually

advice. (Try to make a mental or written

outnumbered!

note of who you want to speak to in the open

Having been founded by Nicky Chisholm and Sara Guiel in Brighton, the Club now has 17 venues across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, London, Essex and Scotland, each run by a

networking session coming next!)

• Open networking time - speak to those you can help or who could help you • Finally, everyone gathers back to the circle

manager under MNC license alongside their

for closing comments and a group photo that

own business. It’s a great additional marketing

will be published on MNC social media group

activity, and they earn a commission, too. The

pages and profiles.

MNC has recently hit 15,000 visits to meetings since the organisation started!

When I attended the Lewes meeting, Nicky Chisholm said, “We have created a really supportive, informal and dynamic networking environment; you can’t underestimate the power of a good gossip!” That said, there is a unique and gently structured format to this Club.

Format of the 90-minute meeting: • Arrive and purchase a cup of tea or coffee and chip in for the costs of a biscuit.

• The manager opens the meeting with news from MNC, local relevant information about

92

Thailand, USA and Spain!

Key Facts: • Location: cafés, pubs, theatres and community centres that serve tea and coffee in an ever-growing number of towns across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, London, Essex and Scotland • Frequency: Once a month (except August) • Size: average numbers range from 22 – 40, depending on the group • Time: 9.30 or 10 am start for 1.5 hours • Lock out: No - but typically only two multilevel marketing companies • 30-second or one-minute round: Yes

Nicky added “We have a real passion for social media to help our members continue

• Speaker slot: No • Cost: £156 per year (one-off fee if join within

networking online. Everyone tags themselves in

48 hours of attending), or £192 (one-off fee),

the photo taken at each meeting and we’ll help

or £16 per month on a payment plan - plus

anyone who needs a quick lesson on how to do

the cup of coffee! For your membership you

this! There is also an MNC mobile app, which

can attend as many of the MNC groups each

has all sorts of useful information, including member contact details and lots of rewards, too!”

As well as the Lewes meeting, I also went along to a Pop-Up Mumpreneurs’ event in Eastbourne as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Over 40 people attended (including

month as you wish.

If you are interested in attending or setting up a Mumpreneurs group in your local area, please contact Nicky (nickyc@ agoodgossip.co.uk) and attend one of their Recruitment Days. www.agoodgossip.co.uk

EVENT

CHESTNUT TREE HOUSE SNOW BALL 2015 C hestnut Tree House’s Snowman Spectacular Ball, one of the leading charity events outside London, took place in December at the Brighton Hilton Metropole. and celebrated another fundraising success for the Sussex children’s hospice with an incredible total of £455,011 on the night.

Guests enjoyed an exclusive live performance from five-piece harmony group, The Overtones and the 540 guests enjoyed an exclusive evening of magical entertainment in a winter wonderland setting inspired by the charity’s Patron, Raymond Briggs’ iconic Snowman.

There was a heartfelt speech by Helen Cookson, whose two daughters, Rebecca and Rachel, were cared for by Chestnut Tree House. Both girls were diagnosed with Late Infantile Batten’s disease, an aggressive, progressive neurological disorder. Sadly Rebecca, aged just five and a half, passed away in December 2008. Not long after Rebecca died, Rachel started having seizures and her speech began to deteriorate. She spent the last nine weeks of her life at Chestnut Tree House and in November 2012, aged just seven, Rachel also sadly died.

At the end of Helen’s speech, the guests were visibly moved by her story and all stood to applaud her and her courage at sharing her story.

Guy Clinch & Kerstin Jagfeldt with Maureen & Michael Chowen

Catherine Hutchin & Sally Gunnell

Guy Clinch & Kerstin Jagfeldt

John & Helen Cookson CTH parent speaker

Wendy Carter & Mike Holland

Sarah Arnold & Steve Colbourne

Ian & Sue Hart with Peter & Natalie Mott

Matthew & Fifi Smith

Hugh Lowson, CEO Chestnut Tree House with showgirls

Bloom family and friends

Tanja Cale, Shirley Windaus & Sarah Westwell

Eleanor Harris & Patrick Montgomery

Guy & Sangita Lloyd with Rachel Regan & Michael Yeoman

The Overtones with Classic Consulting, headline sponsor

93

DINING OUT

THE CHILTERN FIREHOUSE

By Amanda Menahem

L

ondon is the best city in the world. Sorry but it is. Where else can you get such a fabulous combination of grandeur,

instructed me to review a London restaurant

be seen (this in itself is a reason to hate it)

for the magazine, easy I thought. I have a

frequented by celebrities and those that wanted

mental bank of numerous restaurant visits

to spot them. I am clearly neither (now don’t

culture and history sitting so beautifully with

(I have a freakish memory for nearly every

get me wrong, if David Beckham happened to

the glistening, modern. Throw in funky, diverse,

restaurant meal I’ve ever had, except for the

be there at the same time as me, I wouldn’t

eclectic, exciting and vibrant and you might

really really boozy ones).

