Surrey Business Magazine - Issue 86

SURREY

BUSINESS THE OFFICIAL SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 86

VAIL WILLIAMS’ 30th ANNIVERSARY MDHUB

Members’ survey

TRAVEL

Private paradises Deputyship orders

DYNAMIC MAGAZINE Inside

Protecting divorce assets

MOTORING

Bentayga EWB

THE BIG STORY

XI JINPING THE MASTER STRATEGIST

We are Surrey's largest not-forprofit business support and networking, organisation We act as a catalyst by connecting you to opportunities, skills, knowledge and valuable contacts.

All of our services and products are directed by the business community for the business community.

As a member, there are many marketing opportunities available to you, designed to help you maximise your membership

DON'T JUST JOIN JOIN IN! www.surrey-chambers.co.uk 01483 735540 Please email our Head of Membership for further details sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk

ISSUE 86

CONT ENTS 36 BIG STORY

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36 Xi Jinping The paramount leader of China, having to deal with Donald Trump’s tariffs as well as his own internal financial turmoil

SURREY CHAMBERS

6 Surrey Chamber News A round up of Surrey Chambers of Commerce members’ news 8 Surrey Chamber Events What’s on for Surrey Chambers members 12 Learning Skills Improvement Plan LSIP moves to the next phase 15 Surrey Business School SBS launches social impact club

NEWS

22 National news A round up of important business stories from around the world

EVENTS

18 The Platinum Club Now in its 16th year, it remains the preeminent networking forum in Sussex.

This month, the Club decamped to Castle Fine Arts in Brighton

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20 Central South Business Awards Judging for the CSBA 2025 is underway 30 Surrey Business Awards The prestigious awards return for 2025, and entries are now being invited

BUSINESS

26 Gatwick Diamond Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Gatwick Diamond Business sign a Letter of Intent 28 Vail Williams Celebrating 30 years since first opening in Crawley 32 Lloyds Bank Business confidence falls in the South East.

44 MDHUB The results of MDHUB’s 2025 Members’ Survey

LEGAL 34 DMH Stallard Protection of assets on divorce through nuptial agreements 42 Mayo Wynne Baxter What should a business do if they receive a deputyship order for a client?

FINANCE 24 Kreston Reeves While the financial outlook for the UK is uncertain, KR reminds us that the UK is ‘open for business’.

TRAVEL 52 Private paradises Tess de Klerk looks at the most exclusive private islands and resorts

MOTORING 56 Bentley Bentayga EWB Maarten Hoffmann reviews Bentley’s best selling model - the Extended Wheel Base Bentayga

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48 Company Formations A snapshot of the data for new and dissolved companies in Hampshire in 2024.

51 Cleankill Make sure pests don’t spoil the return of summer

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

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. Surrey Business Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.

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MAKE IT SO, GENERATION NEXT We were delighted to be joined last month by two Members of Parliament and the Mayor of Guildford at the launch of Generation Next, supporting our future leaders (18-35 year-olds). It is a fresh, forward-thinking initiative designed to empower young professionals across Surrey by providing the skills, connections, and opportunities needed for career success.

We would encourage all employers to look at ❛❛ their teams and identify their Generation Next

We’re here to support growing within an industry or launching a business.

Through leadership development, mentorship, networking, skills workshops, and award opportunities, Generation Next is the hub for professional growth and advancement. Our exceptional Advisory Board is dedicated to supporting and guiding our members. Comprising young professionals who excel in their fields, our advisory board members are here to answer questions, provide expert guidance, and offer advice to help

We would encourage all employers to look at their teams and identify their Generation Next employees, so that they can come and build their own networks and gain new experiences.

employees, so that they can come and build their own networks and gain new experiences. ❜❜ less experienced people navigate their career journey or grow their business.

TECH SUMMIT

We are busy putting the final plans together for our Tech Summit, badged as AI in Surrey 2025. Partnering with key organisations, INV Group, FluidOne and Royal Holloway University of London, the event takes place on May 15th at

the university. With sessions ranging from ‘How AI is Radically Changing How We Do Business’ to ‘Protecting your Business in the AI Age’ as well as the chance to hear some speed pitches from local businesses, it promises to be a great event. With almost 100 delegates already booked, anyone interested should sign up NOW!

SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE

Another important segment of the population faces barriers preventing them from engaging with work or education.

There are nearly one million young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) in the UK, and Surrey is no exception to having a large cohort.

Our national network of Chambers has just published a report calling for ministers to: • Invest in support to help young people into work • Support SMEs to take on and train young people • Increase workplace health support for firms to address staff health problems early and keep people in jobs.

It highlights that the economic benefit of tackling the NEET challenge could

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WELCOME

add £69bn to UK output. The report calls for businesses to look for ways to open up employment opportunities to young people, as just 13% of firms currently have specific recruitment, training or retention plans for under-25s. SMEs, in particular, are missing out on the benefits of a targeted approach to youth employment. With such an overall low level of unemployment in Surrey, this cohort could be filling some of the vacancies we have.

I am delighted to say that a project is coming together in Surrey to look at how we can tackle this problem locally, which is being led by The High Sheriff of Surrey, Peter Cluff. Opportunities to get involved will be communicated soon but there is a very comprehensive report on Surrey’s situation that can be downloaded from the High Sheriffs website. https://www.highsheriffofsurrey.com/

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

AND WHILE YOU’RE HERE...

Platinum Media Group enjoys the largest circulation of any business magazines in the UK, reaching over 720,000 readers across the South East and this includes 468,000 online readers. If you can’t wait for the next issue then jump onto our social media platforms and join the conversation.

@platbusmag Platinum Media Group www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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NEWS

CHAMBERS NE WS WOKING THEATRES & CINEMA ANNOUNCE CHARITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR Woking Theatres & Cinema have Surplus to Supper as their official Charity Partner of the Year for 2025-2026.

Following a staff-wide vote, the partnership will see Surplus to Supper benefit from a year-long collaboration, including fundraising initiatives, awareness campaigns, and increased visibility across Woking’s premier entertainment venues: the New Victoria Theatre, the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, and Nova Cinema.

Surplus to Supper is a charity dedicated to reducing food waste and tackling food insecurity. The organisation works tirelessly to redistribute surplus food from suppliers and supermarkets to individuals, charities, and community

groups in need. Its impactful mission resonated strongly with the team at

The announcement also marks the conclusion of Woking Theatres & Cinema’s partnership with Woking & Sam Beare Hospice, which served as the 20242025 Charity Partner.

Over the past year, the collaboration provided significant exposure for the hospice, including a dedicated poster in the venue’s ticketing foyer, advertising in 17 theatre programmes, and a business breakfast connecting the charity to local organisations.

Woking Theatres & Cinema, particularly following their participation in the Royal Visit to the venue in November, where HRH Prince Edward witnessed their important work first-hand.

Most notably, the partnership raised over £41,000 through bucket collections during the Christmas pantomimes, which equates to over 153 hours of patient palliative care.

GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL LENDS STONE TO BACK TO PLACE OF O Guildford Cathedral has announced that the ‘Practice’ Jarrow Stone will be temporarily loaned to St Paul’s Church, Jarrow, reconnecting it with its historic origins.

In 1934, the people of Surrey contributed to a special fund set up by the then High Sheriff, Sir John Jarvis, to help alleviate deprivation in Jarrow. Known as the Surrey Fund, it raised nearly £40,000, which was used to create parks and sports grounds, decorate homes, and provide clothing and gifts to the people of Jarrow.

As a token of gratitude, Jarrow Council

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removed a stone from the monastery of the Venerable Bede and presented it to the people of Surrey. At Guildford Cathedral, it was inscribed with Jarrow’s coat of arms, and the date was 1934. It was installed into the walls of the Cathedral on the exterior of the Chapel of the Queen’s Royal Surrey Regiment. The Jarrow Stone is as a reminder of simple Christian principles—the joy of giving and the importance of sharing.

This special loan of the Practice stone has been arranged to coincide with the visit there of the Jarvis family on 16 April, reflecting the enduring link

NEWS

IT SECURITY V CYBERSECURITY: THE FOUNDATION V THE FRONTIER Securing IT infrastructure is crucial for modern businesses, but while IT security forms the foundation, cybersecurity fills the critical gaps.

IT security focuses on protecting hardware, software, and networks from internal and external threats. It ensures that only authorised users can access sensitive data and keeps systems operational.

This includes protecting devices like computers, phones, and tablets from malware, encrypting sensitive data to prevent unauthorised access, ensuring quick recovery from breaches or outages, and enforcing multi-factor authentication for user accounts. While these measures

secure internal systems, they don’t fully address the dynamic nature of cyber threats.

Cybersecurity complements IT security by addressing real-time

threats like hacking, ransomware, and phishing that bypass traditional defences. Cybersecurity focuses on proactive measures such as identifying emerging threats through threat intelligence, mitigating attack impacts with incident response strategies,

and detecting signs of compromise through continuous monitoring.

As technologies like AI evolve, both IT and cybersecurity are needed to manage new risks. Cybersecurity ensures secure AI adoption, while IT security protects data and enforces policies.

IT security provides the essential baseline for protection, while cybersecurity actively defends against advanced cyber threats.

A strong defence combines both, ensuring your systems are secure and resilient. At FluidOne, we offer comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions to help businesses thrive in the AI era.

MOORE SOUTH APPOINTS NEW GROUP MANAGING PARTNER

ORIGIN between Surrey and Jarrow, forged through philanthropy, history, and faith.

The Practice Jarrow Stone is a preparatory piece used by the Stonemasons Trollope and Colls for the actual Jarrow Stone, a significant artefact associated with the historic monastery at Bede’s church of St Paul’s. Our Dean’s Virger, Archive Team, and Cathedral guides identified the practice stone in Ursula’s Porch at Guildford Cathedral following research undertaken for local Jarrow historian Tom Tweddell.

Moore South Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers has announced the appointment of Danielle Griffin as Group Managing Partner, effective April 1st. Danielle succeeded Andrew Coldwell, a driving force behind the firm’s continued success.

Danielle’s journey with Moore began in September 2003 when she joined the Guildford office as a trainee.

After qualifying as an ACA in 2006, she progressed steadily through the firm, becoming a Partner in 2012. Most recently, she has served as Managing Partner of the Guildford office for the past four years.

With extensive experience supporting owner-managed businesses and notfor-profit organisations,

Danielle brings deep expertise across audit, accounting and tax. Her clientfocused approach and strategic insight have made her a trusted adviser both within the firm and externally.

On her new challenge Danielle noted, “It is a real privilege to have been given this opportunity and I am very much looking forward to building on the firm’s successes to date and guiding the firm through its next chapter. Our focus will continue to be to provide a quality service to our clients and help them thrive in an ever-changing world, with our team at the heart of what we do. I am grateful to Andrew Coldwell, my fellow partners and colleagues for their support.”

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SURRE Y CHAMBERS E VENT CALENDAR MAY 2025 ONWARDS...

BUSINESS BREAKFAST

AI IN SURREY 2025 | TECH SUMMIT

May 8th – 08:00-10:00 Brooklands Museum Trust, Brooklands Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0QN

May 15th Royal Holloway University, Shilling Building, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX

Starting at 8am, our Business Breakfasts are hosted by a member of the Chambers team at a different venue, so expect some gorgeous locations and simulating conversations at these events. Feel free to bring banners and literature to these events, and don’t forget your business cards!

We’re bringing you Surrey’s first Tech Summit in partnership with Fluid One, INV Group, and Royal Holloway University. Join us for insightful discussions on AI, cybersecurity, and an exclusive look at Royal Holloway’s ground-breaking Omnidrone Research and Innovation Centre. Expect high-profile keynote speakers, industry-leading insights, and valuable networking opportunities.

BUILD MOMENTUM: STRATEGIES TO BOOST SALES EFFECTIVELY

GUILDFORD BUSINESS BREAKFAST: “SPRING (TAX) CLEAN – TOPICAL TAX ISSUES FOR BUSINESS OWNERS”

May 22nd Surrey Chambers of Commerce, Dukes Court, Block E, Duke Street, Woking, GU21 5BH Join the transformative journey of the year-long Growth Workshops, designed to catapult your small business to new heights.

Each monthly workshop harnesses the power of AI to tackle critical business issues with speed and precision. From crafting a scalable business model to mastering digital marketing and optimising operational efficiency, our workshops provide the tools, insights, and strategies you need for dramatic business results.

May 22nd Group 1 Jaguar Land Rover, Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1DT Jaguar Land Rover have kindly agreed to host us in their wonderful showroom in Guildford for some speedy networking over breakfast. It will surely be a new discovery for you, don’t be the defender and (range) rover around the room for new connections!

MEMBERS’ NETWORKING EVENING

BUSINESS BREAKFAST

May 28th – 18:00-20:00 Doubletree by Hilton, Victoria Way, Woking, Surrey, GU21 8EW

June 4th – 08:00-10:00 Fetcham Park, Lower Road, Fetcham, Leatherhead, KT22 9HD

Join us for our Members Networking Evenings, a monthly gathering where Surrey’s business community comes together for an evening of connection, collaboration, and opportunity. Running from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, these relaxed and informal events are your chance to catch up on recent business highlights, strengthen existing relationships, and make valuable new connections.

Starting at 8am, our Business Breakfasts are hosted by a member of the Chambers team at a different venue, so expect some gorgeous locations and simulating conversations at these events. Feel free to bring banners and literature to these events, and don’t forget your business cards!

SUMMER BBQ SOIREE – WITH OPTIONAL GOLF OR SPA

BUSINESS LUNCH BITES – WAVERLEY

June 11th: 12pm-3pm Royal Automobile Club, Woodcote Park, Epsom, Surrey, KT18 7EW Join us for a delightful afternoon of networking, delicious food, and summer fun at our Summer BBQ Soirée, hosted at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club. There is REALLY something for everyone!

Network over a two-course BBQ buffet with tea and coffee, lawn games, F1 Simulator competitions and a showcase of the Club’s heritage fleet on the beautiful Cedar Lawn. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect, relax, and soak up the sunshine!

June 19th The Georgian House Hotel, 37-41 High Street, Haslemere, Surrey, GU27 2JY Looking to grow your network while enjoying a refreshing midday break? Welcome to Business Bites, the perfect setting to connect with like-minded professionals and uncover new opportunities. A chance to meet fellow business minds, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Whether you’re looking for potential clients, collaborators, or simply fresh perspectives, Business Bites is designed to help you expand your network without the pressure of a formal event.

SURREY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE INTERNATIONAL TRADE

SCAN TO BOOK 30/04

SCAN TO BOOK 21/05

TRAIN MORE, SAVE MORE: Book one attendee and receive 50% off each additional booking.

To book under this discount, please email Giorgia.Burgess@surrey-chambers.co.uk Discount applies to additional attendees from the same company only.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce

NEWS

is committed to providing the highest quality support and services to help your business trade successfully overseas.

Trade documentation

Events & training

Our team is on hand to issue you documents to ensure your goods reach their final destination, incl.

Certificates of Origin, EUR1s and certified invoices.

Join our events and training courses to gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the complexities of international trade.

The International Network

Translation

Connect with over 75 overseas Chambers across the globe and benefit from B2B connections, local business advice, and potential market opportunities.

Get speaking your customer’s language with our leading translation partners, no matter the document type, subject matter or language.

Foreign exchange

Did you know?

ChamberFX delivered by Moneycorp enables you to manage currency exposure and payment needs quickly and hassle-free.

Members of Surrey Chambers can save up to 50% off our trade documentation costs.

Contact our International Trade team export@surrey-chambers.co.uk 01483 735540

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BUSINESS

Powering skills for tomorrow: LSIP moves into next phase

Earlier this year, the Surrey and North Mid-Hampshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) received confirmation from the Department for Education (DfE) of continued funding until 2026, enabling the project to continue its work through to the new year. The announcement is an important milestone in the project’s objective of bridging the gap between business needs and the local skills landscape.

The extension of funding not only secures the project’s future but is a strong endorsement of the LSIP’s impact to date. Since the inception of the Local Skills Improvement Plan, the project has brought together employers, colleges, training providers and strategic partners to develop solutions to skills issues that are practical, sustainable, and forward-looking.

Previous work undertaken by the LSIP included Webinars and skills-related events, and with this renewed backing, the LSIP is now focusing even more sharply on collaboration. Over the next phase, the team will increase engagement with employers and education

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providers across the region. Through workshops, roundtables, and direct outreach, the LSIP will continue to ensure that the employer voice remains central to shaping local skills provision.

A key development in this next stage is forming sector-specific working groups. These groups will bring together businesses, training providers, and sector bodies to focus on priority industries including health and social care, construction, digital and IT, green skills, and engineering.

The LSIP has already held working groups for social care and manufacturing & engineering and is poised to hold more for other sectors. The LSIP aims to better identify sector-specific skills gaps and work collaboratively on tailored responses by creating a space for regular, focused dialogue.

Employers across Surrey and North Mid-Hampshire are encouraged to get involved. Whether through joining a sector working group, contributing insights through interviews or surveys, or working directly with providers on

curriculum design and work-based learning, there are many ways to make a meaningful contribution.

The LSIP team also continues working closely with Surrey & Hampshire Careers Hubs and other strategic partners to ensure a joined-up approach that supports lifelong learning and workforce development.

As the skills challenges faced by businesses evolve, the LSIP’s work becomes more important than ever.

With continued funding in place and a renewed focus on practical action, the programme is well-positioned to drive meaningful progress.

To get involved in any aspect of the skills landscape as an employer or provider, email lsip@surreychambers.co.uk

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minded individuals to share ces, and best practices.

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siness and leadership skills through workshops.

WWW.SURREY-CHA

NEW MEMBERS

Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies When 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 all-important connections.

1st Continent

Briars Group Ltd

07880 497 147

www.briarsgroup.com 01483 413 444

Collage Recruitment Ltd

Navigate Capital Management

www.collage-recruitment.com 07943 885 295

www.navigate-capital.co.uk 01483 330033

All new Chamber members are entitled to a one-off 50% discount for a company profile within this magazine.

Contact lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk for more details

If you are looking to join Surrey Chambers, then please do get in touch: sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540. We look forward to hearing from you! @surreychambersofcommerce @surreychambers @surreychambersofcommerce

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BUSINESS

Surrey Business School launches social impact club University of Surrey’s Centre for Social Innovation Management (CSIM) has recently combined forces with Surrey Business School’s MBA programme to launch a “Social Impact Club”. The club’s mission is to provide Surrey MBA students with wide-ranging opportunities to connect with industry practitioners making a social impact in their sectors.

Dr Yanfei Hu, Co-Director of CSIM and SBS faculty member teaching in the MBA program, has worked closely with Club Co-Presidents (student volunteers) Michael Alexander, Philip Aikinomioria and Omar Aljarbawi to launch the club. She commented, “This is a student-driven initiative and we are very thankful for the co-presidents to volunteer their time; Their efforts will expose their peers with state-of-the-art of industry initiatives that are impacting UK’s net-zero transitions and other grand challenges”.

Dr Stelvia Matos, founding Co-Director of CSIM, further suggests: “CSIM, as a leading research centre, is thrilled to

During her talk, she engaged in dynamic discussions with the attendees on how finance can act as a catalyst for addressing climate challenges. She encouraged students to think deeply about how finance practitioners can do their part to deliver a sustainable future to the world.

The club’s mission is to provide ❛❛ Surrey MBA students with wideranging opportunities to connect with industry practitioners. ❜❜ mobilise our networks and expertise to empower these future business leaders to make a difference in the world”.

The inaugural speaker session on Sustainable Finance was held on February 19th at SBS. It was delivered by MBA alumna Diana George, who brought over 25 years of international experience in business and finance, having held roles as a trader and research analyst with top-tier investment banks, asset managers, and hedge funds in New York and London. Diana is now pursuing a PhD at the University of Surrey in collaboration with Aviva Investors.

MBA students reported that the discussions added value beyond the classroom and they were glad to connect with industry experts and discuss burning social issues that are keeping them awake at night.

