Surrey Business Magazine - issue 15

SURREY

BUSINESS THE OFFICIAL SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE

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BUSINESS SURVEY

CONTENTS 7

A word from the CEO

9

President’s column

10

Local and Chamber News

15

Adding value to your business Haines Watts

16

Stay in control of your business DMH Stallard

18

Growth in activity, but concerns remain NatWest

20

The Inheritance Tax bite PMW

22

Tackling toxic leases Hart Brown

24

INTERVIEW: Sam Farrow

27

Surrey Chambers new members

28

Surrey Super Growth Awards

29

Policing in Surrey

30

Self Leadership culture Ken Blanchard

33

Keeping pests at bay Cleankill

35

Reasons to be cheerful EMC Corporate

36

Building blocks for the future University of Surrey

38

THE BIG STORY: Steve Drake

42

HEALTH & WELLBEING

44

Planning to be well ViiSana

47

Standing up for health Sit Stand

49

Health & Wellbeing news

53

Surrey Expo

56

INTERVIEW: Jim McAllister, Dunsfold Park

58

Introducing Dunsfold Park Churchods

60

Acumen Business Convention 2019

63

Travel News

64

TRAVEL: Shake Hands in... Austin, Texas

68

TRAVEL: Bucket List - Rio de Janeiro

72

MOTORING: Jaguar E-Pace

74

MOTORING: Mercedes C-Class Convertible

76

Surrey Chambers Events Diary 2019

79

Sponsor a Chamber event

80

Surrey Golf Society

82

Join the Chamber

38 STEVE DRAKE

The Michelin-starred chef talks to Surrey Business Magazine

64

Shake hands in...

AUSTIN, TEXAS

56

DUNSFOLD PARK

74

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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 owned and published by The Platinum Publishing Group.

SURREY BUSINESS

3

SURREY ENTER NOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO BECOME AN

AWARD-WINNING COMPANY

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www.surreybusinessawards.com

ENTRY DEADLINE AUGUST 30th 2019

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THE COUNTY’S PREMIER BUSINESS AWARDS

CATEGORIES COMPANY OF THE YEAR

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LARGE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (OVER £5 MILLION) SME BUSINESS OF THE YEAR (£500,000 TO £5 MILLION) INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR CSR EXCELLENCE AWARD CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Mazars sponsored by Partridge Muir & Warren sponsored by Heathrow Airport sponsored by The Ken Blanchard Companies sponsored by Surrey Chambers of Commerce sponsored by Surrey Business School

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD

sponsored by projectfive

START-UP OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Hart Brown

CHARITY OF THE YEAR

sponsored by Kingston Smith

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD

sponsored by Global Radio

TOURIST ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR

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A WORD FROM THE CEO

Your Chamber – working for you Training

We have recently launched our training series, starting with Social Media Marketing and this will be followed up on a monthly basis with Women in Business – the Courage to Grow, Business Planning & Strategy, Website Development, Financing your Business, Winning Contracts – Bids & Tenders and Presenting to Win. These sessions are subsidised for members, delivered by professional trainers and we are taking the opportunity to upskill ourselves at the Chamber at the same time.

Awards

We were absolutely delighted to hear that Semmco has been awarded the Queens Award for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years. Semmco is one of only 201 organisations nationally, and eight in Surrey to be recognised with a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise this year. They are a design and engineering company offering a range of specialist services for access platforms, ground support equipment and respiratory protection systems for all areas of industry and military. We are very proud to say that we work with Semmco providing them with the necessary documentation to get their products safely through the delivery ports overseas.

employees is really inspiring and confirms what we were hearing about how important a great company culture is. My lips are sealed but award announcements will be made early June.

National research on the tax system

According to research carried out with the British Chambers of Commerce, business believes that the UK tax system is fundamentally unfair and want more support to stay compliant. Our survey of over 1,000 firms from across the UK, found that nearly three-fifths (58%) of respondents think that the UK tax regime is unfair to businesses like theirs. The results also found concerns over the quality of service provided by HMRC. Many respondents expressed frustration that HMRC underestimated the time and money that small businesses spent trying to keep pace with regulatory burdens and the complexities of the system. The relentless rise in upfront business taxes and costs, from sky-high business rates, to the costly introduction of Making Tax Digital and changes to auto-enrolment, is adding to the already onerous cost and administrative burden on firms and is reinforcing the concerns over the current tax regime. We will continue to lobby government to overhaul the system.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce can be reached on 01483 735540, info@surrey-chambers.co.uk, @surreychambers

Louise Punter

I have spent some very interesting time this month visiting contenders of the Reigate and Banstead Employer of the Year Award. Getting an insight into how businesses look after their

CEO Surrey Chamber of Commerce

THE TEAM Maarten Hoffmann – Director

maarten@platinumpublishing.co.uk 07966 244046

Molly Enser Chamber Editor

Lesley Alcock Business Development Director

Fiona Graves Events Director

Danielle Mason Sales Executive

Laurence Elphick Head of Sport

Kate Morton Copy Editor

www.platinumpublishing.co.uk www.surrey-chambers.co.uk If you have a news story for publication, email molly.enser@surrey-chambers.co.uk Ian Trevett – Director

ian@platinumpublishing.co.uk 07989 970804

Alan Wares Head of Design

Lydia Bunyard Events Executive

Rose Dykins Travel Editor

Steve Elford Head of Web Development

For Surrey Business Awards enquiries email fiona@platinumpublishing.co.uk For editorial and advertising enquiries email danielle@platinumpublishing.co.uk

SURREY BUSINESS

7

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

THE PRESIDENT’S VIEW

MILLENNIALS? WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH

© Paul Judd Food

by Steve Coburn

T

here seems to be a lot of chatter about Millennials and what a problem they are. But, I’m not so sure that the youngsters deserve their bad press.

Before I explain why, let’s start by making sure we understand what a ’Millennial’ is.

I think that most people, when they hear the term ‘Millennial’ think about the under-25’s. Experts refer to this generation as Generation Z. These are the youngsters who are aged 10 through to 25.

You’re bound to have heard the following about Generation Z: they’re entitled, they’re impatient, they change jobs regularly and they’re a problem to manage in the workplace – but they are good with technology.

And I believe, herein lies the problem.

But in my experience at projectfive, that’s not always the case. We hire a lot of young people in their first jobs and they’re superstars. They’re knowledgeable, capable, energetic, inquisitive and keen to make a difference.

So, where do we go from here? The logical solution is to ensure our Generation Y (our first-time managers) are given the support and guidance they need to help the youngsters. In my first management position, I made many mistakes. Leading my team of youngsters was a real challenge and I often felt out of my depth. And, I bet those youngsters believed they could do a better job than me!

In fact, many of our apprentices and interns go on to become full-time members of the team and stay with us for many years.

So why do the youngsters in the workplace get such bad press?

So, let’s start this column again...

Maybe we need to consider that the blame shouldn’t be on those youngsters. When I was young, you could have said that I was impatient, that I thought I could do a better job than my manager, and that I impatiently jobhopped every few years. So, nothing’s really changed – the problems that exist today have always been there for the young as they take their first steps on the career ladder.

There seems to be a lot of chatter about Generation Z and what a problem they are. But, I’m not so sure the youngsters deserve their bad press.

Let me explain why.

Youngsters need strong guidance to help them settle in the early phase of their career. But, that responsibility often falls to people who are in their first management positions themselves.

Scholars define a Millennial as Generation Y, the people who entered the workforce around the turn of the Millennium (whilst Generation Z were born around the turn of the Millennium). Generation Y, the Millennials, are currently aged 26 through to 40 - and I’m not sure they are the generation that everyone’s moaning about?

We have inexperienced managers leading inexperienced workers – and it’s the youngsters who are getting the blame!

It took lots of training, coaching and real-world experience before I learnt the art of leading a team, and not just the practical aspects, such as project management and appraisals. I’m also talking about the soft skills required to be a leader, such as managing difficult conversations, inspiring others, resilience and adaptability.

So, next time you hear someone moan about how entitled the youngsters are today, let’s remember that we were exactly the same at their age, and let’s look at their managers and make sure they have our support and guidance instead.

And maybe, just maybe, the youngsters will start to surprise us.

SURREY BUSINESS

9

LOCAL

news

Air Navigation firm honoured for overseas trade S ystems Interface based in Cranleigh has been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. The company is one of 201 organisations nationally to be recognised with this prestigious award.

Systems Interface is a service provider to airports, supplying, installing and commissioning ground to air navigation aids, air traffic control and communication equipment sourced from

If all the economists were laid end to end, they’d never reach a conclusion

the world’s leading manufacturers.

Managing Director, Caroline Webster said: “While operating within a very competitive market in the UK during the early 2000s we decided to focus attention on overseas opportunities; today 90% of the company’s £5.4m turnover is derived from overseas clients. Our current success at winning business overseas is great news for the UK.”

BUSINESS WISDOM

Real estate on the rise in the south

R

eal estate and construction businesses are the fastest-growing in Sussex, Surrey and Kent, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP.

Entrepreneur receives ViceChancellor Award T

The findings, published in BDO’s Best in Business sales growth report 2018-19, compiled in association with leading mid-market private equity firm LDC, reveal that a quarter of the top 100 fastest-growing mid-sized businesses in the region operate in real estate and construction.

Gavin Whichello, owner of Qube Learning, was honoured for his contribution to the University of Surrey, mentoring several postgraduate and undergraduate students and offering significant financial support to many individuals throughout their studies.

According to BDO’s Best in Business sales growth report, the top 100 mid-market businesses across all sectors in Surrey, Sussex and Kent grew sales in excess of £4.5bn, increased profits by 113% and revenues by 34.5% over the last three years.

he head of a leading national training provider has been awarded the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Outstanding Contribution to Surrey 2019 Award.

Andy Adcroft, Deputy Dean of Surrey Business School, says; “Gavin Whichello has made a huge contribution to the University of Surrey and to our business school, mentoring and advising many of our students, whilst supporting our doctoral research, and is one of the driving forces behind our Innovation and Digital Enterprise Academy, the SurreyIDEA.”

Great Balls of Fire

S

urrey Cricket Club has been given a £10 million sales boost from the Ashes and Cricket World Cup. The reigning county champions anticipate a 30% rise in sales to £42 million from £32 million - putting it on course for record profits.

The Oval is set to host the final Ashes test in mid-September, five one-day international World Cup

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SURREY BUSINESS

matches as well as seven 20/20 games, which alone are worth £6 million.

“This is going to be the biggest summer of cricket ever for us”, said chief executive Richard Gould.

Profits made from these events will be recycled back into the One Oval Square Development, which is due to start in October.

Almost 50% are located in Kent, while the remaining are spread evenly across Surrey and Sussex.

South East appears on Sunday Times’ Track 100

C

ompanies from across the South East, Central, and East of England have appeared on the Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100, which ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing profits.

South East businesses featured in the league table were Kent’s Revolution Beauty (top 3), blu-3 (6) and Halsion (7). In Surrey, Solventis ranked at 26th and Supermassive Games at 76.

Lisa Clampin, partner and head of East Anglia at BDO, the title sponsor of the league table, said: “We pride ourselves on being the champion of the UK’s Economic Engine – those mid-sized, fast-growth, entrepreneurially minded businesses that are the backbone of the UK economy, generating more than their natural share of GDP growth and jobs.”

Sustainable foodies get substantial boost

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes BUSINESS WISDOM

Makeover for Sheerwater

R

evised plans to regenerate the centre of Sheerwater, creating thousands of new homes, have been given the green light. New Vision Homes secured consent for the scheme in 2016, with the revised application brought forward by ThamesWey. The phased project will include up to 1,142 homes and new leisure, retail and community facilities. Work is expected to take six years, with completion scheduled for August 2025.

It’s looking rosy for Surrey borough

S F

ood company Wessanen, which is behind brands such as Whole Earth, Kallo, Clipper Teas and Mrs Crimble’s, is set to be acquired in an €885m (£762.2m) deal. Wessanen employs about 200 people in the UK, with a head office in Camberley, Surrey, and a tea manufacturing facility in Beaminster, Dorset. The shareholders of Koninklijke Wessanen have reached an agreement

with a consortium consisting of PAI Partners and Charles Jobson.

Christophe Barnouin, chief executive of Wessanen, said: “Our vision is to become a European leader in organic and sustainable food. We want to remain at the forefront of making food healthier and more sustainable for the benefit of both consumers and the planet.”

tatistics issued by the council show that Reigate and Banstead is the second largest economy in Surrey, and attracts and retains businesses of all sizes to its borough. Set within an area of outstanding natural beauty, the majority of the population is aged between 25 and 59, unemployment is low compared with national figures, and resident income is almost £9,000 higher than the UK average.

More than 7,000 businesses have settled within the borough providing jobs for 73,000 people. A significant proportion of those jobs (12%) are within the financial and insurance sector.

Kingston welcomes electric picnic boats

G

oBoat, the electric-powered picnic boats for doit-yourself river cruises on the Thames, officially launched in Kingston last month.

The electric boats feature a small engine that can achieve

a “casual” cruising speed of around 3.5 knots or 4mph, and are fitted with seating around a central table for drinking and dining on the water. Powered by an almost silent electric motor, they are an eco-friendlier alternative to petrol engines.

SURREY BUSINESS

11

CHAMBER

news

‘The Shoreditch Effect’ comes to Surrey

Theatre Founders nominated for Inclusivity Award

G S

urrey’s leading business centre, Fetcham Park, near Leatherhead, is proving popular with businesses from the county and beyond in the wake of a new trend which is influencing how and where people work.

‘Creative congregation’ is the latest buzzword for the criteria that helps people choose where to live and work.

Also known as ‘The Shoreditch Effect’ this trend reflects how people make this decision based on factors includ-

ing aesthetically pleasing buildings and approachable neighbours.

At Fetcham Park, flexible premises, value rents, a variety of office spaces, break-out areas and a range of lifestyle services, are some of the key selling points attracting clients to this prestigious location.

To find out more email hello@fetchampark.co.uk

Local charity hosts open garden event

F

rom now until July you can browse some of the most impressive gardens in Surrey and Hampshire, with Phyllis Tuckwell’s Open Gardens event.

Residents across Phyllis Tuckwell’s catchment area of West Surrey and North East Hampshire will be opening their gardens to raise money to support the care which Phyllis Tuckwell offers patients and families who are living

with an advanced or terminal illness.

Every day, Phyllis Tuckwell supports over 250 patients, relatives and carers through medical and nursing care, therapies, counselling, social work advice and practical support.

Visit www.pth.org.uk/open-gardens for more details.

Finance firm puts wellbeing first K ingston Smith has announced that the firm has been awarded Bronze in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index 2018-2019. A Bronze award means Kingston Smith is achieving change when it comes to addressing mental health within the company.

12

SURREY BUSINESS

The top 20 accountancy and business advisory firm has started working towards better mental health at work by developing and implementing initiatives which promote positive mental health for its staff. Senior partner at Kingston Smith, Martin

uildford Shakespeare Company’s (GSC) two Co-Founders and Actor-Managers, Sarah Gobran and Matt Pinches, have been shortlisted for the Inclusivity Category for the 2019 IoD London & South Director of the Year Awards.

The charity has worked to champion inclusivity in their casting and employment opportunities. Despite the fact that Shakespeare is the main output of their work, and only 13% of the canon is represented by women, GSC have continually operated a 50/50 gender balance.

The expert judging panel will now convene to decide the overall winners to be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday June 20th at the iconic 116 Pall Mall, the home of the Institute of Directors.

Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people, by the people, for the people BUSINESS WISDOM

Muirhead, said: “By participating in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, Kingston Smith has made a longterm commitment to supporting the mental wellbeing of our people.”

Stag Print celebrates ruby anniversary G

Beware of false knowledge: it is more dangerous than ignorance BUSINESS WISDOM

uildford-based company Stag Print is celebrating 40 years in business.

Founded in 1979, the family owned company has been providing premium printing services to its customers for four decades, providing everything from award-winning printed boxes to invitations for events at royal palaces.

Stag Print has recently introduced a state-of-the-art print machine with LED-UV drying capabilities, which pro-

Apprenticeships the Freestyle way

duces very high quality print that dries instantly leading to much faster turnaround times.

Surrey firm develops Rapid heart attack test

A

n innovative product design company in Surbiton is collaborating in the development of a revolutionary portable device that can perform rapid high-sensitivity medical diagnostic tests that would normally need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

GmDD was commissioned by Invitron, a UK based biotechnology company, to help with the engineering of the new point of care (POC) instrument. POC tests are rapid medical

diagnostic tests that are designed to be carried out next to the patient.

The project has been supported by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, who have provided approximately £500,000 of funding to help develop a rapid test for early diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction (heart attack). www.gmdesigndevelopment.com www.invitron.com

Second win for Translation Bureau

S

urrey Translation Bureau (STB) has once again received the prestigious Corporate Member Award from the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI). The Institute of Translation and Interpreting is an independent professional

membership association for practising translators, interpreters and language services businesses. The company was named joint winner, alongside Anja Jones Translations, at the Institute’s international conference and gala dinner last month.

L

ocal IT Support and Services company, Freestyle IT, are committed to giving young people the opportunity to develop their professional experience and skills. To deliver Apprenticeships, Freestyle IT work with Basingstoke ITEC, a government funded training organisation specialising in training and finding employment for young people.

