Burlingtons Magazine | Issue 04 | Spring 2021

Embrace the curative power of nature as we step into a more hopeful spring

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT Introducing the all new Burlingtons Real Estate

EXPEDITION YACHTS The yachting trend making waves in the ocean industry

FINE DINING The best of world cuisine in the heart of London

N O 04 | SP R I N G 2021

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Heesen’s Project Triton offers the rare opportunity to own and enjoy a brand new yacht without the waiting.

50-metre Triton combines advanced Heesen engineering with Dutch craftsmanship, timeless exterior lines by Clifford Denn and contemporary interior design by Reymond Langton. With her full displacement steel hull and a range of 3,800 nautical miles, Triton is a true blue-water motor yacht. Ready for delivery and perfectly on time for cruising this summer.

heesenyachts.com

A one stop shop for your business expenses and international payments Volopa is a leading innovator in the international payments and card space. With our wealth of real-world experience, combined with agile fintech expertise, Volopa provides an easy-to-use and bespoke solution for your business, delivering a value proposition perfectly designed to streamline expenses, reduce costs, and empower your employees both at home and anywhere in the fast-moving global economy.

INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS We deliver hassle free, fast and secure international payment services with no hidden fees. Our technology and expertise help corporates and institutions more effectively manage their currency needs. Pay suppliers, business partners or employees worldwide at some of the best rates available, and all at the click of a button.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR EXPENSES Our easy-to-use platform and globally accepted prepaid business cards offer complete transparency on where and what your employees are spending at any moment in time. This means you can do away with expense forms and empower all your employees – not just key executives.

Visit Volopa.com to empower your business today

Volopa Financial Services (Scotland) Limited is an Authorised Payment Institution registered with the FCA. Firm No. FRN 554549.

urlingtons Group is a multi-specialist group of professionals. We deliver highly personal integrated advice to our clients’ business and personal interests across the globe. Our solutions for your business and private interests bridge legal, tax, accounting, real estate, IT, fiduciary services and our own private office.

Our Burlingtons Club hosts an international private community of carefully selected professionals sharing the highest standards of excellence and client care. Drawn from lawyers, accountants, wealth managers, hedge funds, tax advisors and other experts across the globe, we come together to work and pool our collective skills, expertise and experience to provide added value to our client.

Our global reach, contact base and influence is not only headquartered in the heart of London, but we also have offices in Almaty, Moscow, St Petersburg, Geneva, Malta and Gibraltar with a wider international reach through Burlingtons Club.

Visit us at burlingtons.group

FROM THE

CEO

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PRING IS IN THE AIR and, after what feels like a long winter full of trials and tribulations, there is nothing better when it comes to lifting our mood. In fact, that image of the sun starting to chase away the clouds, ready to welcome in the bright new season, could not be a more perfect metaphor for the Burlingtons Group.

In this issue, after months of planning, we are delighted to finally introduce Burlingtons Real Estate to our portfolio. A testament to our longstanding partnership with award-winning property services Hyde Park Residential, this will expand our offering of development and property opportunities to clients in Prime Central London and beyond. Read more about this exciting new venture on page 24 and find out what it could mean for you. Elsewhere, Burlingtons Legal also reveals exciting news about one of our most prominent cases on page 74.

With the UK’s lockdown finally easing, the sunny weather offers us the opportunity to enjoy long overdue dining with our loved ones. Join Burlingtons in celebrating the return to eating out with our round-up of some of the finest and most diverse restaurants in London (18).

And while you’re enjoying an afternoon al fresco, why not take the opportunity to peruse some of the most exciting luxury ‘toys’ on the market in our supercar feature (44). If that’s not enough to ignite your wanderlust, we explore the hidden gems of Lake Geneva (38) before discovering the adventurous world of expedition yachting on page 68.

We also chat to Quantum Group founder and philanthropist Floyd Woodrow MBE DCM about his journey from SAS commander to leadership expert – and how his Compass For Life Foundation is helping disadvantaged children in the UK realise their goals for the future (32).

With many more new trends, luxury launches and business insights to discover in these pages, we hope our Burlingtons Club Members and readers enjoy the issue.

Deborah Mills Chief Executive Officer Burlingtons Group Limited

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BURLINGTONS GROUP Deborah Mills Chief Executive Officer Deborah.mills@burlingtons.group Henry Mills Director – Burlingtons Private Office henry.mills@burlingtons.pro Nicholas Portelli Managing Director – Burlingtons Real Estate nicholas.portelli@burlingtons.realestate Jacob Kett Liaison – Burlingtons Private Office jacob.kett@burlingtons.pro CONTACT For advertising enquiries or to find out more about Burlingtons Club contact: info@burlingtons.club Burlingtons Group 5 Stratford Place London, W1C 1AX +44 (0)20 7529 5420 EDITORIAL TEAM Burlingtons Magazine is published by Vantage Media Limited Director of Editorial: Michelle Johnson Director of Art: Ross Forbes Sub-editor: Dominique Dinse Contributors: Olivia Brotheridge (illustrator), Helena Antoniou, Maeve O’Higgins, Gabriel Power, Rory FH Smith

Responsibly printed Printed by Park Communications, UK on Edixion Offset (FSC® certified paper) using vegetable inks and sustainable printing methods. www.parkcom.co.uk

Cover credit: Windsor Castle, UK. © Maureen McLean/Alamy Live News

Vantage Media Limited 35 South Street London, W1K 2XE info@vantagemediagroup.co.uk

© 2020 Burlingtons Group Articles and other contributions published in this journal may be reproduced only with special permission from Burlingtons Group. Burlingtons Group and the publishers (Vantage Media Limited) accept no responsibility for any views or statements made in the articles and other contributions reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is accepted for the claims in advertisements appearing in this journal and the publishers reserve the right to accept or refuse advertisements at their discretion.

Burlingtons Magazine is published by Vantage Media Limited. www.vantagemediagroup.co.uk 7

CONTENTS A Spring in our Step

10

CEO Deborah Mills shares exciting news about the future of Burlingtons Group

Take 5

14

Find out what Burlingtons Club Members are excited about this season

A Taste of Freedom

18

Sample the best of global fine dining in the heart of London

Real Recovery

24

Burlingtons Real Estate on the ever-evolving property market

A Perfect Union

30

Bremont celebrates 150 of the Rugby Football Union with a limited-edition timepiece

Finding True North

18

32

A Taste of Freedom

Quantum Group and Compass For Life Foundation founder Floyd Woodrow talks leadership

Postcards from Geneva

36

We explore the diplomatic and luxurious Swiss city

Swiss Made

38

Burlingtons Geneva is our guide to southern Switzerland’s areas of natural beauty

36 Postcards from Geneva

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38 Swiss Made

Spending Power

42

Why Henry – High Earners, Not Yet Rich – is the name to know in post-pandemic luxury

Driving Ambition

44

Start your engines: these are the most exciting new supercars of 2021

The Second Opinion

50

NNBond Homes founder Natalia Bondarenko shares her unique development and design concept

Park Life

54

Burlingtons discovers the majesty of the spring season with England’s regal parks

A Brighter Outlook

60

44 Driving Ambition

Arc & Co’s Sean Adams explains why the future of property funding is bright as lockdown measures ease

Family Matters

64

Burlingtons Family Law reveals the impact of Covid-19 on family life

Ice Breakers

68

How the expedition yachting trend is bringing scientific, conservations and travel benefits to the ocean

Burlingtons Legal Update

74

Park Life

Retrial of hacking claim ordered by the Court of Appeal

Ask Boris

54

76

Burlingtons’ resident bulldog takes on the beautiful world of gemstone investment

64 Ice Breakers

9

Our CEO Deborah Mills reveals exciting news about the future of Burlingtons Group 10

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INCE CHRISTMAS – and our last edition of Burlingtons magazine – we in the UK have found ourselves enduring yet another lockdown. But four months into 2021 and spring is in the air, with lockdown measures slowly easing since Easter, to provide us all with a well-deserved break and restore our energy.

Despite the hurdles of lockdown, the Burlingtons Group has been active on a number of business fronts.

First, I am delighted to announce that we have taken a strategic stake in London-based real estate experts Hyde Park Residential – recognised by leading property journal PrimeResi as one of the top 50 real estate advisors in the UK. This is a very important milestone in the expansion of Burlingtons Group. Over the year, we have evolved from a boutique law firm into a significant professional team, growing to include tax and accounting, our own private office, IT, wealth management and, with this new investment, our own real estate division. As a result of this investment, Hyde Park Residential will be renamed Burlingtons Real Estate Advisory Limited.

The relationship between Burlingtons, Hyde Park Residential and its founder, Nicholas Portelli, goes back many years and we have collaborated together on numerous real estate projects and transactions. These include acquisitions and disposals of real estate assets in central London and internationally, and supporting clients with the funding requirements for their real estate development projects. These successful transactions led us to take a small stake in the company several years ago, and we have now increased this investment to become equal partners with Nicholas in the business.

Through our exclusive Deal Room – available to all members of Burlingtons Club – we have now secured a range of mandates in the property and non-property sectors, with our property retainers covering sale and purchase of hotels and trophy properties in London and Europe, prime London developments, and property secured funding initiatives. Our aim is to establish our own property fund in 2021.

We firmly believe that the timing is right.

With Brexit largely behind us and with the gradual lifting of lockdown, we can see that investors are keen to re-engage in real estate transactions; London will remain a key player in this market. The UK appears to be managing its exit from the pandemic well and has showcased that it will be a global leader in this regard, making it an attractive place for local and international investors.

For further information about Burlingtons Group and Burlingtons Real Estate please contact deborah.mills@burlingtons.group or Nicholas Portelli at nicholas.portelli@burlingtons.realestate Become a Burlingtons Club member to receive exclusive benefits.

Find out more by contacting info@ burlingtons.club

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TAKE 5 The incredible places, people and products that Burlingtons Club members are talking about this season…

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BURLINGTONS CLUB

1.