The event finished with enthusiasm as Diana awarded prizes to the winners of the debates regarding challenging

dilemmas faced by finance practitioners. Michael, one of the student Co-Presidents, sincerely thanked Diana, and he reflected, “We all left with lots to digest and think about… it is greatly appreciated”.

Mr. Deji Sotunde, Director of SBS MBA Programmes, endorsed the prominent themes the club is working on (such as sustainable finance and sustainable food systems transition). He commented, “The themes provide a platform for practicality discussions.

They also can translate into a potential consultancy project or a business plan for MBA students”. The club will pursue more sustainability/net-zero-related themes as the students’ interests expand.

Interested in learning more about our MBA programme? Contact Deji Sotunde at a.sotunde@surrey.ac.uk to explore your opportunities today!

15

Surrey Chambers of commerce SURREY CHAMBERS COMMERCE Surrey Chambers ofOF commerce EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

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Surrey C Chambers Golf Society SCGS 2025 Golf G lf Fixtures Fi t

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FINANCE EVENTS

Clive Gordon, (Gordon House Promotions) with Paula Seabourne (Minds Matter Now) and an artistic message from artiste Nic Joly

Gemma Wall (Galloways); Mary Kemp (Al Potential); Alison Addy (London Gatwick); Sandra McKinnon (Harvey John)

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Stewart Payne (Handelsbanken) with Des Henderson (Jensten Insurance)

★★★★★ SIMPLY THE MOST EFFICIENT AND ❛❛ FUN EVENT IN THE REGION. THE ONLY NETWORKING EVENT I EVER ATTEND ❜❜ MERCEDES-BENZ

Beth Warner and Adrian Alexander (both FRP Corporate Finance)

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FINANCE EVENTS ★★★★★ ALL BUSINESS IS BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS, AND PLATINUM GIVES YOU THE ❛❛ PLATFORM TO CREATE THE MEANINGFUL HUMAN CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER ❜❜ BAILEY & FRENCH

Jason Edge (The Betterment Agency) and Barry Carden (Galloways)

Jen Bayford (Growth Animals Marketing)

Simon Gregg (Fusion Business); Adrian Alexander (FRP Corporate Finance) and Kevin Boyd

Sandra McKinnon (Harvey John); Ian Trevett (Marketing Mix) and Lesley Alcock (Platinum Media Group)

Alison Jones and Jamie Servante (Kreston Reeves); Dr Carole Gilling-Smith (Agora Clinic)

Clare Moss (Hemisphere Freight)

We meet once per month, excluding August. If you would like to attend an event, please get in touch info@platinummediagroup.co.uk As annual membership is no longer required, we look forward to welcoming you to the most effective, enjoyable and lively networking group in the South

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Racheal Pigg (Archangels Architects) and Sarah Daly (Home Instead) Sarah Henderson (Purley Public Relations); Gina Hollands (Hollands Associates); Kevin Boyd; Jen Bayford (Growth Animals Marketing)

19

FINANCE

JUDGING UNDERWAY FOR THE CENTRAL SOUTH BUSINESS AWARDS 2025 Entries have now officially closed for the Central South Business Awards, and the judging phase is in full swing.

Held in association with Business South, the annual awards honour the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals across the region – those who have gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional results, inspire their peers and showcase best practice in their industries.

With a record number of

submissions received this year, the judging process is now underway. Sponsors and judges are currently reviewing hundreds of detailed entries, scoring against set criteria and conducting interviews. They will take part in a final judges’ meeting later this month to determine the shortlist.

Fiona Graves, Events Director at Platinum Media Group, commented: “The calibre of entries this year is truly outstanding. The region

continues to produce businesses and leaders who are not only innovative and resilient but also deeply committed to their communities and industries.

The judging panel has a tough job ahead and we’re excited to celebrate the very best of them at this year’s awards.”

This year’s finalists will be announced in next month’s issue of Platinum Business Magazine, with the highly anticipated awards ceremony taking place on July 2nd.

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NEWS COST OF INSURING COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SOARS

Small and medium-sized businesses across the UK say they are facing an insurance crisis. The cost of insuring commercial vehicles and fleets has soared by as much as 50% in the past 12 months.

Many firms report huge increases in the cost of keeping their vehicles on the road. The sharp rise in premiums is piling further financial strain on businesses already contending with higher fuel prices, labour shortages, and expensive vehicle repairs.

‘ACCEPT CASH’ Shops and services may have to be forced to accept cash in the future to help protect vulnerable people who rely on it, MPs have said. A Treasury Committee report into cash acceptance stopped short of recommending a change in the law, but said the government had to improve its monitoring of the issue.

“There may come a time in the future where it becomes necessary for HM Treasury to mandate cash acceptance if appropriate safeguards have not been implemented for those who need physical cash,” the report said.

DELIVEROO BOUGHT BY RIVAL The food delivery company Deliveroo has agreed a £2.9bn takeover by its US rival DoorDash that will result in a near-£66m payday for its staff.

The London-based delivery company, founded in 2013 by Will Shu and Greg Orlowski, received an offer worth 180p a share last month, and on Tuesday, its board recommended the deal to shareholders. Former and current Deliveroo staff own 36.5m shares in the business between them, which would mean a £65.7m payout if the deal goes ahead.

NATIONAL NEWS TARIFFS BLAMED FOR REDUCTION IN UK BUSINESS ACTIVITY Business activity across the UK has fallen for the first time in 18 months, as trade war fears batter the British economy.

The latest poll of purchasing managers at UK service sector companies found that business activity declined in April, ending a 17-month run of growth and pulling the wider private sector into contraction.

New order books at services companies shrank last month, driven by the fastest export decline since February 2021. Data provider S&P Global says that “survey respondents widely commented on risk aversion and delayed spending decisions among clients in response to rising global economic uncertainty.”

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HMRC UNDER FIRE FOR POOR SERVICE

HM Revenue and Customs has come under fire for taking more than four months to process tax refunds owed to some individuals and businesses, which accountants say used to take a maximum of a few weeks. The reported delays coincide with anger over a separate HMRC announcement

that it is shutting a free-to-use online filing service used by some small businesses. In recent months, HMRC has been criticised by MPs over issues ranging from long call-waiting times – they have increased to more than 23 minutes on average – to the growing complexity of the tax system.

❛❛Without knowledge, action is useless – and knowledge without action is futile. ❜❜ Abu Bakr ‘BANK OF MUM AND DAD’ STILL FINANCING MORTGAGES More than half of first-time buyers received financial help from their family to make house purchases last year, according to estimates by estate agency Savills. It said an average of £55,572 was given in loans and gifts by the so-called bank of mum and dad to buyers.

Young buyers faced relatively high mortgage rates in 2024 while also seeing the cost of renting increase.

The annual report by Savills suggests that 52% of first-time buyers received assistance from the bank of mum and dad last year, which could also include other family donors.

NEWS BUFFETT TO RETIRE AT 94 Warren Buffett has announced he will retire as Berkshire Hathaway’s chief executive at the year’s end. The veteran investor, known as the Oracle of Omaha, told his company’s annual meeting he would hand over the reins to Vice-

Chairman Greg Abel. “I think the time has arrived where Greg should become the company’s CEO at year end,” said Buffett, 94. Mr Buffett, who built Berkshire Hathaway from a failing textile maker into an investment juggernaut

worth $1.16tn (£870bn), is arguably the world’s most successful investor. After standing applause from the audience of around 40,000, he joked: “The enthusiasm shown by that response could be interpreted in two ways.”

RETAIL SALES ON THE UP

❛❛ People demand

freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use. ❜❜ Søren Kierkegaard

UK retail sales rose at the fastest pace for nearly four years in the first few months of the year, after warmer weather helped boost sales in March.

demand for clothing and DIY goods also improved. However, the ONS said food sales volumes fell, particularly at supermarkets.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), sales volumes were up 1.6% from the previous three months between January and March, the biggest quarterly rise since July 2021. March’s sunny weather provided a boost for garden centres, and

HISTORIC TRADE DEAL AGREED BETWEEN UK AND INDIA After three years of on-off negotiations, the UK and India have agreed a trade deal which will make it easier for UK firms to export whisky, cars and other products to India, and cut taxes on India’s clothing and footwear exports.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the benefits for UK businesses and consumers were “massive”.

Last year, trade between the UK and India totalled £41bn and was already forecast to grow, but the government said the deal would boost that trade by an additional £25.5bn a year by 2040.

IMF MAKES 2025 UK PREDICTIONS The Bank of England could cut interest rates three more times this year despite the UK grappling with higher-than-expected inflation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

The organisation predicted UK inflation would be the highest in the world’s advanced economies this year at 3.1%, largely due to higher bills, including for energy and water.

The fund also said the UK economy would grow less than previously predicted, up 1.1% in 2025 instead of 1.6%, because of the global fallout from US trade tariffs.

TAX HAVENS ACCUSED OF DRAGGING THEIR FEET UK offshore havens have missed a deadline to publish their plans to improve corporate transparency, as MPs criticised the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in particular.

approve laws allowing access to company ownership data to those with a “legitimate interest” by April 2025, with implementation to follow in June.

Jurisdictions including the BVI and Bermuda pledged last year to

However, four British overseas territories—the BVI, Bermuda,

Anguilla and Turks & Caicos—have failed to meet the deadline. Any further delay is likely to fuel lingering concerns that UK offshore centres, famed for their secrecy, are dragging their feet on the UK’s transparency push.

23

FINANCE

New research from Kreston Global has found that younger generations of Britons are more likely to view the UK as an attractive destination for foreign businesses, writes Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner, Kreston Reeves

AS THE ECONOMIC PICTURE CONTINUES TO LO

‘ The UK is open for b In fact, nearly three-quarters of 18-34-year-olds said that Britain was a very or somewhat attractive target for foreign business expansion, compared with just half of 45 to 54-year-olds and less than half of over 55s. Overall, 56% of survey respondents saw the UK as a good location for foreign businesses that are looking to expand abroad.

The research, conducted by market research firm OnePoll with 2,000 nationally representative respondents, aims to spotlight public attitudes in the UK about Britain as a destination to which foreign businesses could expand. The findings have been included in a new report exploring the UK’s competitiveness in attracting globally expanding SMEs, or ‘interpreneurs’. The report has been developed jointly by several Kreston Global UK member firms, including Kreston Reeves, Duncan & Toplis and James Cowper Kreston.

In terms of bureaucracy, the largest proportion of respondents (38%) said they felt that UK wasn’t any worse than other developed economies when it came to so-called ‘red tape’, and one in 10 actually believe that levels of bureaucracy were in fact lower than most other countries. However, a sizeable minority (30%) believed that there was more ‘red tape’ required.

More than a quarter of respondents (27%) believed that ensuring a stable and growing economy was the most important factor in making the UK an even more attractive destination for foreign businesses. The results indicated that this was somewhat more important than having a favourable tax environment (19%), strong trade links to the rest of the world (17%), or an appropriately skilled and available workforce (16%).

Nearly three❛❛ quarters of 18-34-year-

olds said that Britain was a very or somewhat attractive target for foreign business expansion ❜❜

As well as asking about the attractiveness of the UK as a business expansion destination, the survey also sought to assess comparative perceptions amongst the UK public of the levels of bureaucracy required to establish a business and what the UK should do to increase its attractiveness to foreign businesses looking to expand.

24

According to Kreston Global’s 2024 Interpreneur Report, the UK ranks alongside its Western European neighbours as a generally favourable destination on the international stage as a destination for business expansion. More specifically, some 52% of business leaders in 14 different countries who took part in the survey for that report agreed that the region was the most attractive.

Liza Robbins, Chief Executive at Kreston Global, said, “Like all countries, the UK wants to be seen as an attractive place to do business. In recent years, this has been made harder by a variety

FINANCE The positivity which we’ve spotlighted ❛❛when it comes to the attractiveness of the

UK as a destination for foreign businesses is a welcome development... ❜❜

OOK UNCERTAIN...

business’ of factors, but encouraging foreign investment has been high on the agenda for successive governments. In service of this effort, attempts have been made to make the UK more attractive by cut-

ting red tape or seeking to present it as a stable economy with a highly skilled workforce, not to mention a proactive approach when it comes to technology and innovation.

“Clearly, some optimism is on show here, particularly from the younger generations. This in itself is perhaps a curious result, considering previous research which indicated a less rosy outlook amongst younger Britons on things like UK politics and the economy. However, the positivity which we’ve spotlighted when it comes to the attractiveness of the UK as a destination for foreign businesses is a welcome development and should not be overlooked.

“To capitalise on this, the Government must stick to its agenda of making the UK as attractive to international business as possible. Now that the legislative and economic agenda of the current government has been set out, time will tell whether foreign business leaders will increasingly look to the UK as a viable option for their expansions.”

If you would like personalised advice on any of the topics covered in this article, please get in touch with Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner and Head of international: Call: +44 (0)33 0124 1399 Email: enquiries@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

25

BUSINESS

Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Gatwick Diamond Business sign Letter of Intent The Gatwick Diamond Initiative and Gatwick Diamond Business have signed a Letter of Intent to explore a potential merger that would enhance support for businesses across the region.

The agreement marks the first formal step towards forming a single organisation that would bring together the two groups’ economic development and business membership functions. A joint working period will now begin, with the intention of confirming a full merger in 2026.

Both organisations have stated their intention to begin a strategic collaboration in 2025. This phase will include consultations with members, stakeholders, and regional partners to assess how a unified body could more effectively serve the business community from South London to the South Coast.

The Letter of ❛❛ Intent reflects both

organisations’ response to the evolving economic landscape. ❜❜ Brett North, Chairman of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, said: “We’re laying the groundwork for something more joined-up – a way of working that makes life easier for businesses and brings more clarity and strength to the Gatwick Diamond’s voice. It’s about building something that meets the challenges ahead.”

The Gatwick Diamond Initiative currently focuses on attracting investment and driving long-term growth through partnerships with local authorities, educational institutions, and government agencies. Gatwick Diamond Business, meanwhile, has operated as a membership organisation for over 70 years, providing networking, support, and advocacy for businesses across the region.

26

Sally Brown and Brett North sign their Letter of Intent

The Letter of Intent reflects both organisations’ response to the evolving economic landscape and the demand for more streamlined, representative support for the area’s 45,000 businesses, including over 500 international firms across sectors such as aerospace, life sciences, and professional services.

Sally Brown, General Manager and Director at Gatwick Diamond Business,

said: “This gives us a real opportunity to build something broader and better connected – something that really reflects where our members are headed and what they need in a changing world.”

Further announcements about the timeline, governance, and stakeholder engagement process will be made later in 2025.

FINANCE

TM

27

BUSINESS

SHAPING CRAW Vail Williams celebrates 30 years in Gatw On May 26th 1995, Vail Williams opened its doors at 9 The Boulevard in Crawley for the first time as the Rt. Hon. Nicholas Soames MP cut the ceremonial ribbon. At the time, the property consultancy had eight other offices in Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

Their Crawley office was led by Peter Ross. The firm’s focus was on commercial property work across Sussex and along the M23 corridor, concentrating on Crawley / Gatwick, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Redhill and Reigate.

Suzanne, said: “We started with three people, and one of our first instructions after opening in Crawley in the 1990s was as joint letting agent for a Wilson Connolly development proposed for the Crawley High Street.

Rt. Hon. Nicholas Soames MP (second right) opening Vail Williams’ first office in Crawley 30 years ago.

Some 30 years and three new Regional Managing Partners later, Suzanne

Holloway, who became regional managing partner in 2024 following in the footsteps of Danny George and Peter Sudworth, takes a trip down memory lane.

Vail Williams’ Crawley team today, pictured outside Crawley Town Hall

Reflecting on Vail Williams’ role as part of the fabric of the local community,

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“The 45,800 sq ft Town Mead office development represented just the start of what would become a successful property practice, which has seen our team and service offering grow significantly ever since.”

Today, Vail Williams’ Crawley office at Peveril Court is home to around 20 people, with a wider VW family of 180 colleagues who provide a broad range of property advisory services to occupiers, landlords, investors and developers of commercial and residential property

BUSINESS

WLEY: wick’s new town

Vail Williams also provided ❛❛ planning, acquisition and development

advice to radiotherapy solutions specialist Elekta for its 110,000 sq ft flagship home at Manor Royal ❜❜

– from planning and building consultancy expertise, to business rates advice, commercial agency and more.

As a result, the firm has built strong relationships with a range of regional stakeholders, from local councils and major lenders to institutional investors, developers, landlords and occupiers, enabling them to play an instrumental role in shaping the future of Crawley and the wider Gatwick Diamond region.

Some of the firm’s more recent projects have included acquiring land and delivering major developments at Manor Royal, which supports the Manor Royal Business Improvement District, now home to over 700 businesses.

Vail Williams also assisted Surrey County Council in acquiring land and securing planning permission for two high-quality office buildings at Manor Royal, helping major occupiers and investors to come to Crawley, including one of the top aviation academies in the UK, Acron Aviation Academy, and the South East Coast Ambulance Service headquarters.

They also provided planning, acquisition and development advice to radiotherapy solutions specialist Elekta for its 110,000 sq ft flagship home at Manor Royal, following a 4-year design and build project.

Partner, Andrew Osborne, who has been with Vail Williams for 29 of its 30 years in Crawley and retires this year, added: “It has been a pleasure to be involved in the work we do here, and in

©Bond Bryan

“I think the breadth of our advisory services has proven to be a competitive advantage as we have grown, enabling us to become involved in many major development schemes over the past three decades,” Suzanne continues.

CGI of Crawley College’s Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT)

the surrounding region. Not only does it underpin the development of Crawley, but it also ensures we build on and develop skills for the future too.”

The latter is of great importance to Vail Williams and has seen them play a notable role in the delivery of educational facilities in the area. The company secured planning permission for new educational facilities for Chichester College Group’s STEM building and a brand new facility at Crawley College— the Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology (SSIoT), which is currently under construction.

Suzanne adds: “As we celebrate our 30th year here, we do so with an immense sense of pride in the role we have played in developing Crawley and promoting inward investment from businesses into the town, working in close partnership with the Manor Royal BID, the Crawley Town Deal Board, as well as local authorities including West Sussex & Surrey County Councils, and Crawley Horsham and Mid-Sussex at Borough and district level.

“But it’s not just about pride or our legacy in some of the major developments, buildings and occupiers here. Our firm is founded on relationships built on trust,

and our people have developed some incredible, collaborative relationships both with our clients and our wider professional advisory family, without whom we could not do what we do.”

As Vail Williams looks to the future, it does so with excitement and anticipation, particularly ahead of the decision on the northern runway at Gatwick Airport due in October, which will further shape the region.

Suzanne concludes: “We will be carefully monitoring the impact of this and other new developments for our clients.

In the meantime, we really feel that we are part of the fabric of Crawley, and I hope this will continue to be the case for many years to come. We look forward to making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead – both for us as a firm and for the area.”

Suzanne Holloway Regional Managing Partner (Gatwick) Vail Williams LLP T: 01293 612600 E: sholloway@vailwilliams.com www.vailwilliams.com

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31

BUSINESS

South East business confidence falls Business confidence in the South East fell 14 points during April to 36%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds.

Companies in the South East reported lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down 18 points at 48%. Taken together with firms’ optimism in the wider economy, which fell ten points to 25%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 36% (vs.

50% in March).

Looking ahead to the next six months, South East businesses identified their top target areas for growth as evolving their offering, for example by introducing new products or services (36%), investing in their team, for example through training (35%) and entering new markets (32%).

The Business Barometer, which surveys 1,200 businesses monthly and which has been running since 2002, provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

NATIONAL PICTURE

Overall, UK business confidence fell ten points in April to 39%. Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects dropped seven points to 50%, while their confidence in the wider economy fell 13 points to 28%.

The North East was the most confident UK nation or region in April (59%),

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followed by the West Midlands (53%) and the North West (52%).

SECTOR INSIGHTS

Confidence fell across the four broad sectors. Manufacturing confidence remained broadly unchanged from last month, falling by one point to 38%, while the construction sector saw the largest decrease in business confidence this month, declining 22 points to 26%.

Retail confidence also fell by 13 points down to 45% and the service industry fell seven points to 40%, both now at three-month lows.