complain), and went having heard about the chef

start to capture the essence of the place. Now of course Brighton is my true beloved, after all it’s my home but I don’t feel disloyal in loving London like I do. Brighton understands. He knows that he can’t fully compete and wants me to be happy. He knows l would never leave, but I can’t help but crave my monthly visits. As soon as I go over that bridge, I get that buzz.

You know the one I mean.

And of course as a foodie, I can’t think of a better centre for gastronomy. So when Maarten

94

My most recent visit was a fourth return to The Chiltern Firehouse. I love the place. Much has been written about it, both good and bad. It attracted a lot of attention when it first opened and quickly became one of those places to

“The sort of thing you intend to have just one bite of but just have to finish the lot. ”

Nuno Mendes – the highly regarded American based chef and this his first UK venture with Andre Balazs, the hotelier responsible for the famous LA institution Château Marmont. A massive PR campaign included photos of his signature crab filled doughnuts all over social media. I had to have them.

Firstly, the hotel that houses the restaurant is absolutely beautiful. A converted fire station dating back to 1889 that was one of the first purpose built fire stations in London.

DINING OU T

A Victorian Gothic beauty that has been

ingredients, well combined, cooked and

season but usually involve some type of

skilfully transformed into a deeply glamorous

presented. The menu choices allow you to

greens, the minerality of which provides a good

environment with a colonial feel, and yet very

balance your meal well with plenty of lighter

counterbalance for the rich and creamy meat.

modern. The building alone, a mix of old with

starters to accompany more hearty mains. This

Confit garlic was undercooked and therefore

new, represents exactly what I love about

is surprisingly uncommon. I toyed with the hay

too overpowering. My two friends had glazed

London. The bar area is comfortable, elegant

-roasted squab with cornbread, walnut mole

duck with Jerusalem artichoke, pickled Asian

and luxurious without feeling too ‘posh’. Lots

and yoghurt but as I’d had my fill of cornbread

pear and a lamb dish with purple potato

of carpet, cushions and gilt – like a wonderful

I thought I’d better order something different.

living room. This is a place to feel at ease.

anchovy and sprout tops (tasted better than it

On this occasion I chose burata, leek hearts,

sounds). All three dishes were beautiful to look

The bar staff are delightful and annoyingly beautiful, the women in strapless pink ‘jump suits’ and the men dressed in tailored cream.

The cocktail list is innovative and they stock a reasonable selection of gin. There is an enchanting all year terrace with twinkly lights amongst beautiful foliage.

The restaurant has a slightly more industrial

at but not in a pretentious way and thankfully

“After two cocktails, champagne and sinking a very good bottle of red, I cant quite remember which red it was! ”

plenty on the plate. A side of maple bourbon sweet potato was very American; sweet and creamy, delicious.

The wine list is extensive with plenty of good value options. After two cocktails, champagne and sinking a very good bottle of red, I cant quite remember which red it was! But I do

look in a good way. It’s huge and therefore instils a sense of grandeur. The ambience

chestnuts and Wiltshire truffle (If there’s a

recall it was a very drinkable Grenache Syrah

is relaxed and buzzy. The menu is quite

truffle to be had i’ll have it). This wasn’t the

for under £40.

distinctive. A mix of gourmet comfort food (the

best burata I have had. It should be absolutely

Service is efficient and yet unhurried and

crab doughnuts, bacon cornbread with maple

oozing and creamy. This was slightly dry, a

although there are time slots for tables, our

butter as ‘nibbles’) and elegant plates plus a

bit like the end cut as if they were running

meal ended naturally within the slot without

weekly changing seasonal menu. I ordered the

out, however the dish was pleasant and well

us feeling rushed. All in all a highly enjoyable

comfort food of course. The crab doughnuts

dressed with excellent olive oil. For my main

evening and not a celebrity in sight.

were a disappointment. A tiny light bun, a

I chose Iberico pork.

