Surrey Chambers of Commerce Magazine November 2016

theChamber

Voice&VisionofSurreyBusiness|November - December 2016 www.surrey-chambers.co.uk | ÂŁ3.95 (where sold)

Retail Heaven From iconic market towns to chic shopping centres, Surrey has it all Page 26

Ask the Expert pg 17

Sector Focus on Charities pg 33

Tenants should treat break clauses with care

Make a difference with corporate giving

Big Interview with BMI Mount Alvernia pg 22

Motoring pg 41

Medical conditions that people tend ignore

Business drivers spoilt for choice

www.premierfx.com | reigate@premierfx.com | 01737 735064

Contents

theChamber

18

24

26

41

Voice & Vision of Surrey Business www.surrey-chambers.co.uk November - December 2016

Welcome to theChamber from our Chief Executive Louise Punter Runway decision We were really pleased to finally get a decision on additional airport capacity.

Put simply, it's about time. Businesses will now want assurances that the final approval process for Heathrow's new runway will be smooth and swift, so that construction can begin as soon as possible. Building this runway will not only boost business confidence, it will also help firms to access export opportunities, and attract investment from both UK and overseas businesses. For business communities around the rest of the UK, connectivity into an expanded Heathrow is critical. This new runway must be viewed as much about connecting the regions and nations to the world as it is about capacity for London and the South East.

Recognising our members At our Presidents dinner last week we were able to recognise a number of Chamber members, who have been successful in different ways. Joined by the British Chambers of Commerce President, Francis Martin, our own President, Frankie Tierney and Woking president, Dave Peet we were served a delicious meal at the Brooklands Hotel before presenting the awards.

As an organisation that encourages networking and connecting people we were delighted to acknowledge regular networker Rebecca Trudgett of Alliotts as the best networker, the International Trade award, was presented to Conjoint Export Services, who distribute products manufactured

by British Companies across the world. During the year Surrey Chambers supports a number of initiatives and delivers advice to start-ups, inspiration to young people

through careers fairs, promotion of apprenticeships and delivery of events with top speakers.

We could not do these things without the involvement of some of our members.

The winner was Haines Watts accountants, who have sponsored start-up advice in Elmbridge.

The most successful start-up, was Captivate run by Jason Lovell.

Finally we awarded the prize for the best PR story, as voted for on our website. Reigate Manor Hotel’s story captured the majority of the votes. A couple, who met at Reigate Manor Hotel, had their wedding there and returned for their 50th Anniversary. The evening was rounded off by raising £650 for the WhiteLodge Centre through a raffle with prizes from our members.

4

Introduction

24

Finance

5

Members News

25

International Trade

7

Members News

26-31

Cover Feature

9-13

Members News

33-38

Charity Focus

15

Members News

39

Economy

17

Ask the Expert

41

Motoring

18

Members News

45

Design/Finance

19

Investment News

46

Chamber Events

20

24 Hours with.....

48

New Members

22

Big Interview

50

Food

Editorial and General Enquiries Surrey Chambers of Commerce Unit 14a, Monument Way East, Woking, Surrey GU21 5LY Tel: 01483 735540 Fax: 01483 756754 Email: info@surrey-chambers.co.uk

Production Manager Mark Etherington Email: mark@benhampublishing.com

Media No.

Chief Executive: Louise Punter Finance: Caroline Cherryman

1491

Editor

Disclaimer

Molly Edwards Tel: 01483 735545 Email: Molly.Edwards@surrey-chambers.co.uk

The Chamber is published for the Surrey Chambers of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members in the county. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Surrey Chambers.

Views expressed in The Chamber are not necessarily those of Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2016.

Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

_________________________________________________

Advertising and Features

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Published November 2016 © Benham Publishing

theChamber 3

Introduction

A word from our President Welcome from Frankie Tierney

Why business needs to be flexible All businesses have to be prepared to adapt, be agile and invest in order to build for the future.

The old adage that businesses that stand still are in reality slipping backwards is as true now as it ever was. Business leaders are very familiar with the need for growth in a sustainable way; consolidate and then push on again. The speed at which it can happen will vary but the principles remain the same.

Here in Surrey we have a thriving economy generated by some 63,000 separate businesses. The politicians are debating the issues surrounding Brexit and no doubt will continue to do so for some time.

According to the World Bank, the UK is “the best

place to do business” amongst the 28 EU member states.

We have a flexible labour market and in Surrey the unemployment rate is extremely low. It is still a big world out there with big opportunities and technology has reduced significantly the time and difficulties of operating in a global market. The low exchange rate makes looking at opportunities for non euro business more attractive. These are good indicators that business owners should be confident in their ability to invest in growth.

Business needs to hold its nerve and carry on looking for opportunities, investing in the development of its people, skills and products.

Finding out what residents want I have been Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner for around five months now and have been busy getting out and about to find out what residents want from their police service.

I am keen to strengthen our relationships with the business community in the county and to that end I recently had a very productive meeting with Surrey Chambers chief executive Louise Punter.

We discussed a number of topics and plans to make that happen which inevitably included helping businesses protect themselves from the ever evolving threat of cybercrime.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has recently published the first ever Cybercrime Profile for Surrey which has built a unique picture of the nature and scale of online criminality in the county.

One of the key aims in producing the profile is to give businesses a better understanding of the threats and risks faced in Surrey so appropriate responses and action plans can be developed.

It is a comprehensive and really useful information tool which has drawn together wide ranging research and data. It can be downloaded and used by any organisation and I would urge all businesses in the county to take a look (available here: https://cybersafesurrey.org/network/

Richard steps down Leadership coach Richard Fox has stepped down as a Guildford Ambassador of the Surrey Chambers of Commerce after 30 years membership of the Chamber.

A highlight of Richard’s career as a member was as co-founder and first chairman of the Guildford Business Forum with its sector groups. His public meetings regularly drew audiences of over 100.

4 theChamber

They were attended by directors of the major employers in the town and helped to unify the business community in Guildford.

Here he is pictured with Louise Punter and Guildford Ambassador Chaz Brookes.

David Munro

index.php?resources/cybercrimeprofile-for-surrey.146/) The research shows that in 2015 Surrey had the third highest rate of web users in the UK with the majority of people in the county spending an average of one to three hours online every day.

Like most police forces across the country, Surrey has seen a sharp rise in reports of crimes committed online with the figure rising by 185% between 2014 and 2015.

Prevention is not simply the responsibility of the police - we know that around 80% of fraud and cybercrime is avoidable, so it is crucial our local residents and businesses know how to protect themselves online.

Whilst the internet has opened up a world of opportunities – it has also opened the door to certain types of criminals so it is important we all remain vigilant and stay a step ahead of them.

I am always very keen to hear what else I and Surrey Police can do to make life easier for businesses and what you think my priorities should be for the next four years.

Members News

ArchOver’s peer-to-peer business lending model offers favourable protection A new study by independent research house Equity Development concludes that ArchOver’s ‘secured and insured’ peer-to-peer lending model is “towards the top when it comes to lender protection.”

To date, ArchOver has suffered no defaults, late payments or losses.

Matched with favourable returns, ArchOver is a profitable addition to any investment strategy.

The author of the report, analyst Paul Hill, states that, for SME borrowers who are typically having to wait 71 days for invoices to be paid, “ArchOver offers a far cheaper and less bureaucratic alternative to invoice financing which can be expensive and administratively burdensome.”

He adds: “Advances in technology will continue to keep costs down, while low interest rates should further spur lenders to seek better returns,

as well as encourage borrowers to look for cheaper and more flexible debt.”

Mr Hill also predicts that ArchOver “will become much more prominent in the industry,” with lenders “reassured in the knowledge that their cash is protected by the firm’s ‘secured and insured’ model, combining detailed credit-vetting, collateral backing and third party insurance.”

He goes on to praise the industry for “cutting out expensive middlemen, such as banks and invoice financiers, implementing next generation credit checking software and automating cumbersome back-office functions.”

ArchOver’s regional director Dave Saddington said: “Receiving an independent endorsement is always encouraging. The report is right to highlight the error of lumping

together all P2P operators as if they are offering identical products and services. This is simply not true and is misleading for borrowers and lenders alike.”

Rising star at Charles Russell Speechlys in Guildford For the second year in succession, Gareth Walliss, a solicitor at Charles Russell Speechlys in Guildford, has been selected by eprivateclient as one of the UK’s Top 35 private client advisors under the age of 35. eprivateclient’s ‘Top 35 private client advisors under 35’ is a highly acclaimed annual initiative which identifies rising stars amongst the private client professions across the UK. The list includes lawyers, accountants, trustees and other professional intermediaries.

Gareth, a senior associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, joined the rapidly growing firm five years ago. He has particular expertise in asset protection and succession planning and deals with the creation and administration of trusts, lifetime and post death tax planning and the

administration of complex and frequently cross border estates.

His clients include both UK and non-UK domiciled high net worth individuals, trustees and charities.

Duncan Elson, partner and head of Charles Russell

Speechlys’ in Guildford, said: “eprivateclient’s list is collated following a review of extensive nominations and professional achievements. Only 35 males and 35 females from across the UK are selected and we are thrilled that Gareth has

“Only 35 males and 35 females from across the UK are selected and we are thrilled that Gareth has been recognised for his clear talent and success to date.“

been recognised for his clear talent and success to date. He is an asset to the firm and has a bright future ahead.”

Gareth said: “It is great to be recognised among the calibre of all those named in the Top 35 this year. The accolade is also a strong reflection of the quality of service and advice that Charles Russell Speechlys’ Private Client team in Guildford offers to clients.”

Charles Russell Speechlys is a leading law firm with more than 144 staff in its Guildford office at One London Square.

theChamber 5

ChangeWise Accredited Lean Practitioner Training FD asks MD: “What happens if we spend money on training our people and they leave us?”

MD: “What happens if we don’t, and they stay?”

Invest in the only training that teaches people to continuously improve their processes for better customer satisfaction, increased productivity and lower operational costs.

ChangeWise are delighted to announce that their Lean Awareness and Team Based Process Improvement training courses have been accredited by the only industry recognised UK authority qualified to certify Lean training for its content and quality.

LCS (Lean Competency System) only accredits training that develops the thinking, knowledge and practical skills to enable organisations to implement Lean and Operational Excellence in services and operations.

Our blended training and experiential learning approach includes highly participative group activities to allow knowledge and idea sharing; using business simulations, games and practical hands-on experience to give delegates the opportunity to apply their learning. Backed up with clear explanations of the theory in their reference books.

The wide-ranging experience of the trainers supports this learning by providing ‘real’ examples from production and service operations. Ongoing coaching develops the skills and practical experience to apply the knowledge appropriately for effective solutions back in the workplace.

The benefits of your people achieving a ‘Certificate of Lean Competency’ will be: • Self-sufficient, high performing Lean Practitioners from operational, support services and business change teams able to drive forward operational and service improvement programmes to deliver better customer satisfaction, improve quality and achieve greater value for money • A recognised qualification demonstrating their level of competence with evidence of training and progression which can support programmes like Employer of Choice and Investors in People • A development path, encouraging skills improvement and experiential knowledge growth to help attract and retain high quality staff • A qualification with has high perceived value and external currency Mike Williams says ‘This is great news for our customers as it means they now have a route to a recognised qualification on their CV. Recognition like this means employees are more skilled, are able to apply Lean to improve their workplaces and ensure better value for money for the organisation they work for.

Not only that but they will receive practical experience of using these unique improvement tools so when they come back to the workplace they can immediately apply their skills. Truly adding value to both employer and employee. A great return on investment’

These are fun, energetic and interactive courses ideal for teams of people to do at the same. If you are interested in prices and dates, please call Mike Williams on 02380 464 153 or 07866 537 580 or visit our website. www.changewise.co.uk

6 theChamber

Members News

Historic blue plaque unveiled in honour of breakthrough Cellar Wines in Ripley played host to a memorable event which unveiled a prestigious, new blue plaque.

Ripley Pharmacy on Ripley High Street, a former 15th century coaching inn, was bought by thirty-year-old chemist, Kenneth White, in 1943.

It was here that White first made the wonder drug penicillin available to the public. The dispensary has had just four owners in 102 years, until it was bought by Cellar Wines in 2015.

The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Gordon Jackson, unveiled the plaque, along with John Hutson, who had worked alongside White since 1944 and who continued to work at the pharmacy for fifty years.

The event had a very good turnout, with guests including family members of Donald Green, who also worked with White.

Cellar Wines, an independent luxury brand provider, offering artisan spirits, boutique wines, a gourmet delicatessen and fantastic events, sponsored the event. They laid on a selection of their fine wines, cheeses and canapés from their delicatessen. The blue plaque now has pride of place on the wall outside the wine shop.

Penicillin had been discovered in 1928 by Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming and the production of penicillin became

a wartime priority but it was reserved exclusively for the Armed Forces. None was made available to the civilian population.

For months, White had wondered what he could do to help the war effort. He followed the discovery of penicillin with interest and, not satisfied with the dictum "no penicillin for civilians," he resolved to do something about it. White’s additional motivation to manufacture the drug came after he made a bet with a local doctor.

In a quiet back room of the now Grade II listed building, with its old-fashioned façade, timber frames and picturesque appearance, the ambitious young chemist defied the establishment to bring a medical revolution into the lives of ordinary people.

To undertake the manufacture of penicillin, White needed a suitable strain of ‘penicillium notatum’. He evidently did acquire one but how

and when he did so remains unknown. In March 1944, White wrote to the Ministry of Supply requesting a ‘pure culture’. In July of the same year, he wrote to the National Collection of Type Cultures with a similar appeal: both requests were rejected.

Apparently, an embargo had been placed on this particular culture to prevent scientists from other countries getting hold of it.