Amanda Dorel, regional director for the South East at Lloyds, said: “While confidence has eased this month, it’s encouraging to see South East businesses continuing to set out plans for new growth – whether that’s by evolving their products and services, developing their teams, or exploring new markets. We’ll continue to support businesses as they put their ambitions into action.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: “With the announcement of global tariffs from the United States on 2nd April and the market volatility that followed, it is unsurprising that business confidence saw an impact this month.

IN SUMMARY • Business confidence in the South East fell 14 points to 36% in April • Firms’ optimism in their own trading prospects fell 18 points to 48%, while their optimism in the economy dipped ten points to 25% • Overall UK business confidence dropped ten points in April to 39%

“However, economic optimism remains higher than at the beginning of the year, showing businesses’ resilience in the face of recent challenges and overall confidence is still well above the longterm average of 29%, an average taken from over 20 years of analysis.”

www.lloydsbank.com

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LEGAL

By Rachel Osgood, Partner, Family, DMH Stallard LLP

Protection of assets on divorce On divorce, a couple’s assets – including business assets and inheritances - must be shared fairly. But is it possible to protect such assets from the sharing exercise? This will be particularly important to consider when the assets include, for example, a business or family farm.

the farm for generations or where a significant share in any other family business is being transferred. Such families may want any prospective sons or daughters-in-law to enter into a nuptial agreement to ringfence these assets

There are three ways in which to legitimately protect assets on divorce: • Pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement; • Trust and/or incorporation; • Keeping them separate from matrimonial assets.

NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS

Parents might want to encourage their adult children to enter into a nuptial agreement if they have made or intend to make significant financial dispositions to the children, particularly if such dispositions include business assets.

Parents should take independent advice before making the dispositions since there may be Inheritance Tax considerations. Still, they will also want to understand what they can do to protect their gifts or loans from falling into the hands of their son- or daughter-in-law in the event of a divorce.

This might be particularly relevant to farming families, who may have owned

Nuptial agreements are ❛❛ increasingly commonplace and are not just for the wealthy. ❜❜

34

from any claims on divorce.

Nuptial agreements are increasingly commonplace and are not just for the wealthy. The court will uphold such agreements so long as (1) they comply

LEGAL

with the necessary formalities and (2) they are fair. What is ‘fair’ will depend on the circumstances of the case at the time the divorce takes place. At the least, ‘fair’ means that the financial provision meets both parties’ needs.

‘Needs’, in this context, is infamously difficult to define because it will depend largely on the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, with each case being unique.

So long as the agreement complies with the formalities and is fair, it will be upheld. For this reason, nuptial agreements are a must if you want to ringfence assets and keep the family business safe in the event of a future divorce.

TRUSTS AND INCORPORATION

Once assets are placed into trust, they are no longer in direct ownership, and the court’s divorce powers are much more limited, particularly if the trust is held offshore.

Expert advice should be sought. Trusts can be complex and expensive to run. Furthermore, once the assets are transferred to the trustees, the owning spouse will have little or no control over them. The non-owning spouse may be prevented from claiming a share of them on divorce, but the owning spouse might not have them either.

property before the marriage, it might be possible to claim that such assets are non-matrimonial. Even if they have become matrimonialised over time, the presumption of equality does not apply.

Accordingly, if you keep your assets separate, including inherited assets, gifts or wealth you owned before the

Nuptial agreements are a must ❛❛ if you want to ringfence assets and

keep the family business safe in the event of a future divorce.

‘Incorporation’ refers to the transfer of assets into a company that might be held in trust. Again, the transfer may put the assets beyond the reach of the non-owning spouse but might also mean that the owning spouse doesn’t get them either.

Timing is important. If assets are transferred with the intention of defeating financial claims on divorce, then the court can set aside such transfers. The transferring spouse may also face a bill for the other party’s costs. If the transfer takes place shortly before (or after) separation, it might be easier to find an evidential link between the transfer and an intention to defeat the other party’s claims.

❜❜

marriage (including business assets), you may protect them from your spouse’s claims on divorce.

CONCLUSION

Each party must provide financial disclosure on divorce. While it might be tempting not to disclose particular assets, attempts to hide them will often end in failure and unwanted costs orders. Good advice should be sought.

The client can often be reassured about the relevance of certain assets.

Better still, advice should be sought prior to the marriage or gift and proper arrangements – such as a nuptial agreement - made to protect the assets.

Keep the situation under review and continue to make such arrangements as things change over time.

NON-MATRIMONIAL ASSETS

It is presumed that matrimonial assets will be shared equally between the parties. Non-matrimonial assets are not subject to that presumption. If, therefore, a party inherits assets during the marriage and keeps them separate until the divorce, such that they remain non-matrimonial, there is a good chance that on divorce, they will not be subject to the sharing presumption.

Similarly, if a party owned a business or

For further information on how you can protect your assets on divorce, please contact Rachel Osgood, Partner, Family, DMH Stallard LLP on +44(0) 1483 467427, or by email at rachel.osgood@dmhstallard.com

35

FINANCE BIG STORY

X 36

BIG FINANCE STORY

Xi Jinping has been the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), and thus the paramount leader of China, since 2012. Who doesn’t love a grand status and title?

(In Chinese naming convention, surnames come first. Here, Xi is the family name, Jinping is his given name.)

Since 2013, Xi has also served as the seventh president of China. As a member of the fifth generation of Chinese leadership, Xi is the first CCP general secretary born after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Alan Wares looks at an enigma: a leader who has been placed front and centre in an international trade war, and asks, What can China do?

CHINA’S PARAMOUNT LEADER

XI JINPING FACING DOWN THE TARIFFS

37

BIG STORY POLITICAL HISTORY

The son of Chinese communist veteran Xi Zhongxun, Xi was exiled to rural Yanchuan County, Shaanxi Province, as a teenager following his father’s purge during the Cultural Revolution.

He lived in a yaodong in the village of Liangjiahe, where he joined the CCP after several failed attempts and worked as the local party secretary. After studying chemical engineering at Tsinghua University as a worker-peasant-soldier student, Xi rose through the ranks politically in China’s coastal provinces.

Xi was governor of Fujian from 1999 to 2002, before becoming governor and party secretary of neighbouring Zhejiang from 2002 to 2007. Following the dismissal of the party secretary of Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, Xi was transferred to replace him for a brief period in 2007.

predecessors. Xi mentioned the aspirations of the average person, remarking, “Our people expect better education, more stable jobs, better income, more reliable social security, medical care of a higher standard, more comfortable living conditions, and a more beautiful environment.” Xi also vowed to tackle corruption at the highest levels, alluding that it would threaten the CCP’s survival; he was reticent about far-reaching economic reforms.

SOCIAL REFORMS

In November 2013, the Communist Party unveiled a far-reaching reform agenda that hinted at changes in both economic and social policies. Xi signalled that he was consolidating control of the massive internal security organisation that was formerly the domain of Zhou Yongkang. A new National Security Commission was formed with Xi at its helm, which commentators have said would help Xi consolidate control over national security affairs.

Xi has introduced, over the ❛❛ past 13 years, a comprehensive

He subsequently joined the Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) of the CCP the same year and was the first-ranking secretary of the Central Secretariat in October 2007. In 2008, he was designated as Hu Jintao’s presumed successor as paramount leader.

Upon his succession to paramount leader, in a marked departure from the common practice of Chinese leaders, Xi’s first speech as general secretary was plainly worded. It did not include any political slogans or mention his

range of national reforms, encompassing virtually every aspect of Chinese life.

And not all of them are appreciated. ❜❜ China had hitherto been a fairly insular, inward-looking state, not inclined to interfere in local disputes, except on its own doorstep. And if there’s anything China seems to want to do under a new leader, it’s bring in new reforms. Xi has introduced, over the past 13 years, a comprehensive range of national reforms, encompassing virtually every aspect of Chinese life, both at home and abroad.

And not all of them are appreciated.

They were said to be the most significant since Deng Xiaoping’s 1992 Southern Tour. The plenum also announced economic reforms and resolved to abolish the laogai system of “re-education through labour,” which was primarily seen as a blot on China’s human rights record.

Through a series of measures from 2016 through to 2021, China has replaced its child-limit policies to the point of now removing them.

LEGAL REFORMS

The party under Xi announced a raft of legal reforms at the Fourth Plenum held in the fall 2014. The party aimed to reform the legal system, which had been perceived as ineffective in delivering justice and was affected by corruption, local government interference, and a lack of constitutional oversight. It also called for greater transparency in legal

XI JINPING ON THE ROAD...

1

38

2

3

BIG STORY proceedings, increased involvement of ordinary citizens in the legislative process, and an overall professionalisation of the legal workforce.

its people have resulted in what HRW states is repression in China is “at its worst level since the Tiananmen Square massacre.”

FOREIGN POLICY

Since taking power, Xi has cracked down on grassroots activism, with hundreds being detained. He presided over the ‘709 crackdown’ on July 9th 2015, which saw more than 200 lawyers, legal assistants and human rights activists being detained.

The stance China has taken since Xi’s elevation to leader has been to take a harder line on security issues as well as foreign affairs, projecting a more nationalistic and assertive China on the world stage. His political programme calls for a China that is more united and confident in its value system and political structure. Foreign analysts and observers have frequently said that Xi’s main foreign policy objective is to restore China’s position on the global stage.

The reforms have, both internally and externally, enabled China to exert its influence on the international stage, particularly in its trade with Western partners. Xi has frequently alluded to a community with a shared future for mankind, which Chinese diplomats have said doesn’t imply an intention to change the international order, but which foreign observers say China wants a new order that puts it more at the centre.

HUMAN RIGHTS

According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Xi has “started a broad and sustained offensive on human rights” since he became leader in 2012. His policies of strengthening the Chinese state and

4

In short, his record on ❛❛ human rights is shocking ❜❜ .

The Chinese government has also brought in policies aimed at suppressing Christianity, and the rights of ethnic minorities, scaling back affirmative action in the country by 2019, and scrapping the wording in October 2021 that guaranteed the rights of minority children to be educated in their native language, replacing it with one that emphasised teaching the national language.

In short, his record on human rights is shocking.

ENVIRONMENT

For such an authoritarian, it’s perhaps a little surprising that Xi identifies environmental protection as one of China’s five major priorities for national progress. He has popularised a metaphor of “two mountains” to emphasise the importance of environmental protection. The concept is that a mountain made of gold or silver is valuable, but green mountains with clear waters are more valuable. The slogan’s meaning is that economic development priorities must also provide for economic protection.

In September 2020, Xi announced that China would “strengthen its 2030 climate target, peak emissions before 2030 and aim to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060.” If accomplished, this would lower the expected rise in global temperature by 0.2–0.3 °C – “the biggest single reduction ever estimated by the Climate Action Tracker.”

ECONOMY

For his part, Xi was initially seen as a market reformist, and a central committee under his leadership announced that market forces

Left to right: (1) Xi Jinping meets France President Emmanuel Macron, 2018; (2) with Giuseppe Conte, the then Italian Prime Minister, 2019; (3) stepping out with Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Prime Minister of Pakistan, 2015; (4) photocall with JeanClaude Juncker, Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, 2018; (5) Meeting with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, 2016; (6) Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland, 2017

5

6

39

BIG STORY

would begin to play a decisive role in allocating resources.

capita surpassed the world average in 2021, though growth has slowed from 7.9% in 2012 to 5.2% in 2023.

a faint chuckle. The US president and his 145% tariffs have not instilled fear in many Chinese traders.

TARIFFS AND TRADE

“Instead, they have inspired an army of online Chinese nationalists to create mocking memes in a series of viral videos and reels – some of which include an AI-generated President Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and tech mogul Elon Musk toiling on footwear and iPhone assembly lines.

In effect, this meant that the state would gradually reduce its involvement in the distribution of capital, and restructure state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to allow further competition, potentially by attracting foreign and private sector players in industries previously highly regulated.

It’s against this backdrop that US President Donald Trump has decided to pick a disastrous and wholly unnecessary trade war with… just about everyone, going against every piece of sage advice offered to him.

China’s economy has grown under Xi, doubling from $8.5 trillion (£6.3tn) in 2012 to $17.8 trillion (£13.3tn) in 2023, while China’s nominal GDP per

However, as Laura Bicker stated on the BBC, “If you say the name Donald Trump in the halls of wholesale markets and trade fairs in China, you’ll hear

“China is not behaving like a nation facing the prospect of economic pain and President Xi Jinping has made it clear that Beijing will not back down.

“For more than 70 years, China has always relied on self-reliance and hard work for development… it has never relied on anyone’s gifts and is unafraid of any unreasonable suppression,” he said this month.

His confidence may stem in part from the fact that China is far less dependent on exports to the US than it was 10 years ago. However, the truth is that Trump’s brinkmanship and tariff hikes are putting pressure on the existing vulnerabilities within China’s already struggling economy. With a housing crisis, increasing job insecurity and an ageing population, Chinese people are simply not spending as much as their government would like.”

Xi’s dreams of a rejuvenated China are being severely tested. Now, the question is whether Trump’s tariffs will dampen

These tariffs could not ❛❛ have come at a worse time

in the Chinese financial cycle, but they’re only part of the problem. At its root, China has vastly overbuilt its domestic housing. ❜❜ It didn’t take long for Chinese satirists to post images on social media

40

BIG STORY

Xi’s economic dreams, or can he turn the existing obstacles into opportunities? As much as Trump likes to boast about how his policies are adversely impacting China, it’s not the whole story.

These tariffs could not have come at a worse time in the Chinese financial cycle, but they’re only part of the problem.

At its root, China has vastly overbuilt its domestic housing. The most extreme estimate suggests that there are now enough vacant homes to accommodate three billion people, leading to a collapse in the housing market. From there, Chinese consumer confidence is falling fast.

President Xi is also attempting to utilise this crisis as a catalyst for further change and to explore new markets for China. In the short term, some Chinese exporters will be significantly impacted, but Chinese companies will take the initiative to adjust the destination of their exports to overcome the difficulties. Exporters are waiting and looking for new customers.

Donald Trump’s first term in office was a cue for China to look elsewhere for buyers. It has expanded its ties across South East Asia, Latin America and Africa – and infrastructure initiatives shored up ties with the so-called Glob-

US President Donald Trump – about to mansplain what he believes tariffs are

al South. China is reaping the rewards from that diversification. More than 145 countries do more trade with China than they do with the US, compared to only 30 countries doing that in 2001.

Xi’s reaction – like nearly every Western trading partner – is not to immediately slap on a vast array of retaliatory tariffs.

Whilst some opposition parties in the UK are calling for UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to do just that, he is following both the political and economic wisdom, alongside the EU trading bloc, Australia, Canada and others, and waiting to see how this plays out. This is a route China is also taking.

Trump is out in the cold on this one. His coercive tariff policy could present an opportunity for Chinese diplomacy. The irony is that he has brought together other trading partners to collectively look away from the US, all of whom are using this as an opportunity to explore different markets. That said, there are pockets of indifference – Australia is still on the receiving end of China’s tariffs, after the former sought to criticise the latter’s response to COVID.

FUTURE

Seen as an enigmatic leader by those outside of his immediate circle, Xi, soon to turn 72, was described in a 2011 Washington Post article by those who know him as “pragmatic, serious, cautious, hardworking, down-to-earth, and low-key.” He was described as a skilled problem solver and “seemingly uninterested in the trappings of high office.” The Chinese state media has also cast him as a fatherly figure and a man of the people, determined to stand up for Chinese interests.

He will need this pragmatism in the coming months as, thanks to Trump’s economic illiteracy, Xi appears to be the former’s fall guy, even if no-one else on the international stage is treating him this way.

Whatever way you look at it, Xi is playing the longer game; a game Trump doesn’t know how to play.

The UK press’ take on Trump’s tariffs and attitude towards China

41

LEGAL

By Eloise Smith Solicitor, Mayo Wynne Baxter

What should a business do if they receive a deputyship order for a client?

When appointed as deputy, one of the fi rst steps is to inform relevant businesses of your appointment, including Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs), accountants, banks, utility providers, lenders, care providers, and insurance companies.

When a business receives a deputyship order for one of its clients, it signals a legal shift in responsibility. The Court of Protection has appointed a deputy to manage the financial or personal affairs of an individual who lacks the mental capacity to make decisions independently.

As a business, knowing how to handle such a situation correctly is critical to ensuring compliance with legal requirements and maintaining the best interests of the client. This article

outlines the essential steps businesses should take when they receive a deputyship order for a client.

decide to verify the identity of the deputy, by requiring their identification documents.

VERIFYING THE DEPUTYSHIP ORDER

UNDERSTANDING THE SCOPE OF THE DEPUTY’S ROLE

The first step is to verify the deputyship order to confirm its authenticity. A deputyship order is issued by the Court of Protection and outlines the authority granted to the deputy, which can range from managing finances to making healthcare or welfare decisions.

Businesses must request a sealed or certified copy of the court order from the appointed deputy to ensure they have the legal right to make decisions on behalf of the client. It’s essential to review the order carefully for any restrictions or specific conditions set by the court. Some businesses may also

Businesses must request a sealed or certified ❛❛ copy of the court order from the appointed deputy

to ensure they have the legal right to make decisions on behalf of the client ❜❜

42

Once the deputyship order is verified, businesses should clearly understand the scope of the deputy’s authority. The order will indicate whether the deputy has been granted full or limited powers to manage the client’s affairs.

For financial matters, the deputy may be authorised to handle the client’s assets, including bank accounts, investments, and property.

In h e al th c are o r welfare cases, the

LEGAL

deputy may have the power to decide on medical treatments or care placements. Businesses should establish clear lines of communication with the deputy to ensure decisions align with the client’s best interests.

UPDATING CLIENT RECORDS

It is crucial that the business updates its records to reflect the appointment of the deputy. This ensures that all future actions taken on behalf of the client are properly documented and compliant with the deputyship order.

Businesses should record the deputy’s details, including their full name, address, contact information, and the specific responsibilities assigned to them by the court. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records helps avoid confusion or errors when interacting with the deputy.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE DEPUTY

Maintaining open and transparent communication with the appointed deputy is key. Since the deputy has legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the client, all correspondence and decisions must involve the deputy.

In healthcare settings, businesses like care homes or medical providers should consult the deputy before making deci-

Maintaining open and ❛❛ transparent communication with the appointed deputy is key. ❜❜

sio ns re garding th e client’s care, treatment, or accommodation. This ensures that all decisions are made in the client’s best interests and are consistent with their legal rights and preferences.

HANDLING TRANSACTIONS AND MANAGING FINANCES

If the deputyship involves managing the client’s financial affairs, businesses such as banks, financial institutions, or service providers must ensure that the deputy authorises any transactions made on the client’s behalf. This might include making payments, managing investments, or entering into new contracts.

It’s crucial to remember that the deputy must act within the parameters set by the Court of Protection. If any signifi cant financial decisions are required, businesses should ensure that the deputy has the appropriate authority and that the transaction is in the client’s best interests.

ENSURING TRANSPARENCY AND AVOIDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

In all dealings with the deputy, businesses must be mindful of potential conflicts of interest. The deputy is required by law to act in the best interests of the protected party without personal gain. Businesses should remain vigilant to ensure that decisions made by the deputy do not benefit the deputy at the client’s expense.

COOPERATING WITH OTHER PROFESSIONALS

If necessary, businesses should also collaborate with the deputy’s legal, financial, or care advisers. Working with other professionals ensures that the client’s interests are fully represented and that the deputy’s decisions align with all aspects of the client’s care and financial wellbeing.

REPORTING CONCERNS

The business should periodically check that the deputy’s actions remain in compliance with the C our t of Protection’s requirements. If there are any concerns that the deputy might be acting outside of their legal remit or engaging in a conflict of interest, the business should report these issues to the Court of Protection or the Office of the Public Guardian.

CONCLUSION

Receiving a deputyship order requires businesses to work with a client’s deputy in order to handle their affairs with care, responsibility, and legal compliance. Verifying the deputy’s authority, understanding the scope of their role, and maintaining transparent communication are essential to ensuring that the protected party’s interests are upheld. By adhering to legal guidelines, regularly reviewing the client’s needs, and managing finances with care, businesses can help safeguard the best interests of the individual.