Guy Wright, Director at Freestyle IT, commented: “We have continued to invest in apprentices and have seen the benefits for our business and the young people themselves who have thrived and developed their professional skills, whilst playing an active role in our company.” www.freestyle-it.co.uk

Local director shortlisted for IoD Award

R

ob May, MD of ramsac has been shortlisted for the SME Director of the Year for the 2019 IoD London & South Director of the Year Awards. ramsac is an IT support and managed services provider based in Surrey, offering a proactive 24-hour service which cuts the stress out of managing technology.

Rob May, said: “I feel honoured to have been shortlisted for this prestigious business award. London and the South of England is a powerhouse of industry and the depth of competition in this sector is huge, to make it to the finals is a tribute to the brilliant team I have at ramsac.”

SURREY BUSINESS

13

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HOW TO STAY FOCUSED ON ADDING VALUE TO YOUR BUSINESS If you want your business to be a success, you will need to look for ways to add more value to everything you do. Daniel Morgan, Managing Partner at Haines Watts, highlights the key questions you should be asking yourself keep growing?

• Do we have an innovation plan?

• Are we thinking about what new technology means for our business? e.g AI, IoT, Robotics

Daniel Morgan

R

egardless of whether you are building a business to run or to sell, there are a number of key areas that you need to review regularly to stay on course and increase the value of your business.

Focusing on the eight areas below will ensure you keep making progress.

CAPITAL AND RESOURCES • Do we know what we need to keep running and how we will provide it?

• Future growth and expansion: are we clear on what we need, why we need it and where it will come from?

GOVERNANCE AND RISK • Do we understand our regulatory obligations and are we meeting them?

• Does CSR (Corporate social responsibility) matter to our people, customers, and suppliers, and is it built into our vision and business plan?

• Do we understand risk across all aspects of our business – what is our process and frequency for reviewing this?

• What is our contingency plan?

TECHNOLOGY • Do we have the right IT architecture to enable us to deliver today and

OPERATIONS • What is our productivity level and how does this compare with our industry overall?

• If our business is growing, what needs to change in systems and processes?

• What does our budgeting and forecasting look like in relation to our ambitions?

generation Z? • Are our employee benefits competitive?

SUCCESSION • What is our end game - are we consistently building value in our business to meet the end goal?

• What is our plan and timetable?

We know that it’s easy to get buried in the day to day and it can be a real chal-

WE KNOW THAT IT’S EASY TO GET BURIED IN THE DAY TO DAY AND IT CAN BE A REAL CHALLENGE TO FREE UP TIME TO THINK, REVIEW AND PLAN

VALUE PROPOSITION AND BRAND • Do we have a clear value proposition and does it differentiate us?

• Do we have a strong brand and reputation on which we can build?

• Who are our best customers and are they advocates for our band?

• What do stakeholders value about us?

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS • Do we know what our customers want and like?

• What is our customer journey and experience?

• Do we need to undertake research into new products, services, and customer behaviour?

• What does our marketing technology roadmap look like?

lenge to free up time to think, review and plan. But it is good practice to step back, understand the issues that need to be addressed and improved, and update your master plan.

At Haines Watts we support business owners along their journey. We recently asked 500 business owners what advice they would give their younger selves about running a business. You can watch our 10 Years Younger video at www.hwca.com.

Our Surrey offices are based in Esher and Godalming For further information please visit www.hwca.com/accountants-esher

PEOPLE • Do we have a compelling employer brand?

• Do people want to work for our business?

• What is our plan to attract and retain

SURREY BUSINESS

15

Stay in control OF YOUR BUSINESS

Don’t let your contracts fall foul of the law. Cathryn Culverhouse, Solicitor at law firm DMH Stallard, Guildford, explains why it’s important to review any implied terms at the outset of a business agreement implied terms in your contract and expressly exclude them.

Planning ahead and accounting for implied terms at the contractual stage helps you to reduce risk to your business and ensure that your contract covers you in the way you expect it to. So, how do implied terms come into play?

Cathryn Culverhouse

W

e all start with the best intentions and, in many cases, business agreements run smoothly. However, if you are involved in negotiating an agreement, it pays to review at the outset any terms likely to be implied by the Court should things not go to plan.

Implied terms are terms that do not expressly feature in your contract, but that you are likely to be legally bound by should a dispute arise between you and the other party. Implied terms can cause uncertainty but there are steps that you can take to minimise this for your business. For example, you could make a decision not to be bound by

You may believe that all statements made by you or the other party during the course of your negotiations will become legally binding, whether or not these have been included in the contract. This is not the case. If a dispute arises, the Court will look at a number of things in order to decide if a verbal statement should effectively be treated as a contractual term. This includes seeking an understanding of what your intentions were in relation to the statement, the importance of the statement in question, when it was made and whether it was known to be true. Only significant statements or those that are key to the contract will become terms which, if breached, will give rise to damages.

Additionally, it’s important to know that the Court can imply a range of other terms, including:

“PLANNING AHEAD AND ACCOUNTING FOR IMPLIED TERMS AT THE CONTRACTUAL STAGE HELPS YOU TO REDUCE RISK TO YOUR BUSINESS AND ENSURE THAT YOUR CONTRACT COVERS YOU IN THE WAY YOU EXPECT IT TO”

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SURREY BUSINESS

1. Terms implied by fact The Court may imply terms to reflect the intentions of the parties in each situation. These are amongst the most common terms implied.

LEGAL 2. Terms implied by the parties’ previous dealings Where the contracting parties have consistently and regularly conducted business on certain terms, the Court may imply those same terms if it can be shown that this was what the parties intended.

4. Statute Contractual terms contained in various statutes are automatically implied. For example, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 implies, amongst other things, terms about the ownership of the goods, their description and their quality and fitness for purpose.

3. Terms implied by usage or custom The Court may imply certain terms that are customary to a particular trade or place, subject to certain conditions.

5. Common Law The Courts may imply certain terms because they are seen as necessary characteristics of a certain type of

“YOU MAY BELIEVE THAT ALL STATEMENTS MADE BY YOU OR THE OTHER PARTY DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR NEGOTIATIONS WILL BECOME LEGALLY BINDING, WHETHER OR NOT THESE HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT. THIS IS NOT THE CASE”

contract. For example, it is an implied term of a mediation agreement that the mediation is confidential. Typically, the Courts will imply terms into contracts for the supply of goods and services, employment, carriage of goods and landlord and tenant contracts.

Below is an example of when the Court needed to imply a term to resolve a situation.

A manufacturer of kitchen cupboard doors in Northern Ireland contracted with an adhesive supplier in Staffordshire, UK. In 2003 the kitchen manufacturer installed a new production line. The kitchen manufacturer alleged that the adhesive suppliers had visited its premises after the installation of the new production line and stated that the adhesive would be suitable for use in its existing manufacturing process and materials.

The kitchen manufacturer began using the adhesive in 2003. However, between 2003 and 2005, the kitchen manufacturer received a significant number of complaints stating that delamination had occurred. It was found that this had occurred because the level of wax in the MDF had affected the adhesive. Given the importance of the assurance by the adhesive supplier that the adhesive would be suitable with their existing materials, this was implied as a term of the contract and the adhesive supplier was found to be in breach of contract.

In summary, if you want to ensure that your contract represents the terms you require, it is important, when drafting the contract to consider those terms (both implied and express) necessary to fulfil the contract satisfactorily for both parties.

If you would like to find out more about what to include in your commercial agreement or need general legal advice, just get in touch.

Contact Cathryn Culverhouse on: 01483 467405 cathryn.culverhouse@dmhstallard.com www.dmhstallard.com

SURREY BUSINESS

17

Growth in activity but concerns remain...

Private sector activity rises in April despite no change in new business

G

rowth of private sector business activity in the South East resumed in April and there was a modest rise in employment, according to the latest NatWest PMI® data.

Less positively, the volume of new business received was broadly flat for the second month running and companies remained relatively subdued regarding the 12-month outlook. In a sign of spare capacity, the volume of outstanding business fell at the fastest rate since July 2016.

The headline NatWest South East Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the com-

18

SURREY BUSINESS

bined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – recovered to 51.7 in April, having dropped to 50.0 in March. The latest figure signalled a modest rate of expansion in output and was above the UK figure (50.9), but well below its long-run trend level of 54.9.

Sector data indicated that the upturn in overall output was driven by the manufacturing sector, while services activity was broadly stable.

Demand conditions remained stagnant in April, as the volume of incoming new business was broadly unchanged for the second successive

KEY FINDINGS • Companies support output by cutting backlogs • New order intakes remain broadly unchanged • Output expectations among weakest since 2012 month. This reflected weakness in both the manufacturing service sectors. Export conditions remained challenging, with overall growth in the region’s largest international markets

inflation than the UK as a whole.

BUSINESS SURVEY

Prices Charged Index Input Prices Index rise in average Strongest

Prices Charged Index

sa, >50 = inflation since previous month

80

APR

53.4

prices charged since January

sa, >50 = inflation since previous month

70

70 60

60

dex rose 50 onth 40 e South East Last six months SE v UK The Index was 30 till the second'97

e of input price

Continuing the trend shown since September 2015, private sector firms in the South East increased their prices for goods and services in April. Moreover, the rate of inflation strengthened to a three-month high, average '99and '01remained '03 '05 faster '07 '09than '11 the '13 long-run '15 '17 series '19 (since late-1999).

50

40 '97

'99

'01

'03

'05

'07

'09

'11

'13

'15

'17

'19

Sector data signalled solid increases in charges at both manufacturers and service providers.

close to a three-year low.

months of 2019. The latest increase contrasted with no change in private sector employment across the UK as a whole.

increase was still the second-weakest since August 2016. Meanwhile, prices charged rose at the strongest rate since January, and one that remained sharper than the long-run trend.

With no growth in new business, companies further depleted their levels of incomplete work. Backlogs declined for Future Business Activity Index– the long- Average input prices rose at a slightthe seventh month running Private sector firms in the South East est sequence in nearly six years – and at ly faster rate in April compared with Prices Charged Index expectations Future Business Activity Index Companies' remained confident of output growth the sharpest pace since July 2016.

March.

This marked the fi rst accelsa, >50 = inflation since previous month >50 = growth expected over next 12 months for business activity among over the next 12 months. That said, eration in cost inflation for private APRCuts to backlogs lowest on record April sector firms in the South East since sentiment moderated during April and were partly in faciliwas among the weakest since the exSeptember 2018. Though strong in tated by an increase in employment pectations series began in 2012. the context of historic data, the rate of during April. Private sector jobs were ember 2015, Private sector firms in the South East expected created for the second month runcreased their growth of output over the next 12 months, according the fidata. rst two Moreover, the ning, followingtodeclines the April in survey That said, sentiment eased

62.6

Last six months SE v UK

e-month high, series average

charges at ers.

to a three-month low. Moreover, the Future Business COMMENT Activity Index was at the fourth-lowest level since it Stuart Johnstone, Managing Director, London & South East, began in mid-2012.

Corporate & Commercial Banking Anecdotal evidence suggested that uncertainty regarding the UK's departure from the EU remained a factor undermining confidence in The the outlook. rise in business activity in the

PRIVATE SECTOR FIRMS IN THE SOUTH EAST REMAINED CONFIDENT OF xpected OUTPUT GROWTH hs, according iment eased OVER THE NEXT 12 ture Business level since it MONTHS

© 2019 IHS Markit

certainty EU remained a utlook.

Future Business Activity Index >50 = growth expected over next 12 months

South East seen in April is encouraging, but fails to make up for what has been a subdued 2019 so far.

The region grew at a slightly faster pace than the UK average at the start of the second quarter, in terms of both output and jobs, but is being held back to some extent by weakness in London.

“Growth has also been propped up by firms working through their backlogs, which fell at the fastest rate since July 2016. Worryingly, new business again failed to in-

Stuart Johnstone

crease, which undermined firms’ expectations for total workloads over the next 12 months.

METHODOLOGY The NatWest South East PMI® is compiled

by IHS Markit from responses to questionnaires sent to South East companies that participate in IHS Markit’s UK manufacturing and services PMI surveys.

SURREY BUSINESS

19

Inheritance tax THE

To minimise the chunk that HMRC might bite out of your estate on death, it would be wise to start planning now, says Simon Lewis, CEO of Partridge Muir & Warren

BITE

billion over the next five years.

The big picture is that the government is struggling to raise the revenue it needs to maintain the welfare state and there are no easy solutions. Demands on the State, based on current levels of provision, are only going to increase as the population ages and it is getting harder to raise the tax necessary to sustain this. It is arguably more effective to tax estates than it is to tax individuals who are in work, because if you tax individuals too much

O

ne thing I have noticed over recent years is that a lot more people are becoming concerned about the impact of inheritance tax (IHT) on family wealth. It is not surprising because it is becoming an increasing problem for many families, particularly those in the South East.

People often have a vision of their wealth cascading down through future generations to make members of those generations more financially secure; but the reality is that if you take a big slice out of that money on death to pay tax, it has a permanent long term impact on the amount of family wealth that can be accrued.

Recent statistics show just how much the tax is starting to bite. In the 2009/2010 tax year there were 15,000 estates that paid IHT and by 2016/2017, just over seven years later, that number had doubled to 30,000.

The tax currently contributes around £5 billion each year to the Exchequer and this is forecast to increase to £7

20

SURREY BUSINESS

then you take away the incentive to work and that is bad for the economy and in turn, tax receipts.

There are so many reasons, not just those that are politically motivated, for the government to make inheritance tax carry more of the tax burden. With this in mind, it makes sense to plan now to minimise the chunk that HMRC might bite out of your estate.

The standard IHT exemption (nil rate band) has been frozen at £325,000

since 2008/2009 and is not set to increase until 2021/2022. This creates a lot of what we call ‘fiscal lag’; when the government increases exemptions at a slower rate than the rate of growth in assets, or indeed income, leading to a proportionate increase in tax. If we think about how much residential property has risen in value since 2008, particularly in the South East, it has had a big impact on the amount of IHT that is going to become payable.

PEOPLE OFTEN HAVE A VISION OF THEIR WEALTH CASCADING DOWN THROUGH FUTURE GENERATIONS TO MAKE MEMBERS OF THOSE GENERATIONS MORE FINANCIALLY SECURE

BUSINESS FINANCE SURVEY IHT Exemptions

The key thing from a planning perspective is that if you gift wealth prior to death and survive for seven years the gift is IHT-free (regardless of the amount). If you do nothing and simply leave everything to your beneficiaries on death, then the nil rate band is currently only £325,000 per person.

Whilst there is now a residence nil rate band that has been phased in to augment that, this often does not apply because it is tapered away once your estate exceeds £2 million. However, the priority should always be to retain sufficient wealth to ensure that your own needs can be adequately financed, whatever they might be.

Pensions

Increasingly, we see that the largest single beneficiary of an estate is HMRC. The more the estate grows, the bigger the share that HMRC will receive. So it is really important to take advantage of the various exemptions and allowances that can help you legitimately reduce the tax that is taken from your family wealth.

In March we ran a series of seminars specifically for those wishing to find out more about how to protect their estate from IHT. We presented to around 200 people who are not currently clients and told them about the sorts of things that we are doing for our existing clients to help protect and preserve their wealth. So what strategies do we use?

Pension funds can currently be transferred to beneficiaries free from IHT on death. Therefore, for some people it makes sense to consume non pension assets first and leave as much of their pension fund as possible to pass down to subsequent generations. That can be a very tax efficient way to plan your estate, although it does depend on what sort of pension you have; it isn’t something you can do with defined benefit or final salary pensions in payment, for example.

Many people also do not realise that it is possible, during their lifetime, to contribute to pension arrangements for their beneficiaries, even minors.

By using surplus income to top up a child’s or grandchild’s pension pot you can immediately reduce the value of your estate subject to IHT, generate income tax relief for the recipient and also have the peace of mind that those funds cannot be accessed until the recipient reaches retirement age.

eficiaries on death, but also enable them to retain control over the money in the meantime and in some cases allow them to still benefit from the money should it ever be needed.

If you look at how trust planning has been used in the past, some of the wealthiest families in the UK are just that because they have managed to protect family wealth from taxation by sheltering it in trusts.

Trust planning isn’t just for the super-rich. It can be worthwhile using trust arrangements for anything upwards from say £100,000, from the context of the cost of doing so in relation to the benefits derived. Equally, it is possible to use property assets as part of your trust planning.

We have been setting up trusts for the last 50 years as part of the service we provide, but we have noticed a significant increase in the interest that our clients have in setting up these sorts of arrangements. To recognise that, a few years ago we set up a trust company, PMW Trust, specifically to provide estate planning services. Our specialist solicitor and chartered tax adviser provide advice and assistance on setting up trusts, as well as drafting wills and all other aspects of estate planning.

One thing I always point out to clients is that there is usually no one ‘off the shelf’ solution to estate planning. Usually it is a matter of combining a whole series of individual actions to form a suitable strategy for a specific family.

If you would like to find out more about how you could prevent IHT from taking an unnecessary bite out of your family wealth, please get in touch.

Alternatively, visit www.pmw.co.uk/ seminars to find out more about our complimentary seminars in October and to register your attendance.

Trusts

We set up many trusts for clients that will allow wealth to pass to their ben-

Celebrating

50

Years

SURREY BUSINESS

21

TACKLING TOXIC LEASES John Guthrie, Senior Solicitor specialising in Commercial Property at Hart Brown, on the four key things a logistics operator should consider before taking on a new lease goods. More warehouses and distribution centres will be needed.

But what does this mean for an operator in the logistics sector about to become a tenant under a new lease?