IRISH WONDER The Craft Irish Whiskey Co and artist-jeweller Fabergé have joined forces to release a new collectible inspired by the Seven Wonders of Ireland. The custommade Emerald Isle Collection features two bottles of ultra-rare 30-year-old triple distilled Irish whiskey and two incredible Fabergé creations – the first ever Fabergé Celtic Egg and a bespoke Altruist timepiece. The bottles are set with responsibly sourced emeralds, while a rough, uncut emerald is hidden within the Fabergé egg. Each collection also includes a humidor with two Cohiba Siglo VI Grand Reserva cigars, a gold-plated cigar cutter and pipette, obsidian whiskey stones, a hip flask with a sample of the Emerald Isle whiskey – the rarest Irish whiskey in existence – and a carafe filled with Irish spring water. 100% of proceeds will be donated to charity – half to the Correa Family Foundation and half to a charity of the buyer’s choice. Sláinte. craftirishwhiskey.com

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2.

A TAILORED SCENT Brioni is known for its chic and stylish menswear – beloved by the likes of Brad Pitt and Barack Obama – and the brand’s latest product, Brioni Eau de Parfum, completes the look with effortless elegance. The men’s fragrance was created in collaboration with renowned master perfumer Michel Almairac and is presented in a bottle created by Lalique, and inspired by Brioni’s classic navy blue suits. The fragrance is well-balanced, sophisticated and understated, with a fresh opening of peppercorn and apple, warm heart of violet and woody-ambery ambroxan, and clean cedarwood, tonka bean and musk at the base. A fragrance that exudes modern masculinity, confidence and impeccable style. brioni.com

3.

BUILDING ON SOLID FOUNDATIONS Providing expert legal support to the construction and civil sectors, MHA is involved with quantifying the financial effects of delay and/or disruption on some of the world’s largest construction and civil contracts. While those outside of these highly specialised sectors might mistake the subject for being dry, MHA is well versed in presenting complex, technical matters in a way that is user-friendly and of assistance to any tribunal hearing a reference. MHA’s work has taken its team around the globe, including visits to some lesstravelled destinations – such as when dealing with a major hydro-electric power project scheme high up in the Peruvian Andes (left) – and so clients can expect to benefit from the team’s wealth of expertise in everything from highly technical construction issues through to fine dining recommendations. (senior partner Mark Hackett recommends Astrid y Gaston restaurant next time you’re in Lima!)

Contact Mark Hackett, senior partner of MHA, via email at mark.hackett@mha-legalsupport.com MHA is a member of Burlingtons Club. Find out more at info@burlingtons.club

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4.

TAKING ACTION In any business, achieving synergy with your suppliers, distributors, business partners and clients can be joyous and mutually beneficial.

However, business dealings are not always harmonious, and legal action may need to be taken when commercial transactions or deals fall through and commercial attempts to clear an impasse fail. Issues that fall under commercial litigation include contractual and shareholder disputes, fraud, corporate management problems and much more, and these legal actions can be costly to both sides.

Burlingtons Legal’s specialist litigation and dispute resolution experts are here to guide individuals and businesses through every stage of a dispute, whether that’s helping mediate a disagreement to settle it out of court, or pursuing legal action at trial. Whatever the circumstances of your case, Burlingtons can offer bespoke commercial and cost-effective solutions for your business so you focus on achieving synergy once more.

Contact Burlingtons Legal’s litigation team by emailing Dominic Holden: dominic.holden@burlingtons.legal

5.

SEAMASTER STYLE Ever since its debut in 1957, the Omega Seamaster has been one of the world’s most famous diving watches. 2021’s Seamaster 300 sees the classic design re-engineered for the modern day, with plenty of vintage touches to pay tribute to the original. Each 41mm timepiece is delivered in classic stainless steel, with thinner, more durable bezels and reintroduced lollipop central seconds hand with a SuperLumiNova tip. Omega’s new sandwich dial features a base layer with Super-LumiNova and a second plate over the top, with recessed laser-cut hour markers and numerals kept in the 1960s style, of course. The watch boasts a slimmer style, thanks to a new domed sapphire crystal on the face, and is powered by the Master Chronometer Certified Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8912. The standout model is the pioneering Bronze Gold (right) – Omega’s new patent-pending alloy – which features a soft hue along with incomparable corrosion resistance. The watch is also available in stainless steel with blue or black dial. omegawatches.com 17

A TASTE OF FREEDOM As sunny climes offer a chance to indulge in al fresco dining, Gabriel Power presents five of the best London restaurants serving up world cuisine

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E IN THE UK have received mixed messages in recent months regarding when our holidays might be back on the menu. With hopes set on the possibility of returning to international leisure travel from as early as 17 May, this tantalising prospect is still subject to medical advice and travel corridor agreements between nations.

But perhaps we should be looking closer to home

©Mr Bao 18

for an effective treatment to our collective wanderlust.

With both sun-filled spring weather and the reopening of some non-essential businesses – including restaurants – from 12 April, why not skip the airport queues and head to one of London’s myriad worldly restaurants for a taste of far-flung lands?

Here are five London restaurants that will transport you across the globe…

CUISINE LA POULE AU POT La Poule Au Pot, a mainstay of leafy Belgravia since 1964, is exactly what you picture when thinking of a classic Parisian bistro.

Indoors, candlelit tables dot a romantic, atmospheric dining area sporting copious amount of exposed brickwork and decorative flourishes including pots, pans and French wicker baskets. Outside, meanwhile, guests can don their shades and soak up the sun with a meal – and a round of people-watching – in the restaurant’s al fresco seating area.

But the restaurant is so much more than ambience. La Poule Au Pot represents French cooking at its most gloriously unpretentious, offering up everything from an austere yet succulent boeuf bourguignon to a delicate pintade rôtie – roast guinea fowl. » pouleaupot.co.uk

CUT OUT AT 45 PARK LANE Cut at 45 Park Lane, tucked away on Curzon Street in Mayfair, reopens in April to serve up the same haute cuisine that has put it on the map for so many visiting London. Under the culinary direction of new executive chef Jamie Shears, guests will once again be able to enjoy dishes from Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant – in the al fresco environment of the elegant outdoor terrace – with highlights including a superb sole à la meunière, Korean style lamb rack and bulgogi and Porthilly rock oysters with Cut hot sauce.

If you feel like transporting yourself to Hollywood, be sure to visit on 26 April, when Cut Out will celebrate the Academy Awards with a special menu featuring smoked salmon pizza with crème fraiche and caviar, usually served to Hollywood legends at the official Oscars dinner.

Furthermore, bar manager Francesco Orefici’s famed Shallow Negroni – itself inspired by the Oscars – will also return to the menu and will be available from the Negroni Bar all that week. dorchestercollection.com

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CUISINE

DALLOWAY TERRACE

“Dalloway Terrace offers spectacular outdoor dining reminiscent of a chic European city break”

The Bloomsbury Hotel’s Dalloway Terrace offers spectacular outdoor dining reminiscent of a chic European city break, with heaters, a retractable roof and canopy – all tucked away in the streets of Fitzrovia.

Dalloway will be unveiling its latest spring installation from 12 April which it has crafted in partnership with master florists McQueens and Belvedere Vodka. The launch of the spectacular new terrace design will be coupled with a seasonal menu of favourites from around the world, including tiger prawns with green mango and chilli and pasta alla norma, a Sardinian dish often overlooked by English pasta fans. And, of course, Dalloway’s formidable cocktail menu is second-tonone, using ingredients from all corners of the globe. » dallowayterrace.com

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MR BAO Despite focusing predominantly on Taiwanese cuisine, SE15’s most in-demand restaurant is practically a free ticket to anywhere in the world you please.

Mr Bao’s frankly unbeatable bao buns are reminiscent of the finest street food in Taipei, but the buzz and electric atmosphere around the place is positively Manhattan-esque, while a drinks menu packed with premium sake brings Tokyo to the heart of Peckham.

Be sure to reserve a spot – this place books up seriously fast – and prepare to be nudged out of your comfort zone by Mr Bao’s fascinating takes on what makes a sumptuous bao filling, from slow-braised pork belly to beer-marinated prawns. mrbao.co.uk

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CUISINE

“Benares’ special Iftar menu is devised by celebrated executive Sameer Taneja – and promises an international celebration like no other.”

BENARES The month of Ramadan begins on or around 12 April this year, inviting more than one billion Muslims around the world to fast from dawn until dusk each day. And, as the sun dips below the horizon, families and communities come together to celebrate a late-night feast known as Iftar.

While many of London’s restaurants are offering exciting Iftar menus, our pick is Berkeley Square’s Michelin-star Benares.

With Indian cuisine delivered to the comfort of your home (the restaurant offers three finish-at-home kits nationwide) or served in situ again when the restaurant reopens, Benares’ special Iftar menu is devised by celebrated executive Sameer Taneja – and promises an international celebration like no other. benaresrestaurant.com

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Real recovery From trophy assets to residential development projects, Nicholas Portelli explains how Burlingtons Real Estate is taking advantage of an ever-evolving market

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HERE COULD NOT have been a better moment for Burlingtons Group to invest in real estate company Hyde Park Residential. The latter company, newly renamed Burlingtons Real Estate Advisory Limited, now has a broader and stronger platform to grow, and to take advantage of the recovery of the real estate market in the UK and internationally.

It’s true that the Covid-19 pandemic and, to an extent, Brexit, have created a general sense of uncertainty among investors, deterring investment across the board. We also saw this in the real estate market whereby, in such circumstances, investors tend to take a cautious approach and delay investment decisions while sellers or property owners tend to withdraw their properties from the market and wait it out. As a result, the number of transactions drops, which in turn puts downward pressure on prices, as we have witnessed in parts of central London over the past couple of years.

Another factor which has conditioned the market – particularly in Prime Central London – is the lockdown travel ban. We find that overseas investors like coming to London during an acquisition but, largely, this hasn’t been possible for some time now.

Since the beginning of 2021, however, things have started to change for the better. Property research portal LonRes recently reported that exchanges in the £5m-plus price bracket in central London were up by nearly 20%, with the rest of the market in central London witnessing year-on-year increases of between 5% and 8%.