Apparently, White told a newspaper reporter that he had visited a large penicillin manufacturing facility and in all likelihood, he was secretly given a culture during his visit. In April 1944, using culture flasks, an ice-cream refrigerator borrowed from a local tea shop (after food rationing had rendered it redundant) a great deal of resourcefulness and help from locals, White became the first civilian chemist to manufacture penicillin filtrate.

Winter Pimm’s is coming!

What better way to get into the festive mood than to enjoy a day of networking, tree-chopping and Winter Pimm’s-drinking in the forest?

With that in mind, you are invited to join Camberley-based IT support company, projectfive, as they partner with Surrey Wildlife Trust to host this year’s Winter Pimm’s Networking event on Friday 2nd December 2016, at Barossa Common in Camberley.

Winter Pimm’s Networking is an opportunity for local businesses to join together to help Surrey Wildlife Trust clear some of the pine trees at Barossa Common, to allow the natural heathland-habitat underneath to flourish.

There’ll be time for a spot of informal networking in the fresh air, the chance to enjoy a delicious al fresco lunch courtesy of Jamaican restaurant Sugar Dumplin, share some mince pies and Winter Pimm’s and the best bit is that everyone gets to take a Christmas tree home with them – for free.

This established event has been a huge success for the past six years; it’s a great networking and team-building day out.

James Stewart, managing director property, Dolphin Head, said: “Winter Pimms in the Forest is a real highlight of the office calendar in the run up to Christmas.

Fantastically well organised by projectfive; it's an opportunity to help return some of our local common land to its natural habitat, take home a free Christmas tree or two and support the Surrey Wildlife Trust. All this whilst networking with other local business people, enjoying Winter Pimm’s and some great food - what could be better.”

What does the day involve?

10:30 Arrival with tea and coffee.

Informal networking with other businesses.

11:00 Wood sculpting with Man and His Dog Carvings 11:20 WELCOME – maintaining the heathland and safety briefing.

11:30 Pick and cut your own Christmas tree (with the Surrey Wildlife Trust rangers) 12:45 LUNCH BREAK (courtesy of Jamaican restaurant Sugar Dumplin).

13:15 Help clear as many trees from the heathland as we can manage – working in

teams.

14:30 Winter Pimm’s and mince pies.

15:00 Depart (before it gets dark!)

Book your place Last year’s event was a sell-out and we expect this year to be even more popular!

To book your place visit www.pimms.projectfive.co.uk or call the team on 01276 455466.

Tickets cost £35 per person.

All proceeds are donated to Surrey Wildlife Trust.

theChamber 7

Legal Update

Can office partitions prevent valid exercise of a Break Notice?

Many leases contain provisions for vacant possession to be given in order for a tenant to validly exercise a break clause. In practice, what does this mean, and are there any matters to be aware of?

In the recent case of Riverside Park Ltd v NHS Property Services Ltd [2016] EWHC 1313, the High Court considered whether a tenant had complied with its obligation to give vacant possession when exercising a break clause in their lease.

The property let to the tenant was an open-plan area into which the tenant installed partitions to create separate offices. On exercise of the break option in their lease, the tenant did not remove the partitions.

The landlord claimed that vacant possession had not been given as the partitions were items belonging to the tenant which had not been removed from the property.

The question was one of fact: were the partitions chattels (items owned by the tenant) or fixtures (which are physically

8 theChamber

attached to, and therefore become part of, the property)?

In this case, the High Court held that the partitions were chattels.

The main points considered were: 1. The partitions were standard demountable partitions, which are easily removed and which are not fixed to the structure of the property; 2. The partitions were in a configuration specific to the tenant’s needs, which were deemed to be unusual by the Court and not general desirable to other tenants; and 3. The partitions substantially interfered with the landlord’s right of possession.

It was decided that in this instance the tenant had not given vacant possession.

The High Court further highlighted that whilst cases may provide guidance on when an item is considered to be a fixture or a chattel, each case turns on its own facts.

In this instance, even if the partitions had been fixtures it is unlikely that the break notice would have been valid as the tenant had not complied with the terms of the licence for alterations which originally permitted the installation of the partitions.

If you would like advice on exercising a break clause in your lease, or any other commercial property matter, please contact Herrington Carmichael LLP’s Real Estate team on: 01276 686222 or email realestate@herrington-carmichael.com.

Natasha Lamb-Guhren • Trainee Solicitor Real Estate Department • 01276 686 222 natasha.lamb-guhren@herrington-carmichael.com

Members News

Company owners gamble their wealth on business Chartered accountants Haines Watts has published some surprising results in its survey of the wealth, investments and spending habits of business leaders in Surrey and the South East.

The survey, based on interviews with companies with between £1 million and £50 million turnover, found that business owners are “crossing their fingers and hoping” that their firm will deliver the returns needed to support them and their families.

Barry Potter, partner at the Godalming office of Haines Watts, said: “Our survey has shown that business owners in the South East are drawing modest salaries and eschewing lavish lifestyles in favour of investing heavily in their business.”

The study reveals that the average South East company owner earns

£94,000 per annum (including salary and dividends) – below the national average (£95,000) and less than half the average salary of the CEO of an AIM-listed company (£202,000 - Fast Growth Company, 2014).

South East company owners told Haines Watts that they are investing their wealth back into their business or gambling their financial future on the stock exchange. The average South East company owner has £127,600 in financial investments, such as stocks and shares – higher than the national average of £120,900.

A third (35%) of South East company owners don’t have a

pension fund, compared to 32% nationally, while they have an average £223,600 combined residential and commercial property debt. Yet they are exposing themselves to considerable risk. Two fifths (41%) of company owners in the South East feel their business could not survive more than a week without them. One in ten (10%) believe it could only manage for up to three days.

More than two fifths (42%) of South East company owners have a certain supplier that they could not survive without, while 31% have a major customer that they rely on.

75% say their main customer contributes a third (30%) or more of their revenue. Two fifths (41%) of company owners also admit their business would fail without a key member of staff.

Despite working tirelessly, South East business owners are leading a conservative lifestyle. Fiat is by far the most popular car brand owned (32%) and just 18% drive a new vehicle. Meanwhile, only 4% employ a nanny to look after their children. Three quarters (77%) of South East business leaders say they own designer goods however, while 9% own a second home and 10% have or will send their children to a fee-paying school.

Haines Watts offices complete Global Corporate Challenge Partners and staff at the Farnborough and Godalming offices of Haines Watts Chartered Accountants recently took part in the Global Corporate Challenge and came top in the company league, clocking up almost 14 million steps between the seven team members.

The 100-day stepping challenge is taken up by hundreds of respected companies worldwide and is aimed at helping businesses to encourage their staff to be more healthy through increasing their physical activity as well as focusing on their mental well-being.

Haines Watts employees made gradual changes in

their daily routine to improve their health and performance at work.

Julie Bryant of the Farnborough office said: “The 100 days was a lot of fun but also hard work. We have all achieved more than we thought we could and plan to keep up our new healthy habits – beating the other Haines Watts’ offices to the top of the leader board was a lovely bonus!”

Business up for industry awards Orbital Media, an awardwinning social and digital marketing agency, based in Farnham, is celebrating its latest award success after securing a position as finalist in this year’s Social Buzz Awards run by leading marketing magazine, The Drum.

The agency, which provides social media and digital services to blue chip FMCG and consumer healthcare brands, has been announced as a finalist for two awards.

Both awards are for campaigns run for its super brand client, Sudocrem, the UK’s favourite nappy rash cream.

• ‘Best FMCG / Consumer Goods Social Media Strategy / Campaign’ – Sudocrem Saves Christmas • ‘Best Use of Promotions / Competitions’ – Sudocrem Summer Sports Day The Social Buzz Awards are known for rewarding excellence in social media campaigns, giving recognition to those who use social media to communicate in exciting and innovating ways.

Hayden Allen-Vercoe, chief operating officer at Orbital Media, said: “As a business, our ethos has always been to deliver results for our clients through innovation and creativity. We’re therefore extremely excited to be finalists in these industry recognised awards, which are known for rewarding excellence in social media. It is a credit to our team who work extremely hard to constantly stay at the leading edge of social media and deliver excellent results for our clients.”

The overall winners of the Social Media Buzz Awards will be announced at a black tie dinner on Wednesday 30 November at the Marriott Grosvenor Square, London.

theChamber 9

Member News

2 B 1 ASK 1 Farrow Creative celebrates first 10 years in business The origin of freemasonry one of our most ancient national institutions is lost in the mists of time, but the most likely beginning was when the operative stonemasons and craftsmen who built our great cathedrals, churches, and mansions, at a time when most could not read or write, formed themselves into craft guilds - a forerunner of our trade unions.

In those days the church played a much larger part in everyday lives than is the case today and the ceremonies now worked at Masonic meetings derive from those early days. The earliest recorded ‘making’ of a freemason in England is that of Elias Ashmole in 1646.

Freemasonry is the UK’s largest fraternal and charitable organisation. It has some 300,000 members in about 8,000 lodges throughout the country, more than 300 being in Surrey, meeting at 11 different halls and centres, and 30,000 or so more members overseas. It is the second largest UK charity - only the National Lottery being larger - and many charities, organisations and individuals benefit substantially each year from donations given by the Masonic Charitable Foundation which encompasses the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity and the Masonic Samaritan Fund.

The province of Surrey is currently arranging a Provincial 2019 Festival with the object of raising £3.25m by 2019 to provide funding for the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution towards which, at the time of writing, over £1,715,000 has so far been raised or pledged.

To become a freemason it is necessary to be proposed and seconded by existing masons to join a lodge. Hence - 2 B 1 ASK 1 contact www.surreymason.org.uk for further information or the Guildford Masonic Centre by emailing chairman@weybournehouse.org; or telephone 01483 568768 and speak to David Leech.

10 theChamber

Farrow Creative marks its 10th anniversary on 31 October 2016 – a decade that’s seen the Petersfield-based design agency become one of the most respected and successful in the region.

During its first 10 years, Farrow Creative has worked with prestigious clients including the South Downs National Park, Karren Brady, Grayshott Pottery and the Wealden & Downland Open Air Museum.

The agency has also developed a particular expertise and reputation in the education sector, creating brand identities and marketing collateral for Bohunt Educational Trust, The Petersfield School, Winchester College, Alton Convent School and Kew College.

Founder and managing director Sam Farrow has become a well-known and much-in-demand public speaker, particularly on the topics of personal branding and women in business.

She is also a regular visiting lecturer and mentor on the MBA programme at the University of Surrey in Guildford.

“It’s been an amazing journey from start-up to established business; often challenging, but ultimately incredibly rewarding,” says Sam. “I’m lucky to have the support of a fantastic team, and long-standing relationships with clients built on mutual respect and trust.

“I’ve always passionately believed in the power of design.

For businesses, good design doesn’t cost money; it makes money. At Farrow Creative, we aim to produce effective design that helps our clients achieve their business objectives: that’s the true measure of whether a piece of design works.”

To see examples of recent projects, please see the Portfolio pages at www.farrowcreative.co.uk

Autumn & winter marquees in fashion as bookings jump by 10% at Trafalgar Marquees Winter marquees are not just something for showbiz extravaganzas like the Great British Bake Off. Award-winning Trafalgar Marquees, which serves London and the South, has recorded a 10 per cent increase in orders in the year, from October to May. These include major events at the German Embassy, the Army, Halloween and Christmas at Chessington Garden Centre; a charity Christmas Fair for Action Medical Research and a winter wedding for 200 guests.

A clear trend is emerging, confirms MUTA (The Made up

Textiles Association), the trade body for the marquee hire sector.

“Over the past five years this has become much less of a seasonal industry, traditionally trading from May to September,” said Joe Chalk, the membership support coordinator. “There are now Christmas fairs, weddings and family celebrations. Marquees are so well insulated and warm that people and companies even work out of them as offices in the winter.”

Trafalgar Marquees and JF Marquees managing director James Morris added: “Winter parties and events under canvas are becoming more and more popular now and we’ve seen a significant rise in bookings during the autumn and winter months.

It’s different, affordable and fun, and we’re working on an Alice in Wonderland enchanted woodland, for example, as well as a setting for an Oktoberfest event.”

Focus on Finance

Top PR tactics to quickly Relying on your and easily generate leads business to fund your Mandy Brooks of brookscomm, a leading Surrey PR and marketing agency, looks at Connection Mapping in relation to successful PR and lead generation, the first in a series of PR tips.

Lead generation is made quicker and easier when a good reputation goes before you.

Effective use of PR & reputation management enables you to communicate a positive impression, building customer confidence in your brand and its products and services.

PR enables you to effectively reach potential customers in a non-invasive way. Those potential customers will become engaged much more quickly if they are reassured of your value and your reputation.

Draw up a simple connection map. Put your business in the middle and then map out around you, your key stakeholders. These should include current and potential customers, your team, influencers, partners and suppliers: • From each of these stakeholders map out perennial customers / connections you can reach

• Prioritise contacting each one personally, explaining clearly why they should buy your product or service and/or why they should recommend you to their networks • Provide stakeholders with clear, concise information on the benefits of your business and encourage them to recommend you wherever possible • You can illustrate the strength of your connection with the customer by adding or removing connection bars in the map. If the connection is weak, focus on how you can adapt your approach and recommence engagement With the right information your networks can and will be your biggest champions and recommenders.

For further information visit www.brookscomm.com

retirement?

Think twice.

If you are one of the many business owners expecting to sell your company to fund your retirement, you could be in for a shock.

You simply may not get the value you want from a sale or be able to sell the business at the time you’d planned. You could be leaving yourself financially exposed.

Our recent research* shows that over a third of business owners do not have a pension, draw modest earnings and reinvest most of their wealth into their business secure in the belief that this strategy will deliver when they are ready to exit.