Eloise Smith, Solicitor esmith@mayowynnebaxter.co.uk

43

BUSINESS

Members Survey 2025 At the start of 2025, MDHUB conducted an annual survey of its members. We use this annual survey to keep our finger on the pulse of our members’ needs each year to design and plan training and events

designed to help our members tackle the most pressing issues affecting their businesses. It also provides an excellent insight into the bigger picture for leaders in the South East and beyond. Following this feedback, we’re

excited to be running workshops on AI for business, leadership, sales and more in the following months. Kindly put together by our friends at Aviatrix, the MDHUB Members Survey is printed in full on the following pages.

What is your number one business challenge for the year ahead?

The number one business challenge is

1

Sales and a lack of growth because of a slow economy

What do you see as the top three challenges to your business in the next three years?

50%

Economic volatility / technological development 41%

Staffing and skills

45% 46%

Cashflow 23%

Competition Scaling 2023 2024

18% 17%

Legislation

18% 17% 9% 11%

Funding

9% 6%

Cross-border trading

2 44

Environment

34% 31%

AI

Supply chain problems

51%

3% 0%

14% 18%

36%

71%

BUSINESS What are you doing to manage these risks?

1. Focusing on building the sales pipeline 2. Tightly managing the cashflow 3. Reviewing business strategy 4. Including the use of AI to be competitive and efficient 5. Getting closer to customers

❛❛ ❛❛ 3

❛❛

With competition and AI we are doing as much as we can but it’s not enough. Larger competitors have more resources to continuously be further ahead than us. Staffing is a huge challenge. We are poaching senior skilled staff from other organisations as youngsters are just not working out any more but this is significantly increasing our overheads and putting more pressure on our business.”

Management meetings, strategising product development and managing advertising spend.”

We are constantly reviewing suitable markets and clients to ensure that we are working in the right sectors and for 'good' clients which should drive the profitability and therefore cashflow.”

How can MDHUB assist you in managing risks and overcoming any challenges you may be facing?

❛❛

Dedicated manufacturing groups to share thoughts, ideas and reduce the chances of dead-end ideas i.e. ‘Wisdom of crowds’.”

4

Pipeline needs to be fuller to compensate for slow conversion”

❛❛

❛❛ ❛❛

Help with initiating exit plans and assist with the education of individuals. Help with exit interviews if there are any.”

Increasing financial savvy - from managing money to knowing where to invest in order to drive sales.”

❛❛

More of the same! Any further intel and insight on things like GPSR would be incredibly helpful. Wildcards on topics to help with sales / strategic planning etc.”

❛❛

Support with engaging AI companies who are able to run wildcards and join cohorts which allows sharing of information.”

What do you think will be the most useful training and/or support we can offer you in the year ahead?

56%

5

Developing your sales strategy

50%

Developing your business strategy

41%

Management coaching

34%

34%

Innovating your current business model

Developing new markets

45

BUSINESS What kind of leaders and businesses do you think MDHUB is ideal for?

❛❛

MDHUB is suitable for all businesses but the owners / decision makers need to be receptive to change, challenge and innovation”

❛❛

T hose who are open to sharing experiences and insights, value peer support, and are committed to continuous personal and professional development.”

6 ❛❛

A ll business that are looking for growth or needing support around business challenges.”

❛❛

Ambitious leaders, businesses of all sizes in every industry.”

How has MDHUB helped you grow personally and as a business?

❛❛ 7

G etting to know the members and the leaders and sharing what is going on inside the business holds up a mirror and makes me look harder at what we do, how we do it and why we do it the way we do. Some of the more direct members will always challenge the status quo too.”

❛❛ ❛❛

MDHUB has provided the ideal environment to question myself (and others), my abilities and my goals, making me realise that I’m ‘not alone’ and to help me focus on the important stuff.”

T he workgroups have developed my ability to articulate and justify my initiatives.”

How would you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 in the following areas?

8

46

8

8

7.8

6.6

6.3

6.2

The talent, knowledge and skills within the business that will deliver great work to your customers and build loyalty

Your engagement in your business

A supportive wider environment in terms of family, friends and home to allow you focus

Confidence to scale your business

Clarity of mind on how you will scale the business

Have a business development plan to deliver marketing and drive sales

BUSINESS How do you describe the MDHUB to other people?

❛❛

It’s like a business family.

You feel safe and supported.

You’re not always happy to see everyone at every meet up, but you value their presence all the same! “

9

❛❛

A life support function for me and my business.”

❛❛

A hive mind community of realworld business knowledge, information sharing and a genuine caring backbone that helps you and your business grow to be the best version that you can be.”

What topics would you like to see us cover in our Wildcard workgroups?

1. Resilience 2. Leadership 3. Sales strategy 4. Staff wellbeing and mental health

10

5. Future trends and innovation

What do you value most about being an MDHUB member?

❛❛ ❛❛ ❛❛ ❛❛ 11

The quality of connection I make with facilitators and members. It’s nice to feel that you have friends in business!”

The support network and the business expertise and guidance available.”

It sounds clichéd but the deep and meaningful connections built on trust, knowledge and integrity.”

❛❛

The chance to connect with a bunch of awesome leaders who bring different experiences to the table. It’s great to be part of a supportive community where we can share ideas and lift each other up.”

❛❛

As the only person in my company it’s like having workmates/your own NEDs that you can confide in and seek advice or just reassurance from.”

Access to people who are not related to my business but understand the challenges. It is important they are all at different stages of their journey as business owners too.”

Please contact fiona@mdhub.co.uk if you would like to chat about the workgroups, coaching, leadership training or consultancy services that MDHUB offers.

If you would like more information about the survey or the results shown in this infographic please contact helen@mdhub.co.uk.

47

BUSINESS

COMPANY FORMATIONS

Platinum presents the latest in a series of company formation statistics covering the South East. We will be covering the whole region. This month, we look at company formations and dissolutions in Hampshire

HAMPSHIRE NEW BUSINESSES IN HAMPSHIRE

14,534

1.1%

more companies in Hampshire compared to 2023

Businesses formed in Hampshire during 2024

NEW INCORPORATIONS IN 2024 PER 1,000 PEOPLE NEW

In Hampshire

7.7

BOROUGHS

VS

12.5

COMPANIES FORMED

A

Basingstoke & Deane

1,135

B

East Hampshire

1,563

C

Eastleigh

1,016

D

Fareham

852

E

Gosport

344

F

Hart

605

G

Havant

1,049

H

New Forest

974

I

Portsmouth

2,006

J

Rushmoor

800

K

Southampton

2,283

L M

Test Valley Winchester

779 1,112

TYPE OF COMPANIES FORMED IN HAMPSHIRE Breakdown

97%

The counties in England where most companies are formed, and how East Sussex compares RANK

COUNTY

NO.COMPANIES FORMED

1st

London

2nd

West Midlands

280,423 41,700 40,892 23,972 19,024 14,534

3rd

Greater Manchester

4th

West Yorkshire

5th

Essex

7th

HAMPSHIRE

Other 2.8% (12 companies) Community Interest Company 24.4% (106 companies) Limited partnerships 2.1% (9 companies)

Company limited by guarantee 51.4% (223 companies)

3%

Other company types (434 companies)

Private limited companies (14,100 companies)

COMPANIES FORMED IN 2023 LEAGUE TABLE

48

National Average

PLC 0.1% (1 company)

Limited liability partnership (LLP) 19.4% (83 companies)

OTHER COMPANY TYPES Breakdown (434 companies)

BUSINESS TOTAL COMPANIES IN HAMPSHIRE

BY THE END OF 2024

14,534

VS

Business formed in Hampshire during 2024

TOTAL COMPANIES AT THE END OF 2024 PER 1,000 PEOPLE

12,968

Business dissolved in Hampshire during 2024 In Hampshire

National Average

67.9

VS

83.4

854 1,110

1,033 967

1,296 1,242

1,158 1,047

1,070 974

1,160 1,192

1,114 975

1,013 1,279

1,633 1,033

1,412 942

1,420 731

1,369 1,479

n Business formed in Hampshire during 2024 n Business dissolved in Hampshire during 2024

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Meaning there is a total of

125,564 businesses registered in Hampshire at the end of 2024

0.9%

more companies in Hampshire compared to 2023

THE LAST FIVE YEARS

How the total number of companies in Hampshire has changed over the last five years as new companies have been formed and some existing companies dissolved 130,000 126,128

TOTAL COMPANIES 2024 LEAGUE TABLE

121,311 120,000

The counties in England where most existing companies were based at the end of 2024 and how Hampshire compares to them

RANK

COUNTY

TOTAL COMPANIES

1st

London

2nd

Greater Manchester

1,560,328 251,769 234,944 157,321 157,235 127,564

3rd

West Midlands

4th

West Yorkshire

5th

Essex

7th

HAMPSHIRE

HAMPSHIRE AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES 2024 breakdown and comparison

2020

123,584

2021

127,564

124,249

2022

2022

2024

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 15,534 formed 14,512 formed 14,533 formed 15,385 formed 14,534 formed 9,709 dissolved 13,410 dissolved 12,517 dissolved 13,203 dissolved 12,968 dissolved

Overall growth compared to previous year

1.86% 0.54% 1.51% 1.10% vs 2020 vs 2021 vs 2022 vs 2023

Berkshire 80,348 total businesses 10,454 formed in 2024 8,209 dissolved in 2024

Surrey 110,047 total businesses 11,351 formed in 2024 9,830 dissolved in 2024

Wiltshire 42,535 total businesses 4,609 formed in 2024 4,357 dissolved in 2024

Dorset 63,675 total businesses 7,890 formed in 2024 7,119 dissolved in 2024

West Sussex 60,518 total businesses 6,467 formed in 2024 5,606 dissolved in 2024

Isle of Wight 6,739 total businesses 718 formed in 2024 537 dissolved in 2024

Hampshire 127,564 total businesses 14,534 formed in 2024 12,968 dissolved in 2024 Source: www.informdirect.co.uk

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Rockinghorse Children’s Charity Rockinghorse is the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton. We fund and deliver life-saving equipment, specialist projects and enhanced services for sick babies, children and young people throughout Sussex.

With your help we can continue to support more than 380,000 children each year.

There are lots of ways to get involved and help, just scan this code or visit www.rockinghorse.org.uk

Find out more about us here:

Registered charity no: 1018759

PEST CONTROL

By Paul Bates, Managing Director, Cleankill Pest Control

Make sure pests don’t spoil the return of summer Whether it’s at a pub, restaurant or other venue, or if your team is lucky to have outdoor space where they can munch their lunch, outdoor eating is music to the ears of wildlife and public health pests.

Scraps and crumbs dropped by humans make easy pickings, and food availability means pests are more likely to breed successfully, survive and become bolder.

Premises with outdoor seating areas need to be particularly vigilant, advises Paul Bates, Managing Director of Cleankill Pest Control.

“During the day, you’re more likely to spot or be bothered by pest birds, as rodents are quite shy. Pigeons and seagulls will be poised to grab leftover food if it’s not cleared away properly and will likely leave their germ-laden droppings in return. Bird mess is also unsightly and creates extra work for cleaning staff.

“At night, rodents can sneak about under tables unnoticed, so it’s vital that eating areas are kept as clean as possible at all times and food is quickly picked off the floor. If you have a restaurant, a screaming guest who has just had a rat run over their foot is not good for business.

“Also, with exterior doors being left open more than usual to allow easy access for waiting staff, pests will take the opportunity to sneak inside and establish themselves.”

As the weather warms, premises owners may also have to battle ants,

flies and wasps in addition to pest birds and rodents.

“With pest birds,” Paul explains, “it’s a case of reducing the number of places that are available to nest and roost before nesting starts. Making sure your building is ‘proofed’ against birds is essential. This could mean netting, or spikes of special gel – there is a range of measures depending on the building and circumstances. We can even bring in our team of falconers and their Harris hawks, which are highly effective. Now

is the time to check your netting and strengthen your defences before nesting begins.”

Paul adds: “The problem is that it takes much more time and effort to remove pests once they have taken a foothold, so it’s far better and more cost-effective to have a preventive contract in place. This will mean that any issues are spotted by our expert technicians as early as possible during regular checks.”

At home, take the time to check sheds and garages for the first sign of a wasp nest and carefully remove it before it gets bigger than a golf ball. S tanding water creates a bre eding ground for mosquitoes, so check for standing water around your property and empty out any containers. If you have a garage or shed that’s easily accessible for birds or rodents, remove anything that could attract them or offer a nesting place and block any openings.

For further information, go to www. cleankill.co.uk or call 0800 056 5477.

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FINANCE TRAVEL

P

p 52

FINANCE TRAVEL

Private

paradises

By Tess de Klerk As summer whispers its way across Europe, the time is ripe to sketch out your most luxurious getaway yet. Private jet travel is not just the preserve of tech billionaires and royals anymore - charter flights have become significantly more

accessible for those prioritising time, privacy, and comfort.

With this in mind, we sat down with Marton Modis, Vice President of Business Development at KlasJet, to ex-

plore some of the most exquisite destinations preferred by their clients. Think billionaire-owned islands, secluded and legendary family retreats. If you dream of high-end escapism, these destinations should top your list.

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TRAVEL

ISOLA SANTA CRISTINA, VENICE Isola Santa Cristina lies hidden in the Venetian lagoon, offering a rare blend of nature, seclusion, and understated grandeur. One of the largest islands in the lagoon, this former private retreat of the Swarovski family is now a highly exclusive, sustainability-focused estate.

Visitors arrive by private boat. The sole accommodation, Villa Ammiana, is a converted monastery with only eight suites, each featuring Art Deco interiors and panoramic terraces. The villa is available for only a handful of bookings per year, giving it the air of a secret retreat

known only to those in the know.The appeal lies in its exclusivity and mission: the island is largely self-sustaining, with orchards, vineyards, olive groves and organic gardens woven into the landscape.

It’s a sanctuary, ideal for intimate gatherings, and slow, intentional luxury.

The island features a single estate - a sleek Finca-style villa with five luxurious suites, a 136-square-metre pool, a private gym, and wellness amenities. A full roster of staff, including a chef and housekeeping team, is at guests’ disposal, ensuring seamless service. The island’s pri-

vate jetty, water sports equipment, and twin boats make it ideal for aquatic pursuits such as snorkelling, wakeboarding or leisurely yachting.

Just 900 metres from Ibiza proper, the island serves as a serene base for those who want access to the party, without living in the midst of it.

TAGOMAGO ISLAND, SPAIN Just off Ibiza’s northeast coast lies Tagomago, one of the Mediterranean’s most private and photogenic islands. A regular choice among KlasJet passengers looking to pair high-octane nightlife with absolute privacy, Tagomago offers the best of both worlds.

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TRAVEL

DOMES MIRAMARE, GREECE Originally built in the 1960s as the Onassis family’s summer haven, this resort in the Ionian Sea has retained its aristocratic charm while offering five-star contemporary comforts.

Just a 30-minute drive from Corfu International Airport, the adults-only

retreat is fringed by a 600-metre private beach, lined with ancient olive trees. The design balances sleek, modern architecture with nods to its glamorous past. Gourmet dining features prominently across three standout restaurants focused on neo-Greek cuisine, complemented

by sunset cocktails at one of four stylish bars.

Whether it’s a relaxing day poolside or an exhilarating ride aboard the resort’s private speedboat, Domes Miramare encapsulates refined Mediterranean leisure at its best.

NECKER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLES Although located far beyond European waters, Necker Island remains a popular pick for KlasJet’s ultra-highnet-worth European clients. Part of the British Overseas Territories, the island is a dazzling 30-hectare private paradise owned by Sir Richard Branson and reserved for only the most exclusive of escapes.

gourmet meals, drinks, water sports, private transfers, and a full staff to meet any request. Activities range from snorkelling and paddleboarding to wildlife encounters and beach soirées. The island even hosts the

annual Necker Cup Tennis Tournament and accompanying charity events. Committed to conservation, Necker is powered by renewables and home to endangered species preservation programmes, proving that sustainability and luxury need not be mutually exclusive.

Necker offers full-island hire and individual rooms within one of its Balinese-style villas.

Each stay includes

55

MOTORING

Bentley Bentayga

❛❛ All my concerns vanished when this handsome beast arrived on my drive. ❜❜

56

MOTORING

EWB

Bentley’s first SUV was launched in 2015. I was not a great fan of luxury car makers jumping into the SUV market.

This was solidified when Rolls-Royce launched the horrific Cullinan – one of the few cars on the market that you make absolutely sure you do not turn round to look at it after parking. So, I had serious concerns about Bentley’s announcement.

By Maarten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor All my concerns vanished when this handsome beast arrived on my drive.

Over and above the standard model, the Extended Wheel Base (EWB) model offers a further 180mm in length and fourwheel steering to make the 5.3-metre length manageable in town. I have to say that you really do not feel that bulk while driving. Regardless, the EWB is really not made for a driver but rather the owner, luxuriating in the rear with the new sumptuous aircraft specification.

Just like first-class airline seats, you find two beautiful seats in the rear that

recline whilst the leg area rises, picnic tables, footrests, auto climate sensing with temperature and humidity control and an advanced postural adjustment system, offering 22-way adjustability control. Plus, there are 12 electric motors in the seat that will massage you to heaven and back.

To ensure you don’t have to tire yourself, there is also a button to close each door. The quilting on the supple leather seats is sublime and, according to the Bentley blurb, there are 24 billion different trim options! It can be ordered with seven, five

57

MOTORING

or four seats, but be aware that the airline spec prevents the rear seats from folding flat, as I found out after half an hour pressing every button I could find trying to get them down. The driver is not forgotten, though, with the same heated and chilled massaging seats, air ionisers that emit negatively charged particles enhancing cabin air purity and a 1,780W sound system with 20 speakers. Along with a heated steering wheel, a high-res 10.9 infotainment screen compatible with Apple and Android systems, headlamps with 82 LED bulbs with three settings for town, country and motorway to ensure you don’t blind oncoming drivers.

It also has windscreen wipers with 22 jets in each arm spraying heated water.

And this is all set off with a view of the beautiful Brietling clock, sitting high on the dash. As a nod to the rich heritage of Bentley, the dash air vents are still operated with the pull/push silver knobs.

The driving position is good, and there is far more power under your right foot

58

Hammer the go pedal, and ❛❛ it fires off the lines like a car a quarter of its weight. ❜❜ than you will ever need (but lovely to have it). Still, you have to remember you are driving a high-riding SUV that weighs in at 5,524 lbs (2,514 kg), offset somewhat with the roll-control technology fitted and at no time do you feel in

danger in hard corners, which is a testament to the build quality of the car.

Hammer the go pedal, and it fires off the lines like a car a quarter of its weight.

It has genuine supercar performance

MOTORING

that comes as quite a shock to your unsuspecting passengers. Every gear is ready for you before you need it, and this is all performed calmly, quietly and in sublime comfort - a real throw-back to the days of unbridled luxury, before plastic and template styling took over the world’s cars. OK, we know that the car is based on the Audi Q7 platform and has the same engine as the Urus, but that is all hidden - what you can see is very special indeed.

The wonderful but dated W12 power plant has gone forever and been re-

placed with a highly capable 4.0-litre V8 engine with twin-scrolling turbo-chargers (as in the Lamborghini Urus), and remarkably, it will hurl the Bentayga to 62mph in 4.4 seconds with massive torque, 586lb ft from just 2,000 RPM. It feels like a car half its weight and is a joy to drive.

If I had circa £300,000 in loose ❛❛ change knocking about, it would be

the Bentayga every time ❜❜

Overall, the Bentayga is a remarkable feat of engineering and wafts you back to the days when such care to attention,

build quality, high-quality materials and all those neat ‘extras’ were what we were used to. As far as competitors go, it lines up with the RR Cullinan, Lamborghini Urus, Range Rover, Aston DBX and the Porsche Cayenne.

If I had circa £300,000 in loose change knocking about, it would be the Bentayga every time, which will be music to Bentley’s ears as the model represents 70% of all their sales.