This could very well be a result of the fast rollout of the Covid-19 vaccines in the UK and the fact that Brexit-related uncertainty is largely behind us. In a way, the handling of the vaccine rollout has given the UK an opportunity to demonstrate that it intends being a global leader in a postpandemic and post-Brexit world. This message is being well received by investors and the signs are encouraging with many foreign investors planning trips to the UK immediately as quarantine requirements are lifted. »

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REAL ESTATE

A FOCUSED DEVELOPMENT At Burlingtons Real Estate we will remain focused on supporting such investors to identify, fund and acquire properties and real estate-related investment opportunities in and around London. The London property market will keep on providing these investors with a good mix of opportunities for those seeking yield, capital appreciation, trophy assets or development projects.

The characteristics of these investment opportunities are different and appeal to different types of investors; however, one area where we have seen tremendous growth and interest is that of residential development. This part of the market is particularly interesting for us because we are able to connect ambitious projects to serious capital. The result is that investors benefit from the above-average returns that residential development projects can deliver, without necessarily getting involved in the day-to-day running of a project.

The role of Burlingtons Real Estate in this field is to identify the right projects and the right development companies, and match that with the right capital, whereby each party has a role to play. The development company provides the right site, management and delivery of the project and exit, and the investor provides the initial capital. One of the most important success factors (apart from choosing the right site) is choosing the right development company. Any project, no matter how big or small, will face unexpected challenges and it’s how those challenges are managed and resolved that will determine the success of the project. This is probably our most important responsibility and one we take very seriously. »

London living: Premium residential developments have seen tremendous growth and interest from investors

“Any project, no matter how big or small, will face unexpected challenges and it’s how those challenges are resolved that will determine the success of the project” 27

BRIDGING THE GAP Project and site selection are, of course, equally as important and, on paper, there are many compelling opportunities across London. When it comes to residential developments, we support the rationale behind investing in affordable housing.

This part of the market is primarily driven by the lack of supply and this applies to the entire UK including London.

Across the UK there is a requirement to build around 345,000 new homes each year, yet on average, the UK builds no more than 240,000 in a good year. This means there is already a backlog of new homes that need to be built in order to catch up with this shortfall. Coupled with that, the population of the UK is expected to keep on growing, which means that unless the numbers of new homes built every year increases substantially, the mismatch between demand and supply will remain for the foreseeable future.

This is also true of London, where the shortfall of new housing stock is anything between 20,000 and 40,000 units a year. With the population expected to grow from the current 8.9m to 10m by 2030, under supply will remain a key challenge.

This situation causes hardship for families. For some time now, the government and private builders are working together to increase the pace of these developments through various government-funded schemes like help to buy, shared ownership and others.

Such a mismatch between supply and demand also creates an opportunity for developers to buy land and build. If priced correctly, these projects sell quickly and can deliver IRRs in excess of 20%, making them very attractive propositions for external investors.

Looking ahead, we may see prices soften a little in the coming months as the government may step away from stimulus measures but, as mentioned earlier, the easing of travel bans should see cross-border transactions start to recover mitigating some of this impact.

Nonetheless, we expect good things from London’s market this year – and investors appear to feel the same.

Nicholas Portelli is a shareholder and Managing Director of Burlingtons Real Estate Advisory Limited. Burlingtons Real Estate was recently included in the top 50 buying agencies in the UK in 2020 by property research journal PrimeResi. Contact nicholas.portelli@burlingtons.realestate

Location, location, location: Areas of Prime Central London, like Kensington, offer compelling property opportunities

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A PERFECT UNION British watch brand Bremont celebrates 150 years of the Rugby Football Union with a limited-edition novelty

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WATCHES

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HEN IT COMES to our favourite sporting events, timing is everything. And to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), British watch brand Bremont have released the limited-edition Bremont RFU 150 timepiece.

Bremont, the official timing partner to both England Rugby and Twickenham Stadium, honoured the sporting milestone with this novelty, limited to 150 pieces. Combining durability, precision and technical ability, the watch features a chronometer rated movement with 24-hour GMT hand, as well as Bremont’s patented anti-shock mount. The 43mm case is made of satin and polished stainless steel and fitted with a rotating blue ceramic bezel.

Inspired by the blue tone of the England rugby team’s alternative kit, eagle eyed fans will notice the most pleasing feature of the bezel – the ability to track the match playing time, with the approach of half and full time indicated in red, and extra-time marked in white.

The closed caseback features the RFU’s Heritage Rose emblem, newly redesigned for the 150th anniversary and inspired by the first rose that first featured on players’ caps in 1871.

Bremont has partnered with the RFU since 2020, delivering Twickenham stadium’s official time-related match day content, including match clocks seen around the stadium.

That year, the brand released the Rose timepiece prior to the opening of the Guinness Six Nations 2020.

“It was an incredibly proud moment for me, when I first saw Bremont timekeeping presiding over play at Twickenham, both an iconic stadium and an English institution,” says Bremont co-founder Giles English. “It has obviously been an incredibly challenging year for sport, but not being able to enjoy sport in the same way has certainly highlighted its importance for so many.”

The RFU acts as the national governing body for the rugby union in England, supporting participants and fans from grassroots to national team. It was founded on 26 January 1871, when 21 clubs, represented by 32 people, gathered at the Richmond Club; the RFU was formed in just two hours, with Richmond’s Algernon Rutter elected first president.

Similar unions followed in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, with the first annual home-nations cup fixed in 1881. Twickenham stadium has been home of English rugby since its first match between Harlequins and Richmond in 1909.

“England Rugby really is as good as it gets and speaks to the core of what Bremont has always been about, with our maxim of being tested beyond endurance,” says English.

“We’re very much looking forward to seeing the Guinness Six Nations kick off and we’re thrilled to be part of these anniversary celebrations, commemorating such a landmark year in the sport.” bremont.com englandrugby.com 31

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FINDING TRUE NORTH

Floyd Woodrow, founder of the Quantum Group and Compass for Life Foundation, tells Michelle Johnson how he applies the leadership lessons of his distinguished military career in his business and charitable work

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OR FORMER SAS Commander Floyd Woodrow (MBE DCM LLB), great communication is the most valuable tool in a leader’s arsenal. After a distinguished 23-year military career, which saw him heading up the UK’s Counter Terrorist Wing, Woodrow (left) made his name as a leadership coach guiding the success of sports teams, CEOs of international companies, NHS workers and military personnel.

Encompassing his leadership philosophy is the Compass For Life programme, which teaches the key qualities and skills one must develop to be an effective leader – from setting one’s ‘Super North Star’ to defining the shared values that will guide your team’s strategy and empower them to succeed.

“Compass For Life is your path to your Super North Star.

A programme that provides the inspiration, courage and support you need to define what matters most and craft your own journey to the future you crave,” says Woodrow.

“The model is built on decades of combined experience from individuals that have spent their lives pursuing excellence and forging future leaders.”

This philosophy is best expressed in Woodrow’s 2016 book The Warrior, the Strategist and You. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that people are either born leaders or they’re not, and that’s just not true,” he says. “There are skills that we can learn to become better leaders and knowing how to communicate effectively is one of the most crucial.”

This is a core tenet within his own businesses – the Quantum Group is a leading UK fintech incubator with companies like the award-winning multi-currency card firm Volopa, hospitality cashback app Tail, and high-level security firm Valkyrie within its dynamic portfolio.

Not content with investing in today’s innovators, Woodrow’s Compass For Life Foundation works with schools in disadvantaged areas of the UK to empower children through these same leadership skills – helping them learn to set goals and strategies, build resilience and overcome hurdles on their own paths to success. Here, Woodrow shares lessons from his career and explains how anyone can be a great leader. »

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Floyd, how did you begin your career in the Armed Forces?

My brother joined the Royal Marines but ever since I was about 12, I had a great desire to join the Parachute Regiment and the Special Air Service. I joined the Paras when I was 18 and absolutely loved soldiering. I was surrounded by supertalented soldiers on really difficult, physically demanding training courses. I was taught by a phenomenal instructor, [Sergeant] Alistair Slater, whose whole philosophy was that “advanced training is doing the basic exceptionally well”.

I truly believe that, and it has applied to everything I’ve ever done. If you do the basics exceptionally well, you will have a great foundation for everything else you do.

How did that level of training affect your decision to join the SAS? I served with 1st Battalion for four years, including in Northern Ireland on a few occasions. I then wanted to join the Special Air Service, but I was told I wasn’t old or experienced enough. I’ve always been driven to overcome obstacles, so if someone tells me I can’t do something or that it will be difficult, I am immediately drawn to it! I passed the selection course and joined the SAS aged 22 and, looking back now, I’m certain that I was selected based on my potential. It was really difficult, but my learning curve from there was vertical. I loved growing and developing through soldiering.

I went on to enjoy a great 23-year career with the SAS, first as a Trooper with D Squadron Boat Troop, and I was fortunate to be involved in different operations early on in my career, including Iraq in 1991. From there, I was involved in every operational area – from operations officer to running UK Special Forces Selection – and rose through the ranks to finish as a Major. My final job with the SAS was as head of the Counter Terrorist Wing.

You are also a fintech innovator and co-founder of the Quantum Group…

Being in the business world, to me, is all about opportunity.

I co-founded high-level security company Valkyrie in 2010 and, a few years later, my business partner and I came across a great fintech called Volopa and saw a fantastic opportunity to provide foreign exchange services in a more transparent way.

We bought 25% of Volopa and started to develop it.

In 2015 we founded the Quantum Group to really help grow our businesses and what we’ve achieved has been remarkable. We’ve transformed Volopa so that it competes with the big boys, yet its start-up culture has remained very strong. We now own 100% of Volopa and acquired cashback app Tail in 2020. Even during the difficulties of Covid-19, we strengthened our core products and protected our people, who adapted well to working from home. We took this opportunity for inward reflection to focus on further developing our internal reporting and compliance systems, while continuing to develop the business-to-business and B2B2C spaces, ahead of adding options like crypto and bullion to the platforms later this year. I’m really excited about the future.

What inspired your interest in leadership and coaching?

I’ve always been interested in what makes an effective leader. I studied law and psychology while in the military, and realised there are many different leadership styles and skills that can be learnt. It was fascinating to be able to evaluate my own performance – my strengths and mistakes – and see how I could dramatically improve to be a better leader and person.