John Guthrie

T

he commercial property market has changed dramatically in recent years. Demand for retail space is in decline but with the prevalence of internet shopping, the need for distribution and warehousing space is expected to outstrip supply imminently and this means rents per square foot in this sector are going to rise. It goes without saying that the UK population continues to grow at a substantial rate and with it the need for consumer

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Whilst the market has changed, the framework for commercial leases has changed very little since the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act, now happily in its 65th year, and with no signs of being replaced yet. The main principles of negotiating a commercial lease remain unaffected.

In advance of entering into a lease, there are four key areas a logistics operator should be thinking about before committing as a tenant.

Firstly, the commercial terms (and this is where you need your own independent surveyor to advise). How much should you be paying in rent per square foot? If supply is going to fall well below demand then market rents will inevitably rise, so it may be worth agreeing a different rent review mechanism at the outset to mitigate this. Your surveyor will know what the

IF SUPPLY IS GOING TO FALL WELL BELOW DEMAND THEN MARKET RENTS WILL INEVITABLY RISE, SO IT MAY BE WORTH AGREEING A DIFFERENT RENT REVIEW MECHANISM AT THE OUTSET TO MITIGATE THIS

LEGAL alternatives are to a regular market rent review. They may well suggest a stepped rent without review or the blunt instrument of relying instead on annual RPI increases.

Secondly, the ability to dispose of the lease. Hopefully the site an operator chooses will be ideally located for transport infrastructure and the operator will not want to move out. However, as an operator expands they will need more space and if there is no further space on that estate they may have no choice but to move the operation elsewhere. To achieve this painlessly the lease should not contain any onerous terms in obtaining the landlord’s consent for the lease to be sold on or sublet to someone else.

Thirdly, repairing obligations. A distribution warehouse is not necessarily a sophisticated building, being little more than a shed to store goods in.

However, landlords’ surveyors will still try to serve onerous schedules of dilapidations on tenants.

The best way for a tenant to protect themselves at the outset is to seek confirmation that they do not have to return the property in any better condition than it was in at the beginning of the term by attaching a schedule of condition to the lease. In the age of

THE DECLINE IN MANUFACTURING MEANS THAT ONE TIME FACTORIES ARE NOW BEING LEVELLED AND DEVELOPED INTO INDUSTRIAL ESTATES. SOME FORMER FACTORIES ARE INNOCUOUS, SOME POSITIVELY TOXIC

digital cameras and drones a photographic schedule covering the entire building can be produced very easily.

Fourthly, environmental obligations.

There’s a shortage of space and this combined with planning policy means that many warehouses and distribution sites are on recycled land.

‘Brownfield land’ is a vague phrase encompassing an enormous range of diversity.

The decline in manufacturing means that one time factories are now being levelled and developed into industrial estates. Some former factories are innocuous, some positively toxic. An industrial estate can easily be on the site of a former munitions works or asbestos factory and a tenant having investigated the site before entering into the lease will want to carve out of the lease any responsibility for the contaminants which may exist on site or underground.

These are just some of the points to think about before entering into a lease of warehousing and distribution premises.

For more detailed advice please contact me by phone on 01483 887530 or by email at jzg@hartbrown.co.uk and I will be more than happy to assist.

Contact Hart Brown Solicitors Web: www.hartbrown.co.uk Email: info@hartbrown.co.uk Tel: 01483 887766

SURREY BUSINESS

23

STRENGTH THROUGH ADVERSITY Over the last 13 years, Sam Farrow has successfully built up her own multidisciplinary agency Farrow Creative, but last autumn disaster struck.

A riding accident left Sam with horrific, potentially life-changing injuries, which could have resulted in the closing of the business. Her determination and force of character ensured that the company not only survived but has emerged even stronger. Interview by Ian Trevett

24

SURREY BUSINESS

INTERVIEW

T

he X-Ray confirmed just how badly injured Sam Farrow was.

She had broken six ribs, her collar bone, vertebrae and her coccyx, as well as puncturing her lung and stripping the skin off much of her upper body. After a week in a London trauma unit, she propped herself up in her bed and started answering emails and working on her business.

Sam had been out riding when her friend’s horse bolted after being startled by an industrial tractor. When her own horse reacted by bolting in fear, her foot became stuck in her stirrup and she was dragged along behind the panicked horse. She was lucky to survive.

As well as the physical pain, such a shocking event inevitably caused emotional challenges: “It completely knocked my confidence for several months,” recalls Sam. “I was wracked with self doubt, although I tried to not show it. When you have an accident you are not quite sure why it happened as it wasn’t your fault.

“I was fit and I am an outdoors person, so when that was taken away from me, I felt vulnerable, knowing I could have died. I certainly started to appreciate life and now I question things more, in a good way.”

Despite the pain and doubt, Sam was

determined her business would not be affected. She says: “I’m sure the business would have survived as I have a great team, but I never wanted to let my clients down. My brain was still working so I could carry on. I guess I didn’t want any of my clients to perceive there was a problem.

“I did get a lot of help from my friends, which I really appreciate. I was brought up with the attitude that you do the right thing, even when it is difficult. You don’t let people down. I was probably terrified that if I let one thing go, then everything would fall down.”

Being a female entrepreneur and a mother complicated matters further.

Sam remembers how tough it was for her family: “My daughters looked for me as I am their mother. They were also traumatised. My family thought I should take time off, which added to my guilt for not doing so. So it was emotionally difficult.

“They understand my commitment to hard work and not letting people down, but also it is important to get the balance right between work and looking after the family. Now I think they are proud of me for not giving up.”

Sam’s story is certainly a testament to the importance of resilience and focus in a business. I asked her about her business journey…

FARROW CREATIVE - Q&A Why did you start your own agency?

First and foremost I am am a graphic designer. I got an MA in Graphic Communications and it was what I always wanted to do. I have historically worked for large organisations as their graphic designer and it got to the point where I thought I can do this better on my own and realised I can offer companies the opportunity to grow their businesses.

It is not enough now to be a designer.

Designers were often seen as not being very good in liaising with the client - now you have to be all things to all people. Young graduates often expect to get great jobs straight away, but when I started it was a case of spending time to learn the trade. This means I have a good overall understanding and experience of design.

I was taught to draw and I love drawing. Lots of designers don’t have that skill now. If are qualified or have had classic training you have an understanding of typography, which is very important. Without this you may design something that doesn’t quite fit right but you don’t know why.

What makes Farrow Creative different?

We do branding and websites. We used to do a lot of logos, now everyone wants their website designed, so the industry has changed.

We want to know what the business plan is, where the business is going, what message the business wants to project going into the future. This means we can create branding that has longevity. We help businesses grow and are very proud that by understanding how a business works, we can help add profit.

YOU DO THE RIGHT THING, EVEN WHEN IT IS DIFFICULT. YOU DON’T LET PEOPLE DOWN SURREY BUSINESS

25

INTERVIEW

My dog Teddy who is Head of Barketing

The difference is our emphasis on communication. We want to see the text so we can design for the final copy, so we can get a compelling message across. It’s more of a pure form of communication. We will suggest which medium to use depending on the communication that works the best for the client. Sometimes print still works better than digital. All the different mediums have different tones of voice. We work with professional photographers and copy writers to ensure the message and tone of voice is consistent.

It’s about relationships and really good customer service. People use email too much, they should pick up the phone more and engage on a human level. We should be more like the Americans who really nurture and look after their clients. I’ve always had that ethos. I’ve always appreciated the fact that clients choose me. It’s important for young people starting out in work that they are able to do face-to-face meeting or speak to a group of people.

We are small and perfectly formed! We are a boutique agency with five people.

When you started the business back in 2006 you had a young family. How did you find juggling work and family?

My daughters were seven and three when I started. I started in my sitting room with my Apple Mac computer. It wasn’t always easy. I remember when I was chatting to a client on the phone (which back then was corded so I couldn’t walk around) and my daughter came in and started crayoning on the walls while I was talking, which

26

SURREY BUSINESS

was a bit off-putting. It was then I decided I had to get a studio.

My girls have always understood that I have to work but I also love them. It’s easier now – they sometimes even make me a cup of tea when I’m working!

Are there any projects you have been particularly proud of?

I am very proud of the work we have done for the business school at Surrey University, but probably I would choose the collaboration with Karren Brady.

I worked on two websites for her - I think she is amazing. She is the most professional person I have ever worked with. She allows you to get on with the job. I asked her lots of questions and she just said she had total trust in me to produce what was right. She keeps her eyes on the prize all the time. It’s been a hard journey for her - she has a family and she worked in the football world, which is very male-dominated.

But she has always succeeded.

What do you see in the future for Farrow Creative?

Our plan is to continue to look for organic growth and possibly look into new markets. We do a lot with schools and universities. We recently did a rebrand for a girls school which had always used a dark burgundy colour.

Amongst other things we changed their branding colour to pink. They weren’t sure at first but after a few days they came back and said they loved it. It can be hard for companies with traditional branding to change, but it can make such a difference.

Any growth has to be right for us. I’m a firm believer that your clients have to qualify for you as much as you qualify for them - you have to get along with each other. You have to have shared values.

I always know which one of my team will work best for each client. We work hard to ensure everyone in the team represents our agency well and I make sure new members work on all aspects of the business and everyone understands each other jobs. Everyone has to be qualified as everyone needs to know their trade. I will always champion my team. www.farrowcreative.co.uk

NEW MEMBERS

Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies ACCOUNTING

Onshore Consulting

Contact: Vanessa Lamming Tel: 01372 842136 www.onshore-consulting.co.uk

SECURITY

Wm Croxson & Son Ltd Contact: Tim Croxson Tel: 02083 372945 www.croxsons.com

MARKETING & PR

Surrey Security Service Ltd Contact: Abdul Waheed

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Tel: 01483 830626 www.thesurreysecurity.co.uk

SweetSpot Group Ltd

FIL Investment Management Ltd Contact: Brian Sinclair Tel: 01737 834513 www.fidelity.co.uk

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Contact: Peter Hodges Tel: 01932 831862 www.sweetspotgroup.co.uk

Guildford School of Acting (GSA) Contact: Pippa Treharne

Bradbury Robinson Limited Western Union Business Solutions Contact: Chris Dorman Tel: 02074 264439 business.westernunion.com

TRANSPORT & STORAGE

Western Union Business Solutions Contact: Christina Wadlow Tel: 02074 264439 business.westernunion.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

KML Occupational Health Ltd

Obencars Ltd

Contact: Hasan Al-Mahfuz Tel: 01483 323216 www.obencars.com

MANUFACTURING / ENGINEERING

Contact: Darryl Schofield Tel: 01483 608404 www.conversorproducts.com

Delf Freezerwear Ltd Contact: John Munden Tel: 02089 412802 www.delf.co

www.gsauk.org

Knights Training Academy Contact: Jamie Knights

Contact: Mark Blunden Tel: 02076 431028 www.kmloh.com

Conversor Ltd

Tel: 01483 684051

Contact: George Robinson Tel: 01252 968076 bradburyrobinson.co.uk

PSP Worldwide Logistics Contact: Michelle Redman Tel: 01784 466050 www.psp-logistics.com

PUBLIC SECTOR

Mole Valley District Council Contact: Candida Goulden Tel: 07917 091009 www.molevalley.gov.uk

Tel: 01276 681248 www.knightstrainingacademy.com

W

hen you join Surrey Chambers of Commerce, your company details automatically get listed on this page alongside fellow new members. What a fantastic way to let the Surrey Business community know you are out there and ready to get those allimportant connections.

If you are looking to join Surrey Chambers then please do get in touch with either: sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk or molly.enser@surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540.

We look forward to hearing from you!

SURREY BUSINESS

27

SUPER GROWTH

SURREY SUPER GROWTH AWARDS The 2019 Surrey Super Growth Award winners will be announced at Denbies Wine Estate on Thursday June 27th

Thomas Butler (left) and Nick Clark of 2018 winners ESP Utilities Group talk to host Simon Fanshawe

turing, advanced engineering, digital technologies, professional services and pharmaceuticals. Surrey has over 74,000 active businesses contributing to a regional economy worth over £40 billion, a highly-skilled workforce and some of the highest employment rates in the country.

Surrey Super Growth is a collaboration between leading regional law firm asb law, Lloyds Bank and national accountancy firm RSM, with Platinum Publishing Group as media partner.

T

he Surrey Super Growth Awards will take place at Denbies Wine Estate on June 27th, and the county’s fastest-growing companies will be revealed. In a time of economic uncertainty, it is a welcome opportunity to celebrate those businesses who are driving forward and rapidly expanding.

The Surrey region is a significant and growing contributor to the national economy, making up over 15% of the economy in the South East. It has sector strengths which include manufac-

28

SURREY BUSINESS

The Awards produce a unique index of the fastest-growing private businesses across the region and celebrates their success at a special breakfast event which will be held later this year.

Unlike traditional business awards, there is no cost involved in participation and companies do not need to apply to be included provided full ac-

Surrey Super Growth Awards criteria

counts are filed at Companies House over a four-year accounting period.

This information is assessed against rigorous qualifying criteria to identify the fastest-growing companies.

SURREY SUPER GROWTH WINNERS 2018 - TOP 10 WILL 2019 SEE A NEW WINNER?

1 ESP Electricity Ltd

317%

2 Collins Construction Ltd

223%

3 IMC Worldwide Ltd

197%

4 S.A.V. United Kingdom Ltd

192%

5 Sian Wholesale Ltd

164%

6 Castellum Consortium Ltd

164%

7 Keltbray Group (Holdings) Ltd 155% 8 Macai Ltd

141%

9 Gift Universe Group Ltd

135%

10 HH Global Ltd

134%

• Privately-owned business, trading and registered in Surrey • Growth in turnover measured over a four-year accounting period based on latest full accounts information filed at Companies House • Minimum turnover of £2m in base year.

POLICING SURREY

SURREY POLICE

The challenges ahead Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro reflects on three years in the post and looks ahead to the future ments in the response to the 101 non-emergency number while independent survey figures show Surrey is the highest in the country for public confidence in their local police.

Solid foundations are now in place to forge a bright future for Surrey Police helped by the increase of 100 extra front-line officers and operational staff this year through the increase to the council tax precept for policing.

I

am sure anyone in business will tell you it is prudent to take stock every once in a while to ensure you are heading on the right track.

This May marked three years since I was elected to be Police and Crime Commissioner and was a chance for me to reflect on what has been achieved and what work still needs to be done to make our county even safer.

Since I took office in May 2016, I believe policing in Surrey has made great strides in a difficult financial climate but the hard work must be maintained to tackle emerging crime threats.

There have been some real successes. Surrey Police has performed much better in the annual inspections carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) by securing and maintaining ‘Good’ ratings across the board.

There have also been vast improve-

In addition, a site in Leatherhead has been secured for a new Force headquarters and operational base which will provide long-term savings and a facility fit for modern day policing.

to be an important focus for policing going forward.

We have just completed a series of community engagement events in all 11 boroughs of the county where the Chief Constable, local Borough Commander and I have met with residents from across the county to hear their concerns.

I am well aware that issues such as anti-social behaviour, drugs, bad driving or parking and the impact of unauthorised traveller encampments are

EMERGING TRENDS SUCH AS COUNTY LINES DRUGS OPERATIONS, SERIOUS ORGANISED CRIME AND EXPLOITATION NEED TO BE AN IMPORTANT FOCUS

Since May 2016, my office has issued grants totalling over £6million through the two funding streams my team manage to commission services and projects across Surrey that help support victims of crime, improve community safety and help reduce reoffending.

on the minds of many residents and I am keen to see a focus continue on these areas over the next year.

I was also delighted to see a new inhouse Victim and Witness Care Unit launched in the county that my office was crucial in helping set up. It will provide a complete wraparound care service for victims and witnesses going through the criminal justice system.

We are heading into a very busy early summer period with the Epsom Derby and a number of other events in the county around the same time which will provide a stern test of our planning and resources. This promises to be a challenging few weeks and I will update you next time on how the operation to police these events progressed.

However, much hard work is to be done and emerging trends such as county lines drugs operations, serious organised crime and exploitation need

Visit the Surrey PCC website at http://www.surrey-pcc.gov.uk

SURREY BUSINESS

29

THE BENEFITS OF A

SELF LEADERSHIP CULTURE New research underscores the power of self leadership and the value it holds for individuals and the organisations in which they work

A

new study conducted by The Ken Blanchard Companies® with 1,300 people in managerial and non-managerial roles found important correlations between an individual’s identification as a self leader and positive work behaviours.

• Self leaders are more likely to expend discretionary effort on behalf of their organisations.

• Self leaders are more likely to have positive feelings about their jobs.

• Self leaders are more likely to perform at high levels, endorse their organisation to others, remain with their organisations, and act as good organisational citizens.

For organisations looking to create a culture of self leadership in their organisations, Susan Fowler, bestselling coauthor of Self Leadership and The One Minute Manager, and one of the lead researchers in the study, recommends that everyone - regardless of their position in an organisation - learn the skills necessary to become a self leader.

“The research shows that frontline people are essential to making initiatives work, whether it’s implementing a change or a customer service program. Organisational leaders have to depend on those self leaders to make it happen.”

In Fowler’s experience, when L&D professionals equip individual contributors with the mindset and skillset of self leadership, they build a healthy and empowered workforce that is pro-

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ductive, innovative, and committed to getting results for their organisations.

Fowler explains that self leadership is a mindset and skillset that can be taught and learned.