TECH STUFF Model tested: Bentayga EWB Azure Engine: 4.0-litre, V8, 32 valve twin turbo Power: 542 bhp Speed: 0-60 4.4 seconds Top: 180 mph Economy: 21.7 mpg Price from: £220,000 As tested: £275,470

59

An all-electric future with the smart #1 and #3.

Illustration purposes only.

Now available to test drive at smart of Epsom.

Sometimes a trip is about the journey, sometimes the destination. Who you’re bringing, what you’re packing, where you’re headed: every day is different. So you need a car as flexible as you are.

With a maximum range of 273 miles for the #1 (WLTP)* and 283 miles for the #3 (WLTP)** and with a less-than-30-minute charging time^, you’ll always be quickly and confidently on your way back home, or off to your next adventure.

To book a test drive, please scan the QR code or contact the team at smart of Epsom on 0330 178 1801.

0330 178 1801

sandown-group.co.uk smart of Epsom

Weston Road, Epsom, KT17 1JG * Electricity consumption combined in kWh/100 miles | kWh/100 km: 29.3 | 18.2 (BRABUS), 27 | 16.8 (Premium), 28 | 17.4 (Pro+), 29.3 | 18.1 (Pro),29.1 (WLTP); Combined CO2 emissions in g/miles | g/km: 0; Electric range (WLTP) in miles | km: 248 | 400 (BRABUS), 273 | 440 (Premium), 260 | 420 (Pro+), 193 | 310 (Pro). **Electricity consumption combined in kWh/100 miles | kWh/100 km: 28.3 | 17.6 (BRABUS/ Pulse), 26.2 | 16.3 (Premium/Edition), 27 | 16.8 (Pro+), 27,7| 17,2 (Pro) (WLTP); Combined CO2 emissions in g/miles | g/km: 0; Electric range (WLTP) in miles | km: 258 | 415 (BRABUS/ Pulse), 283 | 455 (Premium / Edition), 270 | 435 (Pro+), 202 | 325 (Pro) ^ The charging time of the battery may vary depending on various conditions such as different ambient and battery temperatures, available power and other restrictions (e.g. local legal regulations, technical standards, unbalanced load limits), as well as the use of the remote control function (e.g. remote controlled air conditioning, preheating of the vehicle, etc.). With a 3-phase power supply, you can charge at up to 22 kW and go from 10% to 80% SOC (State of Charge) in just 3 hours under optimal conditions (except with the for smart #1 Pure, Pro und smart #3 Pro, which is are only available with 7.4 kW a single-phase onboard charger that technically allows for a maximum charging power of 7.4 kW and requires 5.5 hours to do so). With a DC fast charging station, you can even charge at up to 150 kW (smart #1 Pure, Pro und smart #3 Pro: 130 kW) and go from 10% to 80% SOC in 30 minutes under optimal conditions.

THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN

ISSUE #48

Uncovering the DES scandal BIG STORY

METTE FREDERIKSEN

Learn to celebrate yourself

Keeping Trump out of Greenland

Framing business issues with a new perspective

TRAVEL

Awaken other senses when overseas

COURT RULING The definition of ‘sex’

DYNAMIC AWARDS 2025 ALL THE WINNERS!

CONTENTS 22

BIG STORY

Mette Frederiksen The youngest Danish Prime Minister in the 176-year history of the Folketing has to put up with Donald Trump’s unwanted territorial advances. Dynamic analyses her response...

ISSUE 48

49% The percentage of Chief Finance Officer’s roles being held by women in the US

❛❛

The most successful entrepreneurs I know are optimistic.

It’s part of the job description.”

Caterina Fake, Founder, Flickr

News

4 Upfront: The top international news stories involving women in business 10 In the Right Direction: Good news stories from around the world

Finance

6 Kreston Reeves Framing business issues with a new perspective

Features

8 The Alex Bailey Column Finding your voice and overcome your anxieties 12 The City Girl Column Celebrate yourself. Dismiss the negatives and appreciate your positives, says Pippa Moyle 30 Britain’s silent scandal Dynamic looks at the DES pregnancy drug linked to generational cancer

PLATINUM MEDIA GROUP

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32 Spotlight Focusing on two women who should be acknowledged more than they currently are

Business

28 Help To Grow The 12-week business course returns to Brighton and Crawley this year – and Dynamic is here to help with the cost of enrolment 34 Supreme Court ruling Dynamic looks at the implications to employers after the UK Supreme Court ruling on the definition of ‘sex’ 36 VAT on private schools Azets considers the potential issues around VAT exemption no longer applying to fee-paying schools

14

Wellbeing

38 Bisphenol A Jasmin Jetchev explores the issues around plastic – specifically Bisphenol A – packaging

Art Scene

40 Kellie Miller discusses her own work and legacy

Travel

42 Find inspiration through the Rabbit Hole

Fine Dining

46 The Teller’s Arms, Farnham – a former bank-turned-pub-andrestaurant

What’s On

48 A brief snapshot of art and culture across Sussex and Surrey

Dynamic Awards 2025

All the winners and highlights at the fourth Dynamic Awards, which took place in Brighton in May

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. Dynamic Magazine is owned and published by Platinum Media Group Limited.

EDITOR’S NOTE Congratulations to all our winners and finalists of the Dynamic Awards! Once again, we all had a fantastic evening at The Grand Brighton, celebrating the achievements of women across the board. All of our talented entrants work passionately and tirelessly towards their goals. The judges had extraordinarily difficult decisions to make this year.

Pippa Moyle, Alex Bailey and Liz Beck - thank you for your inspiring speeches that left us with plenty of food for thought.

In this month’s Dynamic, our Big Story looks beyond our borders to Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen. She, of course, is traversing the tricky diplomatic terrain of keeping Greenland while rejecting Trump’s unwanted advances.

Alison Jones of Kreston Reeves reminds business owners that, despite the global issues that can’t be controlled, reframing issues within the business may bring peace of mind and opportunity.

On a different note, we explore the heartbreaking DES scandal as well as the effect of the recently introduced VAT on private schools.

Our regular sections bring you remarkable women in Spotlight, ideas to ponder in travel, wisdom in Wellbeing and so much more.

We hope that you enjoy this month’s Dynamic Magazine.

Editor, Dynamic Magazine tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk

CONTACTS

PUBLISHER: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinummediagroup.co.uk EDITOR: Tess de Klerk tess@platinummediagroup.co.uk MOTORING EDITOR: Fiona Shafer fionaas@platinummediagroup.co.uk COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR: Lesley Alcock lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk EVENTS DIRECTOR: Fiona Graves fiona@platinummediagroup.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN / SUB EDITOR: Alan Wares alan@platinummediagroup.co.uk

WWW.PLATINUMMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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NE WS

FEMALE FOUNDERS SUMMIT One of this year’s keynote speakers at the Female Founders Summit 2025 says she is honoured to be asked.

Caroline Strawson, who had her home repossessed and was in £70,000 worth of debt from financial abuse more than a decade ago.

She was left with nothing while juggling being a mother.

Now, after healing and learning from her experiences, she is an award-winning trauma therapist, coach, entrepreneur, author and podcaster with a rapidly growing social media presence. The summit takes place from June 12th-14th in Northampton.

ENCOURAGING MORE WOMEN ON TO THE RAILWAYS Women in Rail has launched its new blueprint for change, designed to support a more inclusive, supportive, and progressive UK rail industry, based on four strategic pillars, which will run from 2025 to 2027.

Chair of Women in Rail Marie Daly said the plan, published as the UK rail sector celebrated its 200th anniversary and embarked on systemic reform,

offered the chance to embed profound and lasting change across the UK rail sector.

Women in Rail stated that the business plan was a clear, action-led framework that outlined how the body would work with the industry over the next two years to promote greater balance, representation, and opportunities across all levels of the industry.

SCOTTISH FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS GET ACCESS TO EXPERTISE Scottish female entrepreneurs are to get direct access to the UK Government’s global trade expertise as Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill urges women business leaders to join the first all-female Brand Scotland trade

mission. At a roundtable discussion in Edinburgh hosted by the Scotland Office, McNeill brought together female business leaders from across Scotland to identify and tackle the export challenges women routinely face when

growing their business in the worldwide market.“It’s crucial that I hear from Scottish businesswomen about the barriers they face, find out what we can do to help,” said Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill.

UPFRONT THE LATEST BULLETINS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

PROBATE GENEALOGY FIRM WINS AWARDS

❛❛

When I was growing up, I always wanted to be someone. Now I realise I should have been more specific.”

Lily Tomlin

A Sutton businesswoman has won two national awards for her services to ‘heir hunting.’

Simonne Llewellyn, CEO of Finders International, was recognised at the 2025 Probate Industry Awards in

WOW FESTIVAL SPRING EVENT The power of authenticity is the theme of a festival designed to celebrate and empower women in business.

WOW (Women of Worth) Festival Spring Event will take place over two Saturdays on May 24th and 31st at The Derby - St Pancras Meetings & Events, London.

Called I’m Authentic - Sprint into Action, the event will take women on a

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London. The awards were presented by broadcaster Steph McGovern. Finders International, the UK’s largest probate genealogy firm, was awarded UK Probate Research Firm of the Year. The team also won in the category of Story of the Year.

journey of introspection, reflection and connection - helping them understand themselves better so they can express who they really are.

Over the two days, there will be powerful talks by trailblazing thought leaders, expert-led workshops and opportunities to connect with likeminded entrepreneurs.

❛❛

LSE BOSS WINS AWARD The Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange has won a prestigious business award.

Dame Julia Hoggett has been named this year’s winner of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. She was recognised for her leadership and impact as a woman

in financial services for her role at the London Stock Exchange, the largest European exchange, and for her leadership of the UK’s Capital Markets Industry Taskforce.

Judges also commended her for her role in championing diversity and inclusion throughout her career.

PARLIAMENTARY VOTE ON DECRIMINALISING ABORTION MPs are set to vote this summer on whether abortion should be decriminalised in England and Wales. Two Labour backbenchers are putting forward proposals to change the current law around abortion, which would remove the threat of women being prosecuted for ending their pregnancies.

The Abortion Act 1967 allows women to end their pregnancies but only in specific circumstances - under medical supervision up to 24 weeks, or beyond in certain circumstances, such as if the mother’s life is at risk.

Campaigners have been calling for legislation in England and Wales to align with that in Northern Ireland and other countries.

NETWORKING LUNCHES IN BRIGHTON ”They say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure, but we think that’s hogwash. This is a great opportunity to develop your business, make new contacts and have fun at the same time,” claims the female-only Networking In Brighton.

The forum meets on the third Wednesday of every month at The Pearly Cow at 123 Kings Road, Brighton – next door to the No.124 hotel, which was recently reviewed in Dynamic.

There is an annual joining fee, plus an attendance fee, though space are limited depending on your working sector. https://networkinginbrighton.co.uk/

Adults are always asking children what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas.”

Paul Poundstone

WORLD’S RICHEST WOMEN Ever wondered who the wealthiest women in the world are? The wealthiest women in the world dominate various industries, including entertainment, cosmetics, and food. The majority of the five wealthiest women are from the United States, according to Forbes’ 2025 List. The World Billionaire List shows that 406 out of 3,028 billionaires (13.3%) are women.

The richest women in the world are.

Name Worth 1. Alice Walton $115 bn 2. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers $90.7bn 3. Julia Koch $72.3bn 4. Jacqueline Mars $45.5bn 5. Abigail Johnson $36.8 bn

Source Walmart L’Oréal Koch Industries Mars Fidelity Investments

ENGLAND’S FIRST WOMEN’S SIKH RUGBY STAR WANTS TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS The first Sikh woman to represent England at rugby says she wants to break down the cultural barriers that may prevent others accessing the game.

Manjinder Nagra, from Hove started playing at Bath University in the 1990s where she was then selected to play for England Students.

Ultimately, Manjinder’s dream of a senior England callup ended and she pursued a career in law, becoming a senior solicitor, but she continued to be involved in the game and, 10 years ago, set up Hove Girls Rugby.

Brighton & Hove is one of the eight host cities for this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

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5

FINANCE

By Alison Jones, Partner, Kreston Reeves

FRAMING BUSINESS ISSUES WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE

A

t the time of writing this article, there is much talk of global trade tariffs. For many UK import/ export businesses, this is a worrying time. These worldwide influences are unlikely to disappear soon and must be of significant concern for many business leaders. Combine this with changes which came into effect from April 6th 2025, increasing the cost of employing staff and further changes announced for April 6th 2026, which reduce Business Property Relief to £1m, the plans many have for creating growth as well as passing on wealth to future generations are being significantly impacted.

There will be plenty of business owners out there who feel they have a lot of weight on their shoulders, and in reality, there is nothing they alone can do to overcome these issues.

They can, however, talk about them, and having good advisors can really help to share the burden. The old saying that a problem shared is a problem halved has never rung so true.

“Framing an issue in a different way helps those close to the business see other potential routes to overcoming challenges” Much of my time is spent talking to clients about the issues affecting their business, and many have said they really value the opportunity to talk to someone with an outside perspective. Often, framing an issue in a different way helps those close to the business see other potential routes to overcoming challenges. It tends not to be these huge global and domestic, headline-grabbing issues which are the most troubling once the conversation gets going.

In our advisory role, we help business owners tackle the real day-to-day issues in their business which they do have control over. Often, when a business goes through a rapid growth phase, the business owner can feel out of control, 6

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and being able to voice their thoughts and concerns can really help them focus on the key issues.

I recently advised a rapidly growing client who was trying to establish whether fraud was taking place within their business and what extra system controls could be put in place to prevent it.

We undertook a review of internal controls and found there were some obvious areas where duties relating to finances should be segregated. We recommended new controls

around access to bank accounts, sales and purchases, stock control and wages, and following our advice, these were implemented. We also looked at issues around the management of stock and simple measures such as having doors locked to warehousing and storage areas, which can prevent opportunistic and planned theft.

For another client, we recently carried out a systems review as this successful business had grown quickly and was generating significant material ‘waste’ that they didn’t know what to do with. We looked at what processes were generating the waste and went through it with them and identified areas where some of it could be re-used back into the production line, and the rest of it sold, reducing waste costs and providing a useful new revenue stream. It wasn’t really a waste, but they just needed better systems and processes in place to establish if it had value to the business.

“No business owner wants to be so tied to the day-to-day minutia of the business that they can’t free their time and their minds to focus on some of the bigger issues”

Six months on, this tightening up of controls had given the business owner much greater confidence and made a big difference in lifting these concerns from them.

A systems review is also useful before meeting audit thresholds to help prepare the business for this legal requirement or to help prepare the business for sale. As part of this review process, we provide a summary of their systems, which can be used as the basis of a handbook about the business as well as recommendations for improvements. Both the business owners and their team find it a very useful document, as it is easy to lose control as the business grows quickly. As it is written from the outside, it gives a different perspective to the business, and one that is often missing from the internal team.

The review document is a starting point for business owners to delegate more in the future if everything follows a system and has a procedure in place. No business owner wants to be so tied to the day-to-day minutia of the business that they can’t free their time and their minds to focus on some of the bigger issues and seek out new opportunities for the business.

Going back to where we started, if you were able to regain control of your business and then had more time and the headspace to start thinking about the bigger picture and the future, then you would probably feel less troubled by some of the global events happening. You would be in full control of what you can influence and change, which can have an immediate and profound impact on the success and profitability of your business.

If you would like to discuss how we can support you with the systems reviews that we can provide or want further information on how we can partner with you around business planning and strategy discussions, please do get in touch with either Alison Jones or Jamie Servante.

Call: +44 (0)33 0124 1399 Email: alison.jones@krestonreeves.com Jamie.servante@krestonreeves.com Visit: www.krestonreeves.com

PROUD SPONSOR

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FE ATURE

We are delighted to have Alex Bailey contributing to Dynamic. She is a Global CEO and Co-Founder, with 20+ years of expertise in HR leadership, psychology, coaching, and organisational change. She specialises in cultural evolution, leadership,and performance, delivering impactful programmes globally while speaking at international events.

Finding your voice

By Alex Bailey

W

hen I look at support and advice out there for people in speaking up, it often focuses on others sponsoring, mentoring and creating opportunities for us, and whilst that’s important, I believe a lot needs to be done personally before that point; we have to do the work on ourselves.

We are all on a continuous learning journey throughout our lives. The human skills we have can be refreshed at any point, whilst finding voice early in our careers is particularly helpful. We all know there are different phases and chapters in our careers to re-find ourselves and rebuild our influence, especially if being brave and “beginning again” as Davina McCall might say. If you’ve noticed your influence fading recently, a revisit of simple bond-building discourse may be beneficial to unlock any bad habits, or perhaps, like me, you have young adults in your household or may be onboarding new generations at work that need the encouragement to stand out and find their voice in the crowd.

Sometimes, we may have had the chance early on in childhood to be part of school drama productions, music recitals, or choirs, and this shapes our beliefs based on those early experiences of being in front of an audience.

Finding our voice out loud to begin our journey of awareness, understanding and influence is commonly misunderstood. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

Alex Bailey Column

COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2022

Our voice in our heads is one of complete freedom, free from judgment and fear. We have a continual inner dialogue with ourselves, unscripted and unedited. Yet there are different parts of our brain operating when we speak our thoughts out loud, and that matters. Talking out loud encourages the formation and processing of our thoughts.

Hence, talking therapies are more effective at treating the cause of stress, anxiety, depression and a host of other mental illnesses than the medicated route often used to treat symptoms. And as anyone who has experienced talking therapies, you will know what I mean when I say we do the hard work on ourselves through that process over time.

“Talking therapies are more effective at treating the cause of stress, anxiety, depression and a But back to my point about voice, we talk about a problem out host of other mental illnesses” when loud, we are much more likely to

Many people, however, choose not to step out front or raise their hand for a main character, and those early testing points pass by all too swiftly, subtly seeing themselves as just part of the ensemble.

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The

find an answer, correct ourselves by the end of our sentence, than just working it through in our heads.

It has a huge impact on our working lives to recognise this early on and get into the mode of courageously being one of the main characters in the room and finding our own voice.

In my early career, I felt I had to “do my time” to deserve a

voice in big meetings, where we discussed very important things using lots of acronyms and corporate jargon.

Imagine now how this new generation might feel entering the hybrid workplace coming from an online social network space where if you make a mistake online in your “friend” group you are exposed, vulnerable and often humiliated with replays of videos, reposts of your words.

Adding to this, multiple lockdowns meant we missed out on all the nonverbal cues critical to social development in a group setting to know how to behave, how to enter a room, how to shake someone’s hand and how to introduce ourselves.

In organisations, yes, we need to create psychological safety for everyone to be themselves, but we all know that isn’t always possible, and work is full of discomfort and awkward situations. This means this is much more about personal bravery and courage to find our own voice and use it.

What is the early work that we need to do to confidently use our voice in meetings? Firstly, we have to get ourselves in the room, be there regardless of who else is, observe, and watch people’s nonverbal communication: eye contact, hand gestures, tone of voice, pace of voice, pitch of voice, nodding, leaning forward or sitting back. What is each person’s presence saying about them, and what are they saying?

Practice using different non-verbal cues yourself and see how others react.

Secondly, you need to hear your own voice outside of your head, which is incredibly hard to do at first when your confidence is low or you’re simply in a completely new environment. A good route is to mimic others, using active listening, replaying what someone said to them, repeating it and then translating it, saying what you heard them say, and gradually expanding it. People love this, by the way; it confirms their point and creates subtle bonds in a relationship.

If you keep doing this, you will eventually – accidentally – say what you think out loud.

Then, when you do so, this is when the others around you, sponsors, champions and mentors will have the greatest impact by positively reinforcing your points, and recognising your contribution as valuable regardless of your years of experience. That’s the truly confidence-building part where you can easily move on from people pleasing to owning your words, to owning your own opinions and then to owning your own influence as a main character in the room.

Alex Bailey styled by Gresham Blake Email: Alex@baileyandfrench.com www.baileyandfrench.com Insta @alexbaileybackstage Follow me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ alex-bailey-26562b2/

“Practice using different non-verbal cues yourself and see how others react.”