I set up my coaching and development business 12 years ago, after leaving the SAS and while working with different industries, and today I have contracts with international businesses, education, the NHS, the prison service and the 34

military – including a really exciting project I’m about to start that will work with soldiers throughout their careers.

How did you develop your Compass For Life approach?

The day the Compass clicked, I was in our boardroom on South Audley Street with a big flipchart. I had always spoken about my Super North Star – the goal driving us forward – and the importance of strategy. The term “warrior” had always been very strong in my vocabulary, as both strength of character and resilience. I wanted to emphasise shared values, and thought “ethos” was a stronger word, so I added that to the chart and realised I had a compass – North (North Star), East (Ethos), South (Strategy) and West (Warrior). The moment I saw the compass, every aspect of leadership fit seamlessly. It’s a perfect gateway to draw all other leadership models together and is backed by a huge amount of psychological research but, despite its complexity, it’s simple for absolutely anyone to understand.

You apply these techniques in schools through your Compass For Life Foundation…

The Compass for Life Foundation is really important to me.

We help disadvantaged children in the UK, and the work we’re doing in education is transformational. The essence of the programme is simple but amazingly powerful: children articulate their dream and draw a map to visualise what they will need to reach it. For instance, they might need to achieve certain exam results to become a doctor or scientist, while an aspiring footballer needs to train and understand nutrition.

School immediately starts to make sense and values become clearer. They can identify their team – teachers, parents, coaches – and build the tools they need overcome any hurdle.

Kids on the programme will blow you away with their ambition, drive and clarity of understanding. We now have large-scale projects in seven different areas of the UK, working with councils, teachers, parents and wider communities. The progress has been phenomenal, and we’ve seen a noticeable change in bridging the education gap.

You recently released your first novel, I am Jessie: Guardians of the Compass. Can you tell us about making the jump to fiction writing?

I love storytelling. I think it’s a really important tool in capturing why you do something, especially for children.

What I loved about writing this first book is that I could get totally lost in the story. Throughout her adventure, Jessie goes through a lot of different traumas. She’s growing, learning about life – and, of course, battling magical adversaries – before moving on to the next stage of her journey. I also use the book when I work with primary school children on the Compass For Life programme.

What is the key to becoming a great leader?

The more skill sets you have, the better a leader you’ll become. Communication is vital; being able to adapt your communication style to get your message across is pivotal.

It’s also important to build a team that has mutual trust and respect, shared values and feels empowered. We need to be aligned to the same Super North Star for our strategies to come together; without shared core values the strategy won’t get far; without mental and physical resilience you’ll be deenergised. That’s where Compass For Life comes in, giving you the inspiration to define your Super North Star, the courage to pursue it and the support you need to reach it. compassforlife.org.uk quantumgroup.uk

INTERVIEW

Compass For Life: Floyd Woodrow launches his Foundation in 2019 (above and previous, ©Colin Hart); working with school children (left); and (below) his first novel I am Jessie

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International Red Cross The global HQ of humanitarian aid foundation the Red Cross advocates for humanitarian law worldwide. Visit the Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum to discover its remarkable history.

CERN The world’s largest particle physics lab in the world houses the famous Large Hadron Collider, which was the key to scientists discovering the sub-atomic Higgs boson particle in 2012.

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F WE HAD to choose just one city to represent the world, Geneva would undoubtedly be it. Nestled on the edge of Europe’s largest lake (Lake Geneva) in the Western Alps in the south of Switzerland, this lake-side city is a financial centre and global hub of diplomacy – Geneva is home to the highest number of international organisations in the world, such as the Red Cross.

It is also synonymous with luxury thanks to its prestige boutiques, and has a long tradition of haute horology dating back to the 16th century. Today, its premier exhibitions include the annual Watches & Wonders watch fair (formerly SIHH) and the Geneva Motor Show.

Switzerland’s policy of armed neutrality was recognised by the League of Nations in 1920, but the city famous for its humanitarian law of warfare – the Geneva Convention – has a fascinating history.

The city dates back to pre-Roman times and was an independent city state from the Middle Ages until the end of the 18th-century. It was also the centre of the Calvinist Reformation’s break from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century, led by protestant John Calvin, spiritual leader of the city.

Each December, Genevans still celebrate the annual Fête de l’Escalade in celebration of the 1602 defeat of the Catholic Duchy of Savoy’s surprise attack on the city. The fete is a celebration of Genevan culture, featuring colourful events, bonfires and historical re-enactments – and Mère Royaume’s chocolate cooking pot.

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Palais des Nations A symbol of Geneva’s status as the ‘Capital of Peace’ and the UN’s European headquarters.

Across the street is the giant Broken Chair – artist Daniel Berset sculptural opposition to land mines and bombs.

Patek Phillippe Museum This temple to watchmaking first opened in 2001 to celebrate Patek Phillippe’s 500year horological history. View exquisite antiques and complex timepieces.

POSTCARDS FROM...

Lake Geneva Europe’s largest lake, Lake Geneva crosses the Swiss-French border and is overlooked by the Alps. One of Geneva’s most famous landmarks is the lake’s Jet D’Eau fountain.

Conservatory and Botanical Garden Created in 1817, this living museum is home to over 16,000 different species of plants and trees, as well as one of the world’s largest herbariums.

Monument de la Réformation In and around the beautific Parc des Bastions, this 325ft long and 30ft high wall is a suitably grand monument to the city’s 16th-century Calvinist Reformation.

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SWISS MADE Geneva is much more than Europe’s corporate hub – it is the perfect base from which to explore Switzerland and its surrounding areas of natural beauty. Burlingtons Geneva’s Helena Antoniou recommends her favourite daytrips for visitors ready to mix work and play

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ITH ITS REPUTATION as one of the world’s most elegant corporate hubs, Geneva is often seen as a fly-in fly-out destination for business leaders and international politicians rather than a tourist hotspot.

The city is the home of global diplomacy – with the headquarters of many agencies of the United Nations as well as organisations such as the Red Cross and World Trade Organisation all based in Geneva – as well as an enviable reputation as a luxury destination. Its countless designer and high-end stores are catnip to shoppers, and include the flagship boutiques of many of the world’s most famous Swiss watch manufacturers. The city’s world-famous exhibitions include the annual Geneva Motor Show and the Watches & Wonders watch fair (previously SIHH).

Geneva is also the perfect hub for winter sports aficionados, many of whom conduct their business before heading on to the inviting white powder of the Western Alps for an elegant ski break. The popular Swiss city and its surrounding areas are known for their beautiful mountains and resorts including Megève, Chamonix (Mont Blanc), Gstaad, Verbier and Zermatt (Matterhorn) – and rightly so – but there’s much more to Geneva than shops and skiing, with beautiful sights and experiences at lake level that are not to be missed.

Here, we take a look at some of our favourite destinations certain to delight on your next visit. »

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TRAVEL

Chillon Castle, Montreux 39

Clockwise from top: The Alps over Lake Geneva; Aerial view of Geneva; castle in picturesque Yvoire

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Geneva’s location adjacent to the French border is not just convenient for skiers looking to hop over to the luxury pistes of Courchevel – it is also ideal for gastronomes eager to sample the Michelin-star restaurants that line the towns of Lake Annecy.

Head to unspoilt Talloires-Montmin, a French commune once populated by artists and writers, which offers a fascinating and varied cuisine thanks to its closeness to the Swiss and Italian borders. Restaurants Le Bisrot 1903 and L’Auberge de

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Montmin both feature in this year’s Michelin guide with the latter holding a star for its emphasis on local produce.

For history lovers, the medieval village of Yvoire is another site to behold, named one of the most beautiful places in France thanks to its impressive 14th-century castle, and picturesque attractions such as the Garden of Five Senses.

And, of course, the French renaissance city of Lyon, recognised for its superlative gastronomy, is less than two hours journey by car, offering visitors a gateway to the Burgundy wine region.

BY THE LAKE Switzerland is known for its crystalline lakes, and a boat trip on Lake Geneva is a must-experience attraction for visitors with time to relax on the water. The crescent-shaped lake is one of the largest in Western Europe, and offers dramatic views of the Alps that ride up from its southern shore.

Visitors can take a boat trip from Geneva, of course, or head to picturesque Lausanne, 38 miles from the capital.

As well as its beautiful and popular Ouchy waterfront, Lausanne is known for its many lovely hotels and museums, including the Olympic museum. In fact, the city has hosted the International Olympic Committee since 1994 and is also home to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

For wine lovers, this city is perfectly located within the countryside of the Vaud wine region, which boasts a wonderful diversity of wine thanks to the combined forces of glaciers, rivers and mountains producing unique soil.

One of our most highly recommended wine destinations is the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of the Lavaux region. Book a visit here before heading to the lakeside town of Montreux – epicentre of Switzerland’s Montreux Riviera.

It is most famous for its eponymous annual jazz festival and many charming restaurants and shops, and we recommend Le Deck for dinner with one of the best lake views. Enjoy a meal or simply an apéro – drinks and nibbles – on the terrace.

BURLINGTONS GENEVA As an international group serving a truly global clientele, we understand the necessity to have local presence in the jurisdictions where we gain the trust and understanding of our clients. We deeply respect our client cultures and take great effort to appreciate their history and present-day values, whether economic, political or social.

As an extension of our London HQ, Burlingtons’ Geneva office is perfectly situated to support our international clientele with unrivalled local knowledge and strong international links, whether you are seeking legal support in their business or need private office services in Geneva.

To find out more, contact Helena by email at helena.antoniou@ burlingtons.legal

“Geneva’s location adjacent to the French border is ideal for gastronomes” 41

SPENDING POWER How Henry – high earners, not rich yet – is the name to watch as new spending and investment shapes our post-pandemic world

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ENRY TURNS 30 in 2021, give or take a few years. They have a job that reflects their high level of education – think lawyer, banker, entrepreneur – and pays somewhere between £100,000 to £500,000 per year.

Henry’s downtime is full of activities: their club memberships include the likes of Soho House and high-tech gyms; they holiday several times a year. They drink artisanal coffees and craft beer and their investment decisions, when they do invest, often veer towards the socially responsible – like social equality or the environment – or the more personal, such as collecting vintage guitars or modern street art.

Henry – that is, high earners, not rich yet – is how the financial industry has long referred to individuals, often millennials, who have a decent income, and could be truly wealthy in the future.