little dry with barely any crab. I have had these

This is one of their

on every occasion of my visits and they have

signature dishes

always underwhelmed. However this is more

and I have had this

than made up for by the bacon cornbread. This

on a previous visit

sounds ordinary but it isn’t. The flavour and

because it’s a rare

texture combination of the bread (more cake

find. Iberico pork is a

like in texture than bread) with the butter was

fantastic piece of meat

incredibly addictive. The sort of thing you intend

if cooked well – a nice

to have just one bite of but just HAVE to finish

char on the outside

the lot.

and pink within. This

On all my visits I have found the starters

was exactly that. The

delightful. The style of food is interesting,

accompaniments

elegant simplicity – not more than a few

change with the

95

SECRET SUSSEX

INDEPENDENT, IMPARTIAL AND IN HOVE

O

n meeting Nick Jenner in their new offices, set among the wine bars and restaurants of Hove’s Church Road,

inheritance-tax planning and looking after the owners of small- to medium-sized companies.

chosen beneficiaries when I am gone?”

“One of the things which make us a little bit

The model is to focus on the right advice, with

different is that the owners of our business

I asked what is was that made Square One

competitive fees, and to use plain English to

are from different backgrounds than you might

unique. As Nick correctly replied, “Who needs a

communicate with clients.

typically find. For example, many firms were

gimmick or an elaborate back story?”

The clients of Square One just want to know

“If I had to pick one thing that we do well,

established by former direct-sales people,

out of everything, we are experts in managing

where the model and culture were primarily

that they can trust the firm to look after their

capital for individuals or families and saving

about selling products and not providing

financial affairs, invest wisely and act in a

tax,” says Nick. “Clients are often successful

advice. For this reason the financial-advisor

professional manner. Such an approach doesn’t

business people who realise that building

market has historically had a bit of a dirty

make headlines, but recent history suggests

wealth through business is a very different skill

name. Having worked with a large number of

that companies in the financial sector are best

to actually managing that wealth once you’ve

independent financial-advisor firms in the past,

advised to avoid making the news.

made it. Also, we have later-life clients who are

I can honestly say I would only have trusted

thinking, “I spent my life building up my wealth

maybe three or four firms with my mother’s

through hard work, but will it all pass onto my

money.”

Square One offers a range of financial services, but they specialise in areas such as

“Our industry is still fighting to overcome an era of low quality advice at a high price.”

96

SECRET SUSSEX Nick Jenner

Square One’s key core value is simple, but commendable: “Providing the right advice is central to our business culture.” Partner Nick Jenner explains why transparency and professionalism are at the heart of the wealth-management company.

Interview by Ian Trevett

Nick’s partner, John Kelly, is a chartered Accountant, who bought the firm back in 2003.

with their auto-enrolment requirement?

“Workplace pensions has the word ‘pension’

will restrict some individuals to an annual allowance of just £10,000, down from £40,000.

It was a father-and-son business, and John

in it, but this has slightly misled the general

Whilst it will not affect everyone, the key point

used to refer clients to the firm. John bought

public, from our point of view. In many

here is that if you are thinking of making

it from the retiring son, and Nick bought into it

schemes there are no decisions to be made by

contributions of more than £10,000 into your

in 2010.

employees at the start, and they are designed

pension, you really need to act now to avoid

for poverty prevention rather than wealth

missing an opportunity to pay in a much higher

huge asset,” says Nick. “He has come from a

management. Where we will get involved is

amount.”

highly professional industry which has actually

if the company wants to provide a genuine

got a very good reputation – the accountant is

benefit to their staff rather than just tick a box

advice is that professionals keep abreast of

generally seen as the trusted advisor, and this

to comply with the rules. If employers want a

new legislation, which, if ignored, can have

was central to me joining the firm. I think it is a

reward-based scheme for their workforce to

really positive story for us that the ownership

serious consequences for your financial

encourage new staff or improve staff retention,

of Square One is driven by a couple of guys

we would be happy to help. This will typically

plans. A good example of this is the changes

who are really trying to ensure that they have

mean that the employer would like proper

a decent, ethical business where the advice

consultation about setting up the right scheme

“John being a Chartered Accountant is a

to the client is what comes first, rather than selling them products.

“Obviously, we’re regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, but the main thing that’s happened in the last couple of years is the introduction of the minimum qualification standard for advisors. It used to be that you could give financial advice with very limited qualifications, which I believe shaped a lot of the poor-quality advice, or mis-selling, that we still uncover today. Things have moved on now

to tax rates on dividends that take effect from the next tax year. “For business owners with retained profits, the clock is ticking, and if you are considering extracting that profit, you

“Whether you acquire wealth through fortune or business it requires a specialist to manage it”

should take advice now. If you’ve got cash in the business, you should consider making a pension contribution from the company, which will reduce corporation tax, or pay a dividend, which may be subject to a higher tax charge after April. So you’ve got a window to get profit out of the company and save some tax. We can, of course, give you the investment advice on where to put that capital.