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NE WS

UK WELCOMES FIRST BABY BORN FROM DONATED WOMB

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A baby girl named Amy has become the first child in the UK born to a mother with a transplanted womb. Her mother, Grace Davidson, received the womb from her sister in 2023, marking the UK’s first successful uterine transplant. Born at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, Amy’s birth offers new hope for women unable to carry a child. Grace said that she hopes this breakthrough leads to more options for families struggling with infertility. Globally, over 50 babies have been born following similar procedures since Sweden’s first case in 2014.

In the business world, bad news is usually good news – for somebody else.”

James Surowiecki, US journalist

IN THE RIGHT

DIRECTION PAID LEAVE FOR PARENTS OF HOSPITALISED NEWBORNS Parents in the UK with babies in neonatal intensive care can now take up to 12 weeks of paid leave, under new legislation hailed as a landmark for families. The policy provides additional leave in addition to standard maternity and paternity allowances, and it applies from the first day of employment. Caroline LeeDavey of the charity Bliss welcomed the change, noting it allows parents to stay

with their ill babies without facing financial hardship.

Thousands of families are expected to benefit annually, giving them crucial time together during challenging early days.

UK CRACKS DOWN ON FALSE ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS UK regulators are now empowered to issue significant fines to companies making false claims about their environmental credentials. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) can fine offenders up to 10% of their global turnover or £300,000 - whichever is higher. The move targets corporate greenwashing and aims to encourage firms to adopt genuine climate solutions. Campaigners have long criticised companies for exploiting ecoconscious consumers. In a related case, Deutsche Bank-owned DWS was fined €25 million in Germany for overstating its green investment practices.

MONEY MANAGEMENT LESSONS COMING TO ENGLISH CLASSROOMS Children across England will soon receive formal education in financial literacy, to prepare them for real-world money decisions and shield them from scams.

Primary pupils will learn basic money concepts, while secondary students will explore topics such as inflation, taxation, and online financial misinformation.

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The resources, developed by the Oak National Academy, are designed to help young people avoid debt and make informed financial decisions. Interim chief executive John Roberts said the curriculum would equip teachers to deliver lessons that resonate with pupils and support them into adulthood.

CHINA PROMISES COMPREHENSIVE CLIMATE ACTION BY NOVEMBER China has pledged to unveil a full-scale emissions reduction plan by November, covering all industries and greenhouse gases for the first time. President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the country’s commitment during a virtual summit, stating that efforts to combat climate change would continue

regardless of global tensions. While China had already committed to net zero by 2060, the new plan will now include methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas.

Observers welcomed the announcement, though the ambition of the final plan remains to be seen ahead of the COP30 conference.

ALZHEIMER’S RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGH USING LIVE BRAIN TISSUE

RECORD ACCESS TO SOCIAL PROTECTION WORLDWIDE, SAYS WORLD BANK

In a world-first, scientists have replicated early-stage Alzheimer’s disease using living human brain tissue, offering new hope for treatments. Tissue collected during routine neurosurgery was exposed to a toxic protein associated with the disease, enabling researchers to observe how it damages brain connections. The innovative model enables earlier and more accurate drug testing. Dr Claire Durrant of the University of Edinburgh said this breakthrough could speed up research translation from lab to clinic, helping to bring effective treatments for dementia closer to reality.

More people than ever now benefit from social protection, including pensions, disability support, and direct cash transfers, according to the World Bank. Its latest report highlights that 4.7 billion people in low- and middleincome nations gained access over the past decade. These schemes help individuals manage crises and escape poverty. Despite progress, two billion people still lack adequate coverage. The World Bank noted such programmes deliver high economic returns, with every $1 transferred to poor households generating a $2.50 boost to local economies.

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Do you want the good news or the bad news?

The bad news first. There is no shortcut to success. The good news is, it’s doable.”

Don Santo

NEW ONLINE SAFETY CODE AIMS TO PROTECT UK CHILDREN UK regulators have unveiled a new set of rules aimed at making the internet safer for children. From July this year, platforms hosting harmful content or pornography must implement robust age checks and stronger content moderation. Ofcom, the media regulator, will enforce the code, with non-compliant platforms facing fines of up to 10% of their global turnover. Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, called the measures a “reset” for child safety online.

However, some campaigners, including Ian Russell, argue that the rules fall short and must be further strengthened.

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FH E A E TA U L TR H E

Pippa Moyle, CEO and Founder of the City Girl Network, believes all women should embrace their abilities and achievements rather than disbelieving other people’s compliments and accolades.

CELEBRATE YOUR I t’s taken nearly a decade for me to take myself seriously as a business owner. Since starting the City Girl Network in 2016, I’ve been told I’m a “one to watch”, “very impressive”, and introduced as the one with the “massive community.” We’re one of the largest women’s networks in the UK – second only to the mighty WI – with a spending power of £2.2bn. But I didn’t believe any of the compliments that I was given.

My response would always be “thank you, but…” followed by my informing them of another brilliant entrepreneur doing better than me. Simultaneously, I would be having a conversation in my head highlighting every reason why I’ll never find the same success.

I grew up as an entrepreneur in the ‘#Girlboss’ era: bingeing the StartUp Podcast, devouring Eric Ries’ ‘The Lean StartUp’ and reciting every word of Simon Sinek’s ‘Start with Why’ TED Talk. I joined an entrepreneurial accelerator, dreaming that Y Combinator would be next, with an office in Silicon Valley thereafter.

I genuinely believed that the only way I could build the City Girl Network was if I were a stereotypical young unicorn. I was four years older than Mark Zuckerberg when he started Facebook and was deeply fearful that I was running out of time (i.e., the ripe old age of 23). And when I didn’t make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, I felt like I’d failed. It’s no wonder that the Entrepreneurial Economy is worth billions; the Comparison Culture fuels it.

“It’s only in building a pitch deck for my first round of investment funding that I’ve truly understood the damage comparison culture has caused to me and the thousands of women I meet every year.”

I’m a very ordinary middle-class person; born in Luton, state-educated, 2:1 degree, 30-something with a dog and a long-term relationship. My dad’s a retired accountant, and my mum’s an SEN teaching assistant, and they live a comfortable life in Milton Keynes.

My height of rebellion was stealing my parents’ vodka for a park drinking session and filling it back up with water (sorry about that, Mum) when I was 16. I have no piercings, tattoos nor dyed hair (except that one time in 2010 when I dyed my hair red to be Florence and the Machine).

There’s no “rags-to-riches” or “riches-to-richer” story here, not like the school dropouts or the Oxbridge graduates, whose stories of grit and glamour trample on the mundanity of my existence.

Who would invest in this ordinary woman versus them?

Nobody.

Please, no sympathy feelings here. It’s entirely true: nobody would invest in a person who spends precious time and energy drowning herself through comparison taunting.

It’s hard to remember that £2.2bn spending power statistic through a description that screams “nothing to see here”.

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Social Comparison Theory, coined by Leon Festinger in 1954, explains the primitive drive within people to compare themselves with others in order to evaluate their own worth. When it comes to marking professional success, those who don’t have a clear benchmark rely on comparison as a default tool for self-evaluation.

There are two types of comparison: assimilative and contrastive. Assimilative comparison refers to the feeling of “if they can do it, so can I”; contrastive comparison undermines self-confidence by revealing gaps between oneself and others with “I could never be them.” A study in 2009 found that comparative thoughts comprise 12% of our daily mental activity, though I fear that the rise of social media has forced this to increase exponentially.

A friend recently heard me share my mundane self-description and called me out for holding back. Two-thirds of British female business owners feel that investors do not take them seriously, and at that moment, I understood why.

70% of female entrepreneurs feel gender stereotypes negatively affect their work, 61% believe they’ve impeded the growth of their business (Cherie Blair Foundation, 2021), and 75% of women executives have experienced imposter syndrome (KPMG).

It’s all in the stories we tell ourselves.

RSELF! My description is entirely true, but it completely ignores the fact that I have spent the past nine years passionately grafting a social network of real-life people across the UK (and a toe-dip abroad). And the sheer volume of resilience that I have had to endure whilst doing it.

I’m a firm believer that competition is vital for business success.

It’s fuelled my business and seen us thrive over the numerous competitors who have been and gone.

Yet I seem to compartmentalise the attitudes of the ‘Managing Director’ role as one that I play rather than one that I am.

It’s only in building a pitch deck for my first round of investment funding that I’ve truly understood the damage comparison culture has caused to me and the thousands of women I meet every year. It’s all a deeply entrenched fear of failure and rejection.

It’s about time we stop apologising for not being someone else, and embrace being ourselves.

Pippa Moyle CEO + Founder Our Communities: Brighton, London, Manchester, Bristol, Bath, Leeds, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Worthing, Liverpool, Newcastle, Chester, Milton Keynes, Oxford, York, Cardiff, Glasgow, Perth and Rural Sussex www.platinummediagroup.co.uk www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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H E V E EA N L TT H S

The winner and high 14

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rs, finalists hlights... www.platinummediagroup.co.uk www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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The winners of the 2025 Dynamic Awards have been revealed, honouring the most exceptional and inspiring businesswomen from across the South East.

The sold-out gala dinner took place at The Grand Brighton on Thursday May 8th, where guests came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women leading innovation, driving success and shaping industries.

The Dynamic Awards, organised by Platinum Media Group, are the region’s leading platform for recognising the talent, resilience and impact of businesswomen.

From hundreds of entries, winners were selected through a rigorous judging process involving detailed applications, pre-scoring, interviews and a final judges’ meeting.

Managing Director of Platinum Media Group and organiser of the awards, commented: “Every year, the bar rises higher - and this year was no exception. The winners of the 2025 Dynamic Awards exemplify what it means to lead with passion, purpose and persistence.

Their stories are powerful and their impact is lasting.

We are proud to spotlight these trailblazing women who are not only shaping the future of business but also inspiring the next generation.”

The judging panel, made up of respected industry figures from organisations including Legal & General, Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology, DMH Stallard, FRP Corporate Finance, Wellesley, Aspiring HR, SpaBreaks.com, Moneycorp, Cripps, Kreston Reeves, MDHUB, University of Brighton Help To Grow, Enablist, Innovation Capital, Creative Pod and Tisshaws Family Law who ensured a diverse and rigorous selection process.

The evening was hosted by comedian, broadcaster and writer Cally Beaton and featured inspiring speeches, powerful videos and emotional winner moments making it a truly unforgettable celebration of female excellence in business.

The full list of winners is available at: www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

THANK YOU TO OU

IN AI D O F

UR 2025 SPONSORS

The evening’s host – Cally Beaton

The evening’s inspirational keynote speakers, Pippa Moyle, Liz Beck and Alex Bailey

HE ALTH

THE 2025 WINNERS ❛❛ It was such a privilege to be in the room and hear the stories of such talented and vivacious visionaries. Thank you for giving me a platform to share my voice. ❜❜ Inspirational Award

Future Talent of the Year

Sponsored by Moneycorp MOLLY ELLIS Project Accountability

Sponsored by MDHUB LAUREN LUCAS Wightlink

Pippa Moyle, City Girl Network

❛❛ Some moments in my

job really stand out – and The Dynamic Awards was one of them. ❜❜ Arun Technology

Professional Services Award Sponsored by Enablists ATTIEH FARD Fard Solicitors

Employer of the Year

Sponsored by Aspiring HR REBECCA NEWMAN–SMITH Ashton Care

Property Professional of the Year

Sponsored by Innovation Capital Team

VASHIKEH CLARKE Star Property Group

What an incredible honour to win and be among such inspiring women at the top of their field. Being nominated alongside them was a true privilege.

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❜❜

Vashikeh Clarke

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in wa pe Iw it – mot

WWW.PLATINUMMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK Businesswoman of the Year Sponsored by DMH Stallard

CARINA BAUER IMEX Group

My hope is that this award brings attention ❛❛ to the enduring economic, social, networking

and knowledge-exchange value of the events industry. Hosting business events (especially) can transform local economies, job markets and innovation.

❜❜

Carina Bauer

Best Customer Service Award

Sponsored by Tisshaws Family Law SOPHIE REED South Coast Home Care

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To be acknowledged for something I’m so passionate about is honestly more than I could have ever hoped for.

❜❜

Sophie Reed

❛❛ I didn’t win – but I’m waking up feeling more nspired than ever. The room as filled with truly outstanding eople doing incredible things. was blown away by the scale of – so many stories that moved, tivated and made me laugh. ❜❜ People Finding Consutancy

❛❛ Huge thanks to the

organisers for a night to remember — a true celebration of innovation, purpose and the incredible women leading the way. ❜❜ Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills

Innovator of the Year

Sponsored by SpaBreaks.com LUCY HUGHES MarinaTex www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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THE 2025 WINNERS Sustainability Champion Award

Sponsored by Legal & General

SOPHIA LORIMER Fine-Tuned Wardrobe

This award isn’t just an award, it represents all the hard work that happens both here on this platform and quietly behind the scenes. It’s for every woman I’ve supported to wear her values and feel confident in who she is.

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Sophia Lorimer

Large Business of the Year Sponsored by Cripps FRANCESCA WYATT Porky Whites I’m honoured to have won and to be part of a night of inspiration, powerful women and shared success. Thank you to the Porky Whites team and to all my supporters. Here’s to making waves and riding them together!

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Francesca Wyatt

Community Hero Award

Sponsored by Dynamic Magazine JENNY RAYNER The Lucy Rayner Foundation

Women In Tech Award

Sponsored by Sussex & Surrey Institute of Technology MARY KEMP AI Potential

WWW.PLATINUMMEDIAGROUP.CO.UK SME Business of the Year Sponsored by Kreston Reeves

PIP ROTHWELL Technology Triumphs

We had a fantastic evening at an event that was loaded with ambience, positive energy and amazing women.

Connections and great memories were made.

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❜❜

Pip Rothwell

❛❛ The atmosphere was

Best New Business Award

MD of the Year

Sponsored by FRP Advisory

Sponsored by Help To Grow, University of Brighton LEAH BOXELL

DR CAROLE GILLINGSMITH

Enablists

The Agora Clinic

Business Growth Award

Company of the Year

KATE LESTER

BARWELLS SOLICITORS

Sponsored by Creative Pod Diamond Logistics

Sponsored by Wellesley

electric and we witnessed an inspiring showcase of strength, ambition, and resilience. ❜❜ The Agora Clinic

B I GH S E TA O L TR H Y

METTE FREDERIKS

THE PRIME MINISTER OF DENMARK, DEALING WITH UNWANTED ADVANCE The youngest person ever to hold this role in the 176-year history of the Folketing, the last thing Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, wants is an ongoing, intractable territorial dispute with a supposed ally, but polar opposite politically, Donald Trump.

But that is what she inherited in 2019, only for the latter to return to this subject upon his re-election last November.

It is a subject which, on the face of it, is uniting the world mostly behind Denmark, but what are the options open to the Danish and Greenland powers, especially in the face of such open hostility?

And is Trump doing what he has often done - under-estimate a female leader? Dynamic looks at this bizarre state of affairs between two Western allies.

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STORY BIG

I

t’s fair to say that, by any metric, Mette is politically and socially part of the working-class left. Besides a brief career as a trade unionist at the turn of the Century, Frederiksen has never had any employment outside politics.

She has seen a steady rise in her status within Danish, and ultimately, international politics. She has two daughters from her first marriage, and is currently five years into her second marriage. Publicly maintaining her maiden name, she has also been cited in Forbes ‘100 Most Powerful Women’ list every year since 2020. She was awarded Commander 1st Class of the Order of the Dannebrog, a civilian title granted by the monarch, usually for people who have given elongated service in public life.

After her election, Frederiksen was named her party’s spokesperson for culture, media and gender equality. In 2002, she received the Nina Bang award for “showing political courage, enthusiasm and impact with social feeling.” In 2012, she received the Ting Prize. She co-authored the books Epostler (2003) and From Fight to Culture (2004).

After the Social Democrats won the 2011 general election, she was appointed Minister of Employment by Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt.

She was promoted to Minister of Justice in 2014. After the Social Democrats’ narrow defeat in the 2015 general election, Thorning-Schmidt stood down, and Frederiksen won the subsequent leadership election to replace her, becoming Leader of the Opposition. She has been the leader of the party ever since.

“Frederiksen has been cited in Forbes ‘100 Most Powerful Women’ list every year since 2020.”

POLITICAL CAREER Frederiksen worked as a youth consultant for LO, the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions. She was first elected as a Social Democrat to the Folketing in the 2001 general election, a day after her 24th birthday, representing Copenhagen County. This election saw the Social Democrats lose first place for the first time since 1920.

The Folketing, (Danish Parliament) in session

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Like most European countries that use the proportional representation method in their elections, Denmark’s parliament is often one of coalitions. Frederiksen led her party into the 2019 general election, which resulted in the bloc of left-wing and centre-left parties (her Social Democrats, the Social Liberals, the Socialist People’s Party, the Red– Green Alliance, the Faroese Social Democratic Party,

Mette Frederiksen on a photocall with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, 2023

and Greenland’s Siumut and Inuit Ataqatigiit) winning a majority in the Folketing. Frederiksen was subsequently commissioned by Queen Margrethe II to lead negotiations to form a new government and was sworn in as prime minister on June 27th.

“Frederiksen stated she did not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin wants peace in Ukraine and expressed doubts about US President Donald Trump’s attempts to negotiate a peace deal”

Previous editions of Dynamic have highlighted Scandinavia’s desire for female leaders. At certain times, all five nations have had a woman at the helm, whether as president, prime minister or reigning monarch. In December 2021, she became the longest-serving incumbent female head of government in the European Union.

FOREIGN POLICIES Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Frederiksen’s government initiated political talks with the five main political parties of the Folketing, and presented the “National Compromise on Danish Security Policy” on March 4th 2022, in which a significant increase in Danish defence spending an emergency allocation of 7 billion DKK (Danish Krone – Denmark is not a member of the Eurozone), a plan for independence from Russian gas, and a referendum on the Danish EU defence opt-out were presented.

As agreed with NATO, the country will gradually increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2033 (the UK spends 2.3% of its GDP on NATO contributions), which corre-

sponds to an increase in annual defence spending of around 18 billion DKK (just over £2 billion).

On April 21st this year, together with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Mette re-visited Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At the meeting, Frederiksen promised increased arms and military aid to Ukraine by 600 million DKK (£69m), bringing the total Danish aid to 1 billion DKK (£114m).

On February 24th 2025, Frederiksen stated she did not believe Russian President Vladimir Putin “wants peace in Ukraine” and expressed doubts about US President Donald Trump’s attempts to negotiate a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, saying that “I understand that many people think that a peaceful solution or a ceasefire sounds like a good idea, but we run the risk that peace in Ukraine is actually more dangerous than the war that is going on now.”

Events, even in this short space of time, have shown Trump’s efforts for peace have come with too many caveats to prove internationally acceptable, and as such, no such peace treaty appears to be on the horizon. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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STORY BIG

At a time of global criticism for the US’s tariffs policy, this issue further unites Danes of all political persuasions - and the wider international community – into increased anger and condemnation, including receiving solidarity from British and EU leaders.

Polls show that the vast majority of Greenlanders want to become independent from Denmark but do not wish to become part of the US. Formed in March, Greenland’s new coalition government is led by Nielsen’s centre-right Democrats party, which favours a gradual approach to independence.

Frederiksen and Trump at a NATO Summit in London, 2019

EUROPEAN UNION In 2020, Frederiksen was labelled “the most eurosceptic [Danish] Prime Minister in history” by the Danish online newspaper Altinget. In an apparent reversal of this stance in the meantime, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the same source has since pointed out that she “transformed from a sceptic into a strong advocate of [EU] cooperation”.

GREENLAND Frederiksen gained international attention in August 2019 when U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a state visit to Denmark following her refusal to sell Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. On August 15th 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had discussed the possibility of buying Greenland with aides.