They are the younger sibling of the high net worth individual and, according to luxury trade organisation Walpole, could yet prove the biggest influence on today’s luxury market.

The term Henry was first coined in the US by Shawn Tully in a 2003 article for Fortune magazine. Tully referred to families earning around $500,000 per year but who, due to mortgages, student loans, school fees, club memberships and other financial debt, had little disposable income. The catchy acronym returned to American parlance during the 2008 presidential election, becoming a buzzword for almost-affluent millennials who could best be described as the “working rich” – but, due to an apparent ‘work hard, play hard’ philosophy, needed to keep working to stay rich.

This demographic has been defined by three key elements: a higher-than-average income, little to no savings, and a feeling of having little material wealth.

More recently, particularly as Henry has made its way into UK terminology, it has become something of a catch-all term for the future rich – and, much like the Yuppies (young urban professionals) and Dinks (dual income, no kids) of the 1980s, has become a prime target in luxury marketing.

This generation of affluent, active consumers is already primed to shop, though they are a discerning bunch, seeking out brands whose values align with their own and ready to remain loyal to companies as their age and wealth increases – making them one of the most desirable clients. Additionally, as the market recovers from Covid-19 lockdowns, the larger numbers of potential consumers in the henry market (compared to HNWIs) makes up for the not-quite-as-deep pockets.

But luxury brands should take note: while Walpole predicts that Henrys will only increase their purchasing power in the next two years, their discerning attitude and continued search for authentic and sustainable storytelling may, in fact, continue to shape the very market that is fighting for their future loyalty.

This article originally appeared in Tempus Magazine: tempusmagazine.co.uk 42

“This younger sibling of the high net worth individual could yet prove the biggest influence on today’s luxury market”

WEALTH

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DRIVING AMBITION From electric hyper cars to road-legal race cars, futuristic concepts and bold new designs, we gear up for the most exciting – and controversial – cars of 2021

© Rimac Automobili 45

MERCEDES-AMG ONE The highly anticipated Mercedes-AMG One hypercar has been making headlines since it was announced back in 2017. Releaseed this year, the car features a 1.6-litre V6 engine – straight from the brands’ Petronas Formula 1 racing cars, no less – with an output of more than 1,000bhp and a unique 11,000rpm.

The two-seater high performance vehicle reaches top speeds of beyond 217mph, but despite its phenomenal speed and power has become the first Formula 1 car with MOT approval, meaning it is suitable to drive on the road as well as on the track.

Its lightweight, high-strength carbon-fibre monocoque body is also developed from F1, while the 10-spoke forged aluminium wheel with centre lock is unique to the Mercedes-AMG One. “I can still hardly believe there will soon be a hypercar with a Formula 1 engine,” said F1 star Lewis Hamilton during testing in 2020. “We won the world championship with this engine in 2015, and I was involved in its development for a long time. I’m very proud of the extraordinary effort Mercedes-AMG has invested in this project. This car is absolutely unique.” mercedes-benz.co.uk Photos: © Daimler AG

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MOTORING TESLA CYBERTRUCK Designed to offer electric-car aficionados the utility of a truck and performance of a sportscar, Tesla’s futuristic answer to the luxury SUV (left) is built to be durable, versatile and capable when the first vehicles are delivered in late 2021.

The Cybertruck is made of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel and will be available in three variants – single motor rear-wheel drive, dual motor all-wheel drive, and trimotor all-wheel drive – with a range of 500-plus miles and payload of up to 3,500lbs.

However, the Cybertruck’s development has seen some controversy – an unfortunate launch gaffe in November 2019 saw the truck’s armoured windows shatter during a durability demonstration and the car has not been deemed road-legal in the EU or, as yet, in the UK. A year later, Tesla founder Elon Musk suggested design tweaks were still being made. “[At Tesla] we always want to make the car that we deliver be better than the car we unveil.

And that’s the goal with the Cybertruck,” said Musk.

Tesla fans seem to believe that’s exactly what they will get, with more than 650,000 trucks pre-ordered by mid-2020. tesla.com

NARAN HYPER COUPE Gearing up for a May launch, Naran Automotive’s first car is a front-engined, four-seater hyper coupe (right) limited to just 49 examples.

Inspired by the world of motorsports, Naran partnered with EY3 Engineering and Racing Dynamics to create a GT3style with all the design elements of a world class hypercar – including a sweeping rear wing. A 5.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine – placed in the mid-front of the car – delivers 1,048bhp and 1,036Nm of torque.

Drawing on racing technology, the Naran Hyper Coupe uses 390mm performance carbon ceramic disks originally developed for 24-hour endurance racing, and a GT3 cooling system that allows the car to cope with hard track use while reducing wear and tear on the brakes.

Founded by businessman Ameerh Naran, the company’s team includes former Jaguar Land Rover engineer Steve Pegg and designer Jowyn Wong – best known for working on the Apollo IE. While the basic Hyper Coupe is impressive in its own right, customisation options – from an exhaustive list of everything from paint finishes and upholstery, to naming one’s own model – mean the buyer is guaranteed a completely bespoke vehicle. » naran-automotive.com

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LUCID AIR Lucid Motors is a California start-up making its electric debut with the Air. Described in turns as a super-limo and a hyper-saloon, this sophisticated car is made to be driven – and driven in.

The Air Dream Edition offers 1,080bhp, with a projected range of 503 miles – rivalling the long-established Tesla – and can charge to 300 miles in just 20 minutes.

Its fluid form is inspired by jet aerodynamics – in fact, the Air is the world’s most aero-efficient luxury car with a verified 0.21 coefficient of drag – while the glass canopy roof adds a sense of grandeur to the already spacious cabin.

With more options to choose from – from the basic Air Pure (coming early 2022) to the 517-mile-ranging Air Grand Tourer (summer 2021) this blend of comfort and technology is California dreaming at its best. lucidmotors.com

This feature originally appeared in Tempus Magazine; tempusmagazine.co.uk 48

RIMAC C_TWO This sexy second supercar from electric performance car company Rimac Automobili is designed to be as capable on the track as it is crossing continents.

With 1,887bhp from four e-motors, it is capable of up to 258mph – and 0-62mph in 1.85 seconds. Its sleek exterior and interior design is capped by dramatic butterfly doors (above) designed for kerbside admiration and sophisticated access.

What’s more, for would-be racetrack pros, the C_Two’s on-board system offers a ‘driving coach’ function, where you can load selected racetracks and a virtual driving coach will offer guidance on racing lines, braking/acceleration points and steering inputs.

Sleek, stylish and superconnected, for £1.7m this might be the most fun electric car ever made. ctwo.rimac-automobili.com

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THE SECOND OPINION Natalia Bondarenko’s groundbreaking approach to property design may be the unbiased opinion we all need. Michelle Johnson speaks to the founder of NNBond Homes

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OUNDED BY NATALIA BONDARENKO in 2019, NNBond Homes is a ground-breaking concept in the world of residential development.Inspired by her 20-year career in property development and furniture design, Bondarenko (left) was moved by the stories of people whose own development projects had turned out over time and over budget due to costly mistakes and noticed a common theme among her contacts.

“I found that my friends and clients were struggling to find second opinions on elements of their projects,” she says.

“I realised that, sometimes, we need another perspective to make sure we catch mistakes before it’s too late.”

Through NNBond Homes, Bondarenko offers her expert opinion on a range of architectural and design projects – from residential homes to private jets and yachts – covering large constructions and more intimate projects.

And no matter what the development, it is Bondarenko’s personal design philosophy that remains at the heart of all she does, blending seamlessly with individual designs and collaborative projects alike. Bondarenko says the key to great design is the marriage of space and lifestyle, ensuring that layouts are functional and intuitive to each client’s individual needs. Here, Bondarenko tells Burlingtons about the power of a second opinion. »

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Natalia, what inspired your concept?

I’ve been involved in residential property development for 20 years now. I started with modification of my own family house, followed by the design of the family apartment. Then, I developed an experimental apartment by myself, which was very successful and sold with a good premium. This was followed by a total design of my own cigar shops; my business had four shops at the time. Step by step, I became more involved in the development of houses and apartments, and even designed the interior of a private jet, where the company had a new plane that they wanted to fit more effectively.

We made essential changes in the layouts of the furniture to make the space more useful and the furniture multifunctional. Even the size of the stiches on the chairs was specified, and the multicoloured light scenarios allowed the client to have any specific favoured colour at a time, or a setting like a sunset or a sunrise. This was an interesting project because of the strict restrictions on materials and safety measures that go into plane. It was all about combining layout, architecture, furniture and colours that complemented the space.

My favourite project was a unique chalet in French Alps, which was not only built in a record time – just seven months from scratch to placing the final candles on the table – but was also sold for a record price. I’ve also worked on projects in places including America, France, Luxembourg, Austria, Russia and London.

What makes your experience so valuable?

My experience and knowledge is priceless, as it is not only theoretical but very practical. I know and remember all the mistakes I’ve made and avoided on all my projects, I’ve also lived in many of the properties I developed, and I travelled the world and stayed in the best hotels and houses, paying attention to every detail. My eye is trained to see the good and bad, and my intention is always to improve everything I can. Very often, I find myself wanting to leave a note to the hotel to let them know the things they could improve.

I know that many people are investing huge amounts of money on established and expensive designers and architects, and need to be sure there are no mistakes. I want to use my knowledge and experience to offer clients an expert, unbiased opinion on any project.

How does a professional second opinion help your clients?

With many development projects, companies such as architects and designers don’t want to provide other firms’ clients with second opinions or ‘brainstorming’ ideas because it’s not very profitable. They would rather take on a full project than a speculative piece of work, because designing an apartment, jet or yacht is big money. But that means mistakes can become costly for the clients, because once the project is developed it’s too late to correct mistakes I realised that, with my expertise, I could help people mitigate those risks by giving them the opportunity to discuss all the possibilities and ideas for their future space or development, before they begin employing a developer, or give independent feedback and suggestions to development that is

Light touch: Natalia Bondarenko’s design ethos is about how light, space and lifestyle connect 52

already under way. I’m not sure if this idea exists elsewhere in the market, but I haven’t come across such a service yet.