Underpinning this belief is the notion that a buyer will perceive the same level of value as you believe exists in your business.

But, a number of key factors can threaten the stability, growth and long-term value of the business and most of these are not addressed in advance of the decision to sell.

Our research highlights that 42% of business owners believe their business wouldn’t last a week without them. If your business is that dependent on you as an owner – the value of your business will decrease when you walk away.

Similarly 43% of business owners rely on a key customer and 50% on a vital employee – failure to tackle this risk will impact the value you can command on sale.

Business owners need to give considered thought to the risks in their business and work towards systematically addressing these. They also need to put together a Plan B – so if your sale expectations aren’t met, you still have sufficient money to fund a comfortable retirement.

There is no standard plan for funding a retirement. Each business owner’s circumstances are different and each owner therefore needs an individual plan. Figuring out the best plan for your retirement takes skill.

Make sure you engage the right people to help you build the best strategy for building the value of your business and planning for your financial future.

Dan Morgan, Partner, Esher T: 020 8549 5137 E: dmorgan@hwca.com Surrey offices in Esher and Godalming www.hwca.com *The Haines Watts Research is based on interviews with 514 owners of UK businesses, which are at least two years old, have a turnover of between £1 million and £50 million and have between 10 and 249 employees. The study was conducted in 2016.

The survey findings can be found at www.hwca.com/for-love-or-money

theChamber 11

Members News

New growth forum for Surrey What’s new in HR? businesses is a roaring success

By Paul Samrah, partner at chartered accountants Kingston Smith in Redhill While 2016 has been quiet on the employment legislation front, there has been some useful detail published on some of the bigger projects such as gender pay reporting and the apprenticeship levy.

Apprenticeships The Government has announced plans for the apprenticeship levy, which comes into effect in April 2017. The key facts are straightforward: from 6 April 2017, employers with a wage bill of more than £3 million will pay a 0.5% levy to fund apprenticeships; the levy will be charged at 0.5% of that annual pay bill, but eligible employers will receive a £15,000 allowance – available through the Digital Apprenticeship Service – to offset the costs. The detail is likely to be very complex.

Gender Pay Reporting In February this year, the Government announced that organisations with 250 or more employees will have to publish prescribed information about their gender pay gap data between male and female employees on their websites by 30 April 2018, with an initial “snapshot” of data being taken from the 30 April 2017 salary figures.

The data between male and female employees must be shown as a split between the sexes. The legislation currently states that these overall figures must be shown; however, it does not prevent firms from widening the narrative and giving a more detailed rationale, such as the numbers of males and females in each role; or the breakdown of gender pay gaps from each department or hierarchy levels.

Paul Samrah is a partner at the Redhill office of top 20 chartered accountants and business advisers Kingston Smith LLP. He can be contacted at psamrah@ks.co.uk or on 01737 777 9000.

12 theChamber

Guildford accountants and business advisors Alliotts has started hosting a regular Business Growth Forum in the town which it hopes will provide advice and support to the growing number of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the area.

The new Business Growth Forum hosts expert speakers and provides networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs looking for advice and support to help them take their business to the next level.

Rebecca Trudgett, from Alliotts, who runs the new forum said:

“It's not easy running a business there are so many demands on your time and so much you need to know. This is why we host the Guildford Business Growth Forum. Our aim is to give you the answers and support you need to grow your business, become more efficient, and as a result, more profitable.”

The next Business Growth Forum will take place in January at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. To register your interest please email Rebecca.trudgett@alliotts.com

Employers get gold for their support for the Armed Forces Twenty-two employers from all parts of Great Britain have struck gold in this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), defence secretary Michael Fallon announced recently.

The scheme is designed to recognise and thank employers who are supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families.

Examples of the support being provided by this year’s winners include offering employment opportunities to veterans, helping reservist employees to complete their military training and ensuring that service personnel and their families are treated fairly.

This year’s winners include large and small organisations from across the country, representing the public and private sectors, selected through

a rigorous boarding process.

The awards go to: AECOM, Atos UK Ltd, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Boeing Defence UK Ltd, Bureau Veritas, DJ Rees Decorating Services Limited, Doncaster Council, Dundee City Council, Hampshire County Council, HSBC, Kier Group, KPMG, Nationwide Building Society, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Pertemps, QinetiQ, RBS Plc, Scottish Ambulance Service, Surrey County Council, TA Plastic Supplies Ltd, United Utilities and Waves Training Solutions Ltd.

Mr Fallon said: “Every year the level of support from companies across Britain for the armed forces continues to grow. This commitment is making a real difference to everyone who serves and their families – whether giving reservists more time to train or supporting veterans or spouses, they embody what the Armed Forces Covenant is about.”

To qualify for a Gold Award, employers must not only pledge their support but become advocates, encouraging others to do likewise.

Members News

Gibson Hewitt open doors with work experience opportunity When graduate Jamal Khan was looking for some experience in the competitive accountancy profession, West Byfleetbased business recovery and insolvency firm, Gibson Hewitt, stepped in to help.

Earlier in the year Jamal completed a degree at the University of Surrey, where he passed with a 2:1 in business management. During his course he studied accounting and decided this was the profession he wanted to enter.

Soon after completing his course he contacted Gibson Hewitt to see whether they would allow him to take part in some work experience with them, to which they happily agreed.

Jamal said: “I have really enjoyed the experience of working at Gibson Hewitt.

The team have been extremely helpful and they have given me some excellent advice about entering the profession, which I hope to use when applying for jobs.”

Jamal is now hoping to secure a trainee accounting position that will enable him to gain the prestigious ACCA accounting qualification and serve as a professional accountant.

Lynn Gibson, director at Gibson Hewitt, said: “We were delighted to offer Jamal a chance to try out the profession. He showed a lot of determination while he was with us and I hope his time spent at our firm will help him when he applies for future training roles.”

As part of this commitment, Lynn Gibson recently gave a talk to pupils at Fulbrook School in New Haw about the importance of work experience, which was well received by the students who attended.

The UK’s first ‘Massage Membership’ Centre launches in Camberley The Massage Company is bringing regular, high-quality massage membership to UK towns to transform it from the occasional or a treat to a routine and vital part of a better and balanced lifestyle.

Regular massage can help improve the quality of people’s lives, from reducing stress and improving energy levels to easing back and other musculoskeletal pain. However, the quality can vary enormously or be limited to the once-in-awhile expensive treat at a destination location, and unless medically necessary due to sports injuries or rehabilitation, it’s hard for many to justify having it more regularly.

But that’s in the past now thanks to a new concept in massage treatments introduced to the UK

by The Massage Company.

The company opened its first centre in Camberley on

Pembroke Broadway (under the Travelodge, by Camberley station) on 18th March, complete with 14 treatment rooms over two floors in a newly designed and created space for its

customers and locally employed staff. The location is convenient for access from surrounding residential areas, as well as being convenient for the town centre workforce.

Athletic accountants’ sporting successes Weybridge-based MGI Midgley Snelling LLP is an accountancy firm with an ever-growing reputation for its sporting prowess.

The firm’s latest sporting accomplishment came in the form of partner, Jonathan Farrow’s seventh marathon success in San Francisco this summer. Jonathan had previously completed the London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Rome and Barcelona marathons.

The San Francisco marathon has a reputation for being particularly unforgiving, with many of the California city’s famous steep streets, as well as the iconic but windy Golden Gate Bridge, taking their toll on the thousands of runners who took part.

Jonathan, who has been with the firm since 1987, completed the course with his US-based brother in just over five hours and said that he received considerable family support on the day.

MGI Midgley Snelling LLP is a firm with a strong sporting ethos. This is shared by many of the firm’s staff and they hold regular fundraising events organised around various sports.

The athletic accountants at the firm have previously taken part in sporting events ranging from rowing races to numerous fun runs.

This sporting ethos is also manifested in the firm’s MidSnell Activity Fund which provides funds to organisations geared towards getting local people active.

Amongst the fund’s beneficiaries to date have been Staines Boat Club, Weybridge Ballet Academy and visually impaired students at Woking High School.

“Sport and exercise can transform people’s lives and make a real difference to our local communities,” said Tracey Wickens, a partner at MGI Midgley Snelling LLP. “Beyond the obvious benefits for people’s physical health, it enables people to master new skills, relax and socialise.”

MGI Midgley Snelling LLP launched the Midsnell Activity Fund last year to promote engagement and participation in a range of activities to help people live active, healthy and interesting lives.

On top of its work with the local community under the auspices of the Midsnell Activity Fund, MGI Midgley Snelling LLP has also nominated Woking and Sam Beare Hospices as its charity of the year.

theChamber 13

Members News

Reigate Manor Double Finalists in SME Surrey Business awards Reigate Manor Hotel is a double finalist in the 2016 SME Surrey Business Awards in the categories of Reigate and Banstead Council Business of the Year and Best Customer Service.

Giles Thomas, general manager said, “We are delighted to have reached the finals in not one but two categories of this year’s SME Surrey Business Awards.

Giles continued, “We have just started the second phase of a £2m refurbishment of the hotel.

The hotel is always a vibrant place to visit, either for a cup of coffee, afternoon tea, conferences or overnight stays. We’ve raised £5000 for St. Catherine’s Hospice during 2016 and supported many of the events in Reigate Priory Park during the summer. These are just a few of the exciting

happenings at Reigate Manor that I believe have earned us a place as a finalist.”

Damian Cummins, director at Events and PR, organisers of the awards said, “Reaching the finals of the awards appropriately reflects hard work, enterprise and endeavour in business.”

The winners will be announced on 30th November at the awards dinner to be held at Epsom Race Course.

Giles concluded, “Good luck to all the finalists, especially those in our category as I’m sure, like us, we are all very proud to represent the Borough of Reigate & Banstead.”

Mazars promotes partner Ardent Creative One of Surrey’s most established creative in the south east agencies have appointed Paul Squires as

Mazars, the leading international tax, accountancy and advisory firm, has promoted James Smalley to partner in the South East region.

James is one of five partners promoted across the UK, with a further partner transferring to the UK from the firm’s Singapore office.

Elisabeth Maxwell, south region managing partner at Mazars, commented: “This is well earned recognition of the hard work put in by James and of the significant contribution he has made to our growth and delivering client excellence across the region.”

James joined Mazars as a graduate in 1998 and is based in the firm’s Sutton office. He is a key member of the National Accounting and Outsourcing team and specialises in finding and developing technology enabled solutions, to deliver efficient and high-quality services to our clients. James works with a wide range of fastgrowth clients looking to simplify

their compliance requirements and increase their financial visibility as they grow internationally.

Mazars’ partner appointments across the UK span a number of practices including audit, tax and outsourcing and reflect the firms’ ongoing investment in its core markets, including privately-owned businesses and international clients.

Phil Verity, Mazars’ UK senior partner said: “Having a diverse and dynamic team of partners is essential to the ongoing success of our business. The quality of our people is what sets Mazars apart and I am delighted to welcome this group of talented and dedicated individuals to the partnership” Following these appointments, Mazars UK now has 140 partners and over 1600 staff.

their new Sales Manager.

The Cranleigh based business specialises in bespoke website design, branding, marketing, SEO and digital services for business.

For over 30 years the team have produced cutting branding for hundreds of businesses – including solicitors, accountants, estate agents and even an airline!

Bringing with him years of on-line and creative web experience Paul, formerly sales manager at feedback company Feefo, is excited to be working with the powerhouse team at Ardent.

‘It’s exciting times here at Ardent, we have relocated to our new larger office, and

we have a raft of exciting new projects over the coming weeks. Cranleigh is a great place to work and it’s so nice to commute over the Surrey hills. We have also joined the Surrey Chamber of Commerce and I look forward to meeting other members soon. ’ You can see Ardent’s new promo video here: www.bit.ly/2eyEaCM

theChamber 15

Ask the Expert

Warning to tenants: Treat break clauses with care!

A break clause could be very useful to the tenant’s business.

In the case of a retail tenant, it could provide an opportunity to end the lease early and move to new premises which have become available in a better location on the High Street.

Alternatively, it could be used as a bargaining tool to negotiate more favourable terms with the landlord for the existing lease.

Not unreasonably, a tenant might assume that, having agreed a break clause with its landlord, there should be no problem with exercising it. This would be a dangerous assumption to make.

James Picknell Mundays LLP www.mundays.co.uk Most retailers (and commercial occupiers) enter into a formal lease of their premises. The lease is a crucial document which can contain key dates to be observed and, in some cases, used to the advantage of the tenant’s business.

However, the terms of the lease are all too often forgotten and overlooked shortly after the ink is dry following completion of the lease. The purpose of this article is to highlight an example of one such term.

Break clause A lease may contain a break clause which gives the tenant the right to terminate it early following service of the required notice and, in most cases, subject to satisfying other pre-conditions.

In recent years, there have been many reported court cases which concern challenges to attempts by tenants to exercise break clauses. The general rule is that the court requires strict compliance with break clause provisions. It is therefore essential that any tenant with the benefit of a break clause: 1. Diarises the break date upon signing the lease and the deadline for serving notice; and 2. If they want to exercise the right, retains a solicitor as early as possible in advance of the deadline and instructs them to serve the notice and advise on the steps to be taken to comply with any break clause conditions.

When problems arise with the exercise of break clauses it is almost always after the break date has passed. By that date, the tenant is likely to have moved out of the premises and committed funds and the business to new premises.

This gives rise to the prospect of remaining bound by the terms of the lease for its old premises and paying the rent on its new premises.

The following points are examples of some of the issues which can arise when exercising a break clause and, therefore, why it is important to seek legal advice as early as possible: 1. Break clauses sometimes require the tenant to give vacant possession of the property by the break date in order for the lease to terminate. Such a condition is not always easy to satisfy.