“Frederiksen gained international attention in August 2019 when U.S. President Donald Trump cancelled a state visit to Denmark following her refusal to sell Greenland” Kim Kielsen, the then Prime Minister of Greenland, responded that Greenland is not for sale. On August 18th, 2019, after the White House confirmed the rumour, Frederiksen echoed Kielsen’s comments, saying, “Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland” and calling the discussion “absurd.” Two days later, Trump, in a fit of pique he internationally specialises in, cancelled the state visit scheduled for the following month, specifically referencing Frederiksen’s refusal to discuss a possible sale.

Fast-forward to 2025, and Trump, upon returning to the White House, has reiterated his desire for Greenland to be given, rather than sold, to the United States of America. For their part, Frederiksen and now-Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, have referred to Trump’s calls as ‘disrespectful rhetoric’.

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The US has long maintained a security interest in Greenland. After Nazi Germany occupied mainland Denmark

+

THE USA’S DESIRE FOR GREENLAND

Though a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with the European kingdoms of Norway and Denmark for more than a millennium, beginning in 986.

Greenland has been inhabited at intervals for at least the last 4,500 years by circumpolar peoples whose forebears migrated there from what is now Canada. Norsemen from Norway settled the uninhabited southern part of Greenland beginning in the 10th century (having previously settled Iceland), and their descendants lived in Greenland for 400 years until disappearing in the late 15th century. The 13th century saw the arrival of the Inuit.

In the 17th century, Dano-Norwegian explorers reached Greenland again, finding their earlier settlement extinct and reestablishing a permanent Scandinavian presence on the island. When Denmark and Norway separated in 1814, Greenland was transferred from the Norwegian to the Danish crown. The 1953 Constitution of Denmark ended Greenland’s status as a colony, integrating it fully into the Danish state.

The Self-Government Act, voted upon by Greenlanders in 2008, transferred more power from Copenhagen to the local Naalakkersuisut (Greenlandic government), granting it greater autonomy.

Meanwhile, 80% of Greenlanders want total independence, with only 6% wishing to become part of the USA.

during World War Two, the US invaded Greenland, establishing military and radio stations across the territory. After the war, US forces remained in Greenland. Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base, has been operated by the US ever since.

In 1951, a defence agreement with Denmark granted the US a significant role in defending the territory, including the right to build and maintain military bases.

“If Russia were to send missiles towards the US, the shortest route for weapons would be via the North Pole and Greenland,” said Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College. “The Pituffik Space Base is critical in defending the US.”

Though Trump’s rhetoric may seem unusual, many US presidents have tried to gain control of Greenland for over a century and a half. “The US has tried a few times to push the Danes out of Greenland and take it over as part of the US, or at least to have full security tutelage of Greenland,” said Lukas Wahden, the author of 66° North, a newsletter on Arctic security.

In 1867, after buying Alaska from Russia, US Secretary of State William H. Seward led negotiations to buy Greenland from Denmark but failed to reach an agreement. In 1946, the US offered to pay $100m (£970m today) for the territory, judging that it was vital for national security, but the Danish government refused.

The matter of the three-way tug

“Greenlanders, in their drive of Greenland’s future sovereignremains unresolved. Certainly, for independence, really don’t ty Greenlanders, in their drive for want to be American” independence, really don’t want to

According to an Arctic Institute paper, China and Russia have begun building up their Arctic military capabilities in recent years. The paper called for the US to further develop its presence in the Arctic to counter its rivals. In January, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Denmark was open to discussions with the US, adding that Washington had “legitimate” interests in the region.

“We see a Russia that is arming itself. We see China also starting to take an interest,” Rasmussen said. Trump is also likely interested in the mining potential across Greenland’s vast landmass, Mr Jacobsen added, especially the rare earth minerals in the south.

be American, nor are Americans all that fussed about owning the largest island in the world.

Denmark’s stance is one of open negotiation with Greenland’s autonomy, while retaining a ‘highly offended’ opinion on the US’s unwanted advances.

In the final reckoning, the least likely scenario – even with greater military cooperation that the Danes generally, and Frederiksen specifically, are open to – is for the US to gain outright sovereignty. After that, Greenland’s future is all down to diplomacy – an open, warm, genuine diplomacy that Frederiksen herself excels in.

Even the COVID outbreak didn’t stop Frederiksen meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

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HE ALTH

HELP TO GROW – SUPPORTING EVEN MORE LOCAL BUSINESSWOMEN Over 250 local business leaders have taken the course from the University of Brighton, the majority have been women, due to our collaboration with Dynamic Magazine and Dynamic Awards.

As an award sponsor, Help to Grow offers congratulations to all the nominees and winners, and to celebrate our partnership, Dynamic is sponsoring fully-funded places on the course to award nominees and guests – so you can sign up at no cost.

Help to Grow is a 12-week programme taught by university experts. It equips people to be better leaders and supports them in growing their businesses.

PROUD SPONSOR

“Help to Grow has been amazing, it has generated the time for new ideas and supported me working over the businesses rather than in them.”

Emma Draper, Velvet Store

1. 90% Government funded 2. Review your business and create a Growth Action Plan 3. Face to face and online sessions over 12 weeks 4. Learn how to become a better leader 5. Network with other local businesses 6. Open to businesses with 5-249 staff 7. Taught by experts at the University of Brighton 8. Includes a one-to-one business mentor The next cohorts are September in Brighton and November in Crawley.

Find out more and sign up at www.brighton.ac.uk/helptogrow quoting Dynamic for a fully-funded place or email helptogrow@brighton.ac.uk

< Scan the QR Code to register for the September / October cohort

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REGISTER NOW FOR A FULLY-FUNDED 12-WEEK BUSINESS MANAGEMENT COURSE

HELP TO GROW

● Mini MBA style content ● In person and online sessions over 12 weeks ● Open to businesses with 5+ employees ● Your own one-to-one business mentor ● Time away from work to invest in your business ● 90% Government funded ● Networking with other local businesses ● Taught by experts at the University of Brighton

“I’ve completed previous training programmes but Help to Grow is great. It’s not overly academic making it applicable to business and the networking opportunities are really valuable. I’ve been working in the business ten years and Help to Grow gave me the opportunity to come out of the business, hear from others and stay relevant.”

● You must be a leader or senior manager of an SME which employs between five and 249 people to join Help to Grow. ● The next 12-week programme starts in September in Brighton and November in Crawley so sign up to secure your sponsored, no cost place now.

To secure your fully funded place... ● Make sure you quote DYNAMIC25 under ‘Other’ when the form asks where you heard about Help to Grow.’

For more information visit www.brighton.ac.uk/helptogrow or email helptogrow@brighton.ac.uk to arrange a chat with a course leader to find out if the course is right for you.

Emma Hall, Nordell

MODULES

• Strategy and innovation • Digital adoption • Internationalisation and winning new markets • Vision, mission and values • Developing a marketing strategy • Building a brand • Organisational design • Employee management and leading change • Creating a high performing workplace • Efficient operations • Finance

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FH E A E TA U L TR H E

Britain’s silent sc The pregnancy drug linked to gener When we at Dynamic became aware of the tragic DES scandal, the first reaction was outrage. And then so much more. Thank you to ITV and Sarah Corker for her work in exposing this. By Tess de Klerk

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he recent ITV News investigation, Britain’s Silent Scandal, has laid bare one of the most heartbreaking and neglected public health crises in UK history—the widespread prescription of the pregnancy drug Diethylstilbestrol (DES), and the lifelong consequences it has infl icted on generations of women and their families.

were prescribed the drug, but their daughters, sons, and even grandchildren.

One such woman is Suzanne Massey, 56, from Liverpool.

Exposed to DES in utero, Ms. Massey has endured more than 30 invasive surgeries and procedures throughout her life. Her reproductive system, she says, was found to be “covered in rare, abnormal cells,” which ultimately led to a hysterectomy. Speaking to ITV News, she described the trauma: “It’s a pain that no woman should have to go through. It’s been barbaric at times.”

She adds, “I’ve been in hospital for procedures or operations every year for the last 25 years. I want awareness, screening and compensation, because it’s taken some of my life away, and I can’t get that back.”

“An estimated 300,000 women in the UK were exposed to DES, either directly or through their mothers. The result has been devastating”

Led by Social Affairs Correspondent Sarah Corker, the investigation shines a light on a silent tragedy spanning more than four decades.

DES, once hailed as a miracle drug to prevent miscarriages and suppress breast milk, was routinely prescribed to pregnant women in the UK from the 1940s until well into the 1970s. Despite mounting evidence linking DES to cancer and reproductive harm, many women were still given the drug as late as 1979, years after official guidance urged its withdrawal in 1971.

An estimated 300,000 women in the UK were exposed to DES, either directly or through their mothers. The result has been devastating: rare reproductive cancers, infertility, anatomical abnormalities, chronic pain, and an ongoing psychological toll. Even more disturbing, medical research confirms that the effects of DES can be passed down through generations, impacting not only the women who

Her story is one of many. ITV News heard from over 100 women who believe they were harmed by DES. Many have been diagnosed with rare cancers. Others describe lifelong battles with infertility, miscarriages, and unexplained gynaecological issues.

DES daughters like Ms. Massey have found little recourse in the UK. Despite successful lawsuits in the United States, France and the Netherlands, there have been no successful

Clare Fletcher (left),, solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter; Suzanne Massey who has had to have 25 years of invasive surgery to treat the effects of DES

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candal rational cancer legal claims in this country. Poor NHS record keeping, lack of public awareness, and a disjointed response from health authorities have created a nearly impenetrable wall of denial and inaction. As Clare Fletcher, Ms. Massey’s solicitor at Broudie Jackson Canter, put it: “These are lifelong injuries from this horrendous drug. It’s time for accountability. The government must accept what they knew about this drug and when.”

This is not merely a story about a drug with unintended side effects. It is a case of systemic failure—of women not being heard, of science being ignored, and of institutions failing to act despite overwhelming evidence. It is time for the UK government to right this historical wrong.

to a rare vaginal cancer. This led to official guidance from the Committee on Safety of Medicines in 1973, advising doctors to stop prescribing DES to pregnant women. Yet ITV uncovered evidence that women continued to receive it through the late 1970s, due to inconsistencies in communication, record-keeping, and oversight.

formal compensation scheme for affected families. We also support the calls for legal accountability and demand full transparency around what the government and medical regulators knew—and when.

“Many women were still given the drug Urgent action is needed. This must start with a nationwide investigation to deas late as 1979, years termine the full scale of DES exposure, What makes the silence around DES so after official guidance and an immediate rollout of enhanced cancer screening for known and suspectalarming is that it was never truly hidden. As early as the 1950s, safety concerns urged its withdrawal ed victims. The Department of Health and Social Care must go beyond vague were being raised. In 1971, researchers in 1971.” expressions of sympathy and establish a definitively linked DES exposure in utero

Even now, doctors and patients are left in the dark. DES exposure remains poorly understood in the UK medical community, and many women may still not know they were given the drug or passed its effects to their children.

Dr. Ahmed Talaat, Consultant Gynaecologist at University Hospitals Plymouth, has treated more than a dozen DES daughters. “The risk of cancer including cancer of vagina, or the cervix is nearly doubled in patients whose mothers received DES. That’s why they should be under close observation with regular screening,” he explained.

Three generations of the Hall family, featured in ITV’s report, believe their health problems stem from DES. This intergenerational harm must not be ignored any longer. These women—and their children and grandchildren—deserve justice, care, and recognition.

We applaud the brave women who have come forward to share their stories. We echo their calls for awareness, health screening, legal redress, and justice.

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S P OHT EL AI GL H TH T

In our exclusive Spotlight feature, we highlight women who are doing good things in their community. They’re not always seen but we think they should be.

SPOTLIGH T Kaia Allen-Bevan “Youth-ing” the educational gaps: the multi-award winning company changing the landscape of modern-day education

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f I were to tell my younger self that I would be who I am, she would say, “Say sike right now?” And honestly, it still feels like a pinch-me moment when I walk through the memories of my journey to the present.

I wouldn’t say ‘boo to a goose’ growing up, unless injustice was right in my face. And that, I guess, hasn’t changed.

However, to be recognised by the likes of Forbes and BusinessToday as a TEDx and public speaker making a global impact, as a socially anxious young person who lived and breathed TED talks yet hated being seen, is extraordinary. Having the privilege to return this year as a guest curator and to bring my people with me is a feeling I can’t even describe.

Growing up in Whitehawk, despite how Brighton is self-proclaimed to be diverse, inclusive and cosmopolitan, I didn’t see myself in the spaces I dreamed of. I remained one of the handful of black and global majority students across my academic career until 2020.

remember the pains I sat with, the complexities I started to pull apart, and how my thoughts circled my brain about what I could do. Not to be a martyr and ‘change the world’, but know that for change to come, I am needed.

And what does that look like to me? Well, it is to be your Brighton Girl of 2025 and ensure the voices of the most oppressed are interwoven within my advocacy, like a tapestry. It is to found a multiaward-winning consultancy and community interest company that co-creates solutions to end educational inequity (YouthTheGap). It is to reimagine the world of work with WatchThisSp_ ce, harnessing the power of diversity, equity and inclusion in a climate that desperately wants us to be silenced…and the list, I am grateful to say, is endless.

“And if you know me, I am always busy doing something. I am busy using my gifts, privileges, cultural capital and everything in my power to craft a world where all of us are in it. That’s where the revolution lies.”

It shouldn’t take the murder of someone, nor a protest, to see the beauty of our diaspora show up, feel seen and feel safe in our numbers. On reflection, it is possibly subconsciously why I do the work I do – six years and counting. It is isolating to be one star in a constellation that doesn’t look like you, especially when you awaken to the abuses of power at an early age.

I remember going on a hiatus as soon as I left secondary school to uncover my history and lineage stories that were not reflected within the British education system. I 32

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And if you know me, I am always busy doing something. I am busy using my gifts, privileges, cultural capital and everything in my power to craft a world where all of us are in it. That’s where the revolution lies.

Website: www.youththegap.uk Email: hello@youththegap.uk

Renu Ballantine Private chef, finance director, entrepreneur, community champion and author

projects related to food poverty, I also spent four years as Non-Executive Finance Director for The Merstham Mix Community Café).

It’s never too late for a career pivot. I spent 25 successful years in corporate positions, including at ExxonMobil.

I relished my work and being an advocate for women in STEM. However, I had other aspirations and wanted a better work-life balance to enable more time with my children.

Following my heart, I made a bold career change.

My true passion has always been food. It began in childhood, inspired by my father’s scientific food innovations (he invented St Ivel’s first low-fat margarine). I was his very willing ‘Chief Taster,’ and at this time, my interest in all things culinary began.

Starting a new business is challenging; I’ve done it three times. Transforming from corporate senior roles to SME without the safety net of dedicated IT, finance, marketing, and law departments is daunting. You need to develop self-belief, leverage your experience, and not be afraid to ask for help. Networking is crucial, as is managing finances properly and knowing what to outsource and what to keep in-house.

I love what I do, and my small business has led to many career achievements and highlights, including being a double finalist in the Surrey Business Awards 2024, cooking alongside Matt Tebbutt on stage at Pub in the Park, supporting MasterChef: The Professionals winner Nikita Pathakji on the One Show, and publishing my debut cookbook From Boardroom to Bouillabaisse. My next project sees me as Finance Director of Vessa, an AI-powered dining assistant – a perfect way to combine my engineering background and love of food!

“In four years, I’ve cooked for nearly 100 clients – from bespoke dinner parties and sumptuous five-course birthday feasts in the Surrey Hills”

Enrolling at the Leiths School of Food and Wine, aged 50, marked the first stage of pursuing my dream. I earned two accredited culinary qualifications and launched a private chef business – Chef Renu B.

I went from zero revenue in 2021 to £104,000 in 2023. In four years, I’ve cooked for nearly 100 clients – from bespoke dinner parties and sumptuous five-course birthday feasts in the Surrey Hills to delivering cookery classes at a food pantry for clients in challenging situations (as part of my commitment to giving back to the community via not-for-profit

Mid-life reinvention is within anyone’s grasp. Don’t fear the leap, and embrace a challenge. My journey has reinforced that passion, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, and determination are transferable skills, whatever the industry. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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What does the Supreme Court’s ruling of ‘sex’ mean to employers?

In a ruling that could reshape how businesses approach equality and inclusion, the UK Supreme Court has delivered a pivotal judgment on the definition of “sex” within the Equality Act 2010.

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n a unanimous decision, the Court confirmed that the terms “man”, “woman”, and “sex” in the Act refer to biological sex, not gender identity. This legal clarification arose from For Women Scotland (FWS) v Scottish Government, a case that challenged the Scottish Government’s interpretation of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018. That legislation aimed to increase female representation by including trans women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs) in its definition of “woman”. FWS argued this conflicted with the Equality Act 2010, and the Supreme Court agreed.

the impact of inclusion or exclusion on all individuals, it is now lawful to restrict access to such spaces based on biological sex.

However, this does not permit indiscriminate exclusion or neglect of transgender employees’ rights. Organisations are still legally obligated to provide access to appropriate facilities for all staff and ensure a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. Transgender individuals continue to be protected under the Equality Act via the characteristic of “gender reassignment”, and may also be protected from discrimination in their acquired gender in specific contexts.

“The judgment marks a significant legal development, particularly for organisations navigating how best to support diverse employees while maintaining compliance.”

The judgment marks a significant legal development, particularly for organisations navigating how best to support diverse employees while maintaining compliance. The Court found that the Gender Recognition Act 2004 allows individuals to change their legal sex by obtaining a GRC — does not override or redefine sex as understood in the Equality Act. As such, sex-based protections in the Act must refer to biological sex to remain coherent and practicable.

IMPACT ON HR AND WORKPLACE POLICIES While the ruling is legally specific, its implications are far-reaching for HR leaders and employers. Most notably, it affects the management of single-sex spaces such as toilets, shower rooms, and changing areas in the workplace. Once a proportionality assessment has been carried out, weighing 34

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The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is reviewing its guidance and the statutory code of practice in light of the ruling. Updates are expected soon and will likely become essential reading for HR teams seeking to revise internal policies or facilities management procedures.

A NEED FOR MORE THAN LEGAL COMPLIANCE This moment is also a test of organisational culture. While the ruling clarifies the legal definition of sex, it does not override the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all staff. Sensitivity and support remain paramount, particularly for transgender and non-binary employees who may feel impacted by the public discourse surrounding the judgment.

Network for Equality and Inclusion, such “The real challenge for employers lies in statements from the top can go a long way in compliance and communication — ensuring helping people feel psychologically safe and all employees understand the implications, feel seen at work. respected, and know their rights are upheld.” WHAT’S NEXT? The risk is that organisations interpret the ruling too rigidly, making policy decisions that, while technically lawful, undermine inclusivity or damage morale. A nuanced approach is essential: organisations should comply with the legal framework while reaffirming their commitment to fairness, respect, and psychological safety for all employees.

LEADERS’ STATEMENTS PACK A PUNCH Some companies have acted quickly to strike this balance.

Lloyds Banking Group has been among the most vocal in publicly expressing support for its transgender and non-binary staff after the ruling. In an internal message, Chief Corporate Affairs Director Andrew Walton wrote, “Please know that we cherish and celebrate you and we remain committed to inclusivity… We are here to listen and support.”

Sharon Doherty, Lloyds’ Chief People and Places Officer, also issued a statement of “solidarity”, reinforcing the bank’s inclusive stance. These actions serve as a strong example of leadership that is both legally aware and values-driven. According to Sandi Wassmer, CEO of the Employers

In practical terms, employers are now encouraged to conduct thorough reviews of their policies, facilities, and internal communications. This includes reassessing access to single-sex amenities, reviewing staff training materials, and ensuring that employee support channels are active and accessible. Employers may also want to prepare for potential questions around areas such as gender pay gap reporting, leadership development programmes, and women-led initiatives — areas that may now require more precise definitions in light of the legal ruling.

Many organisations are awaiting the updated EHRC guidance before making structural changes.

The Supreme Court ruling marks a definitive legal statement: sex under the Equality Act means biological sex. Yet the real challenge for employers lies in compliance and communication — ensuring all employees understand the implications, feel respected, and know their rights are upheld.