Could you tell us how it works?

My projects always begin with the space arrangement, sunlight consideration and lifestyle needs of the family. Then technical aspects of the needs come to consideration. And, finally, desired shapes and colours define the design. The consultation process is very convenient for my clients – it can be done in person or even via Zoom conversation if they have photos and drawings that we can exchange.

Some clients are looking to develop and some to redevelop residential property. For example, one client came with a project of a completely new house but wanted an opinion on kitchen space only. After about 10 minutes, I showed obvious disadvantages of the suggested kitchen furniture and gave an opinion on a storage space, so the space was used in full without compromising the beauty of the design.

What is your design ethos?

My ethos is all about how space and lifestyle connect. You have to take everything about a space into account – the physical size of the room, how rooms connect to one another, the direction that windows are facing – and match that to the lifestyle of the family or individual. For example, do you want to wake up to the sunlight, or have afternoon warmth on outdoor spaces? It’s very important which way the rooms and windows are facing. It’s also important to examine how you move within a space, if open space and noise make you feel uncomfortable and distracted or if divided space makes you claustrophobic.

The most common mistake is lack of storage or wrongly located laundry room. Also, each country has its own style.

In Russia, people can’t imagine living on an underground floor, or having a blocked view from any room, whereas in England these elements are almost the norm. Therefore, Russian clients in England want to check their projects made

by English architects with someone who shares their values or understands their “obvious” needs. The same sometimes applies to Russian architects, who are not used to using the available space efficiently and can miss some essential “corners” that could be well used.

How does room layout affect quality of living?

It’s so important. I recently worked on a project with a friend, and we ended up changing half the layout of his house because the indoor swimming pool was facing north and received no sun at all! Now, his pool and the entrance to the terrace is full of sunshine. Also, the kitchen was located in a way that blocked easy access to the living room, so we moved the layout of the kitchen and fireplace to make it all more intuitive and intimate. It’s especially important when you begin to consider who is using the space: is this space right for young children or older family members? Does it have enough storage? Sometimes, a second opinion is as simple as moving a room.

To find out more, visit nnbondhomes.com

DESIGN

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PARK LIFE Burlingtons discovers the majesty of the spring season with England’s Royal Parks 54

LIFESTYLE

T Windsor Castle

HE CURATIVE QUALITIES of nature have never been so well appreciated as in the last year. During lockdowns, the beauty of England’s green and pleasant land has been a balm to people around the country, across generations and demographics, as we turned to our local parks, gardens and country landscapes for everything from exercise to socialising.

But while we enjoy the benefits that these green patches can provide right now, it’s easy to miss the rich history and incredible work that goes into preserving our green spaces.

Take, for example, the National Trust. This 125-year-old organisation is Europe’s largest conservation charity, aiming to preserve historic and natural places of interest and open

them up for the public to enjoy. Today, the Trust is the guardian of more than 780 miles of coastline (including the white cliffs of Dover), 250,000 hectares of lands, more than 500 historic houses, castles, parks and gardens, and nearly one million works of art. These sites stretch across the nation, from Lizard Point in Cornwall, to Lindisfarne in Northumberland and Florence Court in Northern Ireland.

The National Trust’s conservation work is also heavily involved with helping the UK’s fight against the climate crisis, from reducing its emissions to caring for the land that captures and stores carbon, restoring wildlife habitats, and putting pressure on the government to adopt greener policies. » 55

CROWNING GLORY Similarly, The Crown Estate, which includes the ancient Windsor Great Park in its portfolio, is working to become net zero by 2030 across its businesses. The Crown Estate, created by an Act of Parliament manages seabed rights for renewable energy – such as offshore wind farms – and coastal surveys, as well as managing ports and harbours. Inland, the Estate also maintains a rural portfolio of agricultural land and property, including farms, as well as developments in London and beyond. One of its current projects is the interim development of Regent Street, creating a greener, safer and more accessible West End. Most impressively, it manages the 15,800-acre Windsor Estate, combining commercial management with careful stewardship of the historic site. As a working estate, Windsor includes commercial forestry, residential property, golf courses, Ascot race course and farming – the woodlands at Swinley Forest sustainably produce 10,000 tonnes of timber each year.

But the estate is best known for Windsor Great Park, which alone welcomes almost five million visitors each year to its attractions – including ancient woodland and forest trails, the Long Walk, the award-winning Savill and Valley Gardens, and Virginia Water. The park dates back to pre-Saxon times,

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and boasts a fascinating royal heritage. Wandering through the park provides a journey through England’s rich royal history. The forests of Windsor were popular hunting grounds 1,000 years ago, and it was William the Conqueror who first established the royal residence there – parts of his domain still stand in the outer walls of today’s Windsor Castle.

In the 17th century, King Charles II was inspired by his love of French architecture to introduce formal avenues to the park – the most famous of which is the Long Walk. A century later, in 1752, the Duke of Cumberland created the lake at Virginia Water, including its faux-Roman ruins.

The park’s relationship with the modern royals is closely tied to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. George VI and Elizabeth – then the Duke and Duchess of York – moved into The Royal Lodge in 1931, and Elizabeth remained there after the king’s death in 1952. During this time Sir Eric Savill created the Savill and Valley Gardens (right), and George VI planted his Coronation Plantation of 60 oak trees.

In the Summer Gardens can be seen floral tributes to the modern monarchy, including the Queen Elizabeth Rose – newly planted to mark the Queen becoming our longest-reigning monarch – the Royal William rose and rarely seen Catherine rose. All a blooming beautiful tribute to our rich history. »

“Wandering through Windsor Great Park provides a journey through England’s rich royal history”

Royal heritage: Windsor Great Park, on the 15,800-acre Windsor Estate, includes ancient woodlands, awardwinning gardens and Virginia Waters

CITY LIVING For city-dwellers craving natural space fit for a monarch, the capital is full of green parks with surprising heritage. Eight of London’s parks have been managed by the Royal Parks of London charity since 2017, and are visited by millions of Londoners and tourists each year. Totalling 5,000 acres across the capital, the parks are home to monuments, architecture, conservation projects, entertainment and more.

Green Park and Kensington Gardens have the most obvious royal links. The former lies in a triangle along Piccadilly and Constitution Hill to The Mall, next to Buckingham Palace.

The park is rare for having no formal flowerbeds – rumour has it that King Charles II’s wife, Queen Catherine, demanded they all be removed after he was caught picking flowers for a mistress. Kensington Gardens, meanwhile, is the location of Kensington Palace, home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. There, visitors can find pretty flower gardens, the Albert Memorial and a beloved statue of Peter Pan. Nearby St James’s Park is the oldest royal park in London and includes The Mall and Horse Guards Parade. Surrounded by three palaces (Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace and Westminster Palace – now the Houses of Parliament), it is known for its colourful flower beds and the resident pelicans, introduced to the park 400 years ago.

Hyde Park and Regent’s Park (which includes Primrose Hill) are home to diverse species of flora and fauna – from wildfowl and songbirds to beetles and bats. Hyde Park was first acquired by Henry VIII in 1536 and remained a private hunting ground until the 1630s. There, visitors can find the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, activities such as tennis, horse-riding facilities and open-water swimming in the Serpentine, and Speaker’s Corner. Regent’s Park, meanwhile, offers a spectacular view of the London skyline, children’s playgrounds, sports facilities, formal gardens, as well as more entertainment in the form of the famous Open Air Theatre and London Zoo. The final two parks are slightly further afield and offer sharp-eyed visitors the chance to go deer-watching – national nature reserve Richmond Park is famous for its vast grasslands and free-roaming herds of deer, while Bushy Park is linked to Hampton Court Palace and known for its waterways, gardens and grassland, and red and fallow deer.

With such a range of green spaces to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to step back in time as you explore spring in bloom.

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City escape: London’s green spaces include (clockwise from top) St James’s Park, Hyde Park and Richmond Park

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A BRIGHTER OUTLOOK As Britain’s lockdown measures ease – hopefully for good – Sean Adams, of specialist debt advisory Arc & Co, explains why the future of property funding looks bright

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HANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER Rishi Sunak announced his second budget on 3 March amid major UK and international economic uncertainty. His first budget, in March 2020, had promised to “unleash the country’s potential”, but the global Covid-19 pandemic and never-ending process of Brexit negotiations instead resulted in historic levels of debt for the UK. In his 2021 budget, the Chancellor delivered a targeted balance of tax rises and reliefs to help support struggling sectors and open up the economy again, while maintaining a gargantuan debt level.

In my own household, following the best part of a year of homeschooling four young boys, the freeze on alcohol duties was perhaps the most welcome announcement. But what indications does the budget really provide for what is in store for the property market, and the funding options available?

It is, in fact, questionable whether any interventions were necessary at all. Apart from the initial stall in the residential property markets during the first lockdown of 2020, activity in the market was extremely buoyant in the second half of the year, with values increasing 7.3% nationwide, according to Savills. This was coupled with a marked easing in liquidity in the mortgage markets, resulting in historically cheap borrowing rates and a return to high loan to values – 95% is available again from some lenders.

Nevertheless, following the estimation by Rightmove that up to 100,000 people could face an unexpected stamp duty bill in March, the Chancellor extended the stamp duty holiday until June, with a tapered approach until the end of September. This was broadly welcomed by lenders who have been struggling with backlogs; but my feeling is that this measure just pushes the cliff edge further down the road. The majority of borrowers we assist at Arc & Co are motivated by much more than just a tax break, and it is doubtful that clients would walk away from a purchase just because of the end of a stamp duty break. »

INVESTMENT

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“As investors have started circling and looking for opportunities, banks and funds have started to follow suit” Sean Adams, Arc & Co

The move is helpful to investors, however, who may be looking to extend their portfolios in the coming months. This is notwithstanding the 3% additional stamp duty for buyto-lets and second homes, and the 2% surcharge for nonresident purchasers of UK property.

The Chancellor also announced a scheme to guarantee 95% loan to value mortgages for purchases up to £600,000.