It requires careful consideration with your solicitor and a building surveyor. In a recent case, the court held that a tenant had failed to give vacant possession because it had not removed demountable partitions.

2. Break clauses often include a pre-condition requiring the tenant to have paid all of the rent due up to and including the break date. The break date might fall between or on a rent payment day. A tenant might question whether this entitles it to apportion the rent it pays up to and including the break date. Whilst each case will turn on the terms of the particular lease, it is often the case that the tenant must

pay all of the rent which falls due for the whole of the rent period (despite the fact that it relates to a period beyond the break date). A lease might include a right for the tenant to have the rent apportioned and reimbursed to it if the break clause is exercised successfully. Failing this, it is likely that the tenant would not be entitled to insist on the rent being apportioned as was found to be the case in a recent decision of the Supreme Court.

3. The break clause may require the tenant to leave the premises in the condition required by the lease on the break date. Such a term requires very detailed and careful planning with your solicitor and a building surveyor a long time in advance of the break date.

There are many issues for a tenant to be alive to but with careful planning and early advice, a tenant will stand the best chance of seeking to take advantage of the right to break the lease.

For a summary of other issues to take note of, you will find a note on Top Tips for Retail Tenants at www.mundays.co.uk/ publications

The contents of this article are for reference purposes only. They do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking any action based on this publication. Š Mundays LLP 2016.

theChamber 17

Members News

Robinson Buckley continues to back Surrey Scorchers Robinson Buckley Insurance Brokers is remaining in the sporting world, having committed to Surrey Scorchers as one of a number of local sponsors for the 2016/17 British Basketball League season.

The firm has a long standing history of supporting Surrey basketball, having become a sponsor of the now

Scorchers franchise last season, previously partnered with Guildford/Surrey Heat for 4 seasons.

The insurance broker’s initial introduction to premier basketball was in 2008 when Robinson Buckley director John Lanning attended a Guildford Heat game as part of a Surrey Chambers’ networking event.

“I must admit to not expecting much in terms of the standard of play or entertainment” recalled Mr Lanning “but within a few minutes, I was blown away by the athleticism and skill level of the players; a hugely captivating evening”. He continued “We are delighted to be backing Surrey Scorchers and Coach Creon [Raftopoulos] again this season.

Our previous support for basketball in Surrey demonstrates our commitment to local sport at the highest level and we look forward to following Scorchers through a successful season on and off the court”.

Games are played at Surrey Sports Park against a backdrop of lively music, dancing from cheerleaders and mischievous antics from mascot Scorcher the dragon adding to the electric atmosphere. Fans are actively encouraged to take part in the whole entertainment, whether cheering loudly for the team or taking part in games played during the match.

Robinson Buckley, an independent insurance broker established in 1977, is based in Godalming at Catteshall Lane, having moved from Brighton Road last year. They specialise in insurance for businesses and high net worth individuals.

For more information visit www.robinsonbuckley.co.uk & www.surreyscorchers.co.uk

Cast your vote for Sam Beare Community Team Woking & Sam Beare Hospices have been given the chance to win £25,000 in an online competition, thanks to The Aviva Community Fund, which helps small charities by offering members of the public a chance to vote for the projects they care about.

Any funds won in this online vote will go towards the Sam Beare Community Team as they care for members of the local community in the Weybridge area and beyond.

As more patients are choosing to spend their last days and weeks at home, Woking & Sam Beare Hospices now support well over 70% of people under its care with personalised support away from the hospice buildings.

Coordinated by community nurse specialists, who liaise with other medical professionals such as GPs; the Community Team consists of palliative care consultants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, complementary therapists, counsellors and multi-faith chaplains. As with the rest of the

18 theChamber

hospice movement, the 24/7 In the Home service is provided free of charge and funded almost entirely by donations.

Having met competition criteria in the first round of a multi-stage process, the hospices are ever closer to obtaining £25,000 and are calling on supporters to help them win the money by casting their votes for Sam Beare Hospice online.

To vote is really simple and will only take 5 minutes. The first stage is to register online at www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk, after which voters will have the chance to search Sam Beare Hospice, and cast up to 10 votes for the charity. They are then being encouraged to share the link on social media to get

friends and family to vote as well.

The competiton will close on 18 November.

For more information on the Hospices’ Community Teams visit www.wsbhospices.co.uk

Investment News

New Hart Brown Partner We’re 30 years presents cheque to on from the charity Skillway Big Bang, but Emily Wiggins has been appointed partner at law firm Hart Brown, what’s changed heading up the Trusts and Estate Department in Godalming. for investors?

October 26 was the 30th anniversary of the Big Bang. It marked the collision – along the lines of the universe’s epic – of deregulation, electronic trading and a City of London employment revolution.

One of her first roles in this new position was to present a cheque to Godalming charity Skillway.

The 2016 Godalming “Proms in the Park”, a GO Godalming Initiative, saw staff at Hart Brown raising money for Skillway, a Godalming charity that raises the self-confidence and motivation of teenagers through apprentice-style teaching of manual skills in their workshops by skilled craftsmen.

Despite the rain on the day of the Proms, everyone enjoyed the music supplied

by Massed Brass Bands of Farnham and Haslemere under the baton of David Wright supported by members of Godalming Operatic Society. Staff from Hart Brown manned a Pimms tent, and raised nearly £100 from the sale of drinks to visitors at the “Music in the Park” concert.

The cheque was presented to Vivien Gillman and Greg Bleach from Skillway by partner Sharon Powell and new partner Emily Wiggins.

Also attending was Heather Pollard from Go Godalming, Richard Jeffery a staff tutor

from Skillway, and Libby Colbran from Hart Brown.

This was Emily Wiggins’s first role in her new position as partner. Emily has worked at Hart Brown for twelve years, specialising in inheritance tax planning, the administration of estates, trusts, wills and lasting powers of attorney. She is the honorary solicitor for the Cranleigh South Eastern Agricultural Society, handling any legal issues that arise for this charity.

Away from the office, Emily is a keen horse rider, and has been sponsored over the years by Hart Brown in competitive show jumping and eventing. Emily and her horse Basil have been members of the Elstead Riding Club and have competed numerous times at Hickstead, Blenheim and in the British Riding Clubs National and London and South Eastern Championships.

Commenting on her new role, Emily said, ”the biggest change to my role will be attending partner strategy meetings and the contribution I can make moving forward is very exciting.”

The FTSE 100 by this point was already two years old, and up significantly from the 1,000 base. Increased trading and London’s position as the international financial centre saw the market climb higher still.

1986 also saw the democratisation of shareholding. While there’d been a couple of earlier privatisations, it was the British Gas shares issue and its ‘tell Sid’ adverts that fuelled new appetite for shareholding.

1987’s Tory election victory led to more privatisations from British Airways and Rolls Royce, through to electricity and water.

The 1991-92 recession stemmed this flow and markets fell. But then, the index rose again as the ‘worldwide interweb’ and the ‘dotcom’ bubble began to form.

This bubble then burst. The FTSE 100 reached 6,930 on 30 December 1999 only to collapse to 3,287 by 12 March 2003.

From that nadir, the markets crawled back up. But we seem destined to swap one failed illusion only to find another.

Thus, we were led on to the 2008 financial crisis: the FTSE 100 reached 6,730 on 15 June 2007 before falling to 3,512 by 3 March 2009.

The resilience of investors and markets through all this has always been a wonder to me. Investors still seem to come back to the market to rebuild investments…or do they?

Perhaps the wise ‘just’ ride the markets come hell or high water.

It’s worth remembering that there are two principles that have saved many an investor. The first is that it is time in the market that yields the real winner: timing the market is a dangerous game. The second results from the first with the compounding of dividends over time often providing solid returns in the long run.

So, while markets have changed considerably, the rules around investing certainly haven’t.

The biggest question for all investors is whether we can learn from past mistakes or are we just doomed to repeat them?

Well I sincerely hope not!

Yours, Justin Urquhart Stewart

Call 020 7760 8777 or Email: information@7im.co.uk

www.7im.co.uk

theChamber 19

24 Hours with ...

24 Hours with ...

Lucy Boazman and her team at Collectively Camberley The management company behind the Business Improvement District (BID) in Camberley, Surrey 07:00

12:00

15:00

Alarm goes off and I’m up early to take my dog, Hendrix, over at Barossa common for a run before starting the day. Always a good way to wake up!

Time for our monthly Camberley Marketing Forum; I meet with key stakeholders in the town to discuss upcoming marketing strategies and planning for the town centre.

Today we’re talking Christmas and Late Night Shopping! We’ve also just completed a fab Christmas in Camberley Magazine so I’m excited to preview the finished product.

Crisis averted with the Christmas Lights, it’s time to clear the inbox! Personally, I love the varied number of enquiries we get every day – never a dull day in our office.

08:30 Operations Manager, Amina Phakey, arrives at the office followed shortly by our newest recruit Kyle Wilkie. Kyle will be straight onto our social media channels looking for content posted over the previous evening from the towns businesses. Today we’re mainly setting up social media schedules for promotions and new products for some of the towns bigger brand names.

09:00 I arrive in the office ready for a catch up with the team. Discussing the upcoming Christmas Light Switch On and organising the timings for the Big Switch On! This morning we’re auditioning Covent Garden style street performers – always a fun start to the week! I really enjoy creating an event and seeing it through from concept to finished product. I usually judge the success on how much my 4-year-old niece, Ada, enjoys herself!

10:00 Kyle and I are off to a partnership launch meeting for a really fun event hosted by one of our BID Businesses – Projectfive’s Winter Primm’s in the Forest. We love this event as it’s a great excuse to ditch the formal office wear and stick on our muddy wellies!

11:30 Amina heads off to lead her Camberley Together Against Crime (CTAC) partnership meeting. A great opportunity to work with our 2 shopping centres and the local police teams to keep crime low in Camberley – we should get her a cape really!

20 theChamber

12:30 Kyle, our marketing officer, will be starting to work on the monthly mailout to the town businesses. Giving them all the information on the best ways to promote themselves at the Switch On Event.

13:00 Team break for lunch! We try to eat together at least once a week; taking it in turns to do the lunch run! There’s always so much choice in the town centre but normally the local bakery wins!

13:45 Back to it and taking a call from a new independent business recently opened in the town. They’re looking for some advice and support on promoting themselves locally. Amina heads off to do some quick training on how to set up a Facebook and Twitter page. One of the best parts of our job is the insights we get into business of all sizes and sectors.

14:00 Typically, something will always come in we weren’t expecting and today I’ve been called to a site visit on the A30 to advise on the new Christmas Lights we’re installing in November! I’m (sadly) proud to say I can locate most lampposts in Camberley!

16:00 It’s time to get creative! I get the team together to think of ways to improve our Camberley Car Show Event. In order to keep them on their toes, we have a small basketball net on the wall in our office.

If they miss a basket they have to come up with an idea!

16:30 Kyle and Amina are out and about to catch up with some of the towns retailers and talk to them about the upcoming plans for Christmas. A large task we undertake is encouraging the retailers to open late for Christmas!

They’re also delivering our Industry Insider cards to local employees – they love to receive discounts around town!

17:30 Myself and the team head off to set up for our monthly Camberley Business Forum.

Not only is this a great excuse for a drink in the pub after work (!) – we love chatting with our BID Businesses to hear about their plans, insights into what they’d like us to be working on plus getting to know them better helps us to work more closely.

19:00 Finally finishing up for the day. Quick team debrief to make sure any action points from the networking forum are followed up then its home time – ready to do it all again tomorrow!

News

Creating genuine partnerships with businesses LinkAble supports all people with learning disabilities and autism from the age of 4 through to adulthood around Surrey to develop their potential and enjoy socially inclusive fulfilled lives.

LinkAble are really keen to work with local businesses who want to help us fundraise in support of our work, while engaging them with the difference they can make in their community.

There are a number of ways to help, including: • Charity of the Year • Fundraising at work • Payroll Giving • Teambuilding and challenge events • Sponsorship • Collecting tins in the office Why should businesses join us in supporting people with learning disabilities? Supporting LinkAble helps you achieve your corporate social responsibility and other business objectives.

It can improve employee

recruitment, retention and morale through an association with a well-respected local charity. We can help your business to secure positive coverage in local media.

Ultimately, your support demonstrates that you are a socially responsible company, helping to make a real difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities in the local community.

We look to create genuine partnerships with businesses to make sure your support of us is enjoyable and engaging.

We can support you by inviting you to join one of our many fundraising events over the year or we can work with you to ensure your fundraising event is a success by providing banners, balloons, t-shirts, collecting tins and leaflets. You can visit LinkAble to see first-hand what

we do or we can visit you to talk to and motivate your employees about the difference their support makes. We can promote your business through our newsletter, social media and local media.

If you have any questions or queries about fundraising for LinkAble, please call us on 01483 770037 or email fundraising@linkable.org.uk

theChamber 21

Big Interview

Why ignoring that nagging problems for the future Groin pain is one of those medical conditions that people tend to ignore, either because they think it will wear off given time or because they worry that it will end up in surgery that puts them off work for a long time.

However, groin pain can often be a sign of problems within the hip joint and modern surgical techniques mean that they can be easily addressed and that recovery time can be measured in weeks not months.

That is the message from Seb Sturridge, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon working at BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital in Guildford.

He says that addressing the problem in good time can transform lives and that even hip replacement patients can be walking in a day and discarding their crutches ina month.

The reason that groin pain need to be checked out is that it can be more complicated than at first seems to be the case.

In fact, pain within the hip joint is most often, but not always, experienced in the groin.

Most people who are asked to point to their hip will instinctively point to the outside of their joint but the hip joint is actually located deep inside the

body at the junction of the pelvis and the top of the thigh bone (the femur).