This is a time for measured leadership, open dialogue, and deliberate action. Organisations that combine legal rigour with compassion will be best placed to navigate this new chapter in equality law. www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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Private schools brace for consequences of VAT introduction Sector specialist says the South East schools must remain agile and plan for all scenarios to cope with challenges.

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he imposition of VAT on private schools could lead to ‘carnage’ in the summer holidays, says a sector specialist. Following a government decision, fees at the UK’s 2,500 private schools have been liable for 20% VAT since January 1st.

However, because the measure was introduced mid-academic year, with most schools raising their fees, its full effects have not yet been felt.

The Easter holiday period is crucial for private schools as most parents are required to give a term’s notice if they are to withdraw a child and so will be on the verge of making difficult decisions, the collective consequence of which will only become fully visible in the run up to the new academic year in September.

of school midyear would have significantly disrupted their education.

“Schools are now scrambling to get early confirmations of pupil numbers for September and are facing shortfalls on admissions at present because a significant number of parents remain undecided.

“There was much debate among schools about whether to pass on the VAT cost to parents, and most did. Some immediately applied the full 20%, others have gone for 1015%, while some sought competitive advantage by absorbing some or all of the increase and hoping to pick up fallout from other schools.”

Private schools are also seeking to cope with other cost increases. Since April 1st, charities in England have no longer been eligible to claim charitable rates relief and are now required to pay their full business rates liability. All face increased employers’ National Insurance costs, also from April.

“There was much debate among schools about whether to pass on the VAT cost to parents, and most did”

Duncan Swift, partner and business restructuring, turnaround and rescue expert at UK top ten accountancy firm Azets, said: “It will be over the summer holidays that the potential carnage in the private school sector, which educates approximately 615,000 children, will become evident, particularly for those in regions away from London and the south east.

“The slab tax imposition of VAT appears to have been driven by ideology rather than an effort to maximise the tax take whilst minimising the damage it would cause to this economic sector.

“If there had been consultation and the VAT imposition had been scheduled for the start of the academic year in September – the natural change point of the production cycle – and introduced gradually, say 5%, 10%, 15% before going to the full 20% over a number of years, it would have made more sense.

“We are currently in the midst of a phoney war with regard to demand because imposition mid-school year didn’t really leave parents with anywhere to go, as pulling their child out 36

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Duncan added: “I know of at least six schools which have closed, citing the VAT imposition as making their business model unworkable. We will likely see more closures, mergers, school consolidations, asset sales and property repurposing before the dust settles.

“We are aware of a number of schools which have agreed to merge into school consolidator businesses that are taking the opportunity to buy established schools for fairly low cost, grouping them to get management and back-office provision – HR, payroll, accounts, economies of scale, sometimes with private equity behind them.”

Duncan’s advice for schools is to have a roadmap for negotiating the challenges, which includes remaining agile at all times, planning for all scenarios, changing tack according to their key performance indicators, considering property options, and potentially consolidating to core operations.

“Private education, rightly or wrongly, for the UK is a significant economic activity with more than 600,000 pupils funded by parents’ own money, which pays the wages of many teachers outside of the state system. It is a model which has had significant export success. It is regrettable

that HM Government chose to damage it in this way.”

A High Court challenge to the Government’s imposition of VAT on all education services, vocational training and boarding services supplied by a private school for a charge for certain cohorts of pupil was held in early April. Judgment was reserved after a three-day hearing.

this rate of closures is in keeping with long-term trends or specific to 2025.

The Government says it is estimated that extending VAT to private school fees will raise £460 million in 2024/25, rising to £1.51 billion in 2025/26.

“Duncan’s advice for schools is to have a roadmap for negotiating the challenges, which includes remaining agile at all times...”

The government had forecast that imposing VAT on fees would result in 37,000 pupils leaving the private sector, representing about 6% of the current private school population, although Duncan said papers shown to the High Court indicated this would be more like 56,000, approaching 10% of the total.

School Management Plus reports that 18 UK independent schools have announced plans for closure or possible closure since January 1st, but says it is too early to judge whether

HMRC has published guidance for schools on whether they need to register for VAT, and how schools should charge and reclaim VAT on goods and services related to private school fees.

Azets, which works closely as a trusted advisor across the education sector, says private schools should seek professional advice and act swiftly and decisively on the VAT issue. www.azets.com/en-uk

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W E L HL EB A E LI N TH G

Bisphenol A and our health

By Jasmin Jetchev

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f you’ve ever sipped from a reusable plastic bottle, heated leftovers in a plastic container, or cracked open a tin of beans, chances are you’ve come into contact with Bisphenol A - better known as BPA. For decades, this synthetic chemical has been a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. However, scientific evidence is painting a troubling picture of its effects on our health.

In April 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a stark warning: dietary exposure to BPA poses a health concern for consumers of all ages. After sifting through over 800 new studies, EFSA concluded that BPA can seriously harm the immune system, even at extremely low doses. This led the agency to slash the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for BPA by a staggering 20,000 times, from four micrograms per kilogram of body weight to just 0.2 nanograms.

THE SCIENCE—AND THE SCEPTICISM In its most recent re-evaluation, EFSA took a systematic approach. Dr. Claude Lambré, chair of the Panel on Food Contact Materials, said the group scrutinised a “vast quantity” of scientific literature to address uncertainties that had plagued earlier assessments. Findings included increased levels of T helper cells—vital immune system players - which could lead to allergic lung inflammation or autoimmunity.

While European regulators are responding decisively, not everyone is convinced. Across the Atlantic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration continues to deem BPA safe for food contact, maintaining a regulatory stance that hasn’t kept pace with evolving science. This regulatory gap leaves many consumers unknowingly exposed.

A GAME OF CHEMICAL WHACK-A-MOLE As awareness of BPA’s dangers has grown, manufacturers have increasingly turned to substitutes like Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF).

Unfortunately, early research suggests these chemicals may be just as harmful, if not worse. BPS, for example, has already been identified as an endocrine disruptor and reproductive toxicant, and has been detected in the urine of over two-thirds of European adults.

“BPA is found in everything from water dispensers and food storage containers to the linings of canned goods and even some dental sealants.”

WHAT IS BPA—AND WHY SHOULD WE CARE? BPA is used in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It’s found in everything from water dispensers and food storage containers to the linings of canned goods and even some dental sealants. Unfortunately, this convenience comes at a cost. Chemicals like BPA can leach from containers into our food and drinks, leading to chronic exposure.

Despite breaking down quickly in the body, usually within hours, BPA doesn’t need to linger long to do damage. Its structure allows it to mimic the hormone oestrogen, enabling it to bind to hormone receptors and disrupt the endocrine system. This disruption has been linked to a host of health problems, including infertility, breast and ovarian cancers, metabolic disorders, and cognitive impairments.

Recent animal studies reviewed by EFSA also show that BPA affects white blood cells, which are crucial to immune defence and potentially trigger inflammatory conditions and autoimmune diseases.

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This trend, known as ‘regrettable substitution,’ is cause for serious concern. Rather than solving the problem, replacing BPA with chemically similar alternatives may shift the risks without reducing them. In 2022, EU regulators added BPS to the REACH Candidate List of substances of very high concern, and experts now argue for regulating bisphenols as a group to avoid these chemical shell games.

AVOIDING BPA: A MODERN CHALLENGE Completely avoiding BPA in today’s plastic-saturated world is nearly impossible. It’s not listed on product labels, and its presence is invisible without lab testing. Yet there are practical steps we can take to reduce our exposure:

• Swap plastics for glass or stainless steel wherever possible, especially for food and drink storage.

• Don’t microwave food in plastic containers. Even BPA-free plastics can degrade and release chemicals under heat.

• Look for recycling codes 1, 2, or 5 on plastic products; these are less likely to contain BPA. • Change out of synthetic workout gear promptly, especially after sweating. BPA has been found in polyester clothing and can be absorbed through the skin.

• Avoid polyester and spandex and any other fabric made with plastic.

• Follow the “grandma rule”: if a material wasn’t around when your grandmother (or great-grandmother, for some people) was young, it may be worth avoiding.

THE BIGGER PICTURE BPA is just one of many chemicals in the modern “alphabet soup” of potential pollutants, alongside PFAS, PCBs, and others. It is not just a relic of industrial chemistry - it’s a modern-day health issue that spans generations and continents.

The science is increasingly clear: even low-level exposure can have serious health implications.

For now, the best protection is awareness. While total avoidance may be unrealistic, informed choices can significantly reduce your daily exposure and, in turn, your long-term health risks.

“While total avoidance may be unrealistic, informed choices can significantly reduce your daily exposure and, in turn, your long-term health risks.”

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By KELLIE MILLER

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER THE WORKS OF KELLIE MILLER

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s a creative child, full of determination to succeed in a creative world, my sole ambition was to live a creative life and make my living from my creative endeavours. My life has pursued many paths. Those paths crossed, ran parallel, then perpendicular, bent, and tracked in many directions. Ultimately, I have

achieved my goal, and life has gotten richer with opportunities that present in many forms.

With that creative child in mind, I always ask how we nurture their spirit and harness their power to remain imaginative and creative throughout their lives. Damping a child’s ability to grow their creative talents can impede their development in many areas. Many parents encourage their children to play and experiment, but they often limit this exploration as the children develop.

Mainstream educational practices tend to focus primarily on left-brain activities, which isn’t the best approach. A creative child is forced to navigate their way in this environment, which in itself requires an innate problem-solving skill.

Encouraging creative children to thrive is essential for developing the world’s next great thinkers and problem solvers.

“The Shape of Water”

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My path has led me to make my artistic practice the heart of my work; beauty is significant in both the art produced and the curation process. Beauty is powerful and not frivolous, but can often be political. Art is critical to our well-being and can be beautiful without being deliberately crude or aggressive. It can convey many messages, but being approachable and inclusive allows it to be shared and enjoyed by many.

“Mystics – Alicea rosea”

“Symphony”

My mixed-media approach flows freely between abstract and figurative imagery, with nature often being the central idea. The works must exude hope and optimism while being accessible and tactile. I cherish the abstract art approach because it is not prescriptive and invites the viewer to feel and then interpret the artwork as a whole.

of the art of cryptological communication can often be found in brides’ bouquets.

Curating affords the opportunity to bring together artworks in space and time. Like creating my art, it is a layered process.

It is alchemy when everything comes together, and you create an inspiring environment that surrounds you. The space becomes the canvas; each component is crucial to the finished masterpiece. The intention is to create from the heart, where the most beautiful art arises.

“My life has pursued many paths.

Those paths crossed, ran parallel, then perpendicular, bent, and tracked in many directions.”

Travel is a key inspiration and can be as simple as walking, journeying, or visiting other places and countries. Earlier pieces had more of a direct correlation, featuring aerial views, combining cityscape and landscape. Recent works use floriography—the language of flowers—to communicate hidden messages (cryptological) in the paintings. An example “Secret Admirer”

Kellie Miller is an artist, curator, critic and gallery owner. www.kelliemillerarts.com “Unfolding”

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H TE R A LV TE H L In my experience, there’s a peculiar phenomenon that occurs when we leave home with no clear agenda beyond discovery; we end up not only exploring new places but we also uncover new parts of ourselves. By Tess de Klerk

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n the ever-shifting terrain of travel and inspiration, creativity doesn’t always thrive in the places we expect.

Instead, it slips through the cracks, surfacing when the mind is non-expectant and the itinerary is loose. Welcome to The Rabbit Hole Paradox - the idea that the deeper you wander away from structure, the closer you get to your creative core.

For decades, travellers have sought what they expect to be creative havens such as the Parisian cafés of Hemingway or the sun-soaked villages of Tuscany. While undeniably beautiful, these picture-perfect destinations can create pressure to be inspired. But creativity isn’t a postcard. It’s more like a rabbit hole - twisting, unexpected, and messy.

And the trick to unlocking it while travelling isn’t necessar-

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ily to follow in the footsteps of great minds, but to lose your way entirely. Let go of the curated lists and Tripadvisor’s Top 10 Must-Sees. The more you try to force inspiration, the more it hides. Creativity tends to happen when you let it come to you.

TRAVEL LIKE A TUMBLEWEED To truly ignite creativity through travel, you must be willing to surrender to uncertainty. Book a ticket without a packed schedule. Choose a destination you know nothing about.

Leave room for wrong turns, missed trains, and awkward conversations in foreign tongues.

Why? Creativity can be born in moments of friction, when your brain can’t predict what will come next.

“For decades, travellers have sought what they expect to be creative havens such as the Parisian cafés of Hemingway or the sun-soaked villages of Tuscany...”

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H TE R A LV TE H L

“Sometimes the most creatively rich travel moments come not from stimulation, but from boredom. You stop checking your phone. Your mind wanders. You start writing a short story in your head...”

Tumbling into unfamiliar environments heightens your senses. The brain, suddenly unsure of its surroundings, starts to make new connections. You’ll find a metaphor in a fish market; beauty in the way laundry hangs across narrow streets; dialogue in the rhythm of two strangers arguing on a train. This is the rabbit hole. And you’re in it now.

Sometimes the most creatively rich travel moments come not from stimulation, but from boredom. In the liminal hours between destinations - waiting at a vividly graffitied bus terminal in Miami, staring at endless desert sands in the Sahara, something curious happens.

You stop checking your phone. Your mind wanders. You start writing a short story in your head. You remember a childhood dream of adventure. Boredom strips away distraction, allowing the deeper currents of thought to rise. In that space, creativity finds room to breathe.

COLLECT MOMENTS, NOT CONTENT We live in an age where travel is often filtered through the lens of Insta. While taking photos can be part of the journey, please don’t let it be the destination, don’t let documentation replace experience. Instead of framing every moment for likes, let some be just for you. Keep a small travel notebook. Jot down overheard conversations, weird dreams, the smell of street food.

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These aren’t “shareable” in the online sense, but they are fertile ground for future creative inspiration. When you travel as a collector of small experiences rather than viral moments, you build a personal archive that your future self can mine for new ideas.

Another quirk of the rabbit hole paradox is that the creative rewards of travel often arrive after the trip is over.

It might be weeks or months later when an image from your journey becomes the seed of a new project. This is why travel and creativity tend to be less about immediate output and more about incubation. Trust the process.

Allow your experiences to sink in, ferment, and resurface when your brain needs them most. Sometimes the journey continues long after your suitcase is unpacked.

If you want to travel to increase creativity, I suggest a willingness to get lost—not just geographically, but mentally. Ditch the idea of productivity. Stop measuring your travel in how much you “got done.” Creativity is not a checklist. It’s a current. Let yourself be swept in. Because the fundamental paradox is this: often, the more you chase creativity, the more it evades you. But walk away, take a train to nowhere, talk to a stranger, eat something unpronounceable and give the brain that brand new input to spark creativity and joie de vivre.

Right when you least expect it.

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DINING FINE

Teller’s Arms F ,S arnham

By Elena Tansey

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oused in what was once a Lloyds Bank, the Teller’s Arms on Castle Street is one of the more interesting additions to Farnham’s pub and dining scene. It’s the kind of place that takes its history seriously without being stuck in the past. The building still has plenty of its original character—high ceilings, polished wood floors, and even a few subtle nods to its banking past—but it’s now a warm, lively space that works as both a pub and restaurant.

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see it in the range and quality of dishes on offer. There’s a mix of small plates, sharing options, and mains that lean into traditional pub comfort food, but everything is done with a bit more care than usual.

“The menu changes To start, I went for the celeriac, samphire, and grelo onion bhaji. It was light and with the seasons, crispy, with a great balance of flavours and it’s clear that from the lime and harissa yoghurt, pickled chilli, and mint. It’s always nice when a the kitchen takes vegan option isn’t just an afterthought, pride in sourcing and this definitely wasn’t. local ingredients.” My friend had braised short rib of beef

The menu changes with the seasons, and it’s clear that the kitchen takes pride in sourcing local ingredients. You can 46

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served with Marmite mayonnaise, pickled cucumber, and chilli. I had a taste—rich, tender meat paired with the sharpness of the pickles and the surprisingly

subtle umami of the Marmite mayo. It was an unusual combination on paper, but it worked really well.

For mains, I went for the pea, feta, broad bean, and spring leek risotto. It was fresh, creamy, and properly seasoned, with a crunchy pangrattato topping and a wild garlic pesto that lifted the whole dish; a really satisfying vegetarian option.

My friend took on the Farnham Family Butchers grill, which is exactly as full-on as it sounds: lamb chop, wild boar and apple sausage, 115g rump steak, a fried egg, onion rings, fries, watercress, and Farnham honey mustard. It was well-cooked across the board—meat done just right, crisp onion rings, and a mustard sauce that added a local touch without overpowering anything. One for the hungrier customer, but not just a pile of food for the sake of it—there was real attention to flavour.

We finished with the orange bread and butter pudding, served with whipped lemon mascarpone and honeycomb.

It was just sweet enough, with a nice citrus kick and a bit of crunch from the honeycomb, and a comforting end to the meal, not heavy or stodgy.

“If you’re in Farnham and looking for a proper meal in a setting with character, this is a safe bet.” happy to answer questions about the menu and made sure everything kept moving without making us feel rushed.

Overall, the Teller’s Arms delivers on pretty much every front. The food is excellent, the atmosphere strikes the right tone, and the attention to detail—whether in the dishes, drinks, or design—makes it feel like a place that’s been here a lot longer than it has. If you’re in Farnham and looking for a proper meal in a setting with character, this is a safe bet.

75 Castle St, Farnham GU9 7LP www.tellersarmsfarnham.co.uk

The drinks list is also worth noting. There’s a good range of wines, both by the glass and bottle, and the staff had solid recommendations for the food. Beers and ales are well represented too, with a mix of local brews and more familiar names, and the cocktail list is a little different from the usual pub fare—clearly a lot of thought has gone into it.

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ON

CHICHESTER

CHICHESTER PRIDE

WHAT'S

Chichester Pride will take place on the leafy green front lawn at Chichester College between 12-7pm. Be prepared for a day filled with amazing activities, exhilarating performances and inspiring speakers plus a lively atmosphere that radiates positivity. Chichester Pride is a celebration to the strength found in diversity and the beauty of embracing our authentic selves.

May 24th Across the city www.chichesterpride.co.uk

SURREY HILLS

SURREY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Experience world-class classical performances in stunning venues, featuring artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Sitkovetsky Trio.

May 6th-17th Various venues in Surrey Hills surreyhills.org

WHAT’S ON...

A brief snapshot of art and culture in the region UCKFIELD

ELDERFLOWER FIELDS FESTIVAL A family-friendly weekend with outdoor adventures, music, arts, and science activities set in the beautiful Pippingford Park.

May 23rd-26th Pippingford Park, Uckfield, East Sussex elderflowerfields.co.uk

GLYNDE

GLYNDEBOURNE FESTIVAL Enjoy world-class opera in the picturesque setting of Glyndebourne, starting with Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia.

May 16th – 24 August 24th Glyndebourne Opera House, near Lewes, East Sussex

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ESHER

ESHER MAY FAIR A traditional fair with music, dance, martial arts, fairground rides, and a popular canine gymkhana.

Saturday, May 17th Esher Green eshermayfair.org.uk

BOGNOR REGIS

SUSSEX DUBFEST A weekend of live music, VW camper displays, and family fun, supporting St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

BRIGHTON

BRIGHTON FRINGE FESTIVAL England’s largest open-access arts festival returns with thousands of performances spanning comedy, theatre, cabaret, and more throughout Brighton.

May 30th – June 1st Pagham Football Club, Bognor Regis, West Sussex sussexdubfest.co.uk

May 2nd-31st Various locations across Brighton brightonfringe.org

ARUNDEL

ARUNDEL CASTLE: MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL Step back in time with medieval reenactments, falconry, and archery in the historic castle grounds.

May 24th-26th Arundel, West Sussex arundelcastle.org

BRIGHTON & SURROUNDING AREAS

ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSES

May sees artists across Brighton and Hove, Ditchling, Hurstpierpoint, Ovingdean and along the coast from Newhaven to Portslade open their homes and studios to all visitors. A peak inside where it all happens.

Each weekend across May Various locations https://aoh.org.uk/ www.platinummediagroup.co.uk

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