The mindset of a self leader includes three attitudes: Challenge Assumed Constraints. For individual contributors to evolve into self leaders, they need to challenge their assumed constraints every day at work, says Fowler. For example, if you assume that no one will listen to your idea because you tried once and were rejected, you seriously limit your ability to effect positive change.

Activate Points of Power. To be a self leader, you need to recognise and leverage the power you have instead of focusing on power you don’t have.

Fowler explains that people often point to a lack of position power (having a position of authority to allocate budget and make personnel decisions) instead of recognising four other types of power they could leverage.

• Task power: The ability to influence how a job or task is executed • Personal power: Having interpersonal and leadership skills, passion, inspiration, or a positive personal vision of the future • Relationship power: Being connected or friendly with people who have power • Knowledge power: Having relevant experience, expertise, or credentials Be Proactive. Self leaders don’t always wait to be told what to do, says Fowler. Instead, they hold themselves accountable for getting what they need to succeed. They think for themselves and make suggestions for improving things in the department and in their roles. They conduct proactive conversations at every level of their development to solicit feedback and ask for direction and support.

With a proper mindset in place, Fowler says, people can begin to develop a three-part self leadership skillset.

Setting Goals. First, self leaders take the lead to make sure their goals are specific, motivating, attainable, relevant, and trackable. If a goal lacks specificity, they seek clarification. If a goal is not attainable or relevant, they negotiate to make it more fair, within their control, and tied to the company’s

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP metrics. If a goal is not optimally motivating for them, they reframe the goal so it is meaningful by aligning the goal to personal values or a noble purpose.

Diagnosing Development Level. Second, self leaders diagnose their own development level - their current level of competence and commitment for achieving a goal or task. Among the hallmarks of self leadership is learning to diagnose personal competence and commitment and identify what is needed to speed up the process of development and growth.

Matching. Finally, self leaders know how to ask their manager for the leadership style that matches their needs.

After diagnosing their own competence and commitment on a particular goal, self leaders proactively ask for the direction (guidance and clarification) and support (listening and problem solving) they need to make progress on the goal.

Fowler points out that because individual contributors are often underdeveloped and sometimes neglected, they can become disengaged in their roles.

Organisational initiatives fail because the people responsible for implementing them don’t

have the skills required to proactively reach their goals. Consider that 50% of employees feel their jobs are stagnant, and one out of three just do their jobs, nothing more (Source: DDI Pulse of the Workforce Survey). Why is this the case? We find that its largely due to the organisation’s lack of focus on this employee group. “People who are empowered self-leaders are proactive self-starters who look for ways to make your organisation flourish,” she says.

Fowler and her research colleagues identify the most crucial element of successful initiatives to be the proactive behaviour of individual contributors chosen

to carry out those initiatives. “Organisations would be wise to equip their employees with the mindset and skillset to diagnose their situation, accept responsibility, and hold themselves accountable for taking action,” says Fowler.

“If your people don’t reach their full potential, neither will your organisation. The bottom line depends on the front line.”

If you wish to receive a copy of the full white paper please contact uk@ kenblanchard.com or visit www.kenblanchard.com/Resources to learn more about Susan’s research.

Training the World’s Best Managers

SURREY BUSINESS

31

BUSINESS NEWS

Keeping flying pests at bay One of the downsides of the warm weather is the flies and flying insects that suddenly appear

T

here are vast numbers of different species of fly - each one having its own distinct life cycle and home. Fruit flies, sometimes called vinegar flies, are a common problem.

They thrive on the fruit and vegetable remains in bins that, on a hot summer’s day, start to break down into a semi-liquid soup. The tiny yellowish brown flies with bright red eyes will appear almost overnight and great clouds of them can erupt from unsealed bins.

There are lots of things people can do to prevent an invasion, such as making sure the lids on bins are tight fitting and avoiding leaving over-ripe fruit in

the kitchen. Also, make sure sweet food like raisins are stored away carefully.

Controlling flying insects is vital for food businesses and any premises where flies could be a health hazard and a nuisance. A single housefly can pick up and transport disease-carrying bacteria from and to every surface, including food and food preparation areas.

Gone are the days when electric fly killers were noisy and unattractive. Now you can choose from eight different types. Each Electrifly UV fly killer unit comes with a maintenance contract which includes any repair services, as well as replacement tubes and parts.

Regular maintenance is vital – electric fly units must be emptied and cleaned regularly. We ensure this task is never overlooked and that the fly killers are always working effectively and effi ciently.

Wasp nests should only be treated if the person is wearing PPE

as the nests will be quite large - and a swarm of wasps can be very dangerous or even fatal for those with allergies.

Award-winning Cleankill Pest Control always recommends businesses have an integrated pest prevention contract

BY MID JULY IT’S MUCH BETTER TO CALL IN A PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROLLER AS THE WASPS NESTS WILL BE QUITE LARGE

In early summer wasps start to cause problems as nests reach maximum size and the queens start to lay their eggs.

The worker wasps can be seen out and about foraging for savoury food and stripping wood for nest building.

We advise people to be extra vigilant and check around the outsides of their properties and sheds for wasps entering through gaps.

It’s best to get the problem sorted out now before the wasps start to cause problems and the nests are still golf ball size. By mid July it’s much better to call in a professional pest controller

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in place which will include an agreed schedule of visits during the year. This not only gives you peace of mind but it is more cost effective than emergency call outs.

For more information and to book a free survey go to www.cleankill.co.uk

Put your hand up if you fancy something ng really useful for free? ree?

As a Surrey Business Magazine reader we would like to give you 12 months' Basic Membership to LawEasier absolutely FREE. It's an invaluable online legal resource for your business.

claim your free membership at www.laweasier.co.uk/freebie Or call 0800 112 3435 to find out more about how we can help you protect your business

SURREY BUSINESS

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THE SOUTH EAST’S LEADING BUSINESS GROWTH AND CORPORATE FINANCE HOUSE TRAINING TEAM

PELHAM INTERNATIONAL

FIRST BASE TECHNOLOGIES

YEOMAN’S

ANONYMOUS

Sale of business to Freight Transport Association

Share Buy-Back

£3.2m sale of business to Falanx Group

Minority share sale

£13m sale of UK non-core subsidiary to PE backed Belgian company

Logistic Training Services

International Executive Search

Restaurant chain

Cyber security

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

PARKER BUILDING SUPPLIES

TIMELY MANAGEMENT

DK MUSIC MANAGEMENT

VAT INTERNATIONAL

GET IT GONE

Sale of business to Cairngorm Capital Partners

Sale of business to Ickenham Travel Group plc

Acquisition of remaining 75% stake in Warble Entertainment Agency Limited

Sale of business to TMF Group

Sale of business to Motorway Online

Building supplies

Travel

Music Agency

VAT Support Services

Car Trader

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

CORONA CORPORATE SOLUTIONS

ENERGY STORAGE PUBLISHING

CORONA CORPORATE SOLUTIONS

CORONA CORPORATE SOLUTIONS

BRITISH CONVERTING SOLUTIONS

Acquisition of The London Photocopying Company

Management Buy-Out

Institutional Buy-Out by H.I.G. European Capital Partners

Acquisition of Regent Document Solutions Ltd

Sale of business to Kolbus

Telecoms & Print Management

Publishing

Telecoms & Print Management

Telecoms & Print Management

Box Making Machinery

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

WOODS FOODSERVICES

CORONA CORPORATE SOLUTIONS

COLLIER WEBB

SPRINGHOUSE SOLICITORS

DK MUSIC MANAGEMENT

Refinancing and Development Loan

Acquisition of Classic Business Equipment Ltd

Sale of business to The Edward Alexander Group

Development Capital

Development Capital

Telecoms & Print Management

Lighting and Furniture Design

Solicitors

Music Agency

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

EMC provided corporate finance services

Foodservice

EMC provided corporate finance services

SUSSEX RECRUITMENT

NON-DISCLOSED Plus a further 5 non-dsclosed deals

Sale of majority stake to HR GO PLC Recruitment

EMC provided corporate finance services

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Including 2 Sales 2 Fundraising 1 Share buy-back

EMC provided corporate finance services

www.emcltd.co.uk

Eastbourne | Brighton | Maidstone | Tunbridge Wells | Epsom | London SURREY BUSINESS

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL EMC Corporate Finance CEO Nik Askaroff finds silver linings in the M&A market even under the Brexit cloud In another straw poll taken at our recent Brighton seminar, more than 50 local businesses confirmed that they would be looking to be involved in raising growth capital, acquisition finance or succession planning over the next 12 to 24 months.

Political and economic stars have aligned for once to provide a welcome stimulus and buoyancy to the market, particularly at the smaller to mid-market end.

E

MC celebrates its 30th year in business in 2019 and, strange though it may seem given the continuing uncertainty over Brexit, we’ve rarely gone into a year with greater optimism.

This follows a record year in 2018 which saw us complete an amazing 24 deals, placing us in Experian’s top 10 list of the South East region’s most active M&A Financial Advisers.

We’ve certainly started the year strongly with four deals already signed off, a further eight under offer and a long pipeline of instructions that, even if they don’t all reach the finish line, would still see us end the year ahead of 2018’s record.

Our optimism is shared by plenty of others. A survey by Insider Media and Together Money showed that more than 60% expect to grow turnover by at least 6% this year with only 11% forecasting a decline. 71% said they felt positive about their ability to raise funds – an important factor given the challenging environment for organic growth. One in three of the businesses saw expansion into new markets and acquisitions as key growth drivers.

The political shenanigans of the Brexit negotiations have helped to focus many business owners’ minds on the unnerving possibility of a hard-Left government and how this could impact on them both personally and as a business. Some have decided to bring forward their exit plans as a result.

It’s never easy for someone who has invested years of hard work into building a business, to kiss it goodbye.

The emotional ties can be equally as strong as the financial ones. Vendor assisted exits over a period of time to the management team or third parties are becoming regular transactions.

This has been helped by Private Equity now being more open to equity releases at the lower-mid end of the market – a major change that is giving everyone some comfort in the future and helping to drive businesses forward.

One word of caution though. Even with conditions in our favour, deals are getting increasingly difficult to get across the line. The growing emergence of foreign investors and ever-greater

THERE IS AMPLE LIQUIDITY IN THE MARKET, CORPORATES ARE SITTING ON PILES OF CASH AND STERLING REMAINS RELATIVELY WEAK AGAINST THE DOLLAR, MEANING ACQUIRERS ARE STILL PLENTIFUL

Thankfully they are doing so at a time when bank debt is still cheap, there is ample liquidity in the market, corporates are sitting on piles of cash and sterling remains relatively weak against the dollar, meaning acquirers are still plentiful.

Add to all of that a Private Equity market holding record reserves of cash and all the ingredients are in place for good business propositions to find ready buyers.

Demographics also continue to play a part in stimulating the market. There are many owners in the 60-plus age bracket running decent, profitable businesses who don’t have a next generation ready and willing to take over. So they are forced to consider a trade sale or MBO to fund their retirement.

scrutiny at the due diligence stage are tending to make the processes more complex and protracted. All the more important, then, to have experienced corporate advisers you can trust by your side throughout.

Now who could they be…..?

www.emcltd.co.uk

SURREY BUSINESS

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THE BUILDING BLOCKS

OF THE FUTURE

With the impending launch of Degree Apprenticeships from the University of Surrey, we asked Neeta Barot, Head of Apprenticeships at the University, about how businesses can take advantage of this important new opportunity

What is a Degree Apprenticeship?

Degree Apprenticeships are a relatively new type of programme developed by employers, universities, and professional bodies working in partnership to enable students to achieve a full bachelor’s or master’s degree as part of their apprenticeship. Degree Apprenticeships combine working with studying part-time at a university.

Apprentices are employed throughout the programme, and spend part of their time at university and the rest with their employer.

What Degree Apprenticeships are available from the University of Surrey?

The university has applied to join the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers to deliver the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) and the Senior Leader. We will be expanding our offer over time and in response to demand, so please get in touch to discuss the apprenticeship standard you are looking for.

What is the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship?

The CMDA is a work-based learning programme that combines studying whilst working in a relevant job role and can be delivered flexibly around the de-

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mands of each workplace. The CMDA develops the capabilities and performance of your managers and leaders.

It provides them with higher level management skills and core competencies, designed to develop leaders that can drive performance and productivity improvements in your businesses.

Who is the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship aimed at?

The CMDA is designed for those who may already have developed practical experience but who wish to develop their management skills further. Typically apprentices will be in a job such as: Manager; Senior Manager; Head of Department; Operations Manager, but can also be considered for those beginning their management journey.

What will Chartered Managers be learning?

The Surrey CMDA has been created

in consultation with the Chartered Management Institute and includes a broad range of modules aimed at new and existing managers including: Communication, Leadership, Project Management, Marketing, People, Strategy and Accounting. The teaching is underpinned with relevant work based projects and apprentices will be supported by academics with relevant experience, a line manager/mentor at work and via regular feedback.

When will the apprentice study?

According to government regulations apprentices must study for 20% of their working week (off-the-job training) and work in a relevant job role for 80% of their working week (on-the-job training). Surrey has invested in blended delivery so that employers throughout England can send their staff on a Surrey apprenticeship, and apprentices have flexibility to accommodate the off-the-job learning around the on-the-

UNIVERSITY OF SURREY job training. The off-the-job training occurs mainly via virtual online learning. Apprentices will spend around three to six days per year at the university undertaking face-to-face learning.

How does the funding work?

‘The apprenticeship levy’ is a pot of money some companies pay into, which all businesses can access to spend on the training costs of apprenticeships. For levy-payers (companies who’ve paid into the pot), 100% of the training costs (up to the funding cap) are paid through the levy. The levy pays 95% of the costs for non-levy employers (companies who’ve not paid into the pot), meaning the employer then has to pay 5%.

Are there any additional costs for the employer?

Employers are responsible for funding the payment of apprentices’ wages, including time spent on off-the-job training. Apprentices must not be asked to contribute financially to the direct cost of their apprenticeship or use an apprentice loan to finance an apprenticeship.

What are the entry requirements?

Individual employers will determine their own selection criteria. Apprentices also need to meet Surrey entry criteria. Typically, our Degree Apprenticeships require a minimum of level 3 qualifications (such as A levels, BTEC Diplomas) as well as level 2 Maths and English. Other qualifications and work experience may be taken into account and applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

What support does Surrey offer both the organisation and the apprentice?

As a business you will have a dedicated Account Manager who will be your primary point of contact with the university, they can advise and support you throughout the process. An apprentice’s first point contact for their academic support will be their personal tutor and Programme Manager.

University of Surrey are perfectly positioned to develop the skills your company needs both now and in the future.

Where should I go to find out more information?

The easiest way is to get in touch with us by contacting the team at: apprenticeships@surrey.ac.uk

THE UNIVERSITY OF SURREY IS ONE OF THE UK’S STRONGEST PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITIES, WITH STRONG LINKS TO BOTH INDUSTRY PARTNERS AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR

We have a dedicated Apprenticeship Hub made up of apprenticeship experts and each apprentice will have access to all the same resources available to full-time students. Regular progress meetings will be held involving the apprentice, their line manager and Surrey academic(s).

Why should businesses choose the University of Surrey?

The University of Surrey is one of the UK’s strongest professional, scientific and technological universities, with strong links to both industry partners and the public sector. Our apprenticeship offer has been created in conjunction with employers and professional bodies so that apprenticeships at the

We like to establish a dialogue with companies and a conversation with the Apprenticeship Hub is the easiest and most effective start. Further information can also be found at www.surrey. ac.uk/business/training-and-education/degree-apprenticeships

SURREY BUSINESS

37

S

teve Drake made his name in the industry when he won the Roux Scholarship, a premier competition for chefs, which is considered the most prestigious and technically challenging competition in the UK. He learnt his trade under and alongside names such as Nico Ladenis and Marco Pierre White. After his win Drake gained his first Michelin star at Drake’s on the Pond in Abinger Hammer. After this he opened Drake’s in Ripley where he held a star for a further 14 years. In 2013, Steve purchased The Anchor Pub in Ripley, which he currently leaves in the more than capable hands of Head Chef Mike Wall-Palmer.

DRAKE’S PROGRESS Molly Enser meets Michelin Star chef Steve Drake

Drake then opened Sorrel at the end of 2017 and has since picked up a 2019 Michelin star, AA’s Restaurant of the Year 2019, and Surrey Life’s Restaurant of the Year 2019, and he currently resides at Sorrel.

At Sorrel diners can treat themselves to a menu that changes with the seasons, with intriguing flavour combinations and exceptional service.

Meanwhile, the Anchor pubs sits comfortably in the cosy village of Ripley and combines every Brit’s favourite things – good wine and good food. It is certainly a good spot for a classic Sunday lunch.

Although it is not the first thing you might think of, Drake is certainly a good businessman and knows how to appeal to the county, with the use of local produce and services. He lives in Surrey and has certainly helped his local high street grow and prosper.

Molly Enser caught up with Steve Drake at Sorrel in Dorking to talk about his work and to pick up some tips for cooking at home!

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INTERVIEW STEVE LEARNT HIS TRADE UNDER AND ALONGSIDE NAMES SUCH AS NICO LADENIS AND MARCO PIERRE WHITE Surrey Business Magazine: How did you get into cooking and what made you want to become a chef?