Seb, who worked at many hospitals in the London area, including Guy’s as well as undergoing a Fellowship in Australia before coming to Surrey in 2010, said: “We see a lot of people who experience groin pain which makes it difficult for them to work.

“It is the kind of condition that can cause them problems sitting at their desk, trying to get in and out of the car or when they twist.

“It can also give them problems in their home lives, making it difficult to look after their children or take exercise.

“One of the reasons they delay seeking treatment is lack of knowledge. They assume that what they have is a groin strain, and sometimes even when they

go to the doctor the GP diagnoses the pain as that, but actually their groin pain may be a symptom of a problem with the hip.”

Hip joint problems can also cause pain that occurs in other areas, not just the groin.

For example, the groin is the most common location for hip joint pain but pain can also occur in the back of the hip (the buttocks), the thigh and even in the knee. In children, the knee is actually the ‘classic’ location of pain from a hip joint problem.

Seb said: “One of the other big obstacles for people suffering groin and hip pain is the concern that it could require surgery that could see them off work for many weeks. That is a particular concern if you work for a small company or run your own business.

“... addressing the problem in good time can transform lives and that even hip replacement patients can be walking in a day and discarding their crutches in a month.”

22 theChamber

Big Interview

pain could be storing up “They look at the recovery time and think that they cannot afford to take that length of time off work so do not go to the doctor and continue to suffer pain instead.

“However, it is important that they seek help as early as possible because left untreated a hip problem can develop into a condition like arthritis that has longer term effects.

“Also, surgery has changed over recent years. New techniques mean that many conditions can be treated with keyhole surgery which dramatically reduces the impact on the patient and reduces recovery time.

“The new techniques mean that even hip replacement surgery can have less impact on patients. I like to get my patients walking within a few hours of surgery, have them home within two days and discarding their crutches inside a month.

“I operated on the owner of a small business recently and within ten days he was back

at his desk, sorting out the paperwork.

“People undergoing hip surgery can do so confident that they can return to work much earlier than used to be the case and the effects will improve all aspects of their life.

They will be able to drive without pain, enjoy a full family life and return to exercise.”

BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital in Guildford is part of BMI Healthcare, Britain’s leading provider of independent healthcare with a nationwide network of hospitals clinics performing more complex surgery than any other private healthcare provider in the country.

Its commitment is to quality and value, providing facilities for advanced surgical procedures, and anyone wishing to seek a consultation can contact Seb’s office by quoting ‘BMI Mount Alvernia Hospital’ on 01276 889999. www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/ mountalvernia

“Also, surgery has changed over recent years.

New techniques mean that many conditions can be treated with keyhole surgery which dramatically reduces the impact on the patient and reduces recovery time.”

theChamber 23

Finance

A welcome tax-break for property Simon Lewis, CEO at Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd considers how families might benefit from a soon to be introduced tax-break that could be worth up to £140,000.

We are now less than six months away from the introduction of a new tax break that will benefit many families; potentially by as much as £140,000.

The rules that will govern entitlement are complex so it is probably a good idea to assess what action, if any, can be taken to optimise your position.

How Inheritance Tax (IHT) works The IHT nil rate band is the value of an estate that is not subject to tax on death. Any amount above this level is taxed at the flat rate of 40%. There are some important reliefs and perhaps the most important, in the case of a married couple, is that transfers between spouses and civil partners are exempt. Therefore, it is often the case that where a joint estate is likely to be sufficient to trigger an IHT liability, this liability is crystallised on the death of the second to die. In recent years it has also been possible for the surviving spouse to inherit the nil rate band not utilised on the first death.

Although the nil rate band had tended previously to increase each year by the Chancellor it has been stuck at £325,000 since April 2009 and it is not scheduled to increase again until April 2021. The value of the average home in the UK has

24 theChamber

already increased by around 35% since April 2009; as this is often the biggest asset within an estate, the result is that more estates have been dragged into the tax net.

The change A new ‘Residence Nil Rate Band’ (RNRB) will give each individual who dies after 6 April 2017 an additional allowance to be used against their home (or their interest in their home) provided they leave the property to their direct descendants. Any unused RNRB will be transferrable between spouses or civil partners if it is unused on the first death. In 2017/18 the RNRB will be £100,000, rising incrementally, by £25,000pa, to reach £175,000 in 2020/21 and in line with the Consumer Price Index thereafter.

Therefore, families could escape IHT on up to £1 million of their wealth because each parent will have a nil-rate band of £325,000 plus a RNRB of up to £175,000.

It is worth noting that only one nominated residential property will qualify for this relief.

Not for everyone Some estates will not see any benefit from the RNRB because it will be reduced (known as tapering) by £1 for every £2 that the deceased's net estate exceeds a threshold of £2 million. This represents a

marginal tax rate of 60% for those estates that breach the limit but do not exceed it sufficiently to lose all of the allowance. The RNRB is completely lost for estates of £2.2 million or more in 2017/18.

The upper threshold of initially £2 million will rise to £2.25 million in 2018/19, £2.3 million in 2019/20 and £2.35 million for 2020/21.

Downsizing The family home doesn't need to be owned at death to qualify for the RNRB. This is of help to those who may have downsized or sold their property to move into residential care or a relative's home. The RNRB will still be available provided that: • The property disposed of was owned by the individual and it would have qualified for the RNRB had the individual retained it; • The replacement property and/or assets form part of the estate and pass to descendants; • The disposal of the property must have taken place after 8 July 2015 although there is no time limit on the period between the disposal and when death occurs.

Planning to avoid the pitfalls Some families may unintentionally miss out on the RNRB by not ensuring that their estates are shared in the most efficient way.

For example, many couples will hold the family home as joint tenants. On the first death this means the house passes to the

surviving owner with no IHT because of the spousal exemption. The RNRB is not used on the first death and the surviving spouse inherits the full unused allowance; although if the combined estate on the second death is greater than £2 million, then both RNRBs could be lost due to the impact of tapering.

Switching property ownership to tenants in common would allow each spouse to control how the property passes on death, and potentially preserve their entitlements to the RNRB by keeping each partner's assets below £2 million.

On the first death, the deceased could use their RNRB by leaving part of their share in the family home to their children. In turn, this would reduce the value of the survivor's net estate. And this could be further reduced if the deceased also gives more away, up to their ordinary nil rate band of £325,000.

So, in total, the survivor's estate could be reduced by up to £500,000 (care is required when using a trust as part of such planning).

Get advice There are now so many factors that need to be considered when carrying out estate planning that it makes sense to obtain professional advice. A careful balance between optimising tax efficiency and ensuring the financial security of all parties needs to be struck and a chartered financial planner is the ideal choice to help you avoid the pitfalls.

Simon Lewis is writing on behalf of Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd (PMW). The opinions outlined in this article are those of the writer and should not be construed as individual advice.

Partridge Muir & Warren Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Telephone: 01372 471 550 email: simon.lewis@pmw.co.uk web: www.pmw.co.uk

International Trade

Poor sterling Within a couple of weeks of the issue into circulation of new indestructible five pound notes, the face value of these waterproof items has eroded against foreign currencies, particularly the euro.

As the stock market soars, the beleaguered pound is hit every time there is any ‘Brexit’ news, being seemingly impervious to economic data.

However, as Private Eye recently pointed out (rather less politely than this), the fact that Brexit seems to have had little impact on the UK economy so far is probably because we have not yet evoked article 50 and the UK is still a member of the European Union.

The truth is that no-one knows what is going to happen to the

UK economy when Britain leaves and an uncertain future is in store. This uncertainty is reflected in the value of sterling.

A recent survey of business sentiment by The Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Coast to Capital, which covers a large area from the South Coast to the south of Greater London, concluded that there has been a negative overall impact on business confidence, businesses are carrying on as usual but aware of potentially big challenges over the next

3 to 5 years, Brexit has a negative impact on the UK’s reputation in Europe and the ability of business to source skilled foreign workers, and there are questions about UK’s position as a desired location for international HQ’s.

Furthermore, whilst the weaker pound has stimulated exports, it is already having a significant impact of the cost of imported raw materials and wholesale items, including fuel.

Against this background, sterling has been hit hard,

with large and sudden moves accentuated by computer trading and thin market conditions.

At a time like this, great care is needed when making decisions about foreign exchange. Conditions are volatile and we strongly recommend talking to us for an update before entering the marketplace.

Please contact us if we can be of any help with this.

Tel: 01737 735064 Email: reigate@premierfx.com

Get set for global growth! Conjoint win a Surrey On the 18th October the Export Hub visited Chambers award Surrey Research Park.

Sponsored by Natwest and Guildford Borough Council, the event was directed at new exporters, those businesses who want to tap into the international markets through export or e-commerce and want the opportunity to speak to experts in their field.

The day included short seminars from a variety of

experts from organisations such as Department of International Trade, UK Export Finance (UKEF), UK India Business Council and Venner Shipley LLP. The short seminars all focused on the different aspects of trading globally, and included some great tips for new exporters.

The evening of 20th October saw Surrey Chambers host an awards dinner, a chance for us to thank our members for all the hard work they do and, most importantly, to celebrate their membership.

Our international trade award for best exporter was sponsored by ramsac IT support company and was award to Conjoint Export Services, who distribute products manufactured

by British companies across the world.

theChamber 25

Cover Feature - Retail

Shopping in Surrey - it’s all about quality Shopping in Surrey is all about quality with the county home to a wide range of specialist stores in among all the big high street names.

From iconic market towns and villages to chic shopping centres offering everything under one roof, Surrey is widely seen as heaven for shoppers, whatever you are looking to buy.

Underpinning the sector is a diverse mix of mainstream brands, independent shops and boutique stores which have allowed Surrey’s towns to make a name for themselves as some of the most popular shopping destinations outside London.

Guildford is a terrific example, offering an excellent shopping experience with its selection of independent shops and major stores set around an attractive cobbled high street and beautiful historic buildings.

There's so much choice in Guildford, from cool designer brands and luxury retailers

26 theChamber

to unique independent outlets, there’s something for every age group, style and budget.

The beautiful cobbled streets, historic buildings and famous Guildhall clock make Guildford one of the most attractive high streets in the country, blessed with a great selection of designer stores and well known high street shops.

From well-known stores, a modern shopping centre to a traditional market – North Street is as diverse as its shoppers.

The Friary shopping centre offers shoppers three floors of shops under one roof and a range of snacks and meals from the top floor Food Court. There are plenty of big name stores to choose from.

Along with major high street names, North Street is home to a traditional street market every Friday and Saturday.

Featuring more than 30 stalls selling a variety of goods, including fresh meat, fish, fruit, veg and flowers, you’ll also find great gifts, accessories and a range of goods for the home.

Chapel Street is renowned as a shopping and dining destination. Lined with upmarket boutiques and a range of eateries this area of town keeps going long after the shops have closed. Crossing between North Street and the High Street, The Lanes, a series of medieval side streets, offers the intrepid shopper something special, with a range of independent and intriguing stores to choose from.

The area is great for parking, too.

Cover Feature - Retail

West Street, Dorking Image courtesty of Visit Surrey

Jubilee Square, Woking Image courtesy of Woking Borough Council

Why heading for Epsom is rewarding Another place worth visiting for its retail therapy opportunities is Epsom and the impressive Ashley Centre.

The centre has more than 60 shops to enjoy and, being located in the heart of Epsom, it is easy to find.

Guildford High Street: Image Courtesty of Guildford Borough Council

Shoppers have plenty of choice in Woking, too. In Woking, the shopping areas offer an impressive 170 individual shops located across 1,000,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and restaurant space within the heart of the town. In addition to major retail tenants, the area boasts a great selection of cafes and restaurants.

The town is benefiting from an innovative retail initiative. Woking Shopping is the collective name for Wolsey Place and Peacocks shopping centres managed by Woking Town Centre Management Limited, a joint venture partnership between Woking Borough Council and Moyallen, owners and operators of The Peacocks shopping centre. The joint venture was established to promote and develop the retail offer in Woking Town Centre.

Wolsey Place, Woking Image courtesy of Woking Borough Council

Camberley Town Centre has a great selection of shops and restaurants to offer you as well.

Attractions include The Mall, which is situated in the town centre and has more than 100 stores, and The Atrium with restaurants and leisure facilities and don't forget the selection of shops and restaurants on Park Street, High Street and fronting on to the A30.

Dorking is worth a visit, too. In addition to major high street names, seek out West Street, which is home to antique shops and antique centres along with high quality retailers. This oldest street in the historic market town boasts buildings dating back to the 16th Century.

It was officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen in October 1984 and the centre's developers were tasked with creating a modern and exciting shopping environment, which merged with the historic fabric of the town.

More than 30 years on, the Ashley Centre remains the premier shopping destination in the middle of Epsom.

At the Ashley Centre you can shop in a relaxed, friendly and safe shopping environment with a choice of many high street and independent retailers meeting your food, fashion, health and beauty, entertainment needs and more.

Access is easy via car, bus or train and there is council-run car park conveniently located next door with more than 800 parking spaces.

theChamber 27

Cover Feature - Retail

Experience Guildford There’s lots to enjoy in Guildford in the lead up to Christmas and Experience Guildford are here to help you make the most out of the festive season!

Christmas Lights Switch On Join us for all the annual festive fun and frolics of the Guildford Christmas Lights Switch On, on Thursday 17th of November.

This year the main event will be the unveiling of the brand new Christmas lights, provided for the town by Experience Guildford!

Take your little ones to see the reindeer in the Rotunda and Newfoundland dogs around town during the day. From late

afternoon head to the Experience Guildford and Guildford Fringe stage outside Holy Trinity church to enjoy some of the fantastic live entertainment.