“Our emphasis is on wealth management.

and I think they’ll move again. Nick started out

In terms of our investment process, we have,

at a mutual life and pensions company called NPI before moving to Skandia Investment

that offers a bit more than the default scheme

Management, where much of the work he did

set up by the Government, as well as one-to-

was helping financial-advisor firms build their

one advice for their staff.

investment processes.

One of the advantages of taking professional

“Traditionally, pensions have been opaque,

broadly, two ways of managing portfolios, depending on the client. We can either manage a portfolio on a cheap, passive basis, which will give you the performance of the market

mythical creatures that no-one really

at a lower cost, or we can arrange a firm of

firm in the City, but his timing wasn’t great. He

understands. For this reason, many people

discretionary fund managers to manage a

joined a year before the 2008 financial crash.

have chosen to avoid them. We‘ve had some

bespoke portfolio.

“About a year after joining I became one of

big changes to pensions recently, making them

After Skandia, Nick joined an investment

“With service-based businesses it’s very

those people walking around the City with a

much more flexible and exciting for people

difficult to identify what makes you either

cardboard box full of desk furniture thinking,

building their pots as well as for those taking

different or special. As for us, we have, quite

“What do I do now?” Inevitably, this experience

money out. There are also big changes to the

simply, been around for a long time now.

shaped my belief in running a sustainable

death benefits regime, which is well worth

We’ve both come from different professional

business! We have grown organically, and now,

exploring for those with existing schemes, as

backgrounds, which has given us a fresh view

in addition to the partners, the firm has six

you may need to take action to benefit from the

of how to provide our services, and we are a

other advisors and eight staff.”

changes.”

safe place for our clients’ investments.

Presumably, as Nick started out in a pension company, he is well-placed to help companies

“It doesn’t end there, either. There are further changes coming in April 2016 which

“It’s all about building long-term relationships and trust.”

www.squareonefinancial.co.uk 97

INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

REALITY BUSINESS GROWTH

“B

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

usiness is cool”, “business is sexy”, “business is about disrupting the status quo”, “business is innovation

and starting up the next Apple”. Well, it might be if you form your views from main-stream television and cinema.

But do these, skilfully edited, media

only incentives for start-ups and new ideas the majority of businesses will be missing out on support that could help provide new jobs for many people.

It must be tempting to see some “quick wins” in terms of publicity for business friendliness to promote ideas to help start-ups. After all, who

portrayals really show what fuels our economy

knows which one will indeed go on to be the

day in and day out? If you are reading this

next Apple, Google or Facebook? Statistically

magazine I think I can predict your answer.

however every individual start-up will be facing

You will know that new business ideas and innovation are crucial, but that at least as crucial is the continuation of existing

a real challenge just to survive, never mind go on to achieve global domination.

Overall more growth is likely to come from

businesses that trade year in and year out,

existing businesses. It is comparatively easier

growing steadily and providing secure jobs for

for our SMEs to add job numbers than for

those people that they employ.

sustainable jobs to be created in new ventures.

Not for one moment would I deny the

However, it seems that these established

importance of new business ideas, or of new

businesses are struggling in this region to find

businesses. Challenges to existing orders

the space to grow and in some instances to find

and ideas are good for us all. However, I think

the employees with the right skills.

there is a serious risk with the creation and

We sometimes cast envious glances at

purveying of a business culture that is focussed

the German Mittelstand not only for its

entirely on innovation and entrepreneurialism,

performance over a length of time but also

particularly if that perception pervades

for the regard in which it is held both within

into the political landscape. If councils and

and outside of its own borders. However, I

governments are led to believe that what

believe that there are some great examples of

shows them as popular and in touch is to create

local companies that compare well with their

98

German counterparts not only in performance but also in their ethos. These companies do operate with good customer focus, social responsibility and independence, and they frequently export too. Many such businesses have also been run for many years by ownerentrepreneurial families. Those families have often provided the capital to run the businesses too as schemes to assist them, say on expansion projects, have not always been readily available.

These companies do not readily provide “sexy”, quick media-friendly stories, but they should be recognised and supported, especially when local and national economic plans are being considered. (Though whether you want to trumpet them as the “Brittelstand” I leave to your individual taste).

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