Steve Drake: When I was at school, I wasn’t very academic and I was a slow starter but I’ve always been quite creative. I was really good at home economics and when I left school I thought I’d be quite good at being a chef so I applied for some local restaurants in Essex, where I’m from. I took a part time job in a restaurant called ‘The Old Vienna’, an Austrian-themed restaurant which was fantastic and it really introduced me to a busy kitchen and on I went from there.

SBM: Who or what are your inspirations?

SD: I think ingredients and the seasons are my inspiration. I like to have intriguing flavour combinations, without them being crazy. They have to be logical. For example, we poach pears in hibiscus which resembles poaching them in the classic red wine. The hibiscus gives it an acidity and dryness which stops it being overly sweet. Ingredients and flavours are my inspiration. We did the ‘carrot tobacco’ in the spring menu in 2018, it’s so simple really, when you eat the coconut ice cream the texture of the carrot resembles coconut, it’s very, very simple, but for me it’s quite nostalgic as well.

you on your toes. You look forward to an ingredient coming into season, and then start thinking about the next ingredient of the new season. So it’s more of an evolution of ideas.

SBM: How long does it take to prep meals for the evening?

SD: The guys are here from 8am and are pretty much carry on till midnight.

They take a break in the afternoon but there is a tremendous amount of work involved. We make everything from scratch every day. The service when customers arrive is almost the easier part as the most difficult bit is getting everything ready up until that point.

So making all the stocks for sauces, the butchery, the bread making and all those things. Behind all of that are all the thought processes; so there is the physical work and the creative work, which is huge.

SBM: I know you have a set menu, are your chefs allowed to introduce their own creativity into that menu?

SD: As a team yes, but mostly I do it.

We do now encourage everyone to get involved and if they have an idea we’ll try it. We may have to tweak it, as it does need to be in the style of Sorrel. It needs to have our DNA in it. The guys that work for us have worked here a long time, and they know how to do things. They have great ideas and we look for these creative skills in people when employing them.

SBM: Do you have any plans to launch a new venture?

SD: Not yet. But it’s not a no either.

There are opportunities but there’s no real strong need. The Anchor is really approachable and anybody can go there. Cyclists and walkers go in there,

SBM: Does it take a while to think of these combinations or does it come naturally?

SD: Yes, it does come naturally but you can’t rush it. It’s like an evolution of ideas. So for example, rhubarb has just come into season, so I think about what I did last year or the year before.

All those ideas over the years have built up, and I try not to use things that are out of season. In a way it keeps

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39

but you also get people going in for their anniversary or special occasion, so it’s a much broader reach of clients.

At Sorrel, it is more of a special occasion venue and we attract real foodies.

They like to see something different.

SBM: Do you have regulars here?

SD: We have lots of regulars. We have one or two people that come every week and lots of people that come every month and a huge amount of people that come every three months.

When the menu changes, we send them out an email which encourages them to come and dine here. We look down the bookings list every day to see the dietaries and the dislikes, we go into a lot of detail and a much of the time we recognise many of the names on the list. That’s a good sign, people are coming back! We must remember, we are in a hospitality sector and it’s all about making people feel special and more importantly, making them feel like they are being looked after and cared for.

SBM: Do you work with local suppliers and businesses in the area?

SD: We certainly use a lot of local businesses for our maintenance, recruitment and other services. We use a farm in Leith Hill, and our eggs we get just past Guildford. We can’t buy everything local but we get what we can. Our butter comes from Northern Ireland, it’s incredible butter! Our venison comes from the Scottish Highlands, and scallops from the West Coast of Scotland. We like picking out where we can find the very best stuff in the country and championing British produce.

SBM: How do you inspire young chefs?

SD: All chefs want to be creative, so we talk about food and dishes. I am in the

kitchen a lot so I’m always showing people new techniques and new ideas. We do weekly tasting and training to help their learning as much as we can.

ously then depending on the position, it will be down to their experience of managing people, which doesn’t come easy to me if I’m honest, and doesn’t come easy to a lot people.

SBM: What do you look for when hiring?

SBM: Are there any cafés or restaurants you like to go to in Surrey?

SD: It depends what position we’re hiring for. If it is front of house, it’s 90% down to personality and if they have the ability to read somebody - do they get it? If I get those two things then we are more than halfway there and obvi-

SD: I like Two Many Cooks in Dorking.

Guildford is a tricky one as there aren’t many independents because the rents are a little bit high but there’s Blue Sardinia which is very nice.

WE USE A LOT OF LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR OUR MAINTENANCE, RECRUITMENT AND OTHER SERVICES. WE CAN’T GET EVERYTHING LOCAL BUT WE GET WHAT WE CAN

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Pinnocks in Ripley too, The Grantly Arms in Wonersh is really nice and has a very cosy feel. There’s not that many as we are so close to London but there are a few real little cherries in Surrey.

SBM: What would you say is your favourite dish to cook at home?

INTERVIEW in half, and some rosemary. Next you need a really hot oven, turn it down after 10-15 minutes. A 1.5 kilo bird takes an hour to cook, then rest it upside down. That’s it. Chicken is perfect, it’s tasty and it’s easy to cook. I love it.

SBM: What basic skills do you think everyone needs when cooking at home?

SD: I think people need to stop reading recipe books. What we do as cooks is that we have to understand what’s happening in front of us. So, for example, if we are sweating down onions and the book tells us to do it for ten minutes you do exactly that, but it’s not about the time, it’s about when the onions are ready! So perhaps they might take five minutes they might take 15 minutes. It depends on how high the gas is, how big the pan is and how fresh the onions are.

There are lots of variations and that’s why people struggle at home. I think we have to understand what’s happening. I don’t mean don’t read recipe books but when it comes to the method, we should just read it and then maybe put the book away. It’s about learning the process and what we can actually do on our own rather than using a watch or timer.

SD: Roast chicken. It’s the simplest thing in the world to cook and the easiest thing to get wrong. The trick is, don’t overcook it. You don’t have to do much to the chicken, a little bit of olive oil over the skin some salt and pepper a head of garlic and some thyme in the carcass, maybe a lemon in there, cut

SBM: When you go out to eat is there a certain dish you like to order?

SD: I love a steak and I really love fish, but I’m pretty open minded so I’ll eat anything. I always use the word ‘discover’ with everything I do, with everything I do. Of course there are

your old favourites but it’s quite nice to discover something new. Possibly a new ingredient or a new technique, texture, flavour or presentation.

SBM: If you are not working for the day, what would you ideal day look like?

SD: I do a fair bit of long distance running, which is a good way of chilling out and decompressing. I love going out with the family; we’ll go to the pub and have a nice Sunday roast and l like going out with friends to eat. Nothing really crazy to be honest. This job is quite full on and you do get bombarded, so sometimes running is good for that.

SBM: What would you say to those considering booking a table at Sorrel?

SD: I would say come with an open mind, because it isn’t what you might think. We’re not a posh restaurant. Because we have a Michelin star people do regard us as a posh French restaurant, but we’re definitely not that. What we want to do is the best food we can possibly do and have really amazing service. We want people to come with excitement, and of course we will look after you.

SBM: If you could describe your cooking in three words, what would they be?

SD: Flavour, discovery and mine. I want to make people happy, I want to serve them beautiful food and I want to enjoy it. sorrelrestaurant.co.uk 01306 889414

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CORPORATE

Health

&WELLBEING It has long been recognised that a healthy workforce has a dramatic effect on productivity, leads to less absent days, increased motivation, company loyalty and overall economic prosperity.

Throughout 2019, this magazine will partner with a selection of major companies in the sector to offer advice on how to deal with the growing crisis of avoidable employee absent days. We intend to lead the way on this subject to aid in the economic prosperity of our region.

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HEALTH & WELLBEING “Good health is multifaceted – it’s physical, it’s internal, it’s my diet and my emotional state. It’s all tied in together.”

Almost 1 in 3 people of working age have a long-term health condition, estimated to cost the UK economy £100 billion a year CIPD

Michelle Obama

85% of UK adults experience stress regularly, and over 1/3 of residents feel stresses for at least one day per week. forthwithlife.co.uk

“Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.”

Sir Winston Churchill

3x

Mental health related presenteeism is now costing businesses up to THREE TIMES MORE than absenteeism Deloitte UK Health Monitor, 2017

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

John F. Kennedy

A recent study by Ofcom said UK adults spend an average of eight hours and 41 minutes a day on media devices... compared with the average night’s sleep of eight hours and 21 minutes rewardgateway.com

People who are optimistic have less chance of suffering from heart disease According to findings of a study published in the European Heart Journal

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Planning to be well

By Paul Ollerton, Managing Director at ViiSana Ltd

Paul Ollerton

I

n this month’s article, we are highlighting the importance of having and implementing a plan if you want your business to thrive through wellbeing. Sadly, good intentions are not enough if a sustainable approach to wellness is the desired outcome.

Equally, your plan needs to be simple enough that it won’t impact your day to day business activities (but compliment them).

Be clear with what you want to achieve

For a plan to work well, it needs to create an impact but also be measur-

able enough to define a return on the results it achieves. The plan needs to work with your existing day to day activities. Key considerations include understanding the key drivers for implementing a plan – is it because you want to remain competitive? Or, is it because you have specific health issues to address? It is also essential that your companies’ values mirror what you are trying to achieve.

Statutory obligations

Whether you like it or not, there are things you HAVE to be doing. These regulations simply must be considered in your plan: • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA) • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 (RIDDOR) • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (amended 2002) • Employment Equality Act 2010

• Access to Medical Reports Act 1988 • Your ‘duty of care’ obligations including undertaking risk assessments and managing activities to reduce the incidence of stress at work

Get management buy in

The key to success sits with having buyin at the top. The best way to do this is demonstrate a case for the investment, but also be clear about the likely return.

There is lots of information available to demonstrate these key areas, there are often key internal measures that will cement your argument: • Current sickness absence records •H ealth risks specific to your geographic area •E mployee engagement surveys • E xisting use of employee assistance programmes (if already in place).

Equally, external considerations can add weight to your case:

Public Health England (2017) state that sickness absence averages at

£571 4.4 days per year for every worker.

Based on averages, this equates to

£571.56 per employee per year.

Worse still, the cost of presenteeism (when someone is in work and unwell and not productive) is even more than the cost of absenteeism at

£605 £605 per employee, per year

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HEALTH & WELLBEING Develop your strategy Once you have the approval to proceed with a plan, your research should have highlighted some key priorities

that your strategy needs to address.

Use this information to develop the vision and direction for your health and

3

Identify responsibilities and objectives.

A good plan cannot normally be delivered by one person – so it is a good idea to set clear responsibilities to those people who will deliver the plan but also that their workload allows them sufficient time to focus on the project delivery

2

Set your budget. Once you are clear on what the goals of the plan are to be, set a sensible budget that is both affordable but gives enough to achieve the goals

wellbeing strategy. I would recommend using the following key stages to consider within your overall plan:

4

Determine measures of success. A good plan will draw on several key measures to show success. These might include: • Sickness records • Exit interviews • Employee satisfaction surveys • Feedback from delivery team/ champions • Uptake of related benefits and initiatives

5

Set initiatives. We discussed the key pillars of wellbeing in last months’ article, so these can be excellent topics for initiatives.

There are lots of external awareness days that can be used through the year – as long as they fit your objectives. Consider key events such as Stoptober, Mental Health Awareness Week, or Dry January

1

Set vision/goals.

Ideally this should relate to the overall goals of the company. A good example for an overriding goal could be ‘to reduce sickness absence by 20%’

6

Appoint the experts. There is a wealth of local businesses who can help, at relatively low cost – in many cases for free (many charities provide key resource). Giving your employees access to the experts is as useful as the service itself

Blast off

Once your plan is ready, the way that you launch it will have a huge impact on its success. Regardless of the size of your business, consider a launch event, communicate through posters and your intranet. Appoint champions – they can really drive your message home. It might also mean you need to train certain people in areas like mental health first aid. It’s also really key to keep communicating – newsletters and good new stories can keep momentum in place (you might even con-

sider putting health related incentives in place that tie into your initiatives).

Keep moving forward – review and develop

It is crucial to measure and review the output in a formal capacity, on a regular and timely basis. This should include basic reviews, like a monthly catch up with champions, and capturing key data in monthly management reviews. If something isn’t working – find out why, and if necessary, change your approach.

Contact us ViiSana specialises in implementing wellness programmes using Vitality Life and Health insurance as the backbone of the approach. If you would like to discuss your company’s individual health concerns/challenges, or if you would just like to discuss ideas for implementing a programme at your business, please get in touch: Email: gethealthy@viisana.com Tel: 0333 772 0761 Twitter/Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn

SURREY BUSINESS

45

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

Standing up for health UK Health Secretary is a standing desk convert

M

att Hancock MP, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, believes believes every business should encourage employees to use sitstand desks. And he takes his own advice.

“I know from personal experience that having a standing desk can help you get some exercise and improve your productivity at work,” he told an ISPAH global conference on physical activity recently. productivity, creativity and motivation, as well as reduced stress and fatigue.

He urged employers to offer staff the chance to use standing desks like our in order raise activity levels and avoid the health risks of sedentary working habits.

A study of NHS workers reported in the BMJ established that those using standing desks were happier and healthier, reporting less anxiety, raised energy levels, greater levels of engagement and improved job performance.

“Workplaces can make a difference: encouraging breaks, offering standing desks, having standing meetings - which in my experience tend to finish quicker too,” Mr Hancock said.

Sit-Stand.Com UK Sales Director Rik Mistry says, “Employers know that to recruit and retain the best staff, they need to offer the best working conditions. Our standing desks are already purchased by organisations ranging from the Premier League to Cambridge University, via the NHS and the Royal Navy, Amazon and Deutsche Bank.”

“Our message should be that movement is medicine”

He also encouraged GPs, schools and par-ents to take action on the national inactivity crisis: “Our message should be that movement is medicine.”

Musculoskeletal problems are to blame for nine million lost working days every year, with increasing numbers of desk-bound staff suffering health problems exacerbated by spending too much time seated.

Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP

Sit-Stand.Com offer a range of desk risers including their newly expanded range Yo-Yo Desk® range .

In addition to the physical benefits of adopting sit-stand working practices, the mental health benefits are also proven. Staff who alternate between sitting and standing report greater

SURREY BUSINESS

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SURREY BUSINESS

Health &WELLBEING Four hours is fine?

news

here are concerns that there is a lot of advice regarding sleep which may be risky.

T

Researcher Dr Rebecca Robbins asserts that less than five hours sleep is seriously damaging our health.

A team of researchers from New York University matched common beliefs with scientific evidence to dispel them in a paper published in Sleep Health journal.

“We have extensive evidence to show sleeping five hours or less consistently, increases your risk greatly for adverse health consequences,” says Dr Robbins.

One example was the idea that we can operate well on as little as four hours sleep. One method being promoted is ‘polyphasic sleeping’ where you snooze in short bursts throughout the day instead of sleeping all night.

The team also criticised theories that an alcoholic nightcap can aid sleep, as well as the idea that dozing off in front of TV can help us drift off to sleep effectively.

BUSINESS SURVEY

Getting burnt by hot desking?

N

ew research has revealed eight in 10 office workers have reported that hot desking can have a negative impact on their mental wellbeing.

The research, carried out by Brickendon Digital, has revealed that 92% of office workers have reported issues with hot desking including wasting time setting up a computer (44%), wasting time looking for a desk when starting work (31%) and difficulty bonding with their team (22%).

Identifying the main causes of hot desk stress, the research revealed 58% of respondents found the prospect of not knowing where to sit every day as the biggest stressor.

Christopher Burke, CEO, Brickendon, commented: “In its current state hot desking is very much flawed, and worryingly affecting employees’ mental wellbeing. It’s an important issue requiring urgent attention.”

Source: www.fmj.co.uk

Keep the noise down

A

lmost half (44%) of office workers say that noisy working conditions have a negative effect on their wellbeing, significantly affecting productivity and stress levels. Of the 1,000 office workers polled, 40% said noise at work made them feel stressed, while 65% said it affected their ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner.

51% had overhead a confidential or sensitive conversation, while 70% had heard a colleague who felt upset or distressed. This meant more than half would feel uncomfortable speaking about a confidential matter in the office.

interruptions identified by the survey included: colleagues’ telephone conversations (74%); personal conversations (65%); sudden laughter (62%); telephone ring tones (58%); doors slamming (56%); and eating noises (55%).

Examples of the most distracting noise

Source: www.personneltoday.com

More than half (52%) said they were interrupted by noise distractions more than five times a day and a further 17% claimed they were distracted more than 10 times a day.

The Noise and Wellbeing at Work 2019 survey, carried out by sound masking system supplier the Remark Group, also found 64% often felt they lacked privacy at work.

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Health &WELLBEING We ❤ Chocolate

news

BUSINESS SURVEY

Medics at melting point

A

E

ating three chocolate bars every month can drastically reduce your risk of experiencing heart failure, scientists have claimed. A study presented at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Munich stated that moderation, not deprivation, is key in preventing heart issues later on in life.

A team of researchers assessed more than half a million adults in order to determine how consumption of chocolate impacts heart health. They concluded

It’s a dog’s life

A

ccording to a Swedish study, dogs really are our best friends as research has revealed that canine ownership could help reduce heart disease. 3.4 million people between the ages of 40 and 80 found that having a dog was associated with a 23% reduction in death from heart disease and a 20% lower risk of dying from all other causes. Dog owners show better responses to stress (their blood pressure and pulse rates don’t soar), have higher levels of physical activity and slightly lower cholesterol levels.

that eating up to three chocolate bars a month can reduce risk of heart failure by 23% in comparison to those who don’t eat any chocolate at all.