At 6pm Eagle Radio's Peter Gordon will host the main event from the Guildhall balcony. After the lights switch on at 7pm, there will be a fantastic firework display courtesy of White Lion Walk. Then back to the stage for more live music until 9pm.

The Little Book of Offers Experience Guildford is pleased to announce the return of The Little Book of Offers, Christmas voucher book. Launching on the 17th of November, this year’s Little Book of Offers features offers and discounts from over 80 town centre businesses!

Pick up yours from the Tourist Information Centre or from any of the participating businesses.

Christmas Free Parking Initiative Late night shopping in Guildford is easy this Christmas! On Thursdays 24th November and 1st, 8th and 15th December, parking will be FREE in selected pay and display car parks.

All your big favourites will be open until late. Park up, do your shopping and have something to eat!

Open up Guildford this Christmas!

For more information about Christmas activity in Guildford visit www.experienceguildford.co.uk or download The Official Guildford App.

theChamber 29

30 theChamber

Cover Feature - Retail If you are a retailer and could benefit from some advice about how to make the best of Halloween, or any other event retailing this Golden Quarter, then why not get in touch with Wilkins Kennedy to see how we can help.

The store manager in the shopping and town centre: retailer, leader and seismographer!

The Golden Quarter: chances for retailers to cash in The end of the year is nearly upon us and for the retail industry in particular, the three months of October, November and December bring with them a wave of events and several chances for retailers to make the most of the season – hence the name ‘the Golden Quarter’.

Many retailers particularly rely on the Christmas period for trade to get them through the rest of the year, so, how can retailers open up some more chances to capitalise on increased footfall this quarter?

Don’t reinvent the wheel Successfully second guessing what will and won’t sell would make you a very successful retailer, but it would be easier to look back at your existing data to see what fast-movers you had in stock during previous years and what made you the most money.

Of course, retailers have been planning stock rotations since last Golden Quarter, but it won’t hurt to put your best-selling lines on repeat order as standard – ready for 2017!

Next, look at new suppliers to market that are keen to sell new lines. Look at their previous data and selling records so that you can make an informed decision about what you choose to sell.

Big data is just one of the ways retailers can draw upon existing knowledge of products that sell well. Knowing what customers

want to buy and when they want to buy it is information that retailers should know.

Do remember to multichannel According to a recent report by ecommerce agency Ampersand, retailers were just not doing enough to encourage sales across all channels. Just 33% of those websites surveyed had the ability to check stock in store and fewer than half of those sites used automatic location recognition to point shoppers in the direction of the nearest store.

A non-compatible mobile website is one of the key reasons for basket abandonment, and is one of the ways that retailers can attract passing trade in a 21st century world. Let customers know you’re open for business, what you have in stock and where they can find all of your goodies.

Synchronise watches – and diaries Halloween falls on a Monday this year – so people could hold their celebrations the weekend before. Guy Fawkes Night is on a Saturday, so chances are a majority of parties will be held over the one weekend. Plus, Christmas Day is on a Sunday, meaning a whole day of Saturday trade on 24th.

Make sure you have the stock available to your customers and the replenishment to match.

Customers will not deem a “busy weekend of trade” as a good enough reason for you to not have the stock available so make sure you are fully prepared!

At Surrey Business School we accelerate innovative thinking into practice, to bring about new thinking for growing your business and developing leadership.

Surrey Business School researchers Professor Andrew Alexander and Professor Christoph Teller, have been working to improve our understanding of the leadership role and contribution of retail store managers.

In today’s competitive omnichannel retail environment, brick and mortar retailers increasingly compete on the basis of the customer experience that they can deliver.

Part of this experience occurs in the store, but part depends on the experience customers have in the surrounding shopping environment.

In a recent study they investigated the role and potential of store managers as boundary spanners in shopping centres. Boundary spanning store managers negotiate boundaries between the parent retail organisation and the shopping centre and between

the shopping centre and customers. They are key individuals who have the potential to act as both ‘ambassadors’ and ‘seismographers’ not only for their organization but also for the wider shopping centre network.

Analysis reveals six types of boundary-spanning activities.

Four serve to represent the organisation and network (service delivery, coordination, guarding, and external communication), while two others are more informational in nature (information collection and relay).

The research highlights the wide range of activities a store manager can undertake to improve the competitiveness of their organisation and the wider shopping centre network by enhancing customer experience and thus creating value.

The research suggests a number of practical implications concerned with the communication of the boundary spanning role and its potential, the identification of boundary spanning champions and the facilitation of those who undertake this important role.

For more information on the shopping centre and town centre research visit www.surrey.ac.uk/sbs.

LEARN WITH US through our new Executive Education Courses.

Contact Erin Mcleod, Executive Education Manager e.mcleod@surrey.ac.uk for more information.

theChamber 31

Founded in Leatherhead in 1799 as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility has been supporting people with sight loss and multiple disabilities throughout England for over 200 years.

Looking for a bespoke charity partnership?

Partner with us!

There are many ways your company can partner with SeeAbility:

SeeAbility is a midsize organisation and as such, the partnerships we have make a massive difference to our work!

Each year, SeeAbility works with a limited number of companies to create tailored and engaging opportunities for employee involvement.

Challenge Events In-office simulation activities And more!

activities that make a difference!

Anna Croghan Tel: 01372 755062 Rebecca Compton Tel: 01372 755065

Email: a.croghan@seeability.org Email: r.compton@seeability.org

Volunteer Days Team Building Sponsorships Payroll Giving

Contact us today and we’ll help your company organise and facilitate

Registered Charity No 255913

Join us in supporting people with learning disabilities • • •

Support us. You’ll love it!

Charity of the year Fundraising events Sponsorship

• Volunteer • Challenge events • Spread the word

“Making LinkAble the charity of the year was an easy decision for us, it’s a brilliant charity which everyone could identify with and they’ve offered us great support over the year to ensure our fundraising was a success.”

Mike Waite, Mens Club Captain, Hoe Bridge Golf Club

Contact Kathryn Richards Community and Events Organiser 01483 770037 kathryn.richards@linkable.org.uk www.linkable.org.uk

32 theChamber

Charity Focus

Make a difference with corporate giving Engaging with your local community and social concerns is becoming an increasingly important part of corporate life.

“We would like to thank Amanda and everyone at BakerLaw for this very generous donation and for their continued support over the years,” said Vanessa Beech, Corporate Fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell.

“Every day we support over 250 patients, relatives and carers – but as the NHS/Government only covers 20% of our costs, we have to raise over £20,000 a day to be able to do this, and therefore rely heavily on the support and generosity of local businesses and the community.”

Through supporting charities, businesses can build trust locally, encourage pride and motivation amongst employees and attract new business opportunities.

There are many organisations that can help your business plan and develop your charitable giving and offer advice about setting up a company fund, sponsorship opportunities, payroll giving and more.

Their work is important because CSR is so important to companies now, everything from allowing staff to volunteer in work time to supporting events and making donations.

It can be difficult to find the time and expertise to arrange corporate giving or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efficiently so we have featured some organisations which with your help can make a difference

in the community efficiently and with real impact.

One example is Farnham solicitors BakerLaw LLP, who have recently presented a cheque for £1,555 to local Hospice Care charity Phyllis Tuckwell, which provides end of life care for patients and families living with a terminal illness, such as cancer.

BakerLaw LLP have been a corporate partner of Phyllis Tuckwell for many years now, and during that time have raised over £15,000 to help fund the care which the charity provides for local patients and families who are living with a terminal illness.

“The firm’s staff are asked to assist in deciding our partner for our Corporate Social Responsibility,” said Amanda Glover, Managing Partner at BakerLaw LLP. “For many reasons, the dedication, care, and for many of us personal links, mean that for four years the firm has chosen to support this wonderfully worthwhile local charity.”

If you would like to find out more about supporting Phyllis Tuckwell through your business or place of work, please call Vanessa Beech on 01252 729564 or email vanessa.beech@pth.org.uk

Developing successful partnerships Phyllis Tuckwell offers a compassionate approach to supportive and end of life care, with a range of services for people living with a terminal illness. They care for about 250 patients, carers and relatives every day at the Hospice in Farnham, the Beacon Centre in Guildford and in patients’ own homes. They only receive 20% of our funding from the government/NHS, so have to raise over £20,000 a day to provide our vital services.

One of the ways we achieve this is through the support of local businesses.

The Corporate Fundraising team at Phyllis Tuckwell develops successful partnerships with local businesses that benefit both business and charity. Whether you are planning a one-off fundraising event (sporting challenge/bake sale/ etc.), or looking for a longer term relationship (Charity of the Year/Corporate Partner) their team will work with you to ensure your business benefits from positive PR in press and social media, as well as great employee engagement and team building.

To find out more please email: corporate@pth.org.uk or call: 01252 729446

This recent donation of £1,555, which was raised through dress-down days held at the company’s offices in Farnham, is enough to cover the costs of piping oxygen to patients’ bedsides for a month, making their last days more comfortable.

theChamber 33

Charity Focus

“Our early intervention approach empowers families to build better futures for their children and we desperately need your help to continue with our work.”

Become a Business Champion with Challengers Competition is fierce in the charity sector with fundraising at an all-time high and the volume of not-for-profit organisations rising, so charities are having to be creative about where to find support in their local communities.

Challengers are a charity who provide play and leisure schemes for disabled children and young people in Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.

They have 24 schemes currently running in various locations that create safe, fun and stimulating environments for disabled children and young people to go and have the most amazing time.

On average, it costs the organisation £124 for one child to have one day at a Challengers scheme, and parents are charged £20 per session, meaning that the organisation has to fundraise the difference.

Support from the corporate world is invaluable to charities like Challengers and there are so many ways for businesses to get involved.

Susie Jewell, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Challengers, said; “Corporate

34 theChamber

partnerships are fantastic ways for companies to support charities and we have lots of ways you can get involved.

From cycle rides to sky diving and fire walking we have fundraising ideas that suit everyone and we will work closely with you to create a partnership your employees will love. Supporting a local charity also means that every penny you raise will make a difference to disabled children and young people in your area so you will be making a direct and tangible impact to your local community.”

There are hundreds of ways to get your business involved with Challengers, one of the most popular being the Challengers Champion Business Club, which offers businesses high quality networking events and exclusive quarterly seminars from business leaders.

The most recent of which being an evening at Fetcham Park with the legendary John Inverdale who spoke about his career in sporting journalism and presenting. This is just one example of the fantastic events that Challengers have organised for their Business Club, past speakers have included Susan Harmsworth MBE, Graham Poll, Larry Sullivan, Chris Ingram, Kevin Green, Ann Milton MP and

many more. Not only can your employees benefit from these networking opportunities, but your business can also with the positive PR that working with a local charity can bring.

So, if you or your business is interested in becoming a supporter of Challengers, or joining the Challengers Champions Business Club, visit our website: www.disabilitychallengers.org/ business-club

Building Better Futures for Children Eight local schemes across Surrey work together to support families experiencing issues such as isolation, domestic abuse, drug addition, disability, poverty, multiple births and post-natal depression under the Homes Start initiative.

Our network of 400 trained volunteers support families in their own homes through weekly visits. They offer parents friendship, practical and emotional support to help them manage their difficulties and gain confidence in their parenting abilities.

The reality is that: • one third of the families we support live in poverty • another third have a child

who has a long term illness or disability • and over half suffer from mental health issues Our early intervention approach empowers families to build better futures for their children and we desperately need your help to continue with our work.

If your company would like to support us, we would love to hear from you. You can help us in many different ways: • Make us your Charity of the Year • Encourage your staff to fundraise or volunteer for us • Sponsor our volunteer training programme or one of our family days out • Mentor our team by sharing your knowledge, experience and skills Watch our new documentary film which showcases the inspirational stories of three Surrey-based families at www.homestartsurrey.org and help us change the lives of vulnerable children for the better.

Home-Start Surrey has been supporting local families in Surrey for over 25 years and this year alone, we are working with 725 families and over 1600 children.

Charity Focus

Orpheus need your help to continue its life-changing work with young disabled adults

Company to host charity event On Thursday, 24 November, Raycross Interiors will be hosting a Charity Christmas Shopping Experience at their impressive showrooms in Byfleet Village. The event will run from 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm.

Local businesses have been invited to attend the festive evening and sell their unique gifts. These include: Twenty Six Degrees (luxury cashmere scarves, jewellery and handbags); Temple Spa (stunning beauty products); On the Lash (beauty treatments and tanning products); Lily Gee (scented candles); The Crafty Duo (novelty gifts); Petit Pops (miniature cake pops) and The Surrey Wine Cellar will be offering wine and gin tasting as well as gift hampers to purchase.

The White Lodge Centre will be selling Christmas Cards.

The White Lodge Centre is the chosen charity of Raycross Interiors which supports disabled children and adults, as well as their families.

Guests can browse the Christmas offerings at leisure while sipping a glass of bubbles and Truffles Caterers will serve their delicious canapes.

Clare Cross said, “I am really excited to be hosting this special event and working in partnership with many of our local businesses. We look forward to welcoming our clients and guests, and enjoying a really special Christmas evening.”

The event is expected to attract many people, so please register your attendance by submitting an on-line form: www.raycross.co.uk/xmasevent, which will also guarantee entry into a free prize draw.

Raycross Interiors is a familyrun business located in Byfleet Village, Surrey. It specialises in high quality kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living spaces and home offices.

The company prides itself on offering a bespoke design service and outstanding customer care from conception through to completion - to new and returning clients alike.

Is your business looking for a local charity to support?

Entering a team in one of the Orpheus Centre’s events is a great way to encourage teamwork and fitness while giving something back to your community. Whether you want to challenge your employees in something new or simply provide an opportunity to socialise, Orpheus has the perfect charity challenge event, from slogging through a mud and obstacle course or walking across Surrey’s beautiful countryside to experiencing breath-taking views during a tandem skydive. By participating in our events you will be part of something special whilst making a huge impact on the lives of young disabled people.

potential and enjoy socially inclusive fulfilled lives.