While this unfortunately won’t benefit those acquiring investment properties or holiday homes – it is only available for the purchase of a main residence – this will no doubt help continue to stimulate the high demand for property at this end of the market and will ensure an increase in lenders entering the high loan value product space. I think this will help underpin values, as well as the availability of cheap debt all the way through the market. We have seen previously that stimulus at the lower end of the market usually helps to support high values as the impact trickles through the market.

The story in commercial property markets is somewhat different. There was little support for beleaguered landlords holding retail, leisure or office property and, rather unhelpfully, relevant to onshore and offshore corporate landlords of UK real estate, the Chancellor announced that the corporation tax rate will jump up from 19% to 25% from April 2023 for larger businesses. The much-quoted prediction of an incremental increase in rates starting from the autumn was missing.

However, softening the blow for small businesses, the Chancellor has taken small companies with profits of less than £50k out of this increase and tapered the rate for profits up to £250k. The funding markets have also retracted from these markets demonstrating cautiousness about the future, with only the most solid of investments in these sectors able to achieve attractive funding. Yet, the last few months has seen this trend begin to change. As investors have started circling looking for opportunities, banks and funds have started to

follow suit. We are now seeing much increased activity and applications for debt in this space, which is still able to offer extremely competitive terms for the right deal.

Conversely, the funding market for residential development has been the investment of choice for funders over the past 12 months. The government’s support for the residential markets have boosted already high demand for new build property, and lenders have taken comfort from this, as well as the continuing relatively low supply of product in this sector. This has meant this has been considered a relatively ‘safe’ investment for lenders who are able to offer increasingly high levels of debt and increasingly low interest rates. We see this market continuing to thrive and are taking advantage of the record levels of liquidity in this sector. There is, though, one potential blot on the landscape; how will the government penalise developers to free leaseholders from the cost of replacing flammable cladding. If this is too onerous it may have an impact on the profitability of projects. We wait with interest to see what the outcome is.

The outlook for the rest of 2021 is overall positive from a lending perspective. Banks, funds and equity houses all have pent up demand and often an abundance of capital to lend across most sectors. Even in parts of the economy such as retail and leisure, funding appetite is increasing, which should support values going forward. We may see a bit of a dip during the year as various government support schemes come to an end, but the long-term markets appear to be full of opportunity. We are looking forward to providing the highest quality debt advice to our clients – old and new – as we move through this year.

For more information, contact Sean Adams on 0203-971 2501 or email sean@arcandco.com Arc & Co is a member of Burlingtons Club. Contact info@burlingtons.club for more information

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I C E BREAKERS Expedition yachts have become the ultimate accessory for the new age explorer elite. Rory FH Smith discover the scientific, conservation and travel benefits to these mega yachts

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HEN FERDINAND MAGELLAN set sail from Spain on the first expedition to circumnavigate the world on 20th September 1519, he did so in bleak surroundings. His fleet consisted of five vessels, carrying supplies for two years of travel and roughly 270 crewmembers. On his journey, Magellan encountered storms, murderous mutinies and a crew that hated him from the outset.

In fact, the expedition got so rough, Magellan was killed by a poison arrow during a battle with natives in the Philippines.

After his death, his last remaining ship continued and eventually returned to Spain in 1522. After three years, 60,000 miles and the death of 80% of those involved, Magellan’s expedition had proved the globe could be circumnavigated.

All things considered, Magellan’s voyage was bold, brutal and bonkers but, ultimately, it was successful in what it set out to achieve. Despite his death, the Portuguese-Spanish explorer had opened the door to European colonisation – but also set a precedent for extreme global exploration that would inspire countless adventurers for the next five centuries.

Now, more than 500 years on from that fateful expedition, it seems the appetite for exploration is just as strong, albeit in slightly more comfortable surroundings.

Despite global lockdowns rendering the idea of accessing far-flung corners of the world almost impossible, for a handful of the world’s most affluent, the pandemic has provided the perfect opportunity to kickstart their personal exploration ambitions.

According to a study by Boat International, the number of privately commissioned yachts measuring in at over 100m has continuously risen since 2018. Last year, 23 orders were placed for similar vessels, up from 21 in 2019 and 18 in 2018.

With many capable of undertaking expeditions to the most inhospitable corners of the planet, industry experts believe the rise in demand for explorer yachts is down to a combination of factors, ranging from technological developments and the desire to experience something different to the renewed interest in science and sustainability. » 64

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Charter superyacht Cloudbreak 65

The people buying these boats are serious adventurers who want to sail to far flung locations and remote destinations – Mark Cavendish, CMO, Heesen Yachts

FREEDOM TO EXPLORE “Yachting is always evolving,” says Ivan Salas Jefferson, a naval architect who founded design, architecture and project management firm Iddes Yachts. “Traditionally, sailing in the Mediterranean and Caribbean was evolving alongside rapidly accelerating technological progress,” he told superyachts.com.

The combination has led to more travel to increasingly remote destinations for pleasure but also for other reasons.

“Superyachts can also be the base to embark on deep ocean or diving expeditions, or become a portable heliport to reach even more remote areas, or support scientific programs, promote innovation and the integration of technologies,” he adds. From deep ocean exploration to an ice breaker and a floating laboratory, if recent years have revealed anything in the marine industry, it’s that yachts are capable of far more than just dipping in and out of Mediterranean ports.

“Interest in expedition or explorer yachts is definitely on the rise. The people buying these boats are serious adventurers who want to sail to far flung locations and remote destinations like the Antarctic that most people generally don’t go to,” says Heesen Yachts CMO Mark Cavendish. “We added an explorer model to Heesen’s range a couple of years ago, with a helicopter facility and lots of added toys, and they have enormous interior volume. Our 57m explorer boat, XVenture by Winch Design, is 1,300 gross tonnes – for comparison, our 70m Galactica Supernova is less at 1,200 gross tonnes. Explorers tend to fall into two categories. You have the ‘rough around the edges’ models, which are more of a fishing boat conversion type of explorer, built by a commercial shipyard with an unpainted hull. Heesen doesn’t do that, our version is a luxury yacht with the capabilities of a traditional explorer boat” Explorer yachts must be highly seaworthy and safe in the roughest of seas, certified to sail in polar waters, have a fuel tank big enough to sail 5,000 nautical miles at 10 knots, and 66

Ocean adventure: The Class 55 by Iddes Yachts

the ability to carry its occupants in the luxury expected of a superyacht for at least 40 days at sea. Often larger than their pleasure boat contemporaries, the main differentiation is the focus on functionality, self-sufficiency and purpose.

“Explorer yachts give you the freedom to sail anywhere,” says Jim Evans, founder and MD of SuperYachtsMonaco. “Remote corners of the world – such as Alaska, the Arctic and the Amazon – are all becoming more popular yachting destinations and, as post-Covid yachting becomes less shore-centric, we predict this will continue. [Explorer yachts] are highly technical machines with long cruising ranges and built for smooth sailing under any conditions – no matter how far the destination, rough the waters or icy the sea. From the outside, they are more rugged and powerful than a classic superyacht, but inside they are every bit as elegant and luxurious, with all the latest tenders and toys – meaning owners or guests can experience ‘the extremes’ in maximum comfort.”

Much of that functionality and self-sufficiency has been facilitated by technological advancements in recent years, which have changed all forms of transportation beyond recognition. On the road, we have semi-autonomous vehicles. In the skies, we have aircraft small enough to fold up into your pocket and, on the seas, we have vessels with more capabilities and kit than some military craft. Take, for example, the 126m explorer yacht Octopus, which took the title as the world’s largest explorer yacht when it was purpose-built for Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2003.

With space for two helicopters (not to mention a dedicated hangar for both), a large SUV, a dive centre with a hyperbaric chamber, seven tenders, an onboard dry dock and a 10-seat submersible that can dive for up to eight hours, “Octopus is clearly the benchmark in terms of toys, facilities, capability,” says Burgess Yachts broker Ian Sherwood. “She was built with a clear, adventurous design brief by the owner and she was created without compromise.” »

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Seas of change: State-of-the-art research and expedition vessel REV Ocean

BIGGER AND BOLDER Taking the title of not only the world’s largest yacht but also the world’s largest research vessel is REV Ocean, measuring just short of 183m. Currently being finished and primed for her owner, Norwegian billionaire businessman Kjell Inge Røkke, REV Ocean is due to set sail for her maiden voyage in 2022.

The vessel has three swimming pools, multiple common areas, several dining rooms and observation platforms, a 35seat auditorium, classrooms, an onboard medical facility and room for 60 scientists and 30 crew or 36 guests and 54 crew, depending on its purpose. With a range of 21,120 nautical miles, REV Ocean is capable of circumnavigating 98% of the planet in one luxurious swoop, which makes Magellan’s illfated 1519 expedition all the more galling.

Commissioned to tackle problems such as overfishing, climate change and plastic pollution, the ship is built to remedy some of the issues that made Røkke the billionaire he is today. “The desire [is] to use my resources for a good cause I believe in, and be part of the solution,” says the businessman, who made his fortune through fishing and offshore oil drilling.

With good intentions behind the gigayacht, time will tell if such a machine can be a force for a change. Regardless, Røkke is one of only a handful of affluent yacht enthusiasts who commission ice-proof floating palaces to improve the state of the planet. Most modern-day minted explorers do so purely out of a desire to experience something beyond the reach of their peers. “We find that owners are more interested in the unique and enriching experiences that their yachts allow them to achieve,” said yacht expedition organiser Ben Lyons from EYOS Expeditions. “Luxury for these owners is defined differently – it isn’t by what restaurant you can get into at Monaco, but rather what you can do in the locations that no one else can get to.”

While expeditions have changed beyond recognition since the gritty yet pioneering days of Magellan’s ill-fated mission, the appetite to discover unchartered territory remains unchanged, albeit seemingly reserved for only the world’s wealthiest. With Oxfam reporting that the combined wealth of the 10 richest men has risen by more than $500bn since the global pandemic began, 2021 looks set to be another bumper year for both the yacht industry and the new-age explorer elite.

This feature originally appeared in Tempus Magazine; tempusmagazine.co.uk 68

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FAMILY MATTERS Burlingtons’ family law partner Maeve O’Higgins discusses the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on family life in the UK

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S I WRITE THIS ARTICLE, during the UK’s third national lockdown I, like everyone else in the country, am waiting for the roll-out of the roadmap that will ease our way out of the restrictions imposed to curb the insidious progress of the Covid-19 virus.