Dr Chayakrit Krittanawong, lead researcher of the study, explained how the flavonoids found in chocolate can be beneficial for one’s health. He said that consuming flavonoids can increase the levels of nitric oxide found in the body, which in turn increases blood flow and improves circulation.

n increasing number of medical professionals are at high risk of psychological burnout, a new report has revealed. The British Medical Association (BMA) has warned of a mental health “crisis” among doctors and medical students after a survey of more than 4,300 participants found that just over a quarter (27%) have received a psychiatric diagnosis.

90% of respondents admitted that their current working, training or studying environment had contributed to their condition either to a significant or partial extent. The BMA says that the long hours and heavy workload experienced by doctors and medical students is pushing them towards “burnout”, warning that many are refusing to seek help for fear it will ruin their career.

A fruitful idea

A

cookbook written by cancer patients who lost their sense of taste has been nominated for a global award. The Velindre Cookbook features recipes for people whose taste buds have changed due to chemotherapy. The book has raised more than £10,000 for Velindre Cancer Care in Cardiff and is nominated for the Gourmand World Cookbook awards in China.

The book was inspired by the story of Angharad Underwood who was treated at the hospital in 2014 for breast cancer and who found that the one flavour she could taste was her homemade blackcurrant jam. Her recipe - and story - is shared in the book that was created by Ceri Harris of Velindre NHS Trust.

All work, no play

A

holiday is a chance to get some much-needed relaxation yet an investigation by tombola shows that 44% of Brits didn’t use all of their holiday allowance last year. The findings also revealed that 46% of Brits are working unpaid overtime on a regular basis and 23% ended the year with 5+ days holi-

day left, meaning almost a quarter of Brits worked an extra week for free.

The research also found that working on holiday is becoming expected of some employees. 33% of UK workers said that they are contacted by their workplace whilst on holiday, and 44% regularly check their emails.

SURREY BUSINESS

51

BUSINESS EXPO

SURREY BUSINESS EXPO

– BIGGER AND BETTER

The Surrey Business Expo takes place at Surrey Sports Park on Wednesday June 12th from 9am to 4pm

P

aul Bridgland of Connect Surrey and Paul Webster are delighted that after several years of working closely with Eagle Radio as a media partner, this year, they have joined up with Connect Surrey as a full Partner in the event. Their closer involvement in the show will see them running the pre-show breakfast meeting in the form of a Surrey Biz event which will certainly be oversubscribed and lead to a huge influx of visitors into the exhibition when we open the doors at 9.00am.

In addition to this, Eagle Radio will be broadcasting their popular morning and afternoon shows direct from the exhibition hall giving visitors the

gle Radio and to their MD, yet another Paul, Paul Marcus.

The exhibition is virtually sold out with some 120 companies and organisations on show, exhibiting every possible service and product visitors could require to manage or maintain their business… printers, car companies, hotels and venues, accountants and solicitors, IT, security, design, marketing, storage, insurance, telecoms, car hire, finance, photographers, interiors, caterers and restaurants, sports clubs, magazines, including the excellent publication in which this article appears... and a lot more besides.

opportunity to see the presenters at work. Finally, of course, their increased on air and online advertising will reach out to many thousands of listeners bringing more visitors to the show… so welcome on board Ea-

Guildford Borough Council will once again be sponsoring the event along with Surrey Chambers of Commerce and we thank them both for their continued support over the years.

Business Lunches • Parties at Home • Canapé Receptions • Finger Buffets • All Day Catering • Special Treats Party Catering • Christenings • Anniversaries • Birthday Parties • Cocktail Parties • Special Events • Funerals & Wakes INGREDIENTS

20 x Enthusiastic Staff 7 x Polished delivery vans 1 x Sparkling kitchen A handful of creative imaginations A sprinkling of kitchen utensils and a Bunch of the very best suppliers METHOD

Blend all the ingredients together every day Add a pinch of new technology and a large dollop of passion RESULT

35 years of happy customers …!

Contact Truffles for your special occasion • info@truffles.co.uk • 01932 352300 SURREY BUSINESS

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SURREY

BUSINESS MAGAZINE

BUSINESS EXPO

Learning the Expo

T

here are three brilliant seminars running throughout the early hours of Surrey Business Expo with two of our highly popular speed networking events in the afternoon.

At 10am, Allen Ruddock of Guildford Hub presents a talk on Linkedin, a topic that always draws in a large crowd, then at 11am Guildford Borough Council present Ian Martin from Enterprise M3 to talk on Business Growth.

stage to run our final speed networking session… surely something for everyone at the 2019 Surrey Business Expo.

Register to attend the expo or the seminars for free at www.surreybusinessexpo.com . However it is possible to register for both on arrival at the event. To attend the

Breakfast Meeting with Eagle Radio, registration is essential as the event will be oversubscribed.

Surrey Sports Park is situated just off the A3 opposite the Cathedral, post code GU2 7AD. Parking is free, but for a longer stay, please leave your car registration number with the Sports Park reception.

The third seminar is lead by Richard Woods of Lead Generation talking about More Cash, More Profit, More Growth, More Leads.

At 1pm the first of the speed networking events is being run

by Connect Surrey’s popular Sally Castro Gouviea and at 2pm the ubiquitous John Gower of Omni Local Business Networking takes the

Much more than just the basics See What’s Coming We look forward so you can see what’s around the corner and act early.

See From Every Angle Using all data types from all areas of your business to reveal findings you would never otherwise see.

Understand Everything Full interpretation, intuitive presentation, and plain English explanations.

Make Incredible Decisions Insights, understanding, a view of the future, and an experienced accountant as a sounding board means incredible decisions.

L-R: Paul Webster (Connect Surrey), Paul Marcus (Eagle Radio),Paul Bridgland (Connect Surrey)

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55

DEVELOPING IN TOP GEAR As a developer, Jim McAllister was passionate about having a regard for the environment long before it became fashionable. The plans for Dunsfold Park continue the long tradition of responsible development

Jim McAllister

Aerial view of Dunsfold Park

Surrey Business Magazine: You set up The Rutland Group back in 1984. What was the inspiration for setting up the company?

of hard work. As developers we have always recognised that our activities impact on the environment and the communities in which we work. We see this as a force for good, enabling us to influence and ensure the highest quality in the built environment. We are proud of our record for carrying out detailed consultation and careful masterplanning and of the awards that we have received, not only for our buildings, but for landscaping and the environmental ratings of our projects.

This goes to the heart of our business philosophy, principles and ethics.

Jim McAllister: When I started out, the companies that I worked for did not have a proper regard for the environment. Developers have an enormous opportunity to improve the environments in which they work. I decided that was a role I wanted to do myself and formed The Rutland Group.

SBM: The company prides itself on sustainability. What practices do you put in place to remain environmentally friendly?

JM: Sustainability is the foundation on which we continue to build our business. It takes vision, passion and a lot

The company has the distinction of having created the 200 acre Bedfont Lakes Country Park, the largest public park built in London in the 20th century. At Dunsfold Park we are continuing to incorporate sustainability into everything we do and have recently finished building an anaerobic digestion plant that will produce Biogas to complement our

AT DUNSFOLD PARK WE ARE CONTINUING TO INCORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IN EVERYTHING WE DO

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existing 2 MW solar farm. The solar farm secured the site’s place in history as the first business park in the UK to be fed principally by green energy.

SBM: What prompted you to buy Dunsfold Park in 2002 and what was your vision?

JM: The Rutland Group had previously worked on projects with BAE Systems.

When they approached us about disposing of Dunsfold Aerodrome, the unique opportunity it presented was too good to pass up. I also know the local area well, having lived here for more than 30 years, and wanted to ensure that anything done with the site was sympathetic and not only enhanced the local area, but gave something back to the community.

We are proud of our Surrey heritage and we value our relationship with the people of Waverley. We want Dunsfold Park to be the best example of new development in the borough and beyond – a place where people are proud to live and work.

INTERVIEW SBM: How did you get Top Gear involved?

JM: Top Gear were one of our first tenants and the start of the rejuvenation of Dunsfold Park from a redundant brownfield site into a thriving business park. The site is unique in being able to offer large open spaces, various different sized buildings and, for Top Gear, roadways and runways ideal for car testing.

Dunsfold Park now has 100 firms employing more than 1,100 people and is the largest employment site in Waverley Borough. Our business community is active and includes local firms providing a range of services to the surrounding area, such as electrical engineering, building contracting, printing, joinery and manufacturing. There are also global companies, developing ground-breaking technologies on site, such as ocean temperature surveys, clean air systems, fuel cell technology and audio design and manufacture.

create a sustainable mixed-use development. The vision is to deliver a ‘new Surrey village’, with 1,800 new homes being accompanied by new employment space that complements the existing, and a range of services and community facilities for residents.

Proposed facilities include a school, health centre and country park, which will be delivered alongside a comprehensive package of transport improvements.

SBM: How will the plans affect the local region/economy?

SBM: What do the new development plans involve?

JM: The masterplan creates a new sustainable Surrey village with public open space and facilities, including shops and restaurants that Waverley residents will use and enjoy.

These new facilities, as well as the expanded business park, will create more local jobs and grow the local economy, increasing the amount of money Waverley Borough Council has to spend on improving local services.

JM: The plans include increasing the business park to create more space and jobs. In 2017 we completed work on a 9,966 sq.m expansion project which is now almost fully let. The ambition for the core 625-acre site is to

As Waverley works to meet local housing need, development at the aerodrome (a large brown field site) will reduce the number of these new homes that need to be built on green fields, helping the Council provide new

homes to enable families to continue living and working in the area whilst preserving the Borough’s high quality environment and rural character.

SBM: What has made you most proud in your business career?

JM: There are so many things I’m proud of. What continues to stand out for so many reasons is the creation of the 200 acre Bedfont Lakes Country Park, the largest public park built in London in the 20th century. Dunsfold Park is fast catching up with our legacy at Bedfont though, not only with the

TOP GEAR WERE ONE OF OUR FIRST TENANTS AND THE START OF THE REJUVENATION OF DUNSFOLD PARK sustainability initiatives already implemented and employment opportunities created, but also with our plans to create a new village that embraces the way in which we will need to live in the future SBM: What is next for Jim McAllister?

JM: Holidays! Lots of holidays at long last!

www.rutland.co.uk

Solar farm adjacent to Dunsfold Park

SURREY BUSINESS

57

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BUSINESS SURVEY FOCUS

W

FOCUS ON DUNSFOLD PARK

hen you visit Dunsfold Park, the 570-acre business park near Cranleigh, it is instantly recognisable as the home of the BBC’s adrenaline fuelled motor programme, ‘Top Gear’. The well-known test circuit, including the infamous ‘Gambon Corner’ and converted hangars where the show is filmed, along with the stat-

home to Team BRIT, the competitive racing team of disabled drivers, W Series, the women’s motor racing series and internationally renowned Gordon Murray Design.

Marc Riggs of Dunsfold Park believes the success of the business park is due to its management approach. “The philosophy of Dunsfold Park is one of sustainable development. It is our aim to support businesses to grow over the long-term, enabling the creation of employment opportunities and the generation of wealth for the local and regional economy,” he said.

IT HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BUSINESS LOCATIONS IN SURREY AND IS HOME TO OVER 100 COMPANIES EMPLOYING OVER 1,100 STAFF ic display of former military jets that were developed and tested on the site, give the established business park the energy and buzz associated with technology, innovation, speed and power.

Constructed in 1942, Dunsfold Aerodrome was previously used as a flight test centre but when BAe Systems ceased activity on the site nearly 20 years ago, it was reborn as Dunsfold Park. It has subsequently grown into one of the most important business locations in Surrey and is now home to over 100 companies employing over 1,100 staff. Occupiers include EM Acoustics, The Surrey Copper Distillery, Eli-Chem Resins, IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition.

In keeping with its links with cars and motorsport, the business park is also

“We like to take a hands-on and flexible approach to working with our tenants, looking to support them as they develop. The success of this approach is the growth of EM Acoustics, a highly successful manufacturer of professional loudspeaker systems who first came to Dunsfold Park in 2002, when the business took occupation of around 2,000 sq ft. EM Acoustics have, since that time, grown on site and now occupy over 15,000 sq ft.”

In addition to establishing close relationships with the occupiers, the concept of ‘sustainable development’

extends to environmental considerations and Dunsfold Park has its own 2 MW solar energy array and, in addition, Dunsfold Park has invested into an onsite anaerobic digester. The bio-methane it produces will supply between 1 – 1.5 MW of electricity to the business park and future developments via a dedicated mini-grid, making Dunsfold Park the UK’s only Business Park with a micro grid supplied entirely by a combination of hydrogen and renewable energy.

Further development and regeneration plans are on the drawing board for Dunsfold Park. The most recent phase of commercial accommodation, The Simpson Buildings (a development of 25 warehouse and production units ranging from 2,492 to 18,976 sq ft) has proved highly successful.

Richard Newsam of Curchod & Co, the business park’s commercial property agent, said: “The Simpson Buildings embodied the ethos of Dunsfold Park, providing of a range of unit sizes that allow businesses room to grow and expand on site. The scheme is now over 80 % let, with the last of the smaller units remaining available providing top-quality industrial and distribution space with HQ style offices at the first floor.”

Further information regarding Dunsfold Park is available at www. dunsfoldpark.com

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Convention CELEBRATIONS

Celebrating ten years of the Acumen Business Convention, a motivational and inspiring event where new meaningful connections are made

T

he acumen business convention 2019 held its special tenth edition on May 8th with hundreds of decision makers from across the region in attendance. This year was absolutely packed with fantastic speak-

ers, entertainment and excitement.

This is most likely the only business convention where, as a delegate, you are greeted by tribal zebra people (and that’s not just the Acumen team)! Af-

ter a delicious lunch, zebras burst on to the stage to give a wild and exhilarating dance performance, wowing the audience and getting everyone energised for the afternoon.

The big build up was worth the wait when special tenth anniversary guest speaker, Tony Bloom, owner and Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC took to the stage, sharing his fascinating business journey with the captivated audience.

A double whammy for this special occasion was top keynote speaker Simon Woodroffe OBE, Founder of YO! Sushi, who gave a most inspirational performance. He told his story with deep and meaningful thoughts for the audience to take away.

As well as thought-provoking speakers, the event featured an abundance of quality networking opportunities

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BUSINESS CONVENTION

Tony Bloom, chair, Brighton & Hove Albion FC

throughout the day, Link & Learn sessions (with essential legal tips) and lots of surprises too! To kick off, Penina Shepherd, best selling author and Founder of AcuMen business LAW, motivated everyone on ‘getting your foot in that door’ and shared her passion about ‘doing’ and getting on with it whilst giving some excellent expert tips.

This special edition convention saw the launch of speakers’ arenas which showcased extra TED style talks in a choice of topic. These were all facilitated by esteemed guest speakers, who are all experts in their field, sharing invaluable knowledge and experience, which made these sessions a very useful section of the day.

Hosting the day was the incredible MC Sanderson Jones! Co-founder of the unique business Sunday Assembly and his new mission Lifefulness At Work, he really did get the convention rocking and rolling. Unleashing positive vibes he made sure everyone made meaningful new connections and had an awe-inspiring fun packed day.

Simon Woodroffe OBE, founder YO! Sushi

practical advice showing that everyone can get great results when they sell the human way.

The excitement didn’t stop there. The celebratory after-party rounded off the day perfectly with festival style stalls of tasty food, cocktails and beer.

What better way to wind down than a fantastic chance to catch up, chat, relax and have fun!

The acumen business convention always aims to give the business community motivation and inspiration, whilst gaining essential business know how and valuable new connections; all with the added enjoyment of the Acumen magic and surprises!

This year did just that.

Penina Shepherd, Founder of acumen business LAW said: “It’s been such an exhilarating and inspirational day. It’s really great to see so many business professionals together sharing the experience and making new meaningful connections. That’s what makes the convention so special. It’s been an amazing celebration of our 10th convention and we look forward to many more to come!”

To find out how to get involved next year and for more information please contact creative@acumenbusinesslaw.co.uk www.acumenbusinessconvention.co.uk

Thank you to the amazing Convention Partners

Guest speakers included Graham Moore, the co-founder of Humanutopia, one of the country’s leading speakers and authorities on improving wellbeing for students and staff in the workplace. He gave his moving story of how his own experiences inspired him to empower young adults from all walks of life. Jules White, the entrepreneur’s sales coach and author of Live it Love it Sell it, who with great experience won investment in the Dragons’ Den, gave motivational and

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THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

FOR WOMEN

Platinum is launching a brand new national magazine Dynamic is a highly informative magazine for women in business, written by women in business

D

namic

Y

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN ISSUE ONE

ROME Shake hands in the eternal city

INTERVIEW Amber Rudd shares her journey

GIRL TORQUE The new Audi Q8

THE BIG DEBATE Glass ceiling or glass floor

HOW

The Baroness of Mayfair

Michelle Mone OBE LEARNT TO SLOW DOWN

COMING SOON To get involved in advertising, writing thought leadership articles or requesting that the editorial team cover your event, get in touch info@platinumpublishing.co.uk GROUP

PLATINUM PUBLISHING

check-in Month-to-month changes shaping your travel

TripAdvisor hits the oceans

T

ripAdvisor has begun offering price comparison searches for 70,000 cruise itineraries in the U.S and UK. Cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are participating as advertisers, as are online travel agencies like Expedia, Cruise. com, and Priceline.