For more than 25 years, LinkAble has been supporting people with learning disabilities by providing children, young people and adults with a range of sporting, social and leisure activities in and around the community that would otherwise be unavailable. People with learning disabilities face many barriers that exclude them from mainstream society. We help break down those barriers by supporting service users from the age of four with no upper limit, no matter how challenging their disability or behaviour.

Our principle ethos is to champion people with learning disabilities, encouraging them to achieve and raise the quality of life for the whole community.

To find our more contact the LinkAble team on 01483 770037 or info@linkable.org.uk

Orpheus is a registered charity (207493) and an independent college in Surrey that increases the confidence and skills of young disabled adults through the performing arts.

For more details or to talk about other ways of supporting Orpheus, contact Selina Bartlett: fundraising@orpheus.org.uk or 01883 74664. www.orpheus.org.uk

LinkAble developing potential LinkAble is a Woking based charity that supports people with learning disabilities in the local community. Our mission is to enable those with learning disabilities to develop their

theChamber 35

Walk a mile, hike the highest mountain or fearlessly jump out of a plane.

Whatever your interest, there is a challenge for you!

Contact the fundraising team at

fundraising@orpheus.org.uk or phone 01883 741410 www.orpheus.org.uk Registered charity no: 1105213

Transforming Claridge House Claridge House has been transformed in more ways than one.

Claridge House is a residential retreat centre situated between Lingfield and Dormansland that was set up in 1954 as a registered charity.

The charitable objectives were, and still are, to provide a residential centre for rest and renewal. The centre is run on Quaker principles but is open to all.

The first transformation of Claridge House was to convert it from a registered charity into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. As you may know, CIO’s are a new form of legal entity designed for non-profit organisations in the UK. While this change will not affect the aims of the charity or the running of the house, it means that the trustees are now no longer liable

36 theChamber

in the event of financial loss.

Not that there is any intention of incurring any losses.

The second transformation of Claridge House was to take advantage of generous legacies and grants to close the house for seven months and extensively refurbish the house. All the bedrooms in the house have been modernised, with 90% of them converted to en-suite.

The public areas have been redecorated and in addition the kitchen and scullery re-equipped. Those guests returning to the house since reopening in August, have been very impressed by the changes they have seen.

The third transformation was to take advantage of the closure to update our office and marketing infrastructure. A state of the art, VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), telephone system has been installed and a CMS Wizard database set up to work in conjunction with our new website. The final step in the development of our office systems update will be the integration of a financial and banking package.

These transformations have enabled us to now offer bed and breakfast to run in parallel with

our retreats and courses, generating an income to support our prime charitable objectives.

For further information please visit www.claridgehousequaker.org.uk You can contact us on 01342 832 150 or welcome@claridgehousequaker.org.uk

Charity Focus

#Untaggable #Homelessness Audi are launching a new model to the range, namely Q2. Lookers (Colbornes) Audi Fleet team have therefore engaged in Audi’s marketing theme of ‘#untaggable’ with ‘#homelessness’.

Our aim is to create awareness for the charity Step By Step in Aldershot who work with young people who are homeless or facing homelessness and utilise our relationships in showcasing the Q2, while representing the Brand values of people responsibility.

Week commencing the 14th of November we will be on a Roadshow visiting clients in the South to showcase the new Q2 and deliver muffins with the aim of receiving donations to the charity which we are representing – Step By Step –

The Just Giving Page is www.campaign.justgiving.com/ charity/stepbysteppartnership/ untaggable The Lookers Audi Fleet Team will be marketing the Campaign from early – mid October, throughout several avenues of media. Our Facebook page is now live and has all the details of our Campaign, as well as providing daily updates of activity. www.facebook.com/LookersAudi-Fleet-897521280381634

Businesses partner with Step by Step to transform young lives Step by Step are a local charity working with young people facing homelessness or other challenges in their lives. They believe that every young person has potential and is worthy of investment as opposed to being a victim in need of charity.

Unlocking the talent and ambition that every young person has, Step by Step endeavour to inspire young people to achieve 'the impossible', attaining a future away from homelessness.

In addition to accommodation, Step by Step provide personal development opportunities and specialist support services such as counselling, family mediation, and talent coaching, which can empower young people to uncover their aspirations and take steps towards reaching their potential.

In the face of significant reductions to statutory funding, yet with increasing need of Step by Step services for young people facing homelessness, the charity have been building relationships with businesses that they have found to have significant mutual benefit.

Partnerships have enabled the expansion and development of

employment, education, and wellbeing based projects, as well as ensuring existing levels of service can be maintained.

More than that though, engaging in new ways with the business community has opened doors to a network of community minded individuals, teams, and corporations who are prepared to commit and invest time, goods, and financial support in the development of the next generation.

Step by Step have been excited to develop new partnerships over 2016-17, including the Q2 Launch with Audi Camberley, and deepen existing relationships like the one with ADP, Chertsey.

Ali Robertson-Fox from ADP in Chertsey said, “Working with Step

by Step through our Community Matters team has been rewarding

and inspiring and we are pleased that we have been able to support Step by Step and the great work they do. We’ve made in-kind donations, volunteered, held a

fundraising Sleep Out, and are looking at delivering skills-based workshops. We are looking forward to developing our partnership further during 2017.”

To partner with Step by Step or to find out more, please contact Partnerships Manager Dee Russell on 01252 346107 or email dee.russell@stepbystep.org.uk

theChamber 37

Economy

Export and financial sanctions In an ever increasing global market place, it has become far more common for UK based companies to receive enquiries not only from the European market, but also from all over the world.

It is possible that customers will have no existing relationship with a supplier particularly if enquiries arise by way of a request via the internet or email. This can pose many difficulties for suppliers not least bringing into play potential export and financial sanctions.

What are sanctions?

The UK has its own set of export regulations and financial sanctions relating to trade with foreign countries. Such regulations can be wide reaching and diverse and may relate to individual countries, and / or individuals. There is also a European regime which, at least for the moment, the UK is still subject to. Whilst the UK and EU regimes generally overlap, in some cases the UK’s restrictions may go further. Whilst the existence of export prohibitions to certain countries would appear to be a matter of common sense (e.g. North Korea) some of the

prohibitions (e.g. to certain African countries) may come as more of a surprise and so it is important to develop robust procedures to avoid mistakes being made.

Aside from this, there are also financial sanctions that can “bite” if trade is carried out in a foreign currency. For example, there is an argument that trade in US dollars can trigger the US export and financial sanctions even if trade is not directly or indirectly with or involving the US. Companies should be aware of these sanctions when trading with foreign entities.

Evolving regulations As the UK and Europe’s relationship develops with foreign countries, so too will the application of sanctions. The regimes relating to export and financial sanctions are ever changing and can be very difficult to keep track of. Sanctions also apply to individuals on a ‘blacklist’

which is regularly updated. These developments must be monitored to ensure compliance.With the UK’s pending exit from the European Union, it is likely that the landscape will change again.

A detailed analysis will be necessary to review the export and financial sanctions regime in place post-Brexit.

What are the consequences?

This is a complex and far reaching area of law and one which can result in surprising potential liabilities for a company.

Not only can companies be liable for monetary fines, but also directors may be criminally liable for breach of sanctions in certain circumstances. A serious breach can result in imprisonment for directors.

It is important that companies and their directors are aware of the relevant sanctions, both in terms of export and financial sanctions and should be prepared for the risks that arise should they

receive orders from certain foreign entities. Potentially, a company could commit a criminal offence by reason of a decision made by the sales team and processed by the warehouse, so it is critical that companies trading with entities outside the UK have the relevant procedures in place to ensure that sanctions are monitored appropriately and that the company does not inadvertently trade in breach of such sanctions. A lack of intent and ignorance of the position would not be a defence to a strict liability offence.

Points to consider It is important to put procedures in place to ensure that your company adheres to the relevant sanctions and regulations.

Consider carrying out a review of company procedures to ensure adherence to the regulations and, if necessary, amend current policies to ensure future compliance.

Family Investment Companies - a brief guide With the rates of corporation tax now at 20% and decreasing, holding income producing investments via a company (rather than personally) can be attractive.

In addition, an investment company structure also offers a way of making an outright gift, while still retaining a degree of control – something which may appeal to individuals looking to transfer part of their wealth to their children or grandchildren.

Such companies are called ‘family investment companies’ (FICs).

What is an FIC? An FIC is a private UK company holding cash or investments for a family, with family members as its shareholders.

It is like any other UK company but has bespoke elements in its articles of association and any shareholders’ agreement, which define how specific

family members will benefit in their capacities as shareholders with regards to voting, dividends and capital distributions.

How does an FIC work?

Typically parents incorporate and provide funds to an FIC. Subscribing for voting shares in the FIC enables the parents to retain control of investments and dividend flow through appointing and acting as directors of the FIC and voting on shareholders’ decisions.

A separate class of share (or, if necessary, several classes of shares) can then be subscribed by the parents and gifted to the children.

Such shares may be nonvoting with restricted entitlements to dividends

and capital. In this way, assets can be invested for the benefit of the whole of the family with the older generation effectively controlling the investment strategy and distribution of profits.

Control and Protection?

By separating control from economic value, the FIC offers inheritance tax advantages of passing assets down to a younger generation while retaining wealth protection.

Who are FICs suitable for?

FICs are not suitable for everyone and careful consideration of a family’s income and capital, as well as their investment objectives, is required. Having said that, they are an attractive and flexible alternative to trusts, particularly with entrepreneurial

clients who are used to operating within a company structure, and they are particularly tax efficient for clients investing in dividendgenerating assets with no need to withdraw funds in the short to medium term.

How Charles Russell Speechlys can help?

With expertise and extensive experience in both Private Client and Corporate matters, Charles Russell Speechlys offers comprehensive and consolidated advice on all aspects of the creation and running of your FIC to ensure that it achieves the desired objectives for your family.

For more information on FICs please contact Sally Ashford at sally.ashford@crsblaw.com.

theChamber 39

Motoring

Sandown Bespoke Business Solutions When it comes to motoring, business drivers are genuinely spoilt for choice but it does also present them with a host of dilemmas.

Brands, models, trims, specifications and colours – the options are seemingly endless and the advancement of new technology with regard to how the vehicles are powered only adding to the quandary both now and increasingly so in the years to come.

Indeed Mercedes-Benz chose this year's Paris Motor Show to unveil the forerunner to its future electric mobility vehicles in the shape of its powerful Generation EQ (Electric Intelligence) concept, a sporty SUV Coupe featuring permanent all-wheel drive that offers output of 300 kW, 700 Nm of torque, 062mph acceleration in less than five seconds and a range of up to 310 miles thanks to a combination of two electric motors and highefficiency lithium-ion battery.

But perhaps the most important decision for the corporate motorist is the best method of acquiring a vehicle for company use.

Determined by a combination of factors including business and personal taxation, national insurance contributions, capital and revenue allowances, whole life costs, CO2 emissions, Benefit in Kind and Authorised Mileage

Allowance Payments, it's an area that many consider to be complex but it invariably boils down to two things – whether you want to own the vehicle outright or not.

More than half of the company cars supplied in the UK are provided under operating lease and contract hire arrangements.

These 'non-ownership' options mean that there motoring costs can be completely budgeted for via fixed monthly rentals and with

the potential option of incorporating servicing, maintenance and repairs into the package too. With no worries or hassle over the vehicle's disposal, the driver can simply return the car at the end of the contract and switch to another model.

For those seeking outright vehicle ownership, Hire Purchase or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) schemes like Mercedes-Benz's Agility provide a funding method with a fixed monthly cost and optional balloon payments.

"Contract Hire has always been the preferred method for funding company vehicles but an increasing number of

organisations are looking at the benefits that Hire Purchase and Agility schemes can offer," said Stuart Head, Head of Fleet for Sandown Mercedes-Benz.

"Whether the post-Brexit landscape will bring about a change in this trend and corporate decision-making remains to be seen," he added. "Each finance option has its advantages and will always be determined ultimately by the customer's preference to own the vehicle or not."

For more information on Mercedes-Benz for Fleet and Business, speak to Stuart Head on 01483 654541 or visit www.sandown-lease.co.uk

“More than half of the company cars supplied in the UK are provided under operating lease and contract hire arrangements.”

theChamber 41

Motoring

Why going for luxury makes sense Luxury cars are, quite rightly, seen as being objects of desire and aspiration, something to aim for in life, but they also showcase manufacturing excellence.

Top end models serve as technological showcases for car manufacturers, a celebration of what can be achieved technically in the interest of motoring quality.

However, they are more than just status symbols - even cars from this rarefied end of the market aren’t immune to the pressures of environmental responsibility and economic pressures, so many can be chosen with efficient, low-emissions engines, in order to ensure affordable day-to-day running costs.

That is why modern cars are about so much more than driving excellence – each one has in-built features that protect the environment.

However, for all that, it is the experience of driving that matters, the joy of hitting the open road and taking your pride and joy for a spin. How it makes you feel.

Different manufacturers do different things to enhance that experience, be it different drive settings, gadgets or other innovations, but what brings driving to life is the feeling of freedom.

Once on the road you are free to go wherever you want and having a high quality car allows you to do just that.

That is why dealers in this area spend so much time and effort on helping their customers the right vehicle for their personality.

They will spend time finding out what the customer wants. Does the car fit in with their lifestyle?

Is it right for them?

Only once they are satisfied that the car is right will they make the

sale. But when they do the customer will feel that rush of pride as they drive off the forecourt with something that will turn heads.