We still have the grim daily rollcall of hospital admissions and deaths but, although the numbers of people infected with the virus remain worryingly high, they are falling. Our NHS has not been overwhelmed and the rollout to the UK population of two (soon-to-be three) vaccinations to provide protection against the disease is going very well, so there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Most of us have found the restrictions of the lockdown very challenging – confined to our homes and with direct social contact limited to our immediate households and support bubbles, when we are used to the freedom of going out to work and socialising with friends and our wider family network.

Added to these restrictions, many parents have been juggling working from home with caring for and homeschooling their children. Others have had worries and anxieties about the health and wellbeing of friends and other family members.

There has been a massive increase in mental health issues, with many people experiencing distress caused by social and physical isolation, anxiety and depression. This has also manifested itself in increased consumption of alcohol, with drinking behind closed doors reportedly being a particular problem among “midlifers” (aged 55 to 64). Overeating and lack of physical exercise for adults, children and young people alike has also been a problem.

Not surprisingly, the strains imposed on intimate relationships have resulted in an increase in the number of divorces. Most disturbingly, there has been a substantial increase in the incidence of domestic abuse in the UK (mainly affecting women and children), as well as a chilling increase the number of women killed by their partners, compared with previous periods.

Thankfully, the impact on family life has not been all negative, as the findings of various research projects conducted during this period have shown. Throughout the pandemic, despite the restrictions, children of separated and divorced parents have been permitted to spend time with both their parents by moving between the two households.

In contrast to the many reports of children falling behind with their schoolwork as a result of not attending school, a significant number of parents have stated that their children have benefited from learning at home on a one-to-one basis, rather than in a class with other children.

Where parents have been able to prioritise the wellbeing of their children by providing secure, stable and healthy home lives for their children, rather than focusing on their educational achievements, this has led to positive outcomes for their children. The opportunity to work from home, avoid their commute to work, spend more time with their children and enjoy a slower pace of life has also led some parents to reassess their work/career priorities and to seek to achieve a different work/life balance post lockdown, by way of more flexible working arrangements. » 71

How the family court system has coped during the pandemic The family courts have remained open throughout the pandemic but with very restricted access by the public. At the time of the first national lockdown in March 2020, the family court system was forced to go virtual almost overnight, which meant operating in a totally new way, without the necessary infrastructure in place, as most court hearings had taken place in person prior to this.

In the early weeks and months of the pandemic, many cases were adjourned on the assumption that we would soon be returning to normal. Once it was realised that this was not going to happen, court hearings took place remotely by telephone, using various video platforms (including Zoom, Skype, Life-Size and Microsoft Teams), as well as in person. Research carried out by the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory on remote hearings has shown that for some people, particularly vulnerable parties and parents involved in public law cases (where children are alleged to be at risk of significant harm, so the state needs to intervene to protect them), at final hearings of contested matters, remote hearings have worked unsatisfactorily and in a way that is unacceptable in terms of fairness and justice.

In order to try to keep on top of workloads as high and, in some cases, higher than in previous years, the family courts have prioritised the most urgent and important work – public law matters, cases involving domestic abuse, urgent children disputes between parents, and issuing divorce petitions and decrees absolute of divorce – to ensure that it gets done. This means that other matters, such as financial applications, are only dealt with if there is enough time after dealing with the more urgent work, resulting in significant delays for many court cases.

This very challenging time has emphasised the advantages of using non-court dispute resolution options rather than relying on the court to decide the outcome. These noncourt options include family mediation, collaborative law, arbitration, private financial dispute resolution hearings: “private FDRs” (where the parties choose and pay for their own private judge) and early neutral evaluation.

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It seems unlikely that there will be a return to normal working in the family courts until the summer/autumn of 2021. In the meantime, remote or hybrid (where some parties give evidence in person and some do so remotely) hearings continue as the default position, rather than face-to-face court hearings. However, most remote family court hearings now take place using a virtual platform, rather than the telephone hearings that were common during 2020.

The Family Law department at Burlingtons The Family Law department at Burlingtons Legal LLP deals with all aspects of family law, including separation and divorce/dissolution of civil partnerships, children’s issues and the financial aspects of relationship breakdown. Much of our family law work has an international flavour, involving crossjurisdictional issues. Burlingtons acts for mid-, high- and ultra-high net worth individuals from all walks of life and/or their partners, and they are used to dealing with high-profile clients and cases involving sensitive and complex issues.

As head of the department, I have particular expertise in relation to marital agreements – prenups, post nups and “no nups” (living together agreements for unmarried couples) – as well as international relocation of children (known as “leave to remove”), where one parent wishes to move abroad with the children following the breakdown of a marriage/couple relationship and the other parent does not wish the children to move. My experience includes negotiating the terms of a prenup for an individual worth more than £500million, and acting for two Chinese mothers in separate contested High Court proceedings, both of whom were successful in obtaining permission from the court to relocate with their children to China.

Maeve O’Higgins is an experienced family lawyer, mediator and collaborative lawyer. She is a member of the Law Society’s Family Law and Family Mediation accreditation panels. If you would like to find out how Burlingtons’ Family Law department can help you, please contact maeve.ohiggins@burlingtons.legal or visit burlingtons.group

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Retrial of hacking claim ordered by the Court of Appeal against Ras Al Khaimah sovereign wealth fund Words: Dominic Holden

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N FRIDAY 12 MARCH 2021, the Court of Appeal ordered a retrial of a complaint of hacking made by Mr Farhad Azima against the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (‘RAKIA’) (the investment arm of Ras Al Khaimah (‘RAK’), one of the seven emirates of the UAE).

Mr Azima is a businessman in the aviation industry who had business dealings with RAK and its agencies, including RAKIA. In 2016, an enormous quantity of Mr Azima’s private emails and data (which had been obtained through hacking) were published on the internet. Within weeks of publication, RAKIA brought claims against Mr Azima relying on the hacked data.

As well as defending the claims on their merits, Mr Azima claimed that the materials were hacked at RAKIA’s instruction and brought a counterclaim for the losses arising from the hacking and dissemination of his data. RAKIA denied the hacking and claimed to have innocently discovered the materials on the internet.

Following a four-week trial in January/February 2020, Deputy Judge Andrew Lenon QC upheld RAKIA’s claims and dismissed Mr Azima’s counterclaim. This was despite the Deputy Judge finding that the Ruler of RAK was hostile to Mr Azima (having ordered him to be “targeted” and “gone after”) and that RAKIA’s case as to how they had discovered the hacked materials on the internet was untrue.

Mr Azima subsequently appealed and sought permission to rely on new evidence to support his hacking claim which included hundreds of malicious ‘phishing’ emails sent to Mr Azima and various associates. The emails had been identified following a tipoff from Reuters during a major investigation into ‘hack for hire’ firms (published 9 June 2020). Additional evidence indicated that an agent of RAKIA’s had made substantial payments to an Indian cybersecurity firm (alleged to be a ‘hack for hire’ operation) to carry out the hacking of Mr Azima’s emails for RAKIA. The hacking issue has been remitted for a retrial in the High Court before a different judge.

The Judgments of the Court of Appeal and of the High Court are available at bailii.org Dominic Holden of Burlingtons Legal LLP, Tim Lord QC, Thomas Plewman QC and Hugo Leith of Brick Court Chambers represented Mr Farhad Azima.

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ASK BORIS Burlingtons’ resident bulldog is here to answer your investment questions...

Question: What should I know before investing in the world of gemstones?

From radiant rubies to captivating emeralds, the colourful world of gemstone investment is an interesting and valuable way to expand one’s portfolio in the long-term.

Even the jewels worn in our most treasured jewellery pieces can yield strong financial results if well cared for.

While the value of gemstones often fluctuates with the market, it is often more stable than the rise and fall of high-risk stocks and shares and, although most gemstone investors have traditionally focused their collection on diamonds, there is a growing passion for brightly coloured and highly-prized emeralds, rubies, sapphires and spinel – as well as many other coloured gemstones.

Successful gem collections rely on the investor’s knowledge and passion, as well as collaborating a trusted gemmologist or jewel expert to confirm the value and origin of your gems.

If you believe that diamonds are a girl’s – or investor’s – best friend, then start by learning the four Cs. Carat measures a diamond’s weight – a carat is 200mg – while the cut is the artform that determines the beauty and value of the stone, and clarity refers to blemishes or inclusions within the stone itself. Finally, diamonds come in many colours from yellow and pink to blue and brown, with colourless diamonds being the rarest and most sought after. Conversely, when buying coloured diamonds, it is the most saturated – known as “fancy vivid” – that are the most valuable. Be careful to only purchase certified diamonds, and we would also advise diversifying the kinds of diamonds you purchase while building your collection.

When it comes to precious gems, romance is

certainly in the stone. Emeralds gained popularity in the 1950s when the future US President John F Kennedy announced his engagement to Jacqueline Bouvier with a 2.84-carat emerald ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. Likewise, before she was the Princess of Wales, Lady Diana Spencer created a craze for sapphire rings when she announced her engagement to the Prince of Wales. Investing in coloured gemstones requires savvy spending, and an appraisal of size, clarity, origin and enhancement (or cut).

It is vital to have one’s purchases professionally appraised (particularly as colours of stones do not always correspond as one might expect), but there are some key elements that budding experts can rely upon. Size matters – smaller gems will have nowhere near the value of a single large stone of at least two carats – as does origin. Knowing where the most valuable gems are mined is enormously helpful in judging value; for example, the most prized emeralds are from Colombia, while vivid red rubies from Myanmar can be up to three times more valuable than those from other regions. Emeralds, sapphires and rubies are the best-known investments for valuable gems, but spinel gemstones are also becoming hot commodity. The purest are clear stones, but they can come in a range of brilliant colours – including a rich, vibrant red that can be mistaken for a ruby.

To summarise: always get your stones independently appraised for authenticity, look for high-quality stones even if they have a few imperfections, and diversify your collection to guarantee sparkling returns in years to come.

For expert investment tips or advice about the questions that have been hounding you, contact Boris by emailing: info@burlingtons.club

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