The company hopes that it will become as big a player in the cruise market as in the hotel industry. It bought the review forum CruiseCritic back in 2007, and has collected volumes of ship reviews. It is now upping its game in the cruise market.

Marriott hits 7,000

I

n April Marriott International launched its 7000th hotel affirming its position as the world’s biggest hotel company. Last year it completed the acquisition of former rival, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, for roughly $13 billion.

The 7000th hotel is the 27-storey luxury St. Regis Hong Kong. Marriott is on track to keep its commitment of opening 1,700 additional hotels by the end of 2021, including about 320 hotels in Asia Pacific.

Norwegian flies to Rio

N

orwegian has commenced its first route to Brazil with a brand-new non-stop service from London Gatwick to Rio de Janeiro. The new flights offer consumers in the UK an affordable way to travel to Brazil with fares from £169.90 one-way in economy and £449 oneway in Premium.

His Excellency Fred Arruda, the Ambassador of Brazil to the UK said: “This new flight will bring Brazil and the United Kingdom even closer together.

“Brazil is known for its wonders and the hospitality of its people and Brazilians across the country wait for British visitors with open arms.”

Stephen King, Head of Airline Relations, Gatwick Airport said: “This new route further strengthens Gatwick’s connections to South America continuing our long-standing precedent of championing competition and opening up new destinations and price points for our passengers.” www.norwegian.com/uk

Still tough for airlines

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here has been a spate of airlines folding over the last few years and 2019 looks just as difficult. The Icelandic Wow Air was the fourth to fall by the wayside this year, following Germany’s Germania and the UK’s Flybmi, as well as the small InselAir from the Caribbean island of Curacao.

Robots parking at Gatwick

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atwick has signed a framework contract with Stanley Robotics and will be the first UK airport to trial robots that valet park passengers’ cars.

The trial will run from the second half of 2019 to early 2020 and passengers will simply leave their car in a well-lit, spacious ‘parking station’ close to the South Terminal entrance and – with-

out handing over keys - the driverless robot will gently lift up the car and store it in a secure car park.

The system will also be connected to real-time flight information so the robot simply returns the vehicle to the parking station. The user then receives an SMS that the vehicle is ready and waiting for their arrival.

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Austin, Texas Shake Hands in

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BUSINESS SURVEY TRAVEL

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Jeremy Taylor finds a warm and friendly Texan welcome - and great nightlife!

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hen I speak of Texas, I’m invariably met by surprise as it’s not one of those destinations that is widely acknowledged as a business destination.

But it should be.

If Texas were a country it would be 10th in World Economies. It is HQ to hundreds of businesses, and Austin, the State Capital, attracts an eclectic mix of people and businesses including Amazon, Google and, most recently with a planned $1bn investment, Apple. It’s also got great nightlife with over 250 live music venues and, in one neighbourhood, the highest concentration of bars per capita anywhere in the US – one for every 67 people!

And that population is rising rapidly with around 120 people moving to Austin every day – that is a growing market.

State Capitol building

Last year Norwegian Air launched a direct flight from Gatwick to Austin and this was the final piece that made it viable to connect the Coast to Capital region with Texas. The Coast to Capital LEP Strategic Economic Plan states building a ‘strong national and international identity’ for the region as one of eight priorities, and I can think of no better way of doing that than identifying several key destinations on the Gatwick Route Map and turning up!

There really is no substitute for meeting people that you want to do business with, and I’ve found that business people in most destinations are happy

after Gatwick Diamond Business for 14 years, I really understand the value of business membership organisations. Walter Zaykowski responded positively and, as well as meeting to discuss the trip, we established the Chamber as a first port of call for any business looking to go to Austin. He will also think of me as and when any of his members look to explore the UK and beyond.

Through Walter’s introduction, I initially met with Austin FC, the MLS newest franchise, to discuss representation in the UK ahead of their entry to Major League Soccer in 2021. Chris Quinn is responsible for commercial developments at the Club and is keen to hear from any business looking to grow their awareness with the fastest growing spectator sport in the US.

THERE IS A DEMAND FROM NON-EU DESTINATIONS TO BUILD COMMERCIAL LINKS TO THE UK to meet up, if you’ve made the effort to get there. And Texas hospitality means that they are especially welcoming and open to discussions.

Walter Zaykowski, Senior Director of Communications, Austin Chamber of Commerce

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Having received a positive response from Norwegian to my request for some support, I set about finding contacts and gaining meetings.

My first call was to the Austin Chamber of Commerce as, having looked

Ahead of the trip I had conversations with some of our regions’ education establishments, as my previous experience of working with other destinations has shown these are well prepared for international working.

Chichester College Group is very engaged in this way and provided some financial support for the trip and I was

TRAVEL THE POPULATION IS RISING RAPIDLY WITH AROUND 120 PEOPLE MOVING TO AUSTIN EVERY DAY

able to position them in my meetings with the University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Texas Austin and McCombs Business School. With facilities across the campuses, a range of highly regarded courses and links to business, I am sure we will soon see Texas students in the region.

The Vice Provost of the Centre for Global Academic Initiatives at UT Arlington, Daniel Himarios, agreed to meet me and we discussed ways to take forward opportunities for UK and US students to conduct exchanges as well as for businesses to work with the University.

Currently ranked 17th in the US, the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin, is very highly regarded and has an extensive Overseas exchange Programme as well as great opportunities for businesses looking to grow in Texas utilising local talent. The meeting included the Vice-Provost of Global Engagement at UT Austin, Sonia Faigenbaum, and we are exploring how to position UK Institutions and businesses with the University as well as support UT students on visits to the UK. They are particularly interested in finding project-based positions for their students.

Our time in Austin was all too brief but it gave me a real insight into doing business in the City. It’s well served by public transport, simple to navigate and, as explained earlier, packed with places to meet, eat drink. If you are brave enough you can get around easily on the Uber and Lime electric scooters that are left on every street corner.

Do pick your time carefully as there are many events and festivals taking place throughout the year. The biggest of these is South by South West (SxSW) in early March. It’s a huge arts and media festival with all the big corporates in town taking over bars, premises and open spaces, alongside a big education fair.

So, what next? I have built a great relationship with Team Texas, the investment arm of the Texas Economic Development Council, who are able to

Scooters. Everywhere.

supply incentives, support and guidance for businesses looking to invest in Texas.

I’ll also be following up with BABC Houston and, more than likely joining so that I can provide an extra bridge to help with these trans-Atlantic opportunities.

I believe the model works and there is an opportunity to repeat this exercise with a number of key economic destinations, selecting those that are not in the economic spotlight but have a direct flight from Gatwick.

With Brexit approaching (at some point), there is a demand from nonEU destinations to build commercial links to the UK and, with Gatwick on the doorstep, we are ideally placed to do that.

It takes time and effort to find the right people and it takes time and money to go there but it is well worth it, and the returns are manifold.

Are you coming with me?

Jeremy Taylor is the MD of The Company Connector, which helps build commercial connections for business, education, government and charities. https://thecompanyconnector.com

Street entertainers at the SxSW festival

Norwegian flies direct to Austin from Gatwick Airport www.norwegian. com/uk/destinations/austin/

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Rio de BUCKET LIST:

Mardi Gras

Maracana Stadium

Ipanema Beach

The vivacious Brazilian city won’t fail to seduce you, says Rose Dykins

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arefoot, we beach-walk along Copacabana towards Ipanema, stopping to buy skull-tingling caipirinhas from a cart. Joggers sporting brightly-coloured short shorts overtake us, seemingly immune to the afternoon sun baking my legs inside my skinny black jeans (far too overdressed). The ferocious Atlantic waves and towering backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain add to the drama on the beach – the music, the street hawkers, the family outings, the show-boating, the intense games of volleyball. For cariocas, the beach is

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not a fair-weather feat, it’s a year-round social hub.

Rio de Janeiro stands out on the world stage for its larger-than-life personality. Its rainforest, favelas, samba bars – all of these invite you to suspend your Britishness and experience life more intensely for a short while. Whether you time your visit for the carnival (February 21st-26th next year), or stop

by Rio as part of a South American odyssey, it’s somewhere not to be rushed in and out of (you’ll regret it if you do).

Rio’s many neighbourhoods take time to explore. A cable car ride up to Sugarloaf Mountain one day, standing at the foot of the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue the next – these are just the tip of the iceberg for a Rio itinerary. For nightlife, Lapa’s bars and dancefloors are where you want to be.

The art galleries of the hilltop Santa Teresa district are a must – and so is a photo in front of the brightly tiled Escadaria Selaraon steps.

Rio’s glamorous side is best expe-

Janeiro rienced from the rooftop terrace of Hotel Fasano (lhw.com), preferably at sundown, as the sun blazes behind Sugarloaf Mountain. The city’s incredible markets (such as Feira Hippie de Ipanema; feirahippieipanema.com), museums (check out Museu de Arte do Rio; museudeartedorio.org.br) and parks (stop by Jardim Botanico; jbrj. gov.br) are the things people miss during a flying visit.

An enticing addition to Rio’s hotel stock is Janeiro (janeirohotel.rio), an eco-friendly boutique hotel that opened in February. Situated in the

peaceful area of Leblon, its 53 rooms have wicker swings and views across the sea towards the white cliffs of Cagarras Islands. Conceived by Oskar Metsavaht, a designer for Brazilian fashion brand, Osklen, it’s a bit like a high-end beach house, with beautiful

BUSINESS LUXURYSURVEY TRAVEL

use of natural and locally materials, such as blond freijo wood Travertine limestone, and blown-glass lamps made from recycled bottles. The perfect place to escape to recuperate after partying, especially if you manage to keep up with the cariocas.

WHETHER YOU TIME YOUR VISIT FOR THE CARNIVAL OR STOP BY RIO AS PART OF A SOUTH AMERICAN ODYSSEY, IT’S SOMEWHERE NOT TO BE RUSHED IN AND OUT OF (YOU’LL REGRET IT IF YOU DO)

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EQC: the new fully-electric Mercedes-Benz SUV. As we enter a new era of mobility, the new Mercedes-Benz EQC offers the practicality of an SUV with the sleek aesthetic of a sports car. Radiating ease and modernity, the first fully-electric Mercedes-Benz is anything but ordinary with a unique and spectacular design. Using renewable raw materials to create the upholstery and fitting an all-encompassing LED strip light that reaches from front to back, the EQC offers both an exterior and interior experience like no other.

The intuitive MBUX system adds another level of innovation, offering a revolutionary infotainment system: with natural voice control, touch-sensitive surfaces, and Augmented Reality for navigation.

Offering a range of 208 miles*, the EQC can conveniently be charged at home or at on-the-road stations, whatever suits your lifestyle. With a total power output of 408 bhp and a speed of 0-62 mph in just 5.1 seconds, this re-imagined SUV is truly electrifying.

To register your interest in viewing this brand new model, please email us marketing@sandown-mercedes.co.uk or call us on 01483 916292.

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Moorfield Road, Guildford, GU1 1RU

01483 916292 www.sandown-group.co.uk

*The indicated values were determined according to the prescribed measurement method - Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures shown may include options which are not available in the UK. Figures determined with battery fully charged. This model is a SURREY Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)BUSINESS requiring mains electricity for charging. Images for illustrative purposes.

Registered office: Holes Bay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BD. Registered in England and Wales. Registration number 8657001.

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BUSINESS SURVEY

Why should you buy an Approved Used Mercedes-Benz from Sandown?

When you purchase an Approved Used Mercedes-Benz from Mercedes-Benz of Guildford, you will not only get a fantastic vehicle, but you’ll drive away happy knowing you are covered with a range of complimentary benefits.

Including*: - Minimum one year unlimited mileage warranty - Comprehensive multi-point vehicle check - Complimentary roadside assistance - History and mileage check - Key insurance - Complimentary 7-day motor insurance - MOT test failure cover

Over 600

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To enjoy a delicious coffee whilst our team help you find your perfect vehicle, contact us today on 01483 916291. *Terms and conditions apply.

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Moorfield Road, Guildford, GU1 1RU

01483 916292 SURREY BUSINESS

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www.sandown-group.co.uk

Jaguar E-Pace New Jaguar models seem to arrive in a flurry and the E-Pace is the latest such venture. A crossover that is set to rival the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA.

By Maarten Hoffmann

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he E-Pace sits atop the steel Evoque platform and is the first available with front-wheel drive since the ghastly X-Type. The confusion with the name is that it suggests electric but no, there is no such version available as the I-Pace takes that crown and damn good it is too as l mentioned in my recent review. FWD is available, of course, and why wouldn’t you?

If l listed all the models available in the range we would be here all day so let’s cover that by saying there are lots. Diesel and petrol models, from 148bhp to 296bhp and everything in between.

Mine is the P300, petrol with 296bhp that makes a decent fist of shifting its 1.9 tonne bulk and will deliver 60mph in around 6 seconds. It handles well with a great level of grip and when you aim it into that corner, you can have total faith that it will do what you tell it

and that’s no mean feat in a fairly high riding SUV – sorry, crossover. Even on huge 20 inch wheels, the car never feels unsettled or brash.

Inside, it is definitely F-Type territory and it will seduce you. It is superbly put together with decent seats and well paid out dash. The gear shifter is the pistol grip in place of the rotating gear knob but, personally, l don’t like it.

It’s too fiddly to get into the right gear without looking down and when l am parking or three-point turning, l don’t want to look down. My left hand is very used to doing this without having to look so surely a step backwards.

All occupants are well catered for with four 12v charging points and five USB

connections serving the front and rear and the car’s own 4G wi-fi hotspot will cater for up to 8 devices, and a 6-footer can sit behind a 6-footer – just.

There is a great feeling of space and this is not a large car so bravo, and there are seats and wheel adjustments galore so getting comfy for anyone, of any size, is a breeze. Setting up the tech is easy with the 12.3-inch InControl Touch Pro media centre.

Load space is good but not huge and beats the Q2 but fails against the BMW X1. But, this is a much prettier car than the BMW and a more engaged drive, l would venture.

The race to see how many gears manufacturers can get into a gear box

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BUSINESS SURVEY MOTORING DON’T DO IT, THE CAR DOESN’T LIKE IT AND DOES MUCH BETTER WITHOUT YOUR CLUMSY HUMAN INTERFERENCE

continues apace, with nine ratios here but you won’t notice as it is all pretty seamless unless you screw it up by trying to use the paddle shifts. Don’t – the car doesn’t like it and does much better without your clumsy human interference.

The best seller in the UK, allegedly, will be the D180 offering 178bhp and 55.4mpg and that matches what l feel is its nearest rival, the Volvo XC40.

The Volvo is a great car but l still think the E-Pace pips it to the post but then, that’s a very personal choice.

Jaguar have been going through a tor-

rid time of late but we might be seeing a glimpse on the horizon of a rebirth in the entire car industry and the E-Pace is a great fit for a resurging JLR. I spoke to head of Harwood’s Business, Mike Harris and the company have just had their best ever quarter.

TECH STUFF Model tested: 300PS HSE R-Dynamic Power: 296bhp

With cars like this, and the I-Pace, and the F-Pace SVR that is coming soon, l think the company is set for a glorious future if we silly humans stop worrying about what will power our cars in the future and just get on with buying cars that are available today, all will be well.

Speed: 0-60 5.9 seconds Top: 151mph Economy: 35.3 mpg combined Price from: £27,845 Price as tested: £47,330

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MERCEDES C-CLASS CONVERTIBLE Mercedes models just seem to get better and better and the new C-Class is no exception.

By Maarten Hoffmann

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he C-Class Merc has been with us since 1993 and replaced the 180, and was the smallest model in the range until the A-Class arrived in 1997. It is one of the very rare Merc models that l have never owned as l prefer land yacht Mercs, like my current S-Class – it doesn’t so much drive as waft around like a Rolls and as the C-Class never enjoyed that rep, l avoided it. Till now...

When it pulled into Platinum Towers, l was delighted to see the retro soft top and not a heavy hard fold away roof that we have become so used to. This is a posh 4-seater with an array of engines and trim options. It sits under the E-Class and above the SLC (formerly the SLK). The E is a great car, but larger and the SLC is a strict two-seater so there certainly is a place for the C. My review model is the C300 with a good amount of oomph under your right foot, with excellent space for 4 and a few design shenanigans to stop your coiffeur from being bent out of shape. First, we have the Aircap: a rail that extends from the top of the windscreen and a wind deflector that

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rises from the back of the rear seats, designed to minimize the wind in the cockpit. Then we have the Airscarf, that sensually blows hot air onto the back of your neck to keep you toasty.

I must say that my all-time favourite time to drive a convertible is late at night, top down and heater on in the depth of winter – nothing quite like it and this baby would certainly work as there is hot air coming out of every orifice. The brilliance here is that inside with the roof up, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is a hard top. So little noise penetrates the cabin that I feel might be witchcraft.

wheel (scuttle shake) and the blustering around your head. The second is fixed, as mentioned, and the first is just not there at all. This is one of the most solid, surefooted cabrio’s l have ever driven – and l have driven quite a few as you might imagine.

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST SOLID, SUREFOOTED CABRIO’S I HAVE EVER DRIVEN – AND I HAVE DRIVEN QUITE A FEW AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE

Power plants available start with the 1.5-litre petrol with 182bhp right up to the totally insane, and highly desirable, C63 AMG with a twin-turbo 503bhp V8 engine that sounds as if the world is coming to an end. But they didn’t send me that so upwards and onwards with my C300.