Now that is something to aim for.

theChamber 43

Design & Finance

It's time to embrace Service Design Thinking Airbnb, Spotify, Ocado. These companies operate in very different industries, but one thing has been crucial to their collective success: Great service.

"Service is going to be the thing that businesses focus on to make them compete better," says Ben Terrett, Director of Design at Government Digital Service.

So what is service design thinking?

It is an interdisciplinary approach to service that combines different methods and tools and has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years as a way of shaping service experiences and helping businesses stand out from their competitors.

The UK Design Council describes it as being "all about making the service

you deliver useful, usable, efficient, effective and desirable."

However, we prefer 31 Volts Service Design's definition: "When you have two coffee shops right next to each other, and each sells the exact same coffee at the exact same price, service design is what makes you walk into one and not the other."

When we think about service design, the retail industry immediately springs to mind as a sector that would benefit from this type of thinking. But as we have said before, people want to buy from people in every sector, whether it's B2C or B2B and improving your service could really help you stand out against your direct competitors.

The key things to understand about service design thinking are the 5 key principles: User-Centred: Services are created through interaction between a provider and a customer, therefore a certain degree of customer participation is necessary in the service's design.

Services should be experienced through the customer's eyes and the needs, wants, and limitations of end users should be given extensive attention at each stage of the design process.

Co-Creative: Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to service design and it is very likely your customers will be made up of multiple groups, each with different needs and expectations. Furthermore, services also demand consideration from the various stakeholders, including frontline staff, managers and even nonhuman interfaces like vending machines and websites.

Sequencing: Services should be visualised through a sequence of interrelated actions. The service timeline is crucial to consider whilst in the design stage, since the rhythm of a service influences the mood of customers. If something progresses too slowly or too fast, your customer might get stressed out and angry.

Evidencing: Intangible services often involve a number of processes that happen behind the scenes and customers don't tend to take away anything physical afterwards.

Implementing quality physical artefacts like souvenirs and sample products can trigger the memory of positive service moments and continue to enhance a customer's perception of that service far beyond the service period. This can help increase customer loyalty and prompt recommendations of the service to others.

Holistic: When developing a service, the intention should always be to see the wider context in which a service process takes place. Be sure to consider how customers might consciously and subconsciously perceive a service environment with all their senses as each can have a profound impact on experience.

Service design thinking has gained a lot of interest from various fields in recent years and with the boundaries between products and services blurring, this type of thinking can really help companies stand-out.

Written by Ollie de Kretser Communications Manager FdK Design Consultants Telephone 01483 243565

FdK DESIGN CONSULTANTS

Wilkins Kennedy announces Hogs Back road race sponsorship Local accountancy firm, Wilkins Kennedy, which has two-Surrey-based offices in Guildford and Egham, has announced sponsorship of the Hogs Back Road Race 2016 – an annual fundraising event for Guildford and Godalming Athletics Club.

Now in its 57th year, the event expects more than 500 runners at the starting line at Loseley House for this classic road run, on 4th December 2016, and places are selling fast!

This year’s event, which is sponsored by accountants Wilkins Kennedy’s Guildford office, is managed on behalf of Guildford & Godalming Athletics Club by AAT Events. The event is a key annual fundraiser for the Guildford and Godalming Athletics Club and local runners are encouraged to enjoy this event the Surrey road-running calendar as well as support their local athletics club at the same time.

Toby Jenkins, Race Director at AAT, commented: “We’re honoured to be managing this historic running event for

Guildford & Godalming AC. The Hogs Back Road Race attracts everyone from established club runners, to people participating in their first ever run event, so there’s space for all abilities.”

Matthew Lythell of Guildford & Godalming AC said: “This is a great running event at the heart of the club’s running diary.

The Hogs Back is now in its 57th year - it’s great to be part of such an historic event!”

Wilkins Kennedy is a new sponsor for 2016. As well as being a leading accountancy firm, placed firmly in the top-20 in the country, Wilkins Kennedy also boasts a number of keen runners – plenty of whom will be taking part on the day. As well as offices in Guildford and Egham, there are 14 other offices around the South East, making a total of 16 UK-based offices, plus one in the

Falkland Islands. A team of ten from the firm’s Guildford office will be taking part in the Hog’s Back Road Race, amongst them Business Service Manager, Will Bolter and Audit Director, Debbie Saunders.

Debbie commented: “As a number of our staff are keen runners and athletes we were delighted to be given the opportunity to support this well-established annual run.”

Will added: “I’m really pleased that Wilkins Kennedy is able to back the race, I am looking forward to taking part in the race again this year.”

Guildford & Godalming AC will be providing the volunteers on the day to ensure a safe and enjoyable run for everyone.

Road closures will be in place and residents are being notified over the coming weeks.

Event details: When:

4 December 2016 09:00 Where: Loseley House, Guildford, Surrey www.hogsbackrun.co.uk

theChamber 45

Chamber Events

Chamber Connections Guildford 10 November 2016 08:00am - 09:30am

Holiday Inn Guildford Egerton Road, Surrey. GU2 7XZ

Member: £14.00 + VAT Non-Member: £22.00 + VAT

Join us for our popular bi-monthly Guildford networking breakfast.

Why Attend?

For many businesses, networking forms an important part of their growth strategy.

It is a great opportunity to build a strong base of business contacts who can

help you to find customers and suppliers.

Our networking breakfast also provide you with the chance to find out more about the Guildford area and business community with regular updates from local companies, the council and other organisations.

Members' Networking Evening

This is an informal networking breakfast which means that whilst you may be invited to stand up in front of the group to share what you do, there is no pressure at all to do so.

All in all this is a great way to start the day, meet new people and enjoy a delicious full English breakfast!

15 November 2016 18:00pm - 20:00pm

Holiday Inn London Kingston South Portsmouth Road, Surbiton KT6 5QQ

Member: FREE Non-Member: £20.00 + VAT

Sponsored by:- The Holiday Inn Surbiton

Join members and non members for another networking opportunity. Networking is a sure fire way to creating sales and ultimately growing your business. Developing fresh, new and long lasting business contacts is a constant need for any business wishing to succeed.

The question is, “Are you networking enough?"

The event is absolutely free to members and refreshments and canapés will be served throughout the event. What do you have to lose? Just don’t forget your business cards!

This is free to members, who may also bring one guest at no charge.

Afternoon Speed Networking 17 November 2016 14:30pm - 16:00pm

Fast, fruitful and definitely fun - this speed networking afternoon will help you build your

Reigate Manor Hotel

contacts and explore new business opportunities.

Reigate Hill, Reigate RH2 9PF

Come along and give it a try…… bring plenty of

Member: £12.00 + VAT Non-Member: £20.00 + VAT

won’t be disappointed!

46 theChamber

business cards for sharing and arrive early, you

Chamber Events

Surrey Chambers Christmas Lunch Telemarketing Master Class 23 November 2016 13:00pm - 17:00pm

Projectfive St. Georges House, Knoll Road, Camberley GU15 3SY

Member: £99.00 + VAT Non-Member: £129.00 + VAT This afternoon workshop will show you how to generate great leads over the phone with ease and will cure any feeling of “phone phobia”. Ideal for smaller businesses or those with a tight budget, these open workshops allow you to share the cost of the session with other businesses. If you have a small group of 1-5 people that need a little help improving their performance on the phone, then these are for you.

14 December 2016 12:15pm - 15:00pm

The Guildford Harbour Hotel 3 Alexandra Terrace, High Street GUILDFORD GU1 3DA

Member: £50.00 + VAT Non-Member: £65.00 + VAT

Round off the year at one of our most popular events held at the beautifully designed Guildford Harbour Hotel.

Take a table for 10 and entertain your clients, say thank you to your team for all their hard work, bring a client or two, or come on your own and networking with other business leaders and decision makers.

If you come on your own to network you will change table during the meal to meet new contacts.

Members' Christmas Networking Evening Open 18 Hole Golf Competition 6 December 2016 08:30am - 17:00pm

Woking Golf Club Pond Road, Hook Heath, WOKING GU22 0JZ

Member: £88.00 + VAT Non-Member: £103.00 + VAT Open to all business people to attend. A round of golf with clients and colleagues is one of the most enjoyable forms of corporate entertainment and an excellent networking opportunity. The golf course provides an ideal setting for business deals, cementing networks and building friendships.

So come and enjoy business golf specifically aimed at business people and professionals.

19 December 2016 18:00pm - 20:00pm

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

Member: FREE Non-Member: £20.00 + VAT

Surrey Chambers of Commerce are once again organising a festive networking event.

This fun-filled networking event will give you the chance to meet contacts from other businesses in and around Woking, including some of the larger companies based locally.

Following on from last years highly success event we will be having a Christmas Quiz and a Raffle to support one of our member charities.

theChamber 47

New Members

Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies: A24 Group Adam Streeter 02071 124514 Medical Staffing

Flamme Rouge Consulting Anne Renshaw 07802 532647 Business Consultants

Mannings Heath Golf Club Gill Fee 01403 210228

Blueberry Mortgages Tim Smart 0800 901 903 Mortgage Broker

Guildford Business Hub Joanne McGowan 01483 454817 Business Support

NMS Tuition Natasha Saednejad 07595 178139 Tutor

Bright Green Technology Ltd Andy Clark 01932 355221

Guildford Masonic Centre Don Flack 01483 568768 Masonic centre

Not Just Travel Kamal Sandhu 07703 384264 Financial Services

Camberley Heath Golf Club Stephen Carr 01276 623258

Holistic Healing Therapy Olga Terebenina 01932 880712 Health and Wellbeing

Red Box Robert Cull 02033 286000 Retail/Wholesale

Captivate Jason Lovell 07876 797831 Technology Consultant

Howard Lee, Fellows & Co Howard Lee 01252 370269 Chartred Accountants

Resourcing4HR Sapna Sharma 07769 651309 Recruitment & HR

COBCOE Anne-Marie Martin +44 020 7680 9122 Business Support

HR Consult UK Vicky Allen 07926 956202 HR

Sanondaf Surrey Susie Bell 01483 478239 Touchless disinfection

Corporate Traveller Tristan Lochman 07507 808390 Business Support

Interactive Consultancy Services Keith Smith 01276 513389 Business Consultants

SASH Charity Paul Skelly 01737 768511 Charity

Equitrade Capital Ltd Lewis Casserley 01372 236375 Financial Services

Laraba Catering Lara Osilaja 07836 732 618 Hotel, restaurant and venue

Surya Hotels James Mahaffey 07769 535386 Hotel, restaurant and venue

48 theChamber

Tate Recruitment Roxanne Butcher 01483 533707 Recruitment The Massage Company Charlie Thompson 01276 819588 Health & Wellbeing The Optical Shop Stephen Gould 01784 449992 Retail The Recruitment Team Ali Waters 07971 511731 Recruitment Trustford Heathrow Russell Davis 02086 061500 Retail/Wholesale Whole Psychology Paul Lipman 01883 345352 Psychology Wigwam PR Vanessa Green 01483 563562 PR Woking Interpreting and Translation Service Jean Anderson 01483 750970 Work for Good Ltd Danny Witter hello@woolforgood.co.uk Charity

Food

Surrey spice food Tasting Surrey Spice’s award winning food is like taking a culinary journey into the states, cities and lanes of India.

Every dish and meal is a celebration of regional flavours, local produce and family recipes that have been created with unparalleled flare, passion and authenticity.

Surrey spice food have already become the talk of local foodies be it intimate gatherings, bespoke banquets, large and small

corporate events, those lavish themed supper clubs or indeed their delicious home style freezer ready meals. Their authentic flavours and elegant presentation is evident in every mouth-watering morsel be it delicate canapés, stylish mains or stunning desserts.

Each dish is a magical foodie adventure offering a unique experience.

Mandira’s Recipe

influences historically from the British to the French to the Portuguese to the Greek to name but a few…

However everyone who did come and conquer India did also become a captive of her food and like the colonising powers, who took back their version of Indian food, we too carry a little bit of Indian food where ever we may live.

Here I have for you my family’s version of the easiest chicken curry you can make.

I am often asked to make a “typical” Indian curry to which I respond that like the typical Indian there is no typical curry…

Food runs through the core of India – every region, festival, season or even a day of the week has special food associated with it. The country is made up of over a billion people speaking 720 dialects, each one with a personal culinary heritage which has been exposed to varied foreign foodie

Authentic Chicken Curry 1. Heat 2-3 tablespoon of ghee or vegetable oil in a heavy pan and when hot, add to this 4 whole cardamoms, 4 cloves and a 1 inch piece of cinnamon and stir until it splutters.

2. Now to this add a paste made from 2 onion, 1 whole peeled garlic and a 1 inch piece of fresh ginger.

Fry till the mixture is brown and the oil separates.

If it sticks, add a teaspoon of water.

3. Add to this, 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, red chilli and turmeric powder and fry for a minute before adding 2 chopped tomatoes.

4. Add 1 chicken that has been cut into pieces – if you prefer you can use boneless chicken but I prefer using on the bone. Make sure it is skinless though.

5. To this add 2 potatoes that have been peeled and cut into one inch cube pieces.

6. Fry everything for 3-4 minutes on high heat till everything is browned.

7. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon sugar and 1 tsp garam masala powder and ¾ cup of hot water.

8. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover and let the curry simmer till the chicken is cooked, potatoes cooked and the gravy thickens. This should take about 15 minutes.

9. Remove from the heat, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and sliced green chillies if you want more heat and serve with plain steamed rice.

50 theChamber

Mandira Sarkar is a passionate foodie and blogger.

After 17 years as a management consultant, she decided to follow a lifelong passion and set up Surrey Spice which is now an award winning fine dining company. Mandira lives in Guildford with her car mad husband and very grown up 14 year old.

For further information visit www.surreyspice.com