The traditional problem with rag tops is the shake through the steering

The boot is not a bad size but the entrance is poor and will force you to pack squidgy bags rather than hard cases but considering the roof has to go somewhere when you press the button, not too shabby. If you want more space, get your wallet out and step up to the E or S-Class – both have convertible variants and both are superb cars. The interior is sublime and any complaint would just be silly – MB have been class leaders at this sort of things for decades.

Engine wise, the C220 diesel will likely be the choice of many (who know nothing about cars) as the C200 pet-

BUSINESS SURVEY MOTORING

rol offers far better, and quieter, performance and if you really want an all-weather car, they also come with four-wheel drive.

The C-Class Cabriolet costs about the same as the BMW 4 Series Convertible but comes with a better level of standard equipment. This includes 18in alloy wheels, LED headlights, faux-leather seats, keyless entry, climate control, heated and part-electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, a wind deflector and the Airscarf system. The C63 adds four-wheel drive, adjustable suspension and even racier styling and an exhaust note that will weaken your efforts to save the polar bears.

The diesel models have some of the lowest CO2 emissions in the class – something that will appeal to business users l guess. They should prove economical, too.

Complaints – like regrets, l had a few!

Why oh why can l not turn off the blasted annoying stop/start system? I can in every single other car on the planet but here, l have to drive in Sport plus to get it off and then around town, l am jerked back and forth like a nodding dog on acid. I know l am probably alone here but l hate the slight hesitation in acceleration you get with this stop/start system. The only other niggle is the centre console facia that is fake, plastic wood! Errr, why?

The C-Class convertible is a tour de force in automobile design – smooth, sturdy, comfortable, beautiful and, with the right engine, exciting and dynamic to drive. What more do you want?

TECH STUFF Model tested: C300 AMG convertible Power: 258bhp Speed: 0-60 6.2 seconds Top: 155mph Economy: 37.7 mpg combined Price from: £39,109 Price from: £43,604

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To find a full list of our 2019 events visit www.surrey-chambers.co.uk/event-listing

June 26th

June 6th SURREY YOUNG PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING Event Location:

Event Time: 17:30 - 20:00 Event Theme: Networking PM Price: Member Rate: £15.00 +VAT Non Member Rate: £15.00 +VAT

Komo Bars Ltd Weymead House Mill Brook Guildford Surrey GU1 3YA

WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS – ANNUAL SUMMER BBQ Event Time: 17:30 - 21:00 Event Theme: Annual Events Price: Member Rate: £40.00 +VAT Non Member Rate: £50.00 +VAT

Event Location: Surya Hotels (Hogs Back Hotel) Hog’s Back Hotel & Spa Seale, Farnham Surrey GU101EX

Join Surrey Chambers of Commerce for a touch of informal networking at Komo, Guildford Back again with full force for 2019, is a slightly revamped series of our Surrey Young Professionals networking evenings. We’ve all been new to an industry before; new to a company, new to a social scene, new to networking. But it’s not always easy and doesn’t come naturally for many. And yet it’s something we all do on a daily basis. So we thought, why not change this as early on as possible? Our SYP networking evenings are therefore a little more informal, in a laid-back, less corporate setting.

Be greeted with an arrival drink, break the ice and create new conversations over a spot of cocktail-making, and find your networking ‘patter’ over drinks and nibbles at the relaxed but trendy Komo bar in Guildford.

June 12th

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT - AFTERNOON NETWORKING Event Time: 14:30 - 16:30 Event Theme: Networking PM Price: Member Rate: £10.00 +VAT Non Member Rate: £10.00 +VAT

Event Location: Waverley Abbey House Waverley Lane Farnham GU9 8EP

Come one, Come all! Join us for our Annual Summer BBQ as you have never seen before…

Gasp in the presence of magic & illusion, indulge in the sweet scent of candy floss and wonder in the realm of the weird and wonderful. For one night only, the Surrey Chambers Circus will be travelling through Farnham and stopping off at the Hogs Back Hotel.

Step right up and enjoy a night full of fun and antics all over a glorious BBQ. This event will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy a few drinks and some informal networking amongst colleagues, clients and fellow members. Feeling lucky? In support of Woking & Sam Beare Hospices we will have a range of activities and a raffle. For your opportunity to win some amazing prizes take a chance on a few of the attractions on the night… who knows what’s in store

Every other month, Surrey Chambers of Commerce joins forces with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce to bring members together for some light afternoon networking, all over a spot of tea and cake!

It may be that you’re looking to catch up with an existing supplier or perhaps you’re searching for an opportunity to grow your network and expand your business into the neighbouring county - these are the sort of networking sessions where these partnerships blossom! The flexible format also combines both general networking and some facilitated networking, to ensure you make the most of the afternoon and have the chance to speak with as many businesses as possible.

These are always incredibly popular events, so why not join us at the stunning Waverley Abbey House in a bid to raise your business profile and meet potential new clients! Plus. there’s cake. And that’s always a plus!

We look forward to seeing you there.

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2019 BUSINESS SURVEY

SURREY CHAMBERS

EVENTS DIARY

June 20th

ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL: HOW TO CULTIVATE A HAPPY WORKFORCE Event Time: 08:30 - 12:00 Event Theme: Topical Price: Member Rate: £25.00 +VAT Non Member Rate: £30.00 +VAT

Event Location:

HG Wells Conference & Events Centre Church Street East Woking GU21 6HR

We all can agree that Google’s culture is the most famous and arguably the best example of Company Culture in today’s society, from their TGIF (Thank-god its Friday) meetings, Metronaps allowing employees to improve mood & alertness, all the way to indoor slides & mini golf on the roof. But what even is company culture? Definition: “Company Culture encompasses values and behaviours that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of a business.”

Our mini conference will focus in on why this is such a critical topic now more than ever, do we feel there is a need for our culture to keep up with the ever-changing world we live in? Should it be something that is enforced or does it happen naturally? Are you doing it right in the first place, if we feel the need to talk about it?

Alongside our keynote speaker Alexandra Thompson, we will have the company of three amazing case studies from our very own businesses in Surrey. Each business has their own story, their own team and their own culture but what differentiates these three companies from the rest? They will be discussing how their regular practices keep their team happy, ensure a high staff retention rate and how the right company culture can drastically Improve income for your business.

July 10th

REDHILL & REIGATE BUSINESS FORUM WORKPLACE WELLBEING: HOW TO ATTRACT, RETAIN AND REWARD YOUR STAFF Event Time: 16:30 - 19:00 Event Theme: Networking PM Price: Member Rate: Free Non Member Rate: Free

Event Location:

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council Town Hall Castlefield Road Reigate RH2 0SH

Employee engagement, recruitment, motivating a workforce, retention... These are all words and phrases that employers find themselves analysing a lot more regularly than ever before, and more often than not changes are being made to the general running of a business to ensure that the above are all positively checked off.

It’s commonly recognised that so long as an employer looks after their employees, then the employees will make sure the customer is looked after - however it can sometimes be quite a minefield to ensure that you keep a widely positive and productive working environment, but that you’re also delivering a happy and healthy workplace on a personal level at the same time.

We know that it can be quite a struggle to keep up, or to know where changes could be made. So why not join us at our next Redhill & Reigate Business Forum, where you’ll hear from health, wellbeing and recruitment professionals talk through employee engagement, staff retention, mental health in the workplace, and benefit packages that could have drastic improvements if implemented.

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Be Safe With Us

Did you know that Chamber members have unlimited access to a range of essential business support services.

ChamberHR

ChamberHealth & Safety

ChamberLegal

ChamberTax

These services give you unlimited access to no less than five business advice lines and a website which features over 750 free downloadable template documents.

Believe it or not all these services are included in your membership fee – you will have nothing extra to pay!

These services offer members real protection and peace of mind. To ensure that you can have access to these valuable services all you need to do is join.

Don’t delay… join today!

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsor a CHAMBER EVENT Surrey Chambers of Commerce holds over 150 events a year spread across the county. We host regular breakfast meetings, industry specific forums and corporate dinners perfect for entertaining clients. These events are designed to give you the chance to enhance your business network, find new customers and local suppliers, and meet other dynamic business people.

S

ponsoring a Surrey Chambers event allows you to raise your profile and brand awareness within the county and showcase your expertise as a company. By sponsoring an event you can take advantage of the Surrey Chambers of Commerce subscription base and reach your target audience.

It’s the perfect opportunity to make new connections and be seen to be leading and influencing.

What can I sponsor?

With over 150 events a year there can be a lot to choose from, Surrey Chambers hosts a wide variety of events, and all of these can be sponsored:

struction and property industries.

• Business Women in Surrey Events- Business Women in Surrey is a specific stream of events designed to highlight and celebrate the achievements of business women in Surrey.

• F lagship - Our flagship events include an annual summer BBQ, President’s drinks receptions and annual Christmas lunch.

• Chamber Power Breakfasts - Our Power Breakfasts are a fantastic opportunity for businesses to connect in a friendly and relaxed environment.

If you choose to sponsor a Surrey Chambers event you will receive complimentary tickets to the event, your stand or pop up banners and promotional literature at the event with branding on badges and a delegate list alongside. Promotion before, during and after the event across all Surrey Chambers social media channels and press coverage in the Surrey Business Magazine.

If you are interested in sponsoring a Surrey Chambers of Commerce event, please contact: Emily.Stanton@surrey-chambers. co.uk or call 01483 735 540.

•

Hot Topics - We react to the latest news and trends affecting the business community and run a number of targeted events throughout the year.

They provide a great opportunity to get in front of senior decision makers but often come up at short notice. They tackle topics such as Brexit, Cyber Security, Pensions and much more.

• Property & Construction Forums – A series of events around issues affecting businesses working in the con-

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Surrey Chambers

GOLF 2019 SOCIETY Surrey Chambers of Commerce Golf Society (SCGS) has been running for 23 years and offers the opportunity to play some of Surrey’s finest courses and to entertain guests in a relaxed and mildly (!) competitive environment. By Tara Wavre

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s we move into the summer months, the Surrey Chambers Golf Society is flourishing. With all of our recent events sold out, I am writing this just after our very first Major at Burhill on the April 24th, for which the society hosted over 80 golfers. It was great to see each and every one of you and thank you so much to our sponsor for the day, YouBecome. Happily the usual Surrey Chambers luck prevailed and we didn’t have rain on the course, and despite the forecast we even managed a little bit of sunshine!

I’d like to congratulate the winning team, Team NGA, who won the day with 93 points and the first winners of our new claret jug, kindly donated by YouBecome. You can see them pictured below along with a few other snaps from the day, which are also available to look at on our Instagram page. We held a charity raffle for Oakleaf , and

raised over £600 for them, thank you to those who gave generously on the day and to those who donated raffle prizes.

It is lovely to be able to welcome so many old and new members with their guests to each of our monthly events, and our March fixture at West Hill was

no exception. The weather was once again gloriously sunny and the course was in fantastic condition. Thank you to our sponsors, Beard, and huge congratulations to our member’s winner Jon Da Costa from RSM, who won the day with 40 points. He is pictured below with Mike Turner, who presented him with the prizes.

We have some lovely fixtures coming up for the summer months, and I look forward to seeing many of you on the course to enjoy a wonderful day’s golf and networking. I was talking to a Pro recently who reminded me of the power of networking on the golf course.

It is a brilliant opportunity not just to network but to build new business relationships and cement existing ones.

The longevity of the relationships forged on the course can benefit your business for years to come.

Society days are also a great chance

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SURREY BUSINESS

GOLF 2019 SPONSORS

DIARY: June 11th

HEADLINE SPONSOR

ORDER OF MERIT SPONSOR

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Foxhills

REPREHENDERIT

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July 3rd

Worplesdon

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TELEPHONE ENTRY SYSTEMS

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GSM INTERCOMS

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August 22nd Hindhead

September 11th New Zealand

October 17th Camberley Heath

November 7th Swinley Forest

December 3rd Woking

to entertain clients or reward employees for all their hard work. We see a mix of all of these preferences at our society days, so come as an individual to meet new people or come as a group for a fantastic chance to bond, you are very welcome whatever you choose.

If you are a new or novice golfer and want a taste of what the SCGS is all about, we are running an event for you on the 11th June at Foxhills. The event is called Learn 2 Love and includes all equipment and a dedicated afternoon with one of Foxhills PGA professionals. This will be a fun and lively session where you can learn about golf in a relaxed environment. You’ll join the

“These golf society days are so enjoyable.

society for coffee before and for dinner and a prize giving afterward. Full details are available on our website but places are very limited so I encourage anyone interested to book on well in advance to avoid disappointment.

I look forward to seeing you at a society event soon!

For more information, please contact tara.wavre@surrey-chambers.co.uk

Great company, great courses, competitive golf all go to create a unique day’s pleasure that’s really special.

I for one love them” Mike Simons on SCGS

SURREY BUSINESS

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JOIN THE CHAMBER “Surrey Cham bers of Commerce is the county’s larg est independ ent, not-for- pro support organ fit business is businesses to ation that helps connect loca lly, nationally a nd globally in order to gain custom suppliers an ers, d knowledge.”

CAN YOUR BUSINESS AFFORD

NOT TO BE A MEMBER OF SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE? Sitting at the heart of the business community, Surrey Chambers of Commerce connects you to opportunities, skills, knowledge and valuable contacts. We can help you grow and develop, by promoting your business, introducing you to new customers, keeping you informed and representing you locally, regionally and nationally.

W

ith a membership representing businesses of all sizes across every sector of the economy, the Chamber works hard to ensure that the continued prosperity of Surrey takes into account the needs of business, as well as providing a range of high quality services to help businesses to grow and meet new potential customers, including making introductions into over 40 countries.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce is an integral part of the Surrey business support network and alongside its partners offers specialist advice, knowledge and information on a wide range of issues facing local businesses.

We can: Help you to find new customers – raise your profile, increase your brand awareness and generate new business by using our website, publications and database to communicate with thousands of business people.

Connect you to other businesses – we run

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over 100 events a year that give you the chance to enhance your business network, find new customers and meet like-minded and other successful business people.

Expand your network overseas – we provide friendly, professional advice and assistance and can help you obtain necessary export documentation. Our relationship with 28 accredited overseas British Chambers means we can introduce you to our global network of experts to make your journey much easier.

British Chambers of Commerce who talk directly to government, influencing policy and strategic decisions.

Support your local community – we are passionate about contributing to the wider community and encourage you to work with us. We support a variety of local initiatives, providing you with the chance to give something back, whilst raising your company profile.

Develop you and your workforce’s knowledge and skills – we run a range of training events throughout the year and can introduce you to a variety of training providers.

Save you money – we can provide you with a variety of discounts designed to save your company money. As well as national deals you will benefit from exclusive discounts offered by other Chamber members. You too can offer a special member to member deal.

Represent you – we believe it is important that you and your business are fairly represented locally, regionally, nationally and where appropriate, internationally on issues affecting business. We work closely with Surrey County Council, the eleven local borough councils, district and two Local Enterprise Partnerships, and we feedback and provide input to the

WANT TO KNOW MORE? If you would like any further information about joining Surrey Chambers of Commerce please contact us: Call: 01483 735540, Email: Sarah.Butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk Visit: www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

Gatwick Airport connects you directly to over 120 stations

BUSINESS SURVEY

You’d have to go a long way to beat that

We’re more than just an airport SURREY BUSINESS

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The new GLE SUV.

Representative Example

GLE 300 d 4MATIC AMG Line 5 Seater

Monthly Payments of 1

£599.00

From just £599* per month.

Customer Deposit

£9,999.00

On the Road Price

£55,710.00

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE offers both spacious practicality and beautifully elegant design. With options of a 5 seat or 7 seat vehicle, no matter your lifestyle there’s an SUV for you.

Additionally the innovative MBUX infotainment system offers a voice-activated control system and touchscreen.

Effortless over any terrain, the new GLE offers sophisticated suspension and an acceleration that is more powerful and efficient than ever. With 20” alloy wheels and an AMG Line package as standard, every drive in the new GLE is journey to remember.

Mercedes-Benz of Guildford Moorfield Road, Guildford, GU1 1RU

Retailer Deposit Contribution Optional Purchase Payment

2

£1,620.81 £23,975.00

Amount of Credit

£44,090.19

Duration of Agreement

48 months

Total Amount Payable 3 Purchase Activation Fee

£64,356.81 2

£10.00

Representative APR

6.4% APR

Fixed Interest Rate

6.23%

Excess Mileage excl. VAT

15p per mile

01483 916292 www.sandown-group.co.uk

1. Finance offer based on a Mercedes-Benz Agility agreement. Vehicle condition, excess mileage and other charges may be payable. 2. Payable if you exercise the option to purchase the car. 3. Includes optional purchase payment, purchase activation fee and retailer deposit contribution (where applicable). *Orders/credit approvals on selected GLE SUV models between 1 April and 30 June 2019, registered by 30 September 2019, excluding Mercedes-AMG models. Guarantees may be required. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Some combinations of features/options may not be available. Subject to availability. Over 18s only. Finance is subject to status and provided by Mercedes-Benz Finance, MK15 8BA. Sandown Group is a credit broker and not a lender. Sandown Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority SURREY BUSINESS in respect of regulated consumer credit activity. All New and Approved Used cars sold by any Sandown Mercedes-Benz Retailer is subject to a purchase fee of £129 inc VAT. Prices correct at time of going to press 05/19. Images for illustrative purposes.

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